JUDGING Frequently Asked Questions
How many tournaments must I judge per year? Why do I need to be a judge?
The judges of all the tournaments your child attends are composed of parents, coaches, alumni, and community members. Thus, without the support of parent judges, tournaments could not even exist!
We ask for every student to provide a judge to at least three (3) tournaments per semester. However, we encourage parents to participate in as many tournaments as possible to support the students in their activity and serve as a chaperone. In addition to these requirements, all parents should judge at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Invitation Tournament held every January at Logan.
What are the qualifications to be a judge?
For most tournaments, judges must be age 18 or over.
Judges are not limited to the parents of the competitors—they can be family friends, relatives, teachers, coworkers, etc.
You should be proficient in English.
Do judges ride on the bus with the students or drive to the tournament themselves?
Judges have the option of doing either/or.
Benefits of driving yourself: You may leave as soon as the tournament is over and have another student pick up your child’s trophy for them. The address and driving directions will always be posted on the front page of this website.
Benefits of riding on the bus with the students: Save wear/tear on your car and gas money! Also, you will be able to better understand what it means for your child to “go to a tournament” and learn teamwork.
What will I need to judge?
All judges will need to create a Tabroom account. Once you have created your judge profile please complete this Google Form to be registered on our team roster as a judge.
Most tournaments have online ballots. This means you will get your assignments online at your Tabroom account. You will need an internet-ready device to complete your ballot (a laptop or tablet is preferred).
Do I get paid as a judge?
No. However, drinks/snacks/lunch is always provided by the tournament’s host school.
Also, meals and mileage are tax deductible. Forms are usually provided by the GGSA at League Tournaments.
If I’m going to drive myself to the tournament, what time should a judge arrive at the school of the tournament? Who do I report to once I get there?
Generally, please make plans to arrive and check-in between 7:30 - 8:00 AM for a tournament that begins promptly at 9:00 AM (all league tournaments, most invitationals—adjust accordingly if necessary). The check-in occurs at the school itself, not with James Logan Forensics. Usually there will be signs in front of the school that say “Judges” or “Judges Check-In” that will lead you to the right area.
What are others ways to help the team besides judging?
The best way to show your support for the forensics team is to just be a judge and watch other students compete in an activity that your child loves. Please see the donations page for other ways to help out.
I have another question or concern.
As always, if you can’t find an answer to your question, please send an email to jgarrett@nhusd.k12.ca.us