This is the fourth and final article in a series by Pat Malone, being republished from the 1989 APA Yearbook. This article focuses on tips and comments for prospective judges.

1. Go For It!

This is a goal worth achieving as a level of excellence even if you don’t plan to be an active judge on the show circuit. The programs of both the APA and the ABA are excellent and are well administered. You will find many people ready to help you. I feel a debt to the many who patiently instructed and help me to earn the licenses I am privileged to hold, and I look forward to helping others in their study and apprentice programs

2. The Judge Licensing Programs Are Hard, But Fair

They should be hard. C.P.A. after an accountant’s name means something. Not every accountant can earn it. C.L.U. after an insurance agent’s name means something. Not every agent can earn that designation. If just everyone could earn a judges license it wouldn’t mean much, you have to work for and earn the license and title.

3. Stick With Good Teachers When You Find Them

And when you find good teachers work with them over and over and over, even though you can only get credit in the apprentice program for one time. Not every knowledgeable person has the ability to teach that knowledge to someone else. But you can learn valuable lessons even from the worst judge. I learned from one individual many valuable lessons about how NOT to judge. I learned some pitfalls to avoid.

4. Take Time and Make a Way to Breed and Raise Major Breeds

If your knowledge and experience is limited to few breeds and varieties you are going to find it very difficult to be a competent judge of all breeds. I’m suggesting you can’t learn everything you need to know about Modern Games from a book.

5. Try to Find Small Club or Junior Shows to Gain Some “Hands On” Experience

Any experience you can gain is critically important. It is one thing to stand and watch a judge and try to second guess his decisions. It is entirely another when YOU are in that aisle and have to make those decisions yourself.

6. Don’t Procrastinate Taking Your Final Exams

I have watched prospective judges invest a lot of time and effort in the apprentice program, then procrastinate finishing. “I just haven’t had time to study,” is the reason I hear most often. The longer you wait the more you will lose. And it’s no shame not to pass the first time. How many accountants pass the C.P.A exam on the first try. Not many. Finish what you start! “If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.”

By: Pat Malone, APA and ABA Licensed Poultry Judge (Reprinted from 1989 APA Yearbook)