The best thing to do is print out the rule book and read it. Then read it again. And maybe again. Decide which class you want to start out in and print out the sequence. Go back to the rule back and break down each maneuver for your sequence to understand the possible downgrades. If you know anyone who flies IMAC or pattern (and does well at contests) ask them to watch you fly and be your coach.

Since most contests use contestant judging, there are good judges and lousy judges out there. Just like there are good flyers and lousy flyers. You don't have to be a good flyer to be a good judge, but I doubt you can be a lousy judge and a good flyer. It's all about understanding the rules and recognizing when angles and lengths of lines are correct. Some people have a good eye for the geometry and some don't.