Performance Newsletter for May, 2005

By Jane Eno

This month I took a job judging a fun match. I always love judging, particularly the “A” classes. You see so many people and dogs trying something new and learning as they go along. There is always some dog that is exceptional and takes your breath away, as well as those that just want to have fun that day and make everyone laugh. At this trial I even got to judge a very nice little Kerry Blue Terrier in Novice B. She was owned by Mary Harper and won 2nd place in a very large class. I suspect I will soon be posting a brag for her when she gets her CD.

Judging and stewarding at Matches is a great way to learn more about obedience or agility. There is nothing like watching 20+ Utility dogs and 18 Novice dogs to really get an idea about what is needed to qualify in the class. To judge a match you have to read the rules and the judge’s guidelines, study the score sheets, and come up with a plan. Some matches do not offer scoring, just run thrus, but some, like the one I judged this last weekend, not only give out scores, but also wonderful prizes. Sometimes it is hard to really stick to the rules and NQ a dog that is close, and it can also be hard to judge every dog the same when you want to give someone a break on that no-sit because everything else was so absolutely perfect. But that’s not how it is done, so you have to judge it the way it happens. I used to worry that I didn’t know enough to steward or judge, but now I know that is how you learn. Mostly there is a need for volunteers, so you should never feel bad. Many clubs also give nice presents to their judges or money to cover expenses. How can you lose? You don’t even have to belong to the club giving the match or trial – most clubs will be thrilled if you volunteer to help.

Someday, when I am no longer working such long hours, I’d love to become an AKC judge. The requirements are very much within reach of the average obedience competitors. In brief, from the AKC website, they are:

1. Owned, trained and handled a dog that has been awarded an AKC Utility Dog Obedience Title;
   
2. Been active in the sport a minimum of six (6) consecutive years;
   
   
3. Acted as a steward in Novice/Open/Utility class (depending upon class applying for) at AKC member or licensed trials a minimum of ten (10) times;
   
   
4. Judged at AKC Sanctioned A or B Obedience Matches a minimum of five (5) times. (Each assignment to judge a non-regular class at an AKC trial with a minimum of ten (10) dogs competing, may substitute for a match requirement. Apprentice judging under two (2) judges with a minimum of ten (10) dogs in each class may, also, substitute for a match requirement). To request Apprentice judging forms, e-mail cxw@akc.org.
   
   
5. Actively participated as an assistant trainer or as a trainer in a dog training club or similar organization;
   
   
6. Attended an AKC Obedience Seminar within the past three (3) years.

1. A minimum of 5 years experience competing in AKC agility.
   
   
2. Earned an AKC AX or AXP title and an AXJ or AJP title.
   
   
3. Worked as a timer, scribe, and course builder at a Licensed AKC Agility Trial.
   
   
4. Worked at the Trial Secretary/Scoring table at a Licensed AKC Agility Trial.
   
   
5. Attend an AKC Agility Judges Seminar and pass the required tests given.
   
   
6. Be in good standing with the American Kennel Club and must be 21 years of age or older.

Last Updated: 06/01/2005, 9:23 am