MCA Revised Judging Rules

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Written by Don Stewart | 01 March 2006

MCA has been revising and updating the judging  rules. Several significant member-friendly changes have been made but, arguably, the most significant change is the creation of a Conservator Class. The rules for this new class and the revised rules for the Retired Class were excerpted from the MCA website as follows:

RETIRED CLASS

1. As of Dec 31. 2005, the Retired Class was discontinued as we now know it. Current owners of retired car(s) will still be allowed to continue exhibiting their Mustangs free at all National Meets. Owners of Retired cars are urged to bring their cars out of Retirement and earn additional points, if needed, for the Concours (blue) Grill Medallion and subsequently if they so desire, enter in the new Conservator Class. If the Retired car has the minimum points needed to qualify for the Conservator Class, there will be a nominal entry fee of $20.

2. All retired car owners should have received a wallet size retirement card. Also. received was a MCA window retirement decal (initially issued between 2003 and 2004 - but not retroactive). Owners also have been awarded a Plaque documenting their retirement.

3. For classification purposes. Retirees should bring all of their documentation, listed above, and present at subsequent shows, to enter the Retirement Class. Retiree desiring to enter the Conservator Class should also bring the above documentation (if applicable) and a copy of the Mustang Times winners page or the first page of their judging sheet showing classification of previous show. This will assist the MCA Classifier as rules preclude non-Concours classes from entering the Conservator Class.

4. Show displays are highly recommended for these very desirable automobiles with good taste prevailing.

5. All retired car owners will be given a Press Release Form, for completion, to be used by the Master of Ceremonies at banquet or awards presentations.

6. All retired cars will be given a most visible and desirable location for greater exposure at National Meets.

CONSERVATOR CLASS

The Conservator Class is a new category, beginning in 2006, designed to replace the old Retirement Class which is being phased out over an indeterminate period of time (Refer to the Retirement Class Rules page). Its purpose is to provide Mustangers who have already attained a high level of awards, continuing recognition for future National events that they would not otherwise be able to achieve. It will give those elite Mustang owners a new incentive to maintain their cars in the superb shape that put them in the Retirement and or Grille Medallion category in the first place.

A little background as to how this Class name was originated is as follows: Mustangers that retired their cars had no real purpose or incentive to maintain their cars in the top condition that allowed them to earn Retirement status. Wanda Whitsell. current MCA Scoring Secretary sensed this problem and relayed her concerns to Arley Whitsell. current MCA President The President relayed these concerns to the 1st Generation Head Judge. Wally Short who in turn was given the opportunity to develop this new MCA Class. It was dubbed the Conservator Class title, which stuck, because at the Henry Ford Museum, it was learned that the workers there, conserve priceless Museum items, e.g. Mustang # 1, 1964 1/2 White Convertible. The workers there are referred to as Conservator's. Thus. that is where the idea for the Class title originated. The name has legitimacy as it relates directly back to the Ford Motor Co.

The Conservator Class rules are as follows:

  • All previously Retired cars that have earned 20 points and those cars that have earned a Concours (blue) Grille Medallion automatically quality to enter into the Conservator Class. However, once a car is taken out of the Retirement Class, it cannot be returned to that Class
  • All Classes are eligible except for Daily Driven, Occasional Driven and Modified, (These cars have not reached a level of Quality and/or authenticity that MCA is promoting to be "Conserved"),
  • Mustang must be 10 years old or older
  • Must earn 20 points to qualify for the Grille Medallion before optionally entering into the Conservator Class
  • The Conservator Class will not earn points
  • Former Retirees may stay in the old Retired Class or enter the new Conservator Class permanently when they have earned 20 points
  • Intent to enter the Conservator Class may be done by checking the yes block at the bottom of the Grille Medallion application form
  • Entry fee $20. If Retired cars remain in the Retired Class, then they may continue to have free entry but. if they elect to switch over to the Conservator Class, they will be required to pay the $20 entry fee as everyone else
  • Permanent Window Card numbers will be assigned e.g. CON # 1. CON # 2, ETC by the scoring secretary
  • Owners are allowed tasteful displays
  • Qualifiers will initially receive a Conservator Plaque at the next National Show following, after the 20 points are earned
  • At each subsequent show an engraved Tag, if approved, will be awarded, which is to be affixed to the winners Conservator Plaque
  • When 10 Tags are won, an engraved Silver Cup will be presented to the select winners. This special Cup is considered the top accolade that MCA can bestow upon one of its members
  • Cars in this Class will be inspected by two Gold Card Judges for:
  • Quality of Workmanship - - - - - - - - - Approved or Disapproved
  • Cleanliness - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Approved or Disapproved
  • Condition - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Approved or Disapproved
  • All three characteristics above must be approved to remain in Conservator Class -- If disapproved and reason must be documented

Note: Credit is already allowed for cars previously attaining a high degree of Authenticity.

This new Program was presented at the Nov 5 2005 Judges Meeting in St Louis, MO and was unanimously accepted by the Judges attending. It was subsequently approved by both the MCA Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. The entire staff of MCA sincerely hopes that many members participate in this new direction to assure that it is successful and most of all, it is a fun Program.