The Activities Sub Committee of the Kennel Club has come up with a brilliant idea to loose judges............ and limit the number of judges available to work at shows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! READ ON!!!
(I know it's a lot to read but it is really important, honestly!)
The Judging of Spouses and Close Relatives in Activity Disciplines
11-Jan-11
The Kennel Club recently reviewed the Regulations concerning the judging of dogs handled by a judge’s spouse or close relative at Agility and Obedience shows, Heelwork to Music competitions and Working Trials.
Whilst the Committee accepts absolutely that in the majority, if not all cases, judges and competitors behave in a fair and honest manner and is not doubting the integrity of judges; it is concerned with the perception of unfairness and bias which may arise when judges have to judge a dog entered under them handled by their spouse or by a close relative.
Therefore, with effect from 1st January 2012, the following new regulation will be added to G.36.a, H.27.a, I.13.a and L.23.a. to allow for any awards given by a judge to a dog handled by their spouse or immediate family or if the dog is resident at the judge’s address to be disqualified.
TO:
A dog may be disqualified by the General Committee from any award whether an objection has been lodged or not, if proved amongst other things to have been;
“ Handled by the scheduled judge’s spouse, immediate family or is resident at the same address as the scheduled judge. This shall not apply to a judge appointed in an emergency .”
(Additional wording underlined)
What happened then -
The Chairman of the Activities Sub-Committee, Mr Ford, attended the Atility Liaison Council meeting and explained the reasoning for the new regulation. He stated that such practice was the norm in every sport, he acknowledged that the timing was unfortunate, but stressed that a decision needed to be made to protect its reputation for the future. the discipline of agility.
It was confirmed that the matter would be further discussed by the Activities Sub-Committee (ASC) at its meeting in March.
The Council was unanimous in asking the Activities Sub-Committee to reconsider this decision due to the unique circumstances in the sport and the strength of opinion against the Regulation from agility competitors.
They asked if the Committee was not prepared to withdraw the Regulation, it would at least consider restricting it to Championship judges only for the agility
We need to do something - what do you suggest, let us know!