Influenced by the Ground?

[AlanT]

I did a match last weekend. Not my best, not my worst, but I have reffed at this ground 4 times now and I've never been at my best there.

Could be co-oncidence, but I've started wondering if I need to up my mental preparation for this place. It's a council playing field used for different sports and doesn't look or feel like a rugby ground.

Anyone else got grounds where they don't feel quite right?

 

[SimonSmith]

I did, but I shook myself out of it.

It had become a pattern of learned helplessness, and I had to do something to break the cycle.

I usually have a defined pre match routine (to within about 5 minutes). I just blew it all off, and almost adopted a "contrary approach" - turned up a bit later than I usually do, got very busy talking to people...
Did whatever I could to fill the moments to stop me focusing on the ground or the game. Got to kick off and i was in a completely different mental space, and enjoying myself.

Worked a treat.

 

[Adam]

Try warming up on a different pitch maybe?