As the plane touched down in Portland, Oregon, the site of the 2005 NAWGJ National Symposium, the only thought on my mind was “oh my gosh…, I only have three days until my judging tests and I’m really nervous!”  I felt sure that most of my first Symposium would be spent in a hotel room studying.  I didn’t expect there to be so many educational sessions offered to prepare me for the tests that I would actually feel comfortable enough to enjoy site seeing in the Portland area.  I also never imagined that I would leave the meeting feeling inspired by some of the most memorable events in my young judging tenure.

 

 Among the many educational activities at the symposium were sessions on the new compulsories, technical handbook, and code.  There were also opportunities to practice judge that included tips on judging unusual situations that I found to be particularly helpful.  These educational opportunities helped me relax and prepare for my examinations.

 

 One of the real treats of the trip came when we had the opportunity to enjoy an incredible banquet in the same arena that is home to the Portland Trailblazers of the National Basketball Association and at the same time we listened to remarks from some of the truly elite members of the judging community.  For me personally though, the highlight of the night was seeing judges awarded their certificates of service to the gymnastics community.  I was so honored to be in the same room with these judges that I was literally moved to tears as they were called to the stage and honored.

 

 If I could summarize the trip into a single word it would be “inspirational.”  I left the Symposium feeling encouraged and inspired by the judges that have given so many years of enduring support to the sport of gymnastics.  It was a trip spent with wonderful old friends and with opportunities to meet new friends.  I will never forget it and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in stretching their judging knowledge. 

Wendy Seabrook   

Gone are the days of filling out those yellow active status cards.  Now judges must fill out Continuing Professional Education Cards (CPE).  Just as with the active status cards, judges should make copies of their CPE Clinic Cards and send to the Membership Chairman—Phyllis Thompson.  You can send each as you attend an event or you can send the clinic cards with the Master Record card at one time.  The first Annual Continuing Professional Education Record Card will run July 2005 to July 31, 2006.

Judges are not required to judge a minimum of three (3) meets each year.  The CPE hours required each year are listed on the Annual Continuing Professional Education Record Card that Mary Ann sent in the spring.  They are based on clock hours.

It is a judge’s responsibility to make copies of new membership cards as soon as hey are received and send the copy to the Membership Chairman—Phyllis Thompson.  Copies of your cards must be on file with the state office.  Failure to keep your professional profile up to date may affect the awarding of contracts.  Professional memberships are required by USAG and ALNAWGJ.  Your professional profile verifies these memberships.  Notices are frequently sent to remind judges to renew their memberships and update their professional profile.

Be professional and keep your CPE credits up to date and your Personal Profile up to date.