From: Jerry Schinberg <aagrmgshow@wowway.com>
Sent: August 24, 2010 12:59 PM
To: Showmanagers, Judges, and apprentices.
Subject: Response
In response to feedback, both public and private, that we have received regarding an incident at last weekend's All American Grooming Show, following is an attempt to clear the air.
It is unfortunate that we have not been given the benefit of the doubt and an opportunity to state our position, especially by those in the industry that we hold in high esteem. . . USA Sanctioned Judges.
With regard to support for United ShowManagers Alliance Judges, we totally stand behind any and all decisions, popular or otherwise, made by our Judges in the Contest Ring. By the same token, we expect our Judges, as representatives sanctioned by the USA, to behave in a professional manner at our Shows even when not on the judging panel.
The United ShowManagers Alliance has Grievance Policies in place for Competitors relating to other Competitors, Judging, even Show Management, but not relating to spectators. When issues arise regarding spectators, it is up to Show Management to handle the situations as best they can.
There were several cases of disruptive behavior ringside (e.g. very active children, photo-taking, etc.) wherein the offenders were asked to desist from such behavior and/or leave the area.
Two of our impaneled judges alerted us to ringside discussions between Sarah Hawks, a spectator and guest of Show Management, Irina Pinkusevich, a spectator working with a vendor, and some of the USA judges who had assignments that weekend. These ringside discussions were both distracting and intimidating for more than one competitor.
Ann Stafford, the Contest Manager, privately asked Irina to excuse herself from the ring area while the GroomTeam competition was in progress. Then Jerry Schinberg, yours truly the Show Manager, joined Ann and privately asked Sarah to do the same. Both were treated the same as other spectators who were causing a disturbance/distraction to our Competitors; our primary obligation is to our Competitors and Judging Panel, not the spectators.
No one was banned from the Competition arena. The requests were polite and discreet and no offense was intended by Show Management.
After these requests were made, Sarah pursued the issue with me but she was unwilling or unable to discuss the matter in a civil tone, so I could not carry on a conversation with her. Her ensuing texting and blogging on Facebook further exemplified incredibly unprofessional behavior, a source of embarrassment for both her and us. There was never any intent to demean Sarah’s or Irina’s integrity or knowledge.
USA Form #16, Judge's Request for Status Change, allows Judges to amend their status, whether it be to become inactive, to reactivate, or to resign. If any of our current Judges feel a moral imperative to use this instrument, it would be unethical for them not to follow through, although their expertise would be sadly missed in the USA Contest Arena. The form can be submitted on-line or downloaded and faxed/mailed.
We hope this does not come to pass, but we also hope “the other side of the story” has clarified the situation for you. The USA Board has worked long and hard to try to bring some order and consistency to the world of Grooming Competitions and will continue to promote professionalism in our industry.
To access the official USA Incident Report, Policy Statement regarding Board Support of USA Judges, and/or the Judge’s Request for Status Change Form, go to our website, www.unitedshowmanagersalliance.com.