Dartmoor Sheep Breeders Association Judges:

How We Select and Train Our Judges and Inspectors

The Greyface Dartmoor Sheep Breeders’ Association relies on a panel of experienced judges and inspectors to uphold the standards of the breed at shows and inspections across the country. Because judges play such a central role in maintaining these standards, the Association has a clear process for selecting and training the people who take on this responsibility.

Putting Yourself Forward

Any member of the Association may put their name forward to the Council for election to the panel of Association judges. To be considered, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Own a flock of registered Greyface Dartmoor sheep
• Be a fully paid-up member of the Association
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have been a member of the Association for a minimum of five years

Members who meet these requirements can be put forward as trainee judges, beginning a structured path towards full judging status.

Training as a Judge or Inspector

Once accepted onto the panel as a trainee, a member undertakes a three-year training period. During this time, they work alongside at least two qualified Association judges, learning to assess sheep against the breed standard and gaining hands-on experience of judging in a show environment.

As part of this training, trainees must attend a minimum of six shows, including at least one show where the sheep are presented in full fleece. This ensures that trainee judges gain experience assessing the breed under different conditions, not just when sheep are clipped and prepared for showing.

On successful completion of the three-year training period, the trainee is eligible to become a fully qualified Association judge, able to officiate independently at shows and inspections.

Becoming a Trainee Inspector

The Association follows a similar process for flock inspectors, who are responsible for inspecting members’ flocks against the breed standard. To be considered as a trainee inspector, a candidate must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have kept a flock for a minimum of five years
• Have their own flock inspected as part of the selection process

Once accepted, a trainee inspector completes a three-year training period, working alongside at least two qualified Association inspectors to gain practical experience of flock inspection before taking on the role independently.

Appointments at the Discretion of Council

All appointments to the panel of judges and inspectors, at every stage, are made at the absolute discretion of the Council.

Judging Commitments

To keep judging fair and varied across the show circuit, an affiliated judge may only judge at three shows a year. Judges are also asked not to accept neighbouring shows where the same exhibitors are likely to attend.

Why This Matters

This process ensures that everyone judging or inspecting Greyface Dartmoor sheep on behalf of the Association has both a genuine, long-standing commitment to the breed and thorough, mentored experience before taking on the role. It protects the integrity of the breed standard and gives exhibitors confidence that their sheep are being assessed fairly and knowledgeably at every show.

If you are a long-standing member interested in putting your name forward for the judges’ panel, please get in touch with the Council for more information.