Section 5 · Judges' Panel
Judges: Duties and Rights
What a judge must know and do, how he behaves at the table, what he wears, and his right to appeal.
Unofficial summary. The FIG Code of Points and its newsletters are the authority; every rule links to its page there.
Every judge
Before the Competition
Every judge is fully and solely responsible for his own scores.
A judge knows these texts thoroughly:
- the FIG Technical Regulations
- the Code of Points
- the FIG Judges' Rules
- any other technical information for the competition
He understands contemporary gymnastics and the intent of every rule. He is prepared for every apparatus.
- He attends every instruction session and judges' meeting. If he cannot avoid an absence, the MTC decides on it.
- He follows any instructions on organisation or on the scoring system.
- Podium training is compulsory only if the directives say so.
- He can fill in any score sheet and use any computer equipment.
- He is rested and alert.
- He is present at least one hour before the start, or at the time the work plan gives.
Every judge
Uniform
The FIG uniform is a dark blue suit, a white shirt and a tie. If the organising committee supplies a uniform, judges wear that one.
Every judge
At the Table
A judge:
- behaves professionally at all times
- is visibly non-partisan and ethical
- judges every exercise accurately, consistently, quickly, objectively and fairly
- keeps a record of his own scores
He stays in his own seat unless D1 consents. He has no contact or discussion with gymnasts, coaches, delegation leaders or other judges.
Sanctions for poor judging or poor behaviour follow the FIG Judges' Rules and the Technical Regulations of the competition.
Every judge
Rights
When the Superior Jury intervenes, the judge may explain his score. He may agree to a change or refuse it. He may be overruled, and he must be told.
He may appeal against arbitrary action:
- By the Apparatus Supervisor
- Appeal to the Superior Jury.
- By the Superior Jury
- Appeal to the Jury of Appeal.
Every judge
The Judges' Oath
At World Championships and other important events, the judges take an oath. They promise to officiate with complete impartiality, to respect and follow the rules, and to act in the true spirit of sportsmanship.