[Ted Shih]

Imagine that you were trying to decide which of two trials you should run, and that the only difference between the two trials, was the judges. That is, the two trials had:

• Comparable grounds;
• Comparable entries;
• Comparable quality of competition; and
• Comparable travel distance

Consequently, the only difference between the two trials would be the judges. What qualities/characteristics of the judges would lead you to prefer one trial over another? Put another way, what are the characteristics of the judges that you enjoy running under in competition?

 

[Trevor Toberny]

Judges that currently run dogs, judges that act like they want to be there. Not judges who act like they were forced to judge and then boss everyone around.

 

[Trevor Toberny]

Glad it was you that asked this, no one will tell you that you are stirring the pot like they would if I posted this exact same question.

 

[John Robinson]

In no particular order, I like big wide open test with well placed birds, so judges who are known to set up said test are high on my list, I like judges with personality who are just fun to run under, also judges who are good leaders who seem to get the most out of their marshalls and workers, judges who bend over backwards to be fair within the rules and make every effort to make guns visible, birds fall in sight, ect. In other words, judges who have enough faith in their test to stack other odds in the dog's favor. Judges who recognize mechanics are a big part of the formula for dealing with large numbers, not ticky-tacky trick test to eliminate dogs.

Just a few traits that my A listed judges share.

 

[derrikodom]

A sense of humor

 

[T Farmer]

people who train their own dogs.

 

[fishduck]

My bias is mostly from the hunt test world although I do run a few minor stakes. I like a friendly, knowledgable judge with a sense of humor. A judge that can achieve answers by placing the birds. Not one who throws birds in a pile or uses contrary marks and tricks to thin the field. I will go way out of my way to run under these judges.
Mark Land

 

[Buzz]

Imagine that you were trying to decide which of two trials you should run, and that the only difference between the two trials, was the judges. That is, the two trials had:

• Comparable grounds;
• Comparable entries;
• Comparable quality of competition; and
• Comparable travel distance

Consequently, the only difference between the two trials would be the judges. What qualities/characteristics of the judges would lead you to prefer one trial over another? Put another way, what are the characteristics of the judges that you enjoy running under in competition?

I like very hard but fair tests. What I mean by fair is just good marks, no tricks, no training drills, no overlapping fall areas. Blinds where you can see your dog if you run the test.

 

[Kevinismybrother]

I run HT and have only dabbled in FT, but here goes

I like to have the judges be friendly but not to the point of talkative , especially when I am actively running my dog. I like the tests to be within the standards, the marks well placed and concieved with no gimmes, but not tricked up. I like the blinds to be challanging, but not arbitrary like tight keyholes. I would expect that each series of the test be such that the dog and the handler move on based on demonstrated work rather than luck and pencil. Finally,IMHO, the best judges handle the test with logistics in mind for things like the gallery, distance from parking to holding blind, moving from one series to the next, etc, so that the event moves along and runs smoothly.

Some day - I hope that describes me

 

[Karen Klotthor]

Judges that are not judging just because they want to be a JUDGE.
Also friendly attitude toward the handlers. Ones that set up Marking test and as Mark mentioned not a pile of birds. I would like to know that who is judging me is also being judged by others by running dogs

 

[helencalif]

I like very hard but fair tests. What I mean by fair is just good marks, no tricks, no training drills, no overlapping fall areas. Blinds where you can see your dog if you run the test.

The above sounds like what my husband thinks constitute good tests. He would add, "Judges who will judge the tests they set up. "

I've heard him complain about judges who set up good tests, then never judge their own tests as they should have.

Helen

 

[Buzz]

The above sounds like what my husband thinks constitute good tests. He would add, "Judges who will judge the tests they set up. "

I've heard him complain about judges who set up good tests, then never judge their own tests as they should have.

Helen

I believe I know what he is getting at there, tell me if I'm wrong. I have run blinds with lines very tight to the shore. I will give my dog an inside cast knowing that I may have to stop him again with another cast away from shore when he gets too tight. In my mind, this is challenging the test. But then when a bunch of folks have dogs get out, and contestants start letting their dogs swim out to sea a bit, it plays sometimes... The test should be challenged and judges should penalize those who don't.

 

[helencalif]

The test (blind) should be challenged and judges should penalize those who don't.

My husband judges. I can tell you that if you ever run under him, you had better challenge the blind.

Helen

 

[Firefighter1]

Primarily, I run hunt tests. I am interested in judges that put the dog first and leave their own egos at home.

 

[Jacob Hawkes]

One who sets up tough tests that are fair. No gimmics or bs. No throwing birds in a pile. Basically one who sets up tough marks for marks like they're suppose to be. It helps if they're engaging.

 

[PhilBernardi]

Being sober is important. :mrgreen:

 

[BonMallari]

someone who has either qualified for a National, won a National or Judged a National


but realistically

someone who is respected by his/her peers as being knowledgeable,fair and honest

 

[John Montenieri]

Imagine that you were trying to decide which of two trials you should run, and that the only difference between the two trials, was the judges. That is, the two trials had:

• Comparable grounds;
• Comparable entries;
• Comparable quality of competition; and
• Comparable travel distance

Consequently, the only difference between the two trials would be the judges. What qualities/characteristics of the judges would lead you to prefer one trial over another? Put another way, what are the characteristics of the judges that you enjoy running under in competition?

I'd prefer judges that setup very challenging tests. Judges who run dogs currently and show a propensity for being fair to the dogs. Tests that fall within the scope of the rules and no gimmicky stuff. Judges that take into account that not all dogs are big (or slow) and being able to see the falls. Also being able to see the dogs while enroute to either the marks or blinds, (a majority of the time), is critical. Being polite to the club members throwing birds, shooting, moving equipment and having the patience to work through problems. BEING ON TIME is important. Not judging a dog based on your relationship with the handler and/or owner, meaning I don't care if you love me or hate me, judge me for the work. Showing respect for the sport by example. Consistency when calling for the marks. Not being afraid to scrap a test if you have doubts or problems. I judge and feel that I have so much to learn still. I think I've come a long way plus I've had the great fortune to judge with some very experience people, who by the way, have been gracious and informative while mentoring me during the process. I want to be good enough to provide a challenging and positive environment for everyone involved.

 

[rboudet]

people who train their own dogs.

Or involved in the training of their dogs and have common sense

 

[troy schwab]

I like very hard but fair tests. What I mean by fair is just good marks, no tricks, no training drills, no overlapping fall areas. Blinds where you can see your dog if you run the test.

Buzz,
this is getting out of control....... thats three times today! I may go buy a mega millions lottery ticket tonite....... And we should establish a holiday of some type.......LOL