In 2009, the miniature rose �Renegade� was unfortunately listed in ARS judging publications as a single when it should be a double, causing some unfair judging incidents involving exhibitors. Registered since 11-17-2008, I decided it was time someone inform ARS, Judges, Hybridizer, etc. that ARS 2010 Handbook for Selecting Roses etc has �incorrectly listed �Renegade� as a single. Exactly one year and one day today, on 9-14-2009 ARS changed �Renegade� in MR 12 database to a double.

Along with the correction, asked a simple question. "Why�s the rose exhibitor always the loser when ARS makes mistakes?" Maybe the question asked should have read, "Why�s the rose exhibitor always the loser when mistakes appear in ARS judging publications? While the question may be subjective to individual interpretation, paranoid quickly set in, and ARS responded with posts explaining that "ARS did not make the mistake". The fact is no one ever suggested ARS made a mistake, listing Renegade as a single. As for the exhibitor, he could care less whom or what caused the mistake, but judges DQ �Renegade� because it was listed in ARS publications as a single.

Just when I thought the �Renegade� issue was history, in reviewing ARS 2011 Handbook for Selecting Roses forces me bring it back into the news, much less, for the same reason as before. Inform ARS, Judges, Hybridizer, etc. that ARS 2011 Handbook for Selecting Roses etc has �Renegade� incorrectly listed as a single. Along with the original question of "Why�s the rose exhibitor always the loser when ARS makes mistakes?" Subjective interpretation no longer applies, what�s required now, is a correction to an ARS mistake in the "2011 Handbook for Selecting Roses".

No doubt a rebuttal will follow, explaining the Handbook IS NOT intended for judges, exhibitors, or advanced rose growers, it�s for a different purpose. Primarily for people looking for roses they can find and grow. Some judges must be taking the editor�s comment seriously. Because in 2010 and 2011, �Renegade� listed as a single, managed to win Mini King in 2010 and Mini Queen in 2011 at National Miniature Rose Shows.

Until ARS announces a change, judges must follow Guidelines and use ARS official publication including the 2011 Handbook. At times, judges adhering to ARS Guidelines must make philosophically unpopular but correct decisions, by choosing between the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. "If a DQ is involved there are no exceptions to the rule, the judge must DQ the entry."