Judges’ certification

Each year, the SCA recruits judges from across the province to help run SCA Sanctioned Competitions. This year’s training courses will be conducted in-person, with the option to join virtually through Zoom. All sessions will be recorded and made available to all registrants following training.

The judges’ training courses are open to any individuals including athletes, coaches, advisors, ex-athletes, ex-coaches, etc. The SCA highly recommends that all coaches/choreographers attend these courses.  Understanding scoring is one of your most important responsibilities to your team and there is ABSOLUTELY no better way to understand this than to come to the courses, learn, and score routines yourself.  You’ll equip yourself with the knowledge as well as the background for scoring methods.

In order to be considered an SCA certified judge, the SCA requires the following:

• You have graduated from high school.
• You hold a current SCA membership
• You have completed an SCA judges’ training course for one or more of the following panel categories: Overall & Cheer; Building; Tumbling and/or Performance Cheer
• You have passed the Cheer Canada Judges’ Certification Exam in one or more panel categories

Judges’ Training is FREE for all SCA Members.  There is a $100 charge for all out-of-province attendees.

Judges training is MANDATORY for all Saskatchewan based judges to be considered SCA Certified. 

New individuals must attend at least one training session. Judges can choose to specialize in one or more categories/scoresheets, and are therefore not required to attend all training courses. It is also recommended that new judges attend the “Intro to Judging” virtual workshop.

For this year’s training will provide Cheer Canada judges’ training on the Cheer Canada scoring system. This training includes judges’ training for Skill Identification, All Star Cheer (including Global, Prep and Novice), Scholastic Cheer, & Performance Cheer (Dance) along with an extensive practice session where you will work with other attendees to score a variety of routines. Upon completion of the courses, individuals will leave with the knowledge and education to challenge and successfully complete the Cheer Canada judges certification exams.

Training Overview 

Judging 101 Webinar – Sunday, October 27 – 10:30am to 12:00pm

Welcome to the best seat in the house! Join us for an introduction to the world of judging and find out if it’s for you. This workshop will be hosted virtually through Zoom. This webinar is for individuals interested in becoming judges!

Comparative Scoring Webinar – Monday, October 28 – 7:30pm to 9:00pm

This mandatory webinar for all new judges provides an in-depth overview of the comparative scoring system used in cheerleading and performance cheer in Saskatchewan. You’ll learn what to expect as a judge, including the responsibilities and challenges of the role, and gain insight into how scoring impacts the overall competition. Additionally, the session will guide you through the steps to effectively prepare for formal judges’ training.  

JUDGES’ TRAINING SCHEDULE 

In-Person attendance in recommended at Sask. Sport Admin Centre – Mosaic Stadium – 1700 Elphinstone St, Regina

Performance Cheer Panel Judges Training – Friday, November 1 – 6:30pm to 9:30pm

This is for individuals interested in scoring performance cheer routines in pom, jazz and hip hop.  Performance cheer judges are encouraged to have strong background and knowledge of dance technique, group performance and technical dance skills.  Judges will train on all three dance scoresheets. Mandatory for all performance cheer judges – new and experienced.

Cheer Refresher Course – Saturday, November 2 – 9:00am to 12:00pm

This course will deliver updates and changes to the scoring system from last season along with some practice scoring to refresh memories. Mandatory for trained/certified individuals. This content will be included in all other sessions.

Overall and Cheer Panel Judges Training – Saturday, November 2 – 1:00pm to 5:00pm

This is for individuals interested in scoring the overall scoresheet for all star and prep cheer teams as well as the cheer scoresheet for scholastic cheer teams.  Judges’ will also be training on the novice scoresheet.

Tumbling Panel Judges Training – Sunday, November 3 – 10:00am to 1:00pm

This is for individuals interested in scoring the tumbling scoresheets for all star & prep cheer teams as well as the tumbling & overall scoresheet for scholastic cheer teams.  Tumbling judges should have a strong background and knowledge of jumps, standing tumbling and running tumbling skills.

Building Panel Judges Training – Sunday, November 3 – 2:00pm to 6:00pm

This is for individuals interested in scoring the building scoresheets for all star, prep and scholastic cheer teams.  Building judges should have a strong background and knowledge of stunt, pyramid and toss

IMPORTANT – All participants MUST complete the Cheer Canada online theory training (coming soon) prior to attending panel training.

Deductions and Scorecheck Judges – Not offered in 2024

This is for experienced judges who are ready to move towards becoming a safety or scoresheck judge. Material will include Cheer Canada deductions scoring, IASF safety certification overview and scorecheck responsibilities. Safety judges should have a minimum of three years experience as a panel judge. Safety and scorecheck judges receive the highest amount of compensation.

Are you a Coach/Choreographer?

We highly recommend that all coaches/choreographers attend this clinic.  Understanding scoring is one of your most important responsibilities to your team and there is ABSOLUTELY no better way to understand this that to come to the clinic, learn, and score routines yourself.  You’ll equip yourself with the knowledge as well as the background for scoring methods.

Note to Coaches: Please be aware that the SCA Judges’ Training is designed solely for the education of individuals wishing to judge at SCA sanctioned events this season. Coaches who wish to increase their knowledge and understanding of the judging process are welcome to attend the training, but please note that Q&As throughout the day will be prioritized for prospective judges only.

Why Judge?

• Help promote growth and sustainability for cheerleading in Saskatchewan and Canada.
• Expand your knowledge of cheerleading.
• Get the best seat in the house for some skill-packed, high-flyin’ fun!
• Learn how to score routines using the Cheer Canada Judging Methodology.  This is very valuable for coaches’ and athletes too!
• Have an opportunity to travel across the province and the country
• Earn some cash – all SCA Sanctioned Competitions provide judges with pro-rated honorariums.
• Learn about the SCA and its services.
• This is an opportunity to become involved in cheerleading other than being an athlete or coach.