Captain or no captain?

[GusRobin]

This Saturday I am going to a KCBS judge's class to become a certified judge (wife thinks I am already certifiable but that is a different story). After the class in done, they are offering a class to be certified as a Table Captain. Looks like it is only an extra 1 1/2 to 2 hours since I am already there (closest classes are 1 hour away) Is that worth it or is a Captain's task just a pain in the a$$?

[beefmann]

go for the captain chair since your already there,,, the  extra cert can always come in handy  even if you  do not use it all the time...

Good luck Gus

[classicrockgriller]

Go for it. You might pick some a few secrets.

Congratulations!

[GusRobin]

Go for it. You might pick some a few secrets.

Maybe, but it won't do me any good because what happens in Tuscumbia AL stays in Tuscumbia. (that's where the class is being held) ;D

[OU812]

Heck,,,,,,,I thought this thread was gonna be about Rum  ;D

Have fun Gus

[KyNola]

I would take the Table Captain class. Had they offered it at the same time they offered the CBJ class that I took I would have taken both of them.

[squirtthecat]

I would take the Table Captain class. Had they offered it at the same time they offered the CBJ class that I took I would have taken both of them.

Ditto.   You're already there.


Tip:  Eat a light breakfast...   ;)

[iceman]

JUST DO IT!!!  ;)

[TMB]

Go for it Gus, it would be great to know someone that judges instead of cooking and not knowing. 

[Habanero Smoker]

The Table Captain Certification is alright, thought it has its pro and cons. I don't know why most become table captains, some judges I have come across that have the Table Captain Certification are generally people who have allegeries and/or don't like BBQ, but become a Table Captain to have something to share with their partner who has a passion for BBQ. Others felt getting the certification would be fun to have.

You get two badges, the blue one sticks out, that is the Table Captain badge. If there are not enough volunteer CBJ's who want to be Table Captain; you being a Certified Table Captain and if the Reps know this; your chances are the Reps will make the Certified Table Captains move to that position, before moving a judge with only a CBJ. I'm not certified Table Captain, but have been a Table Captain many times. It can be a thankless job, because if you are not a working Table Captain, you don't get any food you present to the table. On the other hand, if there is extra food in your box or from other tables it is place on a "grazing" table and you often get to sample from a greater variety.

If you want to be a Table Captain at a certain event or there may be times you may have a cold or allergy that effects your taste buds, you don't need the extra training to be a Table Captain, at competitions you only need to raise your hand to be a Table Captain for that event. Before the judging starts the Reps will give all the Table Captains instructions on what to do. This is standard practice for each event.

I mentioned a Working Table Captain earlier. This happens often in the Northeast, where there are not enough CBJs, to fill the tables an have a Table Captain. A Working Table Captain, you are functioning both as a Table Captain and CBJ. Which means you present the boxes to the judges at the table, and you also will have to judge.

[SouthernSmoked]

I think everyone should take a KCBS Judging Class.  I received my certification last year in Bradstown, KY.

I did so wanting to improve my KCBS scores.

Still waiting for that first event. Was planning on judging at the 6th Annual Kansas Winter Q but I was notified that this event was cancelled.

All I can say is Gus have fun and maybe one day I'll see you out there.

[Habanero Smoker]

Here is more information to help you make a decision. I have a friend who is a Certified Table Captain, so I sent him an email. He replied there are no real benefits. It is something he wanted to do. Mainly; he states it's another notch for bragging rights with your buddies. If there is a benefit, he feels when he applies for a contest and states that he is a table captain and willing to be one at the contest, it gives him a little edge in being accepted. 

[GusRobin]

thanks all - I guess I'll just go for it.