Ask the Judges - Week 3
Here is question #3:
"I have heard a number of parents say that it seems that the outcome of meets is determined before they start. The judges have "favorites" and those teams/coaches are the ones who are going to win even if they have mistakes or falls. I was wondering how the judges would respond to that perception?"
Answers from the MCHIC Judges Advisory Panel:
Judge #1:
Sympathize first and not become defensive!
Next it is miscontrued by fans and usually driven by emotion that they believe an official would do that.
In my 20 years of officiating sports, I have never personally witnessed a judge/official unethicially biased or deliberately scoring teams differently based on who they were or where they were from. I believe that Judges do not have preconceived "winners" prior to a competition.
However, scores can be confusing to spectators--- especially with the mulipliers and difficulty factors. In some cases it is the "math" that determines a winner and not team performances or officials.
Judge #2:
I am unable to say what other judges do. However, I do not go to a competition with a predetermined list of winners. As a Safety official it is my job to know the rules set forth in the manual provided my MHSAA to help limit injuries received by team members. If a penalty is given and the coach is unsure of the call they are allowed to discuss the penalty with the safety judges at the end of each round. The safety judge will explain the rule more clearly or provide the page in the manual that list the rule.
Judge #3:
I personally try my best to watch only what I see that night of performance, it's hard to comment on this question knowing that may happen but personally I wouldn't have that mind set before a meet.
Judge #4:
I would disagree with that preception. I believe that it is anybody's day going into any one competition and the outcome is decided on what has happened that day. Sometimes it is hard to believe that even with a fall you can score well. Coaches know how to work the scoresheets well enough that a simple bobble doesn't put their team as far behind as you would think--Team Execution is just one part of the scoresheet.
Judge #5:
Although I can't say that NO judge has a favorite team and scores them higher "just because" I personally have NEVER spoken to another judge who does that - and I have been judging FOREVER! It is very easy for parents, fans, and coaches who do not completely understand the score sheet to feel that way, but if they analyze their team's score sheets they will see what areas they need to work to improve their scores. This is probably what "the favored teams" do that makes it SEEM they are favored.
