In the last issue Anne Swearman introduced the first of a series of articles on judging. In this issue we deal with two topics. Firstly the policy of the Sub-Committee that is gently unfolding and secondly, the club's responsibility to their judge. In later issues, we will look in detail at various issues involved in judging and try to promote good practice.
We are aware that there are probably few more contentious issues than that of judging. There are the usual subjects for discussion, but we feel there is a need to listen to what you, the club member has to say. It is all very well having experienced judges pontificating on the subject, but in truth it is those being judged who will decide the future of club competitions. For example, many experienced members and judges are against marks, claiming it discourages entries, and yet it is often the 'beginner' or the person starting out in club competitions who is most in favour of marks. I do not suggest we will resolve the issue, but use it more to illustrate the variety of opinions.
For this reason we recently sent out a survey to club secretaries, to collect and collate your views. This information is now coming in and will be analysed and, where appropriate, built into future Judging Seminars. Parallel to this we have been looking at the subject of Seminars. The last were held on Tyneside and in the Western Area two years ago. We do not feel there is a demand for Federation wide events every year. We are planning to set up a programme, with one seminar per year, on a more local basis. Our next seminar will be in the Southern Area and have booked Stokesley Town Hall on Sunday 14th May 2006. Information on this has been circulated to club secretaries.
I turn now to the second, but equally important item. We all want judges to be of the highest standard but we should not lose sight of the fact that judges are volunteers, giving freely of their time and expertise. It is too easy, whilst "chewing the fat" after competitions to forget this simple but vital fact. It is important to ensure your judge is made welcome, before, during and after the actual judging. The PAGB Handbook and the NCPF Directory set out guidelines for good practice. Please remember to book judges well in advance; it is in your own interests, as their diaries can often fill up twelve months in advance. Initial telephone contact will avoid time wasting correspondence, but arrangements should be confirmed in writing without delay. It is important at this stage to ensure that all other arrangements such as expenses are put in place. You must raise this; it is embarrassing for the intended guest to have to do so. Ensure that their personal well being will be catered for, whether it is directions, being met or, the provision of refreshments and/or accommodation. Remember judges should not be out of pocket because of their efforts on your behalf.
Plan to have the entries in the judge's possession well in advance of the event. At least two weeks, is essential, not just something to be aimed for. The judge must be supplied with the rules of the competition and any guidelines given to club members about their entries. The judge should have the same information; otherwise you will create your own recipe for problems. Where there is a specified subject, the Competition Secretary should ensure entries comply with the rules and meet the subject requirements. It is good manners to contact your judge a couple of weeks before to hand over the entry, if only as a reminder.
On the night, have some one detailed to meet your guest and ensure he/she can park their car safely. Make sure the judge is aware of your "running order" for the evening. Ascertain where the judge wishes to stand; many prefer to work from a particular side of the room. Ensure a glass of water is supplied, it may not be needed, but it is a reassurance to have one to hand. Discuss lighting with the judge; some are not comfortable with a slide projector shining from the back of the room on to a print stand.
Ensure the judge is not left alone for periods; club business needs to be carried out but not to the exclusion of your guest. Ensure refreshments are promptly supplied. It is unseemly and bad manners, to see a mad rush by members for refreshments, whilst your guest stands there wondering whether to join the melee. Make sure that the agreed expenses are paid out promptly; there is nothing more embarrassing to a visitor than, being ready to leave, and to be pondering whether the treasurer is going to appear. Afterwards, a vote of thanks is often given, but it is only good manners for a letter to be sent promptly setting out more formally the club's appreciation.
Finally, in making your judgement on judges, remember, they are human beings and are acting to the best of their ability. Their views are their own and will not necessarily be the same as yours. Even if they are, they are unlikely to coincide with everyone else's. Before you complain too loudly, remember that you invited the judge to give his or her views on your photographs, not to confirm your preconceived ideas.
Dave Coates, (for and on behalf of the Judges Sub-Committee)