Instant Information On AKC's JUDGING FEE RATIONALE

Conformation Judges Annual Fee from AKC’s May 2010 Board Minutes: Darrell Hayes and John Wade, AKC Staff, participated in this portion of the meeting via video conference.
 
In light of declining registration revenues and the commitment to maintain the preeminence of our Conformation Sport, the Board reviewed the sustainability of the financial subsidies AKC makes to support the events area annually. Fees assessed clubs and exhibitors had previously reduced the subsidy by almost 30% to approximately ten million dollars each year. Approximately 2.3 million dollars of that subsidy relates to the Conformation Judging Operations area. The Board considered a staff proposal to institute an annual judges’ fee, which would be phased in over two years, to reduce this Judging Operations subsidy by 20% in 2011 and 30% in 2012, while preserving the same level of service to the Sport. As the AKC Bylaws prohibit Delegates from charging a judges’ fee, Delegate Conformation judges will not be required to pay this fee. Also, Junior Showmanship only judges would not pay a fee.
 
There was a motion by Mr. Kalter, seconded by Mr. Arnold, and it was VOTED (affirmative: Mr. Arnold, Mr. Ashby, Dr. Garvin, Mr. Goodman, Dr. Haines, Mr. Kalter, Mr. Menaker, Dr. Newman, Ms. Scully, Dr. Smith; Mrs. Strand; abstained; Dr. Davies, absent Mr. Marden) to approve the implementation of an annual fee for Conformation Judges effective January 1, 2011. The fee structure will be forwarded to all judges.