There must be three judges for each class, except in exceptional circumstances.

Each judge will mark all three sections of the Judging Criteria as follows:

a.       Programme Content  -  10 marks

1. The programme content conforms to the definitions for Heelwork to Music or Freestyle.
2. The programme should be varied with no excessive repetition of moves.
3. The movements of the dog should have a greater impact than those of the handler.
4. Movements should be appropriate to the structure and conformation of the dog.
5. Degree of difficulty of movements should be taken into account.

b.       Accuracy and Execution of Movement  -  10 marks

1. Movements are accurately and smoothly executed.
2. The accuracy of heel work must be taken into account.
3. The bearing and deportment of the handler is appropriate to the routine.
4. The dog should work in a natural  and willing manner.
5. The dog responds promptly and appropriately to the cues given.
6. Handler and dog should work as a team.
7. Any props used should be appropriate to the routine.

c.      Musical Interpretation  -  10 marks

1. Interpretation of the music, rhythm and phrasing is apparent.
2. The programme flows and is not a series of disjointed movements.
3. Movements are complimentary to the programme’s concept.
4. Handlers dress is applicable to the programme.
5. Emphasis of interpretation is on the dog’s movements although the handler may be expressive.
6. Choreography should be apparent and flowing. The routine should include balance, structure and making best use of available space.
7. The harmony and relationship should show the strength of the dog and handler partnership.
8. Handler and dog should work as a team.
9. Choice of music should suit the team.

New rules have been introduced for Heelwork to Music judges which will be included in the Regulations from 1 January 2007 but will not take effect until 1 January 2009.  Societies should where possible arrange judges that do meet the criteria but this will not be compulsory until 2009.

Wherever possible as many of the judges on the panel should have competed at and thus have practical experience of the level they are judging.  (With the exception of advanced classes where the judges should fulfil the judges criteria detailed below).

From 1 January 2009 new criteria will also need to be met as follows:

Societies must be satisfied that the following minimum conditions have been met for all judges for any Heelwork to Music/Freestyle class:

• All judges should have qualified a dog out of starters’ class in either Heelwork to Music or Freestyle classes and have a minimum of one years experience competing at Kennel Club licensed Heelwork to Music Competitions.
• Judges must demonstrate a good knowledge of the sport and a thorough understanding of the rules of the sport.
• Or otherwise be approved by the General Committee 

Advanced Class – Judges criteria

Qualification for judges for Advanced Heelwork to Music and Freestyle Classes

• Judges must demonstrate a good knowledge of the sport and a thorough understanding of Kennel Club Heelwork to Music Regulations L.
• A minimum of two years experience competing at Kennel Club licensed Heelwork to Music Competitions.
• A minimum of one years experience of judging at Kennel Club licensed Heelwork to Music Competitions and
• To have judged a minimum of 15 licensed Heelwork to Music/Freestyle classes and
• To have judged at intermediate level in either discipline.

Note: All judges who have been appointed to judge at Kennel Club licensed events prior to 1 January 2009 will retain the right to judge at the level they were previously approved to judge.

Note: Heelwork to Music handlers may judge Freestyle classes at the level they are approved to judge and vice versa.

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Heelwork to Music, Judging 

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