Forgot that a scribe (like a judge) is not supposed to be a coach or trainer of the people showing in front of them, so a professional would have to tell the students they couldn’t show either.
@yaya: I agree - I think the changes have huge ramifications for people in areas where there aren’t very many shows. I hope people do speak up. It’s the only way individuals in these areas are going to be heard.
I love the idea of some kind of continuing education. I graduated the L program several years ago and am currently in the “r” program, where I’m learning things I wish I had picked up earlier to improve my schooling show judging.
That said, I don’t think that scribing for an R judge who is not part of a judging faculty is going to move the needle. We should have online training instead, so that everyone is learning the same thing every year and the costs and time away from the farm are minimal. I for one would be willing to pay an annual fee to help pay for the production and hosting costs… that would surely be less expensive than travel to Convention, etc., and worth more than scribing for a random judge.
From what I’m seeing if you don’t do the continuing education you just drop off their online list, you don’t like lose your L status permanently or something. So in my mind if you want to be on that list you have to devote 1 day to scribing or one of the other harder options or you just get to keep your status but not be on the list. Unless all GMOs start to require their judges to be on that list, given a lot of my local schooling shows don’t even use L grads to begin with, I don’t think it will change much for the “future of the sport”. For those that are looking to be a USEF judge one day I don’t think its a lot to ask.
Not an L grad but multiple other certifications as an “expert.”
I’m all for continuing education in order to maintain certification/status. If I want to go to someone who is a subject matter expert, such as an L grad, I want to know that he or she has maintained expertise.
What that continuing ed looks like is debatable, but I’m all for the requirements in order to maintain status or certification.
[QUOTE=right horse at the right time;8983955]
Not an L grad but multiple other certifications as an “expert.”
I’m all for continuing education in order to maintain certification/status. If I want to go to someone who is a subject matter expert, such as an L grad, I want to know that he or she has maintained expertise.
What that continuing ed looks like is debatable, but I’m all for the requirements in order to maintain status or certification.[/QUOTE]
An L Grad is not an expert - it is the first step toward the judging program. Most people don’t continue on to become a judge. Once you become a judge (which requires many more educational programs and $$$$), there are continuing education requirements.
Most L Graduates are not “working in the field” - they are only qualified to judge schooling shows - and let’s face it, ANYONE can judge a schooling show, I see non-L people do it all the time.
I also work in a field where I have to do ongoing CPE (40 hours annually) - but I make MONEY in that field, and there are MANY opportunities to pick up CPE, on-line, at local workshops, etc. This is a situation where the people are not making much money (if any), and may have to travel a long distance for the few opportunities that exist. Most people I know that are Ls judge 2 or 3 schooling shows a year IF ANY - and make on average $500 or less for those shows - it is going to cost MORE then $500 to get that annual education requirement.
So it is NOT the same as someone who is a professional working in an industry, making $40k, 50k, $200k/year. An L is not a judge. In reality, it isn’t even an apprentice - you have to be in the “r” program before you can apprentice!
I hear you.
It is something that trainers/people list as an accomplishment. If that’s it, that someone can say, in 2016 I passed a test allowing me to be an “L grad,” fine.
But if an L is qualified to “judge” a schooling show, then they should stay current with the education. If the organization is listing these L grads as such, as maintaining some sort of certification, then there should be CE. If not, and “L grad” simply means passing a test and that’s what it is understood to mean/publicized to mean, then I agree, no need for CE requirement. But that doesn’t seem to be the case here unless I’m reading incorrectly :).
Also, about making money…it’s not just the judging of the schooling shows, it’s advertising oneself as an “L grad.” The argument could easily be made that advertising as an “L grad” might bring in potential clients over someone who isn’t an L grad; in that way, money is made and there is a profit from doing the program other than learning for one’s own purpose or wanting to start the r program.
It sounds like the USDF is putting requirements out there without enough content or opportunities for interested people to be able to participate.
Another example - try looking up certification workshops to become USDF certified as an instructor.
Yikes.
Perhaps before they require people to pursue the education, they should actually offer broad access to that education…
Here is a continuing ed session that would qualify
http://rmds.org/calendar/doc/2017-01-28-MusicalFreestyle.pdf
Well, I think I’ll contact them and let them know about this thread, which is probably a better way to get feedback than just me.
I think it’s a good idea, but in the end, it’s not going to make people who are not good judges better. I really do think they need to think about other avenues of education. The more I think about it, I think a really good way to get experience is competing. It’s really important to get that perspective. There are still “judges” out there who have done very little, yet fluff up their resumes with lies. Though, there has to be a consideration for older people who aren’t riding much any more and have a wealth of knowledge.
Yes the email went to those currently in the L program. At least I got it and I’m currently doing Part 1.
Attention Mods
My PM box has been SPAMMED.
What to do other than ignoring?
I am sure I am not alone.
[QUOTE=merrygoround;8985001]
My PM box has been SPAMMED.
What to do other than ignoring?
I am sure I am not alone.[/QUOTE]
Hi there ~
The spammer has been removed. Just delete the message.
Thanks!
Mod 1
mjs8-“It sounds like the USDF is putting requirements out there without enough content or opportunities for interested people to be able to participate.
Another example - try looking up certification workshops to become USDF certified as an instructor.
Yikes.
Perhaps before they require people to pursue the education, they should actually offer broad access to that education…”
And don’t forget, if you don’t pay them an additional fee each year, even if you have attended all the workshops, you are no longer listed as having done so.
In some areas having accreditation will not earn you back even a small part of the cost of the courses.
A big THX to Mod 1.
For those who were wondering, I contacted Sharon Vander Ziel about the letter. Here was her response:
I just sent the email to those who have graduated the program at this point since they are the ones affected. The continuing education requirement only takes affect after you graduate from the program. All licensed Judges have continuing education requirements, as do certified instructors.
We will also be announcing the requirement in the new future in the USDF enews and the USDF podcast.
Kindest Regards,
Sharon Vander Ziel
USDF Senior Education Coordinator
Well that’s a bizarre non-answer…
Of course if affects people who are currently in the program. Bait and switch, much?
I’m in the same region as Netg, but very much the nether part of that region. I can fully understand the requirement for some kind of CE, but this is badly thought out for those living in less populous areas.
Really, USDF, you can do better.
1 Like
Yeah, that’s not a good answer. Perhaps a lot of us should email her about the thoughts on continuing education.
