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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,

Just a couple of observations on my part.

It seems best to use "hypothetical" scenarios when asking questions... it helps to keep the subject from becoming "personal". In the thread about the noise from the honor dog, because it was a real situation where others had "the other side of the story" and pictures, it opened up a whole 'nother can of worms, ie the attire of the handlers and the judge.

There are a lot of knowledgeable people on RTF. I believe that most are more than willing to share some of their knowledge, but don't want to get involved in the "personal" cat fights.

Also, if you think about it, having someone that has said they are new to the game getting ready to judge Master can be worrisome. As you stated, there is more to judging than just knowing the rules and regulations (HT). I'm not suggesting that someone new isn't "qualified" to judge Master but it might be best to start a judging career in Junior with an experienced co-judge and then continue to move up to judging Master.

I'm sure there will be other opinions and won't be surprised if someone disagrees with what I've said......but that's all part of RTF.

Vicky
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ChrisRobt said:
When I say I'm new to this game, I mean at the master level; I have been running in hunt tests since they began, at first with show Goldens and now with IWS. ...
Sorry, I was just going on your comment that you were new to the game.

Good luck in the future with your IWS & your judging!

Vicky
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