become a judge

Fantastic! The more interest we have in judging, the better!

STEP 1

Talk to someone who is already a judge. The best resources in our state are the State Judging Director (SJD) or our New Judge Coordinators. 

STEP 2

Study the appropriate materials. The "entry" level for judges is usually Level 4/5, which is a written exam only. (There is no test for judges below this level; however, a 4/5 rating is required to judge all levels below). The critical items to know for testing are:

     1. The Skills

          a. value of each skill

          b. order of the skills in the routine

          c. specific deductions for those skills (understand the difference between "flat" and "up to" 

             deductions)

     2. Deductions

          a. skill-specific deductions 

          b. general deductions

          c. neutral deductions (these are taken from the average by the chief judge)

     3. Averaging Procedures

          a. how scores are averaged

          b. what neutral infractions are deducted after the average is done

This may seem like a lot of information, and if you order the JO Compulsory book, it can feel very overwhelming. There are a number of different references available through the National NAWGJ library for sale that you can use (or ask one of the contacts mentioned above if there are any materials available). The USA Gymnastics web site has all official materials. 

STEP 3

Sign up to take a judging test. This is handled through USA Gymnastics.

STEP 4

After passing the test, immediately begin the process of applying for the following:

1.  USA Gymnastics Professional Membership (or Junior Professional Membership if under 18)

     Click on "Member Services" once you get to their site. 

     You will need to become 

• Safety-Certified (lasts 4 years)
• Background Check (good for 2 years).
• Safe Sport (yearly)

The Safety Certification can be done online at any time, but the Background Check can take 6-8 weeks the first time, so try to plan ahead. 

2. NAWGJ Membership www.NAWGJ.org

STEP 5

If you have not yet seen in touch with the State Judging Director, now is a good time to do so (if you are an Oregon judge, we can add you to the website so you can receive all announcements). In addition, you will need to contact our Assigners for the current and/or next season to give her your availability. 

**Also, refer to the Fall 2021 Newsletter for additional helpful information for new judges.**

Congratulations and welcome to the Oregon Judging community!