A labour of love...
 Judging
is not a role taken lightly. Being an agility judge is about more than just
officiating. It means giving up at least day of your time - maybe more - to
contribute to the sport we love and to support fellow competitors. It can be
rewarding and sometimes frustrating and always exhausting. Lisa Jordan sets out
a typical day in the ring.
Long before the show day arrives, the
groundwork begins. Months ahead, I agree to judge, often committing before even
seeing the schedule. A couple of months before the event, I confirm the classes
I'll be judging and begin planning my courses.
Designing agility courses is both a creative
and strategic task. I aim for efficient layouts that minimise major equipment
movement, especially avoiding the hassle of uprooting tunnels or repositioning
weaves unless absolutely necessary. Thank goodness for drills! I take pride in
creating flowing, enjoyable courses that stay within the required grades while
thoughtfully testing the skills of each dog-handler partnership.
Show
day begins
-
5:30am My day starts with a peaceful
wood walk with my dogs. It's quiet, grounding and the best way to begin a
busy judging day.
-
7:15am I arrive at the show. It's time
to get to work.
Setting the stage
-
Tweak and set
the course.
-
Double-check
every element.
-
Measure the
course for accuracy.
-
Lay out the
numbers.
Walking the course
-
8:00am
Course opens for competitor walking.
-
8:15am Quick
check on my own dogs.
-
8:30am The
first class begins.
The judging rhythm
From here, it's a steady flow of activity.
-
Judge a class.
-
Close the
course.
-
Change height.
-
Open course
for walking.
-
Judge next
class.
and repeat.
This sequence continues through the morning
and early afternoon, each class bringing its own excitement and challenges.
Midday break
After a full morning of judging
-
Course build
for upcoming classes
-
Check,
measure, walk and judge.
-
Morning class
presentations
-
A check-in
with my dogs.
-
Quick
bathroom break.
-
Lunch
Afternoon push
No slowing down yet. Three more heights to
go. The pattern continues.
-
Open walking.
-
Judge class.
-
Close and
reset.
Wrap up with afternoon presentations.
Then I check in with my dogs once more before heading home.
Evening wind down
7:00pm I'm finally home. We walk one last
timeme and the dogs.
Then it's dinner for them, a cup of
something warm for me and the best part of the day - cuddles on the sofa.
Zzz.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely.
 About
the author...
Lisa Jordan started the agility game in 1987
and has seen lots of improvement in training methods, equipment and course
design since then.
She proudly runs her own club K.I.S. Dog
Training and is an Agility Club Approved instructor and Kennel Club judge. She
also teaches hoopers.
Over the years she has shared her life with
lots of different breeds including a Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd, Belgian
Shepherd, Lowchen and a Beardie X Old English Sheepdog. She also has a Working
Cocker who came from the RSPCA having been seized in a puppy farm haul.
First published
12th June 2025 | 