A judging school is being offered for AVSA members during the 2023 Atlanta convention. The school, taught by Jim Boyer, will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. It is geared to all levels and appropriate as a first-time judging school, to qualify for a certificate renewal, or simply as an interesting class for established judges to keep judging criteria up to date. The school will focus on judging an AVSA show.

Class will begin at 8:15 a.m. and last until 12:15 p.m. then break for lunch, with practice judging from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. After a short break, the exam will begin at 2:30 p.m. You must attend both sessions to take the exam. (Other than the 8:15 a.m. start, exact times may vary slightly.)

The exam has two parts: Complete Part 1 (50 points) at home as an open book test; you must turn it in at the beginning of class on May 31, 2023. Part 2 (40 points) is a classroom written test, plus point scoring of two specimen African violet plants (10 points). Part 1 of the exam will be emailed to each registered student on May 6, 2023 (USPS available on request).

You must present a current AVSA membership card and judge’s card (if already a judge) at the door. If you have your proof of three blue ribbons, that documentation should be presented. Since proof of three blue ribbons is currently being waived, you may take the exam; however, a judge’s card will not be issued until Jim Boyer is contacted and proof of three blue ribbons is presented. There are no requirements for those who wish to audit the school.

All students must bring a current copy of the AVSA Handbook for Growers, Exhibitors and Judges (14^th Edition, revised May 2022) to the school.

The $15 registration fee applies to all who attend the judging school, either to take the test or to audit the class.

Registration and payment for the Judging School occurs within the online Convention Registration process.

Do not send payment to the teacher. Registration and payment are due by May 4, 2023.