How to become a Judge

Information for Candidates


Prior to the day

Applicants are required to have
* Been a member of the WPCSA for a minimum of 5 consecutive years.
* Attended at least one WPCSA accredited judges seminar in the last 3 years.
* Co-judged/stewarded for a panel judge on at least 2 occasions and provided necessary paperwork to the judge for completion and forwarding to the Office.
* Sent resume and completed application to the Office.

The above paperwork is available on request from the Office or the Regional Promotional Groups. It is beneficial to have read widely and taken opportunities to expand your knowledge of the Welsh breeds prior to making application to the Judges Panel.

You will be notified of the next Assessment Day in your area once there are sufficient candidates who fulfill the above criteria. Depending on the need it is anticipated that a Judges Assessment Day will be held annually in each state.


On the Day

The assessment process will take some time depending on the number of candidates. In general, you should allow a full day for your assessment.
Dress as you would for a judging assignment. Your dress and demeanour is considered part of the assessment. As judging involves standing in the elements for extended periods of time, suitable clothing, a hat and comfortable shoes are essential.


The assessment process consists of three sections as follows:

1 Judging

Candidates will be required to assess two classes of at least four animals from different sections of the stud book e.g. a class of Sec A’s and a class of Sec D’s. A judge and steward will be chosen at random from the candidates for each class and they will run the ring as if at a show. If, on the day, you are not required to act as judge or steward you will be asked about your own understanding of ring management. After each class, candidates will have an individual discussion with the assessors as to how and why they placed the animals before them. (Pens and paper will be provided to each candidate to enable them to take notes while assessing the animals.)
At the completion of the individual discussions the assessors will explain their placings and welcome any questions or clarifications required from the candidates.

2 Written test

Candidates will be required to complete a written test of approximately 30 multiple choice questions covering knowledge of conformation, standards of excellence, rules and regulations and ring management.
Your Members Handbook will provide all the relevant information.

3 Interview

In the individual interview you will be asked a series of questions and have the opportunity to expand on the four areas covered in the written test.
The assessment is finished at the completion of the interview. Interviews usually begin with the candidate who has the greatest distance to travel on the day.

The assessors’ individual recommendations are then made in writing to COM. All recommendations are considered by committee members not involved in the assessment process and candidates are notified of the result.

General Information

At present there are five assessors on the panel. They are as follows: Mark Bullen, Sue de Crespigny, Christine Gray, Darrell Owen and Helen Slee. Two assessors are required to attend a Judges Assessment Day.

Please be aware that as a panel judge you automatically become a Society inspector so you need to be familiar with the rules pertaining to this.

Confidentiality is an important part of being a judge. At the assessment day members have kindly provided animals for the classes so, while we can freely discuss the good points of the animals, it is important that we keep any discussion of faults etc within the group.

If you have any enquiries regarding the assessment please contact Helen Slee on (03) 5473 3302, mobile 0428 549 102 or email arielen@bigpond.com

How to become a judge - FAQs


How often are assessments held?
It is anticipated that assessments will be held annually in each state. This will depend on the number of candidates who have completed the requirements.

Does my application need to be supported by my local area RPG?
At this time any member who meets the criteria can make an individual application to the judges’ panel.

Can I do elements of the process prior to sending in my application?
Yes. It is quite ok to complete your placements with a panel judge prior to lodging your application.
Attendance at seminars will also be recognized if within two years of attending an assessment. If you are contemplating applying for the panel, make sure you sign the attendance book at the venue.

What shows do I have to complete probationary judging appointments at?
The two probationary judging appointments required as part of the criteria to be eligible for assessment can be completed at various events. They do not have to be WPCS Australia run events, but can be at other breed shows and Agricultural shows.
The expectation from probationary judging is experience in conducting a show ring.

How do I let the Society know I have completed the probationary judging appointments?
Before attending the events, contact the WPCS National Office and request to be sent two copies of the required forms. These forms should be handed to the Judge officiating in your ring, and are to be filled out and posted to the WPCS National Office by the judge filling out the forms. They should be provided with a stamped, addressed envelope.

Do I have to be over 21 to complete these requirements?
No, you don’t. However it would be best to complete these elements closer to your 21st birthday.

I am not a member in my own right currently. Does this matter?
Being part of a family or similar membership for five years or more counts when applying for assessment. However, only one judge is permitted per membership. Once a successful assessment is completed, Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Australia Panel Judges must
* be the nominated person on a joint membership or
* be an associate member or
* have full individual membership.
This has no affect on the status of ponies owned under other memberships e.g. ponies owned under a stud name or partnership.

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