judging standards

[Diane Whitehead]

There is a disagreement regarding judging at our show today, and
I'd like to know if there is consensus about the issue in the U.K.

There is no mention in the "Suggestions to Judges", and I know since
I was the one who edited them a few years ago.

The disputed point:  A trophy for the best  *whatever* should go to the best
such plant even if it is part of a group of three or six that did not win
a first prize.

The show manager's ruling:  No trophy can be awarded to a plant that
did not receive a first prize.  This year, a trophy is not being awarded
despite an excellent plant on exhibit.  If it had been put in a single pan
class it would have won the trophy easily.

What happens in the U.K.?

[bulborum]

Probably nowadays more and more
judges look more to the rules
as for the plants
this time the show manager made a stupid new rule
we have in a Paris show a new rule
papers must be send in before 16.00 hour
this is when you are so busy with your stand
that some of the stands forget to send in there papers

How comes that bureaucrat win
from serious growers
I boycott them now at that show
first off all I have to make money to live

Roland

[David Shaw]

There is no written rule relating to such a situation within the SRGC. In general we use common sense in Scotland and, in the situation described by Diana, I would expect the judges to put their heads together along with the show secretary and award the prize to the plant in the multi-plant class. Indeed, I have seen this happen.

[JohnnyD]

It seems clear to me that, unless the rules specifically exclude plants from three or six pan groups, they should be candidates for 'best whatever'.
If the rules do exclude a plant in these circumstances that rule should be changed.
Exhibiting single plants is one thing, exhibiting groups takes a lot more skill and courage.
Press the point - common sense - and a lot of exhibitors I am sure -  are with you.
JohnnyD

[Brian Ellis]

In general the rule we follow, when judging according to RHS rules, is that the pan in the multi class could be the best example of that plant in the show even though the multi-class entry was second, third, or even not awarded a prize.  The only exception being if it is stated in the rules of that particular show.  If the show manager is experienced they would know the rules of their own show back to front

[Michael J Campbell]

I witnessed at a recent show a Daphne which was labeled Retusa that had been awarded a red card, with no comments left from the Judges. Now most of you know that I grow a few Daphnes including Retusa and I can assure you the the plant in question wasn't within a a***s roar of Retusa, more like Cheriton. When I brought it to the attention of one of the judges he agreed it was not Retusa, then just smiled and walked away. The label was not change for the duration of the show. I think some of them just make up the rules as they go along, which is one of the reasons i don't show anymore.

[Dionysia]

Diane; I think your show secretary is showing a lack of common sense. Unless the rules specifically exclude an award to a multi pan plant not finishing first in it's class, then it should be allowed. Show schedules at AGS shows merely state for example 'Best pan Primulaceae' or 'Best plant in a 19cm pot', no mention is made of a requirement to have won it's class. We regularly make awards to plants not winning their class including Farrer medals. I think you should adjust your rules to remove any ambiguity.
Paul R

[David Nicholson]

........wasn't within a a***s roar.................

Michael, as a collector of expressions that's a new one on me. It's a cracker