Ball python morph standards? Shows?

[SilverDemon]

I think that a combination of ideas would be a good compromise.

Start off with 'for fun' judging at expos where whoever wants to can judge what snake they think is best. Not only does this introduce the idea to the community and get people more involved (and possibly help sales, after all, the ones voted as the nicest snakes of their morph would probably get snapped up quick).

Move on to specialized shows just for showing, but keep the 'everyone votes' aspect. This gives the community a chance to define categories, see what works and what doesn't, and finally and most importantly, start defining, based on what seems to get voted the most often, what makes an excellent example of each particular morph.

Then we could move on to 'panel of judges' style judging. With set categories, set descriptions of what they're looking for, etc, the judges would have something to go on, and the community would have had time to grow with and get used to the idea.


Now that that's over, I do have one thought: Many morphs look different from the time that they're babies, to juvies, to adults. Would they not only be judged by morph, pattern business, etc, but also age?

But yes, I can very much see this actually helping the prices of many particular snakes. If I saw a snake for sale that not only looked great, but the parents were champions, the grandparents also champions, etc, I would know that I'm getting a snake with quality bloodlines who would be a real asset to my collection.