The Saskatchewan Cheerleading Association (SCA) offers annual training and shadow opportunities for new and returning judges to learn the Cheer Canada scoring system, develop confidence in routine evaluation, and gain the certification needed to officiate at SCA-sanctioned competitions across the province.

Why Judge?

Becoming a cheerleading judge offers a unique way to stay involved in the sport and contribute to its growth across Saskatchewan and Canada.

Judging allows you to:

• Help promote growth and sustainability for cheerleading in Saskatchewan and beyond
• Expand your knowledge of cheerleading and scoring methodology
• Get the best seat in the house for skill-packed, high-flyin’ performances
• Learn to score routines using the Cheer Canada Judging Methodology – an invaluable skill for coaches and athletes alike
• Have opportunities to travel across the province and country
• Earn pro-rated honorariums for officiating at SCA-sanctioned competitions
• Learn more about the SCA and its programs
• Stay engaged in cheerleading in a rewarding way beyond being an athlete or coach

Judges’ Training

Each year, the SCA recruits judges from across the province to help support and deliver SCA-sanctioned competitions.

This year’s Judges’ Training Courses will be conducted virtually via Zoom. All sessions will be recorded and made available to registered participants following training.

Judges’ training is open to any individual interested in judging, including athletes, coaches, choreographers, teacher advisors, and former athletes or coaches.

These courses are mandatory for all judges and are designed to help new and returning officials prepare for the Cheer Canada certification exams.

• Free for all SCA members
• $100 fee for out-of-province participants

Eligibility Requirements for All Officials

To become a certified judge with Cheer Canada and the SCA, all officials must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a resident of Canada
• Have at least two years of experience as a coach or athlete*
• Have completed the judge training program in their province of residence
• Have completed a minimum of 5 hours of shadowing or mentorship within their province, or have judged more than 30 hours in the past two years 
• Hold an active Judge Membership with both the SCA and Cheer Canada
• Have a current background check on file
• Have successfully passed the Cheer Canada exams in their judging category
• Have completed the NCCP Safe Sport training
• Have completed the NCCP Making Ethical Decisions (MED) training
• * or have judged more than 30 hours in the past two years

Are You a Coach or Choreographer?

We highly recommend that all coaches and choreographers attend this clinic. Understanding scoring is one of your most important responsibilities to your team, and there is absolutely no better way to improve that understanding than by attending this course, learning the judging system, and scoring routines yourself. You’ll equip yourself with valuable knowledge and background on scoring methods.

Note to Coaches: The SCA Judges’ Training is designed primarily for individuals who intend to judge at SCA-sanctioned events this season. Coaches who wish to increase their knowledge and understanding of the judging process are welcome to attend; however, please note that Q&A segments during the sessions will be prioritized for prospective judges.

Judging 101 Webinar 

Welcome to the best seat in the house! Join us for an introduction to the world of judging and find out if it’s for you. This workshop will be hosted virtually through Zoom. This webinar is for individuals interested in becoming judges!

Comparative Scoring Webinar 

This mandatory webinar for all new judges provides an in-depth overview of the comparative scoring system used in cheerleading and performance cheer in Saskatchewan. You'll learn what to expect as a judge, including the responsibilities and challenges of the role, and gain insight into how scoring impacts the overall competition. Additionally, the session will guide you through the steps to effectively prepare for formal judges' training.  

JUDGES' TRAINING 

Performance Cheer Panel Judges Training 

This is for individuals interested in scoring performance cheer routines in pom, jazz and hip hop.  Performance cheer judges are encouraged to have strong background and knowledge of dance technique, group performance and technical dance skills.  Judges will train on all three dance scoresheets. Mandatory for all performance cheer judges - new and experienced.

Refresher Course 

This course will deliver updates and changes to the scoring system from last season along with some practice scoring to refresh memories. Mandatory for trained/certified individuals. This content will be included in all other sessions.

Overall and Cheer Panel Judges Training 

This is for individuals interested in scoring the overall scoresheet for all star and prep cheer teams as well as the cheer scoresheet for scholastic cheer teams.  Judges’ will also be training on the novice scoresheet.

Tumbling Panel Judges Training 

This is for individuals interested in scoring the tumbling scoresheets for all star & prep cheer teams as well as the tumbling & overall scoresheet for scholastic cheer teams.  Tumbling judges should have a strong background and knowledge of jumps, standing tumbling and running tumbling skills.

Building Panel Judges Training

This is for individuals interested in scoring the building scoresheets for all star, prep and scholastic cheer teams.  Building judges should have a strong background and knowledge of stunt, pyramid and toss

Deductions, Head Judge and Scorecheck 

This is for experienced judges who are ready to move towards becoming a safety, head or scorecheck judge. Material will include Cheer Canada deductions scoring, admin responsibilities, head judge duties and scorecheck responsibilities. Safety judges should have a minimum of three years experience as a panel judge. Safety, head and scorecheck judges receive the highest amount of compensation.