Judging | The DrillMaster

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What do you want to be when you grow up?

December 18, 2012 in Ask DrillMaster, Drill Teams, Instructional

I’ve been asked many times about what a high school student can do once he/she has graduated. Well, here are some options for you Drillers who really love what you do.

Go to college (ROTC) and continue to drill with the school’s team
Join the military and join your service’s honor guard
Join a civilian drill team (i.e. New Guard America)
Become an Indie (Independent) Driller (like Adam Obregon- middle school teacher, Matt Wendling- high school teacher, Adam Jeup- drill expert for Glendale Industries, Andrea Bryant- web design expert and founder of For The Art, etc.)
Study and become a Certified DrillMaster and become a drill team coach
Study and become a Certified World Drill Association adjudicator and judge competitions

Or a mixture of one or more. You can always continue your passion of drill and have it become a hobby for the rest of your life.

Tags: ask the drillmaster, driller, judging No Comments »

by DrillMaster

What is “Derived Achievement”?

December 7, 2012 in Ask DrillMaster, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Judging

A friend of mine (“R”) and I (“DM”) were having a discussion, sending messages back and forth a short time ago. The questions he asked have been asked me before and I had to take the opportunity to share the information with you.

R: I have a couple questions, I have heard that in high school exhibition it is illegal to lift members into the air or say have them standing on rifles to report out (or at any point of a routine) is this true in regards to collegiate level drill?

Also what is your opinion on having an exhibition competition without difficulty being a factor in the judging?

DM: Good to hear from you! The legality of lifting someone off the floor depends on the competition SOP. Some allow it, some don’t. It is for safety, which I understand, but my take on this is if the school’s instructors are OK with it, then the competition host has nothing to say in the matter. Waiver forms need to be signed by students- armed drill comes with some unfortunate consequences sometimes- and that takes care of the instructors; forms can be signed by the instructors for the competition, and that takes care of the competition host. Restrictions exist in the boundary and timing, which are necessary. Why restrict imagination?

On your judging question: Difficulty is always a factor and so effectiveness. If the difficulty yields poor effectiveness, then it doesn’t matter how difficult the attempted move was. “At least you tried” or “‘A’ for effort” doesn’t work here. Either the routine is effective or not and if difficulty is a part of that, then it should be reflected in the score.

R: A routine that throws triples and OTH doubles would have a difficulty score higher than a routine that is mostly port spins and at most a double. That should be taken into consideration right?

DM: Not necessarily, how effective each routine is in the end must be taken into consideration. If the more difficult routine is not effective, having fumbles and/or timing issues for instance, then the scoring should show it with lower numbers.

R: And if the timing is on point for both routines then the score should reflect the difference in difficulty.

DM: Yes, if the effectiveness is the same, difficulty wins out.

Note: What I am talking about is not fully understood by everyone and this is why I posted our conversation- I get some great questions from cadets all over the country and this is one of the best. Derived achievement means that one can achieve so much with what one presents, the more that is effectively presented the better the achievement. And this is why the World Drill Association has several different performance classes in which teams fall since some Drillers and teams are able to put in hours of practice and thus execute and even create all kinds of amazing moves while other drill teams can practice 2 hours a week and do their best with that time- which is just fine. There are different reasons for having different performance classes and the WDA Adjudication System rewards all teams in all classes. In the end, we need trained and certified judges since the education bar is being raised slowly but surely. The World Drill Association Adjudication Manual and Rule Book explains this and so much more- educate yourself and go out and create more effective routines with that foundational knowledge. This book is all about the theory of visual adjudication and how to put it into practice.

Tags: adjudication system, ask the drillmaster, derived achievement, drill judging, judging, military drill judge No Comments »

by DrillMaster

Ask DrillMaster- About WDA Adjudication System

August 28, 2012 in Ask DrillMaster, Commentary

Question: From Zachary: Random question about your score system- I know one section of it is labeled “equipment,” does that involve just the weapon or the uniform as well?

Answer: “Equipment” is the catch-all term for flag, rifle, sword/saber and guidon. There is at least one unarmed team that used their hats during their performance as a piece of equipment. So, technically, while the uniform is not a piece of equipment and is judged under Overall Effect, if something is manipulated then it is judged in the Equipment caption.

Thanks for the question!

Tags: ask the drillmaster, judging, uniform, WDA No Comments »

by DrillMaster

WDA Adjudication System

July 27, 2012 in Ask DrillMaster, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional

‘We won with 13 million points! Second place had a score of 12,000.”

I pose this question to you all: In all of the military drill competitions across the USA, and probably into other countries as well, what do the scores mean? What do the point gaps mean?

I have an answer: The scores and point spreads mean nothing.

Then why have a competition? Just to find a “winner”? Or could there be a better reason for having a competition? Granted, competitions bring people together and that is a great thing: socialization, learning from each other, etc.

But is there more? I think the answer to that is a resounding “yes, there is more!” But what is that more? Let’s briefly explore the World Drill Association (WDA) Adjudication System.

The WDA judging system is quite complex and yet easy to use. One must study to be a judge, and every Driller and drill team should obtain a copy of the manual and read it thoroughly. And here is why.

There are four captions in the WDA system (overall effect, composition analysis, movement, and equipment) each of these captions has a sub caption (for the “what” and the “how” of the performance).
The scoring is on a scale of 100, much like the grading system in a school (A, B, C etc.)
Scores are grouped into ranges called “Boxes.”

The WDA Boxes

To see exactly what a score means, all one has to do is look at the back of the score sheet and also look in the WDA Manual. Here you will find a brief description of what a performance should look like in each score range. Boxes are also broken down into thirds to increase the accuracy of the scoring system.

Scores spreads in each caption and overall are based on tenths of a point and those point spreads have great significance.

WDA Point Spread Significance

The WDA also employs a classification system for Drillers, teams and honor guards:

Novice- beginning
Junior- limited
A-Class- intermediate
Open- advanced
Ceremonial Class- for honor guard units

When judging, stay in caption! There is a There is a natural tendency to react to the overall effect of the performance. That’s why judges must be trained in their caption. Judges must concentrate on only their specific caption.

This judging system was designed by experts in visual adjudication in sister pageantry arts of the military drill world. I developed it for use in the military drill world.

Tags: adjudication, judging, summer competition series, WDA 3 Comments »

by DrillMaster

What is Vocabulary?

July 12, 2012 in Ask DrillMaster, Commentary, Drill Teams, Instructional

When speaking in terms of drill and performance, vocabulary deals with the amount of different movements displayed in a routine. For the body there is vocabulary for your feet, the head, arms and hands, and the torso. When armed, vocabulary deals with manipulation of the piece of equipment (sword/saber, rifle or guidon).

Vocabulary means each individual movement. A set of movements is called a phrase and a phrase can be long or short. When designing a routine you want a good deal of vocabulary and you want long and short phrases. It’s the same with writing: if you have a small vocabulary and use only short sentences or have no variation, the reader is not going to be entertained or informed as well as he or she could be.

Along with vocabulary and long and short phrases, a Driller must use variation. Performing the same move more than once with slight variations increases the displayed vocabulary and keeps the audience active versus the repetition that can bore the audience.

Let’s look at the presidential honor guard drill teams. In particular, the Silent Drill Platoon (SDP) relies on the least of vocabulary. Their rifle manual is basic movement with slight variations that are specific to the platoon. The entertainment value in this performance is the high level of excellence and also the tricks performed during the company single file front formation where the team’s non-commissioned officer does and “inspection” of two of the team members. The crowd also loves the tradition of the SDP.

The Army and Air Force drill teams have a relatively high vocabulary and the Navy and Coast Guard drill teams have a moderately low vocabulary. Next time when you watch one of these performances see how many variations of movements you can find.

Tags: adjudication, drill team, driller, judging, vocabulary 1 Comment »

by DrillMaster

“Military Flavor”

July 12, 2012 in Ask DrillMaster, Commentary, Drill Teams, Instructional

‘Our drill team does a Stomp routine for our program this year.’

‘Our drill team does cheer-like movements and we sing/chant throughout our routine.’

What is “Military Flavor”

This is a term that we cannot define so that it is crystal clear. We can define it, but it is more of a subjective term.

Military flavor is a “uniform.” Why is “uniform” on quotes? Because it is up to the discretion of the Driller. Going to wear your Sunday-go-to-meetin’s? [Loud buzzer sound] Thank you for playing. Not gonna work. What is a uniform? It is distinctive clothing. Something simple but not bland. Something that is complete, head to toe. HINT! —-> Do not forget about the head.
Military flavor is an “attitude.” We can call this “military bearing,” which is the appearance, attitude, and conduct of a military member. Strong military bearing earns respect. Now you get the idea.
Military flavor is “style.” Body movement can be a huge factor here (see the first video, above). When you add a piece of equipment (rifle, sword/saber or guidon), military flavor can still be in question due to body movement*.

*One can borrow different styles from different activities, but those styles should not comprise the majority of the routine if they are not based in military drill.

So, there you have it: guidance for military flavor.

One thing that a judge can get mired in is subjective judging and “military flavor” is a term that is subjective. The least subjective the adjudication system, the better.

Tags: adjudication, drill team, driller, judging, military bearing, military flavor 1 Comment »

by DrillMaster

One Studies and is Then Certified!

June 26, 2012 in Commentary, Drill Teams, Honor Guard

You need to study; you need to train to properly judge a military drill competition.

Period.

Tags: drill meet, judge, judging, one does not simply No Comments »

by DrillMaster

Continuing Education for the WDA Adjudicator

June 25, 2012 in Announcements, DrillCenter News

DrillMaster’s third book for the military drill world. The World Drill Association aims to train the Driller and the judge offering intense training in this modern adjudication system that offers true and accurate ranking, rating and feedback for competitors, improving the competition experience for all involved. This pamphlet is an adaptation for the WDA of four papers written for Winter Guard International and Drum Corps International: So, You Want to be a Judge (Shirlee Whitcombe) and, The Process of Assigning Scores; The Principle and Process of Achievement; and lastly, Accountability (George Oliviero). It also contains home studies for each caption. Shirlee and George have been my judge mentors for many years now.

Tags: drillmaster's books, judging, WDA 1 Comment »

by DrillMaster

The Process of Certification

June 25, 2012 in Ask DrillMaster, Drill Teams, DrillCenter News, Honor Guard, Instructional

I offer the only trainer and adjudicator certification program for the military drill world. With each certification you then have the knowledge necessary to start creating a foundation of education for those you train. You can build on my knowledge and experience and go further!

How does someone become a certified trainer for drill teams and/or honor guard units?

Choose what you would like from the list below as there are three different certification courses. All training is self-paced with quizzes and tests.

DrillMaster Drill Team Trainer/Coach Certification
Exhibition Drill For The Military Drill Team (XDI) There is a quiz for this book.

Exhibition Drill For The Military Drill Team, Vol II (XDII) There is a quiz for this book.

Other materials: the drill and ceremonies manual for each service. A quiz for each- general knowledge of the differences for each service.

Pass the quizzes and write a sort description of how you would teach three types of teams. You find out the types when you test. Pass and get your certificate in the mail.

DrillMaster Honor Guard Trainer Certification
The Honor Guard Manual (choose either hardbound or spiral bound). There is an involved test on this book.

Other materials: the drill and ceremonies manual for each service. A quiz for each- general knowledge of the differences for each service.

Pass the test and quizzes*. Pass and get your certificate in the mail.

*If you are already a certified DrillMaster, the quizzes are waived.

World Drill Association Judge Certification
World Drill Association Manual and Rule Book For the WDA Manual, read the whole first part of the book and then choose one caption. Study that caption and use it while watching drill performance videos on the internet.

Continuing Education For The WDA Adjudicator A quiz for this book.

There are quizzes for each book and you will also have to submit audio recordings and scores for review for pre-chosen drill performance videos.

How does one keep their certification? Once you are certified, you are then trained and ready to move into a position of training others, if you are not already there. However, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it, meaning that even though you have a certification, you need to keep informed all the time: reread each book. Constantly. I will eventually develop and offer web-based recertification seminars at the 3-year range. There will also be yearly web-based training seminars for DrillMaster- and WDA-Certified trainers and/or judges as well as live workshops offered around the country.

http://www.thedrillmaster.org/no-drill-please-were-british/

Tags: certification, drillmaster, judging, trainer 3 Comments »

by DrillMaster

“Stand Still Laddy!”

June 8, 2012 in Ask DrillMaster, Commentary, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional

That’s a line from Pink Floyd’s song, The Wall. And it fits perfectly.

Judges: stop moving around the drill pad!

Why?

It’s distracting to the audience- which is not a main concern, but is part of the consideration.
There are macro and micro moves a Driller can perform and if you are constantly moving around, you will miss those subtleties.
Staying in one place also forces Drillers to consider what they do and when- not just how.
By moving around you are probably missing the visual dynamics of a routine.
Moving also can distract you from doing your job which is to keep your eyes on the performance the whole time.

Especially the Head Judge! Your moving around only leads to a possible timing penalty when you have to race around to return the salute for the report-out.

Think of the drill area as a stage (which it is). The drill area is a square or rectangle and where the head judge stands is what I call the “perform-to side.”

Argument: “But I need to see the Driller’s (or Drillers’) alignment.”

There is no need to move around; you cannot be everywhere at once. What you need to do is see what you can see from your stationary vantage point and judge from there. Moving around doesn’t change things nor give you a better view. Plus, if the judges are elevated (see below), moving around isn’t necessary.

There is also an issue of “fairness.” Drillers should expect a certain standardization and if you’re moving around wherever you want and not moving exactly to the same place at the same time for each performance, then you are not seeing each performance from the same vantage point which is not an acceptable standard.

In the WDA Manual the Overall Effect and Composition Analysis judges should be elevated (like bleachers in a gym) to be able to view the whole floor, 1/2 to 3/4 of the way up, and the Movement and Equipment judges should be right next to the drill area- they can be slightly elevated: one or two rows above. The T&P judge is the one who receives the salutes.All judges can actually sit and judge (!).

Tags: judging No Comments »

The DrillMaster

You are browsing the archive for judging.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

What is “Derived Achievement”?

Ask DrillMaster- About WDA Adjudication System

WDA Adjudication System

What is Vocabulary?

“Military Flavor”

One Studies and is Then Certified!

Continuing Education for the WDA Adjudicator

The Process of Certification

“Stand Still Laddy!”

Glendale Parade Store Code!

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