Judging Approval Process

Judging Operations Department 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27617-3390 (919) 816-3639 judgingops@akc.org WINTER 2012 Volume 1 Number 51 F O U N D E D 1 8 8 4 Judging Approval Process T H E AKC N EWSLETT E R F O R C O N F O R M AT ION JUD GES In the Board discussions on forming the Committee to Review the Judging Approval Process, it was generally agreed that the quality of judging at American Kennel Club dog shows had significantly deteriorated over the past 20 years. I voiced the opinion, and the Board apparently agreed, that, to a large extent, the deterioration was due to shortcomings in the judging approval process. Both in Board discussions and in the first meetings of the committee, it was agreed that Throughout the committee s deliberations, the group s entire focus was always on how to improve judging. we needed a system that was simpler, fairer and more efficient in identifying the better judges (or better potential judges) and encouraging them to move along at a faster rate while at the same time, identifying those judges who were struggling with the breeds for which they were approved, giving them more opportunity to hone their skills in those breeds before moving on. Throughout the committee s deliberations, the group s entire focus was always on how to improve judging. In reviewing the old (present) system, any feature of that system which interfered with or did not contribute to that improvement was considered expendable; conversely, any ideas or suggestions for inclusion in the final proposal had to be agreed to by a consensus of the committee. The final product, we believe, is a vast improvement over the present system. Having said that, the committee recognized that the proposed system is, by no means perfect, and as flaws are discovered through experience with the new process, changes will have to be made by the Board of Directors. In the meantime, it will inevitably take several years under the new process for results in the quality of judging to become apparent. In closing, I would like to offer my sincere appreciation to the other seven members of the committee (Darrell Hayes, Edd Bivin, Jim Corbett, Tom Davies, Bob Forsyth, Roz Kramer and Jim Smith) for their hard work and dedication, without which the committee could not have been successful. Dr. Robert D. Smith

I N T R O D U C T I O N The time is upon us. The anxiously awaited new Judging Approval Process that is a result of the ad hoc Judges Review Committee appointed by the Board of Directors and chaired by Dr. Robert D. Smith has been approved and an implementation date is set for March 1, 2012. This issue of is dedicated to the new process and will dissect it for you. We will break down the new policy piece by piece, identifying the items that remained virtually unchanged and delve into all of the modifications and how they will affect you as an approved judge of the AKC. As always, you are encouraged to contact the Judging Operations Department with any questions that may arise as you review this new policy. You are also encouraged to review the entire Judging Approval Process to be implemented March 1, 2012 as well as the supplementary Q&A document, both of which are available on the AKC website. We are very excited about what lies ahead. At the same time it is the realization of the Committee that authored this Approval Process as well as the Judging Operations Department that this is a work in process. Undoubtedly, there will be items that become evident over time that will require tweaking. Subsequently, there will also be individuals that are not proponents of this policy, but we feel strongly that this policy is good for the American Kennel Club as it will help advance those judges who have effectively displayed their proficiency in the ring while at the same time more effectively address those that have displayed consistent challenges in their judging. NEW vs. OLD The first question on virtually everyone s mind is what has changed? The answer is a significant amount. In order to facilitate your review of the new policy, we will first identify what has not. The application process for the first time (New Breed) applicant is virtually unchanged. The requirements are the same as with the previous policy as are the methods in which one may apply for breeds for the first time. We will not delve into the particulars involved with the New Breed application process in this issue of, as it is not relative to those in receipt of this newsletter as you are already an approved judge of the AKC. Also, we will not examine the adaptations regarding Visiting Judges. Those interested in the aspect regarding the approval of Visiting Judges may do so by reviewing the complete Judging Approval Process and the Q&A document on the AKC website. In addition, the approval for judging the Miscellaneous Class and the process associated with reinstatement/reactivation of judges who have voluntarily resigned is unchanged. The lone exception is that those requesting reinstatement or reactivation must also submit a non-refundable $25 processing fee at the time of their request. Virtually every other aspect of this policy has been altered, changed or tweaked in some manner. We will concentrate in breaking down the policy for the remainder of this newsletter for the purpose of defining the differences and how they will affect you. 2

Contents In this issue~ ATTENTION All Applicants Judging Approval Process... 1 Introduction... 2 New vs. Old... 2 Attention All Applicants... 3 The Additional Breed Applicant... 4 The Interview Process... 5 Final Approval and the Judges Review Committee... 5 The Appeals Process... 6 Reserve Best in Show... 6 I Have My New Permit Breeds... Now What?... 7 Removal of Breeds... 8 Miscellaneous Items... 9 Advancement Parent Club Recommendations Invitation to Judge Specialties... 10 Best in Show... 11 Newly Recognized Breeds... 11 AKC Owner-Handler Series... 12 Junior Showmanship... 13 Former Junior Handlers!... 13 In Memoriam... 14 The Judges Store... 15 Upcoming Seminars... 16 Effective March 1, 2012, with the implementation of the new Judging Approval Process, all applications received on or after this date must meet the requirements of the new policy. This includes applications submitted prior to March 1st that were incomplete and have not satisfied the requirements of the previous policy before March 1st. Furthermore, all applications and forms received as of March 1, 2012 MUST be submitted on the updated forms relative to the type of application (New or Additional Breed). All applicable forms can be found on the AKC website. Current forms will be dated 03/12 in the bottom right hand corner. All documents should be signed and dated. Application packets that include unsigned or undated forms where required or that are missing required documents will be considered incomplete and will not be processed. 3

THE Additional Breed Applicant First and foremost, the initial difference that all will realize is the elimination of the requirement of the Pre-Application Interview with an Executive Field Representative. The intent of this in the past was to assist the applicant and the office by preventing incomplete or insufficient applications being submitted to the AKC office. With the elimination of the component requirement and the reduction in Field Staff, the necessity of this review became insignificant. Furthermore, the responsibility of insuring that an application is complete and meets all requirements is that of the applicant. One of the most anticipated changes in the new policy is the number of breeds that one may apply for. The one-for-one policy will no longer be in effect. Judges will now be permitted to apply for up to one-half the number of breeds in the largest group on each additional breed application regardless of the number of breeds that they are currently approved to judge. This will undoubtedly provide the opportunity to those who have displayed a proficiency in their judging the ability to advance at a much greater pace than in the past. What will be vital to remember is that the ability to apply for a number of breeds does not necessarily equate to the probability of being approved for that number. One of the greatest complaints concerning the previous approval policy was that the application process was focused on checking boxes. As a result it became ineffective in measuring the overall quality of one s application and preparation. Applicants became overly focused on obtaining components rather than experiences of quality and depth. This may be the greatest difference in the new policy as there are no longer a minimum number of components one must acquire to apply. In addition, there will no longer be time constraints associated with the experiences one includes in their preparation. The application for a breed will now include a synopsis of one s experience, preparation and validation as to why the committee should approve the applicant for this breed. The applicant must submit a synopsis for each breed in which they choose to apply. Applicants may include any information that they feel should be considered in review of their request. Information included for consideration may include but is not limited to education (seminars, workshops and institutes), mentors, judging experiences (special attractions), specialties attended and personal experience with the breed. Experiences such as education, judging experiences, etc., must be verifiable to be considered. In addition, for those who attend institutes and seminars, those experiences that in the past were considered a two component credit (i.e. AKC Advanced Institutes) will be considered an experience of greater value in review of one s application than those previously considered as a one component credit. The items that must be included with one s application for additional breeds is the Additional Breed Questionnaire, the Occupational Eligibility Form, the individual breed synopsis for each breed applied, copies of certificates from seminars, workshops or institutes attended and a $25 processing fee per breed applied. The inclusion of the Occupational Eligibility Form is new, as applicants must now sign and return it with their application. All forms must be signed and dated or the application will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant unprocessed. Please also remember that the $25 per breed is a processing fee and is not refundable if breeds are not approved or once the application is considered complete. All pertinent information and forms are located on the AKC website on the Additional Breed Application and Procedures page. 4

The Interview Process Once an application has been reviewed by Staff, an interview will be scheduled with an Executive Field Representative. Interviews in the Raleigh office may also be requested, but will only be scheduled in extenuating circumstances. The integrity of the interview is vital. Applicants are not permitted to refer to breed standards, notes, pictures or similar reference materials during their interview. It is to be closed book. What applicants will be expected to discuss for each breed in which they applied may include but is not limited to: breed history, key breed characteristics, strengths and/or weaknesses in the breed(s), breed specific examination and applicable breed disqualifications. For those breeds that include disqualifications for height and/or weight or as a condition of class, the applicable wicket and/or scales test will also be required. This is a mandatory portion of the interview regardless of the breeds in which you are currently approved. Failure of the wicket and/or scales test will result in a three month hold on your application regardless of the result of the verbal portion of your interview and the passing of a second wicket or scales test before review by the committee. Additionally, as the breed exams have been eliminated from the approval process, the passing of the verbal portion of the interview is a requirement for each breed in which you apply. Failure for any breed will result in that breed being pulled from consideration by the Judges Review Committee. Following your interview, the Executive Field Representative will compose a summary of the interview with the results and forward a copy to the applicant. The applicant is required to sign and return the Interview Synopsis to the Judging Operations Department. Upon receipt of your signed Interview Synopsis, it will be included with your application for consideration by the Judges Review Committee at its next available meeting. Final Approval and the Judges Review Committee Applications submitted and that have met all requirements to be considered complete will be reviewed by the Judges Review Committee at its next available meeting following the completion of the Interview with the Executive Field Representative. The Judges Review Committee, as defined in the Judges Approval Process is a committee of five to be comprised of the COO of the American Kennel Club, the Vice President of Dog Show Judges (who shall be Chair), one AKC Executive Field Representative, One Senior Judge with at least 20 years of experience and having at least three groups and one designated person. The Executive Field Representative will be appointed by the CEO and the Senior Judge along with the designated person will be recommended by the CEO and confirmed by the Board. The committee will review the applications for the breeds in which the applicant passed the breed interview in combination with all reports received from the Executive Field Staff since one s previous application. The depth and quality of one s preparation along with the reports will determine the number of breeds approved by the committee. After the determination of the committee, the applicant will be notified by the Judging Operations Department of the result and the date in which they can now accept assignments. Those applicants that are limited by the committee (approved for less breeds than applied) must sign and return the acceptance of the committee s decision before they receive their letter announcing their permit status and the date that they may accept assignments. Applicants limited by the Judges Review Committee, may request re-evaluation. Those requesting reevaluation must do so in writing to the Judging Operations Department within 60 days of their letter notifying them of the results of the Judges Review Committee. The requests must include a $25 processing fee and include sufficient additional information not submitted in the original application to warrant re-evaluation. All additional information must have preceded the submission of their application. Requests not meeting this criterion will be denied. Those requests meeting this requirement will be re-evaluated at the next available meeting of the Judges Review Committee. The judge will then be notified of the result of the re-evaluation by mail or email. It is extremely important to understand that re-evaluation is a review of breeds originally denied. However, the committee may also choose to approve less breeds than awarded at the original review. 5

The Appeals Process Applicants limited by the Judges Review Committee who were unsuccessful with their re-evaluation may appeal the re-evaluation decision. If one wishes to pursue this avenue they must first file their request for appeal with the Judging Operations Department in writing within 60 days of the date of notification. The notification of appeal must also include a $25 non-refundable processing fee. Once received, the appeal will be scheduled at the next available meeting of the Judges Appeals Committee (JAC). The JAC meet quarterly and is a three member committee of the AKC Board of Directors. The applicant appealing the re-valuation decision may choose from one of three options in the process of their appeal: 1. Appear in person, with or without counsel. 2. Appear via a conference call. 3. The JAC, without additional input from the applicant, may review all material submitted in connection with the application. 1. Appear in person, with or without counsel. 2. Appear via a conference call. 3. The JAC, without additional input from the applicant, may review all material submitted in connection with the application. Those who choose to appear in person or via conference call are granted 30 minutes to present their case. If an attorney is appearing with the applicant, he/she may advise the applicant but is not permitted to otherwise speak or address the committee. No new supporting information is permitted to be supplied. At the conclusion of the presentation, the JAC, serving as arbiter, has two options: (1) concur with the re-evaluation action or (2) recommend full or partial breeds be accepted. If the JAC concurs, the appeal process is complete. If the JAC recommends full or partial breeds be accepted, this recommendation must be approved by the Board of Directors. The applicant is then notified of the decision of the JAC. If the decision of the JAC is to uphold the result of the re-evaluation, the applicant must still sign the acceptance letter of the result of the re-evaluation by the Judges Review Committee before being granted permit status in those breeds. Reserve Best in Show At the September 2011 meeting of the Delegate Body of the American Kennel Club, the Reserve Best in Show Award was passed with an implementation date of July 3, 2012. A Reserve Best in Show must also be offered by any club giving group classes. The Reserve Best in Show winner will be chosen by the same judge that has been assigned Best in Show from the remaining group winners in the ring after awarding Best in Show. The second place from the group in which the Best in Show winner advanced from WILL NOT be called into the ring for the selection of Reserve Best in Show. 6

I Have My New Permit Breeds... Now What??? The letter received from the Judging Operations Department following the meeting of the Judges Review Committee will include the date in which the applicant may accept assignments on their new permit breeds. Notification of the newly approved breeds will be published in the next available Secretary s Page. In addition, the online directory will be updated with their new breeds as well as the list of permit judges with new breeds not included in the printed judges directory. Permit judges will be required to judge each of their permit breeds a minimum of three times with entries. This is a change from the previous policy which required five assignments. Please note that single entries do not suffice an assignment except for those breeds appearing on the Low Entry Breed list. In addition, a minimum of three observations with sufficient entry by Executive Field Representatives will be required from your pool of permit breeds to qualify to request for regular status. New Breed judges receiving less than three breeds will be observed on procedure, and those receiving three breeds or more will be observed on procedure and breed evaluations. Additional breed permit judges will receive Judges Evaluation Reports (breed evaluations) from the Executive Field Staff but may also receive procedural reports (Judging Observations) if procedural issues are observed. In regard to the required observations, it is mandatory that following a Marginal or Does Not Meet Evaluation by the Executive Field Representative, at least two additional evaluations in that breed with positive reports will be required. The same requirement is in effect for new breed judges with negative procedural observations. Requests for regular status that have not met this criterion will be returned. Please note, even if according to your records you have completed the required number of assignments in a breed and have received three observation reports, you will still be observed by the Executive Field Representative in attendance (schedule permitting) as long as you are permit status for breeds. You should encourage every opportunity to receive an observation and/ or evaluation as the more positive reports you are able to obtain, will be beneficial when you choose to apply for more breeds in the future. Remember, this policy is based on merit and your display of proficiency in the ring is the largest contributor to this process. Something unique in the new approval process is that permit judges may request regular status for all or part of their permit breeds as they have satisfied the criteria relative to the individual breeds. But, you will not be permitted to apply for additional breeds until you have been granted regular status in all of your permit breeds. The decision will be yours as to whether it is to your benefit to obtain regular status for a portion of your permit breeds. 7

Removal of Breeds The new Judging Approval Policy not only affords to the judging community the opportunity to advance at a much quicker pace for those who have displayed a proficiency in the ring, but it also streamlines the process that the AKC can address the removal of breeds in those cases where individuals have displayed a challenge in judging specific breeds. If a judge were to receive three unsatisfactory evaluations of Marginal or Does Not Meet from an AKC Executive Field Representative in any combination of breeds, they will be placed on probation for those affected breeds. It is very important that all comprehend the process defined by this policy associated with the removal of breeds. Once one is placed on probation for any breeds, the following procedure is initiated: Judge will be required to request evaluations from the AKC Executive Field Representative in attendance in the breeds in which they are on probation. Three consecutive positive reports on each affected breed from two or more AKC Executive Field Representatives will remove judge s name from probationary status. Any additional unsatisfactory evaluations on previously affected breeds of Marginal or Does Not Meet from AKC Executive Field Representatives will result in review by the Judges Review Committee and potential removal of those breeds with negative reports. Judges on probation may not apply for additional breeds. Removal of breed for a Group judge judge may continue to judge the Group on pending panels only; any additional assignments will not be approved for any removed breed and affected Group until such time as the breed has been re-instated. Removal of breed for a Best in Show judge if removal of breed results in judge no longer being approved for one complete group, judge may continue to judge Best in Show on pending panels only. Any additional assignments will not be approved for any removed breed and affected Best in Show until such time as the breed has been re-instated. Additionally, the new policy also defines the process in which procedural difficulties affecting measurable breeds is to be handled: Judges receiving negative reports on weighing or measuring will be required to pass the applicable wicket and /or scale test. Failure of this test will result in review by the Judges Review Committee and the potential of all applicable breeds being removed. For either the removal of breeds as a result of probationary assignments or due to negative procedural reports on measuring or weighing, judges may request for re-evaluation. Those requesting re-evaluation may do so by requesting in writing to the Judging Operations Department within 60 days and submitting a non-refundable $25 processing fee. Judges may also apply for reinstatement of affected breed(s) after six months and a realistic effort to re-educate themselves. 8

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Advancement The new Judging Approval Process not only includes modifications to what the previous policy contained, but also added some unique elements. The Judges Review Committee will have the opportunity to recommend judges for advancement by affording them the opportunity to apply for a complete group or a combination of breeds (not including a full group) up to the equivalent of the number of breeds in the largest group. Those considered for this honor will be considered from a pool of names submitted by Executive Field Representatives, Breeders, Professional Handlers, Parent Clubs, Judges and Show Chairpersons. Those recommended for advancement must be approved by the committee and will have to complete the process defined in the new policy as approval of the recommendations does not guarantee approval of the breeds or group. All recommendations for advancement must be submitted to the Judging Operations Department on the official AKC form. Parent Club Recommendations Another unique aspect is that Parent Clubs may recommend members of their club to be approve on a permit basis for their breed. To qualify, the parent club must have been recognized by the AKC for a minimum of 10 years. Parent clubs are permitted to recommend up to three members per year for consideration by the Judges Review Committee and any recommendation must be submitted on the official AKC form accompanied by a certified copy of the meeting minutes at which action was taken by the Parent Club Board. Any member recommended by the Parent Club must meet the following criteria. Applicant must have a minimum of 20 years in the breed with breeding and/or exhibiting success. Applicant must currently be a member of the Parent Club and have been a member for a minimum of 10 years. Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and occupationally eligible. The Judging Operations Department will notify those individuals recommended and approved by the Judges Review Committee as well as the Parent Club. Once the recommendation has been accepted, the nominee must complete the remainder of the process before the Judges Review Committee makes a final determination whether to approve the nominee on a permit basis. Nominee must take and pass the Procedural and Anatomy exams. Nominee must submit a letter of synopsis defining their background and experience in the breed. Nominee must pass an interview with an AKC Executive Field Representative including a wicket and/or scales exam if applicable. Nominee must submit a non-refundable $25 processing fee. Upon successfully completing all criteria, the Judges Review Committee will consider the letter of synopsis in combination with the result of the interview and determine whether to approve on permit basis or deny. Once approved, the new permit judge must complete a minimum of three assignments with dogs present and obtain three reports from AKC Executive Field Representatives before requesting regular status. As with those judges who had gone through the traditional application process, additional assignments may be required to obtain the required number of assignments with sufficient entries to complete an observation. 9

Invitation to Judge Specialties Another new and unique aspect of the new policy is that Parent Clubs may request individuals not approved to judge their breed at their National Specialty or Parent Club Regional Specialty. Any eligible individual may be requested. This includes, but is not limited to professional handlers. Approvals are done on a case by case and event by event basis. Request can only be submitted by the Parent Club. Request must be submitted to the Judging Operations Department to be reviewed by the Judges Review Committee and must be on the official AKC Parent Club request form which is posted on the AKC website. The following applies regarding this request: Parent Club must request in writing to the Judges Review Committee c/o the AKC Judging Operations Department any eligible individual to judge their Parent Club National or Parent Club Regional Specialty. Parent Clubs may also request for local breed clubs under the umbrella of the Parent Club eligible individuals to judge their Specialty show. It is at the discretion of the Parent Club whether to submit the Local Breed club s request to the AKC as Parent Clubs are within their rights to establish criteria as to the number of requests submitted per year or minimal requirements for the event. Parent Club approval of local breed club request does not guarantee approval by the Judges Review Committee. Request must be submitted on official AKC form which will be available on the AKC website. Individual requested must meet all requirements as outlined in the Judges Approval Process. Must be 21 years of age or older. Must be occupational eligible (exception for professional handlers) Should be knowledgeable, with success in breeding/exhibiting/handling in the breed for 15 years or more. Judges Review Committee (JRC) will review request of the Parent Club at the next available monthly meeting. Parent Club will be notified by the Judging Operations Department of the decision of the JRC. Individuals approved by the JRC will be notified by the Judging Operations Department and must fulfill all remaining criteria. Take and pass Procedural exam. Take and pass Anatomy exam. Take and pass applicable scales and/or wicket exam to be conducted by an AKC Executive Field Representative. Submit a non-refundable $25 processing fee. Upon completion of all requirements, Parent Club and individual requested will be notified. Judges number will be assigned for the approved individual (if one had not been assigned previously). The Events Department will be notified for approval upon submission of the event judging panel. Approval is for the event requested ONLY. Individual requests must be made for each event in which one is requested to judge. All individuals approved for Parent Club specialties per their request are bound by the same Rules, Policies and Guidelines as approved judges in regard to the event in which they will judge. Approved individuals should familiarize themselves with the Rules, Policies and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges and/or contact the Judging Operations Department with any specific questions regarding exhibiting eligibility. 10

Best in Show The requirements for one to obtain approval to judge Best in Show remained for the most part unchanged with the exception of the inclusion of a non-refundable $25 processing fee. Below are the criteria for one to apply to judge Best in Show: Must have current approval for one full Group. Must have judged the group 5 times. Must have positive reports on current breeds from AKC Executive Field Representatives. A non-refundable $25 processing fee required. Newly Recognized Adjunct Breeds As with the approval for Best in Show judges, the process associated with newly accepted breeds and group judges for the groups in which they are entering is also virtually unchanged. Consistent with the rest of the policy, a $25 non-refundable processing fee will be required. As before, when a new breed is entering a group, those judges already approved for the group will automatically be granted the breed on regular status after they have passed the applicable breed exam and submitted their $25 processing fee per breed. Failure to pass the breed exam in two (2) attempts or refusal to submit the applicable processing fee(s) will result in the removal of the group approval status. Those assignments already approved will be unaffected, but no additional group assignments in the applicable group will be accepted until such time as the breed has been approved. Those judges who have had their group status removed may apply for approval of the affected breed after six months. Subsequently, those applying for a balance of a group in which a new breed will be entering, that breed will automatically be added to their list of applied breeds. The applicant will be required to submit a non-refundable $25 processing fee for the newly approved breed and that breed will be covered in the interview with the Executive Field Representative with the other breeds applied. In addition, if applicable, a wicket and/or scales test will be conducted by the Executive Field Representative in conjunction with the interview. Applicants who pass the breed interview and are approved for the balance of the group by the Judges Review Committee will also be approved for the newly approved breed (Adjunct). Applicants limited, and thus not approved for the balance of the group, will not be approved for the newly approved breed. Those who have been approved under this scenario will not be required to take and pass the applicable breed exam as they have interviewed with the Executive Field Representative on the breed. 11

AKC OWNER-HANDLER SERIES The Owner-Handler series will be offered at select events throughout the country in 2012 and may be expanded in the future depending on its reception. It is vital that you fully comprehend the process in selecting the Best of Breed in the American Kennel Club Owner-Handler series to avoid confusion and to instill confidence in the exhibitors in this exciting new series. The procedure will be similar but not identical to that of the selection of the Best Bred by Exhibitor at the AKC National Championship. Please review the instructions included in this article regarding the selection of this award carefully. Proficiency in everyone s procedure will avoid disputes and complaints at the event and to the AKC offices. Please also review the proper procedure for this series with your ring steward prior to judging to insure their understanding of this award and your expectations. All dogs that are owner/handled and are not owned or exhibited by professional handlers meet the requirements for this competition. Exhibitors must declare their dog is Owner/Handler eligible at the time of entry using the check box on the entry form. Eligible dogs will be identified by an asterisk in the steward s book and the catalog. For the purpose of this series, professional handlers are defined as any person who belongs or has belonged to a professional handlers organization, distributed rate cards, or otherwise advertised or represented themselves as handling dogs for pay. Owner/Handler Best of Breed will be selected from the dogs that are eligible to compete in the Best of Breed competition including Winners Dog, Winners Bitch and all intact winners of the non-regular classes. Dogs that have been defeated in the regular classes or non-regular classes will not be considered. If the Best of Breed/Variety winner is Owner-Handler competition eligible, it will automatically be Owner-Handled Best of Breed/Variety and be eligible to compete in both the regular as well as the Owner-Handler group. If the Best of Breed/Variety winner is Owner-Handler competition ineligible and the Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed/Variety is eligible, the Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed/ Variety will compete against the eligible undefeated exhibits of the other sex to determine Owner-Handled Best of Breed/Variety. If the Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed/Variety are both Owner- Handler competition ineligible and Select Dog & Select Bitch are both eligible, the judge is to choose Best Owner-Handled exhibit from the Selects and eligible Winners Dog or Winners Bitch. If one of the Selects is eligible, excuse all dogs of the same sex and then choose Best Owner- Handled exhibit from the remaining dogs of the opposite sex including the eligible Winners. If Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed, Select Dog & Select Bitch are ineligible, the judge may choose any eligible dog remaining in the ring including Winners Dog or Winners Bitch as Owner-Handled Best of Breed/Variety. The breed will not be represented in the Owner-Handler Group if there is no eligible dog competing in the Best of Breed, or in Best of Winners competition If you should have any questions regarding the proper procedure associated with this series or require further clarification, you are encouraged to contact the Judging Operations Department of the American Kennel Club in advance of any assignment in which the Owner-Handler series is offered. In addition, please review all information regarding the Owner-Handler series posted on the AKC website. 12

Junior Showmanship The Master Class this class became effective January 1, 2012. The purpose is to move Juniors with 10 wins with competition out of the Open Class into a separate class allowing other Juniors the opportunity to gain wins for Limited Events. The time frame for the class is November 1- October 31 for each year- in other words, on November 1 of this year everyone returns to Open to meet the eligibility for next years events. The Master Class is not divided by age. The Junior may move up the day of the show if they meet the criteria after the close of entries. The Junior must move up once the tenth win in Open with competition is processed. The winner of the Master Class will compete for Best Junior. Former Junior Handlers! Please take a minute and complete the following survey regarding your Juniors experience. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5vw8thy FYI As with the new Judging Approval Process, the term provisional has been replaced with permit for conformation judges. Due to the fact that the provisional terminology was utilized for judges in multiple areas of competition, judges previously referred to as provisional will now be listed as prov/permit for all sports where applicable. 13

S In Memoriam Gone from our sight, but never our memories. Gone from our touch, but never our hearts. S The friends we lost in 2011 S Mrs. Mary Gretchen Belloff (MI) Mr. Richard M. Chashoudian (LA) Mr. Furman L. Cunningham (AZ) Mr. Michael L. Gardner (AZ) Mrs. Carol V.S. Gossweiler (PA) Mr. William H. Green (NM) Mrs. Lana J. Hall (CO) Mr. John A.E. Hannum, Jr. (MD) Mr. Joseph Heine (OH) Mr. Shurwood F. Ingram (MD) Mr. Laurie A. Johnson (OH) Mrs. Marilyn (Tish) M. Keating (MO) Mrs. Marcia K. Keller (NY) Miss R. Suzanne Kinman (GA) Mr. Phillip A. Lanard III (FL) Mrs. Josanne E. Larsen (NC) Mr. Lester R. Mapes (MA) Mr. Robert S. Matchett (CA) Mrs. Carol A. McKulski (IL) Mr. George F. Molloy, Jr. (NY) Mr. Rudy Munoz (CA) Mr. Robert Naun (NY) Mrs. Jo Byrd Parker (CO) Mrs. Bessie V. Pickens (WA) Dr. Ralph A. Reilly (FL) Ms. Vivienne (Rickie) Richards (FL) Mr. Raymond Ryan (OH) Mr. Mike Sanders (AL) Mrs. Janice L. Staley (CA) Mr. Merlin J. Van de Kinder (CAN) Mrs. George John (Anna) Wanner (NC) Mr. Bruce Wylie (OH) S We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It s the best deal man has ever made. M. Acklam You can say any foolish thing to a dog and the dog will give you a look that says, My God, you re right! I never would ve thought of that! Dave Barry If you think dogs can t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Binky only two of them. Phil Pastoret 14

The Judges Store All Weather Jacket Bucket Hat Micro line fabric with zippered pockets, Khaki with Navy embroidered AKC logo navy with tan trim and matching embroidered logo 100% Cotton. One size fits all. Available in sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL $20.00 S&H included $85.00 S&H included Order a Jacket and get a FREE Badge! (a $25.00 value, FREE!) John Smith AKC Judge Name Address City, State Zip Telephone # Judges # Official AKC Judges Badge Choose from Silver or Gold tone finishes Available in pin back, magnet back or pocket holder (Please specify when ordering) $25.00 S&H included Anatomy Review for Dog Judges ~ Claudia Waller Orlandi, PhD Designed to be used as a primer for new judges and a review of basic canine anatomy for experienced judges. $25.00 S&H included Breed Standards & Binder Beautiful leatherette zippered breed standard binder embossed with AKC logo ~ includes monthly planner $55.00 S&H included All Weather Jacket ($85) Bucket Hat ($20) Judges Badge ($25) Anatomy Review for Dog Judges ($25) Breed Standards & Binder ($55) For jacket please specify size (S), (M), (L), (XL), (2 XL) For name badge please specify the following: Gold tone Silver finish ~ Pin back Magnet back Pocket holder Name as it should appear on badge: Payment Method: Check # or Credit Card CVV EXP Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery (3 digit code on back) Send to: Kathy Caruana Judging Operations PO Box 900062 Raleigh, NC 27675-9062; 919 816 3862; kac1@akc.org; fax: 919 816 4225 15

The AKC Institute for Aspiring and Newly Approved Judges Senior Editor Tim Thomas Editor Ines Maldonado Contributors Dr. Robert D. Smith Tim Thomas Mari-Beth O Neill Production Editor Susan Judge Designer Monica Tate Published by The American Kennel Club for Approved Conformation and Junior Showmanship Judges The Most Useful and Beneficial Institute Available to New Judges The Only Institute Approved by the American Kennel Club to Fulfill the Requirement for Judging Applicants Applying After January 1, 2009 PRE-REGISTRATION FOR SEMINAR ENCOURAGED Ring Procedure Evaluating Dogs The Approval Process March 17, 2012 York Interstate Fairgrounds York, PA In conjunction with the Celtic Cluster Dog Show March 18, 2012 York Interstate Fairgrounds York, PA Judging Junior Showmanship Seminar May 5, 2012 Purina Farms Gray Summit, MO In conjunction with the Jefferson County KC and the Gateway Cluster May 6, 2012 Purina Farms Gray Summit, MO Judging Junior Showmanship Seminar July 28, 2012 Waukesha County Exposition Center Waukesha, WI In conjunction with the Waukesha Kennel Club Dog Show July 29, 2012 Waukesha County Exposition Center Waukesha, WI Judging Junior Showmanship Seminar Advanced Judges Institutes AKC Advanced Sporting Group Institute In conjunction with the Harrisburg Shows August 9-12, 2012 Harrisburg, PA AKC Advanced Terrier Group Institute In conjunction with the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship December 12-15, 2012 Orlando, FL 2012 The American Kennel Club For additional information including registration, contact Kathy Caruana at kac1@akc.org or (919) 816-3862. To view the complete listing of seminars and to download registration forms, click here.