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)
- 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.