The Judges sub-committee meets once a year, usually in April / May . Judges will be confirmed at the next committee meeting thereafter. New lists are produced in June of each year. For your information the present criteria for each list is set out below.

A1 List

For those judges who have previously been approved by the Kennel Club to award challenge certificates in the breed and have completed their first appointment. To also have the support of the clubs.

A2 List

For those who fulfil all the requirements for the A3 list and who have been assessed in accordance with Kennel Club requirements and accepted by the Kennel Club for inclusion on an A2 list and have the support of the clubs.

A3 List

For those who would be considered acceptable to award Challenge Certificates, if approved by the Kennel Club.

CRITERIA to be used for consideration of names to be added is as follows:-

BREED SPECIALISTS

(1) To have judged the breed at 8 shows with a minimum of 24 classes with an adequate geographical spread.

(2) To have judged, ideally, 75 dogs (actually present, not including absentees)

(3) To have judged a Breed Club Open Show, or a Championship Show without CCs

(4) To have had 7 years Judging experience in the breed and to have the support of the Club.

(5) To have bred and/or owned a minimum of 3 dogs when they obtained their first entry in the Kennel Club Stud Book (save in exceptional circumstances)

(6) To have attended seminars:

i) given by a K.C. accredited trainer and passed the relevant exam on K.C. Regulations and Judging Procedures.

ii) given by a K.C. accredited trainer on Conformation & Movement.

iii) at least one breed specific seminar run in accordance with the relevant K.C.code of best practice and passed an exam and/or assessment where applicable.

(7) To have stewarded at 12 shows

(8) To have the confidence of the Committee of the Club

ALL-ROUNDERS

(1) To have a minimum of 7 years judging experience in any one breed ( to include 5 years in this breed) and to have the confidence of the Club.

(2) To have judged a Breed Club Open Show or a Championship Show without CCs

(3) To have judged 30 classes of American Cockers with an adequate geographical spread.

(4) To have judged, ideally, 90 dogs

(5) To award CCs in at least one other Gundog Breed - or two breeds outside the Gundog Group

(6) To have attended at least one breed specific seminar run in accordance with the relevant K.C.code of best practice and passed an exam and/or assessment where applicable.

(7) To meet all other KC requirements.

B List

For those who would be considered acceptable as Judges of the breed at Championship shows without CCs and at open shows scheduling four or more classes for this breed.

CRITERIA used for inclusion on this list:-

BREED SPECIALISTS

(1) To have a minimum of 3 years judging experience and

(2) To have judged 5 shows and

(3) To have judged 15 classes of American Cockers and

(4) To have judged, ideally, 45 dogs and

(5) To have owned American Cockers for a period of 3 years and

(6) To have attended and passed all relevant breed semiars as required by the KC and

(7) To have some evidence of stewarding and

(8) To have the confidence of the Committee of the Club.

ALL-ROUNDERS

(1) To have demonstrated an interest in and knowledge of the breed by attendance at Breed Club shows and / or seminars and

(2) To have a minimum of 5 years judging experience and

(3) To have judged gundog breeds at 15 shows and

(4) To have judged 25 classes of American Cockers and

(5) To have judged, ideally, 75 dogs

(6) To have the confidence of the Committee of the Club and

(7) To have some evidence of stewarding and

(8) To meet all other relevant KC requirements.

C List

For those people who are considered to be acceptable as judges of the breed at all-breed Open and Limited Show where less than four classes are scheduled for this breed.

CRITERIA to be used for consideration of names to be included:

To have shown an interest in judging the American Cocker Spaniel and to have the confidence of the Committee and, ideally, to have owned and exhibited within the Gundog group.