The Kennel Club has announced that, following consideration of the recommendations put forward by the JCF Independent Review Panel together with the results from the JCF survey commissioned by the Kennel Club, the Code of Best Practice has been updated for Breed Appreciation Days (BADs) and Multiple Choice Exams (MCEs).
The code, respective annexes and updated mentoring record form can be found on The Kennel Club website.
As previously announced, a new/starter judge must have first met the following Level 1 criteria in order to be eligible to sit the MCE for a breed:
- Minimum of 5 years proven interest in pedigree dogs
- Attend the Requirements of a Dog Show Judge seminar but not mandatory to take and pass the examination at this stage
- Attend a Conformation and Movement seminar
- Complete a minimum of two full-day stewarding appointments
It is now recommended that breed clubs hold a group mentoring session as part of a Breed Appreciation Day. Candidates undertaking this must have met Level 2 criteria, which could be attained on the day through passing the MCE.
For those candidates wishing to progress down the traditional system, breed clubs should continue to hold hands-on assessments if there are judges requiring this to meet the A3 list criteria, particularly in view of ‘grandfathering’ arrangements. Breed clubs are recommended to review their judging lists to determine if there is a demand for this.
Breed Education Coordinators are also being asked to review their MCEs in line with amended criteria and resubmit amended banks of questions to the Canine Activities Team jcf@thekennelclub.org.uk.
Due to the JCF having being placed on hold and the current situation regarding Covid-19, the requirement for breed clubs to have an involvement in a BAD at least once every two years will now come into force from 1 January 2021, as well as the requirement for breed clubs to nominate at least two general or group open show supported entry shows per year.
Further press releases concerning the new judges’ education and approval systems will follow in due course.
All enquiries should be directed to email our JCF team.