The judge was drunk!

[Adwiz]

Saw this topic in my DanceScape newsletter, and found it fascinating as I've never even imagined this was happening.

Apparently there have been a surpising number of instances where judges at dance competitions have been seriously drunk or observed drinking heavily. In one case, a judge was thrown out because he was so drunk he had marked the same couple 12 times for the semi-final round.

According to the message at DanceScape, at a recent collegiate dance competition, a number of competitors witnessed judges who were pouring Jack Daniels into their cups and drinking as if they were at some bar.

So, here are my questions:

Have you ever observed this kind of behavior at a competition?

If so, what kind of competition was it?

At all the competitions I've observed as an attendee, and at the one I was competing in, the judges were to be commended for their professionalism. I can't even imagine a case where this kind of thing happens, but the discussion surrounding this issue suggested it happens quite frequently.

[DanceMentor]

Yes, I can recall going to dinner with a judge. He had about 4 drinks and then went back and judged the Pro-am Scholarships. Some people are not very deserving of their positions, yet they remain.

[pygmalion]

The judges I've seen at comps have always been very professional, but I have heard rumors about such awful behavior. It's amazing to me that there seem to be so few repercussions for such judges. :?

[Vince A]

In the three dance venues that we have competed in - over the last ten years - not once have I seen a judge drunk, muchless even drinking.

In UCWDC, the judges set great examples for all of us to follow while they are judging, and to boot, I've never seen one that wasn't dressed to the hilt while judging.

110% professionals, all the way. I can only hope that if and when I get into judging, I can carry on the model that they have lead!

[DanceMentor]

That's good you have never seen this. Hopfully, that means it is not widespread. I wish I could say more about the person I observed, but better not do that.

[will35]

Adwiz wrote, "In one case, a judge was thrown out because he was so drunk he had marked the same couple 12 times for the semi-final round."

Was that the couple who bought the judge the twelve pack before the competition?

[Adwiz]

Was that the couple who bought the judge the twelve pack before the competition?

LOL! That was good!

From the comments I read, it sounded as if this may have been primarily happening at collegiate competitions. That's why I was curious if anyone else encountered this. Everything I've seen suggests that for the most part the dance community is less enthusiastic about alcohol consumption than the general population.

[SDsalsaguy]

From the comments I read, it sounded as if this may have been primarily happening at collegiate competitions. That's why I was curious if anyone else encountered this. Everything I've seen suggests that for the most part the dance community is less enthusiastic about alcohol consumption than the general population.
Yes, unfortunately this does happen and not just at collegiate events. It is far from the norm, but it does happen – both with judges and even pro-am instructors. Fortunately both scenarios are in the vast, vast minority…but, lamentably, I've seen both.

[Taita]

Well....

If it was a college competition, then maybe the organizers shouldn't have had the venue next door to the keg party! :lol: