The President has appealed to Clubs and societies to make an effort to train and encourage younger fanciers to become judges. That his remarks were timely and apt was made apparent to me the next day when someone asked for advice on how to become a poultry judge. To apply to get on the Judges Panel, all that is necessary is to contact the Poultry Club Secretary, Ann Bachmet, who will give details. I will indicate to interested fanciers methods which help them acquire the necessary knowledge and experience to pass the test for becoming a judge.

The first requirement is to obtain a copy of the British Poultry Standards book (details can be obtained from the Secretary). Aspiring judges should study and become conversant with as many different breed Standards as possible, although it is not essential to be word perfect in quoting them. Much more important to really understand the meaning of the words, than just the words themselves. Younger fanciers will undoubtedly find this part easier than will the more mature, as the older one grows the more difficult it becomes to assimilate large masses of fact. This doesn't mean the older person need despair of ever becoming a judge, as practical experience can be of inestimable value when assessing the merits of exhibits. Wilf Allen once put it very succinctly when he said that the good judge carries the perfect bird in his mind's eye.

A first class way to gain invaluable experience is to act as a steward for judges as often as possible. Over the years I have done this and have never once failed to learn something of value from watching and listening to other judges. Not every judge likes to give a running commentary on his task as he carries it out, but the majority are willing to help and will quite often treat their steward as a junior partner. The thing to do is wait for the judge to set the pace, as it is well to remember that he is engaged in an exacting task.

Another way of learning about the various breeds is the obvious one of keeping them. Over the years I have made it a rule to stick to one favourite bred and frequently change my second choice. The experience gained by such a method greatly exceeds any other if only because one becomes accepted into the 'magic circle' more easily when there is a common bond of interest.

Returning to the concept of the 'minds eye', there is no better way of developing this faculty than by studying the winning birds at shows up and down the country. No matter how keen you are on your own breed, widen your interest and experience by chatting to fanciers and judges of others. Find out why the one with the red card won it and the second didn't, and for what reason the apparently good one never got in the first three.

One final bit of advice. When you are at last asked to judge don't go all modest and turn the chance down. The fact that you have been asked is an indication that someone thinks you are capable of doing the job. Grab the chance and have a go. Take your time, work methodically, and you'll be alright.

(Back)