GCCF Judge & Steward Training

GCCF Training . . . a Common Sense Approach to Judge & Steward Training!

Learn how the GCCF trains the people behind every show — judges and stewards alike — quickly, professionally and fairly, whilst ensuring that no one transferring to the new programme will be disadvantaged.

A Faster, Fairer Path to Becoming a GCCF Judge

Become a GCCF Cat Judge

Start your journey in becoming a GCCF judge! From GCCF Steward to All Breed GCCF Judge step-by-step help to becoming a huge part of the UK cat fancy.

Become a GCCF Steward Become a GCCF Cat Judge

Come and Meet Us at a Roadshow

Show or breed cats and ever wondered what the judge is really looking at? A GCCF Roadshow is the friendliest way to find out — come and meet judges and stewards, see how a show works from behind the table, and ask us anything with no obligation.

It’s also the easiest first step if you’ve ever thought about stewarding or judging yourself. No experience needed, everyone’s welcome, and we’d love to see you there.

Find a Roadshow

The Steward Directory

Already stewarding? Add yourself to the public Steward Directory so show managers can find you and offer you engagements.

View the Directory

Meet the JASRG Team

The highly experienced GCCF team tasked with introducing the new judge training programme.

Learn More

The New JPGs

Breed Advisory Committees now work with Judge Panel Groups (JPGs) to streamline judge training — see how it all fits together.

Learn More

Appeals Process

One of the main principles of the new judge training programme is to make sure no one is ever disadvantaged.

Learn More

Accelerated Training

A new judge training programme designed to speed up your judge training!

Train by Imperial/Grand Group: Learn how to judge all breeds within the Grand Group instead of each breed one at a time.

Removal of Outdated Rules: A modern approach that strips out the anomalies, inconsistencies, contradictions and padding that put barriers in the way.

Online Resources: Access online training to get up to speed in-between shows.

GCCF Promise

Your training is important to GCCF, we want you to succeed and help the GCCF flourish! Equally, we want to make you certain promises . . .

Faster Path: The new judge training programme will be a faster route to becoming a judge.

Never Disadvantaged: As a current candidate you won’t be disadvantaged when transferring to the new programme. All past tutorials and assessments will be counted towards your progression.

Clear Pathway: We will continually add information to this website to show you a clear pathway to becoming a judge. We will also communicate with you via your chosen JPG.

The GCCF’s new judge training programme transformed my journey from Student Judge to Junior Judge . . .

By removing unnecessary time constraints, it allowed me to progress at my own pace while focusing on practical learning and mentorship.

The hands-on experience and JPG mentorship deepened my understanding of breed standards and judging protocols, boosting my confidence and skills.

This streamlined approach didn’t just speed up my development—it enriched it, preparing me thoroughly for the role. I’m grateful for a system that values quality and encourages growth, making the transition to judging both rewarding and seamless.

Paula Hargan, Student Judge