Katniss (of the Project Hunger Games series of my blog) recently told me a disheartening story that happened during one of her recent tournaments.
She was playing a match and on another table a verbal altercation started between two players. She lamented, "I know I shouldn't have let is bother me and distract me..."
I kinda cut her off (sorry, Katniss!) and told her that while yes we can try to not let things bother us, this was a different situation where we can't help but be distracted.
You see the two players argued for quite some time and were loud. Katniss had to go to the tournament directors (TDs) (who were watching the altercation, not doing anything about it) and had to ask them if they could handle the situation because it was so disruptive to the matches going on.
I admit I have seen this a lot.
And what people don't realize is, altercations between two players distracts all the matches around them as well. It's disruptive and therefore causes other players to lose their focus, it interrupts their rhythm, and interferes with their concentration.
However, I do admit that in order to resolve the conflict means more distraction because TDs normally address the situation/players at their table which means other matches around them are still affected until it's resolved.
BTW, Katniss was able to regroup and win her match. Yay!
And this is a great reminder! Remember that there are a ton of things that can happen unexpectedly during a tournament that you cannot control. And being able to refocus is key. I have written about both of those things a lot, and although it's unfortunate Katniss had to go through that situation during her tournament, I selfishly am glad because it provides me the perfect opportunity to remind you peeps of these two important things that will help you in tournaments. :)
1. Things will happen you don't have control over and try to not let them bother you.
2. Getting distracted is normal. Refocusing is the key for all great athletes.
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