Things to kick around

       JAM Meeting Statistics

     At the  end of the year  meeting for JAM that  was   held   on   Sat.  April  5^th,    these  statistics  were  given.   I thought it would   be  nice    to   share    them   with  coaches, dancers, and  fans as  well as the judges  that  could  not be  at the meeting. 

2003 Statistics for JAM (Judges Association of Minnesota)

1.         There are 102 judges registered with the Minnesota State High School League.  83 are JAM members.

2.         The 83 JAM members have a total of 224 years actual Dance Team experience

3.         They have 536 years additional dance background.

4.         They have 91 years college and professional experience.

5.         They have 385 years Judging experience.

6.         44 of the 83 members have coaching/dancing instructor background.                  

JAM    Judges   go   through    9   hours   of training  each  year  to  continue their status as a JAM  member.  Additional class   must   be  taken to   become Tabroom   Specialists    and  more  extensive  classes  are  taken  by JAM members  to   reach   the  status  of  a Superior Judge.

Scheduling last year:

1. 105 Officiating dates scheduled
2. 557 officiating positions scheduled (i.e., Judges, tab’s KCT’s   (Kick Counters / Timers)
3. 412 Judge positions scheduled
4. 74 Tabulator positions scheduled
5. 12 Tab Assistant positions scheduled
6. 59 KCT positions scheduled

JAM    assists    the    MSHSL    with    the selection and placement  of  the  judges for   Sections and   has  input  with  the MSHSL   in   the   selection   of   the Judges for State Competition.

If  you  are  interested in  becoming a judge and a member of JAM, contact Laura Berg-Olsen at laurabegolsen@juno.com

Page 2

State Finals from the Stands

By Sharon Swenson

2000

You’re up next.

Now you’re on the floor.

Were really nervous for you,

But you’ve won before.

Were so excited.

We whistle and cheer.

A few more dance moves.

The ending is near.

You’ve all danced better

than ever before.

You’ve done your best,

We couldn’t ask for more.

All the trams are done,

and we think you are the best

but it’s up to the judges,

they make up the list.

Vol. 1

6^th place is called

and it’s not you.

5^th place is the worst

that you can do.

5^th place is called

and their trophy they get,

it wasn’t our team,

were still up there yet.

4^th place is called

and were still in the running,

at least now we know

we have medals coming.

3^rd place is called

and now there is just two.

You and another team,

your dream has come true.

It’s first or second,

It’s down to the gun.

There name is called,

                   “MY GOD YOU’VE WON !”

BUILD CONFIDENCE

The  way  to  find confidence  is  to  look  for challenge.   Rock solid confidence and lasting self  esteem  cannot  be  handed  to   you, no matter how  well  intentioned your benefactor may  be.   Confidence  and  self esteem come from  the    direct    experience   of   meeting challenges.

Confidence  is  well  worth  the trouble.  With confidence  in  yourself,  anything  is possible.

 But  confidence  cannot   be  created  out  of nothing.    Try  to  do  that and you'll only get arrogance,  a poor  substitute which crumbles at the first tough challenge.

 Confidence   must   be  built.    Just  as  strong muscles are built by lifting  heavier and heavier weights, confidence is build by taking on bigger and bigger challenges.

Don't  shy  away  from  challenge.  Welcome it. Seek   it   out.   It  will   teach   you.     It   will discipline   you.     It   will   give   you  valuable experience.   And  it will build in you something which can  help  take you where ever you wish to go -- confidence.

Received from JFK e-mail 4-8-03