The judges Lists used by the majority of the Breed Clubs for Chows are formulated by the small organisation known as the Chow Judges Training Scheme (CJTS) which has the backing of the Breed Council. Annually these lists are compiled and sent to The Kennel Club for ratification, in the main, the Clubs choose judges from the appropriate lists to judge at their shows or to put forward to other Societies which may ask for guidance.
There is in existence, a formula for the formation of these lists which is issued, from time to time, by The Kennel Club; constantly being monitored by them relative to the particular breed and very occasionally an instruction is issued by The K.C. to amend the requirements for each list. But mainly these requirements are drawn up by the Representatives of the individual clubs which form the CJTS. When changes are mooted the various clubs are consulted and a change is implemented when there is a majority vote in favour of doing so; unless the change is mandatory by instruction from The K.C.
There are three different grades of List and the details of each are included below, with any sub-divisions explained in addition.
C LIST Sub-divided into Breed Specialist and Non Breed Specialist
In both cases the requisite for inclusion is :
For those aspirant judges who have shown an interest in the breed and have the support of five (5) breed clubs.
A * indicates those persons who have passed the Chow Judges Training Scheme Assessment
B LIST Sub-divided into Breed Specialist and Non Breed Specialist
In both cases the requisite for inclusion is the same as items 2, 3 and 4 but differs for 1.
Specialist 1. To have a minimum of 5 years experience owning or exhibiting in this breed and have the support of five breed clubs.
Non Specialist 1. To have a minimum of 5 years judging experience in any one breed and have the support of five breed clubs. (With the exception of those persons who are approved by the Kennel Club to judge the Group).
2. To have judged 15 classes of this Breed at Open or CH. Shows without CC's.
3. To have judged 35 dogs of this breed.
4. To have attended at least 1 Chow Judging Seminar and to have passed the Chow Judges Training Scheme Assessment.
A* indicates those persons who passed the CJTS Assessment.
A LIST Sub-divided into Breed Specialist and Non Breed Specialist BUT ALSO split into three separate lists as follows
A3 LIST Breed Specialist
1. Minimum of 7 years judging experience in the breed and have the support of five breed clubs.
2. To have judged at two full or four half breed club shows (inclusive of Limited B.C. shows).
3. To have judged the breed at 10 open or Ch. Shows without CC's with an adequate geographical spread.
4. To have judged a minimum of sixty five (65) classes.
5. To have judged a minimum of 100 dogs in this breed.
The following are all K.C. Policy requirements.
6. To have attended a Seminar given by a K.C. Accredited Trainer and passed the relevant examination on K.C. Regulations and Judging Procedure.
7. To have attended a Seminar given by a K.C. Accredited Trainer on Conformation & Movement
a. To have attended a Confirmation & Movement 'Hands on Assessment' conducted by a K.C. Accredited Trainer and passed the Assessment.
8. To have attended at least one Chow Seminar run in accordance with the relevant K.C. Code of Best Practice and passed an examination/assessment where applicable.
9. To have bred and/or owned a minimum of 3 dogs when they obtained their 1st entry in the K.C. Stud Book (except in exceptional circumstances).
10. To have stewarded at 12 shows.
A3 LIST Non Breed Specialist
1. Minimum of 7 years judging experience in any one breed (to include 5 years in this breed) and have the support of five breed clubs.
2. To have judged a minimum of one sex at a breed club shows.
3. As in 3 above.
4. As in 4 above.
5. As in 5 above.
6. To have awarded CC's in at least one other breed.
7. As in 8 above.
8. As in 9 above but 'any breed'.
A * indicates those that have passed the CJTS assessment and a # marks anyone already passed to award CC's.
A2 LIST Breed Specialist and Non Breed Specialist
For persons who fill all the requirements for the A3 list and who have been assessed in accordance with the K.C. requirements and accepted by The Kennel Club for inclusion on an A2 List and have the support of the Breed Council/Participating Clubs.
Both * & # would be included if applicable, as above.
A1 LIST Breed Specialist and Non Breed Specialist
For persons who have previously been approved by The Kennel Club to award CC's in the breed and has completed their first appointment.
To have the support of the Breed Council/Participating Clubs.
Overseas Judges are included within the relevant list comparative with their qualifications; and do have the same markings if they qualify for them.
As can be seen from the above, to attain the highest level of qualification it is almost like a chow winning its way up the classes. The more you achieve the higher up the lists you will progress. BUT only if you are asked to fulfil appointments. The ability to judge does not just come, it can be an inbuilt talent; but can also be learnt; and only peers can decide if someone is good or not.
For any further information do not hesitate to ask our Club Chairman, the Breed Council Secretary Mrs Claire Merrion or the CJTS Administrator Mrs Pauline Lock. Up to date judges lists are available from Mrs Merrion or Mrs Lock.
Written by Sheila Jakeman |
