BEHIND THE JUDGE'S
SCORESHEET
2026
November 7-8
See the Runs
Through A
Different Lense
Have You Ever Thought About Judging?
You know what it’s like to walk into the arena. You’ve handled dogs, worked livestock and experienced the run from inside the arena. But have you ever wondered what it looks like from the judge’s chair?
For many experienced handlers, judging may be something they’ve considered, but questions about scoring, livestock control, what a judge is watching and how decisions are made can make taking that next step feel uncertain. Behind the Judge’s Scorecard is an opportunity to remove some of that mystery.
This exploratory clinic does not confirm judging credentials or replace any required education, approval, or certification process.
See The Run Through A Different Lense
Through actual runs, observation and open discussion, participants will explore:
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What the Judge Sees: What is being evaluated beyond simply completing the course
Understanding the Scorecard: How the work taking place in the arena is reflected in the different scoring areas
Control of Livestock: What control looks like and how moments of lost or regained control affect the overall run
Reading the Stock: How pressure, draws, movement and livestock behavior influence what happens
The Complete Picture: Looking at the relationship between dog, handler and livestock
Behind the Score: Understanding why certain moments influence a judge’s evaluation
Then You Get To Take The Judge's Seat
Watch the run. Work through the scorecard. Make your observations. Then hear from the judge about what they saw, what influenced their decisions and how the work in the arena translated to the score.
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Where did your observations align?
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What did you see differently?
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What did you notice once you stopped watching as a handler and started watching from the judge’s perspective?
Could Judging Be Your Next Step?
You don’t have to know the answer before you come. Maybe you’ve thought about becoming a judge for years. Maybe someone has told you that you should consider it. Maybe your’re simply curious about what happens on the other side of the scorecard.
Come find out. No commitment. No expectations that you pursue judging afterward. Just an opportunity to ask questions, gain insight and discover whether sitting in the judge’s chair might be something you’d like to explore further.
Sometimes The Next Great Judge Is Already At The Arena Gate
Behind the Judge’s Scorecard is an exploratory educational session designed to provide insight into the judging perspective. It is not a judging certification and does not replace any required judge education, approval or certification process.
Meet Your Clinican
Steve Shope
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Steve joined ASCA in the early 90's and is passionate about the sport of working dogs. Steve is a stockdog judge, stockdog trainer and clinician here in the USA and abroad, he also created the Stockdog 101 Video. Steve is passionate about education in reading the stock, how to effectively control livestock, in addition to helping the handler see the bigger picture of the relationship between the handler and dog and how their teamwork affects their run and scoresheet.
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Who Should Attend?
The clinic welcomes all breeds and all experience levels.
Whether you're building a foundation, overcoming training challenges, or preparing for stockdog competition, the instruction is designed to meet you where you are and help you take the next step.
Hosted at Arizona Working Aussies
Arizona Working Aussies is proud to partner with respected handler, trainer, and judge Steve Shope to bring this exceptional educational opportunities to the stockdog community. Our mission is to provide quality livestock, outstanding facilities, and meaningful learning experiences that help handlers and their dogs grow together.
Run | Watch | Score | Discuss
Bring your dog and run a course. Watch fellow participants, independently complete practice scoresheets, and compare observations with the clinician, Steve Shope, through open discussion. Explore livestock response, control, handling decisions, and how every point is earned.
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Limited to 10 participants for $300 includes both days.
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*Limited Auditing Available $300 includes both days.
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No discounts for single days.
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Includes: breakfast and lunch each day, ASCA Stockdog Program Rule Book, journal for notes and water bottle.