Becoming an Obedience Judge

How to Become an Obedience Judge

The judges training content of the program is facilitated by the Obedience, Tracking & Endurance Committee (OTEC) chaired by Lynn Klecka morningmystgoldens@gmail.com

The Dogs Victoria Obedience judges training scheme is based on the Dogs Australia national minimum standards as adopted 2010.

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 

Information for Prospective Trainees

Some of the requirements include:

• Five year continuous membership of Dogs Victoria
• Be over the age of 18 years
• Reside in Victoria

Method of Education (Self Education)

Trainees will be required to:

• Educate themselves by being conversant with the Dogs Victoria Rules and Regulations
• Attend all lectures and practical training sessions
• Study the Rules for the Conduct of Obedience Trials
• Arrange for a mentor to observe your judging at the relevant level to assess your performance

Written Examinations and Practical Assessments

Examination papers shall comprise of two sections: principal features (Part A) and questions as set by Dogs Victoria for the relevant class and relevant regulations (Part B). The minimum pass mark is 80% for both sections of the examination.

A trainee must pass the written examination in order to undertake the practical assessment.

The requirements for a pass in the practical assessment are:

• Trainees are required to judge a minimum of two dogs;
• The trainee may be asked to judge additional dog/s;
• At least three assessors must assess each trainee;
• Each assessor will individually make a recommendation as to whether the trainee has passed or failed;
• A majority of assessor’s recommendations are required to pass.

Want to know more?

Visit here to view the OTEC judges training page.

For more information on how you can become a Dogs Victoria Lure Coursing Judge contact the chairperson of the Obedience Committee 

 Please click on the following link for more information about the sport of Obedience.