Code of behavior for Dutch judges:“Ordered to be quiet!“
The Dutch federation KNHS sent out a letter this week to all Dutch judges inviting them to sign a code of behavior. Not only the appendix „(…) to ensure your engagement as an official from April 1 onwards“ leads to controversy.
Templates for social media postings
The content of the letter itself gives the judges hard feelings. Examples of good and bad social media postings are listed in the letter (the original). Here are some of them:
What is considered a good posting
– „Nice judging in Harmelen today, I am hoping for great pairs in the ring!“
– „What a nice show today, the performances were a bit mixed but I could enjoy some gorgeous pairs!“
– „Judging in Nijkerk today. Sun is shining, I am looking forward to it. Good luck to all competitors.“
And examples of bad postings
– „Had a terrible horse in the ring today, a real bad pair!“
– „Today, I judged a rider who I wanted to tell to stop riding!“
– „A day in the life of a judge: what a chaos. Bad footing, canceled tests and I had no coffee.“
Judges react
The independent association of judges „Stichting Hippische Juryleden (SHJ)“ reacted immediately. They claimed to have been „unpleasantly surprised“ and see the code of behavior as a violation of judges‘ freedom of speech.
In the meantime, an inquiry has been launched to find out whether the code of behavior is justified.
Members of the SHJ want to meet with the president of the KNHS to discuss the code of behavior. They are open to developing a code together that serves both parties.
Source: dehoefslag.nl
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