I think everyone is basically stating the same thing but putting a different spin on it. Yes the judges are human and yes they have likes and dislikes. We all do. I really do have to agree with the statement about parents and others thinking judges just go out there and give their opinion. This is somewhat what's wrong with this sport to begin with. Most people have NO IDEA what really goes in to the making of a team, the practices, the choreography (and I am talking all aspects, tumble, stunt, dance etc.) and the competitions as well. These judges aren't just pulled off the street. They know what they are seeing and talking about. BUT this doesn't mean that their own personal prefrences aren't running thru their heads. A good judge will put that aside and see the routine and what it is and could be.

There's been a billion times I haven't agreed with what a judge said. There's been times I've even thought "WHAAAT?". But if you're open minded you will see that instead of putting your team down, it can be taken as a constructive critisism and handled accordingly. Keep in mind that the judges see your girls only 2 minutes of their lives. They don't know that little Sally JUST got her BHS even though she was scared to death for 2 years. We see the hard work that goes in (well, most of us anyway) and KNOW that little Sally did an incredible job!!!

Also, mostly, judges see what is wrong with a routine. Not what is right. Yes you will get comments on how something was good, but mostly what was wrong or could be improved. I agree with the comment about how coaches should be reading the requirements of each competition. How many times I have seen a team perform a stunt that was not allowed and get BUSTED for it. Coaches fault big time! But it happens. And in the same turn, judges can make mistakes also. It's the nature of the beast.

What I don't like AT ALL is hearing WE WERE ROBBED. That is so horrible. No one is EVER robbed and you know it. No judge is going to black list a team they dont particularly like because they could lose all status and never judge again. No one wants that. I have heard parents, kids AND coaches say this before and it's soooooooo absolutly horrible. Stop saying that immediatly. Some teams won't attend some competitions because they don't like the judging. Fair enough. Just don't put your kids in that type of environment if you don't like it, but don't teach them to be poor losers.

So back to the topic at hand, I think you have to push the envelope so to say, to get better. But do it in the gym and perfect it, THEN take it to the floor. Sloppiness just shows poor coaching and guidence. Unfortunatly kids do make mistakes but it shouldn't be with sloppiness.

This was a wonderful topic and I love how everyone disagrees a bit. It makes it so interesting to hear other points of view on the same subject. Kinda like we are all judges, huh??????