What happens if I need a year away from judging?

A judge can ask in writing for an approved year of absence, for example for parental leave, studying abroad or health issues. With Women's Judging Committee (WJC) approval:

• the year is not counted as unsuccessful and is recorded as an approved year of absence on your record form
• it does not add seniority on the judges' roster, so it does not increase your honorarium
• if the absence goes beyond one year, you must take a course at the level you held before the absence when you return

Source: Alberta Gymnastics Women's Judges Handbook 2025-2026.