XIV. OFFICIAL JUDGES

All official sanctioned ADGA shows shall be judged by a certified ADGA judge (see Rules, Section XI, C-4). The following rules address their training and certification, as well as the standards by which judges must evaluate animals and conduct themselves in that role.

• A. RULES FOR ELIGIBILITY AS AN ADGA JUDGE AND ADGA OBLIGATIONS
• 1. Anyone eighteen years of age or older who currently holds an individual regular membership in the ADGA is eligible to qualify for an ADGA Judging License.
• 2. They must have successfully completed an ADGA Training Conference for Judges (see subsection B) or used the alternative method of certification (see subsection C).
• 3. They must have paid the license fee for ADGA Judges each calendar year in advance.
• 4. The license fee is set by the Board of Directors.
• 5. All licensed judges shall be mailed a new ADGA Guidebook annually. Show rule changes should be sent to all judges.
• 6. The names, addresses, phone numbers, and renewal dates for all certified judges will be published annually in the ADGA Membership Directory.
• 7. A personal file will be kept on each judge, at the ADGA office, containing a complete history and complaints sustained by the Judges Committee.
• B. RULES FOR CERTIFICATION AS AN ADGA JUDGE
  There are 2 categories of Official ADGA Judges' Licenses:
  Apprentice and Full License. The Apprentice License has a term of one year. A Full License has a term of two or four years, as described in rules B.2. and B.3. There are three general categories of candidacy or renewal:
• 1. New Candidates: This level is for those who have never held an ADGA judging license. All new candidates would only qualify for an Apprentice License. The procedures and license restrictions are:
• a. In order to participate as a candidate for a license at a Training Conference, one must have attended a Pre-Judge's Training Conference (see subsection C) or another Training Conference (see subsection D) within the last 24 months.
• b. They must have paid the training fees as set by the Judges Training Conference Committee with the approval of the ADGA Board of Directors.
• c. To qualify for an Apprentice License, the participant must meet the following minimum requirements:
• (1) A 75% or greater score on the written exam (at least 65% on each part)
• (2) A 75% or greater score on actual placement (based on the Hormel System) of at least 8 classes of live animals.
• (3) An average score of 70% or greater from the training conference panel in presentation of oral reasons.
• (4) An average score of 70% or greater from the training conference panel in accuracy of reasons.
• d. The names of Apprentice judges are published on a separate list in the ADGA Membership Directory. They may only judge newly organized shows or official shows where 200 or less animals were shown the past year as certified on the show application by the show chairperson. At shows with more than one sanction, the total for all sanctions shall not have exceeded 200 animals per day.
• 2. Renewing Candidates: All judges must renew their license. Those without tenure (see subsection 3) will be evaluated by the same procedure used for new candidates. Their scores will determine whether or not the reviewing candidate will advance to a greater term of licensure or whether they will renew at their current term of license. Regardless of license term, a score below 70% in either accuracy or presentation would not permit license renewal.
• a. An Apprentice License must be renewed with no less than apprentice level scores as outlined in Subsection 1.
• b. A two-year term of license must be achieved by advancing from an Apprentice License with scores of 75% or greater on written test, presentation, and accuracy and 80% or greater on placing or renewing with a two-year term of license.
• c. A four-year term of license must be achieved by advancing from a two-year term of license with scores of 80% or greater on written test, presentation, and accuracy, and 85% or greater on placing or renewing with a four-year term of license.

  Successful candidates for license may opt to have their license effective as of the first of January of the following year. Renewing licensed judges do not need to attend a Pre-Judge's Training.

  If a currently licensed judge fails at a Training Conference, this judge must successfully pass another Training Conference within the same calendar year to be considered to have a continuous license. If such a judge had a license expiring in subsequent years, the license is still forfeited at the end of the current calendar year, unless the judge successfully passes another Training Conference within the current calendar year

• 3. Advanced Judge Candidate: ADGA Judges who have successfully renewed their licenses three consecutive times with a minimum of 13 years continuous licensing are eligible to renew their licenses by the Alternative Method of Renewal beginning during either their 13th or 14th year of tenure, depending on year of license expiration (see rule 3C below). The final Judging License renewal prior to being promoted to Advanced Judge's status, must be earned at the four (4) year license level; minimum scores required: Written test 80%; Presentation and Accuracy of Reasons 80%; Placement of animals (8 classes of four) 85%. Years served as Apprentice Judge, or as any other type of provisional judge will not count towards tenure of years of continuous licensing. This seminar is conducted by a moderator appointed by the Advanced Judge*s Committee and consists of the following:
• a. Discussion of:
• (1) the Unified Scorecard for does, bucks and junior does
• (2) Evaluation of Defects
• (3) Breed Characteristics
• (4) Oral Reasons
• (5) Rule Changes
• (6) Judging Techniques (unusual circumstances, etc.)
• b. There will be provided one or more classes of animals which each participant will place privately and then debate the placings as a group to determine final placings.
• c. There will be a practice class or classes of group classes with group debate.

  These special seminars for Advanced Judges shall be offered only at Annual Meetings during odd numbered years (e.g., 2005, 2007, 2009), with a minimum of one every other year. Those Advanced Judges whose licenses expire during even numbered years (e.g., 2006, 2008, 2010) should renew a year early to use this recertification method.

  Currently licensed judges eligible for the alternate recertification method that are unable to attend a seminar due to extenuating circumstances, shall have their license and tenure extended until the next seminar is conducted. Extenuating circumstances cover such things as hospitalization, death in the family, complications from major illness, etc., but do not cover a license expiring during a non-seminar year. Advanced Judges with extenuating circumstances should write a letter to the chairperson of the Advanced Judges Committee detailing those circumstances and requesting an extension at least 30 days prior to the seminar. Failure to use either the Alternative Recertification Method of the regular renewal program within the prescribed time constitutes a forfeiture of their judging license.

  Judges Emeriti and Master Judges Emeriti may also attend the Advanced Judges Seminar at no charge (see subsection H).

• C. PRE-JUDGES TRAINING CONFERENCE
  Definition: A pre-TC is a training program for breeders, youth and possible future judges taught by one judged authorized to do so by ADGA and consists of one full day of instruction.

  Content:
  1. How to become an ADGA licensed dairy goat Judge.

• 2. Code of ethics for Judges.
• 3. Oral reasons why and how.
• 4. Terminology relating to dairy goats especially judging and showing.
• 5. How to judge individual dairy goats:
• a. Parts of a dairy goat.
• b. Scorecards doe and buck.
• c. Evaluation of defects.
• d. Breed standards.
• 6. How to judge group classes.
• 7. How to judge males.
• 8. Rules governing official shows (brief overview).
• 9. Showmanship scorecard.
• 10. How to judge showmanship.
• 11. Judging techniques in the show ring.
• 12. Code of ethics for exhibitors and show committees.
• 13. Use of pictures or slides to actually place classes of four animals.
• 14. Encouragement of participants to place and give reasons on picture or slide classes.
• 15. If practicable, the use of live classes of four animals for practice.

Criteria for Selecting the Pre-TC Instructors:


• a. 6 years having ADGA judge*s license.
• b. Attend entire day-long session of Annual Meeting Pre- TC.
• c. Take written test.
• d. Pass with the minimum score of 80 (overall)-70 (any one section).
• e. Pay $25 fee.
• f. Same schedule for renewal every 4 years, with 1-year grace period for serious circumstances, same as for senior judges.
• g. Fund from the $25 fees will be available to provide teaching aid kits to approved instructors. How to Arrange for a Pre-TC: Any person or group wishing to conduct a Pre-TC should first select an instructor and make arrangements with them for time, fees, expense and needed facilities and equipment. Then secure local arrangements and set appropriate registration fees. It is strongly suggested that Pre-TC*s be widely advertised so as many interested people as possible may attend. The ADGA office should be notified by any sponsoring person or organization of the time, place and instructor for any proposed Pre-TC and should also receive a copy of the name and addresses of registered participants within ten days after the pre-TC is held.

• D. TRAINING CONFERENCES
  A Training Conference is a training and testing program for breeders, youth and possible future judges as taught by a panel of several experienced judges authorized to do so by the judges Training Committee. It consists of one day of training and one day of testing. Its primary purpose is to certify applicants for judging licenses. The course may be audited or simply observed by interested persons provided the appropriate fees are paid. The content may be as follows:

• 1. A comprehensive written test will be given covering all the subjects of the Pre-Training Conference. There will be a review of the individual results.
• 2. A packet of materials pertaining to the profession will be distributed with a discussion of the tools necessary to be a successful judge.
• 3. Separate discussion sessions for experienced and beginning judges may be held covering a variety of topics of concern to each group.
• 4. Working in small groups, there will be evaluations of additional picture and/or live animal classes, as well as the construction and delivery of oral reasons for these classes as groups and as individuals.
• 5. There will be a placement test of at least 8 live classes of 4 dairy goats each. If time and circumstances allow, there will be an opportunity to hear an official set of reasons and review these classes.
• 6. There will also be, on an individual basis, an oral presentation of reasons on at least 2 of the 8 live classes to a panel of 2 or 3 experienced judges that will score the reasons for accuracy and presentation on a 100-point scale. Each individual's work will be personally discussed with the panel following each presentation.

How to Arrange for a Training Conference:
A group wishing to submit an application to conduct a special Judges Training Conference, not held in conjunction with an Annual Meeting, should contact both the ADGA Office and Judges Training Committee Chairperson. They will first provide you with the necessary information to fully understand the obligations of holding a Training Conference. They will work with you to arrange a suitable date and location, and provide information on the costs, charges, equipment, facilities, labor, and numbers of animals necessary to carry out a successful session. After tentative plans are made, a written contract will be signed by both parties. The sponsoring organization shall agree to pay the ADGA according to one of the following alternative contracts which they will choose, based upon the number of candidates expected.

Candidates	Clerk & Manager	Panel Size	Contract Cost Special
0-25	1 & 1	3	$3,750
26-35	1 & 1	4	$4,500
36 or more	2 & 1	6	$5,000

For the specified fee, ADGA will agree to provide the number of panel members, clerks and/or managers and supporting paperwork, exams, etc. The sponsoring organization will be responsible for additional expenses, such as facilities, AV equipment, handlers and goat expenses. Further, the sponsoring organization will allow no more candidates to participate in the Training Conference than is specified in the contract. Special training conferences should usually not be scheduled in any given calendar year within a 1000 mile radius of the Convention site for that calendar year.

Judges Training Conferences held in conjunction with Annual Meetings are the financial responsibility of ADGA, including all income and expenses. The annual meeting host group will work with ADGA to provide necessary facility, equipment, handlers and animals. Approved itemized expenses should be submitted to ADGA for reimbursement after the event. Fee schedule should be set with the Judges Training Committee prior to publication of such fees and after a preliminary budget has been drafted.

Directors and currently licensed judges that are not renewing or obtaining a license, Judges Emeriti and Master Judges Emeriti are allowed to attend Pre-Training Conferences, Intermediate Training Conferences, and Training Conferences at the Annual Meeting without charge.

• E. JUDGE'S PLEDGE OF ELIGIBILITY AND ETHICS
• 1. ELIGIBILITY "I hereby declare that I am eighteen years of age or over, and currently hold an individual regular membership in ADGA. I understand that any official judging privileges granted me as a result of my participation in this conference are void unless my membership is kept in good standing and the fee for my Judge's License is paid each year. I agree that the ADGA office may bill me for these fees or take them from my Advance Payment Account.

  I also pledge to promptly dispatch all show reports to the ADGA Office and to keep the ADGA office informed of my current address.

  If granted a license, I pledge to fulfill all other responsibilities of an Official ADGA Judge faithfully and to abide by the Judge's Code of Ethics."

• 2. ETHICS "As an officially licensed Judge, I am a representative of the American Dairy Goat Association. Therefore, at ADGA shows, I will refrain from inappropriate behavior whether as a Judge, an exhibitor, or as a spectator. I will evaluate all dairy goats and exhibitors in strict accordance with ADGA Rules, Breed Standards, Scorecards, and the Evaluation of Defects, not my personal preferences. I shall always strive to improve my judging skills and will not, in any way, solicit judging assignments. As an ADGA Judge, I shall seek to inspire confidence in my abilities through my appearance, my evaluations, my presentations, and my relations with show officials, exhibitors and spectators throughout my professional career."

  The above Pledge of Eligibility and Ethics must be included on the application to participate in a Judges Training Conference and must be signed by the applicant.

• F. JUDGES RECOGNITION PROGRAM
  The American Dairy Goat Association conducts the following Judges* Recognition Program, to be administered by the Advanced Judges* Committee and paid out of Judges* license fees:
• 1. Certificate of Recognition: A certificate, suitable for framing, will be issued to every Judge licensed by ADGA upon successful passing of the Training Conference and payment of fees. This certificate shall acknowledge that the bearer has met the basic requirements for licensing by the Association.
• 2. ADGA Advanced Judges: A certification suitable for framing, will be sent to each Judge who advances to this status. This certificate shall acknowledge that the bearer has met the basic requirements to be an Advanced Judge. Certificate to be updated at 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, etc., anniversary of licensing.
• 3. Other Recognition: Divided into two divisions for retired or retiring ADGA Judges.
• a. Judge Emeritus Award:
  Criteria:
• (1) Minimum of 60 years of age.
• (2) Minimum of 20 years of active licensing with ADGA.
• (3) Awarded automatically when license is not renewed and the above criteria is met. Award: Suitable for framing.
• b. Master Judge Emeritus Award:
  Criteria:
• (1) Minimum of 60 years of age.
• (2) Minimum of 20 years of active ADGA continuous licensing.
• (3) Must be retired or retiring from active judging/not renewing.
• (4) Nominations received by Advanced Judges* Committee.
• (5) Selected and awarded by Advanced Judges* Committee. Selection based on merit of candidate.
• (6) Not more than one (1) awarded per year (after initial year). Does not have to be awarded annually. Award will be a wall plaque indicating area of service to industry.
• G. COMPLAINTS, HEARINGS, AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
  
• 1. All complaints shall be in writing and filed with the chairperson of the Judges Committee postmarked within 90 days of occurrence. The chairperson will forward a copy of the complaint to the involved Judge within 30 days of the postmark of the complaint, by certified mail. A return receipt signed by the addressee is requested. The Judge must respond within 30 days of receipt of the complaint, by certified mail with signed receipt to the Judges Committee Chairperson. If the Judge does not respond within 30 days of receipt of the complaint, the Chairperson must immediately notify the ADGA office, reporting the matter and the date of the 30th day. The license of the individual Judge will be suspended for one year, beginning upon the completion of the Judge's sanctions already on file in the ADGA office at the 30th day. (See Article XII.M. for additional information.)
• 2. If the Committee feels that the complaint should be pursued, written notice of the time and place of a hearing shall be forwarded to the involved Judge against whom the complaint has been filed with a copy of the complainant.
• 3. Said notice shall be mailed at least 30 days prior to said hearing.
• 4. Said hearing shall be held by the committee members in attendance at the next ADGA Annual Meeting, prior to the meeting of the Board of Directors, unless an alternate time and place is agreed upon by all involved parties. If there are less than three Committee members present at the Annual Meeting, the President will appoint a person to bring the Committee to three. The involved Judge has the option to wave his/her right, in writing, to a hearing and have the Judges Committee recommend a course of action directly to the Board of Directors.
• 5. The Board of Directors, upon recommendation from the Judges Committee, reserves the right to revoke any license at any time after proper hearing.
• ENFORCEMENT PROVISION
  The Judges Committee is empowered to investigate and to act as a trial board to review written complaints from anyone who was in attendance at the show involved and recommend to the Board of Directors action on deviations from the Pledge of Ethics. The committee's recommendations may range from a written reprimand to revocation of the license, depending on the seriousness of the charge.