I Was Able to Overcome My Social Anxiety and Help Build this Sport
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
Picture was sourced from :https://www.facebook.com/MegansMarvelousPhotography/
Medieval combat is associated with strength, determination, and courage.
Less often do we speak about the quiet battles that take place off the field social withdrawal, fear of judgment, or difficulty building confidence in communication. Yet overcoming these barriers often becomes the true foundation of both personal and athletic growth.
Social Withdrawal and the Role of a Referee
Social withdrawal is not always visible. Sometimes it appears as avoiding confrontation, struggling to speak up, or engaging in constant self-criticism. In sport, especially in a demanding discipline such as medieval combat, the role of a referee requires the opposite: confidence in decision-making, clear communication, and resilience under pressure.
The path to becoming a good, meticulous referee is a process of intense self-development. Studying regulations, attending continuous training, observing fights, learning consistency and impartiality these are not only technical skills. They are also a form of social courage training. Every decision made on the list, every disputed situation resolved according to the rules, gradually builds an internal belief: I am prepared. I know what I am doing.
The IMCF requires referees to demonstrate not only knowledge of the rules but also responsibility and emotional stability. For someone struggling with social anxiety, this challenge when approached consciously becomes a powerful tool for growth.
Self-Work as the Foundation of Authority
Being a good referee is not only about enforcing rules. It is about constant improvement:
precision of observation,
consistency in decisions,
ability to accept criticism,
capacity for calm communication in dynamic conditions.
A person working to overcome social withdrawal often develops exceptional attentiveness and diligence. They learn to prepare more thoroughly, analyze more deeply, and anticipate conflict situations. These qualities build highly qualified referees individuals whose reliability strengthens the credibility of the entire sport.
Striving to become “better and better” does not mean chasing perfection. It means engaging in conscious, systematic work on one’s limitations.
Strength in Showing Vulnerability
For years, sports culture promoted the idea that weaknesses should be hidden. Yet openly speaking about difficulties about fear, insecurity, or stress can become one of the most powerful elements in building a mature community.
Sharing how we deal with our own barriers:
gives others the courage to acknowledge their challenges,
creates space for mutual support,
builds a culture of growth rather than competition over appearances of perfection.
A referee who can say, “That was a difficult moment for me, but I learned from it,” does not lose authority. On the contrary, they gain respect as a self-aware, responsible person committed to continuous improvement.
What Do the Athletes See?
Athletes see more than we think. They observe not only refereeing decisions but also attitude, composure, and reactions under pressure. They see the journey from uncertainty to confidence, from hesitation to decisiveness.
Such an example becomes a lesson for them:
that development is a process,
that confidence is built through action,
that discipline and consistency matter more than temporary motivation,
that every element of technique, conditioning, mindset, communication shapes athletic identity.
A referee who has personally worked through social anxiety understands how many components build a strong competitor. They know that self-confidence does not come solely from physical strength but from preparation, knowledge, and repetition.
Building the Sport by Developing People
“I was able to overcome my social anxiety and help build the sport” is not just a personal statement. It is proof that individual growth directly impacts the development of the entire discipline.
Every referee who works on themselves:
raises the professional standard of events,
strengthens athletes’ trust in the judging system,
builds a culture of responsibility and transparency,
inspires others to push beyond their own limitations.
Medieval combat is not only about armor and steel. It is about a community of people who face their weaknesses every day and become stronger because of it.
True courage is not always about stepping into the clash. Sometimes it is about raising your hand, finding your voice, and saying:
“I am working on myself. And through that, I am helping build our sport.”
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