HAVE WE FORGOTTEN HOW TO BEHAVE? 
A Look At Maintaining Professionalism As A Competitor and How the Industry is Beginning to Crack Down.
Let's face it. We all have those moments when we are with our friends and we vent about our day, family, partners, jobs, something that was said to us, and just basically anything we feel the need to get off our chest. With the rise of social media, it has also allowed us this forum where we can share our vents/rants and see if others understand what we are going through and agree with us. Now social media, as great as it is, also has some negative that can be associated with it. See, when we do these rants/vents, you just never know who is 'watching' and reading your words and what the outcome of that may be to you down the line.
Social media has played a huge role in this industry. By announcing shows and events, right down to keeping up with, and following those who compete. Like anyone, athletes/competitors, share their thoughts and opinions on many things - advice, tips, their plans for competition and competition results. All great and wonderful right?! Sure is when the competitor is positive and maintains this level of neutral; but unfortunately, some forget that part. As competitors and athletes, Pro or not, there is always th
is underlying expectation on a level of professionalism you are expected to have and keep, be it in the public eye, at shows, with your sponsors, media, fellow competitors, organizers/organizations and judges. Lately though it seems that there are a few competitors who seem to forget that and their professionalism seems to be missing or forgotten.
Now the reason I chose to address this issue/topic was for the simple fact that one, it looks badly on the competitor and two, those who can make and break your career industry wise are stepping in and taking action against the negativity. Within the last few weeks I have seen several posts from industry individuals (i.e., editors and promoters) who have made it very clear that negativity and lack of professionalism in how you address the industry will not be tolerated and negative consequences will follow to those individuals involved. Harsh? Maybe. But is this not something to think about as a competitor? Do you feel that if you talk poorly about your placing and judges, or criticize a media source or another athlete on a public forum on your social media that you are maintaining professionalism?
As a competitor, there are rules and regulations that you must adhere to when you compete within any organization at all levels. There is also a contract of sorts that you sign when you register for your membership. By doing that, you agree to behave in a manner that reflects well on the organization and industry, and you agree to be professional. Like any job, with competitors, there is a level of professionalism that is expected. Knowing that, then why do so many seem to forget and publicly state their negativity? I understand that we all have bad days and become frustrated with life and circumstances, but by negatively commenting about your competitive organization, as with any job, you are not acting in a professional manner and for every action there is a reaction and consequence.
When you make the choice to compete, there is always the hope and sligh
t personal expectation to win. Now, when faced with criticism, realistically, no one is happy, but as a competitor, it is sort of known and to be expected. Why? Well for the simple fact that you are going into a competition where results are based on judgement. The judges are there to do just that - judge you. You may feel that you are the best or the winner, because you feel that you put in all the time and work, but you know what, so did all the others on stage with you. So who are you to say you are the best and or better? There are many factors that go into the overall results and judging, and what you think most often is not the same as what the judges scored. Yes, being criticized, judged and placed on display is hard, and you take it personally, just like a job performance, but this does not give you the right to "lose control" of your emotions, behaviour and publicly disrespect or bash the other competitors, judges or organization.
Unfortunately it happens from Pro level right down to amateur and it is happening at a more frequent rate...is this because some competitors feel entitled to do this or that because not much action has been taken against competitors who choose to do this? I personally feel that it is a bit of both and I am not sure why it has taken this long for the organizations and 'heads' to take some sort of action. But...guess what? Some are and they are coming out strong. Recently a competition organization, fed up with competitors trash talking the event, organizers, judges and results took to a "Name and Shame" approach. Meaning that if you are a Top 5 winner and have been caught talking poorly of the event etc., and displaying a lack of professionalism to the industry, you will be stripped of your placing, banned from competi
ng within that organization and named publicly. As well, magazine editors have taken some action and canceled interviews with some competitors based on negativity and lack of professionalism. This may seem unfair to a few out there, but in a professional environment off the stage, individuals get fired for similar situations. Maybe this is what competitors need as a wake up call?
Now I know there will be some who disagree with the actions and myself, but reality is, you are a professional competitor representing a professional organization and you have to display a certain behaviour if you want to be seen and respected in a certain way. Take the overall experience as a learning tool, way to better yourself and the goal should be to keep improving you. No one gets anywhere by being negative and unprofessional. You surely will have a harder time trying to prove yourself as a professional if you act in an unprofessional way. Organizations and media have their professional standards to maintain and adhere to, just as you do when you become part of this large industry as a competitor. Professionalism should not be seen as a choice - that you can turn on and off when you feel like it...it is a constant part of who you are privately and publicly. Bottom line...it is okay to have a bad day and vent/rant about how you feel regarding circumstances; however, do it privately not publicly and remember you made the choice to be up on stage for all the world to see.
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