ALSA Youth Judging Program

     The Youth Judging Program program is available for Juniors, Intermediates, and Senior ALSA members. The purpose of the Youth Judging Program is to increase the awareness of our Youth Members as to the correct conformation of llamas and alpacas, correct showmanship techniques, and correct performance in an Obstacle Class which will benefit them as exhibitors and breeders.

     During the Judging Class, the youth will judge one or two halter classes, one showmanship class and one obstacle class. The Intermediate and Senior Youth will give oral reasons for one Halter Class and the Juniors will take a written test. There is a possibility of fifty points available for each class including Oral Reasons or Questions. The ALSA Office will provide the written test made up of random questions submitted by ALSA Judges.

     The top finishers will qualify for the Regional Championship. A team of 4 Youth Judges will be picked in order of points earned at each Regional Championship to attend the Grand National to compete for the title of National Champion Youth Judges (Junior, Intermediate, and Senior categories). 

     The Classes are held in conjunction with an ALSA show or a stand-alone event. In order to prepare the Youth for the contest, a Youth Judging Clinic can be held. These clinics can be taught by a certified ALSA Judge. The Youth are not required to attend a clinic. They certainly can be instructed by a parent or Youth Leader.

     All youth participating must be ALSA Youth Members.  A Youth Judging Manual is available from the ALSA office.. This manual, a smaller version of the Adult manual, plus the ALSA Handbook will contain the information needed to make informed decisions when participating in Youth Judging classes.  When planning to participate in a Youth Judging Class at a show, be sure to have your clipboard and pencils with you.