Getting your body ready to officiate will also help your mind get ready to officiate. Decide What Deserves a Response. Part of the plan should be an understanding of when you are going to respond to people and how you are going to respond. Not all verbal challenges need a response. Statements from players and coaches usually only require an acknowledgement like a smile, a nod or a hand gesture.
Questions usually require a brief response.
Be polite and distinct. Have a number of responses which are practiced and have been used effectively before. Be careful not to appear that you are defending your position, as the coach or player will instinctively feel defensive and go on the offensive, continuing the debate. The intensity of the game, the closeness of the score and the time left in the game all play a part in how much and what type of conflict you must deal with. Expect emotions to rise at the end of a close game.