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KIDS' QUESTIONS

November 2001

World judge and 2002 Olympic Winter Games U.S. assistant team leader Paula Naughton answers your questions about the mysterious world of judging – maybe it won't seem so mysterious after reading this column!

Judge Paula Naughton

Q: Who selects which of the world judges will judge the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, and how are they selected? Megan Elizabeth Schneider, 11, Cincinnati, Ohio

PN: The U.S. judges for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games were selected by the USFSA Selections Committee. This committee is comprised of a chair and 14 members, of which three members are athlete representatives. The judges selected must be on the current list of judges for ISU Championships. When selecting a judge, the committee reviews several criteria, which include experience and performance.

Q: As a judge, do you base any of the skater's score on how they skated in practice or warm-up? Arielle Gottlieb, 15, Cleveland, Ohio

PN: Any judge, including myself, must base the skater's score only on the performance that is skated during the actual competition. We are constantly told to mark only what we see during the competitions. Yes, judges do go to the competitors' practice sessions but that is to assist in identifying the skaters and the levels of skating.

Q: For you, what is the hardest level of skating to judge? Katy Monson, 13, Chicago, Ill.

PN: I do not feel that there is any one level of skating that is harder to judge than another. A juvenile event may be harder to judge than a senior event. To me, what makes an event difficult to judge is when the level of skating performance is very close technically and artistically. Another factor that makes an event hard to judge is when most of the performances have several errors. When an event has several levels of performance, it is easier to judge, plus an event that has good skating is a pleasure to judge.

Q: Do you feel pressure to score skaters in line with what the other judges do? Jeffy, 14, San Diego, Calif.

PN: I do not feel pressure to score skaters in line with other judges, but I feel pressure in giving each skater the correct placement — the placement that their performance deserves. This becomes more difficult if there are performances that are very close technically and artistically.

Q: What will be your job as team leader at the Olympics? Robbie Flynn, 15, Beverly, Mass.

PN: I will be the assistant team leader at the Olympics and will work with Charlie Cyr, the team leader, to provide a total support system for the athletes so that they are able to skate to their highest potential. We want to provide optimum conditions for optimal performance. Other duties are administrative, technical and troubleshooting. To help us achieve positive results, we have had several meetings, and in October we attended a four-day Team Leadership meeting in Salt Lake City with all the team leaders from each sport. We are very honored to have been selected as team leaders and are looking forward to the Games.

Q: Do you get nervous to judge before a big competition? Stacy, 11, Dallas, Texas

PN: Yes, I do get nervous to judge before a big competition. Being nervous comes from wanting to correctly place the skater's performance. To do that, the judge must remember and evaluate every detail of all of the performances. The adrenaline rush before an event is good as it keeps you very alert.

Q: What do you find the toughest part of judging? Laura Lepzinski, 13, Grand Rapids, Mich.

PN: For me, the most difficult part of judging is to judge large groups, specifically the short program. Usually, 31 skaters skate the short program in the ladies and men's events at World Juniors, Four Continents, Europeans, Worlds and the Olympics. When judging this, the judge must give a base mark based on the overall performance, evaluate the required elements and take the necessary deductions, give a mark for presentation, compare all of the performances, and then award the marks that give the correct placement for the skater. After each performance, the marks are displayed and cannot be changed. The difficult part of this is to award the marks, avoid errors and not get “boxed in” — that is to not have any numbers left in order to award the correct placement.

Q: How are you able to watch all the elements in a program and still mark down your scores? Do you ever miss things by looking down at your paper? Jeanette T., 16, Los Angeles, Calif.

PN: I have developed a way of recording a performance on the judging sheet which I do in shorthand or code form. By using this method, I am able to watch each performance and keep track of all of them.

Q: I have heard that judges can use instant replay in some competitions. Is this true? How does it work? Lisa G., 9, Boston, Mass.

PN: Judges are able to use instant replay in some competitions. Not all competitions have the technology to provide the video replay system. This system allows the judge to replay certain required elements in the short pro-gram on his/her monitor immediately after a skater completes the short program but prior to giving the marks. This system can also be used in free skating. The first time that I used this system was during the 2000 European Championships. It is very beneficial when there is a need to recheck an element.

Q: Did you ever make a big mistake while judging? What did you do about it? Corrina, 17, Syracuse, N.Y.

PN: I have not made a big mistake such as reversing first and 10th place, but I have made errors. Unfortunately, when an error is made, it cannot be corrected as the mark that is displayed or “handed in” stands. Errors are going to happen and so it is good that placements are based on the majority system. When I make a judging error, I evaluate why I made the error and what I need to do so as not to make the same error again. The best thing one can do is to admit that they have made the error. A judge can learn from that error.

Q: How are you and all the other judges able to put national bias aside? Is it tough? Dave, 15, Virginia

PN: In all judges meetings and seminars, national bias is addressed. The judge must be aware not to overmark or, yes, undermark — this is called reverse national bias — the skater from their country, and to fairly mark each performance. Yes, this can be difficult, but as a judge it is my responsibility to judge each skater fairly. As you are aware, this isn't always adhered to. A judge who has their skater placed incorrectly must explain that placement, and if the referee does not agree with that explanation, the judge gets charged with national bias. This can result in a warning or suspension.

Q: What was your first day of judging like? Were you nervous? Barbara, Bozeman, Mont.

PN: Barbara, I see that you live in Bozeman, Mont. My first day of judging was in Great Falls, Mont., as that is where I skated and also started judging. My first appointment was the low level figure judge appointment so I was able to judge preliminary, first and second test figures. The first time I judged I was 18, and I judged a figure test session. I was both excited and nervous. I can also remember that I was very slow.

Q: I'm not a skater, but I really like to watch it. Can I still be a judge? What's the best way to start doing that? Is there an age limit, or can I start anytime? Carly, 14, Detroit, Mich.

PN: Yes, you can still be a judge even though you are not a skater. To be a judge you must know skating, technically and artistically. Yes, it is easier to know skating if you are skating or have skated. If you do not skate, you need to learn the sport by whatever means you can — studying, attending seminars, taking lessons at your local arena, etc. To give you further information, the “Guideline for Judge Appointments” is available from USFSA Headquarters.