NAWGJ UNIFORM
The new NAWGJ uniforms can now be ordered online. The website is: http://nawgj.hpidirect.net (Please note: this is .net NOT .com)
We will link the HPI site directly to our NAWGJ.org site shortly but for now judges should go directly to the HPI site.

The company will take orders twice a year. The first order deadline will be on July 21, 2007. The second date for ordering is October 1, 2007. Judges should expect their order within 70-75 days of the order deadline dates. You may pay with credit card on the secure site. A fit line will be available for most regions and also at National Congress in San Jose. If you wish to try on a uniform piece please contact your State or Regional Judging Director to find out the date your region will receive the sample fit line pieces. You must order directly with the company, HPI Direct, online. The company supplies uniforms for two major airlines and numerous other companies. The HPI uniform blends extremely well with our present uniform pieces which is one of the reasons we have chosen this company. There are two styles of pants available and pieces may be ordered separately (you do not need to order an entirely new uniform).

Should you have any URGENT questions that cannot be answered by your judging director, please contact Jim Poyner <jpoyner@hpidirect.net>. You MUST put NAWGJ Uniform in the subject area. It may take some time for a response as we are not his only client. The NAWGJ uniform is not required for USAG competitions but we always wish to encourage our judges to be in uniform and look professional while judging. When we are in a consistent uniform it is easier for coaches, athletes, meet personnel to recognize us on the judging floor. Both slacks, pants and skirts are acceptable pieces of the NAWGJ uniform.

Compensation Proposal

I received this from Kathy Kelly regarding the revision of the USAG Compensation Package for our members.
“We did quite a bit of research, especially with the other NGB’s as we tried to find the “industry” standard. “ (This background information was shared with me and basically gives the amounts officials are paid in other Olympic Sports). It is too much information to include in this email but we are in line or at the top compared to similar sports. The other consideration that USAG had is how the Women’s Program ranks in comparison to the Men’s Program and Rhythmic Programs. All this was taken into consideration.

The R& P and will be revised as follows:

In a nutshell, here is the decision:
Beginning in August 2007 a 5% increase per current rate will result in the following hourly fees.
Brevet $30.45
National $28.35
Level 10 $26.25
Level 9 $23.10
5/6,7/8 $18.90
7/8 $16.80
5/6 $14.70

JO National Meet Daily Rate will increase to a Daily rate of $200.00.

Visa Championships will increase to a flat rate of $350.00 (beginning in 2008).

Olympic Trials will increase to $450.00.

Beginning August 2009 a 3% increase will go into effect for the hourly rate.

Please convey to your Board our sincere appreciation for the excellence of the majority of the judges who are servicing our sport. We are all proud of their expertise and their dedication. However, we also must weigh any increase cost associated with judges’ compensations as an increase in the expense to our Meet Directors. Many Meet Directors depend upon the income from their meets to supplement their net profits and support their teams. We all must realize that there must be a ceiling for compensation in order to maintain stability of the clubs/programs which provide the athletes competitive experiences and the judges a means of employment. There are no other changes to the current contract.

Best Regards,
Carole Ide
President, NAWGJ