Conference 2011 April 16 2011 Niagara Falls Ontario

Conference 2011 April 16, 2011 – Niagara Falls Ontario

PROGRESSION VS. STAGNATION (The Factors That Matter) Michael Groleau , Paul Holk L. F. O. A

Important Questions to Start With What do you consider career advancement is? Where are you in your career advancement? Where do you want to go in advancement? Why do you want to advance? What do you think /know is stopping you from advancing? Are you happy with what you are doing now? If not, why not?

Having No Plan Plan for your success. Set SMART Goals Specific (What? When, Why, etc. ) Measurable (concrete criteria) Attainable (develop attitude, skills, abilities) Realistic (possible) Timely (set a period/target date for success) Imagine a greater you and work towards it every day.

Giving in to Frustration is a signal that things are not going well or according to your plan. If not dealt with it will drain your energy. Learn to deal with your frustration by: 1. Stop reacting to the stimuli. 2. Be aware of your values. 3. Be aware of your strengths. 4. Revise your plan or make new goals.

Lack of Passion Enthusiasm, desire to work towards a goal. Enjoy what you are doing in the present, without worrying, building anxiety or resentment about the future.

Be a Loner Do it on your own. Successful people are groomed, not born. Find a mentor to guide and take you to the next level. Shadow your mentor during a game, observing what he does and how he reacts to certain situations. Compare notes regularly and get him to critique. (Feedback)

Think Outside the Box Don’t Ignore Technology

Social Networks Social networks can be effective tools for officials to exchange information and strengthen relationships. Officials who use social media to vent can forget that their postings are often viewed by people other than their intended audience. Officiating and Social Media – Manage The Risks

Criticize and Complain Fail to develop positive association relationships. As the saying goes: “if you are not part of the solution then you are probably part of the problem”. Nothing positive comes from backroom whining - who is getting the games, who isn’t. Become active within your association and become part of positive change.

Politics Reality is that it exists Learn to accept it, adapt and even be patient. Are you willing to sell your integrity?

Timing Lack of opportunities or the opportunities exist but there are others also vying for them. Realization- not all officials at the same level are equal. Everything is locked up, nobody is moving aside for you to advance. Luck- has your path crossed the right person at the right time.

Timing cont. Be ready when the opportune time comes. Related to opportunities and the level of ball.

Lack of Experience Work, work! Practice enhances chances for success. Do as much ball at as many levels and positions as possible. Don’t simply wait for “plum” games. We can learn from others and events even in what we would consider the simplest of competitions.

Lack of Consistency Whether it be on exams or field performances inconsistency can be extremely detrimental to one’s success. Everything you do should be done with maximum effort.

Have Bad Habits or Idiosyncrasies Avoid being “sloppy” Remain sharp Avoid adopting bad habits learned from others Ask Yourself Why hasn’t that person that you emulate to be not had greater successes? There is usually a reason!

Lack of Confidence Don’t confuse confidence with ego and a “know it all” attitude. Arrogance breeds disrespect. There is thin line dividing confidence and ego. Most of the time we get confused and fail to decide whether we are on the right track or our ego is dominating in the guise of confidence.

Confidence Versus Ego: Describing the self-serving, selfcentered part of you. It's the "I" part. Self-confident: likes themselves for what they are and has a realistic appreciation of their own abilities You know you're doing the right thing without violating the well-being of the people around you.

Lack of Self-Advocacy Make your self known. Get involved with all aspects of officiating (clinics, social events) and do a good job. Prove yourself through performances. Do the extras others won’t. Quite often these contributions do get recognized.

Lack of Knowledge Rules Mechanics and positioning The inability to put theory into practice If you write bad exams, ask others for help (group study sessions, memory techniques) “Lifelong Learning and Development”

Be Unapproachable Have an abrasive demeanour with others. Coaches Players Fellow Officials Supervisors Be receptive to feedback.

IMPORTANT! Being receptive doesn’t mean you always have to agree but never give a straight-out indication that the other person is full of S---.

Demonstrate a Lack of Professionalism “Professionalism isn’t just a set of appearances – neatness, good grooming. Professionalism is a set of character strengths and values directed toward high-quality service to others. It is shown through one’s work, attitudes, ethics, sound judgment, perseverance, integrity and work to maintain positive relationships with other associates. The professional is conscious that their work reflects their inner character.

Lack of Professionalism cont. Prior, during, after a game. At meetings A relaxed attitude can be perceived as not caring. Remember! Perception, real or not, can become someone else's reality

Don’t Have the Look Physical appearance and behaviours on and off the field do matter. “Appearances can be deceiving”. TRUE! But it might be the one little thing that separates you from others.

In Summary “Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody”. Plan with a purpose and proceed in a positive manner.

Special Thanks