- Recognize orchid genera, species and hybrids
- Acquire knowledge of hybridization and breeding trends
- Gain knowledge in preferred traits in different types of orchids
- Build lifelong friendships in both the judging community and in orchid societies across your region by becoming more involved in their regular activities and events
- Be presented with opportunities to judge outside of your home region
What’s so great about being an American Orchid Society judge?
- Judges are a welcoming group, always learning, and enthusiastic to share.
- You will begin your judge training education when you are accepted as a Student Judge.
- The AOS judging system provides access to lifelong continuing orchid education.
- AOS Judges are acknowledged by orchid organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada and around the world.
- In as few as three years students can be promoted to certified status and have their scores count.
What will you learn as a judge?
What are the requirements for being an AOS Judge?
- Have a commitment to orchids and orchidology
- Be eager to expand knowledge
- Be able to make independent judgements
- Maintain a high standard of personal integrity and ethics
- Maintain continuous membership in the AOS
- Be able to meet the requirements of time, language skills, ability to travel, and participation in training education and judging activities
- The total program outline can be found on the AOS website at aos.org under Orchid Awards and Judging tab in the Handbook on Judging, pages 15-17
- Complete an application and submit to the HJC judging chair (Randy Johnson)
- Have an interview
- Pass a color perception screening test
- Local judging center rules may apply.
To learn more and get started, send an email to Dennis Tomjack at dtomjack1255@gmail.com.