Adapted from Archery Fundamentals - A better way to learn the basics
Attending a Competition
The number-one rule about arriving at a competition is to arrive early so you don't have to rush. Sign in with the tournament director, and review any rules you might have questions on. This includes who to turn to if there is a scoring dispute (an event judge) and where to take your scores when you are finished shooting. You might have to have your equipment inspected by the event judge to ensure it's legal for that event. Check your name and division in the shooting roster to make sure you are in position to shoot at the time you are indicated as well as your target assignment and shooting order (A, B, C, D).
Make sure that you have a contest goal. The suggested one is to shoot a similar score as in practice. If you attend an event trying to win it, or trying to avoid last place, your mental game will not work in your favor. So make sure your expectations are realistic and that you are trying to duplicate your practice scores - whatever they might be.
Contest Etiquette and Behavior
Archery can be a mentally demanding sport, as well as a sport of inches. Scores can be based on a fraction of an inch or a wasp of wind. It's vital that you be on your very best behavior and act considerately toward other archers and event personnel. Most events are run by volunteers, who have devoted a considerable amount of time and effort to help participating archers have a good time. You may be asked to help move targets, help score, or to perform any number of small tasks. Be prepared to help out as needed - it makes the event run smoother and helps you fit into the archery community all the faster.
A tournament may be the first time you are ever compared with other archers. Although it's tempting to compare your performance against all other archers, it's vital that in your own mind you are comparing your score with your normal scoring potential. If your scoring potential is achieved or suppressed during the event, then you've established a new benchmark. The event's scoreboard should come as no surprise. As you get to know the other competitors and learn what scores they are capable of, the scoreboard should be used to affirm what you already know.
Mental Game
There's an old tournament remark among archers: "You can't reshoot your last arrow." Other adages say that you aren't shooting 100 arrows but rather one arrow 100 times. Shoot with a short memory, and concentrate on every arrow as if it's the only shot that day. Keep the same mental game in your head as you've used in practice, and follow the exact same routines.
If you attend a tournament with your coach, odds are the coach will not be able to speak to you during the actual shooting. You'll be on your own for that. Coaches in large tournaments, however, are often seen behind the waiting line observing their archers. Following each scoring end, you might be permitted to speak with your coach. Keep in mind that the coach's job during tournament is to reinforce your mental game and your shot execution - it is not to change your style or your goals. Resist the temptation to ask what you are doing wrong (if you see your scores slip), but respect with your coach the same positive reinforcement routine that you used during practice.
On Target
Competing in archery tournaments can be fun and exciting. New people in new places are becoming old friends. Archery tournaments may give you the opportunity to advance in national standings and even to represent the country in international competitions. A tournament, no matter how small or big, should be used as a learning exercise - namely to determine how close an you match your scoring potential while under pressure and surrounded by other archers. Your goals for the event should be thought out well in advance and adhered to during the event. The primary goal is to shoot a score consistent with what you shoot in practice. Your primary motive is to have a great time!
I was just reading a book that I have borrowed more than a month ago. Haha. Since the due date is so soon, I thought that I should at least flip through the book. Boy! I should have flip through it earlier. It's quite useful! Hahahaha! Maybe I'll go borrow it again sometimes. Haha (((:
Anyway, I am in a dilemma now :/ I don't know what am I supposed to do. Someone told me about something that I think I shouldn't know just yet but since I found out, I feel so confused. If I agree with her, what about my other friend; and if not, what about her? :/ If only life could be simpler. And the worse thing is, I can't tell anyone about it! How am I getting advice then? )))):
Ohhh one more thing. My nightmare is back. I am giving tuition again. Next wednesday. Aiyoooo. It's so difficult to say no. I said I was busy and in the end when she told me it's only once a week, I kinda give in. Ahhh shit la. Let me go prepare worksheets now :///
Sometimes I feel like there are so many tests in life that I have to sit for them. But, I only get the results. Don't know what I have done correctly or wrongly. And it sucks. I need someone to evaluate for me.