SCNA

Practice Judging

Every couple of months, we share a video of a bird along with an online SCNA scorecard. Members are invited to “judge” the bird just as they would at a real show. Licensed SCNA judges also score the bird and provide comments. Afterward, we post the results so you can see how your evaluation compares with others.

We also offer encourage our youth members to participate in this program. Youth members can participate fully, but we do not publish their names or scores publicly.

These judging videos are hosted on our website and also shared across our social media platforms so more members can join in.

Scores

How to Use a Scorecard

Read over the below explanation of score ranges. When you are watching the video of the bird, score it accordingly. When you have filled out the online scorecard, submit it and you are done! A copy of your scores will be emailed to you. When the scoring window has concluded (usually about a month) we will post the spreadsheet with scores for comparison and discussion. 

What Each Score Range Should Judge

TYPE — 0–15 points

Judges the bird’s overall shape, size, and balance. Higher scores go to birds that:

  • Have the correct silhouette for their Serama type

  • Look balanced and proportional

  • Show the classic upright Serama posture

Lower scores reflect birds that appear off‑balance, long‑bodied, or lacking correct type.

CHEST — 0–15 points

Judges chest size, shape, and carriage. High scores mean:

  • A full, rounded chest

  • Strong forward carriage

  • Good width and shape

Lower scores indicate a flat, narrow, or poorly carried chest.

TAIL — 0–15 points

Judges tail carriage, spread, and structure. High scores go to birds with:

  • Properly high tail angle

  • Good feather spread

  • Strong, clean structure

Lower scores reflect low tails, poor spread, or weak feather quality.

WINGS — 0–10 points

Judges wing position, size, and carriage. High scores mean:

  • Wings carried correctly (not too high, not dragging)

  • Proper length

  • Good feather condition

Lower scores indicate wings held incorrectly, too long/short, or damaged.

LEGS — 0–5 points

Judges leg length and structure. High scores go to birds with:

  • Correct Serama leg length

  • Straight, well‑structured legs

  • Proper stance

Lower scores reflect crooked legs, incorrect length, or poor stance.

APPEARANCE — 0–15 points

Judges health, vigor, cleanliness, feather structure, and condition. High scores mean:

  • Bright, healthy, alert bird

  • Clean feathers

  • Good feather quality and condition

Lower scores indicate poor grooming, dullness, or damaged feathers.

CHARACTER — 0–15 points

Judges personality, attitude, and calmness. High scores go to birds that:

  • Are calm and confident

  • Show classic Serama attitude

  • Handle the table well

Lower scores reflect nervous, flighty, or dull behavior.

PERFORMANCE — 0–10 points

Judges behavior typical for the bird’s sex.

Males:

  • Strutting

  • Wing flapping

  • Crowing

  • Showing off confidently

Females:

  • Walking proudly

  • Talking/chattering

  • Scratching

  • Showing calm, steady movement

Lower scores reflect birds that show little to no performance behavior.

Interested in becoming a licensed SCNA Judge?

We’re always looking to grow our panel of judges! Becoming a judge takes time, commitment, and some travel, but it’s a rewarding and worthwhile journey.

Applicants must be SCNA members for at least two years before beginning the process. Click the button below to visit the program page for full details and requirements.

If you have any questions, please contact the Judges Chair at judgeschair@scnaonline.org

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