Arena directors and head contest judges

[WhoMe]

Anybody have any idea why some powwows have multiple arena directors sometimes as many as five?

Are head contest judges absolutely necessary? Or can the arena director(s) be responsible for picking qualified judges and lining the contestants up?

Are head contest judges a luxury in today's powwows?

[CHEROSAGE]

I myself don't see the need for more than 2 ADs. I'm not sure about the Head judges either.

I believe that the ADs can pick judges on their own. I think that the head contest judge is a lux that money can buy.

[badmaninc]

I've been to powwows where the AD and whipman weren't getting along and had argument over the selection of judges. I believe if the powwow committee has faith in the person they select, then that person would do an honourable job. I believe that a good AD is somebody whose character or word should be viewed as above rapproach. Sometimes, naive people hire snakecharmers who believe they have the godgiven right to provide direction to the committee rather than offer their opinion. When hired to be an Arena Director, you don't make the rules, you are supposed to offer the best advice you can to the people who trusted you enough to work for them. I have seen Arena Directors who have entered contests in both drumming and singing contests. He tells the committee that it is alright and nobody would complain. It was the last time I went to that powwow. Many ADs see this is as a profession and to me that is wrong. But who am I to judge, I guess.

[lbgood]

...

[kiyaanii mom]

It seems that a smaller powwow, meaning fewer contest categories, fewer sessions, and no drum contest is manageable for one A.D.

But if you are going to have more sessions, all contest categories, and drum contest. It might be easier to have 2 ADs or 1 AD and 1 Head Judge.

It doesn't matter if you select people you feel are above reproach and you make sure your procedures are what you feel are above reproach, the loosers will still complain and the winners will be glad.

So the committees I've worked with try to pick headstaff that are fun and easy to work with. Easy to work with means, they do what you ask and make suggestions when they need to but don't take over and do other things. LOL

[kiyaanii mom]

I was recently talking to a well known A.D about this very issue. He felt it is easier to have one AD and one Head judge if you must have 2 people. Because 2 ADs is confusing for the AD's. They always have to ask each other who is doing what, so they don't step on each others toes. He said usually at a smaller powwow one AD can handle the judge and AD duties alone.

FYI...........

[SingingDeer]

After reading this thread it brings to mind a comment on another thread
Arena assistant

Even though that thread is about women in head staff roles, it would seem to me that having multiple ADs could get rather confusing. But having assistants for a single AD would make a lot of sense in a larger pow wow where it takes more effort to keep things in order.

just my random 2-cents worth...

[ma-heench]

Arena Director

If you have only one Arena Director, when does he go to the bathroom? Supper Break. That's a long time to wait.

[musicedu77]

How many head judges are common to have?
We are looking for one judge for mens dancing, one for females and one for drum contest. Can we get away with that or is it a must to have a head judge?

[WhoMe]

How many head judges are common to have?
We are looking for one judge for mens dancing, one for females and one for drum contest. Can we get away with that or is it a must to have a head judge?

Music,

I think that is a good idea! A head male and female judge.

I am currently planning a MEGA powwow.

I am using northern and southern arena directors, northern and southern head dance judges and one head drum judge who knows northern and southern styles of singing.

[musicedu77]

Music,

I think that is a good idea! A head male and female judge.

I am currently planning a MEGA powwow.

I am using northern and southern arena directors, northern and southern head dance judges and one head drum judge who knows northern and southern styles of singing.

Wow!!

Eventually our powwow will get there once money rolls in. I think any money we make from the powwow will be put into a seperate account that pertains only to be used for our yearly powwow. That will help us in years to come. Who knows maybe once of these years we might be able to afford more headstaff even a whipman.

[musicedu77]

If you have only one Arena Director, when does he go to the bathroom? Supper Break. That's a long time to wait.

Maybe that's why it's good to have a whipman. Being AD is alot of hard work and everyone needs a helping hand every once in a while.

[Coyot_In_The_House]

I've noticed....

Powwows include a number of categories....I.E. Southern, Northern, etc.....Could this spur the need for a number of AD's? GON is huge and 2 seem to be just fine....There are Head Judges as well? Oh! I almost forgot about the "Para Military" group who secure the pit during GON....Gee I wonder if they fall under the title of AD's? LOL!

I'm Kidding Folks....No need to dive off the 10 feet section with no water in the proverbial pool.....

[dmoccasin]

Arena Directors and head judges

When I am hired to be an AD at a pow wow it is important to get on the same page with the committee. Typically, they will define their expectations and their wishes.

Generally, my approach is to encourage vs discourage. I will of course make the decisions based on their expectations and in consideration of the protocol of the pow wow. I generally avoid working with another AD, I pefer to work alone on individual issues. Like another person stated it will lead to confusion amongst the ranks, and when the crowd sees confusion it is an open invitation to add more confusion. And some professional pow wowers will take advantage of the situation. If you know what I mean.

My 2 cents