What is the MCGJA?
In 1997, the MCGC formed our Judging Association, the Michigan Color Guard Judges Association (MCGJA). The MCGJA has adopted strict and demanding standards to ensure that our judges are current with their training and exposure, both nationally and locally.
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The MCGJA offers training opportunities for current and perspective judges and for our membership as well. These training sessions are held pre-season and throughout the year.
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Questions?
Email the MCGC Judge Coordinator at judgecoord@mcgc.net
Judge Training
Training is required for future judges, but it's also an invaluable experience for designers and instructors. Prospective judges build a solid foundation. Instructors and designers learn about the judging process and criteria, which allows them to see the activity through that lens, and impacts how they design shows and teach their units. Before someone can judge MCGC events, they must complete training with our MCGC Judge Development Coordinator(s).
Interested in Becoming a Judge?
Fill out and submit our Judging Interest Form and the MCGC Judge Coordinator will contact you.
Training Levels
Level 100
Covers basic judging concepts. In this level you will develop a fundamental understanding of the role, ethics, and professional expectations of the judge, along with the judging process as a whole, and the basic skills required.
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Level 200
The focus is on developing basic judging skills. You will develop a fundamental understanding of WGI’s caption-based philosophy, the role of the judge within that system, and the skills required to fulfill that role.
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Level 300
Offers in-depth caption-specific training at the WGI A class level, and lays the conceptual foundation for the Open and World classes.
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Trials
Prospective judges will also trial at multiple live competitions alongside working judges to hone their skills at providing verbal commentary, managing scoring, and interacting with teams during critique. The Judge Development Coordinator(s), along with the MCGC Judge Coordinator, determine when a prospective judge is ready to be eligible to judge in the state of Michigan.