Judges information

The American Iris Society (AIS) provides a clear pathway for individuals interested in becoming accredited judges for iris shows. Below is an overview of the process, guidelines, and resources: 

Getting Started

• Recordkeeping: Maintain a personal log of all Judges' Training.
• Documentation: Submit proof of training to your Regional Vice President (RVP) when completed outside your region.
• Training Year: Runs from August 1 to July 31.

Steps to Accreditation

1. Candidate

• Requirements: None.
• Time Limit: None.
• AIS Membership: Not required.
• Resources:
  • AIS Handbook for Judges and Show Officials (available for purchase or free download).
  • AIS-approved Judges Training sessions.

2. Apprentice Judge

• Entry Requirements:
  • 3 years of continuous AIS membership.
  • Completion of at least two approved Judges Training sessions totaling 10+ hours.
  • Written recommendations from five accredited AIS judges.
• Application: Submit to the Regional Judges Training Chair.

3.  Garden/Exhibition Judge

• Time Limit: 3 years to complete requirements.
• Membership: Continuous AIS membership.
• Annual Report: Submit Activity Report by August 1.
• Training Requirements:
  • 10 hours of approved Judges Training.
  • Complete a 2-hour session on AIS Awards and Balloting.

Required tutored Activities (For Apprentices)

1. Garden Judging:

• Evaluate blooming seedlings or named cultivars during two sessions, each lasting 2+ hours, with different accredited judges.
• Focus areas: plant vigor, stalks, branching, bud count, and form.

         2.  Exhibition Training:

• Participate in two accredited iris shows or simulated show conditions.
• Learn through observation without participating in official judging or clerking.

This pathway ensures that AIS judges are well-prepared to evaluate irises at a high standard, supporting the success of iris shows across regions.  The requirements for maintaining continued accreditation as an AIS judge can be found in Chapter 1 of the current Handbook for Judges and Show Officials.  The handbook, reports, forms, and training videos can be found on the Judges page of the AIS website.