Becoming a Sled Sports Judge

How to Become a Sled Sports Judge

The judges training content of the program is facilitated by the Sled Sports Committee chaired by Sandy Koch vicsledsports@gmail.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 (https://dogsaustralia.org.au/media/9666/ankc-reg3j_sled-dog-sports-judges_oct-16.pdf)

Sled Sport disciplines are:

• Sledding
• Backpacking
• Weight-pull

Information for Prospective Trainees

Some of the requirements include:

• Minimum five year continuous membership of Dogs Victoria
• Be over the age of 18 years
• Be approved by the Dogs Victoria

Eligibility

Applicants must have:

• Trained and trialled a sled sports dog
• Acted as chute marshall, time recorder, chief steward, trail spotter for at least three sled sports events

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 Sled Dog Sports
• 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: Dogs Australia Rules & Regulations for judging sled sports (Part A) and general section (Part B). the exam will consist of short answer questions and/or multi-choice questions. A trainee must pass the written examination in order to undertake the practical assessment. Written assessments require a 75% pass mark.

The requirements for a pass in the practical assessment are:

• Judge a minimum of five dogs or teams;
• The trainee may be asked to judge additional dog/s;
• Each assessor will individually make a recommendation as to whether the trainee has passed or failed

Want to know more?

Visit here to view the Dogs Victoria Sled Sports Judges Training Scheme.

For more information on how you can become a Dogs Victoria Sled Sports Judge please contact the chairperson of the Sled Sports Committee

Expression of Interest - Sled Sports Judges Training Program Updated 18/05/2026

Application to Participate in the Sled Sports Judges Training Scheme Updated 18/05/2026

Application for Sled Sports Judges Written Exam Updated 18/05/2026

Application for Sled Sports Judges Practical Assessment Updated 18/5/2026

Please click on the following link for more information about the sport of Sledding, Weight Pull & Backpacking