What it takes to be a judge?

[aquitori]

Just wanted to ask what it takes to be a judge be it AKCA or ZNA?

[dinh]

Please see the "How to become an AKCA certified koi judge" artical
by Bob Finnegan in Koi USA Volume 29, Issue 5 March/April 2005.

Also, here is the webiste - http://www.akca.org/judging/judgappl.htm

[aquitori]

Dinh, welcome to the board. It was nice seeing you yesterday at Champkoi event.

[dick benbow]

yes Dinh welcome. I hope you'll feel free to join us as we chat about our favorite
hobby.

I have to be careful about talking about judges and judging. many of my friends are one ! They can either make or break a show. Over the decades, I have met all kinds. AKCA and ZNA, BKKS
as well as Shinkokai. I always enjoyed the shows that were judged by professional japanese breeders. They know koi!
If i could get away with naming a few American judges that i think exemplify
the best role models it would be Burt Ballou, Larry and Pat Christiansen, and Dr Gene Ewey.

there's is a difficult role. The bigger the show, the tougher the compeition the easier it is to be criticised. The one thing we can't forget is that they come a long way and give of themselves for the hobby. for which we should be eternally gratefull. I remember as a little league coach always challenging the umps. Till one year i was asked to become a certified ump. It wasn't easy making those calls!!! The following year i behaved myself!

I had many a chance to become a judge but i feel most comfortable in my role as Head bencher. Just me and the koi. I do write down after benching the top three places prior to judging. I don't embarass myself too often!

[dinh]

It was nice to see you too - It was a great koishow - I end up to buy a
small tategoi Sakuma Kohaku recommended by judge Fugita - Did you
get any tategoi? Also, it was so nice to have a chance to meet many
koi masters;-))

[dinh]

Thanks much Dick for welcoming me on board - I am a newbie and hope
to learn more from you and others -

Yes, agree! koi judge is a difficult job - Koi is an art - juding koi is
a complicated matter ;-))

[Bern]

I know you didn't ask for this explanation but for the record.


The BKKS judging programme requires a trainee judge to pass an entrance exam and a continuation exam each year of his training which can last anything between 3 to 5 years.

In that year in addition to that exam he will be expected to attend 5-6 shows in a trainee capacity where he will receive coaching and assessment in the field. Advancement to the next stage is after a positive assessment from all existing judges.

Once passing beyond the trainee stage he/she will move onto being a probationary for a period of 1-3 years, where advancement to the next stage is after receiving positive assessments from all judges.

rgds BERN

[saratogatan]

the minimum requirement is a thick skin, and poker face. I can see many angry koi owners wanting to tear the judge into pieces in every event. As a judge, you can't let that affect your decision, and you can't let that 'you ******, go away' emotion showing up on your face either.

stan