Question about judging martial arts point tournaments?

Question

I train in Aikido. We, from time to time, compete in s.d. in our local state tournaments. I am always approached to be judge for kata and sparring. Everyone knows me and knows I do not train in kata or sparring and quite honest have no clue about either of them. Are they so desperate or is it just that easy. To have someone who knows nothing to judge. I have said many times that most of these karate mom's know more about kata and tag than I do, have them judge. I know 0 kata and haven't point sparred since 1990. I don't think that I am qualified to be a judge for these things. Am I wrong? I focus on Aikido and other than that I focus on real life combat mma, Bjj, kali/escrima with my aikido. Nothing here, I believe, qualifies me to judge kata or sparring, I do neither of the so why do they keep asking me to judge?

Answer 1

Judges are usually in short supply and you are a good and honest martial artist to come out openly and say you feel uncomfortable in judging something that you know little about. Next time tell them you don't feel comfortable or qualified but if they need help you will be happy to help keep score, set up divisions or rings, etc. That may free up a black belt somewhere that can judge.

I do know some judges on the national circuit that are not nor ever were great martial arts competitors but are good judges. These people are usually around karate and competition a lot and have learned and developed a good understanding of kata and different martial arts as well as competition. You could broaden your knowledge and learn a little about kata and what to look at and for based on different styles and then judge in the lower ranking divisions. Also sometimes there are Philippine divisons and that would be right up your alley.

Answer 2

they may want you because you do not do any of the styles and you wouldnt choose sides over the other.

Answer 3

Maybe they want a dimwit.