YUP,
Call AMA and they will send you a free copy of the rulebook once you give them your membership number. It has all of the maneuvers and how they should be performed. Also, check with the contest directors before you go to a contest and see if they have a judging clinic going on or where you can find a class to attend. If they do GO. Its well worth the $25, especially if one of the NSRCA rules guys gives the class. Not only will it help you judge but moreso it will give you a much better representation of the intent of the rule so that you know what is expected of you while flying your pattern. If you can get to a contest a day early I would, grab an experienced sportsman (oxymoron) or any upper class flyer and they will make sure you are good to go. RC guys are so willing to help in general. Bad thing is that you may get frustrated at the judges for counting off when you actually performed a maneuver by the book. Pattern is so much fun to learn, and being at the sportsman level I can already see the difference in my flight skills in general. ESPECIALLY learning to use the rudder to correct heading and maintain a straight track back and forth and through maneuvers. [8D] Have FUN!

Mike