The new Artistic code of points was put in place largely as a reaction to the judging fiasco of the Men’s competition at the 2004 Olympics.
The previous rules were blamed for that debacle — though personally I point at incompetence and corruption from the FIG Men’s Technical committee on down.
What we really need is not endless revision of the technical regulations. We need better judges.
But how to improve judging?
A start would be to remunerate judges “fairly”.
In Canada in 2006 almost every coach at our competitions is paid. Yet many of our judges take days away from work in order to participate. It costs many of our judges cash every time they agree to “volunteer” to judge a competition. This is a problem in Canada. I’ve spoken with the Executive Directors of Gymnastics Canada and Gymnastics Alberta.
Compare what the judges in your region are paid against what they would get if they relocate to Oregon:
JUNIOR OLYMPIC CERTIFIED – US$60 / session
NATIONAL CERTIFIED – US$75 / session
FIG CERTIFIED – US$90 / session
Oregon Gymnastics Judges Association 2007
Judge Reimbursement Schedule
Per Diem: Breakfast $10, Lunch $15, Dinner $20 for judges from out-of-town.
Doug Hills from Oregon explained that this gives just a simple overview of approximate rates. The details are more complicated.
In fact, $10 from each session goes back to the Judges Association which uses those funds for administration and judge development. Over the course of a season most judges collect about $1000. A few as much as $2000. There has never been a cheque for more than $2500.
Leave a comment below if you wish to compare what judges at your competitions are paid.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 