Judges' Corner
Master Judges
Dianna Malley, Vacaville | (707) 410-7208 | D4, D45, D49 |
Sheri Herchkorn, Watsonville | (831) 728-9128 | D32, D27 |
Andy Krogh, Valley Center | (760) 505-8241 | D10, D22, D33 |
Randy Young, Riverside | (951) 684-9058 | D20 |
Janet Young, Riverside (Rules Chairman) | (951) 312-2182 | D17 |
Margo Albatti, Santa Margarita | (805) 459-1736 | D14, D40 |
Ellen Carr, Vacaville | (530) 865-2430 | |
Lea Legnon, Hollister | (408) 461-0112 | D1, D6, D32 |
Dale Hohlbauch, Tulare | (559) 358-5080 | D18, D35 |
Timmi Lemen, Vacaville | (707) 301-6655 | D3, D50 |
Items from the MAC:
- NEW - 7/16/23: Based on discussions from meetings held on 7/16/2023 remember the speed ball cone needs to be constructed per the rule book. This is a reminder that all speed ball cones must be as follows:
RB 7.10 Speedball Race"The Speed Ball cone shall be made of a large pylon with the top cut down to a 5” opening. The Cone must be painted white with contrasting stripes top and bottom and measure over all height of 24".This item will be on the agenda for the Rules and Judges meeting at Convention in November. Until then if a districts speed ball cone is not per the rule book, it cannot be used. Any questions, please contact your MJ or the MAC chair.
- 6/13/23: A question arose regarding whether the MAC felt that a judge should be allowed to use their phone to video a rider while on course that they themselves were actually judging at the time. A discussion followed about using phones to talk or video while a rider was on course by a judge. Per the CGA Information Manual 10.5 says in part "It is impossible to properly judge a show without giving continuous and full attention to all activities going on within the arena". A majority of the MAC felt that a judge should not be on their phone or videoing while they are judging a rider on course. So at this time it will not be allowed. This will be brought to convention in November. Any additional questions regarding this, please contact your districts Master Judge or the MAC chair.
- At the earlier Riders/General Membership meeting the MAC was asked to address the ladies Western Shirts that had a zipper on the back. We had already reviewed the functional versus non functional button front shirts. Members present agreed that as long as the shirts meet the current requirements we would allow them until the next Rules and Judges meeting.
- Also mentioned at the meetings, MAC majority has agreed jeans with holes are legal, since there are judges giving a 1 second penalty for them. Judges should not be issuing a 1 second penalty.
- Members were inquiring how the Rules Chairman was selected. The information regarding the Rules Chairman as well as what the MAC does, can be found in section 11 of the CGA Information Manual.
- Please take a moment to read and refresh yourself on Section 2.3 Special Lead Line Rules for riders who need assistance. The MAC has received concerns that all districts may not be adhering to the rules. Section 2.3 is listed below:
2.3 Special "Lead Line" Rules for Riders who need assistance.
The CGA is interested in providing an opportunity for riders who need assistance to participate in CGA Shows. For this reason, the following special rules shall be applied at CGA Shows that allow participation of these riders:
a. A rider may be led through the course by a parent or responsible party provided the rider is not able to complete the course without assistance. Such assistance is allowed to ensure the safety of the rider but does not extend to the assistant touching the poles, flags or other obstacles. The Lead Line Team(horse, rider and leader) must properly complete the course. The assistant must conform to the same dress code defined for judges (See Section 6.1).
b. Hard hats are mandatory for all Lead Line riders. The animal being led shall be in normal tack with the addition of a halter and lead rope.
c. Lead Line riders may NOT participate in the Hurry Scurry event for safety reasons.
d. A mount may NOT be entered in the same event more than once except as a Lead Line entry.
e. Lead Line riders may proceed no faster than a trot or they will be disqualified.
f. When leading the animal across the timing line, the assistant must be at or behind the shoulder of the animal to prevent any timer malfunctions.
Recent Rule Changes
- Change date: 01/04/2023: The following rule has been changed per the Rules and Judges meeting and General Membership meeting at Convention January 2023. It will now read: RB5.2 Proper Dress and Equipment “A one second penalty will be added to the time of any rider who starts the course with attire and/or equipment in violation of the rules (refer to Section 3.1)
Interested in becoming a Judge?
Any CGA member may apply to become an apprentice at 16 years of age or an official CGA judge at 18 years of age. They must complete the entire process within 18 months of getting their apprentice card. If they fail to do so, the apprenticeship is canceled and the candidate must start over from the beginning. An apprentice may not start judging or taking tests until the apprentice card is received from the CGA State Office. You can read the full criteria in the CGA Rule Book Section 6.1 - Requirements to become a CGA Judge. You can request an apprentice packet by emailing CGAState@aol.com.