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Tips for Trial Judges

ALMOST EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT TRIAL JUDGING


You are responsible for the following:

  • Know which tests you are eligible to trial judge.
  • Read the rulebook requirements for all the tests you will be trial judging.
  • Know (be able to recognize - if possible, play with them yourself on the ice) all of the movements necessary to execute the required elements - required edges, revolutions, patterns, timing
  • Attend Club sessions and observe skaters practicing the elements you will be trial judging
  • Call the USFSA and ask for a Trial Judge packet. READ THIS PACKET !!
  • The Trial packet will include requirements for becoming a Judge and an application form for use when applying for your appointment.
  • Make multiple copies of each blank Trial paper (print your name, USFSA #, and name and address of person to send it to - your Monitor or Club Test Chairperson - on form before copying)
  • Find out your Club's test schedule - see Bulletin Board, talk to Test Chairperson(s), read Newsletter
  • Find out area Clubs' test schedules (Club contact people & phone #'s are in the spiral bound Rulebook Officials' Directory)
  • Carry your own blank Trial papers to Test Sessions.
  • Keep your own records of tests trialed (with the outcome including test judges' marks, if possible and what, where, & the date). There are forms for this.

Prior to a Test Session

  • Look at the posted Test Schedule (or ask the Test Chairperson of an out of club session) to see if there are tests you wish to trial
  • Contact the Test Chairperson(s) at least a week in advance
  • ASK PERMISSION to trial judge at that session - DO NOT JUST SHOW UP
  • Verify rink where tests will be held
  • Tell the Test Chairperson what time you will arrive and when you will leave
  • The Test Chairperson MAY invite you to partake of the provided meals
  • Notify the Test Chairperson if you are unable to fulfill your commitment

At the Test Session

  • Wear appropriate clothing - neat, warm, - (safe shoes, gloves, layers).
  • Arrive at the Test Session 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled time
  • Check in with the Test Chairperson
  • Obtain a copy of the test schedule (listing skaters' names and tests being taken)
  • Fill in your own Trial test papers with the testing skater's name, date, testing Club, etc.
  • Watch the clock and be at the designated rink's judging area several minutes before the tests are scheduled to begin
  • Allow the test judges to position themselves first
  • Observe the test closely 
  • Mark your paper quickly with comments corroborating your numerical judgments
  • Place that paper on the bench (or give to the Test Chairperson) and continue with the next test.
  • Ask questions of the Test Judges and discuss the tests AFTER that flight or later in the Judges' Room

Before you leave the Test Session

  • Check out with the Test Chairperson and thank them for allowing you to trial at their session
  • Leave envelopes with Test Chair so they can mail your papers to your monitor and to you.  
    • best if  9"x 12" envelopes (at least 2 stamps/envelope - 4-5 sheets/stamp)
    • pre-address the envelopes (one to your monitor, one to yourself)
    • leave a dollar or so to help defray the costs of the copies and stamps.

Thank you to Bobbie Stoermer of Ann Arbor FSC for compiling this guideline.

 
Updated: 25 Feb 2004 [Site Map] [Contact Us] [Privacy Policy]   [Home]
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