APHA Judges

Becoming an APHA-approved judge is a stringent process, designed to award judging cards to only the most qualified applicants. We strive to develop high-quality judges who are able to precisely evaluate and rank entries in a variety of classes, in keeping with the association’s rules.

Become a Judge

Are you interested in becoming an APHA judge? Learn more about the process to become an APHA judge as well as the Judging Apprentice Program.

Renew Your Card

Are you a current APHA judge looking for recertification steps and resources? Learn more about maintaining your APHA judges card.

Find a Judge

In the APHA Judges Directory, you’ll find a searchable list of all APHA-approved judges as well as their contact information, the cards they hold, schedule availability and more.

Learning Opportunities

Continuing education is an essential component for APHA-approved judges. APHA offers learning opportunities in a variety of online and live event formats, designed to help judges and others stay on top of current rules and standards.

Judges Awards

The Judge Emeritus Award recognizes outstanding judges who have dedicated their careers to officiating APHA-approved events. Recipients receive a commemorative trophy and customized Gist Silversmith belt buckle.

To be considered for the Emeritus Award, a judge must have at least 25 years of service or judged 150 APHA-approved events (25 years of service or 65 events for European-only judges), voluntarily retire with an excellent record and be in good standing with the Judges Committee, with no disciplinary actions, probations or suspensions on their records. Applicants must be approved by the Judges Committee on an individual basis according to their records. Deceased judges who meet these award requirements can also be considered.

Tenure Recognition

In addition to the Judge Emeritus Award, Tenure Recognition for APHA judges honors their dedication with rings or pendants for 10, 20, 30, and 40 years of service. These tokens symbolize long-term commitment and maintained high standards at our shows. Judges who have achieved one of these milestones can order their ring or pendant online.

Print, complete, and pack this form with your APHA Judge Tenure Ring to have new stones added. Ship the ring directly to the manufacturer at the address below. They will notify APHA of its receipt, bill APHA for the stone additions, then ship it back directly to you.

APHA thanks each and every one of these judges for their many years of service and dedication to the association and the Paint Horse.

Resources

• Rule Updates
• Code of Conduct & Social Media Guidelines
• Scoresheets
• Penalty Reference Sheets
• Judge Cards
• Performance Evaluations
• Sample Contract
• Quarterly Newsletters
• Judge Emeritus Award Application
• Judge Tenure Recognition Order Form

Other Helpful Forms

• Ladder Sheet
• Canadian Travel Document
• CHAMPS Recommended Patterns
• Scribing Tutorial