Dealing with Harassment Presentation for the Concordia University Intramural Hockey Referees 2004 Season By Lior Doron M.Sc.

Agenda Introduction Conflict Avoidance = Better Communication When things go wrong Ideal Responses Mental Physical (Poses) Getting Mentally Tough Q & A

Sports Psychology Create, recreate and maintain peak performance Good performances and make better Optimize thinking so that performance is enhanced

Communication One of the best way to avoid conflict in to work on your COMMUNICATION skills. When can you work on this? Use your judgment

Communicating – Prior to the Game Upon Arriving to the Rink 1) Be professional in your dialogue 2) Look (somewhat) professional 3) Be on time (ideally 15 min before) Pre-game warm - up a) Meeting with captain? b) Dropping the puck

Communicating – During the Game 1) Use your voice 2) Verbal Cues – Listen to them 3) Penalty Procedures – Avoid path of player

Hockey Rink Diagram  

Communicating – During the Game Dealing with “the FAN” Avoid YOU and replace with I I noticed that… I hear your frustration but… I realize that…

Communicating – After the Game Talk with players near referee circle Allows exchange of ideas rather than us vs. them notion Talk with your partner Communicate with myself, other referees, other tools

Communicating Your Image Realize that you are constantly being watched  (sounds scary) The image you portray has an impact on the way players talk to you Then, it affects the way players may talk to other referees

Friendly or Foe? Receptive? Listening? Good Communication? Say “that’s enough”… afterwards onus on player

Friendly or Foe? In control (emotions) Calm, cool collective Use of hands (open vs. closed palm, pointing)

Friendly or Foe Eye contact, lacks confidence One person at a time (especially with many penalties) Sure of explanation, clear, concise, receptive

Friendly or LAZY?!? What does this communicate?

In Adversity Communicate in a calm, cool collective way Think carefully of your words (I vs. You) Be sensitive to your expressions, gestures and your poses  Use your judgment

Mental Toughness Reaction after 1, 2 or 3 abusive games Interpreting stress (yell at Jersey) Not taking things personally Focus on things that are in your control

Gaining Mental Toughness

Abusive Games Procedure Question yourself & your abilities Referee world (we do not win) Evaluate your own performance Positioning on goals Enjoyment of game (notice a good pass, break-out etc.) Etc. What do you do?

Comebacks – Responding to Abuse Ignoring, penalizing and responding You missed a call Ref! I didn’t see it but I’ll try and look for the next one There are two teams out there! - Yes, but your team is playing more aggressive Is the player suspended? - I do not know – speak to Mike Other?!?

Questions? Questions related to dealing with harassment or other sports psychology issues? Contact information Lior Doron Your Mental Skills Coach http://www.flowinsports.com ldoron@flowinsports.com