Judging for Competitions Can Be Fun

Judges are an important part of any competition. Being a judge is a great responsibility and is not an easy job. There are many expectations when it comes to being a judge. Judges must have some knowledge about what they are scoring. Judges are responsible for evaluating and comparing facts from a large amount of information. They must pay close attention to what is being presented to them and distinguish between what is good and what is better. They need to be patient and flexible. And above all, judges need to be fair.

Responsibilities of a Competition Judge

Dress Accordingly

Appearances are important. Judges need to make sure they understand what kind of dress is expected. Some competitions require formal wear, while others can be more casual. In either situation, dressing up will help distinguish judges from ordinary observers. It will also help to make contestants feel like the judges are taking their job seriously.

Actively Listen, Seek to Understand

Judges need to actively listen and seek to understand. Communication between the judge and the contestant is important. Participating in conversation, repeating back the responses, asking clarifying questions, and sharing feedback helps to gain an understanding of how well the contestant knows the topic. By understanding completely what level of expertise the contestant is at, helps judges to score fairly

Be Clear, Ask Questions

By asking clear and precise questions, judges can help contestants show their expertise on their project. Sometimes these questions are for the judge alone to ponder, other times judges should ask the participant personally. The participants should be able to respond to the questions, showing their knowledge on the subject. Judges then evaluate whether the participant answered the question clearly and intelligently.

Ability to Analyze

Expertise helps when examining a contestant’s performance or entry but is not required. A good judge can determine how much effort was put into the project. They should be able to tell when a contestant really understands their research. Judges need to determine how innovative the project is. They need to analyze all these factors and then determine an overall score of the individual project, staying away from comparing them with other projects and contestants.

Patience and Flexibility

It takes time to listen and evaluate each individual participant entry. Judges require a lot of patience and a level of flexibility. Giving the participants time to explain their entry, or to perform, will not only help the participant to relax, but also shows empathy and consideration.

Be a Mentor

Overall, a judge’s number one responsibility is to be a mentor to the competitors. Judges are not only there to determine who is the best, but also to advise and critique so that the participants can learn and improve.

Photo by Julia M Cameron

Rubrics, Software, and Other Tools

The event manager or leader should give each judge an instruction packet or email. These instructions should include any rubrics, software, and other tools that the judges will need.

• Rubrics- Rubrics are used to help define criteria in judging. They also help eliminate bias. They are easy to use and understand, so it makes scoring easier. Rubrics can also help if there is a tie, by showing who scored higher in a predetermined area.
• Software- Many events are using event management software, like zFairs, that has all the information, rubrics, and other useful tools all on an online platform. Judging this way can be done virtually, in-person, or a hybrid of both. Event managers should include instructions on how to use the software correctly.
• Other tools- There may be a variety of different approaches to how event managers want the event to be judged. There may be cards, papers, badges, and other equipment that judges will need to use. Judges should receive information on how, when, and what is needed for judging.

zFairs is online event management software that makes judging easy. There are no papers to keep track of and no clip boards to carry around. Entries are uploaded by each contestant and organized for each judge. Judges input scores on a customizable rubric while viewing each entry. If holding a virtual event, Judges have access to their rubric while also being able to interact with contestants over video call. Contestants and judges have their own login screens so contestants cannot see the scoring of their entry until all scores for all entries have been entered, and winners determined. There is even space for comments, so the judges can leave feedback for the contestants.

Being a judge might feel a bit intimidating at first. Just remember that judges are only scoring an individual person or project, not determining the winners. Judging is important to help the contestants learn and grow. Being a part of a competition is fun, including for judges. Being a judge can be an enriching experience and one to remember for many years to come.