Judges Code of Ethics

The judge's responsibility is to arrive punctually and allow plenty of time after general commentary for feedback.

To study and research the schedule carefully, analysing the words, before the competition.

To judge every piece - any piece showing obvious disregard to the schedule to be marked to the current marking system with penalty points awarded. The competitor will not be placed or receive an award.

Never criticise another judge or their judgement. This should apply to both public commentary and private comments with competitors or other florists.

When attending a competition in a private capacity, a qualified judge must guard against being drawn into an expression of opinion, which could be contrary to that of the judge, or judges appointed for the occasion.

Loyalty between judges is essential.

Never to single out obviously poor floristry publicly. The job of the judge is to find the winner, not to discourage the beginner.

It is not ethical for a judge to know who the competitors are, with the exception of open judging. Every effort should be made by the steward and judge to see that there is nothing to identify the entries.

Judges may not enter or work on any floristry competition or exhibit that could qualify for an award.

Individual judges are responsible for retaining their mark sheets for three years. Judges to send in named mark sheets promptly to the UK Floristry Judges Guild after the competition.

At all times seeking to enhance the profile of the UK Floristry Judges Guild.

Training of floristry judges in the UK is the preserve of the UKFJG. If a member, or his/her associates, is found to be participating in the training of floristry judges, the member will be asked to leave the UKFJG Guild.

A member must obtain courtesy approval from the UKFJG Committee if they are to be involved in the training of a floristry competitor representing the UK.

A member must obtain courtesy approval from the UKFJG Committee if they are to be involved in the training of a floristry competitor representing another country.

Any relationship between a floristry competitor and a floristry judge should not in any way be beneficial or provide an advantage to a floristry competitor in UK competitions.

Generally, only the competitors will be allowed into the competition room for feedback. After all the competitors have received feedback, other visitors may enter the room.

The judge’s decision is final.

 

reviewed 19/10/2023

Safeguarding Policy  UKFJG                                                    

Schools, teaching and training institutions, and charities must have a safeguarding policy in place by law.  Safeguarding legislation applies to children under the age of 18 years and vulnerable adults (see definitions below).

The UKFJG is not a charity/teaching organisation, and nor do judges regularly come into contact with under 18-year olds and vulnerable adults.  However, this is not to diminish the importance of safeguarding and Judges must be mindful of safeguarding issues at all judging events.

The UKFJG safeguarding policy:

  • The UKFJG recognises its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect and bullying.
  • The UKFJG will raise awareness and promotion of welfare, safeguarding and child protection with all UKFJG judges so that they are engaged with providing a safe environment for all competitors and judges, in line with the event organisers responsibilities
  • The organiser of the competition event should endeavour to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect competitors and judges, stewards from harm and everyone should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment.
  • The UKFJG recognises that safeguarding is the responsibility of all. All Judges (paid or unpaid) working at the competition event have a responsibility to report concerns to the event organisers Designated Safeguarding Person, within 48 hours of any concern being identified, unless it is regarded as a ‘high risk’ disclosure when reporting must be immediate.  Any incidents should also be reported to the Chair of the UKFJG as safeguarding lead.

 

Specific consideration should be given to the following:

  • The UKFJG encourage you not to be in the competition room alone with a competitor - a steward or organiser should always be present during feedback
  • The UKFJG encourage you not to use social media to communicate with a competitor prior to an event/regarding a competition
  • The UKFJG encourage you not to travel to a competition event with a competitor who is under 18 or a vulnerable adult
  • The UKFJG encourage you not to stay in the same hotel room with a competitor.  When Judges and competitors are at the same location then a professional stance should always be maintained.

Our definitions

For the purposes of UKJFG Safeguarding Policy, we recognise the following definitions:

Child / young person/ young people

The legal definition of a child or young person within the Children Act 1989 is anyone under the age of 18 years. In addition, any young person under 24 years with learning difficulties and / or disabilities is legally defined as a child. We would use this term to define our competitors.

Vulnerable adult

A vulnerable adult can be defined as someone who requires additional support to carry out everyday tasks due to physical disability or learning difficulties / disabilities, where their support needs render them open to exploitation.

 reviewed 19/10/2023