NSW CFA Companion Judges.

The NSW CFA was made aware of the fact that there were members who while not aspiring to become judges  of pedigreed cats, wished to become more involved in a hands-on manner with cats at shows. With the continuing promotion of companion cats at affiliate shows and numbers of exhibits increasing, it provided the ideal opportunity to create a Companion Cat Judges Panel.

The NSW CFA Companion Cat Judges Panel is unique in Australia and probably the only one of its kind in the world.

Eligibility

Nominations are made by members of the Management Committee, and are based on the Candidate's involvement and experience with affiliate shows over several years. In essence it is a reward system for those members who have worked and stewarded at shows for several years.

Each nomination is discussed at Committee level with a member of the Stewards Committee, the Judges Examination Panel and experienced show personnel, and a recommendation is then made to either accept or reject the nomination.

The successful nominees are then sent an invitation to attend the training course.

Qualifications

• Because a judge is expected to handle cats and kittens under show conditions which can prove stressful to a nervous exhibit, it is mandatory that a Candidate be an experienced accredited steward.

• A Candidate must posses a good knowledge of the Show Rules and paperwork.

• An ability to communicate with exhibitors and give good advice about responsible pet ownership, health problems, diet, grooming, show preparation, etc, is necessary.

• A certain amount of self confidence is also essential so that the Candidate is able to give a satisfactory performance at Open Style Shows.

Training Courses are of one day duration.  Trainees receive lectures on the interpretation of the Domestic Standard, the evolution of the cat, handling and presentation of exhibits, prevention of cross infection, and cat behaviour.