June 21 & 22, 2010

The next Judging Exam (JE) will be held during the 2010 NPGA National Convention in Hamilton, Ohio. Anyone who wants to learn more about how pygmy goats are judged may attend to observe and help handle goats. Candidates for judging licenses must (1) be NPGA members in good standing; (2) be at least 18 years old; and (3) be on time for and attend both days of the JE. All candidates to take the training and test classes at the JE must pre-register with Jason Overman on or before June 7, 2010.

WRITTEN TEST
The written test includes true-and-false, fill-in-the-blank, and multiple choice questions. To be a candidate, you must pass the written test on or before May 31, 2010. You need to arrange a time and place with a licensed NPGA judge to proctor your written test. Then contact Jason Overman immediately so he will have time to mail your test to that judge. When you have taken the written test, the judge will mail it back to Jason for grading and he will notify you of your score. If necessary, you can retake the written test no less than 10 days apart.

JE SCHEDULE
Monday, June 21 – The day will start at 8:00 a.m. with registration for candidates, followed by a training session that will focus on practice in placing goats and giving reasons. The first test class for candidates will follow the training session (usually right after lunch). Breaks and lunch will be announced during the day.
Tuesday, June 22 – The starting time for the rest of the test classes will be provided on the first day. Judging licenses will be presented to qualified candidates at the end of the day.

JUDGING MANUAL
The written test and the JE test classes are based on the information provided in the Judging Manual (revised January 2005). The Manual is available from NPGA Merchandising for $10 plus shipping charges. There is a merchandise order form in Memo and the Membership Roster or you can order the Manual online from NPGA at http://www.npga-pygmy.com/shop/publications/publications.asp. Observers will not be tested, but will learn more if they have also studied this Manual before attending the JE.

FEES
The written test fee is $25, payable to NPGA when it is taken. An additional $25 is charged for each time the written test must be retaken. The candidate fee for the JE is $50, payable to NPGA at registration on June 21st. There are no fees for observers.

QUESTIONS
For JE questions, contact Judges Training Committee Chairperson Jason Overman at (336) 266-0331 or e-mail jeoverman@gmail.com. See the 2010 National Convention ad that will be in Memo and on the NPGA website for information about accommodations, showground facilities, and convention activities.