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The
Judges
Training
Seminar
by
Linda
Carpenter
So
you
want
to
be
a
judge!
Or
do
you
just
want
to
know
more
about
how
Pygmy
goats
are
judged?
In
either
case
you
need
to
attend
an
NPGA
Judges
Training
Seminar
(JTS).
The
Judges
Training
Committee
(JTC)
conducts
at
least
one
test
every
year,
usually
in
conjunction
with
the
National
Convention.
The
primary
purpose
of
the
JTS
is
to
provide
the
practical
portion
of
the
judging
test
to
eligible
candidates.
Pygmy
goats
are
used
for
training
and
testing,
and
new
licenses
are
awarded
during
an
award
ceremony
at
the
end.
You
don’t
have
to
be
a
candidate
to
attend.
Everyone
is
welcome
to
observe
the
training
session
and
test
classes.
If
you're
also
willing
to
help
handle
goats,
you’ll
have
an
even
better
opportunity
to
learn
a
lot
about
how
goats
are
judged.
Candidates
and
observers
may
tape
record
or
have
someone
video
tape
any
of
the
JTS.
Both
days
start
early
and
last
until
everyone
is
done
with
the
day’s
activities.
The
first
day
includes
discussions,
demonstrations
and
some
individual
hands-on
training
for
each
candidate.
The
first
test
class
is
held
right
after
the
training
session.
The
rest
of
the
test
classes
are
completed
on
the
second
day.
To
be
eligible
to
take
the
practical
judging
test,
you
must
be
at
least
18
years
old
and
an
NPGA
member.
You
must
have
passed
the
written
test.
Passing
both
the
written
and
practical
tests
requires
a
lot
of
study
and
memorization
and
the
ability
to
use
what
you’ve
learned.
This
ability
includes
learning
how
to
identify
important
differences
between
goats
so
you
can
place
a
class
and
give
reasons.
You’ll
also
need
to
be
able
to
communicate
your
decisions
to
individual
exhibitors
and
spectators.
Study
Material
NPGA
publications
help
you
learn
what
you
need
to
know.
You’ll
definitely
need
current
editions
of
the
Judges
Training
Handbook
(Handbook)
and
Rules
for
Official
Shows
(Show
Rules).
Knowledge
of
the
material
in
both
publications
is
scored
in
the
written
test,
and
your
ability
to
apply
the
knowledge
is
scored
in
the
practical
test.
The
Handbook
contains
official
scoring
and
faulting
information.
Also
study
The
Illustrated
Standard
of
the
Pygmy
Goat,
which
provides
drawings
and
descriptions
of
ideal
and
undesirable
traits.
While
traits
are
still
the
same,
the
scorecard
and
severity
of
faults
have
been
revised
since
the
book
was
written.
Written
Test
The
written
test
tests
your
knowledge
of
the
many
technical
things
judges
must
know.
To
prepare
for
the
written
test,
thoroughly
study
and
memorize
the
Handbook
and
Show
Rules.
There
are
questions
about
the
Breed
Standard,
Guidelines
to
Judging
Pygmy
Goats
(Guidelines),
and
judging
in
general.
You’ll
need
to
know
the
proper
anatomy,
terminology
and
definitions
of
terms.
There
are
also
questions
on
the
non-sanctioned
parts
of
shows
and
on
why
things
are
done
certain
ways.
Among
other
things,
be
sure
to
know:
-
Ideal
and
undesirable
characteristics,
how
to
identify
them
and
their
relative
importance
-
Oral
terminology
and
descriptive
phrases
-
Anatomy
-
Ring
procedure
and
comparative
processes
-
Judge
responsibilities
and
ethics
-
Rules
on
showing
and
judging
Attending
a
JTS
You
must
first
pass
the
written
test
to
be
a
candidate.
I
strongly
recommend
that
you
take
the
written
test
at
least
a
month
before
the
JTS
to
have
enough
time
to
retake
it
if
necessary.
Another
advantage
of
passing
the
written
test
before
the
JTS
is
that
it
allows
you
to
concentrate
on
preparing
for
the
practical
test.
The
written
test
is
currently
$10,
which
is
due
when
you
take
the
test.
Any
licensed
NPGA
judge
can
give
you
the
written
test
at
a
mutually
convenient
time
and
place.
Once
you’ve
determined
who
will
give
the
test
and
when,
one
of
you
need
to
contact
the
JTC
chairperson.
The
test
will
be
sent
to
the
judge
who
will
proctor
your
test.
You
have
up
to
3
hours
to
take
the
test.
The
written
test
is
about
ten
pages
of
multiple
choice,
true-or-false
and
fill-in-the-blank
questions.
You
must
score
at
least
70%
in
each
of
the
five
parts,
with
an
overall
grade
of
at
least
75%.
When
you
are
done,
the
judge
will
mail
the
test
to
the
JTC
chairperson
who
grades
it
[.
.
.].
If
you
don’t
pass,
you
can
retake
it
[.
.
.].
I
recommend
that
you
not
wait
until
the
last
minute;
you
won’t
be
eligible
to
be
a
candidate
if
you
don’t
pass
the
written
test.
Also,
having
to
study
for
the
written
test
will
detract
from
your
preparation
for
the
practical
test.
If
you
pass
the
written
test
with
an
overall
80%
score
but
fail
the
practical
test,
you
won’t
need
to
retake
the
test
for
the
greater
of
2
years
of
through
the
next
JTS
on
the
same
side
of
the
continent
as
your
home.
Training
Session
The
first
day
of
JTS
is
a
training
session
conducted
by
judges
and
includes
group
discussions
and
demonstrations.
Judges
work
with
each
candidate
using
real
goats
for
training
on
placings
and
reasons.
Training
helps
you
fine
tune
your
skills
and
prepare
for
the
test
classes.
You
need
to
prepare
yourself
before
the
JTS
if
you
want
to
really
benefit
from
the
training
session.
Advanced
preparation
includes:
-
Evaluate
and
score
each
trait
for
an
individual
goat
based
on
Guidelines,
using
the
Illustrated
Standard,
if
necessary.
Learn
to
recognize
trait
variations
and
how
they
relate
to
overall
quality.
-
Work
on
developing
your
analytical
and
comparison
skills.
Compare
two
goats
of
the
same
sex
and
approximate
age,
starting
at
the
head
and
working
back
to
the
tail.
Compare
your
evaluations
to
the
judging
standards
in
the
Handbook.
Learn
to
weigh
the
differences
and
qualities
of
various
body
parts
as
they
relate
to
a
given
pair
of
goats.
-
Learn
to
verbalize
the
oral
reasons
included
in
the
Handbook.
Say
them
over
and
over
until
they
flow
smoothly
and
naturally.
-
Tape
record
your
reasons
and
review
your
accuracy
and
fluency.
-
Practice
judging
classes
with
your
family
and
friends
as
exhibitors.
Separate
the
goats
into
classes
of
the
same
sex
and
general
age
group.
Compare
muscling
and
shoulder
attachment
by
feeling.
Compare
rears
and
training
by
walking
goats
in
pairs.
Learn
to
check
teeth
and
teats
smoothly
and
efficiently.
-
Establish
a
standard
ring
procedure
that
works
for
you,
being
sure
that
you
“cover
all
the
bases”
to
be
able
to
evaluate
everything
you
need
to
place
a
class.
Watch
judges
at
work.
-
Judge
some
non-sanctioned
4-H
shows
or
non-sanctioned
classes
at
a
regular
show.
-
Have
your
club,
friends
or
a
4-H
group
put
on
a
fun
show,
complete
with
PA
system
and
an
audience,
for
you
to
judge.
-
Have
someone
video
tape
your
judging
so
you
can
review
your
performance.
Practical
Test
The
practical
test
evaluates
your
ability
to
judge
classes
of
goats
and
is
only
given
to
eligible
candidates
at
an
official
JTS.
The
current
cost
is
$50,
payable
during
registration
on
the
first
day.
A
panel
of
licensed
judges
will
score
you
in
three
categories:
-
Accuracy
of
placings
-
Accuracy
of
reasons
for
the
placings
-
Presentation
–
skills
in
ring
procedure,
terminology
and
communication
The
first
class
is
held
after
the
training
on
the
first
day.
[.
.
.]
The
JTC
Chairperson
is
available
at
the
end
of
the
JTS
to
discuss
your
scores.
Scores
are
confidential,
known
only
to
the
JTC
and
the
candidate
[.
.
.].
Candidates
are
tested
individually,
and
testing
order
is
determined
by
drawing.
Once
a
test
class
has
begun,
candidates
are
required
to
stay
in
a
specified
area
until
their
turn.
Waiting
time
depends
on
the
number
of
candidates
and
the
number
drawn.
Waiting
is
undoubtedly
one
of
the
worst
parts
of
the
JTS;
it
is
boring
and
very
stressful.
It
is
a
good
idea
to
bring
something
to
do
while
you
wait
your
turn.
There
is
a
minimum
of
four
test
classes,
each
with
at
least
four
goats
of
the
same
sex
and
general
age.
There
is
a
limited
amount
of
time,
usually
from
6
to
8
minutes
to
judge
each
class.
You
judge,
place
and
give
reasons
in
front
of
the
judges’
panel
and
audience,
including
other
candidates
who
have
already
finished
the
test
class.
Each
JTS
is
unique,
using
whatever
goats
are
available
to
form
the
classes.
There
could
be
classes
of
senior
bucks
or
does
and
junior
bucks
or
does.
Be
prepared
to
judge
whatever
test
classes
are
given.
Candidates
receive
scores
in
3
categories:
placings,
reasons
and
presentation.
The
final
scores
are
averages
of
your
individual
category
scores
from
each
of
the
test
classes.
An
overall
score
of
at
least
75%
in
all
3
categories
is
required
to
receive
a
license.
The
scoring
system
is
discussed
in
more
detail
during
the
JTS,
but
it
is
basically
done
as
follows:
-
Before
each
class,
licensed
judges
analyze
the
available
goats
and
set
up
the
test
class.
-
Each
candidate
judges
the
test
class.
-
Each
judge
on
the
JTC
panel
scores
the
candidate’s
reasons
and
presentations.
-
The
highest
and
lowest
scores
in
each
category
are
disregarded.
The
remaining
scores
are
averaged
for
your
reasons
and
presentation
scores
for
that
class.
Candidates
remain
active
as
long
as
the
accumulated
scores
show
that
s/he
can
still
obtain
the
required
grade
of
at
least
75%
in
all
3
categories.
If
a
score
of
100%
of
the
remaining
test
classes
would
result
in
a
final
score
of
below
75%
in
any
category,
the
candidate
is
immediately
advised
and
discontinues
the
testing
process.
General
Information
Consider
the
following
suggestions
to
prevent
unnecessary
stress
during
the
JTS.
-
Wear
clothes
that
are
neat,
clean,
comfortable
and
professional.
Designed
and
fitted
clothing
will
not
allow
you
to
bend
over
goats
without
discomfort,
splitting
seams,
etc.
-
Wear
clothing
to
accommodate
changeable
weather.
-
Don’t
wear
anything
that
will
distract
yourself
or
startle
the
goat
(hats,
sandals,
high
heels,
floppy
shoes,
jewelry).
-
Stay
at
a
hotel
instead
of
commuting
to/from
home.
-
Share
a
hotel
room
if
you
like
company;
stay
alone
if
you
want
privacy.
-
Leave
your
children
at
home
or
have
someone
take
care
of
them
away
from
the
JTS
environment.
-
Watch
what
you
eat
and
drink.
-
Get
plenty
of
sleep.
Candidates
arrange
their
own
transportation
and
accommodations.
The
cost
of
food
during
the
JTS
is
not
included,
but
you
are
provided
an
opportunity
to
obtain
lunch,
either
with
take-out
or
a
lunch
break.
There
is
a
designated
contact
person
for
your
non-JTS
questions
or
problems.
Be
sure
to
check
transportation
(if
any)
between
the
airport,
hotel
and
the
JTS.
Social
get-togethers
at
meals
and
in
the
evenings
with
candidates,
judges
and
others
are
a
lot
of
fun
and
offer
a
great
opportunity
to
meet
many
nice
people
from
across
the
country.
Each
National
Convention
offers
activities
in
addition
to
a
Board
Meeting
and
general
membership
dinner
on
Saturday
evening.
There
are
shows
on
Saturday
and
Sunday
and
selection
of
the
National
Champion
Doe
and
Buck.
You
have
many
chances
to
ask
questions
during
the
JTS,
but
your
will
learn
more
if
you
studied
in
advance.
Your
questions
may
be
about
more
than
what
is
in
the
study
material.
The
more
you
know,
the
easier
it
is
to
learn
more
and
recognize
what
else
you
need
to
learn.
Excerpts
from:
Kinne,
Maxine,
ed.
Pygmy
Goats:
Best
of
Memo
3
(1988-1996)
National
Pygmy
Goat
Association:
pp
158-159
This
document
is
for
informational
purposes
only
and
is
in
no
way
intended
to
be
a
substitute
for
medical
consultation
with
a
qualified
veterinary
professional.
The
information
provided
through
this
document
is
not
meant
to
be
used
in
the
diagnosis
or
treatment
of
a
health
problem
or
disease,
nor
should
it
be
construed
as
such.
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