The second ACSC Continental Officials Course was held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 24 to 29 may 2011. This is the first time I am assisting as a trainer to IFSC Jury President Mr Francis Lo. Francis is also my trainer when I was taking my Judges Course in Imst 2005. A total of 19 participants from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand attended the course. Prerequisite for course is that particpants need to be a National Judge with one year judging experience. They are also required to write an essay of not less than 70 words on why they hey want to attend the course. A Continental Routesetter COurse was conducted concurrently by IFSC Chief Routesetter, Mr Kim DongHyun.
A written test was held on the first day of the course to determine the participants' knowledge and familiarity of the current rules. This test constitutes 30% of the overall results.
The training course were focused on going though the current rules. Participants were required to read off the rulebook as well as to explain sections of the rules based on their understanding as a test of their proficiency in English. Case studies were discussed and personal experience were shared among the class. The second day of the class ends of with a practical session on typography and dynamic belay. That was also the only day where participants had time to do some climbing and bouldering.
Judgment Day arrived in the form of a four hour written examination which forms the remianing 70% of the overall results on the third day. The course was concluded on the fourth day with with a recap of the test and exam questions. Now the participants are probably waiting anxiously at home for their results.
Participants with an overall result of 80% or higher will be conferred the status of Continental Aspirant Judge where they will be required to practise in two competitions cpbvering all discplines of Lead, Buldering and Speed. Participants scoring 60 to 79% shall be conferred the statues of Regional Judge.
This course has reinforce my belief of establishing a formal structure for the development of Judges in Singapore as the participants who have done well in the test on the first day hail from countries with very established system for the development of Judges in their country. I hope that the with a structure in place, our next batch of Singapore Judges can do us proud in the next Continental Judges Course.
A tip on the prerequisite of a continental judge:
1. A National Judge with at least one year of active judging experience
2. Need to be familiar format and rules of all the disciplines
3. Be aware of the changes in the Rules
4. Proficient in English
5. Make friends with your Routesetting Team
