All JAM members are required to trial judge and participate in the mentoring program in order to become more proficient with the Minnesota dance team score sheet criteria.

Trial Judging

Trial judging positions are unpaid and required for all new members regardless of previous dancing, coaching, and/or officiating experience.  Trial judging may take place at any of the predetermined competitions.

Trial judges’ scores will not count toward the meet’s final results.  Trial judges are expected to arrive on time, prepared, and follow all guidelines of judging professionalism, including participating in the post-meet conference.

JAM’s Mentoring Program

The mentoring program is also a requirement for member in their first year of officiating with JAM.

Unlike other trial judging experiences, the mentoring program allows newer members to discuss the routines as they are being performed.  Additionally, mentorees will be given the opportunity to view the tabulation room in process and practice kick counting and timing.

Like other trial judging experiences, the mentoring program is an unpaid opportunity and participants must provide their own officiating materials.

The mentoring program typically takes place at a large invitational early in the season that will give participants a chance to judge both high kick and jazz, in all three Minnesota dance team classes (A, AA, AAA) at the varsity and junior varsity levels.

2023-2024 Mentor Program Dates 

Saturday, November 18: Burnsville Invite

Saturday, December 2: Forest Lake Invite

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