Writing Critiques as a GCCF Judge: What’s Required and What’s Sensible

Understanding Expectations at Every Stage of Your Judging Journey

Whether you’re just beginning your training as a GCCF student judge, recently promoted to a junior judge, or already listed as a full judge, the subject of writing critiques often prompts questions — and concerns.

One of the most common misconceptions is that you’ll be expected to write a report for every single cat you judge. This is not the case.

The GCCF Show Rules set out very clearly which cats require written critiques. Once you understand what’s required — and what’s encouraged but optional — the task becomes far more manageable.

For Student and Junior Judges: What the JPG Expects from You

If you’re currently in training under a Judge Progression Group (JPG), you are expected to:

• Write a full, detailed critique for each cat that GCCF rules require you to report on
• Where possible, write extra critiques for other cats in your scheduled classes

This isn’t extra paperwork for the sake of it. These additional reports are strongly encouraged by the JPG because:

• They help JPG members assess your progress and consistency
• They support your learning by helping you practise evaluating a range of exhibits
• They give you experience in communicating breed-specific strengths and faults
• They help you develop the judgement and confidence you’ll need when fully qualified

Importantly, listen carefully to the feedback you receive from the JPG. They are overseeing your training and using your critiques not only to assess your current level, but also as a tool for teaching. Their suggestions will help you refine your reporting style and strengthen your understanding of breed standards and judging terminology.

Once you’re qualified, you can adapt your style — keeping things concise and focused — but while in training, it’s essential to follow the JPG’s guidance on both content and format.

You won’t need to write novels, but your reports should show clarity, structure, and justification for your decisions. Think of it as building the skill of “judging out loud” in writing — a valuable part of your development as a judge.

Once You’re Qualified: What the Rules Require

When you’ve completed your training and are listed as a GCCF judge, the reporting expectations change. Here’s what you’re required to do:

✅ Olympian Classes

Cats must be placed up to 5th, but you are only required to write a critique for the Olympian certificate winner and the reserve.

You must write critiques for:

• Olympian winner
• Reserve winner
• 1st and 2nd places when no certificate is awarded

If the certificate is withheld, a short note should explain the reason.

Reports do not need to describe the cats in full, but should give a clear reason for the award or the withhold.

📌 GCCF Rule: Section 2, Rule 14a

✅ Breed, Grand and Imperial Classes

You must write critiques for:

• Certificate winners
• Reserve certificate winners
• 1st and 2nd places when no certificate is awarded

📌 GCCF Rule: Section 2, Rule 14a

✅ Best of Breed (BOB)

Only the cat awarded BOB requires a critique — if that cat has not already been written up in the breed class.

If the BOB was awarded to the cat that received a certificate and already has a report, you do not need to write a second critique.

📌 GCCF Rule: Section 2, Rule 17c

✅ Assessment Classes

These are considered breed classes under GCCF rules. The same reporting obligations apply.

📌 GCCF Rule: Section 2, Rule 14a

❌ Miscellaneous and Side Classes

No critiques are required.

📌 GCCF Rule: There is no rule that explicitly requires critiques for miscellaneous classes

Writing Reports: What’s Enough?

As a qualified judge, your reports do not need to describe the entire exhibit. You’re expected to:

• Explain the reason for the award or withhold
• Emphasise key strengths or faults
• Keep the critique clear, fair and focused

Here’s a couple of typical examples:

“Mature boy of excellent type. Strong profile, firm chin. Clear contrast to points and well-fitted coat. Olympian awarded for overall type and excellent coat qualities.”

“Stylish seal point boy with a strong masculine head and striking deep blue oriental shaped eyes. Points well matched and warm in tone, body a clear cream with minimal shading. Muscular, lithe and beautifully presented — awarded BOB for superior type, excellent eye colour and super body and points colour.”

That’s plenty.

What’s Encouraged (But Not Required)

Even once qualified, many judges choose to write additional critiques when time allows — especially at breed shows where exhibitors value feedback.

You’re absolutely allowed to write more than the rules require. And in many cases, it’s a useful way to:

• Recognise quality in unplaced cats
• Provide constructive comments at breed shows
• Contribute to the education of exhibitors
• Maintain your own skills as a judge

But make no mistake — you are not expected to write about every exhibit. That’s not the rule, nor the standard.

Quick Reference: What Requires a Critique?

Class Type	Write a Critique For…	GCCF Rule Reference
Olympian	Certificate winner, Reserve, 1st and 2nd if no certificate and place (but no report required) on 3rd, 4th and 5th place cats.	2:14a
Breed, Grand and Imperial Classes	Certificate winner, Reserve, 1st and 2nd if no certificate.	2:14a
BOB	Winner only but only if not already written up in breed or title class.	2:17c
Assessment	Merit winner and 2nd place. 1st and 2nd if no certificate awarded.	2:14a
Miscellaneous/Side	Not required but you may if you wish.	No rule explicitly asks for critiques.

Final Thought

Writing critiques is part of being a judge — but it needn’t be a barrier. The rules are clear, the workload is sensible, and the skills come with experience.

For student and junior judges, reporting in more detail helps you learn faster and allows your JPG to support your development. Once qualified, the responsibility eases and becomes second nature.

Critiques don’t need to be long. They just need to be fair, accurate, and explain your reasoning. You’re not writing War and Peace. You’re writing a judgement. And that’s something every good judge already knows how to do.

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