USTA Master Judge, Tiffany Reicosky, who hails from Michigan, is also a highly respected NBTA judge. She recently talked with Inside Loop about how she views her task for both organizations. Here's what she had to say:
Inside Loop: As a judge in NBTA and now a USTA Master judge, are there challenges with your process switching back and forth?
Reicosky: In general, no, an intermediate athlete is an intermediate athlete whether USTA or NBTA. One difference would be in scoring Teams. The NBTA and USTA Team scales are quite different. If you look at an NBTA team score sheet, there are five separate captions- so even if you were to score a team in every caption a LOW WEAK score of 0-10 points you would end up with a total score of around 50. A team that scored a 50 at USTA would NOT be considered a weak/fair team! When I first was studying to become a USTA judge I created "reference notes" for myself off of videos I studied to help me deepen my understanding of the scoring system.
Inside Loop: What are three things you look for in all athletes when you are judging?
Reicosky: 1. Equal development of baton and body skills- Most athletes have certain skills that come easier to them than others. It is human nature to want to practice either what we like or what is "easy" to us. It takes determination and perseverance to work on skills that can be frustrating or more difficult to achieve. When an athlete is able to show strong development in both areas, it is a wonderful opportunity to reward their hard work. 2. Follow through and flow. These skills really can set an athlete apart from the pack. When the baton(s) move with ease from contact material to passes and aerials and back again, it is a thing of beauty. 3. Confidence- I want to "buy" what you are selling! Have faith that every time an athlete steps in my lane I am rooting for you to do your personal best. As a former competitor I can still remember how nerve wracking it can feel to step onto the competitive stage. I always try to smile before the start of their performance to remind them I am on their side.
Inside Loop: As usual, we always ask for three things the baton world might not know about you.
Reicosky: I LOVE plants and have recently started my own "inside" jungle. I always try to look for new stores to stop and shop for plants when I am traveling to competitions. I am also a certified scuba diver. I have found that there is something so peaceful and vibrant about the ocean and the animals that live in it. Lastly, although I'm not sure this is a hidden fact, I am a Pure Barre Fitness Instructor, and I have been teaching this technique for over ten years.