PREFACE

The Handbook on Judging, hereinafter referred to as the Handbook, is the official policy statement of the AOS regarding the operation of its judging system. It is published on the AOS website and in OrchidPro.

Changes to the Handbook, as adopted from time to time by the JC with the approval of the Board of Trustees,are published on the AOS website and in OrchidPro. These changes become effective once published.

Observance of the rules stated herein is mandatory upon AOS judges as well as show officials and individualexhibitors. Failure to observe the rules may result in disqualification of judges from service, of shows from theprivilege of offering AOS judging, or of exhibitors from eligibility to receive AOS awards. All judges are required tomaintain continuous AOS membership, thereby maintaining access to OrchidPro and the current edition of the Handbook as published.

The current revision incorporates changes approved by the JC and the BOT up to April 11, 2025.

The following substantive changes make up the latest edition:

3.1. 3 a) added emeritus judge

3.2.1 Eliminated the requirement for Center Chair to submit biannual minutes and roster (April 2025)

3.3.1. changed wording to calendar year and included educational hours in 3.3.1.1.

3.3.1.1 2) Clarification of Emeritus judges attendance and education requirements for voting rights

3.4.1 added emeritus judge

4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3 changes made to comply with the new self-paced program. (April 2024)

4.2.5 Clarification of Emeritus judges attendance and education requirements for voting rights (April 2025)

4.3 remove references to 3-year term and other wording found elsewhere

4.8.22 Clarified that judges cannot opt out of AOS emails. (November 2024)

4.11 Clarification and simplification

5.5.2.1.5)b) Clarification of 6-point spread (April 2025)

5.5.3.1)c) Clarification that the center is responsible for completion and submission to SITF (April 2025)

6.3.2.13 changed Sudamerlycaste to Ida

6.3.2.25 added The Deb Bodei Fukiran Award (Mar 2025)

Respectfully submitted:

David Edgley, Chair, Judging Committee

Gayle Brodie, Chair, HBTF

April 11, 2025.