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To Judge... not to judge...

© Melody Sanders

LETTER FROM A JUDGE...

Some food for thought regarding Contests;
In light of the controversy that surrounds most contests, this letter was submitted for information purposes only. The opinions expressed here are the reflection of one of the participating judges only... Although the links available to the reader at the end of this article have been supplied as a true form of those that are used in one competition.

*****The info you will be reading in the additional links is sent to every contestant who enters a contest.*****
IT IS UP TO THE CONTESTANT TO READ ALL THE INFO AND WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM THEM.
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The Letter....
Personal Information
Being a hockey and baseball coach for approximately 12 years, it was up to us, as coaches, to ensure that all information pertaining to a tournament was read over so the team would be ready and adhere to the rules of the tournament as set out by the organizers of that particular event. If we did not read the info given, then who was responsible, "the team"? No, it was the "coach".
Another example.....Being a Union Representative, for the United Steelworkers of America, representing approx. 150 employee's. It is my job as a Rep. to ensure that our Collective Agreement is adhered to, (contract between the company and the union). When a union member comes forward with a complaint, it is the Rep's job to gather the FACTS from the parties involved, before heading into a grievance meeting. IF, as a Union Rep, all the facts where not gathered the grievance would not be successful, therefore, my credibility as a Union Rep. would be tarnished. IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE ALL THE FACTS.

Elvis has been in my life for as long as I can remember. I may not have told anyone, a guy thing I guess, but I have enjoyed his music all my life as my mother and sister listened to ELVIS.
My first exposure to contests came a few years ago when I went to Collingwood for the first time. It was a great experience and one to remember. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to manage an ETA, a very time consuming responsibility, traveling, booking shows, etc... and one that sadly had to be given up due to other family responsibilities.

Being a judge requires you to study Elvis, his moves, vocals, which hand he held his mic in, which side of his body he wore the sashes on, what outfits fit what era/era's of his music. Everything, that pertains to Elvis on stage. It is a HUGE undertaking and responsibility, one to be taken seriously as some ETA's do this for a living.