AMERICAN GOURD SOCIETY PO BOX 2186 KOKOMO, IN 46904
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Training Apprentice & Certified Judges
What is an Apprentice Judge?
Upon completion of the initial judge training course and post-test you are an Apprentice Judge.
Initial Judge Training Course
AGS Certified Judge Instructors offer the initial judge training class either in person or online (live via Zoom). The online course is divided into two 3-hour sessions (on different days). They are recorded and may be viewed offline. A Post-test is conducted online following the classes.
  • Pre-Reading Assignments
  1. 2023 AGS Judging Handbook
  2. AGS Judging by Category Guidelines
  3. Detailed Judging Form
  • ​Optional Reading
  1. Gourd ID Chart
  2. Definitions for Competitions
  3. Measuring Raw Gourds
  4. Rank Scoring: Easier and Faster article(Summer 2024)
  5. ​​Judging Criteria article (Summer 2022)
  6. Judging Overall Appearance article (Winter 2022)
  7. Judging Craftsmanship & Degree of Difficulty (Spring 2023)

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How Does an Apprentice Judge Get Certified?
  1. Works as a Clerk or Judge at an AGS-Judged gourd competition within 2 years of becoming an Apprentice Judge. 
  2. Submits Judge/Clerk Activity form​
  3. Participates in a Continuing Education Activity or Refresher class within 2 years of becoming an Apprentice Judge
  4. ​​Submits Continuing Education Activity form
​Upon completion of these requirements your personalized Certified Judge Name Badge will be created and mailed to you.

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  • Home
  • Join
    • Standard Membership-2025
    • Auto Renewal Membership
    • CA+International Membership
  • Magazine
    • Quarterly Contest
    • Back Issues
  • Chapters
  • Calendar
  • Education
  • Gourd Growing Tutorials
    • Manipulated Gourd Tutorials
    • Sellers: Seeds, Gourds
    • Growing
    • Harvesting
  • Crafting Techniques
    • Pyrography
    • Crafting Resources
    • Crafting Tutorials
  • Judging
    • Competition Scoring Forms for Judges & Clerks
    • Training Apprentice & Certified Judges
    • Judges Activity Reporting Forms
    • List of Judge Instructors
  • Artistry Award
  • Jim Story Award
    • JSA-Eligibility/Entry
  • History of Gourds Around the World
  • About
  • Judging