Aug. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N .S.W . 567 



The Score Card in Judging Live Stocks 



H. W. POTTS, F.C.S., F.L.S., Principal, Hawkesbiiry Agricultural College. 



It is difficult to define the qualifications of a good judge, and not an easy 

 task to become one. The truth of the old axiom is readily admitted that 

 judges are born, not made. 



Actual and ripened experience in judging, associated with natur-al instincts,, 

 balanced reasoning power, quick perception, patience, confidence, honesty and 

 firmness of purpose, combine to make a reliable judge — one who will gain the 

 esteem of competitors. 



Considerable misapprehension exists as to the proper use of the score 

 card. It has been advocated for use by judges in the show ring, but it is 

 out of place both on the show ground and in the sale ring. It is of no 

 assistance in finally enabling a competent judge to determine the relative 

 positions of two or more animals in the allocation of prizes. 



Score cards have been designed by stud societies and teachers, however, to 

 form standai'ds of merit and to express numerically the degree of perfection 

 in each part. 



The judge may use the card as a basis to enable him more precisely to 

 arrive at the various points of merit in a systematic manner. In this con- 

 nection it materially assists him more clearly to explain to competitors the 

 reasons for his awards, and thus establish an educational influence. 



Where the score card is distinctly serviceable is in training students to 

 judge in the classroom and stockyard. The study of the animal before it is 

 estimated according to the points outlined on the score card is essential, but 

 the constant practice in scoring trains the eye, strengthens the natural 

 powers of judging, stimulates an accurate sense of observation and balance, 

 and makes the study attractive. With such training, it is possible to acquire 

 a reputation, and thus the student becomes a valuable asset in his district. 



In order to place the use of the score card on a proper footing, and to 

 bring out its practical application in developing judging on more thorough 

 lines, the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales 

 wisely determined to design and introduce a series of competitions at the 

 recent Easter show. Its chief aim was to stimulate technical education in this 

 direction for students attending agricultural colleges and high schools ; also 

 to train farmers' and graziers' sons as beginners in the art of judging. It 

 often proves a valuable means of discovering latent ability. 



The section worked admirably. The competitions proved interesting to 

 both students and spectators, arousing a true spirit of rivalry among the 

 youthful contestants, who realised the aims of the Society and appreciated 

 its action. 



