Competitive Readiness is the extent to which an athlete is mentally, technically and tactically prepared to perform at their highest possible level at a specific event or series of events. It is intended to reflect how well all the elements related to the athlete’s preparation for a competition have come together at the right time, under the demands and pressures of the event.

At Archery Canada we measure competitive readiness through:

• “Attacking the Shot”, Letting Down:
  • Is the archer confident in their shot from the start of their shooting cycle, through to the release of the arrow?
  • Do they show commitment to their shooting process?
  • Is the archer being proactive in their shot versus reactive – are they making the shot happen, or hoping it will happen?
  • Do they let down or back away from their shot?
• Athlete’s Response to Challenges:
  • How do they adapt in inclement weather?
  • Are they able to maintain composure or do they panic and/or show frustrations?
  • Can they manage pressure, or do they shut down?
• Ability to Maintain Focus (720 Rounds):
  • Can the archer keep their attention throughout all 72 arrows, or do they get distracted and focus on irrelevant cues?
  • Do they continue to demonstrate the same effort throughout all 72 arrows?
  • Do they approach each arrow the same, or do we see a mental switch in approach of shot?
• Technical Posture/Alignment:
  • Are there areas in technique the athlete needs to focus on?
  • Are they able to maintain the same technique and alignment throughout the event?
  • Do we see a breakdown in technique at any point, and is there an obvious reason why?

Optimization of training gains in archery refers to an athlete’s ability to maximize improvement and performance outcomes from every training session by structuring practice, recovery, and mental focus effectively. It ensures that technical, physical, and mental skills are progressively enhanced while minimizing wasted effort or overtraining.

At Archery Canada, we evaluate Optimization of Training Gains through the development of Individual Performance Plans, that are made in consultation with the targeted athlete. At the end of the season athletes are evaluated as follows:

• Athlete Fitness Testing Results & Progression:
  • Did the athlete meet the stated fitness testing benchmarks at the start of the season?
  • If not, did their fitness progress to being able to meet the standards by the next testing session?
  • Do they demonstrate an ongoing dedication and understanding of their fitness training?
• Athletes ability to set individual training objectives:
  • Can the archer outline what they are working on and why?
  • Are the goals in alignment with performance priorities?
  • Do they take initiative in their goal setting, or rely on the coach to set objectives?
• Athlete’s ability to meet or exceed individual training objective:
  • Does the archer consistently meet the goals/objectives that were set?
  • Did they exceed these goals or demonstrate growth beyond the initial plan?
  • Could they recognize obstacles or reflect on goals to adapt them to remain on track?
• Athletes adherence to prescribed training program:
  • Did the archer complete their training sessions as outlined in their IPP or Yearly Training Plan (YTP)? – Including volume, MPC, S&C, reporting etc.
  • Did they keep leadership informed of progress, challenges, or needs for modifications?
  • Did they miss training sessions or elements without notifying leadership or for an extended period of time?
• Athlete’s ability to complete additional training:
  • Did the archer seek out reasonable, extra practice or conditioning sessions, without prompting
  • Were they able to balance additional training with proper recovery?
  • Was the additional training strategic and appropriate?

Team dynamics refers to the patterns of interaction, communication, and relationships among members of a team, including how they collaborate, influence each other, resolve conflict, and work toward shared goals. In sport, effective team dynamics are critical for creating a high-performance environment and optimizing collective results.

At Archery Canada, we evaluate Team Dynamics through the following competencies:

• Team Work:
  • Do they actively help and/or support their team mates?
  • Do they demonstrate valuing teammates input and contributions to the team?
  • Do they follow through on commitments to the team, in training and in competition?
• Communication:
  • Do they maintain respectful and positive interactions, even when under pressure?
  • Can they give and receive feedback respectfully and constructively?
  • Do they actively listen and/or ask questions when in discussions?
• Leadership:
  • Do they try to lead by example, and demonstrate the values of the team in their everyday actions?
  • Are they able to take ownership of their own or team performances?
  • Do they help other team mates, or provide guidance to less experienced teammates?
• Athlete-Coach Relationship:
  • The athlete demonstrates trust in the coaches expertise and abilities, while the coach trusts their commitment and effort
  • Both parties treat each other with respect and professionally
  • Both parties demonstrate the ability to address challenges, conflicts or setbacks in a collaborative manner