English Springer Spaniel Field Trials

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Judges Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeship Program Overview

The Apprenticeship Program is designed to guide aspiring judges through a structured pathway toward becoming approved judges. This program ensures apprentices gain valuable experience and insights by working with seasoned judges in diverse settings.

Steps in the Process:

  1. Applicant Verification: Confirm the eligibility and credentials of the applicant.
  2. Guidance and Monitoring: Provide coaching on best practices, outline next steps, and monitor progress throughout the apprenticeship.
  3. Judging Apprenticeships: Coordinate and schedule apprenticeships with qualified judges.
  4. Approval: Move the applicant to the Approved Judges List upon successful completion of the program.
  5. First Judging Assignment: Assist in coordinating the apprentice’s first judging assignment with the sponsor judge.
  6. Additional Support: Address other needs as they arise to ensure program success.

Apprenticeship Program Coordinator: Lisa Pyle
Apprenticeship Program Coordinator
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 405.245.2745

For additional information or inquiries, please contact Lisa Pyle. She is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central to assist and guide you through the Apprenticeship Program.

 

 

To use the AKC searchable Judges directory click here.

You can find the AKC Spaniel Rule book by clicking here.

You can find the  Blue Book by clicking here.

You can find the Green Book by clicking here.

ESSFTA Field Trial Judge Eligibility Requirements for US Citizens - Effective May 2, 2024 per ESSFTA Board of Governors

DISCLAIMER: ESSFT.COM has carefully reviewed the statement released by our Parent Club the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (ESSFTA.ORG) regarding the qualifications required to become a field trial judge. To assist our community, we have extracted the most pertinent information for quick reference. For those seeking the complete and detailed statement, we encourage you to visit the ESSFTA website at  https://englishspringerspaniels.org/field-judge-apprentice/.

The primary goal of the Apprenticeship is to provide the Apprentice Judge with an opportunity to observe the field trial process up close and to learn from the dialogue and collaboration between the two judging officials. Apprentices must remain silent observers and avoid distracting the judges while they focus on evaluating the dogs.

Apprentices are required to participate in all discussions related to callbacks and final placements.

According to English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association, also known as the Parent Club or ESSFTA, the following requirements must be completed in the specified order before an individual is eligible to judge AKC Member or Licensed Field Trials for English Springer Spaniels:

Requirements to Become an AKC ESS Field Trial Judge for U.S. Citizens

To qualify as an American Kennel Club (AKC)v English Springer Spaniel (ESS) Field Trial Judge, applicants must complete the following steps:

  1. Attend an AKC ESS Judging Seminar
    Applicants must attend an AKC ESS Judging Seminar within five (5) years prior to taking the Judges Exam.

  2. Pass the Written Judges Exam
    Prospective judges must successfully complete the written test prepared by the Parent Club. The test, developed by the ESSFTA, is based on the AKC Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedures for Spaniels, The Conduct and Judging of Spaniel Field Trials (Blue Book), and the AKC Dealing with Misconduct guide.

    Test Process:

    • Request and Timing:

      • The test must be requested from the Parent Club’s Apprentice Program Coordinator and returned within 30 days.

    • Retakes and Seminar Requirements:

      • Retakes are allowed every four (4) months.
      • After three (3) failed attempts, the applicant must attend another Judges Seminar before retesting.

    • Verification and Grading:

      • Seminar attendance must be verified before the test is distributed.
      • The Apprentice Program Coordinator will grade the test and notify the applicant of the results within seven (7) days of receipt.

 

  1. Eligibility to Apprentice: Upon passing the test, the applicant will be eligible to apprentice at a field trial.

  2. Complete Five Puppy Judging Assignments
    Applicants must complete five (5) puppy judging assignments. The Puppy stake may be  for AKC Cocker Spaniel Field Trials, AKC  English Springer  Spaniel Puppy Field Trials, or a combination of both. This will information will be tracked on the applicant’s resume.
  3. Complete Three Apprentice Judging Assignments
    1. Applicants must complete and pass three (3) AKC English Springer Spaniel Field Trial apprentice judging assignments.
    2. Each apprenticeship must be evaluated using an Apprentice Evaluation Form provided by the Apprenticeship Program Coordinator.
    3. The form must be approved and passed by the respective Teaching Judge(s).
    4. If the apprentice is not approved or does not pass by either judge, that apprenticeship will not count toward eligibility.

 

Qualify for Three National Championships
Applicants must qualify for three (3) National Championships (NAC, NOC, or a combination of both).

Participate in AKC English Springer Spaniel Field Trials for Three Years
Applicants must have participated in AKC ESS Field Trials for a minimum of three (3) years.

Compete in 24 AKC ESS Field Trial Stakes
Applicants must have competed in 24 AKC ESS Field Trial stakes.

Maintain Good Standing
Applicants must be in good standing with both the AKC and the Parent Club.

Serve on a Field Trial Committee
Applicants must have served on a Field Trial Committee.

Submit a Personal Statement and Obtain Regional Governor Approval
Applicants must submit a written paragraph explaining why they wish to become an AKC ESS Field Trial Judge. Additionally, the Regional Governor must approve the applicant before they can apprentice at a Field Trial.

The following items will be used in the approval process:
a. Attendance at an AKC ESS Field Trial Seminar.
b. Successful completion of the AKC ESS Field Trial test.
c. Submission of a resume detailing the completion of the required criteria for approval.

These requirements ensure candidates possess the knowledge, experience, and commitment necessary for this distinguished role.

Canadian Judge Eligibility

A Canadian judge may officiate in the United States after fulfilling the following:

  1. Judging three Canadian All-Age Pheasant trials.
  2. Passing the Parent Club written test.

What is a Sponsor Judge's Role?

Sponsor Judge and New Judge Requirements

  1. Sponsor Judge Qualifications

    • A Sponsor Judge must have judged a minimum of 20 AKC Springer Field Trial stakes.

  2. New Judge First Assignment

    • Upon successfully completing all requirements, a New Judge’s first judging assignment must be conducted alongside one of the six designated Teaching Judges.
    • For this purpose, the Teaching Judge will serve as the New Judge’s “Sponsor” Judge.

  3. Post-Trial Discussions

    • Following their first judging assignment, the New Judge must engage in discussions with their Sponsor Judge after completing each of their next three field trials. These discussions will address any questions, challenges, or areas for improvement.

Guidelines for Judging Seminars from ESSFTA

The rules governing judging seminars are developed and maintained by the Interclub Chairs (I think they mean ESSFTA Regional Governors HMB), who are responsible for ensuring seminars are conducted annually within their respective regions. These seminars may be organized by individual clubs or by any Interclub Chair (Again, I think they mean Regional Governors HMB).

Authorization Requirements

  1. Prior written approval to conduct a seminar must be obtained from the ESSFTA (Parent Club) Field-Vice President.

Reporting Obligations

  1. Upon the seminar’s conclusion, the Interclub Chair  (Regional Governor) or hosting club must promptly notify the Apprentice Program Administrator.
  2. This notification should include the names, phone numbers, mailing and email addresses of all prospective or student judges who attended as full participants.
  3. Attendance of individuals not pursuing judge certification does not need to be reported.

These procedures ensure proper oversight and accurate record-keeping for judging seminars.

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