PREFACE

The Handbook on Judging, hereinafter referred to as the Handbook, is the official policy statement of the AOS regarding the operation of its judging system. It is published on the AOS website and in OrchidPro.

Changes to the Handbook, as adopted from time to time by the JC with the approval of the Board of Trustees, are published on the AOS website and in OrchidPro. These changes become effective once published.

Observance of the rules stated herein is mandatory upon AOS judges as well as show officials and individual exhibitors. Failure to observe the rules may result in disqualification of judges from service, of shows from the privilege of offering AOS judging, or of exhibitors from eligibility to receive AOS awards. All judges are required to maintain continuous AOS membership, thereby maintaining access to OrchidPro and the current edition of the Handbook as published.

The current revision incorporates changes approved by the JC and the BOT up to April 15, 2024.

The following substantive changes make up the April 15, 2024 edition:

1.3 Added the Lincoln, CA additional site to California-Sierra Nevada Judging Center

4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3 changes made to comply with the new self-paced program, voted on by the BOT April 4, 2024

6.3 removed mention of photographer and photograph in Special Annual Awards

6.3.1.3 removed Catasetinae from the list of potential categories.

6.3.2.24 added The Fred Clarke Catasetinae Award

6.4.4.3.b This line was meant to be removed in the last update, as it no longer applies to the new score card system put in place in November 2023. (b) The award shall be given only upon the unanimous decision of the judging team assigned.)

Respectfully submitted:
David Edgley, Chair, Judging Committee 
Laura Newton, Chair, JHTF
April 15, 2024.