How to deal with nerves?

[Official_21]

I am feeling a little nervous about the last game of the season I am working.

I will be running the play clock at a rivalry game (One of the schools involved is one I graduated from. Emailed the scheduler who assigned me the game to make sure there was no conflict of interest and there was none, as I had graduated well over five years ago (NO I am NOT disclosing my age )).

I am trying to not think about it and think positive, but it isn't helping and I end up thinking about it

How do you, regardless if you are an on field official or a clock operator, deal with nerves?

[CalhounLJ]

Study the rules until you know them by heart, get there early to make sure everything works, and be thankful for your nerves. When I stop being nervous before a game, I’ll know it’s time to hang up the cleats.


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[Official_21]

When I stop being nervous before a game, I’ll know it’s time to hang up the cleats.


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Never thought of it that way, but a good tip.

As far as getting to the stadium early, I already do that out of habit, even if there is a game clock operator already there that is assigned by the school/school district.
That way, I can have a quick pre-game about how to handle game clock resets or in the case of play clock, how he'd like me to run the play clock, then head up to the pressbox to make sure the clock(s) are working.

[CalhounLJ]

Sounds like you’ve got it under control. Experience will make you more confident as you move forward and confidence will take care of your nerves. FWIW, I would take you on my crew in a minute. I’d rather have someone stressing over whether he will do a good job than to have a guy who doesn’t care. Good luck.


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[Official_21]

FWIW, I would take you on my crew in a minute. I’d rather have someone stressing over whether he will do a good job than to have a guy who doesn’t care. Good luck.


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Thanks for the compliment.

I strive to do the best I can. If I make a mistake, I let the white hat know at half-time and then learn from it and move on.

I have received positive comments from crew chiefs that I have worked with on the game clock, although I do admit, I have made some minor mistakes along the way, but nothing too serious.

Next season, I aim to work more games on the play clock to get more experience with that aspect as my last game this season is only the second game I have worked on the play clock.

[Ralph Damren]

Nerves are often a sign of wanting to be good. Bill Russell, a Celtic star from my daze of youth, would  often hurl his stomach lining  (puke)  before a big game. I've worked a play clock at a couple of D-III schools and always practice a little before each game. I'm sure you'll do well because you care.

[bossman72]

What's the difference between your game last week and this week?

Is the field a different size?

Did the rules change?

Pressure is self-inflicted and man made.  It's all in your head and only exists there.  When you think about it logically, all things about this game are the same as the last week.  Just call the game as you're trained to do, one play at a time.

If you're human and happen to fall into the trap of feeling the pressure, just as in a famous movie, "go to your happy place". Pretend you're at a spring game or practice or somewhere where you felt comfortable and talk yourself down.

[Official_21]

I'm sure you'll do well because you care.

Thanks.
To me, It is all about the kids. When they go out to play it is their "Sunday" so to speak, it is their time to shine and I do not want to be the one to ruin that for them, especially if it is a good, close game.

[Official_21]

What's the difference between your game last week and this week?

Is the field a different size?

Did the rules change?

Pressure is self-inflicted and man made.  It's all in your head and only exists there.  When you think about it logically, all things about this game are the same as the last week.  Just call the game as you're trained to do, one play at a time.

If you're human and happen to fall into the trap of feeling the pressure, just as in a famous movie, "go to your happy place". Pretend you're at a spring game or practice or somewhere where you felt comfortable and talk yourself down.

Last time I checked I think I was human 

But thanks for the tips 

[JasonTX]

(NO I am NOT disclosing my age )).

Funny but you did that elsewhere.  It has a 3 and a 4 in it but not in any particular order.   

I've been doing this since I was 25.  This is my 19th season,  (yep, just disclosed my age) and there is not a game at any level in which I don't feel the nerves.  As others have said it's a good thing.  That very first time in the game I blow the whistle it is usually very loud because that's how I get the nerves out and then I can get down to officiating.  I am glad that you enjoy running the clock and that you desire to be the best you can be.  I will tell you that there are two essential personnel that have the most important roles of ensuring the game goes smoothly.  Those roles are clock operators and ball boys.  If you don't have good ones it has a major effect on keeping the game moving along.

[Official_21]

Funny but you did that elsewhere.  It has a 3 and a 4 in it but not in any particular order.   

I've been doing this since I was 25.  This is my 19th season,  (yep, just disclosed my age) and there is not a game at any level in which I don't feel the nerves.  As others have said it's a good thing.  That very first time in the game I blow the whistle it is usually very loud because that's how I get the nerves out and then I can get down to officiating.  I am glad that you enjoy running the clock and that you desire to be the best you can be.  I will tell you that there are two essential personnel that have the most important roles of ensuring the game goes smoothly.  Those roles are clock operators and ball boys.  If you don't have good ones it has a major effect on keeping the game moving along.

This seems to be the what the theme of this thread boils down to. But still some good advice.

[InsideTheStripes]

Listen.

Any time you're stretched beyond what you think you can do, you're going to feel nerves. You got the assignment for a reason. Kill it.

I'd focus on the following... (1) do you understand the play clock rules, (2) is there a communication path that will help you fix small mistakes, and (3) do you know how to reset the clock.

If you have all three, go work the game confidently.  If you make a mistake learn from it and don't make it again.

[Official_21]

Listen.

Any time you're stretched beyond what you think you can do, you're going to feel nerves. You got the assignment for a reason. Kill it.

I'd focus on the following... (1) do you understand the play clock rules, (2) is there a communication path that will help you fix small mistakes, and (3) do you know how to reset the clock.

If you have all three, go work the game confidently.  If you make a mistake learn from it and don't make it again.

All three are valid points and your last point is very very true.

As far as point number (2) goes, If I am in doubt, set the play clock to 40 seconds and let the R tell you if it needs to be set to 25 (one open hand pumping up and down).

As far as point (3), I always make it a habit to get to the school/stadium early, so I can have a quick pre game chat with the R as to how he likes to run the game, then I head up to the pressbox, so I can learn how to operate the game/play clock, especially if there is no one up there to show me (But I am usually good at figuring things out for myself and if I can't figure it out, I will find someone to help me).

[TampaSteve]

Funny but you did that elsewhere.  It has a 3 and a 4 in it but not in any particular order.   

reminds me of something an old friend says from time to time about his weight.   
"I'm not telling you my weight, but my middle number is a 8..."

[Official_21]

Funny but you did that elsewhere.  It has a 3 and a 4 in it but not in any particular order.   

Shhhh.....trying to give away my secret