How to Get Constructive Feedback From Show Judges After Prejudging

I just finished my morning prejudging in Dallas and I am not happy with my placement in the second callout. I really want to know how to get constructive feedback from show judges after prejudging without being a nuisance. I know they are busy but I need to know what to bring up for the night show or for my next prep.

In the past I have tried to catch them at the end of the night but everyone is usually exhausted and ready to go home. I have heard that some organizations allow you to email the head judge for a critique. Has anyone actually done this and received a helpful response?

I am looking for specific details like whether I was too watery or if my tan was too light under the stage lamps. I do not want generic advice I want to know exactly why I was moved to the side of the stage. If you have tips on the best way to approach the officials please share them.

Hang in there, man. Dallas is always a shark tank. Best bet is to wait until the night show is completely over before approaching them. They are literally focused on the next 50 athletes right now and won't remember your specific lines if you corner them backstage during the break.

Spot on, Mike. I’ve seen lads in the UK try to pounce on judges during the lunch break while they're just trying to grab a coffee. It’s the fastest way to get on their 'naughty list.' Wait for the official email address to be announced or check the federation website for the feedback portal.

Actually, at some of the OPA shows in Canada, they encourage you to talk to them at the end of the night near the stage. Just keep it brief—don't start an argument about why you should have been first. Ask specifically: "What are the top two things I need to improve for my next show?"

Totally agree with the 'keep it brief' rule. If you have your stage shots on your phone ready to show them, it helps jog their memory. But seriously, don't be that guy who spends 20 minutes explaining your life story. They've been sitting in those chairs for 10 hours.

I disagree with showing them photos on your phone immediately after. The lighting on a phone screen is rubbish compared to what they saw under the stage spots. Just ask for their notes—they usually keep a log of why they moved people in the callouts.

Thanks NorthernLass. Do you think it's better to email the head judge directly or try to catch the panel? I’m worried if I wait for an email, it’ll be a generic response weeks later.

Always the head judge. They usually have the final say on the consensus. Just remember, it’s a subjective sport—if you ask three different judges, you might get three different answers. It’s enough to make you mental.

I disagree. Catching the whole panel (if they stay for the meet and greet) is better. You can find the 'common denominator' in their critiques. If all three say you were flat, then you were definitely flat.

One trick is to look for the judge who was the most active during your callout—the one who was actually moving you around. They likely saw something specific that prompted the move.

Make sure your tone isn't defensive! I’ve seen competitors get really aggressive in the hotel lobby after a show. If you're a jerk, they aren't going to give you the 'insider' tips on how to win next time.

Spot on, Maple. Use phrases like "I'm looking to grow in this federation" or "I value your expertise." It sounds a bit like brown-nosing, but it opens doors.

Okay, the night show is about to start soon. I'll wait until after the trophies are handed out. Should I have my coach do the talking or is it better if I go myself?

Go with your coach if you can. Sometimes judges are more 'candid' with coaches because they speak the same technical language. Plus, your coach can filter out the harsh bits so you don't lose your mind lol.

Totally agree! A good coach knows how to translate "you look like a bag of spuds" into "we need to tighten up your water management."

LOL LondonLad. Too true. Also, don't ask for feedback if you aren't ready to hear the truth. Some people just want the judges to tell them they were robbed.

If you're in the second callout, there's usually a clear gap in either conditioning or symmetry. Be prepared for them to tell you that you weren't lean enough. It’s the most common feedback in novice classes.

I actually find that 'posing' is the most common feedback I get. You can have the best body but if you can't present it, they'll bury you in the second or third callout.

Agreed. If they say "presentation," they mean you were shaking, losing your air, or your transitions were messy. That’s the easiest thing to fix at least.

I feel like my posing was solid, so I'm betting on conditioning. I'll try to find the head judge after the overalls. Thanks for the advice everyone, feeling a bit more level-headed now.