Best in Class Vs Best in Variety

[schildkoi]

Are these the same thing?

These terms are frequesntly used interchangeably but are in fact NOT the same thing. Although many judging classifications are for a single variety (Kohaku, Sanke and Showa as an example), many other judging classes include multiple varieties. Hakari Moyo as an example include many varieties such as Kujacku (Doistsu and scaled), Kikisui, Yamatanishiki, Kikokuryu (and beni Kikokuryu), etc.. Although many shows elect to call Best in Class as Best in Variety, this is really a misnomer since in actuality they are in fact different and judged differently. How so you may ask? Well, following the recent CFKS, a good friend was asking me about the judging of the "Best Doitsu". No, by definition, this would be a Best in Class award but the show had it set up as a best in Variety award and the judging processes can be very different indeed. With a best in class award, the 1st place koi withn a class and for each size are listed for the judges to pick from since they have already been judged by size previously. This occurs after all bump ups have occurred. As a "Special award" such as Best in Variety, this is not the case since these Varieties have NOT been judged previously by size seperately from the class to which they have been entered. At CKFS as an example, Kumonryu were benched as Kawarigoi (as they should be) and judged as such within that "Class". They also had a "special award" to hilight an individual variety (apart from its normal judging class) and thus, all Kumonryu were then "rejudged" just amongst themselves for this special variaty award.

Likewise, there was not a judging "Class" for Doitsu but a seperate, special award for "Best Doitsu". Now, why would some shows handle this differently from others? Easy, each show has to make an educated decision as to what judging classes to have. On one end of the spectrum, there can be as many as 16 judging classes (more if a club so chooses).

Kohaku, Sanke. Showa, Utsuri, Asagi/Shusui, Tancho, Goromo/Goshiki, Bekko, Gin Rin A, Gin Rin B, Doitsu A, Doitsu B, Hakari Moyo, Hakari Muji, Hakari Utsuri, and Kawarigoi.

Many shows will eliminate "Classes" that they have not had any or low entrants for in the past. As an example, it is not uncommon for awards to go unclaimed for Hakari Utsuri since many shows never see entrants for this classification. Others may have but a few and perhaps in a single size and thus eliminate this classification in favor of combining such with another benching class. Remember, for each Benching class and with a show which has 8 sizes, that amounts to 25 awards (1st, 2nd,and 3rd for each of 8 sizes, PLUS a best in variety award). By combining benching classes (such as entering Doitsu koi into their Wagoi (scaled) version class, the show will increase its "competition" and save on the expenses of what otherwise could very well be unclaimed awards (wasted).

This combining of classifications can also make it easier AND harder on the judges (that's why we make the big bucks LOL). It becomes easier in one regard in that there are less classifications to judge. Balance that against the increased competition within a class and also the more intricate decision process of judging different standards for varying varieties against one another. Then, should there be a seperate "special award" for a variety, the judges are then NOT typically supplied a list of where these koi may be (like they are supplied with for Best in Class judging. Judges then have to identify all contenders themselves by walking all of the tanks instead of knowing where all of these contenders are to begin with. Thus, if a koi is missed and not judged, its not a benching issue, but a judging issue....again why we make the big bucks .

The whole issue of benching classes (and sizes for that matter) is flexible (as it should be) so that a club (or clubs) can taylor their show for their expected entrants (and in some cases budget). This adds individuality to each show and typically for a more enjoyable show all around for all.


Just some simple thoughts brought on by some questions by a good friend following the CFKS this last weekend.

Steve

[JoeW]

Steve, I think our show computer program can be configured to pull out these special awards and we will work on this for next time out so our judges know tanks assigned, whether it be CFKS or some other show. Thanks for clarification and your post.

The reason CFKS has these special awards is to feature different varieties within the kawarigoi class and to promote a little friendly competition among entrants. We do not have a separate doitsu class although at one time we did have one. So we still like to recognize the best doitsu in the show. We have some nice doitsu that come in lower in the competition against the scaled types so like to be able to give this award to a deserving doitsu.

The judging team you headed did a tremendous job under very chilly and windy conditions (about like Chicago, ha). We knew we'd break 200 entrants, but did not dream we would have 317. I know, a lot of them were small, but still....

Joe

[schildkoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by JoeW Steve, I think our show computer program can be configured to pull out these special awards and we will work on this for next time out so our judges know tanks assigned, whether it be CFKS or some other show. Thanks for clarification and your post. The reason CFKS has these special awards is to feature different varieties within the kawarigoi class and to promote a little friendly competition among entrants. We do not have a separate doitsu class although at one time we did have one. So we still like to recognize the best doitsu in the show. We have some nice doitsu that come in lower in the competition against the scaled types so like to be able to give this award to a deserving doitsu. The judging team you headed did a tremendous job under very chilly and windy conditions (about like Chicago, ha). We knew we'd break 200 entrants, but did not dream we would have 317. I know, a lot of them were small, but still.... Joe

Joe, windy? Seemed like a gentle Oklahoma breeze to me Chilly? What in the 60s when Illinois had snow? No complaints from me on the weather...I know you Floridians have softened.

No complaints from me at all on the special wards or the processes...I was just using CFKS as an example of how and why Best in Class is really different from Best in Variety. Great koi, great people, great show, great venue. What more can one ask for?

Steve

[luke frisbee]

I get a really big kick outta show committees or show chairs going the extra step to highlight a particular "type" of koi and trying to get more of them to a show so they can be scrutinized by the kichi.
CFKS did an admirable job by "elevating" komunryu for their show...and the "Cow Fish" was the show stopper for many of us.

[schildkoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by luke frisbee I get a really big kick outta show committees or show chairs going the extra step to highlight a particular "type" of koi and trying to get more of them to a show so they can be scrutinized by the kichi. CFKS did an admirable job by "elevating" komunryu for their show...and the "Cow Fish" was the show stopper for many of us.

Now Luke, that Kumonryu was named after the Gateway computer logo (which was patterened after a cow). Personally, I preferred the labeling of this koi as the "Dalmation koi." She has to be one of the most uniquely patterned koi I have ever seen.



Steve

[luke frisbee]

The Owners can call her what they want...
the spectators called her "the cow fish" without any prodding. Several times before i saw it I heard people discussing "the cow fish".
I agree with you, the spots looked more dalmatian-esque the day of the show.

owners have a style when naming their pets... i knew a girl that raised small poodles. everyone was named after a food item...Daquiri, Muddin, Hershey....
I have no reason to address a koi by what the owners name it, especially when they get as "cute" as that. Everytime i would have called that fish "Gateway" people would have had to be told the reasoning of the owner. talk about a PITA. At home "Gateway" would be a very good choice... Dell. IBM. Persario.....Apple
it is a fish and will never come when it is called.
and was most easily, and often, identified as "the cow fish". (not my choice.)

[schildkoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by luke frisbee The Owners can call her what they want... the spectators called her "the cow fish" without any prodding. Several times before i saw it I heard people discussing "the cow fish". I agree with you, the spots looked more dalmatian-esque the day of the show. owners have a style when naming their pets... i knew a girl that raised small poodles. everyone was named after a food item...Daquiri, Muddin, Hershey.... I have no reason to address a koi by what the owners name it, especially when they get as "cute" as that. Everytime i would have called that fish "Gateway" people would have had to be told the reasoning of the owner. talk about a PITA. At home "Gateway" would be a very good choice... Dell. IBM. Persario.....Apple it is a fish and will never come when it is called. and was most easily, and often, identified as "the cow fish". (not my choice.)

Luke,
I have to take exception to the bolded section. When I walked out to the pond, the koi would hide. When Cheryl walked out and said "Good morning ladies," they all came a runnin....could have something to do with my net and her food though I guess '

Steve

[Bern]

Steve,

I think you answered your own question, - very well and comprehensively I might add.

To my mind they are Show Classifications or Categories. Within them are the varieties. As you rightly pointed out it's the same thing with the three go-sanke classes but thereafter the term 'Class' makes more sense.

But you Yanks are not alone. Over here the term "Best in variety" gets used much of the time, and every year it befalls somebody at a koi show to explain what the term means.

Best Doitsu is quite a common award over here too, although not one of the standards. Best non Go-Sanke is quite popular too. My club also has a "Selected Variety Award" an idea we copied from the ZNA and the variety changes each year.

However, we've moved the goalposts on this award for 2008. Our 'Selected Variety' is KINGINRIN (A show class!) but instead of the normal 1st, 2nd and 3rd, we are going to have two 1st's (one for Go-sanke, and one for Non Go-Sanke) and a runner-up (irrespective of variety/class). Next year we'll be back to a variety (from the HikariMoyo class).

rgds
Bern