Overview
Whether for your own edification or to qualify for a DTD Judging Opportunity, this process is designed to ensure that can effectively apply the material found in The Definitive Guide to Judging Drill Meets in practice.
NOTE: If you have judged a drill meet on behalf of Drill-Team Dynamics BEFORE 1 June 2025, your requirements may differ from those listed herein. DTD will communicate any specific requirements for continued involvement to you directly.
You may have been given a specific assignment (i.e. Marine Corps JROTC Unarmed Regulation) to qualify for a specific opportunity OR you may elect to participate in this process choosing your own area of study! Once you complete Stage 1, you may add additional areas of study and go through the process to become even more well-rounded!
All communication will be conducted through the DTD Network Discord server. As such, all prospects should apply to join the DTD Network. High school cadets CAN begin this process as members of our Student Leaders Network and, if eligible for participation with parent/guardian/program approval, can serve as DTD Judging Interns.
Stage 1: Calibration
Designation: DTD Judging Novice
In this stage, we will work together to calibrate your eye to recognize teams in the Developing, Proficient, and Performance-Grade ranges. When this stage is completed, you should feel comfortable sampling a team’s performance and recognizing where they fall on the DTD Rating Structure.
You will receive multiple video samples as well as the most current Global Drill Team Challenge rating sheets which deal specifically with providing feedback and a DTD rating to teams in a variety of categories.
We’ll dialog about your process/observations/etc., compare your ratings to our own, and reflect on how to continue to improve.
Reasonable Expectation of Contribution:
From You:
- NONE at this level! This is your chance to dip your toe into the waters of judging and see if it’s something that interests you!
From Us:
- Timely communication and feedback throughout the discovery process!
- Check-ins after periods of inactivity!
Ascension
Judging Novices will advance from this stage at DTD’s discretion when they have completed the DTD Judging Basic Skills Test and demonstrated an ability to accurately apply the DTD Rating Structure to performances in their area of study.
Stage 2: Preparation
Designation: DTD Judging Apprentice
In this stage, you will utilize the scoresheets associated with your area of study and mock-grade a variety of drill team performances. When this stage is complete, you should feel comfortable sampling a team’s performance and assigning numerical point values using the DTD scoring framework.
You will receive multiple video samples to score and, as in the previous step, we’ll dialog about your process/observations/etc., compare your scores to our own, and reflect on how to continue to improve.
DTD Judging Apprentices are also eligible for LIVE judging opportunities at real drill meets serviced and overseen by Drill-Team Dynamics Inc. with prior approval. Apprentices may also request to judge at meets in their area and submit a combination of their scoresheets and footage of the team(s) they judged to satisfy this requirement with prior approval. NOTE: Apprentices approved to use their own live drill meets NOT serviced/overseen by DTD are NOT authorized to represent DTD in any capacity.
Reasonable Expectation of Contribution:
From You:
- Checking & responding in the DTD Discord server on a regular basis!
- Creating time to diligently focus on any practice assignments!
- Completion of any practice assignments in a timely fashion!
- Proactive communication before, during, and after any LIVE functions!
- Timely & urgent elevation of any legal, ethical, or moral concerns to an appropriate party!
From Us:
The above plus…
- Clear & timely communication concerning any LIVE functions!
- A good-faith attempt to provide opportunities for LIVE functions as available!
- More regular check-ins as needed!
Ascension
Judging Apprentices will advance from this stage at DTD’s discretion when they have demonstrated an ability to accurately score teams using the scoresheets associated with their area of study and we anticipate MOST individuals will participate at this level of involvement!
Stage 3: Practice
Designation: DTD Journeyman Judge
For the exceptionally motivated, in this stage, you are considered a practicing DTD Judge eligible to maintain a listing on the DTD Judges Network for official contact by drill meets. The area(s) of study you’ve worked through in the previous stage will be reflected on this listing.
As part of this process, you will be required to document and submit every scoresheet you complete to DTD for review, debriefing, and general improvement.
DTD Journeyman Judges must maintain at least one event of active judging each school year but may, with the approval of DTD, perform asynchronous, remote mock (or actual) judging to satisfy this requirement. Like any other specialized skill, drill meet judging is a perishable skill.
At this stage, Journeyman Judges must obtain an approved background check at their expense. DTD can place this background check for you.
Reasonable Expectation of Contribution:
From You:
The above plus…
- Procuring an approved background check at your expense!
- Proactively searching out and securing judging functions in your local area!
- Completing at least ONE live judging function each school year (or mock judging in lieu of live judging)!
- Proactive updates & communication to DTD concerning your judging practice!
- Timely communication of ANY concerns relating to DTD or your judging work to DTD executive staff!
From Us:
The above plus…
- Consistent check-ins, especially after LIVE functions!
- Active solicitation of your judging services via our website and other avenues to offer as many opportunities as are available!
Ascension
Journeyman Judges advance from this stage by appointment and only after they have turned 25 years of age. The body of that Journeyman Judge’s work will be carefully considered.
Stage 4: Mastery
Designation: DTD Judge Coordinator or DTD Master Judge
Whether selected to DTD Judge Coordinator or DTD Master Judge (or both), these individuals will be responsible for helping to mentor those undergoing the DTD Judging Apprenticeship process, be a sounding board for initiatives, and asked to represent DTD in an official or supervisory capacity.
DTD Judge Coordinators are responsible for attending meets as the primary POC for DTD and ensuring the success of the judges in their care. DTD Master Judges are appointed for their considerable body of work and professional acumen and considered to be of the highest experience and expertise concerning JROTC drill team competitions.
Reasonable Expectation of Contribution:
From You:
The above plus…
- Contributing consistently to the executive leadership of DTD!
- Taking initiative by voluntarily and proactively contributing to the mission of DTD!
From Us:
The above plus…
- Frank and honest feedback regarding your body of work!
- As much support, professional or otherwise, as can be provided by executive leadership OR is desired by you!