Judges Education

All AOS judges are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of education and participate in a minimum of eight judgings per year as per the Handbook on Judging. Students and associate level judges should understandably expect to spend significantly more time to master the skills outlined in the Core Curriculum and advance to the next level within the minimum time of three years.

There is much to know before advancing to the level of accredited judge, and the AOS judging program recognizes that not all judges have the same amount of time to spend out of their busy schedules. That is why every student and associate is given up to five years to complete the core curriculum for each level to be promoted if that time is needed. Everyone’s timeline is not the same, and education is largely self-paced with guidance provided by Education Coordinators and mentors/advisors.

Below are some education options with sources. Judges should always check with their judging center Education Coordinator (EC) for additional education opportunities that may be available and are local to their own center.

Students and Associates should submit the bi-annual evaluation form (link to form). The form is used as a reference during personnel reviews that take place at judging center bi-annual business meetings.

Ribbon judging is a service provided by AOS judges at AOS sanctioned shows