Judging Controversy - Part 2

[Joe Lachowski]

The AMA responded positively to the NSRCA efforts by requesting that the 
NSRCA submit FIVE potential WC judges to add to the AMA President's list of 
potential American WC judges for future reference. While the AMA offered to 
consider the NSRCA nominees, it did not commit to choosing one of the 
nominees as a judge. They did promise to consider our nominees very 
seriously, however. Significantly, Bob Noll was also included in the top 
five judges and was therefore recommended to the AMA along with four others.

Here occurred the major misunderstanding. It is possible that some members 
of the NSRCA Board thought the "NSRCA Five" that were submitted in June 2004 
were to serve at the 2005 WC. Wrong. Based upon the prior NSRCA - AMA 
consultations, Bob Noll's name had already been sent to the FAI in 2003 
along with others. The FAI nominated four people from the list, Earl, Bob, 
Matt Kebabjian and Don Ramsey as potential 2005 US judges in March 2004, 
months before the NSRCA Five were nominated. The "Five" are, in reality, our 
nominees for 2007.

However, it is very important to note that the WC US judge represents, not 
the NSRCA, but the AMA and the United States to the World. Therefore, the 
selected nominee needs to have far more abilities than just being a good 
judge. While judging ability is important, it is just really a minor factor 
in the selection. Actually, good judging performance is considered a "given" 
in our WC judge. Fortunately, through Ron and company's efforts, we have a 
system for making sure that this "given" is actually present in our 
nominees.

But There are far more important factors than simple judging ability in the 
selection. Why?

First, our WC judge must possess accomplished diplomatic and sales skills in 
order to weave effectively through the complex international factors, 
cliques, undercurrents and intrigue that are part of the WC to best benefit 
the US Team. Most countries send the same judge every year and relationships 
are built that our judge, being new, is not party to. He must build those 
relationships quickly and effectively.

Second, our judge must posses an international reputation that engenders 
respect in order to maximize his effectiveness in the short time period 
available.

Third, the judge's "resume" must be superb and beyond reproach. It should 
include judging and/or managing National Contests, judging Team Selection 
events, be one of unquestioned fairness, integrity and attention to detail 
and must include having successfully judged "Unknowns."

If the judge lacks any of these qualifications, then his effectiveness as 
the AMA and US representative is reduced until his abilities have a chance 
to be recognized while "in action" overseas.

Finally, the AMA President must be personally comfortable with the names 
presented to the FAI. After all, the judge represents the AMA President. Any 
problems that develop, or performance that under serves, reflects poorly 
upon the AMA President, the AMA and on all US RC modeling in the World's 
eyes. That is why the AMA President alone is the only one to make the judges 
list selection and chooses whose name is first on the list given the FAI.

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