1

ATTITUDE definition

“A position of the body or manner of carrying oneself”

“A state of mind or a feeling, disposition”

“The way someone views something or tends to behave towards it often in an evaluating way”

“A position of the body indicating mood and or emotion.”

2

Why does it matter?

In the UK we are seeing more high level tournaments, for example Telford, Back 2 Back, National Series etc.

More archers are being sponsored or supported either by Archery shops/manufacturers or by businesses outside of the sport.

Therefore for many archers how they do at tournaments is much more important as money, sponsorship deals or the ability to represent their teams (County, Region etc) could be at stake

As they are taking it more seriously, so should we …….

3

What affects our Attitude?

Attitude can be based on your feelings and behaviour during stressful situations, these feelings can be due to being:

Excited

Concerned

ConfusedThreatened

If we have a good understanding of the rules then we are less likely to experience these feelings4

Types of Judging AttitudeThe Leader

There are Judges that are good leaders, have the ability to inspire and encourage the other Judges, to organise and

manage a competition.

These Judges tend to have a very thorough knowledge of the rules. They also know how to apply the rules to unusual

situations.

These Judges generally have a positive attitude towards a competition.

5

Types of Judging AttitudeThe Doer

There are Judges that actively participate in a competition, they are able to think ahead and foresee problems and suggest

solutions to the benefit of the organisers and the Judge Team. They can take decisions under pressure.

They tend to be happy working alone or looking after a small team of Judges, but don’t always want to take on the role of

‘The Leader’.

6

Types of Judging AttitudeThe Follower

Then there are those Judges that do only what they are told to do, they follow the rules. However they sometimes do not

carry out their duties due to a lack of confidence or maybe a lack of understanding of the rules.

They often require the support of their chairman during the decision making process.

7

Being part of the Judge Team

Any team of Judges needs a mix of the different types – you don’t want all ‘Leaders’ or all ‘Followers’. The wrong mix can lead to friction in the team, so sometimes we need to adjust our ‘type’

The success or failure of a Judge Team largely depends on the efforts of ALL members of that team

Success can only be guaranteed by the Judges if they are all collectively knowledgeable of the rules, byelaws and interpretations.

8

“Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines

what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

Lou Holtz

9

How to maintain a Positive Attitude

Staying alert and focused at all times – there is nothing worse that having to take a decision on something that you should have seen but you didn’t! Or…not taking a decision because you didn’t see it! As a judge you need to be focused at all times, you cannot let your mind wander.Think ahead - be prepared! – If you are mentally prepared for each stage of the competition then you will not make mistakes. Take the time to refresh your memory with regard to timing requirements, shoot-off procedures, etc; for each stage of the competition.

10

Attitude on the Field of Play

Whilst on the Field of Play (FoP) Judges are expected to act professionally and to ensure that the rules are implemented correctly and that fair play prevails, we are additionally required to ensure that the competition is held in a safe and organised manner.

We may sometimes need to do things not in our remit and to help the organisers ensuring that the competition proceeds smoothly.

Try to avoid looking distracted, so don’t take photos whilst on duty or use your mobile phone. If you are talking to someone, make sure you are facing the shooting line and keeping an eye on your area.

11

Body LanguageA substantial portion of our communication is non verbal (50% to 70%). Body language is universally understood. When we are carrying out our duties we need to be in control, we need to be confident. Your body language will reveal whether you are or are not.

Depending on the circumstance different gestures can be interpreted different ways – for example if you stand with your arms folded it can be interpreted as putting up an unconscious barrier as you are uncomfortable or disinterested; or if you are in animated conversation with a friend it could mean you are listening intently; or it could mean you are cold!

12

Body LanguageHow we sit, how we stand, our general appearance, and how we walk to and from the targets gives an impression of our state of mind to those standing around us.

When standing on the field try standing with your arms held behind your body with hands clasped: This is a signal of authority or confidence. It is seen in authoritative figures such as police men and armed forces officers. Or with your arms by your side in a relaxed manner.

When sitting look alert, move your head around and be ready to move quickly if needed. When the end is nearly finished be ready to move in case an archer is running out of time.

13

Body Language

Which Judges would you rather see at Assembly?

14

Facial expressions can say a lot!!

15

“Use non-verbal communication to SOFTEN the hard-line message:

S = Smile O = Open Posture F = Forward Lean T = Touch

E = Eye Contact N = Nod.”Unknown

16

Verbal CommunicationOccasionally we have to deal with a difficult situation as Judges. Human nature means we want to try and avoid these – no one wants to be the bear of bad news or put themselves in a situation where conflict might arise.However as Judges we cannot do that.

There needs to be a balance when communicating something difficult, we need to be in control yet as sensitive as possible to those concerned.

You need to be both Firm and Gentle.

17

Verbal CommunicationTwo situations where our communication should be firm and gentle are1) Calling an arrow value: Once you have decided the value of the

arrow, give the value and step away, do not enter into conversation as to how you decided the value

2) Closest to the centre: The judge needs to first determine the score, if tied, then he/she must determine which arrow is closest to the centre, at this point the Judge should not enter into any discussion with the archers as to which arrow is the closets to the centre. The Judge should do what needs to be done. Once you have decided you indicate the decision, then move away.

Be sure of yourself ….no explanation/ justification as to how you arrived at your decision is required.

18

19

Verbal CommunicationWhen giving instructions– Be polite, assertive but not condescending or arrogant.– Keep instructions short, clear and too the point.– Keep control. Don’t enter into discussions about how you

reached your decision, if you are sure of your decision you just need to tell them your decision.

– Don’t back down or change your mind.– Once you have communicated your decision, walk away

Judges need to be in total control at all times, no matter how difficult the situation.

20

SummaryDisplay your positive attitude by– The way you dress – wear your uniform with

pride– The way you carry yourself – look alert, look

ready to react– Your body language – be conscious of the way

you may come across to the archers– Don’t forget your facial expressions – What delivering instructions or decision be clear,

be concise, be polite and be confident

21

SummaryWhy does our attitude matter– Archers expect us to be more professional, and this can

be shown in our attitude– If we have a positive attitude we come across as more

confident and approachable– We are there to also have fun and enjoy yourselves, so if

we have a positive attitude hopefully we will enjoy ourselves more

The more confident you are with the rules and the more prepared you are for the competition the more

positive your attitude will be

22

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”

Winston Churchill

23