The IBC maintains an extensive group of certified Judges who are available to apply the current exhibition standards at IBC-sanctioned shows the world over.  Please find below our current list of Judges and Apprentices (judges-in-training).

Apprentice List →
Certified Judges List→

If you wish to become an IBC Judge, please review Chapter 3 “IBC Judges” in the IBC Exhibition Standards.

Before starting the Apprentice Judge program, an IBC member must within a two (2) year period either: A) Participate in showing bettas bred by the exhibitor and place in the Group A regular open classes of betta splendens in at least 2 IBC sanctioned shows – at least 3 total places must be earned in the shows; or B) Place in the top 20 during any show year. (Awards in Arts & Crafts, Wild Type bettas, or New Breeder or Purchased groups will not count for pre-requisitions.)

Apprenticeship Application Form

This form should be filled out and submitted to a member of the Judging Board or to their representative prior to the start of the first apprentice event.  An Apprentice has three years from the official start date to complete the training.

All current and future IBC Certified Judges are certified for lifetime, provided that they judge shows at least every two years (or place in the top 10 year end awards), that their IBC membership does not lapse for more than sixty (60) days, or their certification has not been revoked. All Certified Judges are strongly encouraged to frequently review the IBC Judging Standards and to keep themselves aware of betta developments, including wild types.

Code of Ethics for IBC Judges

IBC Judges, apprentices, and those who would become judges must adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, discretion, and diligence. They must always remember that they represent the club in its most public activities and that the club is judged favorably or unfavorably by their actions. The following, while not all-inclusive, is a basic guideline.

  • Proficiency — a judge must continue to develop his or her proficiency and knowledge of the betta and the published Standards by which we judge.
  • Diligence — a judge must always judge fairly and strictly by the Standards, putting his or her personal preferences aside.
  • Withdrawal — a judge must withdraw from judging in any situation that would constitute an impropriety or the appearance of an impropriety.
  • Discretion — a judge must approach problems and disputes fairly and with discretion while seeking appropriate channels for resolutions, including those within the Judging Board and Executive Board, rather than simply publicly airing a grievance.
  • Teaching — a judge should share his or her knowledge not only with other judges and apprentices, but with the membership as well.
  • IBC Improvement — a judge should always be seeking ways to improve the Standards and other rules, procedures, and methods by which the IBC exists and propose appropriate changes in accordance with the IBC Constitution.