At the heart of the GCCF Judge Training Scheme is a simple but powerful principle: learning through guided experience. Whether a candidate is attending a tutorial or delivering a presentation, the experience is not a test — it’s an opportunity to grow.
But what happens after the candidate steps away from the show? How is that learning recorded? How do the BACs and JPG know what progress has been made?
The answer lies in two forms: the tutorial form and the presentation form. Both are essential parts of the training pathway. When completed thoughtfully, they allow us to understand how a candidate is developing. When they’re rushed or vague, they provide little value — and can even hold the candidate back.
This article explains why both tutorial and presentation forms must be completed as fully and precisely as possible, by both the candidate and the tutor or judge providing feedback.
What Are Tutorials and Presentations?
Tutorials
Tutorials are learning experiences where a candidate observes a full judge judging cats, this is where the tutor judge takes the lead and the tutorial can be single breed or multi breed. The candidate does not have to place the cats. Instead, they learn by watching, asking questions, and discussing what they see. The tutor judge is responsible for explaining SOPs, encouraging critical observation, and helping the candidate develop an informed “eye”.
Presentations
Presentations are formal exercises where the candidate takes the lead in handling and evaluating a group of cats, they can be single breed or multi breed. The candidate will describe the cats, offer a proposed placing, and justify their reasoning. A full judge observes and provides structured feedback afterwards.
In both cases, the aim is education, not examination. But that education needs to be recorded properly.
Why These Forms Matter
The GCCF Judge Training Programme depends on these forms to:
- Record what was covered and what was learned
- Show progression over time
- Help BACs and JPGs understand how confident and competent the candidate is becoming
- Highlight where more experience or support is needed
Critiques alone do not tell the full story. The tutorial and presentation forms give the context — what was discussed, how the candidate responded, and what feedback was given.
What Makes a Good Form?
Whether it’s a tutorial or a presentation, a good form:
- Gives specific detail about the cats discussed or presented
- References the SOP and how it was applied
- Explains what the candidate did well
- Identifies areas they still need to work on
- Sets out clear next steps for learning
- Uses plain, accurate language that reflects real conversations on the day
Let’s look at two anonymised, fictional examples based on real scenarios — one good and one bad — to see how much of a difference this can make.
✅ Good Example – A Well-Completed Tutorial Form
Candidate: Jane Smith
Training Status: Junior Judge
Show: Midland Counties Cat Club
Tutor Judge: Jason Brown
Breeds Discussed: Oriental Bicolour, Siamese Seal Tabby Point, Oriental Lilac
Knowledge of SOP
Jane demonstrated a solid working knowledge of the Section 6 SOPs. She referred to the standard throughout our discussion, particularly when considering the Oriental Bicolour exhibit. Her understanding of the distribution and percentage of white for 02 and 03 classifications is excellent, and she raised a good question about the treatment of feathering and scattered white hairs.
Handling Ability
I handled the cats today. Jane observed quietly and made notes. We discussed how to interpret behaviour in the pen and when to handle minimally, particularly with cats who were nervous or unsettled.
Ability to Make Decisions
Although tutorials are not about placing cats, I asked Jane to share her early opinions based on what she saw. She identified issues with coat soundness, colour, and overall balance. Her comments showed she is beginning to develop a judging “eye”.
Ability to Justify Their Decisions
Jane explained her reasoning using appropriate SOP terminology. She was able to discuss features such as type, eye shape, and ear set with confidence, and she accepted feedback constructively.
Additional Comments
One of the key points we explored was ear size and set in kittens. I explained that kittens often have large ears that they grow into, and that this is not a fault. Ears that are too high or too low should be equally penalised, but neither is a withhold fault. I emphasised that “penalise” does not mean “withhold” — understanding that distinction is part of becoming a good judge.We also looked at coat soundness on the lilac Oriental. Jane noted paler colour at the root in some exhibits. We discussed that this is not always a fault and may simply be tonal variation. Jane understood this well and is clearly learning to apply the SOP with nuance.
She is reflective, engaged, and progressing well. In future tutorials, I would like to see her lead more of the analysis. She has the potential to become a thoughtful and well-rounded judge.
✅ Why This Works
This is an excellent example of a tutorial form because it:
- Names the specific breeds discussed, giving context to the candidate’s experience.
- Describes exactly what was covered, such as ear set in kittens and coat soundness in lilacs.
- Refers directly to the SOP, showing how the candidate engaged with the standard, not just general breed knowledge.
- Captures the candidate’s thought process, including how she justified early opinions and responded to tutor guidance.
- Includes proper developmental feedback, noting what Jane is doing well and what she should work on in future tutorials.
- Uses professional, precise language that helps the BAC and JPG understand the stage Jane is at in her training.
The form is also appropriately balanced. It encourages and supports the candidate while still pointing out areas for further learning. This kind of feedback builds a full and realistic picture of progression — which is exactly what the tutorial form is designed for.
❌ Poor Example – A Missed Opportunity
Candidate: Jane Smith
Tutor Judge: Jason Brown
Breeds Discussed: VariousKnowledge of SOP: Jane is learning well and understands the breed standards.
Handling Ability: Handled cats well.
Ability to Make Decisions: Made decisions confidently and explained them well.
Ability to Justify Their Decisions: Can justify decisions well.
Additional Comments: Jane enjoys judging and is progressing nicely. She will make a good judge.
Why this fails:
- There is no mention of which cats or features were discussed
- Nothing is said about how the SOP was applied
- The comments are vague and could apply to any candidate
- There is no constructive criticism or sign of reflection
- It doesn’t help the BAC or JPG understand what was learned
The Same Principles Apply to Presentation Forms
While the examples above are tutorial forms, the same principles apply to presentation forms. In some ways, it’s even more important that presentation feedback is detailed — the candidate has led the session, made placings, and justified them.
The presentation form is the only record of:
- How well the candidate handled that responsibility
- What feedback was given
- What reasoning they showed, and whether it was sound
- Whether they understood the relative seriousness of faults
- How confident and accurate their decision-making is becoming
When the presentation form simply says “she did well” or “confident and progressing”, it tells us nothing. It wastes a valuable opportunity to help the candidate develop — and it gives the BAC or JPG nothing useful to act on.
Why It Matters for You as a Pupil Judge
It’s easy to think of tutorial and presentation forms as something mainly for your tutor judge or the JPG and BAC to worry about. But in truth, these forms are also one of your most powerful tools as a candidate.
They’re your opportunity to show the JPG and BAC:
- What you’ve been exposed to
- What you’re learning
- How you’re progressing
- Where you might still need support
This is especially important because members of the BAC and JPG don’t attend your tutorials or presentations. They don’t see what you saw, or hear what was said in the discussion. All they have to go on are:
- Your critiques
- Your own tutorial and presentation forms
- The feedback provided by the tutor judge
So if you leave your part of the form vague or blank — or simply say “see critique” — you’re missing a valuable opportunity to let your voice be heard. That context helps the JPG and BAC understand:
- What you understood from the day
- What you were hoping to learn
- What your challenges were
- How your observations are developing over time
The Benefits of Writing More, Not Less
Being specific in your form helps you too. It:
- Shows that you are reflective and actively engaged
- Helps you track your own progress over time
- Gives the BAC and JPG a fuller picture of your abilities
- Makes it easier for the JPG and BAC to support you in the future
Remember, nobody expects perfection — especially in the early stages. But if you demonstrate that you are thinking carefully, asking questions, and applying what you’ve learned, that counts for a great deal. And the form is where that evidence goes.
What You Can Include in Your Section
You might write about:
- The breeds and types of cats you saw
- Any breed-specific features you noticed or found difficult to assess
- Questions you asked or points of discussion that helped you
- Comments made by your tutor judge that shifted your understanding (it shows you are listening and learning)
- Any feedback you received that helped you rethink something
- Areas where you’d like more help or future practice
The more detail you provide, the better the JPG and BAC can support you. This is your learning journey — and this is how you show that you’re on it.
Final Thoughts: This Is About Helping Candidates Succeed
Candidates don’t need perfection. They need support, structure, and feedback. The tutorial and presentation forms are how we deliver that.
By completing them properly:
- We help the candidate grow
- We help the BACs and JPG make fair decisions
- We uphold the quality of the GCCF judging pathway
Let’s not treat these forms as an afterthought. Let’s make them tools for success.
