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New judge asking questions

2950 Views 25 Replies 15 Participants Last post by  ChrisRobt
Okay, despite it being over 90 degrees today, I'm wearing my full camo outfit (flameproof) and carrying a stick which is supposed to be a gun. I see a group of RTFers sitting in the shade under a tree and walk up to ask them a couple judging questions; I did my apprenticeship in April but have yet to judge and like to discuss things I see which I believe to be out of the ordinary. When I post my query I am criticized publically (and privately) for asking such a question (new master judge and all that); I'm also criticized about how my dog works and the clothing I am wearing. I thought this forum was supposed to be a good place to discuss training and judging issues.

Many of you do not know that in "real life" I am a primary care physician-now retired. I have found throughout my 35+ years in practice that I can always learn something new from others (not just physicians as other health care workers also have valuable insights and ideas). Thank goodness when I was an intern (a newly certified doctor, if you will), when I asked another physician for an opinion about a patient I was dealing with, I was met with an open mind and not criticism for not having the answer. There is alot to medicine which is not in the books and I have always found it valuable to consult with others over new or difficult issues. As I've become the "experienced" doctor, I've enjoyed passing my knowledge on to those who are new. When we consult with each other, we are careful to protect the identities of our patients (unless they are shared) and do not ever purposely denigrate them

I approach this forum in the same manner but guess I may be wrong about it. Yes, I am relatively new to this sport having qualified my first master dog only last September. I am not a hunter so according to many on this forum have no business even considering becoming a judge. I'll
do as good a job as I can. I can read all the rules but there is still alot to learn about how to interpret them. I believe that I learn best by discussing particular issues which I have encountered with those who have more experience. I know the AKC rules but am interested in how experienced judges interpret them.

So, is there a place on RTF to ask questions about judging issues without the severe criticism? Is this a "good old boys" club to which I can never belong because I don't run a black dog? Because I don't hunt, am I not a suitable candidate to become and AKC judge??
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Christine, I hope my PM reply to you regarding this weekend, my advice in PM's to you in the past and my example in the 2 master tests you've run under me demonstrate that I'm very open to helping new judges and handlers in any way i can. I like to joke and have fun and mess around, but don't confuse that with also being willing to share what knowledge or experience I can. Don't be discouraged to ask questions. My recommendation is to do it in a way that doesn't cast aspirations on other handlers. Retriever sports are a small community and phrasing questions in the manner you did hurt other people. Dennis and I worked with Bruin today, I talked him off the ledge and Bruin didn't seem to care one way or another that you felt distracted by his girly whine. Since Dennis is a client and a friend I was quick to come to his defense. There was nothing wrong with the question in general. Keep in mind ******** are direct, no sense beating around the bush...

/Paul
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