The late comedian, Rodney Dangerfield, used this line referring to himself and he was very funny. But it is not funny when judges on the camera club circuit are not given proper respect. Judging is a thankless task and judges spend time and expense to provide a needed service to camera clubs. When camera club members fail to appreciate the contribution made by judges, it sours the competition environment. Certainly there are weak judges and certainly camera club members who do not win ribbons will be disappointed, but there is never a place for rudeness and disrespect toward judges.

Recently a NVACC judge visited a Virginia Club and upon arrival was informed that the theme was macro. When he eliminated images that were not macro, members were irritated and the following day the club president sent an e-mail to other clubs warning them about that judge.

Last year I judged at a Maryland Club and eliminated images that were sloppily matted. Some members became irritated and rude and the evening was a very unpleasant experience. I will never again visit that club for any reason.

At another Virginia club a very nice lady drove a long distance in order to judge. The members were restrained during her judging, but as soon as she left cruel remarks were made about her simply because she did not give lengthy comments as to why she made her choices.

Competitions are stressful - - stressful for the competitors, stressful for the competition VP, and certainly stressful for the judge. Regardless of the stress, there is a need for respect - - respect for the competitors, respect for the club and its rules, and, yes, even respect for the judge.

Joseph  Miller