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 August 1 through November 1.
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) letter 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 a previous season Circuit Partner contest that includes a full score recap (all classes), along with commentary files for one group in each class (A, Open, World).
- 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).
- Applicants may be asked to supply additional information, such as answering a short set of questions to illustrate a certain depth of understanding.
Completion of these requirements typically extends over a minimum of two (2) seasons of WGI adjudication before an individual may be considered for assignment. For individuals with minimal judging experience, judge training and/or trial judging may extend beyond two years. Applicants with prior adjudication experience at the national level in the marching arts, including experience with organizations such as Drum Corps International or Music For All, may be considered for assignment under an accelerated process at the discretion of WGI.
WHEN WILL I KNOW IF MY APPLICATION HAS BEEN ACCEPTED?
- Applicants will be notified by December 1 about judge candidate status.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER AN APPLICANT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED AS A JUDGE CANDIDATE?
- Once accepted, candidates may be asked to attend a judge live performance trial at a WGI event or submit sample commentary as requested.
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 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.
