Summary: Ring Stewards: The Unsung Heroes of the Dog Show<br> Kevin Ellingson, member of the <a href="https://www.sites.google.com/site/professionalstewardsca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Professional Stewards Association of Northern California</a>, started ring stewarding in 2006 as a way to learn more about the sport while his wife was showing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels .<br> <br> Ellingson said a couple of the most important things he learned when he started stewarding were to “respect the judge's time and that judges are people too.”<br> <br> “Ring stewards are ambassadors to the dog show world,” Ellingson said. “For new exhibitors, stewards may well be their first contact with the sport.”<br> <br> From the PSANC website:<br> <br> “A good dog show steward makes the work of judging a dog show easier by relieving the judge of unnecessary details. By assembling classes promptly, one will be able to keep the judging on schedule and eliminate, to a large extent, delays between classes.<br> Main Professional Steward duties:<br> <br> * Hand out armbands and mark absentees<br> * Confirm with the judge the procedures that s/he wish to see carried out<br> * Assemble classes promptly and check to see that those entering the ring are wearing the correct armband<br> * Keep an eye on the clock to make sure the judge is on time<br> * Keep an accurately marked catalog noting placements, absentees and disqualifications<br> * Prepare ribbon and trophy awards for each class<br> * Keep the ring neat and clean, watching to make sure everything is running smoothly<br> * Assist exhibitors (new, experienced, or professional) to make them comfortable and at ease; treat all exhibitors professionally and with courtesy and respect (be cautious to not be too familiar with exhibitors to ensure professionalism)<br> * Contact show photographer, superintendent, or AKC Representative as needed<br> * In general, it is your duty to make the experience efficient and pleasurable for everyone.”<br> <br> Learn more about this critical role at the dog shows. Ellingson provides a rundown of all the jobs the steward handles and why exhibitors should always be nice to the ring steward.<br> <br>
