Becoming a Dances with Dogs Judge

How to Become a Dances with Dogs Judge

The judges training content of the program is facilitated by the Dances with Dogs Committee chaired by Sue Cordwell cordwes@bigpond.com

The following information is designed to help you understand the requirements and assist trainee judges in sourcing the information needed.

Dogs Australia Regulations – Judges Training

The Judges Training Program is conducted under Dogs Australia Regulations and is a national scheme. Please click here to download the national Judges Code of Practice and Conduct.

The regulations can be sourced, downloaded and/or printed by clicking here.

Dances with Dogs classes are:

• Starter
• Novice
• Intermediate
• Advanced

Information for Prospective Trainees

Some of the requirements include:

• Minimum one year membership of Dogs Victoria
• Be over the age of 18 years
• Reside in Victoria
• Be approved by the Dogs Victoria

Eligibility

Applicants must have:

• Personally trained, competed with and achieved a minimum of two qualifying certificates for a dog in novice class in either freestyle or heelwork to music;
• Have experience in related club or training activities, whether in DWD or another Dogs Australia discipline.

Method of Education (Self Education)

Trainees will be required to:

• Educate themselves by being conversant with the Dogs Victoria Rules and Regulations relevant to Dances with Dogs competitions
• Attend at least 80 percent of lectures and practical training sessions
• Study the Rules for the Conduct of Dances with Dogs
• Undertake practice judging at the relevant level under the supervision of an approved trainer
• Undertake stewarding responsibilities at a minimum of three sanctioned competitions

Written Examinations and Practical Assessments

Examination papers shall comprise between 25 – 50 questions. A trainee must pass the written examination in order to undertake the practical assessment. Written assessments require an 80% pass mark.

The requirements for a pass in the practical assessment are:

• Judge a minimum of four routines covering at least three class levels and both freestyle and heelwork to music divisions

 Want to know more?

Visit here to see the application to participate in the Dances with Dogs judges training scheme.

For more information on how you can become a Dogs Victoria Dances with Dogs Judge contact the chairperson of the Dancing with Dogs Committee

Please click on the following link for more information about the sport of Dancing With Dogs.