Judges Application


The World Butchers’ Challenge invites participating countries to submit nominations for officiating roles at the 2028 event.

Appointment as a Judge/Steward is one of the highest forms of representation within the competition. These roles carry significant responsibility and are central to the fairness, consistency and integrity of the World Butchers’ Challenge.

Each country may submit nominations through a single application process, including a CV and brief bio for each nominee. All nominees must be willing and capable of serving as either a Judge or a Steward. Final appointments and role allocations will be determined by the Head Judge in consultation with the Judge Executives, based on professionalism, impartiality, relevant experience and the operational requirements of each event.


WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN NOMINATING

Countries are encouraged to put forward individuals who reflect the highest standards of conduct, technical credibility and professional judgement.

A suitable nominee should be able to assess competitors fairly, objectively and consistently, applying competition standards without bias or external influence. Judges are expected to evaluate technical skill, product quality, innovation, presentation and adherence to competition rules with accuracy and professionalism. Stewards are expected to support the judging process by observing competition areas, monitoring compliance and reporting verified concerns or breaches.

Nominees should also be capable of operating calmly in a high pressure international competition environment, communicating professionally, maintaining confidentiality and upholding the reputation of the World Butchers’ Challenge at all times.


KEY QUALITIES OF A STRONG NOMINEE

  • Impartiality and integrity
    Nominees must be able to make decisions based on observation and evidence alone. Any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest must be declared. Officials must avoid any conduct that could reasonably be perceived as favouritism.

  • Professional credibility
    This is a visible and important officiating role. Nominees should be respected in their field and able to represent both their country and the competition with professionalism and sound judgement.

  • Relevant experience
    Countries should consider individuals with strong judging experience, sound technical knowledge and the ability to apply competition criteria consistently.

  • Respect for process
    Nominees must be able to work within official judging structures, follow direction from the Head Judge and Judge Executives, and support a fair and orderly competition environment.

  • Confidentiality and discretion
    Judging materials, scoresheets, deliberations, discussions and outcomes are strictly confidential. Officials must not disclose internal information or comment publicly on scoring, deliberations or competition outcomes unless expressly authorised.


ROLE AVAILABILITY
All individuals appointed must complete pre-event training covering competition rules, scoring systems, judging criteria and the WBC Code of Conduct.

Training will be delivered through multiple virtual sessions via video conferencing, commencing approximately six months prior to the competition. Attendance is a mandatory condition of appointment.

All appointees will also be required to sign the Code of Conduct and confidentiality requirements as a condition of appointment.


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To nominate an individual for consideration, each country must submit:

  • A current CV

  • A brief bio outlining relevant experience and credentials

  • Any additional information considered relevant to the nominee’s suitability for an officiating role


SELECTION PROCESS
The Head Judge and Judge Executives will review all submissions and determine appointments for judging and stewarding roles across each competition. A nominee may be appointed as a Judge in one competition and a Steward in another, depending on the needs of the event.