By-law 2 (d)

Guidelines for Candidates Nominated to Sit the National Judges Accreditation Examination

 

Nominees to sit the ANBC Judges Accreditation Examination must be active in breeding and exhibiting budgerigars and recognised by their member body of which they are a Judging Panel member.

They are to be recognised as members of the most senior level of judges within that state/zone and have been a member of that body for a period of two years or greater.

Practical examinations will be set and conducted in a format as if the nominee is judging and National Show.

The examination shall be in the form of a written test and a practical examination.

You will also be asked to identify 10 varieties of budgerigars, as selected by the examination panel, advising the Class / Series that each of those varieties should be exhibited in at an ANBC Show. Eg Lacewing Opaline Yellow Cock in Lacewing Class, Dominant Pied Spangle Opaline Light Green Hen in Dominant Pied Class, Normal Grey Green Cock in Normal Green Series etc (for this examination the Hens Class to be excluded).

The Written portion of the test must be passed before any practical examination is attended.

One candidate from each state/zone will be permitted. (Maximum 7)

However, if numbers allow a further candidate from the host zone may be permitted.

Nominees will address the examination on the following basis –

  • apply the ANBC Standard in their assessment. Birds will be assessed according to the degree to which they approach the Description of Perfection and the ideal expression of their colour and variety as set out in the Standard.
  • follow the guidelines set out in the ANBC document “Penalties and Disqualifications”.
  • only apply criteria that are explicitly set out in official ANBC documentation.
  • follow the procedures set down by the ANBC to the best of their ability.
  • All nominees should be suitably attired to present a professional image.
  • Prior to the practical assessment all nominees should liaise with the Judges Panel to ensure they are fully conversant with the Panel’s requirements.
  • Only one judging stick and one Svensson paddle to be used at any one time.
  • Use the following process as birds will usually be judged on two levels:
    • Seek and obtain instructions from the Judges Panel as to which way they wish you to proceed.
    • Stand well back [at least 2 metres] and make a preliminary assessment of the class. It may be necessary to move forward to get some of the birds to perch, but do not waste time on the ones that will not perch at this stage.
    • Move the initially assessed best birds on the top level and place in order of merit on first assessments moving down from the left.
    • Place those still on lower level and place in order of merit on first assessment.
    • Compare the birds one against the other determining which is the better bird, it is at this stage that you may find cause to disqualify or penalize.
    • Move the lower level birds to the upper level and assess as above.
    • Compare the best of the birds from this latter group with those of the previous group again on the top level.
    • Move birds to final position.
    • Check the class to ensure no oversight has occurred.
    • Make the awards.
    • Again, wait for instructions from the Panel as to which way to proceed now.

Important Notes

  • When giving any commentary always remember to correctly explain the bird as if it is in a National competition
  • You may wish to use a notebook and pen to record any reference findings of note.
  • Be mindful that any discussions/commentary is made facing the Panel.
  • Treat the Panel as if they are the audience at a National event.
  • It is also recommended that you liaise with other accredited Judges in your own state/zone for any further tips that may assist you.
  • It will seem that you are being tested like you have not been tested before however be mindful that the judges panel is there to help not hinder.
  • Always show a calm and consistent approach in your actions and refrain from indecision. In most cases an initial decision is usually the right one.