Don’t Go on Autopilot: How to Stay Sharp and Engaged Every Game

Let’s be honest — we’ve all experienced it.

You have a reliable varsity crew that you trust. The game lacks playoff implications, or perhaps it’s just another junior high matchup where the biggest challenge is keeping the clock running. You take your position, blow the whistle for tipoff or kickoff, and suddenly…you’re coasting. Everything feels routine — until it isn’t.

Then something unexpected occurs: a bench-clearing altercation, a controversial call, or a game-changing play. At that moment, you realize you weren’t fully engaged. This is what's known as the autopilot mindset — and it can get you into trouble fast.

The Danger of Trusting Cruise Control

Autopilot officiating is deceptive because it doesn’t stem from laziness; it starts from a sense of comfort. Familiarity with your crew, low-stakes matchups, lopsided scores, or a quiet gym can all trick you into lowering your mental, physical, and emotional engagement.

However, games can turn in an instant. Players may get chippy, coaches might work the sidelines, and a missed call can lead to frustration. If you’re not fully engaged, you won’t be ready to respond.

Worse still, there’s always someone observing. Always filming. Always ready to post that clip of you going through the motions while chaos unfolds. Don’t be that clip.

How to Stay Off Autopilot

Here are some tips that have helped me stay focused — and yes, I’ve gone on autopilot before. Reflection and humility are key; ego cannot take the front seat when your goal is to excel.

1. Start Sharp, Stay Sharp

Don’t wait for the game to become interesting to mentally engage. Come out of the locker room ready to go. Blow that first whistle with purpose. Make eye contact, use strong signals, and display engaged body language — set the tone from the opening tip.

2. Talk Yourself into the Game

To optimize your performance, mentally rehearse your mechanics and communication skills before the game. Remind yourself of the goals set during the pregame meeting with your crew. It can also help to elevate the significance of the game in your mind; for example, tell yourself, “I’m officiating a state championship tonight,” regardless of the actual level of play, such as seventh grade. Treating every game with the respect it deserves will help maintain your focus and motivation.

3. Recognize Your Lulls

Be aware of situations that tend to relax you, such as being in a blowout, working with familiar partners, or playing in quiet gyms. Self-awareness is your most effective tool for breaking negative patterns. Taking a moment for a quick internal check-in during a timeout can help refocus your mind and body.

4. Move With Intent

Lazy positioning often signals autopilot. If you find yourself watching the ball or stuck in the same spot, take a moment to reset. Hustling doesn’t just impress coaches — it sharpens your awareness. Move with purpose, adjust your angles, and anticipate plays.

5. Be the Crew You Want to Work With

Even if your partners are taking it easy, don’t match their energy. Elevate it. Your example can inspire others. Call out coverages, check in with partners, and communicate rotations. Lead the way, even if you’re not the crew chief.

6. Remember: Someone is Always Watching

That quiet gym might have only 50 people in attendance, but one of them could be filming. One might be evaluating or could be a coach whose vote matters for postseason assignments. Officiating is reputation-based, so protect yours by giving every game the respect it deserves.

Final Thoughts

This job is humbling. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the game throws you a curveball. The moment you decide to coast is the moment things can go sideways. Staying engaged isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present.

Forget the level. Forget the score. Put aside your title or your years of experience. Every game deserves your full attention. The players deserve it. Your partners deserve it. You deserve it.

So, the next time you step onto the field or court, ask yourself: Am I really here, or am I just going through the motions?

Because trust me — the camera never blinks.