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A
new system is designed to improve the quality and integrity of judging by “spot
checking” videos of shows
(Fort Worth, TX)--The NCHA
Executive Board and Judges Rules Committee have committed to a new weekend
monitoring system which is designed to help, educate and support their weekend
judges. This system went into effect
for the 2005 show season that officially started December 28, 2004.
All
weekend shows will be monitored by this new system. Each judge is required to get a copy of the video of the classes
that he or she judged and a copy of the judge’s sheets prior to leaving the
show grounds. After reviewing key areas
of the video, the judges are required to mail the tape and a copy of the judge
sheets to their assigned Weekend Monitor.
The tapes and judge sheets must be postmarked by the Wednesday following
the last day of the show.
Videos of the classes will be reviewed at random by the
Weekend Field Monitors. The judge will
be contacted by the assigned Monitor within 14 days of the show and will
receive an evaluation and feedback.
This will not replace the existing (SAMS) Self-Adjusted Monitor System
and will not replace the existing protest method by the contestants.
“It is important that all judges understand and appreciate
the educational value of this system and use it to their advantage,” said
Russell McCord, NCHA Director of Judges.
“This system will give the all judges the opportunity to receive the
same education that the Limited Age judges have been receiving for years. This is their chance to improve their
judging skills by working with their Weekend Monitor. This system may also take off the political pressure that some
judges may feel.”
NCHA has committed the financial resources to improve
judging of weekend shows. “All Judges
need to strive to improve their judging skills and be held more accountable,”
said McCord. “Extra effort and
cooperation from the Judges and Show Management can make a positive difference
in judging and to the entire NCHA judging program.”
The sport of cutting has roots in Western ranching
traditions, where good horses were a necessity for everyday ranch work and
cattle handling. The National Cutting
Horse Association was formed in 1946 by a group of cowboys and ranchers who
wanted to promote cutting competition, standardize rules and preserve the
cutting horses’ Western heritage.
Today, the Fort Worth-based NCHA represents over 16,000 people and
oversees more than 2,200 NCHA-approved shows with more than $35 million in
total prize money awarded annually.
For more information about the NCHA, the NYCHA Stallion
Service Program, or the sport of cutting, please call 817-244-6188 or log-on to
www.nchacutting.com.
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