WGI is always seeking qualified individuals to join its esteemed judging community. Becoming a judge is a multi-step process that begins with an application and requires prerequisites from all interested parties. Depending on need, WGI may consider any number of candidates for addition to our judging roster.

WHEN WILL APPLICATIONS BE ACCEPTED?

• The application period is open from September 1 through November 20.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A WGI COLOR GUARD JUDGE?

• Knowledge and skills necessary to effectively develop into a WGI Color Guard judge with the potential to meaningfully contribute to the judging roster.
• Minimum of three (3) years of recent adjudication experience, preferably with a local WGI Circuit Partner organization or prior experience as a writer designer, and/or instructor in the marching arts.
• Submit three (3) letters of recommendation from recognized organizations or individuals within the marching arts community.
• Provide a current resume that details relevant experience in the indoor marching arts or comparable organizations.
• Commentary files from the previous season for one group in each class (A, Open, World) accompanied by the full day’s recaps from those contests where commentary files were created. Samples should come from a WGI Circuit Partner event.  
• Attend the Judge Live Performance Trial (see below)
• Proof of completion or required abuse prevention training as prescribed by WGI.
• Consent to a background check conducted by WGI.
• Any WGI Certify certificates to indicate levels of completion (if applicable).
• Once applications are closed, candidates will be asked to answer a short set of questions to illustrate a certain depth of understanding.

WHEN WILL I KNOW IF MY APPLICATION HAS BEEN ACCEPTED?

• Applicants will be notified by December 21 about judge candidate status.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER AN APPLICANT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED AS A JUDGE CANDIDATE?

• Candidates will then be required to attend the WGI Judge Live Performance Trial.

WHAT IS A JUDGE LIVE PERFORMANCE TRIAL?

• Formerly known as the WGI Judge Academy, the 2027 Judge Live Performance Trial is a two-day intensive experience for judges pursuing a direct pathway to the WGI Judge Roster. Held every odd-numbered year, the program provides hands-on judging experience at a major Regional+ event featuring a broad range of classes and potential live critique opportunities.
• The 2027 Live Performance Trial will be held March 13–14 at the Dallas Regional+ event. Space is limited and intended for individuals actively pursuing a role on the WGI Judge Roster rather than those simply exploring an interest in judging.
• Some judge candidates who show promise will be given the opportunity to participate in self-guided trials at WGI World Championships.

WHEN CAN CANDIDATES EXPECT A FINAL DECISION TO BECOME A WGI JUDGE?

• All WGI judges, including candidates, undergo a meticulous review process during July and August of each year. Each application is thoroughly compared to an established national-level judging standard and then to current roster members in their chosen caption, not for a general place on the roster. This ensures that only the most qualified candidates are selected. Candidates will be notified about their status and any assignments by September 30 for the subsequent season.

HOW CAN I PREPARE TO BECOME A JUDGE CANDIDATE?

• Begin to collect commentary files, recaps, and letters of recommendation.
• Ensure that you are current with the required abuse prevention education as prescribed by WGI.
• While not mandatory, having a judge mentor to review your commentary files and recaps is highly recommended. If your mentor is already a WGI caption judge, they may provide one of your recommendation letters. This mentorship provides invaluable support and guidance, enhancing your chances of success as a judge candidate.