The Judge – Steward Team

The Judge – Steward Team

The judge is responsible for demonstrating “sound judging procedure, ring control and a thorough knowledge of AKC Rules and Policies. Good procedure is essential to inspire the confidence of exhibitors and spectators.”1 “A good steward makes the work of judging easier by relieving the judge of unnecessary details.”2

Effective stewards keep a ring running smoothly, allowing the judge to concentrate on judging. Effective and friendly stewards also enable the exhibitors to focus on showing their dogs to the best of their ability.

Thirty judges, some single Breed and some multi-Group judges, who have stewarded were queried on this topic. Additionally, the Eastern Steward Club, an active stewards group, added some of their guidelines. All responded with common sense tips that will enable the judge and steward to become an effective team.

For the Judge

• Be considerate of the steward. Understand that the steward is multitasking and is interacting with the judge, exhibitors, and show committee members.
• Understand the steward’s experience and skill level. Be patient and helpful to the more novice stewards.
• Be courteous to exhibitors. They are the reason we judge. The steward generally hears from the exhibitors and ringside spectators.
• Clearly explain to the steward your preferences for:
• Line-up. Where would you like the classes to line up? If the entry is a ramp or table breed, do they go directly to the ramp or table?
• Inform the steward if you do not want them to call the next class while you are awarding the ribbons.
• Handler substitution. Is this allowed? How?
• Late entries. Allowed? How will they be handled?
• Equipment placement. Determine where the table and ramp will be located in the ring. Since many judges and the volunteer stewards are aging or have health restrictions, determine together how the equipment will be moved.
• Optional equipment. Will you use the ramp for optional breeds?
• Calling out placements. Please let the steward know if you find that the steward’s announcing the placements for spectators is distracting.

For the Steward

• When you get to the ring, organize the ribbons, armbands, and any cards or Sweepstakes checks. Check for any move-ups or class changes in the judge’s book and note those in the steward’s book. Also check for double entries.
• Ascertain who is in charge of ring clean-up and how to reach that person.
• Ascertain who is in charge of ring hospitality; a roving hospitality or a cooler.
• Place any Sweepstakes checks or cards with the appropriate ribbon.
• Place paper towels and wipes within easy reach for the judge.
• Remember that the table is a shared space. Ensure that the judge has room for their judge’s book and Breed Standards, if they have a hard copy.
• Read, at a minimum, the booklet entitled, “Dog Show Stewards,” and understand the “Rules Applying to Dog Shows.”
• Don’t overly rush the judge. If the judge is running behind, at a break, quietly and privately inform the judge. Be cognizant that if the judge has permit breeds that day, these breeds may require additional time for the judge to make his/her placements and to record their notes.
• State the class and then the armbands when calling in the class. This reminds the judge to check for any class ineligibility. For example: “Open Brindle Class.”
• Absentees reporting best practice: reported absences can be placed by the judge’s book when you call in the class. Remaining absences can be placed by the judge’s book after the class is called.
• Avoid any discussion of placements, specific exhibitors, and dogs.
• Be patient with the exhibitors and meet challenges (upset individuals, inclement weather, etc.) with calm.
• Do the job efficiently, staying focused with a quiet presence.
• Refrain from any unnecessary conversation with the judge. Several people commented that they want “less chatter from the steward,” as this breaks the judge’s concentration.
• Have a voice loud enough to be heard outside the ring and at the far side of the ring.
• Check with the judge about calling out numbers for awards. Book errors can occur when the judge writes down what s/he hears. If numbers are called, the best practice is to say Number 17 is first; Number 9 is second. The judge is looking for the number in the book. If the steward says “1 is 17,” the judge could hear the number as “117.”
• Periodically check the ring for hazards (including puckering of the mats), bait, and other debris.

Teamwork can make a long day a great experience for all: the judge, the steward, and the exhibitors. One respondent said, “The vast majority of stewards are well-versed in ringcraft and professional in demeanor. Thank heaven for our ring stewards!”

References:

1. Rules, Policies and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges, page 1.
2. Dog Show Stewards, page 2.