Page 2

Dear Judges,

I would like to share with you my experience at the National Judges Cup Competition this January in Indianapolis.  I have attended two other Judges Cups in the past, and this by far was the most exciting and enjoyable.

The venue was superb!   The meet was held at the convention part of the Indianapolis RCA Center where we had Congress two years ago.  I stayed directly across the street and the hotel had a walkway directly into the competition area.  Three gyms were set up, and I believe there were over 100 judges working.  The schedule was well prepared, and we were always within minutes of the published awards time.  Awards were directly across the hall, so there was no down time in the gym.  Food was served for coaches and judges, and the hospitality was wonderful.

Those are the facts, here are my impressions:

We are an incredibly blessed state to have judges work so hard to field a team at this competition.  I hope you realize the coaching community understands that your hard work gives six talented athletes the opportunity to compete in a nationally attended prestigious meet at hardly any cost to them.  Their entry fee, hotel room, leotard, warm up suit, and one dinner was provided by Alabama NAWGJ.  Coaches received a beautiful shirt and jacket, hotel room, and spending money to help defray their expenses.  Parents, coaches and athletes were amazed at this!

The team walked in the arena ready to perform, and proud to represent Alabama.  A great deal of that emotion was due to the support they had received from YOU!  The coaches worked beautifully together, and all of us truly enjoyed the camaraderie and

came in and took the challenge to make our finish the highest in Alabama’s history of participating in this well attended meet.

Although I must admit I was a bit leery of this meet in the past, I now have changed my mind.  I have first hand experience into the positive steps the meet directors have taken to make this meet better each year.  I truly believe they have listened to coaches and judges alike, and have taken their suggestions to heart.

I have even taken the judges test, and am now a person who can judge the lowest levels.  I did this for a couple of reasons, but I think realizing how hard

round with judging.  Back in the 70’s and 80’s I hit the trail almost every weekend to judge across the south and at college meets.  Now, I hope to judge now and then when it is possible, but most importantly I hope to help with something I have truly come to believe in-National Judges Cup competition.

Thank you for your efforts in supporting our athletes.  I will be sharing this letter (or most of it) with the coaches.  Alabama USAG has a lot to be thankful for, and Alabama NAWGJ is on the top of the list!

Sincerely,

Deb Walls
Alabama State Committee Chair

    AL-NAWGJ

National Judges Cup

we had fun.  We all try to make sure our athletes have fun at every competition, but as you well know, not every experience is fun for the coaches or the judges.  This one was!

The younger three went in the first session and raised the bar for their teammates.  The next three

all of you work to make this happen for our athletes convinced me there was more I could be doing.  So now perhaps I will have the opportunity to help you in any way you need at the Judges Cup meets.  For those of you who are fairly new to judging, you will not remember that this is my second go