NEC Judging and Standards Packet
The purpose of the Judging and Standards Committee of The Northeast Council of Aquarium Societies (NEC) is to assist member societies in obtaining qualified judges for their shows and to advise the show chairperson regarding normal or customary practices in the what, where, when, how, and how much for the judges.
The committee compiles and maintains size standards information to assist its certified judges in the actual judging.
The committee is available to aid the show chairperson with the judging at show time or anytime advise is needed.
This packet contains general, advisory information, a list of currently certified judges, a how-to section for judges, scribe help sheets, and class judging score sheets including suggested score sheets for Best and Reserve of Show.
Please feel free to call me with any questions.
JUDGING & STANDARDS Chairman:
Anne Broadmeyer NAS
10 Long Meadow Rd
Brookfield, Ct 06804
203 775-0030
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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See the judges list included in this packet for certified NEC judges. The non-certified but recognized judges and their fields of expertise are also included.
Establish the number of judges that your club will need considering the number of classes, number of entries expected, and judges'' preferences of classes to judge (from packet). Figure 30 to 40 entries per judge as a very rough guide. Since cancellations occur, it''s better to have one or two judges more than you require that to come up short.
The packet contains a sample letter of invitation and questionnaire to use after a personal invitation has been made. Be sure to send a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the judges'' reply.
Ask judges as early as possible, at least three months or as judge requires before your show. Initially, ask in person or by telephone, if possible. Follow up with a thank-you letter whether or not the judge is available this season. For accepting judges, combine your thank-you with the formal invitation and questionnaire.
Send reminders in writing, two to three weeks or as judge requires before your show. A post card may be sufficient if business below is already concluded.
Send the judges clear directions (map) to the show including the time schedule and phone number at the show in case of emergencies (see sample).
Send judges complete set of show rules and the judging packet you will be using (see sample).
If possible, list or suggest classes you''d like the judge to work.
Judges may charge a fee or require travel and lodging expenses and meals. Always check these requirements when inviting a judge.
You are expected to supply: Clipboards, pens, pencils, flashlights with extra batteries or disposable flashlights, rulers, straws (for judges to move fish about), NEC Scribe Sheets and NEC Judging Sheets (see samples), reference books.
Our suggested list of necessary books includes Sterba, Vols. 1 and 2; Axelrod''s Atlas (TFH), Vols. 1, 2, and Marine, and Gery, Characoids of the World.
NOTE: If references are not available, ask your judges if they can help. Many judges have references. Be sure that references are available on any rare or unusual entries.
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Start on time. Judges and show workers appreciate adherence to the schedule. Plan enough time for actual judging (4-5 hours for 200 entries).
Before judging, check entries for proper classification (ask judges for help if you are not sure).
NOTE: It is useful for registration people to know the proper classification of the entries. Help them, if necessary.
Before judging, scribes should be available and be familiar with the Scribe Sheets and your show system. The scribes should be made aware of scribe ethics
and the rules, emphasizing anything unusual about your show.
Be sure that judges can work undisturbed by club members, entrants, or the public. Scribes may not comment on entries at any time unless asked by their
judge (see Scribe Sheet).
The chair of judges should observe the judging periodically to ensure fairness, accuracy, etc.
If there is no chair of judges, the show chairperson makes all decisions regarding judging.
FOR HELP WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS, CALL ANY NORTHEAST COUNCIL JUDGING AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE
MEMBER LISTED IN THE INTRODUCTION TO THE JUDGING PACKET.
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Name (Judging Chair)
Address
Dear :
Thank you for agreeing to judge the (YOUR CLUB) show on (DAY, DATE).
Show rules are enclosed along with a listing of classes and a return (SASE) envelope. Please take a few minutes to mark your preferences so that we may plan the judging efficiently.
Please return your answers to me as quickly as is possible.
Place: Show location, including complete address and telephone number. Include a good map.
Date:
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 Judging begins. (Novelty, Community, etc.)
6:00 - 6:45 Dinner for Judges.
6:45 - 10:00 Finish Judging.
We will use (type of) Judging sheets. Comments will be required for every entry in each class. Complete scoring will be required for the top contenders in each class.
Group of judges will handle Special events.
Possibly, two judges will work together on each class.
Scribes will be available for every class.
Candidates for Best and Reserve of Show should be clearly marked by judges as results of each class are returned to the Chairman of Judges or Show Chairman.
Best and Reserve of Show will be selected by individual pointing by each judge.
If you have any questions, please call me at (home phone number) evenings, or (work phone number) daytime (Approximately 7:00 AM to 6:00PM).
Thanks,
Chairman of Judges
(Your Club and Show)
!!pagebreak!!JUDGES'' NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
On the following listing of class, please indicate:
( Y ) I can and will judge these classes, if asked.
( N ) I am will not judge these classes.
( ? ) I have some familiarity with these classes and will judge them if necessary.
List your classes -- following is an example.
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( ) Corydoras, Brochis & Aspidoras ( ) Loricardiidae ( ) Synodontis ( ) All Other Catfish ( ) Guppies ( ) Livebearers ( ) Betta Splendens ( ) Goldfish ( ) Angels, discus, Uaru ( ) Haplochromis, Aulonacara ( ) Mbuna ( ) Other Rift Lake Cichlids |
( ) Other Cichlids Over four inches ( ) Other Old World cichlids Under four inches ( ) Other New World Cichlids Under four inches ( ) Killifish ( ) Characins ( ) Anabantoids ( ) Sharks, Loaches, Botias ( ) Barbs, Rasboras, Danios, Minnows ( ) Other egglayers ( ) Native Fresh or Marine ( ) Marine fish ( ) Marine Invertebrates |
Do you feel comfortable judging alone ( ) or with another judge ( )?
Please mail this sheet to me in the SASE before (date you need for planning judging).
