Judges at clinic

Testing and Becoming a Judge

In order to become a judge, you need to take a written exam to judge at the compulsory levels (5/6) and a written exam and a film test to judge at the optional levels (7/8, 9, 10). Although both Level 5/6 and 7/8 are considered entry levels, it is highly recommended that you begin with the Level 5/6 test.

Florida tests are currently scheduled for November 20th (Melbourne). Registration is available on the USAG website. Look under "Programs" then "Womens" then "For Judges" to find the test information. On-line registration is available for USAG Professional members. If you are not yet a USAG professional member, you will need to print the registration form and mail it to USAG. Mail registrations are due 2 weeks before the test date. If it is the first time you are taking the test, register for Form A-1 of the level you are taking, e.g., Level 5/6 A-1. No on-site registration is allowed. Tests are subject to cancellation if sufficient enrollment is not obtained.

 

Preparing for the Test

In order to prepare for the compulsory test, purchase the Women’s Junior Olympic Compulsory Text 2005-2013 from USAG and study the Level 5 and 6 routines. Memorize the elements, the value of the elements, the sequence of the elements, the special deductions in the gray boxes, the general deductions in the back of the book, and all of the vault deductions. In order to prepare for the Level 7/8 test, you will need to purchase the Women's JO Code of Points from USAG. Memorize all of the rules related to Level 7 and Level 8 as well as all A, B, and C elements. There is also a helpful study guide, GymQuest, on the NAWGJ national website: www.nawgj.org

 

ENTRY LEVELS: 5/6 and 7/8

Anyone can enter the judging profession as a Level 5/6 or Level 7/8 judge by passing the appropriate test. You must be a minimum of 16 years old in order to test at Level 5/6 or 7/8.

Level 5/6 judging candidates are required to take a written exam and pass with a score of 70%. Level 7/8 judging candidates are required to take a practical (film) and a written exam and pass with a score of 70% on each part.

Examinees may take the written and/or practical test for a specific level a maximum of four times per accreditation year in an attempt to pass.

New judges must also take and pass the USAG Safety Certification course before judging. If a judge is under the age of 18, USAG will give the judge a "junior professional" card until the judge turns 18. Then, the judge must apply to become a Professional Member of USAG.

 

LEVEL 9

In order to test Level 9, you must be 18 years old, have judged as a Level 7/8 and Level 5/6 for a minimum of 12 months and completed the Continuing Professional Education requirements (12 hours with a minimum of 6 clinic hours).  You must take a written test and achieve a minimum score of 76% and must take a practical (video) test and achieve a minimum score of 75%.  You are not required to take both parts at the same time, nor are you required to repeat any part previously passed. 

If you do not achieve the required scores for Level 9, you will be sent a Level 7/8 rating card provided you obtained a minimum score of 70% on both parts of the exam.   Examinees may take the written and/or practical test for a specific level a maximum of four times per accreditation year in an attempt to pass.

 

LEVEL 10

In order to test Level 10, you must have actively held an Optional Level 9 rating for a minimum of 12 months.  You must have completed the Continuing Professional Education requirements of 16 hours (minimum 8 clinic hours) and must be a minimum of 20 years of age.  In order to pass the test, you must receive a minimum score of 80% on each test part (written and practical).  

 

If you do not achieve the minimum scores for Level 10, you will be sent a rating card for either Level 9 if you obtained a score of at least 76% on the written exam and 75% on the practical exam.  If you received a minimum score of 70% on both parts, you will be sent a Level 7/8 rating card.  Examinees may take the written and/or practical test for a specific level a maximum of four times per accreditation year in an attempt to pass.

NATIONAL AND BREVET RATINGS

In order to be considered for the National rating, judges must have actively judged Level 10 for two Olympic cycles and must have successfully completed the national judges exam. The criteria for invitation to the national judging course change after each Olympiad and are published in USAG Technique.

Brevet ratings allow judges to officiate at elite national and international competitions. Invitations to the Brevet courses are issued by USA Gymnastics and are typically issued to former Olympic or World Team members.

TESTING DATES/SITES

Testing dates for the entire country are listed on theUSAG website in the Women's Program Section, Just for Judges.  Registration for the exams is available only on the USAG website.

ADD ME TO TEST/CLINIC MAILING LIST

If you would like to be added to the test/clinic mailing list to learn about upcoming clinics for potential judges and receive test registration forms, please send your name, address, phone, and email address to Catherine Fariz, State Judging Director. Please indicate that you would like to be added to the email list for potential judges. Thank you.