Female Referee National Testing Assistance Fund

USA Weightlifting launched this fund to help bring more women into the National Referee ranks by defraying costs related to the certification process.

Eligibility:

• Women members seeking National Referee Certification for the first time only
• Renewing members are not eligible
• Must be USA Weightlifting members

Funding Use:
Grants reimburse recipients for:

• Airfare
• Hotel
• Meal costs
• Related to attending a USA Weightlifting National Competition to test for Certification

Geographic Scope: USA Weightlifting members (national)

Review Process:

• Applications reviewed by 2 members of USA Weightlifting Technical Committee (1 female, 1 male)
• Essays graded on rubric with four categories:
  • Demonstrates need for funding assistance (6 pts max)
  • Syntax and Mechanics (6 pts max)
  • Unique Qualifiers (3 pts max)
  • USA Weightlifting Representation (2 pts max)

Application Process

Required Materials:

1. Essay demonstrating financial need

Essay Grading Rubric:

Demonstrates Need for Funding Assistance (6 points max)

• 6 pts: Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling examples to provide strong support for earning the funding
• 3 pts: Uses appropriate and relevant examples to provide support for earning the funding
• 0 pts: Uses examples to provide weak support; does not demonstrate financial need

Syntax and Mechanics (6 points max)

• 6 pts: Uses graceful language that skillfully communicates meaning with clarity and fluency; virtually error-free
• 3 pts: Uses language that generally conveys meaning with clarity, although writing may include some errors
• 0 pts: Uses language that impedes meaning because of errors

Unique Qualifiers (3 points max)

• 3 pts: Unique or compelling story, attribute, or experience present
• 2 pts: Uncommon story, attribute, or experience present
• 1 pt: Standard or expected story, attribute, or experience present
• 0 pts: No unique qualifier present

USA Weightlifting Representation (2 points max)

• 2 pts: Clear indication of desire to be a good representative of USA Weightlifting
• 0 pts: No indication of desire to represent USA Weightlifting

Submission: Apply via the application portal (link provided on website)