The 2015 Judges Course
This month we kick off with the 2015 Judges course which will be leading into our first SAGPS show for 2015.
The judges course is divided into two training sessions; first being the self and non self, agouti and the second Rough and long coat with written exams and a practical exam for both. These sessions spread over the whole of March.
It is not without a sense of conviction that one runs this type of course, with so many questions and comparisons to international standards with an overwhelming feeling that we are not as qualified, or as legit as the overseas judges and their intense years of training courses.
I think if we look back to the original idea behind starting the SAGPS and the values for instance like: no elite judges panel; general knowledge to be shared amongst breeders and judges alike; getting rid of levels of hierarchy that causes so much unnecessary politics. So what does this have to do with actual judging? Well I say everything. The best way to learn to judge is to actually judge. Touch, look and see, feel the animal. Theory can only take you so far. I have seen so many times, judges doing well in theory and when actually coming into the judges space to judge actually are clueless. Open up the channels and allow judges and Judge/breeder alike to explore and learn the definitions of great type, texture and density. It is only through multiple experiences and after a few years that judges really get an understanding of the different breeds.
Remembering that at SAGPS it is essential to judge the cavies with not only a silent opinion, however the vocal expression of the thoughts of judges as they go over the cavy are essential to the success of the SAGPS ethos of judging methods. Interaction without persuasion is also encouraged from the owners of the cavies.
Remembering always to respect the final decision of the judge and allow for their opinion to actually challenge rather than demotivate owners.
Well, looking forward to the judges course, I do hope that this blog motivates and helps prepare candidates for this wonderful experience.
This month we kick off with the 2015 Judges course which will be leading into our first SAGPS show for 2015.
The judges course is divided into two training sessions; first being the self and non self, agouti and the second Rough and long coat with written exams and a practical exam for both. These sessions spread over the whole of March.
It is not without a sense of conviction that one runs this type of course, with so many questions and comparisons to international standards with an overwhelming feeling that we are not as qualified, or as legit as the overseas judges and their intense years of training courses.
I think if we look back to the original idea behind starting the SAGPS and the values for instance like: no elite judges panel; general knowledge to be shared amongst breeders and judges alike; getting rid of levels of hierarchy that causes so much unnecessary politics. So what does this have to do with actual judging? Well I say everything. The best way to learn to judge is to actually judge. Touch, look and see, feel the animal. Theory can only take you so far. I have seen so many times, judges doing well in theory and when actually coming into the judges space to judge actually are clueless. Open up the channels and allow judges and Judge/breeder alike to explore and learn the definitions of great type, texture and density. It is only through multiple experiences and after a few years that judges really get an understanding of the different breeds.
Remembering that at SAGPS it is essential to judge the cavies with not only a silent opinion, however the vocal expression of the thoughts of judges as they go over the cavy are essential to the success of the SAGPS ethos of judging methods. Interaction without persuasion is also encouraged from the owners of the cavies.
Remembering always to respect the final decision of the judge and allow for their opinion to actually challenge rather than demotivate owners.
Well, looking forward to the judges course, I do hope that this blog motivates and helps prepare candidates for this wonderful experience.