Congratulations on being asked to judge overseas. To ensure your overseas appointment is enjoyable we have put together a guide which may be useful.
Ask for a contract to be sent outlining all the information you will need to know. (Note that some European and/or South American clubs do not have formal contracts so ensure everything is in writing)
- Airfares – who will be booking the flights and if you are making the bookings when you will receive reimbursement. If you have a preferred airline, make sure it is stated on the contract and be prepared to pay the difference between the cheapest fare and your preferred airline should this be the situation.
- Accommodation – What style of accommodation will be provided, what will be included in the package and who will be paying.
- Transfers to and from the hotel.
- Ensure sundry costs such as parking, visa (if required), insurance, etc are clarified in the contract.
Obtain the address of the accommodation where you will be staying as you will need this for the customs/immigration forms. Always take a copy of your judging contract with you.
Before you leave the country, make sure you have the required documentation to enter the country you are judging in. Is a Visa required? Make sure you have allowed plenty of time for application and approval of this.
Travel insurance is a must when travelling overseas. An unexpected stay in hospital can end up costing you thousands of dollars.
Any prescription medication you may require – does it need certification from a professional or doctor? If you wear spectacles/contact lenses make sure you take spares.
Make sure you have up to date vaccinations for the country you are travelling to. Malaria, Tyhpoid and Hepatitis are common vacinations recommended by travel consultants. Also consider a Rabies vaccination when judging in countries where this disease is still common.
Some of the most useful information is what you should carry in a “judges bag” which you take with you each time you judge. Consider judging in outback Australia or darkest Africa.…you may be accommodated in a small motel with not a shop in sight. What might you need in a hurry?
Water (which you may need to purchase on the way to the accommodation)
Often it is advisable to purchase some snack food on arrival, unless you have specifically organised for a meal to be served to you.
Panadol/pain killers and any other medication you may require (e.g. anti-nausea and/or anti diarrhoea.)
Sewing Kit
Not all hotels/motels will supply a Hair Dryer or a face cloth – in fact these days some don’t even supply soap.
Waking up. These days many motels do not have clocks in the unit nor do they have phones for wake up calls so it is a good idea to travel with some means of an alarm.
Don’t forget to take travel adaptor plugs for your appliances. Check the electrical supply voltage of the country you will be visiting and ensure your appliances will operate.
Your wet weather gear should include a jacket for rain protection, and another one for warmth and rain protection. Some footwear protection will keep your feet dry for the day. You will also need sun protection gear, a hat, and a good sun block! Take care in choosing your judging clothes on hot days, loose weave cotton will allow the sun to penetrate and cause sunburn! Insect Repellent is another “must have”.
Another consideration is that airlines seem most able to lose your bags, when your best judging outfit is required the very next day! Consider, if practical, that you may be able to pack in your hand luggage a basic toiletry kit, a change of underwear and a set of clothes that may be acceptable to judge in.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise the club before departing.
Many clubs will now provide you with a daily meal allowance which permits you to eat wherever and whatever you like. Some clubs will not provide alcohol. If however the club is entertaining you at their expense please remember that while alcohol in moderation is quite acceptable, many countries frown on excesses and your ability to judge thus may be impaired once you have had a few drinks. It is always best to err on the side of caution and remember at all times that you are an ambassador for your country.
Judges are reminded that they may only judge shows for organisations recognised by the New Zealand Kennel Club. The recognised organisations include in the United Kingdom (The Kennel Club), in the USA (the American Kennel Club), in Canada (the Canadian Kennel Club) ,in Australia (ANKC) and those countries recognised by the FCI. A full list of FCI recognised associations can be downloaded at http://www.fci.be/membres.aspx.
Judges and members should be aware that anyone accepting and/or officiating at a show for a body not recognised by the New Zealand Kennel Club may be subject to severe penalties.
If at all in doubt check with the Director/Secretary before accepting an appointment to judge.
