Overview of Judges Competency Framework (JCF)

Overview of Judges Competency Framework (JCF) Headlines The way British dog judges are educated is changing. The Kennel Club has identified issues with the way judges are educated and approved, in realising things need to change has taken far reaching action to rectify the situation. The JCF is relevant for ALL judges, from entry-level judges to all-breed judges, who will all be listed/promoted in the central location of the Kennel Club website. Kennel Club is moving with the times and embracing modern education methods. The KC Academy (KCA), the KC s new online education platform will host the JCF. The JCF is open and transparent. It provides a logical sequence of learning, practising, peer observation and examination. The KCA is easy to access and requires only a small annual membership fee. Key Points The Kennel Club invests 0.5m in judge education. The judging framework will be an online system, using the KCA and linking into find a judge. A dedicated full-time support desk at the KC will be in place. Progression is competency based, there is a logical sequence of learning, practising, peer observation and testing with no set number of dogs judged required. Through a more rigorous training and evaluation system for all levels, and with the introduction of minimum requirements, judging standards will be raised across all shows, thus improving the exhibitor experience. All UK resident judges will need to be members of the KCA. Support will be provided for those who are unable to access the internet. As judges progress through the levels they will be able to log their confirmed appointments on their personal KCA record and update details of their actual judging experience, mentoring and observations as well as other education they have gained. Each record will be viewed as an accurate representation of their activities and achievements. Most of the information will be able to be viewed by all interested parties. The IT system will allow random selection for scrutiny and review. Judging privileges have been set for each level which will increase the availability of judges for open shows in particular. CC judges no longer need to have a judging appointment before being nominated to award CCs for a new breed. With the proviso that all the required education and learning has been achieved including a successful breed competency assessment Judges Competency Framework page 1

judges will be able to self-nominate. Thus increasing the availability of judges for CC appointments and improve the selection of judges for general and group championship show societies. The KC established Find at Judge website tool will be expanded to include all judges, not just Championship show judges; providing show organisers easy access to the full range of eligible judges for all types of show. With effect from 1 January 2019, and in order to remain both active and up to date ALL judges will be required to pass a Requirements of a Dog Show Judge (RDSJ) exam every 5 years. Established CC judges who have been judging but have never been required to pass this exam will have until 1.1.24 to meet this requirement in order to remain active. During the transition period existing CC judges who seek approved to award CCs for a further breed will have to pass this exam. Breed clubs will no longer be required to draw up judging lists and criteria but will continue to play a key role in providing breed specific education via seminars, a mentoring programme and observation of judges at shows. The existing JDP will cease at a date to be agreed by the Board. Building and testing the system is likely to take 18 months. The framework will come online in late 2018, and will commence on 1.1.19, with transitionary arrangements until full implementation on 1.1.22. As the CC allocation for the General and Group Championship Shows is set until 2021, 1.1.22 is seen as a logical full implementation date, for all approvals under the new framework. Trial Period It is planned to invite 7 breeds (covering all groups and SB Bands) to pilot the Levels 2 and 3 parts of the framework Breed Education Day & exam, the mentoring programme and observing judges in the ring. This will start later this year and. Judges who pass any of these requirements during the pilot will be able to use these achievements when the KCA goes live. New Education Breed Appreciation Day Seminar content in accordance with Kennel Club Code of Best Practice. The Kennel Club will provide advice on compiling a multiple choice exam. Breeds with more than 1 club should work together to provide this education at least once every two years from 1.1.19 Judges Competency Framework page 2

Critique Writing Course KC will provide a critique writing seminar via KCA together with an exam. This need only be passed once. Those who are already existing CC judges will be exempt from this requirement, but with a strong recommendation that this is undertaken. An Eye for a Dog Course All judges seeking approval through the Framework for their first breed or a further breed (Level 4) will be required to have passed the new Eye for a Dog exam. This is a onetime requirement. An Eye for a Dog course will be developed as part of the project, working closely with the Finnish Kennel Club. The course will seek to ensure judges have a greater understanding of conformation and movement, be able to describe how a dog is constructed and how it moves. They will also need to be able to identify various dog breeds. Existing CC judges wishing to add further breeds will be able to opt to do as much or little of the course as they wish prior to taking the exam. Mentoring and Observation of judging (see below) Transition The Kennel Club has provided a document which will help judges transition from their current standing on breed club A2, A3, B & C lists. The Kennel Club will create accounts for all previously approved and currently active CC, Group and Best in Show judges. These judges will then be able to, pay their membership fee to activate their account. Those judges who have attended a breed seminar before 1.1.19, AND passed the hands on assessment will be able to log that information online, to be able to progress to Level 2. The relevant breed club will be able to check the information via Find a Judge and raise any concerns with the KC. Breed Club lists will remain in place until 31.12.21, allowing people to judge the relevant number of classes. Annex A refers. The following summary should be read in conjunction with Annex A Transition table from Breed Club Judges List to Kennel Club Judges Competency Framework Entry Level Before being able to judge at all, people will have to have undertaken basic training and to have demonstrated they have sufficient knowledge to judge a limited number of classes at limited and open shows. Judges Competency Framework page 3

Level 1 Judge From 1.1.19 only those who have attained Level 1 will be able to judge at KC licenced limited & open Shows, unless they are a CC judge or on a B list judge or above. To attain Level 1 a judge will need to have: 1. A proven interest of a minimum of 5 years in one or more aspects of the breeding and exhibiting of pedigree dogs (including show administration/stewarding). 2. Undertaken 4 days of stewarding appointments. 3. Attended a Kennel Club RDSJ seminar and passed the exam. 4. Passed the Kennel Club 50 Points of the Dog assessment. 5. Attended a Kennel Club Conformation and Movement seminar. A judge already approved to award CCs can be registered as a L1 judge of any breed. The KC recommends that judges are cautious in what appointments are accepted. Level 2 Judge Transition people who have attended a breed seminar before 1.1.19, AND passed a breed competency assessment and/or written exam will be able to log that information online, to be able to progress to Level 2. The relevant breed club will be able to check on Find a Judge and raise any concerns with the Kennel Club it might have over eligibility of that judge. Breed Club lists will remain in place until 31.12.21, allowing people to judge the relevant number of classes. Having become a Level 2 judge in a specific breed you will then develop your skills and experience in the breed. This will involve undertaking judging appointments. Level 3 (awaiting final assessment) Stud Book criteria For a judge s first CC breed he/she will be expected to have 3 dogs in the Stud Book. If there are exceptional circumstances that mean this is not the case, then the judge can apply for dispensation from this requirement, giving the reasons why. This application should be made once all the mentoring and observation and seminar and exam criteria has been fulfilled, apart from the breed assessment. Mentoring 3 successful sessions are required which must be undertaken in a logical order. It is important that there is a sufficiently large pool of mentors. Breed clubs will appoint their breed mentors they need not be active CC judges. Leading breeders who do not judge for example, and retired judges could make excellent mentors. Judges Competency Framework page 4

Judges with recognised and current experience in a breed, but who may not have owned the breed may also make suitable mentors. Support will be given by the KC to include role description and soft skills training to include communication skills, building a rapport, providing useful feedback and good listening skills. Mentoring would ideally be in 3 different formats, with the student judge undertaking them in order (although this may not always be possible): Breed mentoring day an informal session at which student judges will be provided with time spent with mentors, going over dogs and asking questions over aspects of the breed they do not really understand (could be fronts, heads, coats etc). By watching the judging of a breed with a mentor. Being a student judge in the ring (subject to agreement of the judge AND show society). The person being mentored could show at a show whilst being mentored BUT NOT if they are a student judge. The mentoring session needs to be meaningful and allow the mentor to form an opinion on the understanding of the student judge. The mentoring session needs to last for a meaningful length of time, and will vary per breed. For example there is no need to watch the entire judging if there are 150 dogs entered, but there is when the entry is 20. Note numbers quoted are examples. Breed clubs should be responsible for pairing up students with mentors. Should the judge fail to be signed off three times in succession, then they must undertake 3 further mentoring sessions. The mentors will need to sign that in their opinion the candidate is competent to be able to progress to Observed judging: For this to be meaningful, ideally it should take place at either a breed club show, supported entry show or non CC classes at a championship show at shows where a reasonable number of dogs are likely to be entered. Clubs will be expected to arrange for the judging to be observed at all their club shows/supported shows and need to consider this when making appointments. By exception Breed clubs may request from the KC that an observation takes place at a general canine society open show (not supported entry classes) if it is likely to draw a meaningful entry for that breed, in circumstances where they are having difficulties accommodating all candidates. There needs to be a sufficient list of CC awarding, suitable judges as observers. The KC will produce guidelines for undertaking the role, and offer training to the observer as feedback will be required for the student judge. All breed clubs will be required to offer supported entry classes to a minimum of 2 general open shows each year from 2019. Judges Competency Framework page 5

Both judging procedure and breed specific competency will be evaluated. The observer may request in advance that the judge produce a detailed critique on certain dogs (eg 1 st & 2 nd in junior) as part of their evaluation of the judge s competency. The observer will need to sign off that in their opinion the judge is competent to judge the breed. Having completed all the requirements to become a Level 4 (CC) judge, and feeling ready to be assessed, the candidate will register as a Level 3 Judge for their new breed, awaiting assessment. Judges who have previously been awarded a JDP pass with credit in a breed may register as a Level 3 judge. They would be advised to have undertaken sufficient practical experience in the breed, including mentoring (no sign off required) in order for them to feel prepared to be able to tackle a CC entry. The breed assessment will be organised by the Kennel Club. There will be a dedicated member of staff dealing with all assessments, as well as working with individual breed education coordinators and clubs to facilitate all their judges education. The planning of a breed specific hands on assessment will be led by demand and triggered if: 5 candidates are registered at Level 3 for the breed OR A candidate has been registered at Level3 for that breed for a period of 2 years. Assessment Panel criteria - there will be an assessment panel consisting of 2 CC awarding breed specialists and 2 non specialists (who are group judges for the relevant group and who preferably are CC approved judges for the breed). All 4 assessors will be appointed by the Kennel Club. However, the breed club(s) will be consulted over the appointment of the breed specialist assessors. The 2 breed specialists will be asked to help arrange, with the breed club, for preferably 5 suitable dogs to be present for the assessment. A full code of best practise will be drawn up, which will in the main be based on that that included in the Code of Best Practice for a Breed Club Competency Assessment. The KC will appoint a moderator, who will oversee the assessment and report back to the Kennel Club. Meaningful feedback will be given to candidates on the day, along with their results. It is proposed to charge a fee of 25 per breed assessment. More than 1 breed assessment can be held on 1 day. The assessment will be scheduled to as far as possible ensure maximum attendance from assessors and candidates which could be midweek or weekends. Should there only be a very small number of candidates (1 or 2), then it might be possible to hold an assessment in Judges Competency Framework page 6

conjunction with a Championship Show. Whilst this would be subject to agreement of the show society All Breed shows would be expected to be helpful in this. Level 4 Having passed the breed specific assessment, and having met the required criteria, candidates will apply to be registered as a Level 4 judge and subsequently listed as eligible to award CCs in that breed. Existing A2 Kennel Club approved judges and established CC judges will transition to Level 4. Show Societies will continue to submit their nominations to award CCs at their shows, but only Level 4 judges can be nominated (for shows from 1.1 22). Approval from the Kennel Club s Judges Committee will still be required. The show society will be required to make their nominations to the KC electronically. Level 4 judges will be eligible to judge AV classes & groups/bis at open shows. Level 4 judges who have awarded CCs to 3 unconnected breeds¹ may judge variety classes at Championship Shows. ¹ It was also agreed that the following breeds would for this purpose count as one breed; Bull Terrier( Miniature) & Bull Terrier Dachshund ( all six varieties) Chihuahua ( Long Coat & Smooth Coat) Fox Terrier (Smooth & Wire) German Spitz (Mittel & Klein) Poodle (all 3 sizes) Schnauzer, Miniature Schnauzer & Giant Schnauzer Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael, Tervueren & Malinois) Collie (Rough & Smooth) Norfolk & Norwich Terrier Welsh Corgi (Cardigan & Pembroke) Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand & Petit) Level 5 Once a judge has awarded CCs to 30% of the breeds in a group they may apply to become a Level 5 judge (Group Judge). The Judges Committee will have discretion over approval. Level 5 judges can register as a Level 2 judge for all breeds within that group without attendance at a breed educational day, although they are encouraged to do so and therefore be eligible to judge more than 3(4) or 5(6) classes of the relevant breed(s) at open shows or non CC classes at Championship Shows. Once a Level 5 judge has awarded CCs to 75% of the breeds in that group the Judges Committee has discretion to award Level 4 status to the judge for the remaining breeds in that group. Judges Competency Framework page 7

This requirement to be a Level 5 judge will apply from 1.1.22 appointments Existing group judges will transition to Level 5. Group Breeds * 30% 75% Gundog 29 9 22 Hound 21 6 16 Terrier 24 7 18 Pastoral 21 6 16 Toy 19 6 14 Utility 18 5 14 Working 17 5 13 *Note breeds with multiple varieties are counted as 1 breed Level 6 Once a judge has judged 3 different groups they can apply to become a Level 6 judge (BIS judge). This requirement to be a Level 6 judge will apply from 1.1.22 appointments Existing Best in Show judges will transition to Level 6. Level 7 There will be a number of all breeds judges. They will be approved to award CCs in all breeds recognised by the Kennel Club, and approved to judge all groups at general and group championship shows. They will have judged BIS, 6 of the 7 groups and a significant number of breeds at CC level. The decision on who to grant Level 7 status to is discretionary to the Judges Committee (and subject to Board approval). The Judges Committee will take account of any history of complaints, and their personal knowledge of the reputation of the judge in question. The first set of nominations will be considered by the Judges Committee in late 2018, and recommendations made to the Board. Judges Competency Framework page 8

Annex A - Transition Table from Breed Club Lists to Kennel Club Judges Competency Framework Annex Bi - Judges Competency Framework Guide to being a Dog Show Judge Overview flowchart Annex Bii - Judges Competency Framework Guide to being a Dog Show Judge detailed guide Annex C - Summary of recommendations affecting Breed Clubs and General Canine Societies Annex D - Judges Resident outside the UK Judges Competency Framework page 9

Annex A - Transition table from Breed Club Judges Lists to Kennel Club Judges Competency Framework (to be read in conjunction with Annex B(i) and B(ii) - JCF Guide to Being a Dog Show Judge) 1. The Judges Competency Framework (JCF) will commence on 1/1/19 with transitionary arrangements for each breed at each level until full implementation on 1/1/22. 2. From 1/1/19 judges will be able to assume the new judging privileges at whichever level they register on the Academy during the transition period and transition into. The required education at each new level must be completed by 1/1/22 for judges to continue to be eligible to judge beyond this date. 3. The Framework is effective from 1 st January 2019 and from this date judges can login to the Kennel Club Academy and create their personal account. 4. With effect from 1/1/19 no new judge will be eligible to start judging at licensed shows until level 1 status has been achieved. All those who have judged prior to 1/1/19 will transition to their new level, assume their new judging privileges and have until 1/1/22 to complete all the relevant criteria as detailed below at their new level to continue to judge at licensed shows from this date. However if a judge is not on a B list or higher for the breed to be judged, then they need to be registered as a Level 1 judge. 5. The mandatory requirements referred to below for Level 1 are, and if already achieved can be carried forward: a. A proven interest of a minimum of 5 years in one or more aspects of the breeding and exhibiting of pedigree dogs (including show administration/stewarding) b. Undertaken 4 full days of stewarding appointments c. Attended a Kennel Club Requirements of a Dog Show Judge (RDSJ) seminar and passed the exam. d. Passed the Kennel Club 50 Points of the Dog assessment e. Attended a Kennel Club Conformation and Movement seminar 6. Judges can be on several different levels for several different breeds at the same time. 7. A level 4 judge can register at Level 2 or Level 3 as appropriate for other breeds in which they have an interest and wish to continue to judge. Judges Competency Framework - Annex A - Transition Table - page 1

Current status Not on a C list (not attended any seminars) Not on a C list (has previously passed/ attended some or all of the previous mandatory requirements) On a C list (has previously passed/ attended some or all of the previous mandatory requirements On a B list (has previously passed/ attended some or all of the previous mandatory requirements and has attended a breed appreciation day and passed a breed standard exam)² Requirements Register on KCA at entry level Undertake all Level 1 requirements by 1 Jan 2019 to be able to continue to judge up to 3(4) or 5(6) classes of any breed at KC licensed shows from 1 Jan 2019. Must pass the refresher Requirements of a Dog Show Judge exam every 5 years¹. Progress to L2 as required for each breed they wish to judge. Register on KCA at entry level Complete all Level 1 requirements to be able to continue to judge up to 3(4) & 5(6) classes of any breed at KC licensed shows from 1 Jan 2019. Previously passed 50 Point of the Dog assessment and attendance at an official Conformation and Movement Seminar remain valid and can be carried forward. Must pass the refresher Requirements of a Dog Show Judge exam every 5 years¹. Progress to L2 as required for each breed they wish to judge. Register on KCA at Entry Level or Level 1 Complete all Level 1 requirements to be able to continue to judge up to 3(4) & 5(6) classes of any breed at KC licensed shows from 1 Jan 2019. Previously passed 50 Point of the Dog assessment and attendance at an official Conformation and Movement Seminar remain valid and can be carried forward. Must pass the refresher Requirements of a Dog Show Judge exam every 5 years¹. Progress to L2 as required for each breed they wish to judge. Register on KCA at Level 1 and complete outstanding criteria (see para 5 above). Complete L2 requirements² including the critique seminar (once only) to be able to continue to judge more than 3(4) or 5(6) classes of this breed at KC licensed shows from 1 Jan 2022. Apply to progress to L2 Must pass the refresher Requirements of a Dog Show Judge exam every 5 years¹. Progress to L3 as required. Judges Competency Framework - Annex A - Transition Table - page 2

On an A3 list Register on KCA at Level 2. Complete the critique seminar (once only) to be able to continue to judge more than 3(4) or 5(6) classes of these breeds at KC licensed shows from 1 Jan 2022. Then apply to move to L3. Must complete all L3 requirements including, passing an official KC Breed Competency Assessment for relevant breed or breeds, complete the new Eye for a Dog course (once only) before applying to progress to L4. The mentoring and observation requirements do not need to be achieved. Must pass the refresher Requirements of a Dog Show Judge exam every 5 years¹. On an A2 list Register on KCA at L4 to be able to accept an appointment to award Challenge Certificates and to be able to judge more than 3(4) or 5(6) classes of this breed at KC licensed shows from 1/1/2022. Must pass the refresher Requirements of a Dog Show Judge exam every 5 years¹. On an A1 list, judge (previously approved and awarded Challenge Certificates to one or more breeds) Activate personal account on KCA³ as a L4 judge to be able to continue to award Challenge Certificates and to be able to judge more than 3(4) or 5(6) classes of these breeds at KC licensed shows from 1.1.2022. Judges must register at L4 for each breed for which they are previously approved to award Challenge Certificates. Judges can be on several levels for a range of breeds at the same time. Existing CC judges are exempt from undertaking the Critique seminar and the Eye for a Dog seminar but strongly encouraged to view these seminars on the KCA and take the associated exam. Must pass the refresher Requirements of a Dog Show Judge exam every 5 years¹. Existing JDP pass with credit A previously gained JDP pass with credit obtained by eligible candidates remains valid and cancels out the requirement to pass a L2 Breed Appreciation Day and multiple choice exam under the Framework. The judge can register as Level 3 and must have completed all other relevant KC non-breed specific criteria at this level. Mentoring and Observation are not required. Banked JDP pass with credits will no longer be valid under the new framework. Any judge who has a banked JDP pass with credit will be required to attend a Breed Competency Assessment under the Judges Competency Framework. Judges Competency Framework - Annex A - Transition Table - page 3

Notes ¹ If a judge has passed the Requirements of a Dog Show Judge exam within the 5 years prior to the start of the JCF (1/1/19) this fact needs to be registered on the KCA. The timescale for taking the refresher exam will start from this date. Any existing CC judge who is to judge a new CC breed during the transition period will be required to pass the refresher exam before under taking their appointment. Existing CC judges who have not previously had a need to pass this exam will be required to pass the refresher exam before 1/1/24. ² Where a judge has passed a breed specific hands on assessment it is not necessary to pass the new Level 2 breed standard multiple choice exam. Where a judge has passed the 50 Points of the Dog Assessment and has attended a Conformation and Movement Seminar these remain valid under the JCF. ³ The Kennel Club will create KCA accounts for all currently active Championship Show judges using records already held. From 1/1/19 judges will be able to activate their personal account by paying their KCA membership fee and verifying their records. Judges Competency Framework - Annex A - Transition Table - page 4

Annex Bi - Judges Competency Framework Guide to being a Dog Show Judge Overview flowchart Entry Entry level Judge No judging allowed Detailed EducaPon and requirements to be achieved before stepping foot in the ring RegistraPon on the Kennel Club Academy Level 1 Level 2 Aspiring Judge Limited judging permited - judge up to 3 classes of any breed (5 for Stud Band E breeds) at an Open/ Limit Show. EducaPon and requirements to be achieved to progress Kennel Club Academy recording of evidence of achievement Breed specific non CC judge Permited to Judge :Unlimited number of classes in that breed at an Open/Limit show and a Championship Show without CC s AND No more than 3 classes of any other breed (5 for a Stud Band E breed) at an Open/Limit Show Will have a]ended an official breed seminar for the breed you wish to judge AND Passed the breed standard wri]en exam for that breed. (mulpple choice) AND undertaken a Kennel Club cripque wripng seminar (This only has to be done once) Ensure that you have a]ended a RDSJ seminar and passed the exam within the past 5 years Level 3 Breed specific non CC judge awaijng assessment Judge to levels achieved in specified breeds Detailed educapon Mentoring sessions ObservaPons Appropriate field trial Ensure that you have a]ended a RDSJ seminar and passed the exam within the past 5 years Level 4 Breed specific CC Judge Ensure that you have a]ended a RDSJ seminar and passed the exam within the past 5 years Level 5 Group Judge Ensure that you have a]ended a RDSJ seminar and passed the exam within the past 5 years Level 6 BIS Judge Ensure that you have a]ended a RDSJ seminar and passed the exam within the past 5 years Level 7 All Breed Judge Ensure that you have a]ended a RDSJ seminar and passed the exam within the past 5 years Please Note: Once a judge has Level 1 Judge status, which is a one-time achievement, Levels 2 4 are to be achieved on a specific Breed-by-Breed basis. It is, therefore, feasible for a Judge to be at different levels in different Breeds at the same time. Judges Competency Framework - Annex Bi Framework Guide - page1

Annex Bii - Judges Competency Framework Guide to being a Dog Show Judge detailed guide Level Can judge what at this level? Education required at this level to progress to the next level (all points must be achieved) Other requirements that must be met (all points must be achieved) before progressing to the next level Next steps Level 2 Level 1 Entry Cannot judge any dogs, or classes at this level Upon achieving this level you can accept appointments to judge up to 3(4) & 5(6) classes of any breed at KC licensed Open/ Limit Shows. (numbers in brackets only apply if one of the classes is a puppy class) Unlimited number of classes in that breed at an Open/Limit show and a Championship Show without CC s AND No more than 3 classes of any other breed (5 for a Stud Band E breed) at an Open/Limit Show Attend a Kennel Club RDSJ seminar and pass the exam. Pass the Kennel Club 50 Points of the Dog assessment Attend a Kennel Club Conformation and Movement seminar Attend an official breed appreciation day for the breed you wish to judge Pass the breed standard written exam for that breed. (multiple choice) Complete an online Kennel Club critique writing seminar (This only has to be done once) Ensure that you have completed/ attended a RDSJ seminar and passed the exam within the past 5 years To attain Level 3 Judge (Awaiting Final Assessment) - Breed Specific you must: Complete an Eye for a dog course and pass the relevant exam. (This only needs to be done once) Undertake three 1:1 mentoring sessions within that breed Ensure that you have completed/attended a RDSJ seminar and passed the exam within the past 5 years Register with the Kennel Club Academy with a declaration of intent to judge a specific breed. A proven interest of a minimum of 5 years in one or more aspects of the breeding and exhibiting of pedigree dogs (including show administration/stewarding) Undertaken 4 days of stewarding appointments Update the Kennel Club Academy with evidence of achievement to apply to the KC for the status of Level 2 Judge in that specific Breed Have one successful approved observation of judging at a breed club, supported entry or non CC championship show the forms to be submitted to the KC Attend the appropriate sub group FT event for gundog breeds Update the Kennel Club Academy with evidence of achievement and apply to the KC for the status of a Level 3 Judge (Awaiting Final Assessment) for that specific breed Lastly have bred &/or owned a minimum of 3 dogs when they obtained their 1st entry in the KC Stud book - save for exceptional circumstances. (This is a one-time qualification) You can now apply to become a Level 1 judge and start judging You can now either; 1. Apply for Level 2 status & progress with judging OR 2. Continue as a Level 1 judge - judging only 3 classes of any breed at open/limit shows (5 for Stud Band E breeds) AND Refresh Requirements of a Dog Show Judge seminar every 5 years AND Update Kennel Club Academy of refresher & any other judging education You can now either; 1. Undertake further experience in the breed and apply for Level 3 Judge (Awaiting Final Assessment) when ready OR 2. Continue as a Level 2 Judge, able to judge in that specific breed, AND As a Level 1 Judge AND Refresh Requirements of a Dog Show Judge seminar every 5 years AND Update Kennel Club Academy of refresher & any other judging education Level 3 Level 4 (CC) Now that you have attained Level 3 Judge (Awaiting Final Assessment) in a specific breed you can continue to judge the following whilst waiting to be assessed: Unlimited number of classes in that breed at an Open/Limit show and a Championship Show without CC s AND No more than 3 classes of any other breed (5 for Stud Band E breeds) as a Level 1 Judge at an Open/Limit Show Same as a Level 1 Judge you can also judge no more than 3 classes (5 for Band E breed) of any breed at any show AND As a Level 2 / Level 3 Judge for a specific breed you can also judge unlimited number of classes of that breed at an Open/Limit Show or a Championship Show without CCs AND As a Level 4 Judge can judge AV classes, Group and Best in Show at Open Shows and award CCs in that specific breed. Attend and pass a Kennel Club breed specific Breed competency Assessment (hands on) If you Fail the assessment, you must gain further experience in the breed and re-apply (minimum of 6 months between applications) Requirements of a Dog Show Judge is refreshed every 5 Years Requirements of a Dog Show Judge is refreshed every 5 Years Update the Kennel Club Academy with evidence of achievement and apply for status as a level 4 judge If you wish to proceed to the next level you will need to undertake the process from Level 2 for each subsequent breed to achieve the threshold requirements to proceed Update the Kennel Club Academy with evidence of achievement and apply for status as a level 5 judge You can now either; 1. Remain a Level 3 single breed judge in that specific breed, & ensure Requirements of a Dog Show Judge is refreshed every 5 Years OR 2. For subsequent breed follow the process above working through level 2 onwards for each and every subsequent breed & ensuring Requirements of a Dog Show Judge is refreshed every 5 Years You can now either; 1. Continue as a Level 4 Judge in the breeds approved AND ensure RDSJ Seminar in the last 5 years and Kennel Club Academy records are kept up to date OR 2. Progress to a Group Judge by achieving Level 4 status (and awarded CC s) in 30% of the breeds in the group by following Levels 2-4 for each and every subsequent breed. Level 5 (Group) Level 6 (BIS) Level 7 (All Breed) You can judge 1. That specific Group at Championship shows 2. Award CCs to all breeds you are approved for at Level 4 3. Unlimited number of classes of any breed in that Group at any Open/Limit show or Championship Show without CCs (without being registered as a Level 2/3 Judge for those breeds). 4. Unlimited number of classes of any breed at any Open/Limit show or Championship Show without CCs in other Groups where Level 2/3 Judge has been attained 5. No more than 3/4 classes (5/6 at Stud Band E breeds) of any breed at any show as a Level 1 Judge AND 6. Judge AV classes, all Groups and Best in Show at Open shows Can judge Best In Show at Championship Shows, in addition to the judging permissions in Level 2/3, Level 4 and Level 5 for other breeds. can award CC s in any Breed, Judge any Group & Judge Best in Show at any level Requirements of a Dog Show Judge is refreshed every 5 Years If wishing to proceed to the next level you will need to undertake the process from Level 2 for each subsequent breed to achieve the threshold requirements to proceed. Requirements of a Dog Show Judge is refreshed every 5 Years Requirements of a Dog Show Judge is refreshed every 5 Years Update the Kennel Club Academy with evidence of achievement and apply for status as a level 6 judge Update the Kennel Club Academy with evidence of achievement and apply for status as a level 7 judge The decision on who to grant Level 7 status to is discretionary to the Judges Committee (and subject to Board approval). The Judges Committee will take account of any history of complaints, and their personal knowledge of the reputation of the judge in question. You can now either; 1. Continue as a Level 5 Judge in the Group approved AND ensure RDSJ Seminar in the last 5 years and Kennel Club Academy records are kept up to date OR 2. Progress to a Level 6 BIS Judge by achieving Level 5 Group Judge status in three Groups (and have judged those groups), and completed the RDSJ Seminar within the last 5 years and Kennel Club Academy records are updated In order to progress to a Level 7 (All Breeds) Judge you must be: 1. Approved & have officiated as a Level 5 Judge in six of the Groups and as a Level 6 judge and: Approved as a Level 4 judge and awarded CCs in a significant number of breeds. You should also have completed the RDSJ Seminar within the last 5 years. Judges Competency Framework - Annex Bii Detailed Guide - page1

Annex C - Summary of recommendations affecting Breed Clubs and General Canine Societies 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Breed Club Activity Change focus of club Judges Sub Committee from overseeing the club s judging lists to focus on providing breed specific seminars (subject to demand), overseeing mentoring and observations of judges and compiling multiple choice exam. Breed Club Judges lists will no longer be necessary from 1.1.22 as the KC will hold a central list accessed through Find A Judge. Clubs may wish to retain their Honorary A list/roll of Honour. Judges will transfer to the relevant level within the JCF via their personal Kennel Club Academy page and their new status will be published in Find a Judge. KC would prefer that each breed establishes one group to oversee its contribution to the judges framework requirements. Appointment of Breed Education Co-ordinator, one per breed preferably. Point of contact for KC and to ensure regular breed appreciation day seminars are held and to facilitate the multiple choice exam. Breeds with more than 1 club are encouraged to work together to provide this education at least once every two years from 1.1.19, with all clubs undertaking this. Co-ordinate mentoring programme and observations. To develop a Breed Appreciation Day and multiple choice exam for Level 1 Judges wishing to become a Level 2 judge in their breed. Seminar content in accordance with Kennel Club Code of Best Practice. The Kennel Club will provide advice on compiling a multiple choice exam. Breeds with more than 1 club should work together to provide this education at least once every two years from 1.1.19 Responsibility for Mentoring Programme and oversight of Judging observations. Appointment of Mentors and Observers Job description and person specification for mentors and observers will be provided by the Kennel Club. Planning Mentoring Days and managing one to one mentoring. The Kennel Club will provide a guide to organising mentoring days and other mentoring opportunities Identifying observations opportunities and appointment of observers Breeds with more than1 club should work together to agree a list of mentors and observers. Whilst the Kennel Club will be organising the Level 3 breed assessments, the breed clubs will assist the Kennel Club in running these. Breed Education Co-ordinator to appoint observers & to use breed shows as a mentoring opportunity Use Find a Judge to select judges. Only judges featured on Find a Judge are eligible to be invited and dependent on their status at the time of the show. Judges Competency Framework - Annex C Summary of recommendations affecting breed clubs and general canine societies - page1

9 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Promote supported entry shows, work with general canine societies further opportunities for mentoring and observation General Canine Society Activity Use Find a Judge to select judges, as Breed Club Judges Lists are redundant from 1.1.22 when only judges featured on Find a Judge are eligible to be invited dependent on their status. When inviting judges to judge at shows check to ensure they are eligible to judge the breed and number of classes. Facilitate Observations & Mentoring opportunities Appointed judges must be on a B list for those judging more than three classes of a breed (more than five classes for a Band E breed) or are a Level 2 judge. If they are not on a B list or above, a judge will need to be a Level 1 Judge or a CC judge of another breed to be eligible to judge up to three classes of a breed (up to five classes for a Band E breed). Offer Breed Club supported entry open shows. Where appropriate offer facilities for judges education seminars Be aware at show there may be a range of breeds/judges being mentored/observed and assist where necessary. To note that in some case a student judge may be in the ring. Show organisers will be made aware in advance, and their permission sought, if this is the case and exhibitors should be told at the show. Timetable With effect from 1/1/19 no new judge will be eligible to start judging at licensed shows until level 1 status has been achieved. All those who have judged prior to 1/1/19 will transition to their new level, assume their new judging privileges and have until 1/1/22 to complete all the relevant criteria at their new level to continue to judge at licensed shows from this date. Judges Competency Framework - Annex C Summary of recommendations affecting breed clubs and general canine societies - page2

Annex D - Judges Resident outside the UK It would not be reasonable to ask CC awarding non-resident UK judges to join the Academy; however they may do so if they wish. Several different types of scenario have been identified. 1. Overseas judges previously approved to award CCs, Groups & Best in Show Previously approved to award Breeds, Groups and BIS at KC Ch shows to be grandfathered over to the judge s KC Academy record. Judge to be included on Find a Judge Treated as Level 4/5/6* judge as applicable with all the relevant judging privileges at each level. Judging Privileges Relevant breed(s) with CCs *Level 4 (a) Up to 3 classes or 4 classes if one is a Puppy class (5/6 classes for SB Band E breeds) of any breed at any show (b) Unlimited number of classes of those breeds previously judged with CCs at Open, Limited and Championship Shows (c) All Groups and Best in Show at Open & Limited Shows *Level 5 above plus (d) Relevant Group at Championship shows (e) Unlimited number of classes of any breed in approved group at Open and Limited shows and non CC classes at Championship Shows (f) Unlimited number of classes of any breed at any Open or Limited show or at Championship Shows without CCs in other Groups where Level2/3 status has been attained. *Level 6 above plus (g) Approved to judge Best in Show at Championship Shows KC Academy subs Y/N No Comments No CPD required. Full briefing required by inviting society. Judges Competency Framework - Annex D Judges Resident outside the UK - page1

2. New nominations for CC Breeds, Groups and Best in Show (a) CACIB Int judge approvals to award CCs to additional breeds or Groups or BIS will be approved under the FCI agreement and judges moved to the relevant levels as applicable and when approved by KC. Judging Privileges Once approved will be treated as a Level 4/5/6* judge as applicable with all the relevant judging privileges at these levels. Judges will be featured on Find a Judge No No CPD required. Full briefing required by inviting society. The agreement on the mutual recognition of judges with the FCI will expire on 31/4/22. Discussions will need to be held with the FCI in the first half of 2021 to review the agreement PROPOSAL [Relevant to paragraphs 2(a) & (b)] Additional Judging Privileges Overseas judges who have been approved to judge 3 unconnected breeds with CACIBs in their own country may judge variety classes at Championship Shows. Definition of 3 unconnected breeds to be included in an FAQ. (b) Judges not covered by the FCI Agreement - to award CCs judges will continue to be required to complete the standard overseas judge s questionnaire. Judging Privileges Once approved will be treated as a Level 4/5/6* judge as applicable with all the relevant judging privileges at these levels. Judge will be featured on Find a Judge 3. Overseas Judges not approved to award equivalent CCs in their county of residence, judging at non CC level in the UK Judging Privileges Level 1 criteria must prove to show societies that the introductory judges training in their country of residence has been undertaken, by making available the pass certificate or having written confirmation from their KC, along with having No Yes Following the review of the FCI agreement and also during 2021 the agreement with the Scandinavian countries will also need to be reconsidered. Consideration will also need to be given to non-uk judges not covered by the FCI s jurisdiction. It is the show society s responsibility to ensure that the judge meets the required criteria. No CDP required. Full briefing required by inviting society. Judges Competency Framework - Annex D Judges Resident outside the UK - page2

a proven interest of a minimum of 5 years in one or more aspects of the breeding and exhibiting of pedigree dogs, and have 4 days stewarding experience in their own country (a) Up to 3 classes or 4 classes if one is a Puppy class (5/6 classes for SB Band E breeds) of any breed at any show. Level 2 criteria can be achieved Have attended a UK breed seminar & passed the multiple choice exam plus above requirements. (b) Above plus unlimited number of classes in that breed at an Open/Limited show and at a Championship Show without CCs. Judge will be featured on Find a Judge 4. UK Judges who reside outside UK May continue in the Judges Competency Framework with relevant levels and judging privileges or be treated as an overseas judge after which the overseas Kennel Club criteria applies. 5. Overseas judges who are now resident in the UK and were CC judges in home country KC will accept previous UK KC approvals prior to moving to the UK to award CC, Group and Best in Show with relevant judging privileges. For all subsequent appointments to judge in the UK will following the judges competency framework. Judging privileges will relate to the relevant level achieved. Judges discretion Yes Judges Competency Framework - Annex D Judges Resident outside the UK - page3 Depends if they want to be treated as a UK judge living abroad of as an overseas judge. NEW PROPOSAL FROM Persons who move to the UK are considered for the purposes of Open Show judging as resident in the UK after 3 years. For the purposes of approval to award CCs and the completion of questionnaires, they should be treated as resident in the UK after 3 years but overseas judges for the first 3 years of residence. The qualifications and experience gained in their home country (or other jurisdiction) should be taken as a basis for consideration, after which Kennel Club Policy applies. TO If awarded CCs previously will grandfather these breeds into new system

6. Overseas judges who wish to judge in the UK & follow the KC JCF not being a CC judge in their home country Level 1 accepting stewarding criteria from resident country Level 2 must follow JCF Level 3 must follow JCF will accept 3 Ch dogs instead of 3 KC SB dogs Judging privileges will relate to the relevant UK level achieved. Yes If have awarded equivalent of CCs in home country prior to moving to the UK but not judged that breed in UK with CCs they may register for Level 3. They will need to be within 5 years for the RDSJ exam. The critique writing seminar is recommended but not required If not judged breed at CC level in home country they will need to fulfil requirements for Level 2 and 3 CPD required This category is likely to be used for a small number of judges, examples might be; judges of numerically small breeds overseas, those where there is a restriction on handlers eligibility to judge, those countries where the training programme might not be considered robust. Home KC to be informed by the judge. CPD required 7. Judges resident in Northern Ireland (awarding CCs) See paragraph 3 above. Non CC judges resident in Northern Ireland can follow the JCF (Levels 1 & 2) until such time as they wish to be approved to award CCs at which point they need to decide KC or IKC jurisdiction. KC jurisdiction following JCF. IKC treated as a paragraph 2 OR 3 above. Non CC appointments YES CC appointment discretionary These judges are not covered by the FCI agreement as written. This is a rather complex situation, the Judges Committee will conduct a review and agree a policy when it re-writes its policy document. Such judges must choose the jurisdiction under which they wish to be considered. Judges cannot flip flop between being approved to award CCs under the JCF and also the Irish Kennel Club system. A discussion with representatives of the Irish Kennel Club will be needed to agree the way forward. CPD Yes if following JCF Judges Competency Framework - Annex D Judges Resident outside the UK - page4

1. What will it cost me to be a listed judge under the new system? 2. I have taken breed club judging assessments and passed them in the past. Will these count towards making progress under the new system? 3. Why do I need to take a Kennel Club Requirements of a Dog Show Judge exam every five years? Judges Competency Framework Frequently Asked Questions FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Judges You will need to join the Kennel Club Academy, which costs 26 per year. There are a number of benefits including access to a series of high-quality educational films and other material. Being a member will allow you to take any mandatory online exams at no charge. In some countries, judges pay as much as 50 per year to be listed, with no benefits beyond appearing on the official list. If you take a judging exam on the Kennel Club Academy, think of the seminar attendance fees you will be saving, to say nothing of petrol expenses. Yes. Simply make sure you update your details for the specific breed on the KC Academy, this will allow you to register as a Level 2 judge in that breed It is a way of demonstrating that you have refreshed your learning, and are up to date with show regulations, policies and procedures. Revision is never a bad idea. However, if you are already a CC judge and you are not going to apply for any new CC breeds you have until 1.1.2024 to have done this, and the exam can be taken online. 4. Is it possible to be listed on the KC website as a judge at different levels all at the same time? 5. I am a CC judge but also on the B list for another breed, which level should I be on for each breed? 6. I have no access to internet. How am I going to use the online resources? Yes. It is quite possible that you will be a CC judge, say, in Afghan Hounds while at the same time you are a championship show gundog group judge and open show judge of Papillon s. Your KCA account will show your status for each breed and this information will be reflected on Find a Judge on the KC website. L4 for the CC breed and L2 for the other breed provided you meet the new requirements. You will be able to judge the B list breed during the transition stage, although it is advisable to register as a Level 2 as soon as you can, as this information will be available to show secretaries. Computers are now available to use in many public places, including libraries. You could make use of a computer belonging to a family member or friend. 7. I attended a judging seminar a few years ago but cannot find my certificate to prove that I took the exam and passed. What should I do? 8. Regarding the requirement for Aspiring Judges to undertake four days of stewarding, how does that work? It is absolutely essential that proof of seminar attendance and exams undertaken is provided. If you cannot provide this, you will need to go to another seminar and take the relevant exam again. As long as you have stewarded for four FULL days at shows, you will be meeting this requirement. It is not enough to steward for part of a day you must steward for the FULL day and provide proof that you have done this. Judges Competency Framework Frequently Asked Questions page 1