2025 World Gymnastics Championships: Men’s AA, October 22

[barbara_dewey]

Tim was a coach for a long time, but I don't remember him ever judging. @barbara_dewey Do you know something I don't about this?

That said, he's always known the code well.

ETA: I didn't see the US broadcast. I do think that Tim and John both are very sympathetic to gymnasts. Sure, they may not see every error, or they may disagree so strongly that they aren't willing to accept the rules as they are. But I think that they are more likely feeling defensive of the gymnasts. And honestly, I don't blame them, as the rules are tough. Not nearly as ludicrous as WAG rules, but tough.

I remember him talking about judging, particularly in relation to needing to be on top of the code in order to adequately coach his own athletes. He has had some good athletes, but when I think about it, I don't know how high he might have gone.

 

[KristyJ]

I know he coached for quite a while here in New England, but I think he retired from it? The club is now named Western Massachusetts Gymnastics instead of Daggett's.
The thing that I think is particularly beneficial about judging training even beyond code knowledge is practice on what to see and how to see it, and more up-to-date information on how the code is being applied. We on this board can consistently see deductions that the casters miss. (Whether we agree it should be a deduction is another question, but the rules are what the rules are.) Now, they may be instructed by NBC not to be detailed in breaking down routines, but if that is the case, that is a mistake by NBC. Educated fans are usually more involved or dedicated fans because they can understand what they are seeing.

 

[barbara_dewey]

Tim was a coach for a long time, but I don't remember him ever judging. @barbara_dewey Do you know something I don't about this?

That said, he's always known the code well.

ETA: I didn't see the US broadcast. I do think that Tim and John both are very sympathetic to gymnasts. Sure, they may not see every error, or they may disagree so strongly that they aren't willing to accept the rules as they are. But I think that they are more likely feeling defensive of the gymnasts. And honestly, I don't blame them, as the rules are tough. Not nearly as ludicrous as WAG rules, but tough.

Fred Turnoff just told me that he remembers taking a judging course "years ago.". I think it's reasonable to assume that it was something below brevet.
I definitely remember seeing John R. judging. It was probably at MAG college meets, but I am not sure.

 

[cats]

I really enjoyed Tim and John. Part of it is just a Pavlovian association between Tim’s voice and a big meet. But really, while I do think the broadcast would be improved if their scoring-related commentary was more technically correct, I just loved listening to two guys who really love MAG get to talk about their sport. There was actual honest enthusiasm for the event and all the competitors and it was just fun to listen to.

 

[arabiandoublefront]

I really enjoyed Tim and John. Part of it is just a Pavlovian association between Tim’s voice and a big meet. But really, while I do think the broadcast would be improved if their scoring-related commentary was more technically correct, I just loved listening to two guys who really love MAG get to talk about their sport. There was actual honest enthusiasm for the event and all the competitors and it was just fun to listen to.

Yeah, I've started to realize I prefer enthusiasm and love for the sport versus technically correct commentary. It's why I'm a staunch Scott Hamilton supporter versus Tara and Johnny. There's room for both, but if I have to pick a type of commentary...