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 Attitude Perspective |
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ATTITUDE - A PERSPECTIVE
ATTITUDE - only eight small letters, yet so very big in eight areas. To be a successful wrestling official, an individual must possess a positive attitude towards the game, wrestlers, coaches, site administrators, fans, scorers/timers, media and other officials.
What is attitude? It can be defined in several different ways. It is your perspective, your disposition, your approach, your outlook, your manner and your demeanor. Your attitude - good or bad - effects all people around you....and it effects your ability to perform your assigned task - to fairly officiate the wresteling match or tourney at hand.
If you are the type of individual that places all others below you, and feels that you are the only one who knows what's going on, then you will soon find that you have very little support around you. Even to the extent that people will be waiting for you to "fall on your face." This type of "cockiness" is generally detested and often challenged.
How do you change your attitude? By becoming more tolerant and understanding of others, and to respect the roles of others in the game. Now, let's take a look at the eight entities listed above:
THE MATCH: Your attitude and approach to people involved in the match will depend on your awaremenss of their position. To understand each person's role and to provide effective communication will ensure that you are the successful manager of your match.
THE WRESTLERS: Treat wrestlers with respect, after all you are there for them. Think like a wrestler thinks. Work with the captains; understand their responsibilities and they should understand yours. Keep in mind the committment to training and conditioning that wrestlers make; ensure that your effort is worthy of the efforts they've put forth on the mat and in the practice room.
THE COACHES: The closer the call, the more likelihood that the coach will have something to say. Expect that at sometime during the match your judgment or a call will be questioned. Realize that coaches see the match with their hearts - emotions can run high. Be prepared to listen to his request, but remember to "respond" and not "react". Most likely a brief explanation of the rule or rationale of the call is all that is required. A quick, concise and courteous response will soon gain the coach's confidence. If you are not prepared to listen to him initially, you may be setting yourself up for a long day.
SCORERS & TIMERS: Good officials have a basic understanding of the scorebook and how matches are recorded. Cooperation and a good working relationship must exist between the official and table personnel. A strong clear voice/whistle and crisp signals will assist the bale personnel with their jobs. Relay info in a logical sequence; ensure that anything out of the ordinary is conveyed in a manner that leaves no doubt in anyone's mind. Meet with the table personnel prior to the match to get this relationship off to a good start.
SITE ADMINISTRATORS: Work in concert with administrators, bear with them when they are conducting parent's appreciation ceremonies, Senior's Nights, and the like. If you give them the impression you are in a hurry to "get it done and get home" you'll come off looking greedy and unprofessional. Let them enjoy their pageantry - just request that they communicate their plans to you.
FANS: Always remember the phrase "Deaf ears, not rabbit ears." During the match allow comments to "go in one ear and out the other." A reminder to the coach to control his school's fans could help if things got too bad. But, never take action into your own hands, nor show any effect from the comments. If fans know they are "gettin' to you" they'll really unload on you! You can never win a shouting match with a fan, so don't get involved in one! After the match practice the three S's: Sign the book, Shower, and Split.
MEDIA: With the recent additon of the Manchester teams, the media coverage of NH wrestling is much higher than in the past. Reporters and phohtographers can be present at any event, no matter how small. Always allow the Supervisor of Officials to serve as liason with the media and handle any requestes for comments, interviews, etc.
BROTHER OFFICIALS: Always be in a position to help your partners, whether on the mat as an assistant, or seated mat-side taking a break. There's no such thing as "off-duty" when working a tournament. Never give the indication your brother official "blew a call". Even if they did kick one, never show them up. Have the courage to listen to your assistant and change a call in order to "get it right". Talk, critique and discuss situations after the match over a cold drink somewhere. Remember, when it gets tough out there, the only friends you have are the other "Zebras!" Stick Together!
Bert Lawlor (April 1996)
(Some materials borrowed with permission from Merle Butler, National Director of Umpires, ASA Softball, Oklahoma City, OK)
BAD TO DA BONE
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