How to Bounce Back After a Tough Game: Lessons from 29 Years of Officiating

As officials, we constantly aim for perfection, but let’s face it—perfection is an illusion. No matter how experienced or prepared you are, whether it’s the 10th game of the season or the 70th, an off-game is inevitable. It happens to everyone. However, what truly defines us isn’t the occasional misstep or tough outing—it’s how we choose to recover and move forward.

In my 29 years as an official, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenging games. Those tough moments can rattle your confidence and make you question your abilities. But here’s what I’ve learned: the way you respond to those setbacks is what sets the tone for the rest of your season. Resilience and self-reflection are key. It’s not about being flawless; it’s about being adaptable, learning from mistakes, and showing up stronger the next time. That’s what separates a good official from a great one.

Here are some strategies and lessons that have helped me reset, learn, and step back onto the court with renewed confidence.

Step 1: Face the Film

Let’s be real: Watching the game film after a rough performance is hard. It’s like holding up a magnifying glass to your mistakes, and no one enjoys that. But if you’re serious about improving, it’s non-negotiable. Here’s why:

Reality Check: Sometimes, the game felt worse in the moment than it actually was. Film can show you that while you made some mistakes, there were likely a lot of things you did well, too.
Specific Feedback: You can’t fix what you don’t acknowledge. Watching film helps you identify patterns. Are you consistently missing travels? Struggling with block/charge calls? Whatever it is, pinpoint it so you can address it.
Build Your Mental Rolodex: Officiating is about recognition. The more you’ve seen a play on film, the more likely you’ll be to get it right the next time you see it live.

When I watch film, I take notes. I don’t just look for mistakes—I also write down what I did well. It’s important to remind yourself that even on an off night, you’re not a bad official. You’re an official who’s still learning.

Step 2: Seek Constructive Feedback

This one can be tricky because not all feedback is helpful. Over the years, I’ve learned to be selective about whose opinions I value. Find someone you trust—whether it’s a mentor, a crew chief, or a fellow official—and ask for their honest take.

When you’re receiving feedback, keep these things in mind:

Leave Your Ego at the Door: Defensive reactions don’t help you grow. Listen with an open mind.
Ask Specific Questions: Instead of “How did I do?” ask, “How could I have handled that technical foul situation better?” or “Was I in the right position on that block/charge call?”
Focus on Solutions: The goal is not to dwell on what went wrong but to figure out how to do better next time.

Step 3: Work on One Thing at a Time

After a tough game, it can be tempting to overhaul your entire approach. Resist that urge. Trying to fix everything at once is overwhelming and unrealistic. Instead, focus on one or two specific areas for improvement.

For example, let’s say your positioning was off. Your next game, make it your mission to be in the right spots. If you nailed it, move on to the next area you want to improve. This methodical approach allows you to make meaningful progress without feeling overloaded.

Step 4: Reset Your Mindset

A bad game can weigh on you if you let it. Trust me, I’ve been there. But carrying that baggage into your next game is a recipe for disaster. Here’s how I reset mentally:

Reflect, Don’t Ruminate: Reflection is productive; rumination is not. Reflection asks, “What can I learn from this?” Rumination asks, “Why do I suck at this?” Learn the difference and choose reflection.
Visualize Success: Before your next game, take a few minutes to visualize yourself making great calls, communicating effectively, and staying composed under pressure. It might sound cheesy, but it works.
Develop a Pre-Game Routine: A consistent pre-game routine helps you feel prepared and confident. For me, that means reviewing the NFHS Points of Emphasis, chatting with my crew about coverage responsibilities, and taking a few deep breaths before stepping onto the court.

Step 5: Lean on Your Support System

Officiating can feel isolating, especially after a rough game. That’s why it’s so important to have a support system. For me, that includes fellow officials who understand the highs and lows of this job. After a tough game, I know I can vent to them, get advice, or even just share a laugh.

Sometimes, it’s not about finding answers—it’s about knowing you’re not alone. Building relationships within the officiating community is one of the best things you can do for your mental health and your career.

Step 6: Keep Perspective

At the end of the day, one game does not define you. It’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, especially when you’re in the thick of the season. But here’s the truth: No one game is as big as it feels in the moment.

Think about it: How many times have you seen a coach or a player make a mistake? Does that one mistake define their season? Of course not. The same is true for you. Learn from it, move on, and remember why you started officiating in the first place. For me, it’s about the love of the game and the opportunity to give back to a sport that has given me so much.

Step 7: Celebrate Progress

When you’re 70 games into a season, it’s easy to focus on the grind and forget to celebrate how far you’ve come. After an off game, take a moment to look back at where you started and the progress you’ve made

. That perspective can be incredibly motivating.

For example, I remember one game early in my career where I completely botched a last-second shot situation. I was devastated. But now, handling those moments is second nature to me. That growth didn’t happen overnight—it happened because I committed to learning and improving after every game, good or bad.

Final Thoughts: Set the Tone for What’s Next

Off games happen to everyone. What matters most is what you do after. Watching film, seeking feedback, focusing on small improvements, and resetting your mindset can help you bounce back stronger than ever. Each game is a fresh start, a new opportunity to get better and show why you belong on that court.

As I tell the newer officials I mentor, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about striving for excellence and learning from every experience. The off games are just as important to your growth as the great ones. So the next time you’re feeling down about a performance, remember: You’re one game away from redemption. Make it count.