In the past, a panel of judges would principally be made up of titled people, ex-military and even members of the clergy, but in recent years showing societies have made a great effort to shed their 'closed shop' image and are openly encouraging new people to come forward for consideration. This comes at a time when there seems to be a greater interest in judges' decisions and all judging methods. Shows demand more judges each year as new competitions are introduced and restrictions on judging certain qualifying rounds are imposed. Supplying this demand by appointing more judges has also given both show secretaries and competitors more choice - something that can only be good for showing. Judging is based on personal opinion backed up by a sound knowledge of certain values, applicable to each class. Each new judge should bring a fresh outlook to the showing circuit and this is what makes showing evolve and the show ring a place of great speculation and interest. This general guide is essential reading for those who aspire to become judges and provides a unique insight into the judging process based on the authors' own experiences in training young judges, organizing and adjudicating at assessment days and examining probationary judges.