After completing our first four Technical Official Level 2 training seminars (2 in person, 2 online) we wanted to provide a summary of some of the key points covered, both as a reminder to the TOs as well as a notice to the athletes. One of the main goals of the Canadian Functional Fitness Federation to elevate the legitimacy of this sport across Canada, is to raise the bar of professional level judging aka Technical Officials.
🔷 THE PURPOSE OF TO2 TRAINING
The primary goal of these TO2 trainings was to equip judges with the confidence, precision, and consistency needed to evaluate high-level competitive fitness events at the Canadian Functional Fitness Championships. In these sessions we covered:
-
How to judge each movement with consistency and clarity
-
When and how to call reps and no-reps
-
Exact movement standards for each event including common faults, where to stand, and what to look for
-
How to use your scoresheets and handle your athletes
-
Emergency procedures and communication
-
How to maintain a consistent athlete experience across locations and events
The sessions were led by Raul (TO5 & part of the IF3 Technical Officials international training committee) and Simon (CFFF President), who consistently emphasized efficiency, trust in your position, and the necessity of clear and quick communication, stating:
“You’re not a cheerleader or there for athlete support, you’re there to ensure the standard is met. If you are not 100% confident in the rep, then call the no-rep and call it quickly and clearly.”
🧭 JUDGING PHILOSOPHY AND COMMUNICATION
1. Confidence and Speed Over Hesitation — Judges were reminded that making a confident call quickly was more important than hesitating or delayed decision making.
“The biggest mistake a judge can make is hesitating or being inconsistent. If you’re unsure, it’s a no-rep.”
2. Consistency and Individual Judgment — Every judge was encouraged to trust their own view, not to rely on what other judges might be calling in nearby lanes:
“Don’t worry about what the judge next to you is doing. You are the only one who sees your athlete’s reps from your angle. Be consistent to yourself, not to what’s happening elsewhere.”
3. Hand and Verbal Signals — All judges must use clear, standardized signals. Good Rep: one hand slicing down in front of the torso. No Rep: arms crossed into an “X” across the chest. Judges should also say “no rep” or “good” out loud, especially in noisy settings.
“You should be saying the words, not just signaling. ‘No rep’ out loud is very helpful. Athletes know, video review knows, and head judges can intervene if they hear repeated calls.”
4. Emergency Signals — Judges must be able to discreetly signal head judges without disrupting the floor: raise a 90-degree bent elbow fist (non-urgent issues, questions, athlete concerns) or a waving hand above head (emergency, injury, or unsafe behavior). These signals allow for real-time support without halting the heat unless absolutely necessary.
📋 SCORECARDS AND FLOOR PROCEDURES
1. Judge-Athlete Introduction and Setup — Since most heats have mixed divisions, judges must verify athlete division and equipment before the workout begins. All necessary information will be listed on your score sheet. Once you’ve written the athlete’s full name and division (or just age) then check the score sheet to ensure they have the appropriate equipment needed and review any standards that may be different for their division.
2. Rep Recording — Use whatever method you prefer: tallies, slash marks, block counting, running totals, so long as the final result is easy for the scorekeeper to see what work that athlete completed. Judges should NOT do math, just mark reps and times down clearly.
3. Post-Workout Protocol — Athlete must initial the card before leaving the floor. If they instead want to dispute their score that is fine — just make a note on the scoresheet and we’ll put it aside expecting their dispute submission. Once the athlete has signed your scoresheet you’ll take it to the scorekeeper; they must confirm your scoresheet, then give you a new blank sheet to take back onto the floor for the next heat.