Question: I have always been fascinated by the world of dressage judging. How do I become a judge?
Answer: There is a lot of work involved in becoming a licensed dressage judge. It requires a solid background and experience in dressage. After that, there is acceptance to and participation in dressage learner programs, a substantial block of time, considerable personal expense, travel in most cases and a strong commitment to meet all requirements. Even then there is always the possibility that you will fail required tests and not become a judge. On the plus side, even if the latter is true, you will have benefited greatly by expanding your knowledge and understanding of dressage.
The first necessary step is to complete one of the "L" programs sponsored by some of the Group Member Organizations (GMO) of the U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF). To be eligible to take part, you have to show success at Second Level with some scores above 60% or training horses to Fourth Level, or you have to have taught pupils at Fourth Level or above. Some additional requirements of scribing and sitting with judges can be completed during the program but before the final examination. Obtain an application from the USDF, 220 Lexington Green Circle, Suite 510, Lexington, Kentucky 40503 or visit www.usdf.org.
The "L" program consists of five, two-day sessions, usually spread over a period of six to 18 months. The instruction in theory, methodology and dressage basics is taught by a selected faculty of Senior judges. The sessions include demonstrations with live horses as well as videotapes. One of the sessions is practice judging with evaluation by two faculty members, and one is the final exam consisting of a written part as well as actual judging.
Participants who obtain a score of 80% on the written and 65% in practical judging are designated as "L" program graduates and may be asked to do informal judging activities such as schooling shows, Pony Club events, etc.
Participants scoring 80 percent on the practical are designated as graduates "with distinction." This latter status is required by U.S. Equestrian Foundation (USEF) in order to apply for entry into one of their courses to become a licensed judge. In most "L" programs, from one-third to one-half of all graduates pass with distinction.
The next step for the distinguished "L" graduate is to apply to USEF for entry into a judging program. In addition to having graduated an "L" program with distinction, a candidate must meet a Fourth Level riding proficiency requirement at a designated number of USEF competitions. Applicants also must have recommendations from at least 12 licensed dressage judges.
Courses are scheduled when there are enough applicants in a geographical area and an individual or group offers to manage such a course. Because so much of the material has been thoroughly covered in the "L" program, this course usually consists of one or two days of instruction followed by a day of exam. With a passing grade, the applicant can become a Recorded or "r" judge. A recorded judge is licensed by USEF and can judge Training through Second Levels at USEF- and USDF-recognized competitions. Upon licensing, the "r" judge needs to judge a minimum of four competitions every two years or the license automatically will not be renewed.
Application for promotion to Registered or "R" status can be made after a minimum of two years. Usually, a longer period is required to get the necessary experience. An "R" judge may judge all levels from Training to Fourth Level. A more stringent riding requirement and another training course and exam are held for this promotion.
A Senior or "S" judge is the highest level a judge can reach within USEF. Recommendations from "S" judges and show officials, substantial experience riding at Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) levels and a good record as an "R" judge are all prerequisites for admission to the program. "S" judges may judge all levels to Grand Prix.
While the process to become a judge and to be promoted may seem cumbersome to some, it is necessary to ensure quality judging. The future success of dressage depends on good judging.
Read the last statement again. "The future success of dressage depends on good judging." Some body correct me if I am wrong, but has dressage not grown by leaps and bounds, to right over the moon? What direction did rodeo with it's animals and judges go? Right over the moon with dressage that's where. Followed closely by the Academy, Emmy, Country Music, Rock and Roll, Miss America Awards. Even the Olympics have two sets of standards so the men in the tight speedos don't get judged against the women in the equally tight speeds. And that would be too much like apples and oranges if they competed and were judged together. What direction has my beloved circus gone, with more Best 0 The Best Awards Festivals then you can shake a stick at in the last 20 years?
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5 comments:
That's wonderful and inspiring, thank for posting.
This is what I suggest.
1)Let's do an accelerate web course of circus judging, with simple but clear rules.
2)Let's create the Monte Carlo Shadow Jury Panel on this blog.
2) Within a couple of months, when His Highness' Press Office will have the grace to divulgate the official 2009 program list, I will translate it and post here.
3) I think that for the most of us will not be difficult to get previous videos of most of the participants.
4) Let's have some winter fun with our newly created Shadow Judges Federation.
Rafffaele,
In all honesty, I couldn't. I would be partial to what I like. It is impossible to judge apples to oranges, and no defined standard. Even in a horse competition what ever the disipline, there is an assumption a small 3% will be swayed by physical appearance, ie color, tail, mane. Such a small figure to be unimportant in the over all final tally. I could judge two liberty acts and be unbiased, but I could not judge a liberty act against an elephant act without referencing other liberty and elephant acts I had seen. I have known and worked with a number of people who became judges. I know for a fact how they evaluated other acts and performers through the time I knew them. Don't even try to suggest or convince me, they put all of those biases and prejudices aside for one glorious night of Circus Magic on the Riviara. Heilbronn, Stuttgart are the exact same thing without the "marketing hype" of a Best 0 The Best Awards Festival. But I will hope others test their "skills". Possibly we will see if there is any training necessary to judge apples to oranges. You get ready to have an elephant festival, followed by an liberty festival, followed by a day of cage acts, followed by exotics etc. my bag is packed and I am in. I might even be able to do clowns against clowns, except I found in all the years I watched clown collage and the infamous "Nurumbergs", I found if the clown was my friend and made me laugh daily at other things, they tended to be a bit funnier at the auditions. Have you ever found that Raffaele?
Wade
Oh God, the "Nurunbergs"...
By the way, why those were called that way?
Raffaele,
Because you were on trial, as serious at the Nurumberg Trials. Clowns were either going to live or die on that one fateful night. Your gag, that you had worked so hard to create was either used for two years with a thumbs up from Caesar, or it was tossed in George Sellengergers dumpster with a thumbs down. I guarantee "Nuremburg" was more anticipated each year then any MC festival. If you think a chicken with it's head cut off is funny, you should see a bunch of desperate clowns in the same hen house. You can't believe how creative, original, innovative and hysterical a condemned man can be.
After witnessing the "Nuremburgs" many times, I have often thought, instead of asking somebody on the gallows, "do you care to make your peace with God," require them to do 10 minutes of stand up. I promise you, we would witness some of the greatest improv comedy in the world. "Nuremburg" and Clown College graduation, rank right up there with shaking Gunther, Charley, and Axel's hand for the first time, in my unforgettable once in a life time memories.
Wade
Addendum to Raffaele,
Historically some have contended that the usage of the name "Nuremburg" was politically incorrect given Caesars religious affiliation. Not me, I have always considered who ever came up with it as being brilliant. There have been a couple of people who have been suggested as being the comedic genius behind the term, but it is all rumor, no concrete fact. LOL
Wade
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