I don't know why or anything about the workshop, so I can't comment on that.
First of all brad you need to find out what lumberman's association covers your area. Then contact them for their rule book. If you want the NeLMA rule book google NeLMA and I'm sure it's there....
Here is a link where you can download the entire book in pdf format by chapter or section:
http://www.nelma.org/index.php?module=StaticContent&func=display&scid=10

Jim Rogers

Derek:
Some times it's not about trust, it's about complying with the law. And what I mean by that is you maybe not able to get a building permit without a grade stamp on your timbers.

And not all sawyers understand grade rules or even try to saw by them. So you've probably used sticks that don't pass.....

Whatever you do, have fun doing it!