Aaron Begg & Jason Arens: A Look at the Behind-the-Scenes of the Job of Two FIS Freestyle Judges

As FIS Freestyle judges, Aaron Begg and Jason Arens play a key role in snowboard and freeski competitions. But how does someone become a judge? And what really happens behind the scenes at an event? We caught up with Aaron and Jason to find out what their job is really like.

From Athlete and Coach to Judge

Before stepping into the judging world of Slopestyle and Big Air, Aaron Begg was already part of the scene – as both an athlete and a coach. He got into judging through a friend, and thanks to his coaching background, the transition was smooth. Many of the same principles that apply to coaching also help when it comes to scoring runs.

Jason Arens also found his way into judging through his love of freeskiing. “I used to compete in Slopestyle, though never at the highest level. Once I realized I didn’t have big competitive ambitions anymore, a friend introduced me to judging. I’ve always been analytical and detail-oriented, which turned out to be a great fit.” Now, he’s been a judge for over 14 years.

What Most People Don’t Realize

According to Aaron and Jason, many people underestimate how much time and commitment judging requires. “We travel constantly and spend long periods away from home – you really have to love the sport,” says Aaron. Jason agrees, adding, “Every judge I know has a deep passion for freestyle. We analyze every run down to the smallest detail and do our best to ensure fair and accurate scoring.”

Freestyle judging is also different from other sports. Instead of sitting at the course, judges are often in a separate room watching the runs on multiple screens. Unlike in figure skating, for example, they can discuss scores with each other to make sure the results are as fair as possible.

A Typical Day as a Judge

A World Cup event starts the night before with the team captains' meeting. The next morning, judges watch training runs to get a feel for the course and conditions. This helps them understand what to expect from the athletes. Experienced judges like Aaron and Jason know many of the riders personally, so they’re familiar with their strengths. But at the end of the day, one thing matters most: fair judging and an event where riders feel comfortable pushing their limits.

During qualifications, judges spend the entire day in the booth, reviewing runs on screens and taking notes. They work closely together to ensure fair and consistent scoring.

While the finals tend to have a more relaxed atmosphere, the pressure ramps up due to live TV broadcasts. Scores need to be delivered quickly and accurately, making it a high-stakes job – even for experienced judges.

Unique Locations, Unforgettable Experiences

For Aaron, every event has its own unique energy, but Switzerland stands out as something special. “The park at Corvatsch is one of the most beautiful in the world – the scenery is stunning, and the course is always well prepared.”

With the Freestyle World Championships coming up, keep an eye on the action – and remember, behind every incredible trick, judges like Aaron and Jason are making sure everything runs smoothly!