Every year an advertisement is placed in the BKKS Magazine (Koi Carp) for trainee Judges. The first step to becoming a BKKS Judge is answering this advertisement. The only requirements at this stage are membership of the BKKS, the ability to drive, availability of time at weekends and knowledge of Koi classification and appreciation.

The number of applicants are limited in any one year to twenty five, on a first come first served basis. Trainees on the programme must re-apply each year. Potential and current trainees then attend the Seminar, usually arranged for the first Sunday in April. The day involves both examination and training and has been designed to provide quite a severe test of a candidate's ability. Three principal areas are covered.

• Judging ability.Using the appreciation criteria - Body shape, Skin quality, Colour, Pattern, Deportment, Imposingness, Elegance and variety characteristics.Recognising that some points, like skin quality and deportment, are very difficult to assess using the photographic slides during the seminar, more emphasis is placed on the practical training on the show circuit.
• Show rules and guidelines; knowledge thereof:A Judge must be able to respond correctly to situations arising on the showground. For example, a misclassified or wrongly sized Koi, an entry that has been missed from the judging sheets or a Koi with a health problem that has slipped through benching, to name but a few.
• Classification.To judge Koi it is essential to recognise and know the characteristics of each variety and its relevant show classification.

Testing is performed in the form of a written exam along with written responses to slides of Koi. On completion of each section the papers are collected and discussion of the results takes place thus providing the training aspect of the event.

Assessment of the candidates is made from the marked papers and the responses from the candidates during the training periods. Assessment focuses on knowledge, ability and personality.

After attaining the high standard required to pass the seminar examinations, the successful trainee is required to participate in the second part of the programme by training in the field under the supervision of full judges. A trainee is required to work in the field for a minimum of two years and ten BKKS shows before being considered for promotion to full Judge. Judging ability is not the only aspect being monitored; leadership potential, training and communication skills are regarded as equally important.

After each show a written assessment of the knowledge, ability and personality of each trainee is made by the full Judges working closely with them, and relayed to the Chairman of the JSC and the Trainee Liaison Officer. The progress and prospects of all trainees are discussed annually by the JSC at their winter meeting. Decisions are taken at this event as to their future status. On achieving full Judge status a probationary period of up to two years must also be served.

Trainee Judges Seminar 2006

The next trainee seminar will be held over the weekend of 22nd & 23rd April 2006 at Soham, Cambridgeshire.

Any hobbyist, who must be a BKKS member, wishing to attend the seminar must have a full driving licence, is willing to travel nationwide and have a good understanding of Koi varieties should apply by the 14th April 2006

If you are interested, please contact Kieron Burns, JSC Trainee Liaison Officer Tel:- 01322 864793 or email Kieron Burns