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BKC Judge Certification Program

I. Purpose

The Judge Certification Program exists to train, evaluate, and certify individuals who wish to officiate at BKC-sanctioned events. Judges serve as ambassadors of The BKC and are responsible for upholding the registry’s breed standards, fairness, and sportsmanship in the show ring.

II. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

1.      Be at least 21 years of age.

2.      Be a BKC member in good standing for at least 2 consecutive years or number 3.

3.      Have 5+ years of documented experience in breeding, handling, or exhibiting dogs.

4.      Submit three letters of recommendation from established breeders, handlers, or judges.

5.      Pass a BKC Judges Ethics Agreement and background check.

III. Application Process

1.      Complete Judge Application

o        Includes resume of canine-related experience.

o        Declaration of breeds applicant is qualified to judge.

2.      Submit Application Fee

o        $100 (non-refundable).

3.      Review by Certification Committee

o        Applications are reviewed quarterly.

o        Qualified applicants proceed to testing and observation.

IV. Certification Process

1.      Written Exam

o        Covers BKC policies, ring procedure, canine anatomy, and breed standards.

o        Minimum passing score: 85%.

2.      Breed Standards Proficiency

o        Applicant must demonstrate detailed knowledge of breed(s) they intend to judge.

o        May include oral interview or written critique of breed photos/videos.

3.      Apprentice Judging

o        Must apprentice under a BKC Senior Judge at 3 sanctioned events.

o        Must submit official evaluation forms signed by Senior Judge.

4.      Final Evaluation

o        Certification Committee reviews testing, apprentice performance, and feedback.

o        If approved, applicant receives BKC Judge License.

V. Continuing Education

1.      Bi-Annual Breed Standard Updates

o        Judges must stay current on revisions and attend a minimum of one virtual or in-person update seminar every 2 years.

2.      Conduct Reviews

o        Judges must remain in good standing and are subject to periodic review based on performance, complaints, or reports.

VI. Judging Rules & Ethics

All certified judges agree to:

1.      Impartiality

o        No favoritism or conflict of interest; must recuse themselves if a direct conflict (e.g., judging immediate family or their own dog).

2.      Professional Conduct

o        No vulgar language, intoxication, or derogatory behavior at events.

o        Must treat exhibitors and dogs respectfully and consistently.

3.      Confidentiality & Discretion

o        Scores and placements must not be discussed outside the ring unless authorized.

VII. Disciplinary Action & Revocation

The BKC reserves the right to:

·         Issue written warnings for minor violations.

·         Temporarily suspend judging privileges during investigation.

·         Permanently revoke judging license for serious violations (e.g., bias, misconduct, falsification).

All actions will follow the due process established by the Ethics & Grievance Committee.

VIII. Judge Levels & Designations

1.      Provisional Judge

o        Limited to apprentice or single-breed judging.

o        Must complete one year before applying for full status.

2.      Certified Judge

o        May officiate full classes and title events.

o        Eligible for multi-breed certification with testing.

3.      Senior Judge

o        5+ years of judging experience and excellent record.

o        May mentor apprentices and serve on the Certification Committee.