Geoff Duffield Must Not Be Banned From Judging!

Geoff Duffield, one of the best and most honest of judges, has suffered a KC ban from judging until December 2020. This is because he submitted false statements regarding the number of dogs he had judged at Open Show level for first time judging appointments. Geoff freely admitted the error, explaining it was a mistake rather than a deliberate act of dishonesty.

I have watched Geoff judged on many, many occasions and have always been impressed by his attitude in the ring, his knowledge and his encouraging behaviour towards newcomers. He has consistently shown exceptional support to the Open Show circuit and invariably attracts good entries. The KC Ban is out of all proportion to the offense, especially considering penalties issued to other judges who have fallen foul of the system. Not only will Geoff suffer three years away from the sport to which he has given a lifetime of support, but exhibitors and shows will be denied his knowledge at a time when dog shows in general are in dire need of a boost.

We call for the Kennel Club to review this penalty and to issue one that is more appropriate for a man who has made, and admitted, to making mistakes. We suggest a warning would be sufficient penalty.

Here is Geoff's very open and honest statement (as it has appeared on Facebook).

"This is a very hard and distressing statement to make. I have just received notice from the Kennel Club that I have been banned from judging at any event licensed by the Kennel Club until 31 December 2020.
The Kennel Club Have upheld their complaint that I submitted inaccurate submission(inaccurate judging figures) for first time judging appointments between September 2015 and February 2017.
I admitted the charge but pointed out that my submissions were honest mistakes due to misplaced catalogues whereby I had to estimate my details.
As a consequence I have 'behaved discrediting and prejudicially to the interests of the canine world'.
I offer my sincere apologies to all those clubs that kindly offered me appointments from which I now must withdraw. I am a so sorry to all those people who will be disappointed in me.
I pride myself in my honesty. We are all human. I should have been more professional in maintaining correct judging rhecords but maintain that all incorrect submissions were unintentional mistakes.
I feel devastated. I am so sorry to anyone who feels disappointed in me. Sincerely."