FYI

As indicated,I consider posted Rose Show Winners an educational tool, viewed by Judges, exhibitors, and general public. Useful,only when information is correct. As judges we have certain obligations to exhibitors, just as critical are show schedules writers. Copying erroneous information at times is how errors generally starts. Writing a good Rose Show Schedule is where judging actually begins, judging them is where it should end.

After posting a list of ARS Rose Show Winners, received an e-mail, asking why several roses in there District�s novice class were noted as incorrect? Explaining the particular show schedule indicated, NOVICE CLASSES in there District were also eligible for Q, K, and P. Had the show schedule indicated NOVICE ENTRIES, are also eligible for Royalty Awards (Q, K, and P) would be correct.

There certainly is no problem with novices competing for awards in most classes, providing ARS Guidelines & Rules for Judging Roses are followed. Almost to a point of redundancy in the Guidelines, is this phrase, "while the final authority for a rose show is its own schedule, unless ARS awards are given, than rules governing these awards must be followed." It is not correct, having the same variety Hybrid Tea as King and also Princess, or the same variety Floribunda rose both Queen and on the court. Based on ARS Guidelines applicable to ARS National and District Rose shows, corrections were noted.

In National and District alphabetical shows, ARS Guidelines are very specific about judging the Court of Honor. The Queen, King and Princess are selected from the one-bloom-per-stem hybrid teas, climbing hybrid Teas and grandiflora classes. "It�s from these classes that the Queen, King and Princess of the show (and other members of the Royal Court) are chosen." In the final analysis of judging for the court, Guidelines note "The judge will no longer have others of the same variety as a gauge."

Namely, the best three roses of DIFFERENT VARIETIES in specific classes are eligible for the ARS Gold, Silver, and Bronze Metal Certificate Awards, for Queen King and Princess of the Show respectively. The number and titles of any additional specimens to make up a Court of Honor are at the discretion of the local show committee, with winners awarded ARS Certificates. The identical procedure is utilized when judging for ARS Metal Certificate Awards in the Floribunda Spray, Miniflora, and Miniature classes.