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Exhibitors and Judging by Monty Ray 1994

It was with some reluctance that I decided to write this article; not because of the subject, but because I have been a qualified Judge for only a few years. However, what is there that is new? Most subjects have been written about; you only have to look through previous Newsletters and Year Books to understand what I mean, and why should I write it when, after all, there is an excellent Handbook on Regulations and Rules for Judging. You may, therefore, well ask why should this article be written? The answer is simple enough: contrary to popular belief, Judges are human, and as such must have differences in approach and common sense; known or unknown bias against colour or type of bloom; speed of decision; and even an entirely different interpretation of the many facets of Judging.
Obviously, what I am writing are personal ideas. You may or may not agree with some of them, but at least — hopefully — it will help put the subject of Judging in the right perspective. Many Exhibitors no doubt have never read the Handbook mentioned above. In consequence this possibly leads to a number of misunderstandings, so let us first consider the necessary qualifications which help to make a good Judge.
Although the National Body hold Judging courses from time to time, no amount of examinations or tests can ensure that all who pass have the vital attributes so necessary to producing a really expert Judge, but at least these courses do select individuals who have the basic knowledge to make the grade, given time and experience.
It is possible that every top-class Exhibitor must be able to follow a procedure similar to that of a Judge when matching his own blooms and staging them. However, it is a surprising fact that many growers of this calibre are strongly against, or in favour, of certain Cultivars to such a degree that they will never succeed as Judges. These are pitfalls lying ahead of any aspiring Judge.
This will equally apply to any Exhibitor walking around a Show. It is not always the Judge that is wrong. Certainly no rules can be laid down to cover this, but it is something that must be appreciated and controlled, as far as is humanly possible. Having said that it must always be accepted that, all other things being equal, a Judge is bound to sway in a certain direction for one or two reasons. If he knows of his weakness for a certain colour, or individual variety, he may go in the opposite direction just to prove to himself, or anyone else who may be aware of his preference, that he is impartial. On the other hand, if he does not know of this tendency, unconsciously he may lean towards the blooms and the colours he likes.
The transitional period from Showman to Judge is not an easy one: it is just not possible to produce stereotyped Judges like peas in a pod but, in spite of variation in character and method of eliminating exhibits and interpreting rules, a very high percentage of agreement is reached because of the rules laid down. A Judge, for his part, must realise that personality and manner of approach, as well as actual knowledge, gives many Exhibitors their first impression of a Judge. We have all met, at some time, the arrogant Judge whose attitude is that, having made a choice, he is not prepared to discuss the smallest difference of opinion with other Judges or, later on, with Exhibitors. Good-natured discussion, arguing or talking it out always leads to better decisions and it is this willingness to talk that soon becomes known throughout the Dianthus fraternity. Even more important to Exhibitors is for a Judge to stay behind after the Show is opened to the public to answer questions which may arise and, if asked, state why certain decisions have been made. While the questioner may not always fully agree with reasons given, at least they normally appreciate and respect your point of view, providing of course that it is not glaringly wrong.
Having reached this point, perhaps I might detail my own approach to Judging at any Show — and again let me stress that these are my own thoughts and apply to Shows both large and small, including the Nationals. As a Judge is one of the most important people at the Show, a certain amount of social contact is very necessary, but until the Hall is cleared for Judging, the staging area is avoided at all costs! Conversation with old exhibiting friends must wait until Judging has been completed, in accordance with the familiar phrase: “Justice must be seen to be done”. After the Hall has been cleared, a walk around the sections that are to be judged is made to obtain a general impression regarding the standard of the Show. Although actual interference from a Steward that may be anattempt to influence Judging, must not be allowed. He should at least be brought into the picture and encouraged to comment when it appears that something is overlooked. Exhibits can be easily missed when space provided for a particular Class or Section is on different benches; here a good Steward will check the number and location of entries and point this out to you, although you have the final responsibility that all exhibits are considered.
In conclusion I give you some definitions connected with a National Society in America, and which I think are well worth quoting:
ETIQUETTE AND ETHICS FOR THE EXHIBITOR: Ethics of Amateur Exhibitors should run as high as they do for any kind of Sportsmanship. No-one should think of doing anything that would be distasteful or embarrassing to the Organisation and its Rules. Etiquette is as important to an Exhibitor as it is to a Judge. At all times he should be polite, tolerant, helpful and cheerful, and can contribute to the success of the Show by preparing his entries without aid, confusion, selfishness or aggressiveness.
ETIQUETTE FOR JUDGES: A Judge should be enthusiastic; his manner direct; his decisions firm; his bearing should be dignified, sincere and gracious; tact and courtesy are essential, particularly where an agreement in Judging may call for self-restraint. The Judge’s voice should be quiet, never loud or argumentative.
In a discussion of the relative merits and faults of an Exhibit, a Judge should be willing to give his decisions and reasons for them, but at the same time have respect for the differing opinion of another Judge. Levity, arrogance, sarcasm and disparaging remarks are violations of Good Conduct. Negligence, carelessness and evasion of Judging Duties are violations of Standard Show Practice. It is customary for a Judge to be well-groomed, conservatively dressed in a manner befitting the occasion and time of day. Judges, as Ladies and Gentlemen, should wear normal City Street attire.