In the WSDDJA, there are 2 membership types you can choose from. 

• 1. Performance AND Safety/Technical Judge

  2. Safety/Technical ONLY Judge

Membership dues, training expectations, and competition payments are the same for both options. However, they do each have a different interning process.

1. Complete WSDDJA Intern Application.

2. Read through Intern Manual for Intern process and expectations.  

3. Complete all training requirements for the 2025-2026 season.

4. Pass the written exam with at least a 70%.

5. Complete online WOA requirements.

6. Complete all intern requirements.

1. Digital Audio Recorder (Performance Judging Interns Only)

   1. • We recommend purchasing an audio recorder that produces files in an .mp3 format

      • Safety Tech Only interns will not be required to purchase a digital audio recorder.

2. Judging Bag Including:

   1. • Calculator

      • Paper or notebook

      • Pencils and Pens

      • Spare Batteries (for Performance Judges)

      • Clipboard (recommended)

      • The Judges Handbook and NFHS Spirit Rules Book (provided for you)

      • Internship Manual

All people new to judging must go through the intern process before becoming a judge. To "intern" means to perform all the same duties as a judge (score sheets, audio commentary, Safety Technical) but your scores will not contribute to the totals, and your materials will go to the Intern Director instead of to the team.

To be a Performance and Safety Technical judge, you must complete the intern process coordinated with our Education Director and our Intern Director. You can find the videos that require performance judging on our Training Materials page.

To be a S/T only judge, you must intern in at least 1 competition as a Safety Technical Judge intern.

You will be paid $30 per competition while you are an intern.

REQUIREMENTS AFTER ATTENDING FALL CONFERENCE

1.  Complete audios and score sheet with one of the practice videos listed Training Materials.  Send all audios and copies of score sheets to wsddjainternship@gmail.com.

2.  Once certified and approved to judge all 6 categories, select 1 competition to complete performance judge internship, and 1 competition to complete safety tech internship.  Turn in your competition preferences to the intern director and await assignment.  

3.  Submit all score sheets, audio commentaries, recap sheets, and other required materials (depending on membership type) to the Intern Trainer within 1 week of an event for feedback and evaluation. The Intern Director may assign additional competitions as necessary.

INTERNING AT STATE

To judge at the State Championships, you must intern at a State. However, if you are meeting all requirements and turning in materials in a timely manner, you may be judging at regular season and District competitions - for full judge's pay and mileage reimbursement - before State!

After successful completion of an internship at State, you will be able to judge AT STATE.