Re: [AISdiscuss] Re: JT Handbook Revisions

[Robt R Pries <rpries@sbcglobal.net>]

 	Judges training is a serious topic. It is probably
the topic with the strongest opinions within the Iris
Society. In some way I think it is the greatest
strength of the organization. If one looks at
successful garden organizations the leading contender
for most effective is the Master Gardener program. I
believe its success is based on the commitment that
people make and the honor they believe they receive by
becoming a Master Gardener (it is perceived as such
whether it is real or otherwise). I think the awards
system and the judging system are the glue that has
held AIS together and have made it relatively
successful. 
	So it is at our peril that we do much to change it.
Although, I would favor a more complex system, I
understand that many people find it, already difficult
and are not ready for something more complex. I
suspect that a judge who does not take the system
seriously would not improve no matter how many
additional requirements were placed upon him.
	 I know many judges that take all the courses they
can possibly take whether they need the hours or not. 
They do this to support their local clubs, and are to
be commended for their dedication. But I dont think
the number of hours of judges training has not  much
to do with the competency of a judge.
	Judging is more a personal interest and commitment.
If anything we probably should eliminate the new
requirement for garden judging. I dont believe
another 2 hours is going to make anyone a better judge
unless they really have the desire. Judges will never
be perceived as perfect. Each person has different
values that affect his judging. Different people are
always going to perceive others as not as good as
themselves, except of course when they agree. But
judges are recommending to a diverse garden public.
	The honor of being called a judge is similar to the
honor of being called a master gardener. We should
make it feasible for as many people as possible to
become judges. We must have requirements that make the
position respected. But if those requirements
eliminate some of our most discriminating Irisarians,
such as our hybridizers, then we defeat our purpose. 

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