Showing - If you know the Judge

[HorsesRule2009]

There's a county show coming up in August and I was hoping to enter, the only thing is the classes I can enter is being judge by a very good friend and previous employer.
I worked for her for nearly 7yrs and have always remained good friends with her after leaving.
And this winter and last worked weekends for her to help out.

Can I still enter?
I am leaning 1 way but having spoken to a few others they are saying different.
Would like some H&H advice.

Thank you

 

[Ratface]

I wouldn't, but I'm very old and haven't shown anything for years.
My reason would be because of other competitors thinking that, if I won/was placed, favouritism might have influenced the judge's decision.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Your line "And this winter and last worked weekends for her to help out" would mean to me that there is a conflict of interest, so no, I wouldn't be showing under a friend I had been working for so recently.

Go through the rules of the show AND the society that you are competing under to fully check, if you are wanting to do it.

 

[nagblagger]

Also if she is a good friend it puts her in an awkward situation.

 

[Merry neddy man]

Go, and compete hors concours. A day out to enjoy with no worries or hassle.

 

[Rowreach]

Does anyone really believe that in the showing world this doesn’t happen all the time?

 

[gallopingby]

If you’ve had a financial connection with a judge you shouldn’t be showing under them. It often does depend on the rules of the society governing the class and it’s usually easy to find these or ask the show secretary. Most specify a 12 month period others a bit longer. You could of course ask if you can go HC for experience but there are probably better ways of doing so.

 

[HorsesRule2009]

Does anyone really believe that in the showing world this doesn’t happen all the time?

I'm aware it probably does, but I'd rather not as don't want to put either of us in an awkward position if a complaint came in.

Thank you all, I felt i shouldn't compete due to the connection but lots of others just saying go compete.
Even if not against the rules feels slightly underhand and I don't want to put the judge in a situation that's avoidable


Thank you all

 

[CJoe]

can someone else show him for you?

 

[gallopingby]

No! Not if it’s a show under society rules. Showing needs to clean up its act, entries are down at many shows this year because many people can’t be bothered to make the effort to go out when they know the person who is judging them could well be (or have a relative) in a similiar class the following week. Some shows list their view of connections so you can be clear. It’s a double edged sword at the moment as there’s a shortage of judges in many areas because people are fed up of being ‘slagged off’ when someone doesn’t agree with their placing. On the other hand to be judges be a friend / connection and then expect them to show under you the following week just doesn’t sit well with many people.