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Gmburns2000
Jul 9, 2009, 4:31 PM
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Judging comps
Just a bit of a different perspective on competitions. Not so much results oriented as it is the view from a "spectator."
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Gmburns2000
Jul 10, 2009, 12:40 PM
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bill413 wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: Judging comps Just a bit of a different perspective on competitions. Not so much results oriented as it is the view from a "spectator." Nice writeup. Thanks. And I agree it's rewarding. 
Thanks. I actually didn't think this would be that interesting when I submitted it. But I've heard from a couple of folks that it works.
Yeah, I try to get folks involved. Most say, "what? judge a comp? boor-rinnng," but they all come around once they do it for the first time. Some prefer belaying to judging, but they all enjoy the volunteering nevertheless.
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Carnage
Jul 10, 2009, 8:38 PM
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good post, worth reading. i had no idea such effort was needed in judging the higher up comps
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Gmburns2000
Jul 10, 2009, 8:58 PM
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Carnage wrote: good post, worth reading. i had no idea such effort was needed in judging the higher up comps
Thanks. Yeah, it isn't much. I mean, you've got to show that you can get the calls right, but it's pretty easy. And if it's done right then there are plenty of backups to help you so you're not isolated.
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shockabuku
Aug 21, 2009, 6:01 PM
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Where are you moving to?
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Gmburns2000
Aug 21, 2009, 6:06 PM
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shockabuku wrote: Where are you moving to?
Chile; Probably Santiago for a few months and then maybe Puerto Varas in the south after that, but those plans aren't set in stone.
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shockabuku
Aug 21, 2009, 8:15 PM
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Have fun.
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Gmburns2000
Aug 21, 2009, 8:19 PM
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Planning on it. 
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technogeekery
May 19, 2010, 8:45 AM
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Nice write-up
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JasonsDrivingForce
Jun 8, 2010, 6:28 PM
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Gmburns2000 wrote: Judging comps Just a bit of a different perspective on competitions. Not so much results oriented as it is the view from a "spectator."
Your article is terrific and I thank you for your service to the sport. I have wanted to volunteer to judge but my son competes in the competitions so I really don’t want to miss him climbing. Because of people like you I don’t have to miss an opportunity to see him climb.
My son is competing in his first divisional competition this weekend. Since he is only 6 he doesn’t have much of a chance at moving on after the first round. However, he is so young that he doesn’t really understand the competitive aspect of it yet which is a good thing.
I agree that climbing is totally different than all major sports. It is the only sport I know of where it is perfectly acceptable to cheer for your direct competition. I mean what would the other parents do if your son started cheering for the team they were playing against in a baseball or football game?
There definitely are some coaches that try to bend or exploit the rules but for the most part everyone is there to just do their best. If their best happens to be good enough on that particular day then they move on. If not then you will still see those kids the next day at the gym climbing just as hard as they ever have.
The competitions are definitely trying on the nerves though. How many other sports are all or nothing like on-sight sport climbing is? It would be like if football was based solely on how many long field goals you could kick in succession with no breaks and no one else to depend on.
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Gmburns2000
Jun 8, 2010, 6:50 PM
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JasonsDrivingForce wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: Judging comps Just a bit of a different perspective on competitions. Not so much results oriented as it is the view from a "spectator." Your article is terrific and I thank you for your service to the sport. I have wanted to volunteer to judge but my son competes in the competitions so I really don’t want to miss him climbing. Because of people like you I don’t have to miss an opportunity to see him climb. My son is competing in his first divisional competition this weekend. Since he is only 6 he doesn’t have much of a chance at moving on after the first round. However, he is so young that he doesn’t really understand the competitive aspect of it yet which is a good thing. I agree that climbing is totally different than all major sports. It is the only sport I know of where it is perfectly acceptable to cheer for your direct competition. I mean what would the other parents do if your son started cheering for the team they were playing against in a baseball or football game? There definitely are some coaches that try to bend or exploit the rules but for the most part everyone is there to just do their best. If their best happens to be good enough on that particular day then they move on. If not then you will still see those kids the next day at the gym climbing just as hard as they ever have. The competitions are definitely trying on the nerves though. How many other sports are all or nothing like on-sight sport climbing is? It would be like if football was based solely on how many long field goals you could kick in succession with no breaks and no one else to depend on.
thanks for the kind words. a couple of thoughts:
- first, it's great that your kid is learning to "play" at the comps so early. that will make him a much better winner and loser later on when he gets older.
- you're right, climbing comps really bring out the best in the kids, I think. They really do root for each other, even if that kid could cost them a spot in the next round. I find that when kids are competitive and get angry with the results, they are much more likely to be angry with themselves and still give credit where credit is due than they are to be jealous. I've seen a couple of exceptions, but mostly, the comps somehow breed good sporting behavior.
- The VAST majority of judges and belayors at the comps I do have kids who are competing. I am a rarity. So how do the parents judge and see their kids climb at the same time? They work things out with the lead judge ahead of time. They accept their position as a judge on a route, then they are replaced for maybe 25 minutes (long enough for their kid to go through all three climbs) and then come back into the rotation. If you work things out with the lead judge, they should be able to get you to see your son climb and give you a chance to volunteer at the same time (whether it be judging, running, or belaying). Rotating parents in and out of volunteer positions so that they can both volunteer and watch their kids climb is the norm at the comps I've worked at.
- tough on the nerves but man, just think about the lessons learned eh?
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Gmburns2000
Jun 8, 2010, 6:51 PM
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oh yeah, PS - good luck to your kid.
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JasonsDrivingForce
Jun 8, 2010, 7:34 PM
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Gmburns2000 wrote: oh yeah, PS - good luck to your kid.
Thanks, I just hope he is proud of how he climbs.
Because of your article I will definitely volunteer next time even if my son is competing. I am sure they accomodate me watching him climb for a few minutes.
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