Sunday's Workshop session opened with a presentation by Rina Gallo, who maintains the database of FAI Judges. Rina took us through the step-by-step process of creating a new judge, from the receipt of paperwork from the appropriate NAC to the type of data needed to effect the record.

Apart from the basic fields relating to the individual, ie first name, family name, date of birth and gender, additional extensive fields relating to the date and type of course taken, the pass rate in the written and practical examinations, where the course was undertaken and under whose direction. Further fields allowed for inputting information relating to subsequent re-evaluations. The database is very comprehensive and builds an historical record relating to each judge. Rina explained the various check-lists she's created to ensure the database is valid as well as the various reports that can be produced for the Judges Committee. Without exception, everyone was in awe at the extensive information the database contained, equally with the time Rina dedicates to ensuring the database is kept up to date and accurate. A well-earned round of applause concluded her presentation.

The Workshop continued with Karla looking more closely at the various questions that were submitted in written form yesterday, but which weren't addressed due to time constraints. Several points had previously been tackled and sometimes the discussions from around the table became lengthy, sometimes at cross purposes, sometimes even off topic! One area which was debated at length was the time needed to run a course. Clearly some disciplines need more time than others to conclude, but the exchanges gave an insight into how individuals schedule their courses and why.

Looking in greater depth at the course content for judge training, the participants were re-organised into small working groups, discipline orientated, to come up with 15 new examination questions. Returning once again to a single working group, Karla went through the Chief of Judge Training Handbook highlighting areas and discussing aspects that may encourage a better outcome for the trainees. She went on to elaborate things she did to put her trainee judges at ease, making the entire experience an enjoyabale one, not something to be feared.

Emphasis was also placed on the need for feedback from the, hopefully, now qualified judge. Many people find so-called feedback forms requiring lengthy answers annoying, even intimidating.  Karla showed everyone a segmented 'bullseye' wheel allowing for specific areas/questions to be annotated around the outer edge. Feedback is made by putting a single dot in the appropriate section to denote the degree of satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is unsatisfactory and 5 is excellent! One would hope to receive the document back with a cluster of dots in the centre!

Finally. Karla drew attention to a new training aid in development by Ron Miasnikov and her colleague Shalomo 'Yoyo' Matichin. It's an online scoring system that anyone can download and use on their home PC, laptop, tablet or phone. The working model can be seen here using the events in the left-hand margin. One feature yet to be included is slow motion, but even in its current form as demonstrated by Ron, it appeared to be a simple to use and effective way of practising ones judging skills. You were able to match your skills against the judged video, which even depicted the dive sequence. The location/storage of videos is an issue yet to be resolved, but this facet is currently being addressed.

Bringing the meeting to a close, Karla asked the participants for their observations on the usefulness of the Workshop. It was evident from the comments made that it had proved to be a valuable and thought-provoking event, which served to emphasise the need to seek ways to standardise judge training courses. With this in mind, everyone was in agreement of the necessity for future FAI Chief of Judge Training Workshops in order to see their goal achieved.

One final gesture from Karla - always an enforcer of traditions - to imbibe a Tyrollean berried Schnapps, drunk from chocolate lined wafer cups!

Their cups runneth over . . .	Raise your glasses . . .	Enjoy . . . !!!

A personal thank you from the floor to Karla for not only having the insight to organise this workshop but for making it such a smooth run and enjoyable experience.

Till the next time!