Clean Run - May 2012 - 71

at the end of each run, saying ‘good job,’ smiling at the competitor when all goes wrong and making an encouraging comment, allowing the competitor to make a positive exit for the dog when the performance isn’t what it should be, standing clear of the dog path to allow every opportunity to succeed, and making suggestions that will aid the competitor to possibly improve oneself.” During day two, participants have the opportunity to apply what they learned, with course design homework assignments, and preparing a ring for a show. Lastly, on the second or third day, they are given written and practical tests, demonstrating their expertise to be a judge. If you assume you will learn everything you need to know at a judges’ seminar, you will likely not pass the tests. Generally, fewer than half of the participants will pass; in AKC, only 20% will pass. Longtime judge and TDAA president Bud Houston advises, “You don’t go to a judges’ clinic to learn (though you do). You go to a judges’ clinic to be tested. So one should be prepared to pass the testing before arriving at the door.” In other words, the onus is on you, the judge-to-be, to adequately prepare for the clinic challenge.

oﬀ on their course building skills, and pass a written test,” says CPE judge Kim Stumph. “Then they have some specific courses on specific ring configurations that must be redesigned and critiqued. When approved, they are allowed to be an apprentice judge.”

The Apprentice or Provisional Judge
Regardless of organization, once you have successfully met the minimum requirements and passed written and practical tests, you are technically a judge. Next, you must complete either an apprenticeship, a provisional period, or both. Generally, this occurs over the course of one year, or two to three trials, whichever happens first and assuming supervising judges report positively on the candidate. There is so much more to judging than course design or making calls in the ring. For example, DOCNA’s Mills will ask these questions: “Did the [provisional] judge, through their people skills, manage the trial, ensuring accuracy of results and timeliness of completion of events by knowledge of how to get the most out of the workers with respect and courtesy? Were the timer, scribe, and ring crew ready and briefed at the end of the walk-through? Did the judge thank workers during and after the class? If asked, would a club say they would love to have this judge again?”

Mock Judging Assignments
In addition to talking to current judges about their experiences and observing them in the ring, USDAA president Ken Tatsch recommends serving as a “mock” judge for fun matches and training classes. In preparation for my first USDAA judging assignment, I designed nested courses and mock judged monthly fun runs at the training facility where I teach. The experience was thrilling and reaﬃrmed my decision to become a judge. I saw my courses on paper come to life in the ring. It was fascinating to see how each team handled their course of choice. I learned important lessons in course building, such as distance between obstacles, and how to walk the judge’s path without getting in the team’s way but still be able to clearly view contact and weave performance. “In order to apply to become a CPE judge, each applicant must have handled a dog through level 4, have multiple judges sign

Continuing Ed
The learning doesn’t stop once you’ve graduated from provisional status. “All [CPE] judges must attend clinics at specific intervals as continuing education in order to maintain their judging status,” says Stumph. Most organizations require continuing judges’ education to ensure they are up to date on rule changes, course design trends, and their practical skills.

It’s Not About the Money
While judges serve an invaluable role in the agility community, you can’t make a living at it. Judging fees earned depend on the

Favorite Judging Moments
“By far, some of my favorite moments were watching handlers who could be perceived as having a physical disadvantage succeed on one of my agility courses. Speci cally, I cried when a lady in a wheelchair ran her rst-ever Novice course under me and it humbled me when a physically challenged gentleman ran the course just before the Invitational Finals. When I watch a dog working with and loving each moment with their handler, I’m reminded of how amazingly cool my job is.” —Lisa Selthofer, AKC judge for nearly 13 years “One of my all time favorite judging memories was in 2004 and being invited to Japan for the following year. I will never forget when the director of agility in Japan, Mr. Tanabe and his translator came up to me and asked if I would be interested in judging the Southeast Asian Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. I think I actually turned around to look behind me to make sure I was the one they were talking to. I was very honored that they had chosen me and my time in Japan was truly unforgettable. The Japanese are excellent competitors and very gracious hosts.” —Frank Holik, USDAA judge since 1995 “Sometimes a personal Q is even more important than a title, and since there is such a camaraderie among the competitors, these victories get as much congratulations as the titles. I see a lot of competitors helping each other and strategizing together rather than against each other. It is really fun to see that type of spirit… I often have a sore face at the end of the day because I have smiled so much.” —Kim Stumph, CPE judge “I enjoy working with and meeting new people! I have been able to travel from coast to coast within the past year. I have met so many wonderful people and dogs! I see this as an honor to be a NADAC judge. I enjoy it immensely. Watching a team work a course that you have built and having that team nail it can be such a rush.” —Bernie Doyle, NADAC judge for one year
May 12 | Clean Run 71

Clean Run - May 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - May 2012