If you would like to train across all the breeds catered for by a Judge Progression Group (JPG), rather than a single breed, the Junior Judge route is for you. It is the second stage of multibreed training, and normally follows qualification as a GCCF Student Judge.
Looking for the official documents or forms? All Judge Training Programme documents and application forms are kept up to date on the Downloads page — always use those when applying or submitting paperwork, as they carry the official authority.
Who can apply
Applications for Junior Judge status can be accepted from:
- GCCF Student Judges
- GCCF Speciality (Single) Breed Judges
- Full Judges from another GCCF list
- Full Judges from other organisations
Appointment as a Junior Judge of a JPG Breed List does not guarantee promotion to Full Judge of that list.
How to apply
Applying takes two steps:
- Send the JPG Payment Form to the GCCF Office and make your payment to the Office.
- Complete the relevant Junior Judge Application form and send it to your chosen JPG.
Once both steps are done, acceptance as a Junior Judge is automatic — though it does not guarantee eventual appointment as a Full Judge. A separate application is needed for each JPG you apply to.
Forms you need
Serving as a Junior Judge
While serving as a Junior Judge you will build the experience and expertise needed to become a GCCF Full Judge — judging kitten and miscellaneous/club classes within your section, and developing through tutorials, presentations and report writing with feedback from the BACs and JPG.
Your probationary period is a minimum of one year for your first group list, and training may last up to four years (with a possible one-year extension at the JPG’s discretion). You should attend at least one seminar during your training. You may train on more than one group list, but preferably no more than two at any one time.
How the training works
Your training is built around a few kinds of activity. Here is what each involves in practice.
Judging engagements
You judge at Championship or Specialist Breed Club shows where you are contracted to take classes of your breeds. Across your engagements you should cover at least 3 per breed of kitten, miscellaneous and club classes. Junior Judges judge kitten (but not kitten assessment) classes and appropriate miscellaneous or club classes. A double show counts as two engagements provided the exhibits are different.
Teaching & Learning tutorials
A tutorial is a discussion of exhibits with an assessing Full Judge, at a show or a JPG/BAC seminar — you don’t have to be judging to take one. Each tutorial is documented with a report submitted within 28 days. Aim for 3 tutorials per breed; only one tutorial from any one Full Judge counts towards the minimum.
Progress in Learning presentations
These are verbal presentations, assessed on the day by a Full Judge (preferably from the preferred list). You give same-breed comparison presentations and multi-breed comparison presentations — together these must cover at least 75% of the breeds in your JPG. Approach the Full Judge at least 48 hours before the show, and submit the Progress in Learning form within 28 days.
Final Assessments
Final Assessments are the last step before promotion, so arrange them once everything else is complete. You need two to three, each with a different Full Judge from the preferred list, covering 5–8 cats each. The Full Judge supplies a list of exhibits with each cat’s age, sex and breed number; you describe, place and award each one. A neat copy of your critiques goes to the Full Judge within 7 days, and the Full Judge sends the completed assessment to the JPG within four weeks.
What you must complete before applying for promotion
Before you can apply for promotion to Full Judge, you must complete:
- 10 judging engagements (min 3 per breed across kitten, miscellaneous and club classes).
- 10 Teaching & Learning tutorials, each with a report.
- 4 same-breed and 4 multi-breed Progress in Learning presentations (covering at least 75% of your JPG’s breeds).
- 50 critiques covering all the breeds in your JPG, with at least 10 per breed.
- A successful veterinary assessment (if you have not already completed one as a Student Judge).
- Pass the online assessment (pass mark 85%).
- Two to three Final Assessments with different Full Judges from the preferred list.
Submitting your forms
Tutorial and Progress in Learning forms must be submitted within 28 days. Your show critiques must reach the JPG Secretary within four weeks of the show. For a Final Assessment, send a neat copy of your critiques to the Full Judge within 7 days.
Applying for promotion to Full Judge
When you have completed all the requirements, you may apply to the JPG for promotion to Full Judge, on the official application form and with the required fee (which is non-refundable). Unlike the Student Judge stage, this promotion is not automatic: it is decided by an anonymised JPG vote, with a simple majority applying (a tied vote is decided by lot). If your application is successful, your Full Judge status takes effect immediately and is recorded by the GCCF office. If it is not carried, you have a right of appeal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to more than one JPG at a time?
You may train on more than one group list, but preferably no more than two at any one time. A separate application form is needed for each JPG. Once you are a Full Judge across all breeds catered for by a JPG, you can then apply to new JPGs.
Do I have to attend seminars before I apply for promotion?
You must attend at least one seminar during your training. If you feel ready to apply and a seminar has not been available, you may still apply — but where one is available, there is a real expectation that you will attend.
Do I have to be engaged to judge to perform a tutorial at a show?
No — you can be at the show in any capacity, but you must ask the show manager’s permission (and the Full Judge’s) to undertake a tutorial.
Your judge training journey — where you are:
