Catz Judges
Judges' Code of Conduct

a) As ambassadors of CATZ Inc, and members of the Guild, judges have a responsibility to set an example of professionalism. Accordingly, officiating judges are expected to maintain a high standard of dress.

b) CATZ Inc. judges, when officiating at shows, must have in their possession a current copy of the CATZ Inc. “Standards of Excellence”.

c) Judges shall be responsible for demonstrating that they are familiar with the current breed standards and new developments within breeds/colours.

d) Judges shall be conversant with current CATZ Inc. Show Rules.

e) Judges shall exercise good time management practices, by adhering to the prescribed Judging Schedule and organizing activities to ensure that the assignment is completed within the allotted time.

f) Judges shall demonstrate leadership abilities while motivating teamwork and developing a rapport with show staff in an atmosphere of harmony and goodwill.

g) Judges shall demonstrate objectivity in judging each exhibit on visible or palpable evidence as it appears ON THE DAY and not to its future potential.

h) Judges shall assess exhibits on the basis of the current standard. The standards should be applied consistently, keeping in mind the betterment of the breed. The overall emphasis should be on “balance”, and the exhibit not discarded for one weak feature (except with-hold faults for the breed) against a number of good features.

i) Judges shall exercise fair-mindedness and impartiality, setting aside personal preferences and prejudice.

j) Judges shall communicate clearly and confidently without sounding arrogant, practicing reasoned decision making, without evidence of self- doubt.

k) Judges must be proficient and confident handlers, showing compassion and sensitivity to the cats, while remaining conscious of the trust placed in them by the cats owners/exhibitors.

l) Judges shall take care to disinfect between the handling and assessing of every exhibit.

m) Judges shall apply the principles of sound mechanics, thereby eliminating the risk of cross-judging.

n) Judges shall be prepared to justify their awards and placings to exhibitors, remembering always that the judge’s decision is final.

o) Judges shall be willing to comment on exhibits and give advice and assistance to exhibitors in a courteous and constructive manner, demonstrating sensitivity for the exhibitors’ feelings and remembering their need for help and encouragement.

p) While assessing cats in the ring, judges shall avoid making negative or adverse comments on the exhibits. Judges may make tactful, constructive criticisms for the benefit and mentoring of any exhibitor who asks after the completion of judging a section.

q) While conscious of the competitive nature of shows, judges shall recognize the entertainment value of the art of showmanship. Judges shall make every effort to maintain a positive attitude, developing techniques to hold the attention of onlookers, while maintaining the focus of attention on the cats.

r) In the month immediately preceding a show, judges contracted for that show should refrain from visiting any catteries where a potential exhibit may reside.

s) Once contracted to judge at a show, judges shall NOT share private transportation with exhibitors or their cats before the show.

t) Judges accommodation arrangements must not create a conflict of interest for the judge either before or during the show. Judges may NOT stay with exhibitors UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

u) Judges SHALL NOT solicit judging appointments either for themselves or on behalf of other judges either within New Zealand or overseas, nor solicit any exhibit for a show at which they are officiating.

v) CATZ Inc. Judges shall not criticize the decisions of other judges.

w) Judges shall exercise patience in all dealings with show personnel, exhibitors and the public, remaining in total control and retaining composure, even under stress and in the face of unpleasantness.

x) Judges shall avoid any conduct, actions, language or contact which may appear to prejudice an impartial approach to judging.

y) Judges shall at all times be models of the society motto, extending friendship, while promoting innovation and integrity in the pursuit of excellence.