The first day at the bench is the part everyone’s a little nervous about — and almost everyone finds it far friendlier than they expected. Here’s what to expect, so you can turn up feeling ready.
What stewarding involves
You work at the judging table as the judge’s right hand for the session. In practice that means:
Fetching each cat from its pen and carrying it safely to the table.
Presenting the cat on the table so the judge can examine it.
Disinfecting the table and your hands between every cat — hygiene is taken seriously, and it protects every cat at the show.
Helping with the paperwork — checking judging slips against the catalogue, and handling prize cards and awards as the judge works.
You’re never expected to judge or to know the breed standards — that’s the judge’s job. Your job is to keep the table running calmly and safely so the judge can concentrate.
What to wear and bring
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes — you’ll be on your feet for hours.
Smart-casual, practical clothing you don’t mind getting a bit of cat hair on. A clean tabard or apron is useful.
A packed lunch and a drink — show days are long and breaks can be short.
A pen and a small notebook if you’d like to jot things down.
Your judge is your teacher
Here’s the best part: most judges are happy to talk you through what they’re looking for as they go. That running commentary — why this cat, what that fault means, how a decision is reached — is where a huge amount of your learning happens. Don’t be shy about saying it’s one of your early engagements; judges remember good stewards, and many will go out of their way to help you.
After the show
After each engagement you’ll complete a stewarding certificate, signed off, and send it in within 28 days — by email to admin@gccftraining.org. You’ll also be asked for a few lines of feedback on what you observed. See Forms & deadlines for everything you’ll need.
A friendly tip to finish: say yes if a judge offers to explain their decisions. That conversation is worth more than any handbook.
