I’ve been a judge most of my life. Much about this article by Jag Gym rings true. 🙂
I have a job for you: gymnastics judge!
Sports officials in general probably have one of the most difficult and least appreciated roles in youth sports. And those in gymnastics are no exception.
I have been on all sides of that folding table. As a gymnast knowing that I am going to make myself vulnerable by trying to do something very difficult and am inviting someone to judge me.
As a judge passing out scores that I hope are accurate and fair.
As the parent of a gymnast trying not to vomit from the anxiety of putting my child out half naked to have someone assign a number to her efforts.
And, as a coach who from time to time believed that my athlete was genuinely given a score that did not match her performance. I know that none of this is easy or straightforward.
Now, as a gymnastics club owner, I have yet another role: trying to explain to upset children, distraught, even angry parents and discouraged coaches that contrary to what they might think, the judges are not out to get them!
Are judges perfect?
Of course, not.
But they certainly are misunderstood. So here it goes, my myth-busting list about judges and judging gymnastics:
