Alan Fitzpatrick is a CrossFit judge, as well co-owner of MyStudio, head coach at CrossFit Navan and co-founder of team event The Filthy 150.
Featured image: Pete Williamson Photography
What sort of experience do you need to become a judge?
Recently, you need a lot of experience, especially if you want to judge at a top events like The Athlete Games, Regionals or The Filthy 150. There was a lot of competition for place at The Athlete Games this year which is driving judging standards up because only the best get selected. I have been judging since the London Throwdown and have judged at approximately 12 competitions over the past 3 years.
If you lose count or mess up, it could hurt your athlete’s chances. Describe that feeling of responsibility…
To be honest, I don’t get an overwhelming feeling of responsibility. I would put this down to experience and confidence. I have made mistakes, very few recently, mostly positional where I just couldn’t get the correct angle and see properly. Just like in my coaching and business, I always learn from my mistakes.
What makes a good judge?
Firstly you need good knowledge of the movement standards and what the uncommon movement errors might be.
You need the ability to communicate the standards with your athlete, build rapport but gain respect. On the floor, be very vocal and visual. Have the confidence to make a call, regardless of the situation. Be friendly but firm. One tactic I always use, is that I don’t hold onto the clipboard.
What do they tell you at the judge’s briefing?
These days it’s mostly about the flow, timing is everything in big events. Early days when everyone was fresh it was all about movement standards. At the Athlete games this year, we quickly ran through the movement standards but spent a bit of time on the uncommon stuff like the watt bike set-up and legless rope climb standards.
Are you allowed to give advice or pep talks to athletes during the WOD?
No. We are there to count and direct the athlete.
You were a judge at The Athlete Games. Who was your favourite athlete to judge?
Kara Haliwell. She’s hot.
It’s your first event and first WOD as a judge. What do you say to your athlete?
I always introduce myself and ask an athlete if they have any questions regarding the WOD. I’m a chatty guy and will ask them if they have competed before, which box are they from? etc. I like to think it takes their mind off the nerves, if they have any.
There’s an awesome photo of masters athlete Maz Glover jumping into your arms after a workout. Tell us about that moment…
The masters athletes are the nicest of the lot. Very chatty, competitive but not over competitive. I judged Maz in an earlier WOD and we had a good chat prior in the athlete loading area. We got on really well – I think she likes my Irish accent.
I also know Maria Blumenthal from CrossFit Mallow in Ireland. Maria and Maz were 1 and 2 all the way in the 45-49 division, so we were all having a bit of fun in the back room. I judged her for a second time on the “Lumberjack 20″ I think, where farmers walk was the finish. Maz finished just ahead of Maria, she knew it was an important win and she was so delighted, she jumped into my arms.
Would you like to judge at the Games?
No. I’m hoping to go fly over this year and enjoy it as a spectator.
What are you working on when you’re not judging?
I run MyStudio CrossFit Navan, which takes up most of my time. We are in the early stages of expansion to include a GRID court and other cool stuff.
In between all that I run The Filthy 150 team fitness competition here in Ireland. This year we will have 150 teams of 6 people competing over 2 days in October. I have started interviewing Irish athletes as part of my FilthyTV project. I’m on a mission to get around to every box in Ireland. There are 78, I have been to 34 so far.
Thanks Alan, best of luck!
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