In the United States, the USA Gymnastics association is responsible for certifying the judges that evaluate gymnasts at competitions. To become a judge, you must be a Professional member of USA Gymnastics, hold a safety certification and be either over the age of 18 or a junior member of USA Gymnastics. Judges earn ratings based on written and practical tests. A judge's rating determines her level and therefore the competitions she is allowed to judge.
Compulsory 5/6 and Optional 7/8
A potential judge that has never held a rating can test for either a compulsory level 5/6 rating or an optional level 7/8 rating. You may progress to optional level 7/8 without first holding a compulsory 5/6 rating. To obtain a level 5/6 rating, only a written exam is needed. Level 7/8 judges take a written and video practical examination.
Level 9
To test for level 9, a judge must have held a level 7/8 rating for at least 12 months. They must be at least 18 years of age and take both a written and practical video exam. Gymnasts who are currently competing or coaching at level 10 can take the level 9 judging test without holding a level 7/8 rating. Level 9 judges can judge USA Gymnastics Olympic levels 7,8 and 9 athletes.
Level 10
Level 10 judges must have held a level 9 rating for at least 12 months. Exceptions to this rule are made for elite coaches or senior gymnasts who have participated in national elite classic events. Level 10 judges must be at least 20 years of age and take a written and practical video examination. Level 10 judges can judge USA Gymnastics junior Olympic level 7, 8, 9 and 10 athletes.
Brevet and National Judges
To become a Brevet or National judge a judge must attend a Brevet or National Judges course, which are invitation only. To become certified, a judge must pass all requirements of the course they have been invited to attend. Once certified, they may judge all junior Olympic optional levels.
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