SIAMESE CAT JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE SELECTION OF JUDGES

  1. GENERAL
    1. The Rules of each BAC must adhere to the core Rules, without additional Rules. Allowance for some variation is written into to the core Rules to take account of varying numbers of breeds, colours or patterns within the Breed List, numbers of cats of the Breed List appearing on the Show Bench, other breeds of which stewards need experience etc.
    2. The BAC must use the standard forms supplied by the GCCF. The BAC will add the BAC title, plus the Secretary's name and the address to which the form must be sent. The forms may be re-typed into the BAC "house style" if required. In the case of BACs for Breed Lists which contain only Self cats, reference to pattern may be omitted.
    3. The BAC will charge the standard fees as set by the GCCF.
    4. Allowance is made for some variation on the following points:
      1. Acceptance into the Stewarding Section of the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme of applicants who have been accepted into the Stewarding Section for another Breed List. The Breed Lists from which Stewards will be accepted must be defined in the Rules of the BAC (18.o) and must include any Breed List which shares a Grand class with the BAC List.
      2. The number of stewarding certificates required (19.c, 19.d)
      3. The number of critiques that may be considered in lieu of stewarding certificates (19.g)
      4. The reports on exhibits in side classes which are required by the BAC. (24.f, 25.g)
      5. A veterinary assessment must be waived if there is evidence of a satisfactory previous assessment is produced (24.q). Application for an electronic copy of a candidate’s assessment should be made to the Guild of GCCF Judges and Stewards.
      6. The minimum number of judging engagements at Championship shows which must be completed in order to comply with the Rules shall be between 6 and 12 and this number must be specified in the Rules. The BAC shall define the Breed classes of each breed/colour together with any miscellaneous class requirements, which must be completed before application for promotion; it must be possible for a Pupil Judge to complete these requirements within 12 engagements. Provided that these class requirements have been completed, the BAC must not require the candidate to complete more than the specified number of engagements prior to consideration for promotion. (24.s)
      7. The minimum number of judging engagements at Championship shows, the Breed and miscellaneous class requirements and the number of tutorial sessions to be completed should be reduced for Full Judges of a Breed List in the same section or of the same type (24.w) and may be reduced, possibly to a lesser degree, for Full Judges of a Breed List in a different section and of different type (24.x) Provided that these reduced requirements have been completed, the BAC must not require the candidate to complete more than the specified number of engagements prior to consideration for promotion.
      8. The minimum number of engagements judging kitten classes to be completed during a refresher period as a Pupil Judge (25.f)
  2. GCCF STEWARDING SCHEME
    This Section is superseded by the Rules of Procedure of the GCCF Stewarding Scheme, under the auspices of the Guild of GCCF Judges and Stewards. See their website.
  3. APPLICATION TO JOIN THE STEWARDING SECTION OF THE GCCF JUDGE APPOINTMENT SCHEME
    1. No-one may join the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme until they have fulfilled the requirements and been listed as a GCCF Steward. This requirement should ensure that applicants joining the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme have gained sufficient experience of show procedure and the handling of different breeds of cat to enable them to concentrate on learning the art of judging.
    2. Joining the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme indicates a wish to become a Judge of the relevant Breed List and the scheme must not be used purely as a means of getting further stewarding engagements with no intention to progress from this.
    3. Although there is no upper limit to the time spent within the Stewarding Section of the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme, Stewards must avoid wasting the time and resources of any BAC by remaining in a Scheme if they no longer wish to apply for appointment as a Pupil Judge of that Breed List.
    4. Stewards should maintain an active involvement with BAC breeds, including breeding and showing where practical, after joining the Stewarding Section of the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme since this may be taken into consideration when the BAC discusses an application for appointment as a Pupil Judge.
    5. Stewards will find it of benefit to continue to steward for all breeds.
    6. Once registered as a GCCF Steward, first time applicants to the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme must join the scheme through the BAC that caters for the breed(s) of cat that the applicant has bred and shown and in which they have demonstrated an active interest and commitment. Whilst the numbers of the breed(s) which the applicant has bred and shown will vary according to circumstances, it is expected that the applicant will also have demonstrated a genuine interest in the breed(s) concerned by active involvement in breed club and show activities prior to joining the scheme and that this involvement will continue during their progress through the scheme.
    7. Where the first time applicant has bred cats of more than one Breed List application can be made to the BACs catering for these breeds, provided they can show an active interest in both/all breeds and feel capable of dealing with the commitment required by the BACs.
    8. GCCF Stewards who have not yet fulfilled the requirements necessary to join the Judge Appointment Scheme (e.g. prefix, breeding, showing, club membership) would normally be expected to continue uncertificated stewarding in order to widen their experience. This may be taken into consideration when the BAC discusses an application for appointment as a Pupil Judge.
    9. A first time applicant can apply to the GCCF Office to join the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme for the judge list which caters for the breed owned or bred by the applicant. (Form 7) Once registered into the Scheme, the applicant must then apply to the BAC Secretary to join the Stewarding Section of the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme by completing the Registration Form (Form 8), enclosing a receipted copy of Form 7 and paying the required fee of £20 which is not refundable.
    10. The applicant should be a prefix holder.
    11. The applicant must have breeding experience of at least 4 years from the date of their first registered litter, of a breed that is catered for by the BAC to which application is to be made.
      Note: In exceptional circumstances (after referral to the appropriate BAC) the prefix requirement may be waived if proof of the required breeding experience can be provided and/or the breeding requirement may be waived if the applicant can show six years exhibiting experience of the breeds to be covered.
    12. The applicant must be a member of one or more constituent Clubs of the BAC, such membership to be maintained throughout their involvement with the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme. If the applicant is refused membership of the sole constituent club for the breed, or has been excluded from it, it should be noted that use may be made of the arbitration process as described by Byelaw 11.6
    13. The applicant must have at least three consecutive years’ regular (not necessarily frequent) exhibiting experience of a breed that is catered for by the BAC to which application is to be made.
    14. All GCCF registered applicants who have completed the requirements of the BAC, in accordance with 18.i, j, k, l and m, will be accepted, immediately, into the Stewarding Section of the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme, with the exception that Stewards who completed the requirements of the GCCF Stewarding Scheme with a BAC for a different breed type may be asked for up to two additional Stewarding Certificates to indicate competent handling of the BAC breed(s). No unregistered applicants will be accepted.
    15. A BAC will also consider applications to join the Stewarding Section of the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme from applicants who have been accepted into the Stewarding Section for another Breed List. Any such applicant must be a member of one or more constituent Clubs of the BAC, this membership to be maintained throughout their involvement with the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme.
      The Breed Lists from which Stewards will be accepted by the SCJAC are Balinese and Oriental (this should include all breeds included within the Grand classes for the BAC breed(s) and may include others)
    16. The BAC Secretary will notify the constituent Clubs and the GCCF of all persons who have enrolled in, or resigned from, the Stewarding section of the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme.
    17. Acceptance into the Stewarding Section of the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme of the SCJAC does not guarantee appointment as a Pupil Judge of this Breed List.
  4. WORKING THROUGH THE STEWARDING SECTION OF THE GCCF JUDGE APPOINTMENT SCHEME
    1. The purpose of the Stewarding Section is to provide further opportunity for prospective Judges to develop their ability to assess cats in the show situation, sympathetically and with confidence; to increase their knowledge of Show administration Rules and Procedures and to obtain a deeper understanding of the manner and attributes that are required in Judges.
    2. GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme Stewarding Certificates will be used by all BACs. These must be sent, by the Judge, to the BAC Secretary who will copy them to the constituent Clubs and to the Steward.
    3. Stewarding Certificates (Form 9) will be completed by Full GCCF Judges as a result of engagements at GCCF Championship Shows. Each steward must submit a minimum of 15 Certificates from a minimum of 8 different Judges. As much experience as possible should be obtained. This does not limit the number of times a steward can act for each Judge but does ensure a broad opinion of the steward's attitude and ability for BAC consideration.
      NB. One stewarding engagement may result in certificates for any or all of the relevant BAC schemes depending on the breeds required to be covered by each BAC. However, should a candidate steward for more than one judge during a single show, certificates may not be sought from both judges.
    4. The BAC shall state the breeds to be covered by these 15 stewarding certificates and shall state whether or not the engagements must be for Breed classes, but must not require a greater number of certificates before considering a first application for appointment. The certificates required by the SCJAC are as follows: all colours of Siamese, Breed classes.
    5. The BAC may require up to three of the stewarding engagements to be with Judges determined by the BAC, this list of Judges to include at least two more names than the number of engagements required.
    6. Stewards may submit a record of stewarding engagements for breeds or classes not required by the BAC, for Pupil Judges or for Overseas Judges, as evidence of additional experience.
    7. Any Steward who is a Full or Pupil Judge of another Breed List may submit critiques of BAC breeds judged in Miscellaneous and Club classes. At the discretion of the BAC, these critiques may be taken in lieu of up to 8 of the required Stewarding certificates.
    8. Stewards should attend such Seminars as may be held by the BAC.
    9. Stewards must submit evidence of veterinary tuition, either at a seminar or by stewarding for the duty veterinary surgeon at a GCCF Show, to enable the Steward to identify and understand the veterinary defects as included in the GCCF SOP and the Guidelines to Veterinary Defects. (Form 10)
    10. Sufficient copies for the BAC representatives of all Certificates and any additional information submitted shall be copied by the BAC Secretary to the Secretary of each constituent Club or their nominated recipient. The progress of the Steward shall be reviewed at each full meeting of the BAC and the BAC Secretary shall then notify the Steward, in writing, within six weeks, of all relevant comments, advice and areas of concern. Stewards may be advised to seek engagements with Judges determined by the BAC.
    11. Any Steward who, for any reason, does not wish to continue in the Stewarding Scheme must inform the BAC Secretary. Similarly, any Steward who is unable, for a period of time, to participate in the Scheme should inform the BAC Secretary of this and should then inform them when they wish to return to the Scheme.
  5. APPLICATION FOR NOMINATION AS A PUPIL JUDGE VIA THE STEWARDING SCHEME
    1. After a minimum of one year stewarding within the BAC Stewarding Section of the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme, and upon completion of the requirements listed in 19 above, the Steward may apply to the BAC for consideration for nomination as a Pupil Judge. (Form 11)
    2. The candidate must give details of all Breed Lists of which he/she is already a Full or Pupil Judge, or has applied for appointment as a Judge or for promotion. Candidates who are already Pupil Judges or wish to apply to more than one BAC should consider whether or not they have the time, and commitment and ability to fulfil the requirements.
    3. A candidate who has joined the stewarding scheme via a related breed (see rule 18.o) should normally be appointed to the original Breed List before any application is made to the SCJAC. If the application to the original list was unsuccessful, the SCJAC may consider the reasons for this decision before deciding whether or not to accept an application to the SCJAC list or may decide not to accept an application until the candidate has been appointed as a Pupil Judge of the original breed.
    4. Applications must be submitted to the BAC Secretary on the official Application Form, accompanied by the required fee of £30 which is not refundable.
  6. APPLICATION FOR NOMINATION AS A PUPIL JUDGE FROM A FULL JUDGE OF ANOTHER BREED LIST
    1. Four weeks after publication on the GCCF website, and provided no objections have been made during this period, or after confirmation of the appointment at a Council meeting, newly appointed Full Judges may apply for appointment to further lists via this route. This does not prevent a Full Judge from working through, or continuing to work through, the stewarding scheme for another list.
    2. Normally it would be expected that Full Judges applying for appointment to further lists would apply to those BACs catering for breeds of which they can show some knowledge.
    3. Full Judges applying for appointment to another list will be considered for appointment as Pupil Judges. They must not be assessed as if they were applying to be Full Judges of the new list.
    4. Full Judges who qualify to do so may choose to go through a stewarding scheme. A BAC may not direct such a course of action to a Full Judge.
    5. Any Judge eligible to judge a Grand Class will automatically be entitled to become a Pupil Judge of all other breeds included within that Grand Class, upon payment of the appropriate fee, provided that they comply with clause 21.a above. The BAC may not refuse this Pupil Judge appointment but must consider it as an opportunity to offer advice and guidance, if required, to a Judge who is already eligible to award Grand Certificates to their breed(s).
    6. The applicant shall submit to the BAC Secretary the required fee of £30, which is not refundable, together with the official Application Form (Form 12) which includes the following details:
      1. Evidence that he/she is a Full Judge.
      2. Details of Breed Lists of which he/she is already a Pupil Judge, or has applied for appointment as a Pupil Judge or for promotion.
      3. Evidence of membership of one or more BAC participating constituent Clubs, such membership to be maintained throughout his/her involvement with the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme, together with evidence of interest in the Breed List such as attendance at BAC seminars etc. If the applicant is refused membership of the sole constituent club for the breed, or has been excluded from it, it should be noted that use may be made of the arbitration process as described by Byelaw 11.6
      4. Their reasons for wishing to judge breeds in the list.
    7. Applicants shall supply copies of reports on any cats of the BAC Breed List they have judged in miscellaneous classes during the previous two years.
    8. Sufficient copies for the BAC representatives of the Application Form and all additional information submitted shall be copied by the BAC Secretary to the Secretary or nominated recipient of each constituent Club. Circulation will be electronic unless agreed otherwise.
    9. In the case of Full Judges of a Breed List of the same breed type, or where sufficient reports on cats of the BAC breeds have been submitted, or where the candidate has been assessed by representatives at a Seminar, the BAC should require no further information before voting.
    10. Where the BAC decides that the information provided is insufficient to enable them to consider the application fairly and they can provide evidence to support this decision, they may require the candidate to submit either up to 3 further critiques or to supply evidence of having stewarded for up to three Full Judges on the BAC list using the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme Stewarding Certificates provided by the BAC (Form 9). The BAC may require one or more of these stewarding engagements to be with Judges determined by the BAC, this list of Judges to include at least two more names than the number of Certificates required. The stewarding engagement may be for the relevant breed classes only, at a show where the candidate is also judging. The requirements of the BAC and the reasons for their decision will be forwarded, in writing, to the applicant, and to the Full Judges included in this list, within 21 days of the BAC meeting.
    11. When these requirements have been completed, the Stewarding Certificates submitted shall be copied by the BAC Secretary to the Secretary or nominated recipient of each constituent Club and the application shall be reconsidered. Circulation will be electronic unless agreed otherwise. No reapplication fee will be required in this case.
  7. APPLICATION FOR NOMINATION AS A PUPIL JUDGE FROM A FULL JUDGE FROM ANOTHER ORGANISATION
    1. A candidate who, under the rules of another bona fide organisation, is a Full Judge of one or more of the BAC breeds may apply for consideration for nomination as a Pupil Judge on the BAC Breed List. This does not prevent a Full Judge for another organisation from working through, or continuing to work through, a GCCF stewarding scheme.
      NB This does not prevent the invitation of a Judge who is not resident in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, who is not a GCCF Judge (Full or Pupil on any Breed List) and who has been on the relevant lists as a Full Judge under the rules of another bona fide organisation for at least three years, to judge at GCCF shows subject to Section 3, Rule 3 of the GCCF Rules.
    2. Judges for other bona fide organisations must apply first to those BACs catering for breeds of which they are Full Judges for the other organisation(s).
    3. Judges for other bona fide organisations will be considered for appointment as Pupil Judges. They must not be assessed as if they were applying to be Full Judges of the new list.
    4. The applicant must first register into the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme. A separate application form (Form 13) must be completed in respect of each BAC to which application is to be made, but only one fee of £30 is required. For this the applicant will receive copies of the literature listed in clause 17g of these Rules, with the exception of the table work and stewarding forms.
    5. The applicant shall submit to the BAC Secretary the required fee of £30, which is not refundable, together with the official Application Form (Form 14) which includes the following details:
      1. Evidence that he/she is a Full Judge of the relevant breeds for another bona fide organisation.
      2. Details of GCCF Breed Lists of which he/she is already a Pupil Judge, or has applied for appointment as a Pupil Judge or for promotion. Candidates who are already Pupil Judges or wish to apply to more than one BAC should consider whether or not they have the time, commitment and ability to fulfil the requirements.
      3. Evidence of membership of one or more BAC participating constituent Clubs, such membership to be maintained throughout his/her involvement with the Judge Appointment Scheme, together with evidence of interest in the Breed List such as attendance at BAC seminars etc.
      4. Their reasons for wishing to judge breeds in the list for the GCCF.
    6. Applicants shall supply copies of reports on any cats of the BAC Breed List they have judged to the GCCF Standard of Points during the previous two years.
    7. Sufficient copies for the BAC representatives of the Application Form and all additional information submitted shall be copied by the BAC Secretary to the Secretary or nominated recipient of each constituent Club. Where agreed, these copies may be sent electronically
    8. Where sufficient reports on cats of the BAC breeds have been submitted, or where the candidate has been assessed by representatives at a Seminar, the BAC should require no further information before voting.
    9. Where the BAC decides that the information provided is insufficient to enable them to consider the application fairly and they can provide evidence to support this decision, they may require the candidate either to submit up to three further critiques or supply evidence of having stewarded for up to three Full Judges on the BAC list using the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme Stewarding Certificates provided by the BAC. The BAC may require one or more of these stewarding engagements to be with Judges determined by the BAC, this list of Judges to include at least two more names than the number of Certificates required. The requirements of the BAC and the reasons for their decision will be forwarded, in writing, to the applicant within 21 days of the BAC meeting.
    10. When these requirements have been completed, the Stewarding Certificates submitted shall be copied by the BAC Secretary to the Secretary or nominated recipient of each constituent Club and the application shall be reconsidered. No reapplication fee will be required in this case.
  8. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT AS A PUPIL JUDGE
    1. The application for nomination as a Pupil Judge will be placed on the agenda for the next full meeting of the BAC. Candidates must not be required to attend interviews.
    2. The qualifications listed are basic requirements only. BAC members must also consider the candidate's consistency and perception in breeding, exhibiting and judging (if appropriate), the quality and well-being of the candidate's cats, the candidate's demeanour, ability to make analytical assessment under show conditions and the ability and moral courage to make objective judgments.
    3. The BAC will discuss the application and all available information before voting. Any replies to criticism, submitted in writing by the candidate, must also be considered.
    4. The BAC may consider that a candidate requires more experience before nomination as a Judge. Or may require some additional evidence before making a decision. In these circumstances the BAC will defer the candidate until its requirements are satisfied.
    5. The BAC may consider that, despite the advice, guidance and tuition given, a candidate has not reached the standard required for appointment as a Pupil Judge and it is decided that he/she will not achieve that standard after more experience. In these circumstances the BAC will reject the candidate.
    6. Votes will be cast by paper ballot. Acceptance or rejection requires a simple majority of those present and voting.
    7. In the first instance votes will be to Accept or not to Accept the candidate. If fewer than a simple majority of the votes cast are to Accept the candidate, a second ballot will be held to decide if the candidate should be Deferred or Rejected. If fewer than a simple majority of the votes cast on this second ballot are to Reject, the candidate will be Deferred.
      1. Accept: The BAC Secretary will notify the GCCF Office of the names of candidates nominated for appointment as Pupil Judges in order that these may be published on the GCCF website, and provided that no objections have been received within four weeks candidates will be deemed to be appointed. In the event of objection(s) the name(s) will be placed on the next Council agenda (see Bylaw 7.15).
      2. Defer: The BAC will identify the factual reasons for deferment and the Secretary will notify the GCCF Office of the candidate deferred.
      3. Reject: The BAC will identify the factual reasons for rejection and the Secretary will notify the GCCF Office of the candidate rejected.
    9. The result of BAC voting will be given verbally, by the BAC Secretary or, by agreement, by the BAC Chairman, within 48 hours of the meeting, provided that the candidate is contactable by telephone. Deferred and rejected candidates will be given full factual details of reasons. In all cases the decision of the BAC (together with reasons where appropriate) will be confirmed to the candidate in writing within 21 days of the meeting.
    10. Any candidate who has not been given clear reasons for deferment or rejection should write to the BAC Secretary for clarification and should write to inform the GCCF Office if no satisfactory clarification is received.
    11. Any candidate who can provide proof that the information on which the decision was based was incorrect, must provide this proof to the BAC Secretary, in writing, within 21 days of receipt of the written notification, in order that the result of the decision may be delayed to allow the additional information to be circulated to the constituent Clubs and discussed by the BAC at its next meeting. A ballot will again be taken on the candidate in question. No re-application fee will be required.
    12. The BAC will arrange for deferred candidates to be given the opportunity to receive guidance and tuition in those areas identified as reasons for the deferral.
    13. A deferred candidate will not be allowed to reapply to the next meeting of the BAC. Candidates may reapply up to a maximum of three times. Prior to each reapplication a minimum of 5 Stewarding Certificates from Full Judges on the BAC list will be required. The BAC may require one or more of these Certificates to be from Judges on a list determined by the BAC. Any such reapplication shall be accompanied by the required fee of £30 which is not refundable.
    14. Any candidate who has been rejected or who has been deferred four times will be removed from the particular Judge Appointment Scheme. Any such candidate may, after a period of at least four years, reapply to join the BAC Stewarding Scheme or reapply as a Full Judge of another Breed List. If accepted as a Steward they must then repeat the full requirements of the Scheme; however in exceptional circumstances the BAC, at its discretion, may modify the stewarding requirements. If reapplying as a Full Judge they must complete the full requirements for application.
    15. Any Full Judge who is eligible to judge a Grand Class will automatically be entitled to become a Pupil Judge of all other breeds included within that Grand Class, upon payment of the appropriate fee. The BAC may not refuse this Pupil Judge appointment. The BAC Secretary will notify the GCCF Office of the names of any such candidates in order that they may be placed on the agenda of the next meeting of Council.
  9. SERVING AS A PUPIL JUDGE
    1. Appointment as a Pupil Judge of the SCJAC Breed List does not guarantee promotion to Full Judge of this Breed List.
    2. The training period should last for a maximum of four years and must be regarded as a time of learning and of testing the conduct, character and ability of the person training to become a Full Judge. These elements should be borne in mind by both candidates and BAC members. A newly appointed Pupil Judge should not be expected to show the same degree of expertise, either in judging or in writing reports, as a Full Judge but should, with guidance from the BAC, achieve this by the time they apply for promotion. BACs must be positive and encouraging in their dealings with Pupil Judges and, where possible, offer praise in addition to constructive criticism.
    3. Candidates must expect, and learn to accept, constructive critical comment and BAC members and Full Judges must feel able to provide constructive critical comment without fear of repercussions.
    4. Pupil Judges will judge classes in accordance with the GCCF Rules. They are permitted to judge Open Adult and Neuter classes at Exemption shows, but not Assessment classes.
    5. Any period of enforced absence of six months or more, during the four years, may be discounted by Council at the request of the BAC.
    6. Pupil Judges must send a copy of their show reports to the BAC Secretary within four weeks of the date of the show. This must include reports of all cats of the Breed List judged by them in Breed classes, whether placed or not, together with reports on cats in Miscellaneous and Club classes as required by the individual BAC. These requirements in respect of the SCJAC are as follows: all Siamese judged on the day, whether placed or unplaced, in all classes.
    7. Pupil Judges should regard a Tutorial as a very important learning process where they can increase their knowledge of a breed and benefit from the first hand experience of Full Judges or gain extensive knowledge of a breed through a BAC Seminar .
    8. At shows, after judging the kitten Breed class of a BAC breed, and submitting the results slips to the table, the Pupil Judge may seek to discuss the cats, their placings and critiques with the Full Judge engaged to judge the equivalent adult or neuter Breed class of the same breed. In Breed Lists of more than one colour or pattern, more than one Breed kitten class may be discussed at a show, especially in breeds where entries per class are low. This should be done during the morning and, if time permits, the Full Judge may ask the Pupil Judge to look at or judge some of the equivalent adult cats from his/her own class(es). Any Judge may decline to participate in this BAC procedure on a particular occasion but it is hoped that all Judges will be able to participate when their judging load, and that of the Pupil Judge, permits them to do so. The stewards should not be present during discussion unless specifically required to handle a particular cat.
      NB A Pupil Judge must be judging at the show or stewarding for a Full Judge of the breed for a tutorial to take place. No more than one Tutorial form may be submitted for any one breed or breed of the same pattern/colour at the same show.
    9. If the Tutorial is undertaken at a BAC Seminar, the candidate must be present for the full session and their attendance recorded on the Tutorial Notification Form by the Organiser or a Full Judge together with the programme theme, the numbers of cats involved the breeds/colours/patterns etc. covered and the priorities learned. These cats will count as examples of the breed experienced as part of the required numbers of certain colours/patterns of cats judged by candidates in miscellaneous and/or club classes.
    10. Evidence of at least 10 of these tutorial sessions must be submitted during the training period. Only 2 tutorials from any one Full Judge will count towards this number, except that the BAC may require a further tutorial and a report from a particular Judge to establish whether or not the Pupil Judge has acted on the advice given by the BAC. During the second and subsequent years of the training period the BAC may require one or more of these tutorials to be with Judges from a list determined by the BAC or may require reports on classes of particular colours/patterns. (Form 15)
    11. The Pupil Judge will complete the Tutorial notification on each occasion and the Full Judge will sign it, indicating the areas covered, before it is sent to the BAC Secretary. The Full Judge may wish to submit additional comments to the BAC.
    12. In the event of there being no kittens present in the Candidate's Breed class, a Pupil Judge may request permission of the Full Judge to judge, place and report to the BAC on the equivalent adult and/or neuter Breed class entries of the same breed and discuss the placings and critiques with the Full Judge of the appropriate Breed class. This class will be accepted by the BAC as an Breed class and the Full Judge should sign the Tutorial notification as required under 24.k.
    13. If a judging engagement includes no Breed classes of the SCJAC breeds, a Pupil Judge may request permission of a Full Judge to judge, place and report to the BAC on any of his/her adult, kitten and/or neuter Breed class or single breed specialist Club class entries of a SCJAC breed and discuss the placings and critiques with that Full Judge. This class will be accepted by the BAC as an Breed class and the Full Judge should sign the Tutorial notification as required under 24.k. Candidates should not expect to depend totally on such instances to fulfil the requirements.
    14. At an Exemption Show, after judging Breed Adult, Kitten or Neuter classes and submitting the results slips to the table, a Pupil Judge may seek to discuss his/her placings with any Full Judge of the breed list who is judging at that show. These classes will be accepted by the BAC as an Breed class and the Full Judges should sign the Tutorial notification as required under 24.k. Candidates should not expect to depend totally on such instances to fullfill the requirements.
    15. If the equivalent adult and neuter Breed classes are both being judged by an overseas Judge, the candidate may seek to discuss their placings and critiques with any other Full Judge of the breed judging in that section.
    16. During the probationary period the Pupil Judge should attend such Seminars as may be held by the BAC.
    17. At least one veterinary assessment will be required, to ensure that the Pupil Judge is able to identify and understand the veterinary defects. This must be conducted at an All-Breed show in order to test the candidate’s ability to detect defects in the course of judging and evaluate their significance when placing exhibits. Candidates must be prepared to show knowledge of, and answer questions on all defects listed in the preface to the Standard of Points and described fully in the publication “Guidance on Veterinary Defects”. It should be noted that these apply to ALL BREEDS and therefore it should be expected that examples of defects in cats from all sections may be seen and/or discussed in the course of the assessment. (Form 16) Copies of successful assessments should be sent electronically to the Guild of GCCF Judges where they will be kept on file for future reference. Thereafter no further veterinary assessment should be required without good reason; which must be supplied to the candidate in writing and copied to the Guild of GCCF Judges.
    18. Sufficient copies for the BAC representatives of the show reports, assessments and any additional information submitted shall be copied by the BAC Secretary to the constituent Clubs, together with notification of the tutorials completed. The Clubs will monitor the reports for style, ability to describe the exhibits, knowledge, understanding and adherence to the Standard of Points etc. The progress of the Pupil Judge shall be reviewed at each full meeting of the BAC and the BAC Secretary shall then notify the Pupil Judge, in writing, within six weeks, of all relevant comments, advice and areas of concern.
    19. Prior to applying for promotion the candidate must complete a minimum of 12 judging engagements at Championship shows, which shall include the following classes: at least 10 Breed classes, or their equivalent (see j - l above), plus Miscellaneous and Club classes which contain Siamese (NB A Kitten Breed class which is split by age or sex may only be counted as a single class)
    20. The candidate must also complete a minimum of two, but no more than three, assessments which will be undertaken to enable the Full Judge concerned and the BAC to decide whether the candidate has reached the required standard and is ready for promotion. Each assessment shall be performed under normal show conditions as follows:
      1. The assessment must take place either at a show where the candidate is either judging or stewarding for the Full Judge conducting the assessment and where the Full Judge conducting that assessment is judging or at a seminar. The BAC may require one or more of these assessments to be with Judges on a list determined by the BAC, in which case they must ensure there is adequate choice with at least two more names given than the number of assessments required. The BAC may allow a free choice from all full judges on the BAC list.
      2. If the assessment is performed at a show, the Full Judge will supply the candidate with a list of exhibit numbers, preferably adults and/or neuters, which must be from the judging book of either the Full Judge or the candidate; the candidate must be supplied with the date of birth/age, sex and breed number of each exhibit to be judged. The candidate must then judge these cats, without prior discussion of the cats with the Full Judge concerned, or any other judge.
      3. If the assessment is performed at a seminar, the Full Judge must supply the candidate with a list of the exhibit numbers, preferably adults and/or neuters, to be judged; the candidate must be supplied with the date of birth/age, sex and breed number of each exhibit to be judged. The candidate must then judge these cats without prior discussion with the Full Judge and prior to any discussion of the cats at the seminar.
      4. In either case the candidate must write a full critique of each exhibit, indicating in each case whether or not a certificate/Best of Breed would be awarded, and then place them in order in a class or classes as required by the Full Judge. A maximum of FIVE cats may be included in each Assessment. For BACs which cover more than one colour or pattern the Assessment, where possible, should not be restricted to a single colour or pattern.
      5. The candidate should complete their critiques of the exhibits before discussing the exhibits, their critiques and placings with the Full Judge. They will hand a copy of the exhibit numbers and their placings to the Full Judge with the Assessment Form. The written copy of the critiques should be supplied to the Full Judge within 5 days of the assessment. The Full Judge will then complete the Assessment Form (Form 17) and send it to the SCJAC, together with the candidate’s written critiques. It is helpful if the Full Judge includes his/her own brief notes on some or all of these exhibits.
      6. The candidate must also send a show report on these cats to the BAC Secretary. If the Full Judge has submitted notes on the exhibits, these will be circulated with the show report and Assessment.
        NB Candidates may seek to arrange, but should not normally undertake, Assessments until they have completed the majority of the other requirements. An Assessment may not be sought on the same breed as a Tutorial at the same show.
    21. Upon completion of the above requirements, the Pupil Judge of first instance may apply to the BAC for promotion to Full Judge. Applications must be submitted to the BAC Secretary on the official Application Form, accompanied by the required fee of £30 which is not refundable. (Form 18)
    22. A candidate who joined the scheme via another Breed List (see rule 18.o) should normally be promoted on the original Breed List before any application is made to the SCJAC. If an application to the original Breed List could not be made or was unsuccessful, the SCJAC may consider the reasons for this before deciding whether or not to accept an application for promotion on the SCJAC list or may decide not to accept an application until the candidate has been promoted to Full Judge of the original breed.
    23. A Pupil Judge who is already a Full Judge of another Breed List in the same section or of the same type may apply upon completion of the following requirements:
      1. At least 10 engagements at Championship shows, which shall include the following classes: at least 10 Breed classes, or their equivalent (see j - l above), plus Miscellaneous and Club classes which contain Siamese (see q above)
      2. Evidence of at least 8 tutorial sessions (see h above)
      3. 2 assessment(s) (see t above)
    24. A Pupil Judge who is already a Full Judge of another Breed List in a different section and of different type may apply upon completion of the following requirements:
      1. At least 10 engagements at Championship shows, which shall include the following classes: at least 10 Breed classes, or their equivalent (see j - l above), plus Miscellaneous and Club classes which contain Siamese (see q above)
      2. Evidence of at least 10 tutorial sessions (see h above)
      3. 2 assessment(s) (see t above)
    25. The BAC should have gained sufficient information on a Pupil Judge by means of the show reports, tutorial experience, assessments and attendance at Seminars. Only if the BAC decides that the information provided is insufficient to enable them to consider an application for promotion fairly and they can provide evidence to support this decision, either prior to or after receipt of such application, may it request up to three additional assessments. The BAC may require one or more of these assessments to be with Judges on a list determined by the BAC, in which case the BAC must ensure that there is adequate choice: at least three names must be provided if one assessment is required, at least four if two assessments are required and at least five if all three assessments are required from named Judges. The BAC may allow a free choice from all full Judges on the BAC list. The BAC should inform the candidate and the Full Judges concerned of the reasons for the deferral and the areas to be covered by these further assessments.
      If the BAC decides that a Pupil Judge requires additional assessments, he/she must be informed of this without delay as it is desirable for assessments to take place as soon as possible after completion of the requirements of Rules 24 h - t. If a candidate, who had not completed these requirements at the time of the previous BAC meeting, applies for promotion, the BAC may then request up to three additional assessments (Form 17) before voting on the application.
    26. When these additional assessments have been completed, the forms submitted shall be copied by the BAC Secretary to the Secretary or nominated recipient of each constituent Club. Where agreed, these copies may be sent electronically. Any application for promotion which was set aside pending completion of the additional assessments shall be reconsidered at the next meeting of the BAC. No reapplication fee will be required in this case.
  10. SERVING A REFRESHER PERIOD AS A PUPIL JUDGE
    1. Any Full, Emeritus or existing Specialist Judge who has not judged cats of the SCJAC Breed List at a GCCF Championship Show, and attended seminars, including Judges' Guild seminars etc, for cats of the SCJAC Breed List, during the previous five year period may be required to undertake a refresher period as a Pupil Judge.
    2. The BAC Secretary shall, at the request of the BAC, write to any Full, existing Specialist or Emeritus Judge who is believed not have judged cats of the SCJAC Breed List at a GCCF Championship Show and attended seminars for cats of the SCJAC Breed List, for a period of five years to draw their attention to clause 2.i of the Philosophy & Constitution of the Procedure of the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme and clause 25 of the Rules.
    3. If the Judge can provide evidence of having judged cats of the SCJAC Breed List at a GCCF Championship Show, or of having attended SCJAC seminars during the previous five years, the BAC Secretary shall present this evidence at the next BAC meeting.
    4. Any Judge who does not wish to continue as a Full, Emeritus or existing Specialist Judge of the SCJAC Breed List may request that their name be placed on the Retired List for all breeds or that their name be removed from the list of Judges of the SCJAC Breed List. Upon receipt of this information the BAC Secretary will inform the GCCF Office.
    5. If the Judge wishes to undertake a refresher training period of judging in order to apply for reinstatement as a Full, Emeritus or existing Specialist Judge of cats of the Breed List, the BAC Secretary will inform the GCCF Office of the name of the Judge to be listed as a Pupil Judge (refresher).
    6. Prior to applying for reinstatement, the candidate must complete a minimum of 10 engagements at Championship shows, judging kittens of the SCJAC Breed List in Breed classes. At a minimum of three of these shows, after submitting the results slips to the table, the candidate shall seek to discuss the placings and critiques with a Full Judge of the Breed List. Evidence of these tutorial sessions must be submitted to the BAC. (Form 13) The BAC may require one or more of these tutorials to be with Judges determined by the BAC.
    7. Candidates must send a copy of their show reports to the BAC Secretary within four weeks of the date of the show. This must include reports of all cats of the Breed List judged by them in Open classes, whether placed or not, together with reports on cats in Miscellaneous and Club classes as required by the individual BAC. These requirements in respect of the SCJAC are as follows: all Siamese judged on the day, whether placed or unplaced, in all classes.
    8. If additional breeds, colours or patterns have been added to the SCJAC Breed List during the previous five years, the BAC may require the candidate to undergo up to three assessments with Judges on a list determined by the BAC, this list to include at least two more names than the number of assessments required. (Form 15) These assessments shall be arranged by the candidate and shall be performed as in 24.t above and must include cats of the new breeds, colours or patterns. The BAC may require the candidate to attend a seminar at which cats of the new breeds, colours or patterns are present, provided that such a seminar is to be held within two years.
    9. Upon completion of the above requirements, the candidate may apply to the BAC for reinstatement as a Full, Emeritus or existing Specialist Judge. Applications must be submitted to the BAC Secretary on the official Application Form, accompanied by the required fee of £15 which is not refundable. (Form 19)
  11. CONSIDERATION OF CANDIDATES FOR PROMOTION TO FULL JUDGE, OR FOR REINSTATEMENT AS FULL, EMERITUS OR EXISTING SPECIALIST JUDGE
    1. The application for consideration for promotion to Full Judge, or for reinstatement as a Full, Emeritus or existing Specialist Judge, will be placed on the agenda for the next full meeting of the BAC. Candidates must not be required to attend interviews.
    2. The BAC will discuss the application and all available information before voting. Any replies to criticism, submitted in writing by the candidate, must also be considered.
    3. The BAC may consider that a candidate requires more tuition or experience before promotion to Full Judge, or reinstatement as a Full, Emeritus or existing Specialist Judge. In these circumstances the BAC will defer the candidate until its requirements are satisfied.
    4. The BAC may consider that, despite the advice, guidance and tuition given throughout the probationary period, a candidate has not reached the standard required for promotion or reinstatement and it is decided that he/she will not achieve that standard after more experience. In these circumstances the BAC will reject the candidate.
    5. Votes will be cast by paper ballot. Acceptance or rejection requires a simple majority of those present and voting.
    6. In the first instance votes will be to Accept or not to Accept the candidate. If fewer than a simple majority of the votes cast are to Accept the candidate, a second ballot will be held to decide if the candidate should be Deferred or Rejected. If fewer than a simple majority of the votes cast on this second ballot are to Reject, the candidate will be Deferred. At the end of the maximum probationary period only the first ballot may be held. If fewer than a simple majority of the votes cast are to Accept, the candidate will be Rejected.
      1. Accept: The BAC Secretary will notify the GCCF Office of the names of those candidates nominated for appointment as Full Judges, or for reinstatement as Full, Emeritus or existing Specialist Judges, in order that these may be published on the GCCF website and provided that no objections have been received within four weeks candidates will be deemed to be appointed. In the event of objection(s) the names will be placed on the next Council agenda. (see Byelaw 7.15)
      2. Defer: The BAC will identify the factual reasons for deferment and the Secretary will notify the GCCF Office of the candidate deferred.
      3. Reject: The BAC will identify the factual reasons for rejection and the Secretary will notify the GCCF Office of the candidate rejected. In the event of rejection of a candidate who has completed a refresher period as a Pupil Judge, the BAC will request that their name be placed upon the Retired List for this Breed List.
    7. The result of BAC voting will be given verbally, by the BAC Secretary, or, by agreement, by the BAC Chairman, to each candidate, within 48 hours of the meeting, provided that the candidate is contactable by telephone. Deferred and rejected candidates will be given full factual details of reasons. In all cases the decision of the BAC (together with reasons where appropriate) will be confirmed to the candidate in writing within 21 days of the meeting.
    8. Any candidate who has not been given clear reasons for deferment or rejection should write to the BAC Secretary for clarification and should write to inform the GCCF Office if no satisfactory clarification is received.
    9. Any candidate who can provide proof that the information on which the decision was based was incorrect, must provide this proof to the BAC Secretary, in writing, within 21 days of receipt of the written notification, in order that the result of the decision may be delayed to allow the additional information to be circulated to the constituent Clubs and discussed by the BAC at its next meeting. A ballot will again be taken on the candidate in question. No re-application fee will be required.
    10. The BAC will arrange for deferred candidates to be given the opportunity to receive guidance and tuition in those areas identified as reasons for the deferral.
    11. A deferred candidate will not be allowed to reapply to the next meeting of the BAC. Candidates may reapply up to a maximum of four times. Prior to each reapplication three further assessments will be required. The BAC may require one or more of these assessments to be from Judges on a list determined by the BAC. Any such reapplication shall be accompanied by the required fee of £30, or £15 for reinstatement, which is not refundable. (Form 19)
    12. A candidate who does not achieve promotion or reinstatement within the four year probationary period, plus any time discounted by Council at the request of the BAC, for enforced absence from the scheme, will automatically lose Pupil Judge status of that Breed List unless the BAC considers that there are circumstances that warrant an application by the BAC to Council for an extension of the candidate's probationary period for a maximum of two one-year extensions.
    13. Any candidate who has been rejected or who has failed to achieve promotion or reinstatement after a maximum of six years probationary period, plus any time discounted by Council at the request of the BAC, for enforced absence from the scheme, will be removed from the particular Judge Appointment Scheme. Any such candidate may, after a period of at least four years, reapply to join the Stewarding Section of the GCCF Judge Appointment Scheme or reapply as a Full Judge of another Breed List. If accepted as a Steward they must then repeat the full requirements of the Scheme; however in exceptional circumstances the BAC, at its discretion, may modify the stewarding requirements. If reapplying as a Full Judge they must complete the full requirements for application.