ATTENTION ALL IBTF JUDGES AND COACHES
ATTENTION IBTF JUDGES:
This message applies to any judge who has completed a judge certification course in TwirlED which includes both Module 1 and Module 2, or as a Master Judge to Module 5.
Beginning September 2026: Yearly updates are required of all IBTF Judges. IBTF is launching a new method of judging the technical disciplines and starting this September, this coming year’s update is all about training judges in this new system.
What are technical disciplines? IBTF refers to Solo, 2 Baton, 3 Baton, X Strut, Duet, Artistic Twirl, Artistic Pair, Artistic Group, Twirl Team, DanceTwirl Team and Twirling Corps as “technical disciplines.”
To maintain professional IBTF judging status at any level, IBTF is requiring all judges to attend a 4-part series of live seminars to learn and understand the new system of judging the technical disciplines.
This 4-part live seminar series will count as every judge’s required update for 2027.
JUDGES WHO ARE SELECTED FOR THE 2027 CHAMPIONSHIP MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
1. Experience of judging at the National level OR have previously judged at a Technical International competition.
2. Must have completed Module 1 and Module 2 by 30th September 2026.
3. Must attend all seminars for the New Judges System for Technical Disciplines during Sept-Oct-Nov-December to be current.
4. Must attend all online judges’ meetings in preparation for judging in Liverpool 2027.
THE 4-PART LIVE SEMINARS WILL COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
1. Saturday, 26th September 2026 (North America/Europe) Sunday, 27th September 2026 (Japan / Australia)
2. Saturday, 24th October 2026 (North America/Europe
Sunday, 25th October 2026 (Japan / Australia)
3. Saturday, 21st November 2026 (North America/Europe)
Sunday, 22nd November 2026 (Japan / Australia)
4. Saturday, 12th December 2026 (North i / Europe)
Sunday, 13th December 2026 (Japan / Australia)
In order to enroll FOR the Live Seminar Series, applicants must first possess a TwirlED account.
Applicants must then enroll in the *New Judging System Seminars for Technical Disciplines* and pay the S15.00 USD update fee to attend all 4 Seminars. Enrolment will open on September 1. Once you have enrolled you will be able to gain the links for each webinar. Following the completion of each seminar you will be able to review the seminar and any resources that were presented.
Please follow these links to enroll onto the LIVE sessions:
Current IBTF Master Judges Update 2026 - LIVE SEMINARS
Once you pay your 15 Dollars, you can log into the module and then you will see the 4 links for the zoom sessions.
What happens if you cannot be in attendance for all 4 Live Seminars?
Each Seminar will be recorded and will be available in TwirlED. You may enroll in each seminar separately and pay $10 USD per seminar.
What happens if you cannot be in attendance for any of the 4 Live Seminars?
You may enroll in the entire 4 -part Seminar Series in TwirlED and pay $30.00 USD total.
As previously stated: Completion of the 4-part series qualifies as the required yearly update for 2027. This update also qualifies judges to be eligible for selection on the World/Nations Cup panel for the 2027 Championship in Liverpool, England.
ATTENTION COACHES!
If you are interested in learning about the new judging system for the Technical Disciplines, you are also welcome to enroll in any or all of the 4 -part Seminar Series in TwirlED. You may enroll in one for $10 USD, or enroll in all 4 and $30.00 Please enroll onto the module stating Not Live Seminares.
Moving forward beginning September 2027 for the 2028 Season:
1. A yearly update will be required of all judges to complete online in TwirlED. More information will be available on the specific requirement in due course.
(Edited by Sandi Wiemers - original submission Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 1:00 PM)
