Judge-in-Training

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The ACA is pleased to offer a Judge-In-Training (JIT) Program for Alberta residents who are 16-18 years old and have at least one year of experience as an athlete or coach in the sport of cheerleading. This program is designed for those who are newly embarking on their officiating journey. The ACA offers this program for FREE to ACA members.

The JIT program includes two virtual training session and a workbook that the JIT completes weekly. The JIT then actively implements the workbook lessons into a practice judging opportunity.

What will I learn?

As a JIT, you will:

  • Gain valuable experience in the field of officiating.

  • Work under the supervision of an experienced official(s).

  • Be directly involved in a practice judging opportunity.

  • Become educated in the requirements to certify as an ACA and Cheer Canada Official.

  • Be exposed to opportunities to further your education in the sport through the ACA’s Pathways for Officials.

  • Earn a certificate of completion.

How do I participate?

1. Review the Program.

Review all JIT information on the website and contact us to clarify any questions.

2. Register.

Register for the program.

If there are no upcoming sessions, please contact us at judge@albertacheerleading.ca to advise of your interest. 

3.  Become a member.

Individuals must hold either a current athlete or coach membership with the ACA. Those who do not must purchase an official’s membership. Additional information will be sent upon registration.

What does the program consist of?

1. Two Virtual Training Sessions

An experienced ACA-certified facilitator conducts two 1.5 hour sessions. For the 2025 season, these will be hosted on Monday, January 13th @ 8pm and Monday, February 25th @ 8pm.

2. Workbook Completion

The JIT workbook consists of six exercises and reflections for the JIT to complete (one per week). They take approximately 30-45 minutes each. Exercises and virtual sessions consist of the following topics:

  • ACA & Cheer Canada’s Code of Conduct for officials

  • Judging roles, responsibilities and skill sets

  • The comparative scoring system

  • All-Star Building, Tumbling & Overall score sheets and scoring factors

  • How to script, set scores, provide appropriate comments and rank teams

  • Knowing where to find resources and how to use them

  • How to certify as an official and the requirements involved

At the conclusion of the exercises, a second virtual training session will be held to reflect on the exercises, answer questions and ensure JITs are prepared for their live practice judging event.

4. Practice Judging

JITs will practice their skills at a live event – True North Cheer and Dance Championships – at the Edmonton Expo Center. The exact date (February 28th to March 2nd, 2025) and time will be determined. Individuals from outside the Edmonton area will participate virtually.

5. JIT Program Feedback Form

The JIT Program Feedback Form is completed by the JIT at the end of the program and is submitted to the ACA. The information received informs us of your experience and helps us to improve the program for future JITs.

6. Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of the program and any additional requirements such as ACA membership, the JIT will receive a Certificate of Completion in PDF.