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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:
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Ideal and undesirable
characteristics, how to identify them and their relative
importance
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Oral terminology and
descriptive phrases
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Anatomy
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Ring procedure and
comparative processes
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Judge responsibilities
and ethics
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Learn to verbalize the
oral reasons included in the Handbook. Say them over and over
until they flow smoothly and naturally.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Accuracy of placings
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Accuracy of reasons for
the placings
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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:
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Before each class,
licensed judges analyze the available goats and set up the
test class.
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Each candidate judges
the test class.
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Each judge on the JTC
panel scores the candidate’s reasons and presentations.
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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.
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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.
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Wear clothing to
accommodate changeable weather.
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Don’t wear anything
that will distract yourself or startle the goat (hats,
sandals, high heels, floppy shoes, jewelry).
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Stay at a hotel instead
of commuting to/from home.
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Share a hotel room if
you like company; stay alone if you want privacy.
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Leave your children at
home or have someone take care of them away from the JTS
environment.
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Watch what you eat and
drink.
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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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