We held four tournament rehearsal sessions for both Judges and Students. This was a vital experience for both the competing athletes and our judges as well. Our athletes gained vital knowledge on the tournament schedule, procedure, conduct and preparation. They learned and understood how to enter and exit the arena, what the Judges will be looking out for and how to improve their overall performance. The judges were given a more in-depth explanation of the scoring system and were briefed on every staffing position for the tournament in the case where they would need to fill in any absent role.
Each rehearsal was a 90-minute session. Each session included rehearsals for the opening ceremony and performance, training to familiarize oneself with the venue, and time to practice tournament forms. Grand Champion and Grouped Placement making up a total of 46 athletes were grouped together for rehearsals as to have older athletes act as role models for our younger athletes. Our Challenger Placement athletes were the largest group composed of 31 athletes and had a session to themselves.
Throughout the rehearsals, everything that could go wrong did. Although many things went array, this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. If issues are found during the rehearsal process, they can be ironed out in the actual event. Many of our students now appreciate the opportunity to rehearse now that they know where to go and what to do. Although it was only a rehearsal, our students were already nervous as if it were already the official event. Our judges reassured the students, letting them know that they want the students to do well.
Overall, the rehearsals achieved what it was intended for. To inform every one of their tasks, to prepare everyone for the event, and to find any problems that need to be fixed. This is true with our students, our judges and the venue. The knowledge obtained is only a starting point and by participating in this tournament, we hope for our students to participate in larger community wide tournaments as well. Everyone worked hard and we expect to see you doing your best at the tournament as well!
