by Kerry Webster » Thu 19 Feb 2004 4:54 pm
As I said to Rob when he emailed me his draft last week, I do believe a guide should include an interpretation of certain rules, not a "do this", "deduct this" list. I still feel there should be a certain amount of individual preference allowed and encouraged in judging, otherwise the sport will become over regulated. The judging sheets list deductions to guide judges, and from what I have witnessed most make a fair assessment of each dog running in regard to these deductions.
Over regulation would lead to a huge departure of triallers, who were/are in retrieving for the fun, and absolute pleasure of running their dog in situations that gun dogs were bred for.
From my point of view, I still believe the biggest problem has been the setting up of runs, moreso than the judging of them, and this area I feel requires the guide for interpretation. With the forthcoming submissions for rule reviews, I am sure that several of the points addressed (eg. Giving tongue), in Rob's draft will be on the table for interpretation in the new rule book.
I still do not think that a guide should state a points deduction scale, and that this is already included in the Judging sheet.
The requirement for judges to keep all things equal for all dogs in a trial, is paramount I feel, and the suggestions referring to this in the draft have my full support.
At least this is a start towards discussion on preparing such a guide for judges. It will be interesting to read the opinions from both competitors and judges.
Kerry
My goal in life is to become as wonderful as my dog thinks I am.