During a Shadow Apprentice assignment, you should follow the Judge of Record throughout the judging process.

This includes participating in:

• Course design and course setting.
• Reviewing the course before judging begins.
• Observing dog and handler teams.
• Recognizing indications and changes of behavior.
• Identifying potential deductions.
• Learning appropriate timing and scoring procedures.
• Observing how the Judge of Record manages the search area.
• Considering how rules apply to situations that occur during runs.
• Discussing judging decisions with the Judge of Record.

The goal is to begin thinking like a judge even though you are not yet responsible for the official decision.