Join Jam

To become a member of JAM, follow these simple steps. Each member must re-register with both JAM and the MSHSL every year.

For all officials, both new and returning:

  1. Register as an official with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).

  2. Determine your membership level.

  3. Complete the JAM Registration Form.

  4. Submit your payment (please fill out the registration form first).

  5. Attend an annual member training workshop.

For new officials only:

  1. Follow the above five steps.

  2. Starting Role – KCT/Tab: You will automatically begin in a support role as a Kick Count-Timer (KCT)/Tabulation member. This provides essential experience and insight into JAM’s operations and judging process.

  3. Mentor Program: Complete a mentor training day (typically in November). Once the mentorship day is completed, you may express your interest in becoming a judge.

  4. Judge Application Process: If interested in moving into a judging role, you must submit a formal application. This helps us assess each individuals’s readiness and alignment with JAM’s expectations.

  5. Core Group Review: Applications will be reviewed by the Core Group. In their evaluation, they will consider several factors, including prior dance knowledge, professionalism, communication skills, and overall readiness to judge effectively.

  6. Trial Judging: After the Core Group approves a judge application, the applicant will be scheduled for Trial Judging. To qualify for regular judge assignments, each judge must successfully complete two trial judging sessions.

Please note that Core Group approval of your application does not guarantee a judging position at every competition for which you are scheduled — rather, you may be scheduled in a judging position at any given competition for which you are eligible and available to officiate. You may still be scheduled to KCT or Tabulate at any given competition.

For more details on what your first season as a JAM official looks like, visit our First-Year Members page. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Core Group at jamcoregroup@gmail.com.