AMERICAN GOURD SOCIETY PO BOX 2186 KOKOMO, IN 46904
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Training Judges

Step 1: Sign-up for Initial Judge Training
  • Notify American Gourd Society by email so you can be added to next class list ([email protected]) 
  • We will confirm your AGS membership
  • We will bill you for the cost of the personalized name badge.
Step 2: Complete the following
  • Pre-reading assignments (see below)
  • Attend Zoom classes and actively participate
  • Score 80 or higher on the Post-test
Upon successful completion you are an Apprentice Judge.

  • 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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Step 3: How the Apprentice Judge Gets Certified
  1. Works as a Clerk or Judge at an AGS-Judged gourd competition within 2 years of becoming an Apprentice Judge. 
  2. Submits Judges Activity Reporting Form​​
  3. ​Participates in Continuing Education program(s) of your choice
  4. Submits Judges Activity Reporting Form
​Upon completion of these requirements your personalized Certified Judge Name Badge will be created and mailed to you.


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© 2025 American Gourd Society, Inc. All rights reserved. The American Gourd Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
  • Home
  • Join
    • Standard Membership-2025
    • Auto Renewal Membership
    • CA+International Membership
  • Chapters
    • Chapter Development & Support
    • Recruitment + Retention
  • Magazine
    • Quarterly Contest
    • Featured Artists
    • Back Issues
  • Calendar
  • Education
  • Gourd Growing Tutorials
    • Manipulated Gourd Tutorials
    • Sellers: Seeds, Gourds
    • Growing
    • Harvesting
  • Crafting Techniques
    • Pyrography
    • Carving
    • Crafting Resources
    • Crafting Tutorials
  • About
  • Judging
    • Continuing Education for Judges
    • Judges Activity Reporting Forms
    • Competition Scoring Forms for Judges & Clerks
    • Training Apprentice Judges
  • Artistry Award
  • Jim Story Award 2026
  • History of Gourds Around the World