2005 Judges Award

Text Box: Thank you so much for the service award presented at the
awards banquet this summer. I was truly shocked and there-
fore not prepared to say anything. Also, as you know my
emotions are close to the surface and I didn't want to embar-
rass myself. This is obviously a much better venue to express
my feelings. Mary Ann asked that I write an article about my judging, etc.
It really got me to thinking about all the friendships and
wonderful times I've had. First of all let me say how proud I am of our judges. No one
other than our family has any idea of the time and effort it
takes to progress through the system. For those of you who have made it to Level 10, I know the hours you have devoted to the sport as a gymnast, coach, gym owner, volunteer, wife, mother, etc. in addition to being a judge. I am proud of your professionalism and dedication. I am also proud of our coaches and gymnasts who continue to work hard to raise the level of gymnastics in our state. Every aspect of gymnastics is more demanding now than it was 30 years ago. When asked about my career in gymnastics I tell everyone that I have experienced the sport from almost every angle, judge, coach, gym owner, coach's wife, and the mother of two gymnasts. Although I never did competitive gymnastics, it was a part of our high school P.E. curriculum. In addition I danced 10+ years which helped when I began judging. In the late 60’s I began going to competitions when Robert's teams (boys and girls) were competing. As interest in the sport grew in Alabama and the southeast, judges were needed. Because I had seen quite a few competitions, I was elected to take a judging course in the early 70's. At that time we took all the compulsory levels and the optional tests at the same time and your rating depended on your scores. I started with a state rating, but by '75 I had a Class I (Level 10) rating. In 1980 I was invited to my first Elite course. Although we did not know it at the time, we were registered in Switzerland as Brevet Judges. I continued to attend the courses in 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2005. We were officially declared "Brevet" in 1992. I have been privileged to judge at J.O. National, American Classic, and U.S. Classic meets, and to be on the floor as a volunteer at the 1996 Olympics. In addition, since Robert retired from Auburn, I have been able to judge several NCAA Regional and National Championships. Like many of you I have done my share of volunteer work. In the 70's I was the USGF Chairman for Alabama. From 1978-1980 I served as the NAWGJ State Director. Thank goodness it wasn't nearly as involved and demanding as it is today. In 1980 I was elected as the RJD for Region 8 and served on the National Board until 1988. This certainly give you a different perspective as you are working for judges from all over the United States. As I listened to other regional directors, I thanked my lucky stars that I was from Region 8 and had a great working relationship with the regional and state boards. As you know, the last few years have been quite a challenge for me. I appreciate everyone's concern and support, and feel truly blessed to be part of such a caring family.