Change CTCA Judges Selection

Petition to Change the Current Way that Judges are Selected for the CTCA National Specialties:

The following membership of the CTCA request that the Board and Officers of the CTCA study the current way that judges are selected for the yearly CTCA National Specialties and that they consider an alternative format for creating the initial judging slate. We feel the current system is not representative of the desire of the core of the club that exhibits dogs and that puzzlingly the same group of names is put forth to the membership year after year. We deduct that the reason this takes place is simply because the current system is flawed and lacks the control to encourage diversity in judging.

One suggestion discussed on an online discussion list is to name a judges selection committee that would rotate on and off (for example, on a bi-yearly basis). This committee could solicit (via private Email or snail mail) written suggestions for judges from the members along with a specific reason why the member believes the judge would be a good candidate. The committee would then compile a list based on that input, keeping in mind to present a balanced and diverse slate of judges from different backgrounds for the membership to chose from (for example, including breeder judges, foreign judges, or all round terrier specialists, etc). The committee-approved slate would then be sent to the entire membership for a final vote. Currently, this system is used at the regional club level with success. We think this plan, or a new and/or similar format designated by the Board and Officers of the CTCA is crucial to encourage more variety in the judging options for the CTCA National Specialties and to increase exhibitor interest in these important events.

Thank you for addressing this issue and feel free to contact any of us if you would like more of our input or to hear more about our concerns.