THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A CFA JUDGE?

Now is a great time to consider becoming a judge.  The CFA Executive Board of Directors and the Judging Program Committee have approved some changes in the rules that make them more flexible and attainable.  There is now an option for those who do not care to breed, but love to exhibit. Please thoughtfully consider the CFA Judging Program as part of your future in CFA.

The latest edition of the rules can be found here: Judging Program Rules.

Here are some of the questions we are frequently asked:

1. How long must I have been active in CFA prior to applying?  
For the Breeder option, 5 years of active breeding, for the Exhibitor option 7 years of active exhibiting.

2. Do I have to be a licensed clerk?  
YES, with Master clerk preferred. However, if you are a clerk and do not want to be a master clerk, you can test out of that requirement.

3. Do I have to belong to a club?  
YES, and you must be active in the club.

4. When can I apply for a Judge Mentor?  
When you have been breeding a minimum of 3 years or exhibiting a minimum of 5 years.  A judge will stay with you as your mentor up until the time you become an Approved Allbreed judge.

5. What can I be doing to ensure I am on the right track while waiting to be paired with a mentor?

a.      Join a CFA club and become active in show production.  Assist in hosting a CFA cat show, from planning the event, setting up the show hall, organizing the judging rings, assisting throughout the show and finally, closing the show and cleaning up the hall.

b.     Become known in your breed, and show excellent examples of the breed.  Work on attaining the required number of Grand Champions or Grand Premiers.

c.      Attend a Clerking school and become a licensed clerk.

6. Where can I get answers to my questions?  
The application administrator or any member of the Judging Program Committee will be happy to answer questions.

7.  Do I need to attend a BAOS (Breed Awareness and Orientation School)? 
YES but there is a time limit, it must be within 2 years of submission of your complete application.

A FEW GUIDELINES FOR YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOME A CFA JUDGE

We are so glad that you are considering entering the Judging Program.  That is the first step.  Below are a few guidelines to help make the best use of your time in meeting these requirements.

Starting down the Road.

• Read and understand the Judging Program Rules.
• Decide which breed is going to be your primary breed.
• Determine if you are going to Breed and exhibit or Exhibit only. There are different requirements for each.  Be sure to read and understand the Judging Program Rules.
• For either option read and understand the CFA Show Standards and begin showing your cats in your primary breed to Grand Champion/Grand Premier status.  You need to be well versed in this breed and demonstrate your knowledge of the standard by exhibiting cats to become Grands.
• Join a CFA club and become an active member. Help put on CFA cat shows including planning the event, setting up the show hall, assisting where needed throughout the show and finally closing the show and cleaning up the hall.  Read and understand the CFA Show Rules.
• Obtain your Clerking license and if interested your Master Clerk license. (Master clerking is not required but a test on the knowledge of a Master clerk is required if not licensed.)  Read and understand the Clerking Manual.

Becoming a Pre- Applicant:

Once you have met the above requirements AND have been breeding for at least 3 years or exhibiting for 5 years, plus having met at least half of the grand champion/premier requirements ( 5 years  for breeding, and 8 years for exhibiting). You are ready to contact the Application Administrator to help you obtain a mentor. That mentor will guide you through the entire process.

You will then be ready for Breed Focused experiences, attend the Breed Awareness and Orientation School (BAOS) , and start to exhibit other breeds to complete a well -rounded application.

Submitting the Application

Your mentor and the Application Administrator will assist you in preparing your final application.  Once accepted by the CFA Executive Board of Directors, you will begin your training.