Breaking Judge Certification Levels
The Dance Adjudication Network has established a structured certification system for Breaking judges to ensure fairness, consistency, and integrity in competitions. Judges progress through three levels—Trained, Certified, and Proficient—based on their understanding, practical experience, and contributions to the community. Below is a detailed breakdown of each certification level and its requirements.
Trained Judge
The Trained Judge is the entry-level certification for those who have successfully completed formal training in the Breaking judging system. This level focuses on theoretical understanding and ensures that judges possess the necessary knowledge to evaluate battles accurately within the system.
Requirements
- Completion of a Certified Breaking Judge Program: Aspiring judges must complete a recognized training course that covers the core principles of the judging system.
- Understanding of the Evaluation Framework: Judges must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the competition rules, criteria for evaluation, and the principles that guide judging decisions.
- Active Community Engagement: Judges should actively participate in the Breaking community to stay informed on evolving trends, practices, and standards within the discipline.
Key Competencies
- Solid grasp of theory and rules.
- Familiarity with common breaking moves and styles.
- Capacity to make informed, unbiased decisions in a competition setting.
Certified Judge
Certified Judges build upon their foundational knowledge by gaining practical, hands-on experience under the guidance of more experienced judges. This level emphasizes the application of theoretical knowledge in real-world competition scenarios.
Requirements:
- Level 1 Certification: The judge must have completed all the requirements of a Level 1 Trained Judge.
- Live Event Judging Observation: Judges must observe a live event and evaluate the competition, ensuring they are familiar with the pressure and dynamics of live adjudication.
- Consistent Application of the Framework: Judges must demonstrate that they can consistently and accurately apply the evaluation system during events.
Key Competencies:
- Application of the evaluation framework in live competitions.
- Ability to articulate and defend judging decisions with confidence.
- Collaborative approach, incorporating feedback from peers and mentors.
Proficient Judge
Proficient Judges are recognized experts in the Breaking adjudication system. They not only judge competitions but also contribute to the development of the judging community by mentoring others and engaging in ongoing professional growth.
Requirements
- Level 2 Certification: The judge must have fulfilled all the requirements of Level 2.
- Proven Judging Track Record: Judges at this level should have a history of successfully judging Breaking competitions, with positive feedback from competitors, event organizers, and other judges.
- Mentorship and Training: Level 3 judges are expected to mentor aspiring judges, helping them understand the evaluation system and guiding them through the certification process.
- Community Leadership: They are actively involved in the Breaking community, contributing to discussions, workshops, and professional development initiatives.
Key Competencies:
- Extensive experience and mastery of the evaluation framework.
- Leadership and mentoring capabilities.
- Continual engagement in professional development to stay updated on evolving trends and practices in Breaking.