Our training is supposed to be universal. We are suppose to be able to evaluate anything and score accordingly. But on occasion an expert in a field, say Ken Roberts, will have a little more knowledge and offer up some valued info. But as a judge it is up to us, using experience and our own knowledge to realize when a good, valid point is being made and when it is just BS.
But let me point out this, today on my team we had a judge from Ohio, two from Michigan, one from Toronto and me from New York, via Florida and now in Michigan. We all came out of different centers, had slightly different training, and grow different things. Yet we scored that Paphiopedilum 81, 83, 83, 85, and 86. The average of 83.6 going to 84 shows you that in this case the system worked. We all arrived at a similar score. A point here or there is nothing! We have to score within a 6 point range. If we don't we are given the direction to rescore. If it is still more then 6 points, the plant goes to another team.
I hope I have helped you with your questions but I take this very seriously. I'll freely admit to being a timid judge in the beginning, maybe rating myself a C-. But now after 23 years in the program I feel that I am a solid A to A+. I eat, sleep, drink orchids and I love to share my insights.
I know it may put some people off by intimidation perhaps but I can't worry about that. If I can help one person realize what makes a better orchid and how to grow a better plant, I go to sleep feeling like I have really helped some one to understand.
