Become a Judge

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So, you want to be an NCHA Judge

The National Cutting Horse Association Judging Department is committed to providing well-trained judges for all NCHA-sanctioned cutting horse contests. Those NCHA members wishing to become judges must complete a rigorous training program and subsequent refresher clinics on the proper interpretation and application of the rules for judging cutting horse events in order to be considered a certified NCHA judge.

Certified judges are rated AA, AAA or AAAA, with the latter being the highest category. These ratings depend upon earnings and the number of events an individual has judged.

The process to become a judge starts with asking yourself a few questions:

Are you at least 19 years of age?
Have you been an active member of NCHA continuously for the last five (5) years?
During the last 3 years, you have NOT been suspended, put on probation or reprimanded by the Association?
During the last 3 years, have you been an active competitor in NCHA approved events?
Do you meet the Lifetime Earnings requirement:

If you answered yes to all of the above, you could start the process of becoming an NCHA judge.