The role of the WDF delegate

The WDF delegate is the official representative of the WDF World Federation at each recognised show, with a role of supervision, control, validation, intervention, and reporting for the proper conduct of the judging and compliance with the regulations.

He is not a judge and does not influence the judges’ expert decisions, but he holds superior authority over procedures, discipline, compliance with the rules, and administrative decisions.

1. CONTROL OF THE SHOW’S ORGANISATION

The WDF delegate:

✔ checks before the start:

• the layout of the rings
• their dimensions
• the type of surface (in accordance with Art. 24 – sloping, gravel, or slippery surfaces are not permitted)
• the presence of the mandatory equipment:
  • measuring stick
  • tape measure
  • microchip reader

✔ confirms that the appointed judges are those approved

no changes are permitted without the delegate’s approval.

2. SUPERVISION OF THE JUDGING

The WDF delegate monitors:

✔ the correct application of the regulations

✔ the correct structuring of the classes

✔ adherence to the schedule and proper conduct

✔ compliance by the judges with the WDF judging standards

The delegate may stop, correct, or adjust administrative procedures if irregularities arise.

3. INTERVENTION IN SPECIAL CASES (MANDATORY)

The delegate intervenes mandatorily in the following situations:

A. DSQ – Disqualification

In accordance with Art. 16:

When a judge decides on the disqualification of a dog, the delegate must:

✔ be called into the ring immediately

✔ take:

• the judging form (judgment form)
• the dog’s booklet / qualification booklet

✔ confirm the procedure and the reasons for the DSQ

✔ send the documents to the WDF for disciplinary review

B. Incorrect data / class changes

The delegate may:

✔ change the dog’s class on the spot if the data are erroneous

(e.g., wrong sex, age, variety, size)
— in accordance with Art. 6.

✔ avoid the exclusion of the dog by correcting the class, where possible.

C. NJ – Not Judgable

When a judge awards N.J.:

✔ the delegate may decide whether the evaluation is allowed to be resumed

(e.g., if the problem was momentary: fear, panic, incorrect handling by the handler)

D. Bitches in season / medical issues

The delegate:

✔ decides whether these may participate or not

(except in evidently prohibited cases)

E. Disciplinary incidents

In accordance with Art. 34–35, the delegate may:

✔ sanction or exclude on the spot:

• aggressive handlers
• persons who contest the judge
• persons who insult or disturb the order
• unsportsmanlike behaviour

✔ report immediately to the WDF in the “Delegate’s Report”.

4. VERIFICATION OF JUDGMENTS AND TITLES

The delegate:

✔ confirms the correctness of CAJC, CAC, CACIB, BOB, JBOB, BBR

before the secretariat ratifies them.

✔ may invalidate titles if he observes irregularities

(e.g., a dog in the wrong class, inappropriate behaviour, false documents)

5. VERIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS AND IDENTIFICATION

The WDF delegate has the authority to check:

✔ the microchip

✔ the booklet / pedigree

✔ the exact age

✔ the dog’s provenance

✔ the registration in the register

He intervenes if the following is discovered:

• a non-existent microchip
• a non-matching identity
• suspicious documents

6. RESOLUTION OF COMPLAINTS

In accordance with Art. 36:

The delegate:

✔ receives complaints in writing

✔ carries out checks on the spot

✔ takes an immediate decision

(if the complaint concerns the current procedure)

✔ refers more complex cases to:

• the WDF Disciplinary Commission
• the WDF Technical Bureau

7. SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY OVER THE RING

The delegate may:

✔ suspend the judging temporarily

(e.g., double presentation, shouting, unsportsmanlike behaviour)

✔ request a change of ring if it becomes unsafe

(slippery surface, dangerous objects)

✔ check the work of the ring stewards

(the correctness of the completion of the forms, the numbers, etc.)

8. FINAL OFFICIAL REPORT

After the show:

✔ the delegate completes the “Delegate’s Report”

(which reaches the WDF headquarters)

It contains:

• disciplinary incidents
• DSQ cases
• technical irregularities
• observations about the judges
• organisational problems
• recommendations

This report may lead to sanctions or revisions of the regulation.

FINAL SUMMARY – The role of the WDF delegate in 1 sentence

The WDF delegate is the controlling authority at the show, responsible for supervising the correct application of the regulations, validating procedures, intervening in special cases, resolving incidents, and reporting to the federation.