Should Judge’s Placings Be Announced At World Shows?
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504 – October, 2017
by Erica Greathouse
A change in protocol at this year’s AjPHA World Show sparked a debate among both World Show newcomers and veterans. In past years, APHA has announced the individual judge’s selections before announcing overall placings in each class. This year, individual judge’s placings were not announced in scored classes. They were still announced in rail and halter classes. Part of the thinking behind this change was to make the World Show protocol more consistent with other large events, to save time, and to build the suspense and make the awards presentation more engaging for both exhibitors and spectators. However, the new protocol was not implemented without its share of controversy. We interviewed trainers, judges, exhibitors, and those directly involved with APHA in order to get their opinion on the new protocol, as well as to make suggestions to make the process even more successful.
Robin Beaty-Chance
Professional Trainer
Aubrey, Texas
A veteran of many different World Shows with different protocols, Chance is in favor of individual placings being announced for many reasons. She says, “Announcing the placings in each class is not just for the exhibitor; it’s for the people behind the scenes.” Although an exhibitor might not make the top ten, having their name called, even under one judge, can keep them coming back year after year. “Someone’s goal may be just to hear their name called, even if it’s just sixth place under one judge.” Chance believes that looking up the placings after the class doesn’t have the same impact as hearing each exhibitor’s name announced under the lights of the big arena. “I understand the allure of the suspense that goes along with just announcing overall placings, but I think the gratification it gives the exhibitors to hear each set of placings is far more valuable for the money and time they’re spending. Recognition will keep them coming back,” she says.
Click here to read the complete article504 – October, 2017
