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The game and its master

Why is a game master needed if there are rules to follow?

  • Even in the case of two plyers there is one to dominate the game
  • If there are several players someone is needed to manage situations and to play the role of a cooperation guide
  • To incvoléve as many participants as possible in the game – by taking their hands if necessary
  • The general rule is: the more partcipants, the more joy!

What is a game master like?

  • Helpful. Helps children and adults alike to join the game as smoothly as possible.
  • Has a positive attitude and his/her personality suggests that everybody can and will enjoy the game.
  • Prepared for the task
  • Has the role of a conductor when managing the game.

Where are they?

  • Everywhere, since being a game master is a role. Anybody can fulfil it, an elder brother, father or mother, members of a company of friends etc.
  • The venue can be varied, too. Family home, school, a club, a cultural centre etc.

How can the role of a game master be characterized?

  • Creativity, versatility, flexibility, good communication, people’s skills: the ability to create and maintain good atmosphere etc. .

The appearance and the communication of a game master:

  • Wearing fashionable – but not provocative – elegant sportswear – cleanliness is important, too.  Introduces himself/herself before the programme starts. (But the programme is not about the game master!)
  • Occasionally might mention personal opinion – a way of getting closer to the participants.
  • Wearing a badge with his/her name.
  • Wearing the logo and the typical color s of the progarmme: headband, T-shirt etc.

 The acceptance of the game master might depend on the following issues:  

  • Motivating style and appearance
  • Persuasive; is able to bring people together to play
  • Respects the rules and makes other people respect them, too. Prepares the game and his/her tasks carefully; analyzes the situation, the age and preparedness of participants, environmental issues, potential awards etc.

The tasks of a game master:

  • Preparation andplanning – careful and detailed;
  • Appearance, - punctuality; leaving some time for preparation
  • Communication  - if it is necessary, amplification is needed. Musical accompaniment is also recommended.
  • Marketing- ”to bring people together”  - timeliness of information, deadline and contact person’s availability
  • Playing the game – rules need to be clarified in advance, assitant game masters requested if it is necessary.
  • Referees and umpires: – keeping the rules is of utmost importance. Impartiality, beware of accidents.
  • Feedback and evaluation – uninterrupted flow of information on in-game scores and penalties. Collaboration for a good and enjoyable game.
  • Announcement of results – very important for all participants. It needs to be solemn and recognizing everybody’s contribution. Participation can be recognized, too. ( In most cases there are diverse groups of participants with a diverse backgrounds)
  • Motivate to play other games. Gives appraisal and calls the attention of participants to other games and gives its time, venue and reassures everyone that the new game woill be as ewnjoyable sas the other they have just finished.

 Preparatory and planning tasks:

The preparation for one-time or for regualrly organized programmes is different. Materials to be used include (own or library) books on games, and own or other people’s ideas. It is advisable to take notes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Acquaintance with the target group: gender, age group, company, school, employment, interests, family background etc.

Familiarization with the venue: surveying the venue, indoor or outdoor, amplification, trial game etc.

Timing, matching the time with other programmes

Writing a scenario (time sequence, conditions –HR and equipment)

Assistants, referees, umpires, minute takers – need to be prepared for the programme!

Appearance:

  • Proper clothing
  • Proper hairstyle, make-up, nails
  • Accessories  – if necessary should match the occasion. (Santa Claus, angel, bunny etc.)
  • Clothing and accessories should not prevent free movement and speech. (They are only of symbolic importance.)

Communication

Style, - pitch – speaking skills - understandable, - understandable by everyone  - it is not a question of rhetorical talent, it can be practiced and learnt.

Practice! – It is a task of animators to plan and organize the games. As everything else it can be learnt and organized at everybody’s pleasure.

Marketing- it means to bring people together. The organizers of various campsite and leisure time programmes always struggle with and have to overcome the initial shyness of participants. After the first events a special attention needs to be paid to the following:

  • Preliminary infomation, motivation and invitation
  • Timing is important. Decision how much time before the event should the information be given.
  • The amount of information depends on time required for the preparations as well. (Writing something, putting on special gear etc.)
  • It is to be decided how the information will take place: poster, programme leaflet,  Internet, personal invitation etc.
  • Warm-up. Getting acquainted with each other.
  • Games with the aim of building teams.

Leading games

  • Task distribution
  • Depending on the type of game the game master is to withdraw or take the leadership.
  • In ordeer to avoid misunderstanding organizes a trial game.
  • Explains the rules. It is very important that every participant interprets the rules int he same way. This part should be kept brief and clear.
  • Startas the game – a good sense of humour may also be helpful.
  • Manages problems and killjoys.
  • Keeps peopel’s attention awake and communicates during the game, too.

Referee’s role

  • Starts – stops the game as it is required by the rules.
  • Decides on half-time scores
  • Decision maker in problematic cases. The game master is a conductor and is always determined and consistent. (killjoys)

Evaluation and feedback

  • halftime scores – should be made clearly visible in a written form and announced as well. 
  • The form may be a grid, or the scores may be indicated by baloons or ribbons or other objects.
  • Supporting  - chanting or using some instzrument e.g. a whistle, drums etc.
  • Motivates,  reinforces, has a good influence on people’s well being
  • Involves supporters, spectators.

Announcement of results (scores)

  • Preparation – plan: Who will hand over the prize? To whom? When?(Scenario, pre-written programme, music and speech(es).)
    • Preparation of prizes (medals). What will be the prize? Prizes should be on display.  
  • Each participant is to be evaluated and appraised.
  • Solemnity, evoking emotions.
  • Motivate people to play in the future, too.
  • Players may participate in other programmes of the event.
  • Funny elements should be used, too. It requires creativity ont he part of the game master.
  • Varied games are motivating. Players may participate int he next round of games, too. Prizes and awards are also az motivating.
  • The expectations of contractor are also important.

The job of a game master is interesting and it can be learnt.

  • It is a special lifestyle. The animator gives new life to people in order to live a ’quality life’.
  • It is advisable for the game master to produce his/her own booklet of games. They may browse books and the internet or recall their old, childhood games.
  • Always consider the target group: age group. Plan your games, sports tools, work load, your communication techniques accordingly.

Areas of activities:

  • Concerts and dance shows
  • Manual tasks –paper, plaster, scissors
  • Audiovisual technology, sound montage, video, photography
  • Animating games: board games, short classroom games, warm-ups, evening programmes
  • Outdoor activities: individual and team games, hiking, camping
  • Observation of nature and the environment, water-earth-air, - forest camps.
  • Communication games, drama
  • Verbal games, word games, conversations
  • Cultural activities, learning, gathering information