Do you remember the last sporting event you watched? If so, you’ve probably noticed some people suddenly come up with their “expert comments” and “in-depth analyses”, saying they could have done a better job had they been in that situation? Do take note that such may happen during play-testing and sometimes during sanctioned events.

Sad to say, we’ve all been hecklers ourselves at least once in our lives.Let’s take a look back at the semi-final match between Hall of Famer Paulo Vitor Damo Da Rosa and Yam Wing Chun at the Pro Tour Hour of Devastation:

(Source: Smurfyyy)

That misplay, especially since it happened during a PT, was definitely unfortunate, devastating even (pun intended). Do you remember how you reacted when you watched the clip for the first time?

Sometimes, spectators have a different view of things that are based on their own set of skills and understanding of the situation. They would sometimes be very verbal with what they want to say, and sometimes this can ruin the gaming experience for everyone involved. It can lead to misjudgment for the players, confrontation between the players and the spectators, and a very negative environment in general.

How do we solve this common yet rarely discussed situation? Here are simple ways.

If you’re the spectator:

Let them play. You can discuss coaching points or anything else you have to say after the game. Giving comments in real time may actually have an adverse effect on how the person plays.

Avoid being condescending. Remember that the essence of coaching and feedback is improvement and should not be punitive . Be careful with your word choice and always have a friendly approach. The player will appreciate your remarks and may even start improving with it!

Be aware of Tournament Error – Outside Assistance. It is an infraction part of the document Judges use known as the Infraction Procedure Guide. Part of the document reads:

Gives play advice or reveals hidden information to players who have sat for their match. (Source: Magic Infraction Procedure Guide)

The penalty for outside assistance is a match loss, so it’s a serious type of offense.

If you’re the spectator who committed the infraction and you’re not enrolled to the event, then the judge will just enroll you to the event, assign the infraction and drop you from the event.

And it is very important to note that:

Spectators who commit this infraction may be asked to leave the venue if they are not enrolled in the tournament. (Source: Magic Infraction Procedure Guide)

Understand that we are all prone to mistakes. Sure, you probably could have done a better job had you been in that situation, but then again – you were not. It is also likely that at some point in your gaming experience you were in a similar situation (hats off to you if you have not been in one yet), so your urge to empathize should be stronger than your urge to ridicule.

If you are the player:

Focus on your game. At that point in time, there is no one who could make the best decisions than yourself. Do not let your game be dependent on what other people have to say.

Always be open to coaching and feedback. While there may be times when spectators have nothing good to say, there will be at least one constructive feedback that you may learn a thing or two from. For everything else, just take them with a grain of salt.

Take it as a challenge, not to prove them wrong or even to prove yourself right but a challenge for you to really up your game and improve. Misplays happen – it happens to the best of us. Learn from them and do your best not to commit the same mistake.

Feedback, if not channeled properly, will not help in improving anyone. Always consider the feelings of the person you’re speaking to and remember that the purpose of your feedback is to help, not to bring someone down. If you have nothing better to say, it is always better to not say anything at all. Magic is a social game, and there will always be spectators. It is important to foster a community that is receptive to feedback, sensitive about other’s feelings, and a generally fun place to play in.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and have a great one.

Remember to always “Keep it Fair and to Keep it Fun”

Edited by: Jeff Llamas

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