Question of the Week
Joan Goldstein
Warren, New Jersey
Of course, they should charge a fee. They do the same work as other non-delegate judges, PLUS the work of a delegate.
Janie A. Hecker
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
In my opinion, anyone who goes through the process of education and practice to become a judge should not be denied a fee because he/she also volunteers to serve as a delegate. I cannot see a conflict that would necessitate depriving the individual of his/her due compensation. If a conflict is perceived, I would expect the judge to decline the assignment.
Suzanne Orban-Stagle
Hurlock, Maryland
I feel that it’s about time that delegates are able to charge for judging. They have completed the requirements for judging and should not be penalized for holding a position that is also to the benefit of AKC (delegate).
Bravo for passing the new regulation.
Barbara Burns
Freeport, Illinois
Delegate judges have to pay for all the same educational costs as other judges with no ability to recoup those expenses like other judges. It's Equal Pay for Equal Work. It's no more of a conflict for delegate judges negotiating a fee than a delegate photographer or a delegate who is a show secretary getting paid for their services. It's long overdue.
Molly Martin
Pike Road, Alabama
I think it’s a good call. I’ve always thought it was unfair that they could not, and it discouraged some well-qualified people from becoming delegates or judges.
Brian Clegg
Cincinnati, Ohio
I feel it is a long time coming. Think of the qualified people who are not delegates because of it.
Deborah Barrett
Birmingham, Alabama
So they can make all their extra contacts to get jobs and also get paid for them? I can’t imagine a situation when you wouldn’t vote that for yourself, given the opportunity.
Victoria Jordan
The Villages, Florida
I personally thought it was always strange and honestly never understood the ruling. It would be interesting to know how and why it began. We judges all go through the same seminars, learning experiences, travel and expense to learn our breeds. Delegates must undertake the same learning tools to qualify for their breeds, so I don’t see why they shouldn’t be compensated for the breeds that they’ve earned. Just my humble opinion.
Gerry Meisels
Tampa, Florida
That seems only fair. Otherwise, there is a penalty for being a delegate.
Desi Murphy
Monroe, New York
Long overdue, but heard that this time it was passed by a landslide vote.
Anne Marie Kubacz
Jackson, New Jersey
I think it's great that AKC made this modification and now allows delegates to charge a fee. For many people the fee that they charge helps to cover what it costs them to have their animals cared for at home. When it costs people extra money in order to judge, they often refuse assignments due to finances, which is totally understandable.
I think we'll see many more seasoned dog people willing to be delegates now that this restriction has been lifted. Since delegates weigh in on important choices for the dog fancy, I think this is very important.
Cliff Steele
Carmel, New York
Overdue.
Judy Harrington
Monson, Massachusetts
Perhaps the only thing that will happen is a level playing field. Judges who were hired because they were delegates who could not charge a fee as a base of hiring for panels will now have that option removed. I am fine with the decision.
Jacque Pomper
Silverdale, Pennsylvania
I believe that would open the door to corruption.
Mark Francis Jaeger
Mason, Michigan
This may encourage a few more folks to take on the delegate role for their parent club (or all-breed club, for that matter). I expect this will be a positive development for our sport. Please note that I will not personally charge a fee while I remain a delegate.
Wendy Willhauck
Port St Lucie, Florida
It’s about time. Many very qualified people resigned as delegates or didn’t accept positions as delegates due to financial considerations. We need the best and most experienced to breathe new life into our sport.
Lydia Coleman Hutchinson
Middletown, Maryland
I think this major change is long overdue.