Judging and Winner Selection

Running a Fair Judging Process

The integrity of your judging process affects how contests are perceived by students, parents, and schools. A fair, transparent process encourages future participation and protects your program's reputation.

Recruiting Judges

Good judges share certain qualities:

• Objectivity: No personal connection to contestants
• Relevant expertise: Writers for essays, artists for posters, media professionals for videos
• Reliability: Will complete judging by deadline
• Understanding of youth: Can evaluate age-appropriately

Recruit judges from outside the Elks when possible—teachers, journalists, graphic designers, video producers, or community leaders. This adds credibility and avoids any appearance of insider favoritism.

Judging Criteria

Establish clear criteria before judging begins. Typical criteria include:

Essays

• Message clarity and drug prevention content (40%)
• Creativity and originality (25%)
• Writing quality and organization (25%)
• Age-appropriate expression (10%)

Posters

• Visual impact and creativity (35%)
• Clarity of drug prevention message (35%)
• Artistic quality (20%)
• Originality (10%)

Videos

• Message effectiveness (35%)
• Creativity and engagement (30%)
• Production quality (20%)
• Age-appropriate content (15%)

Distribute criteria to judges before they begin and ensure consistent application.

The Judging Process

1. Remove identifying information: Assign numbers to entries so judges evaluate blindly
2. Independent scoring: Each judge scores all entries independently
3. Score compilation: Average scores across judges
4. Consensus on close calls: Discuss if top entries are very close
5. Document decisions: Keep scoring sheets for reference

Handling Difficult Situations

Entries that don't meet requirements: Disqualify before judging begins, not during.

Very close scores: Have judges discuss the specific entries and reach consensus.

Complaints about results: Refer to documented scores and criteria. Don't reveal judge identities.

Entries with concerning content: A student's entry may reveal personal experience with drugs. Evaluate the entry fairly while ensuring school counselors are informed if content suggests a student needs support.

Announcing Winners

• Notify winners personally before public announcement
• Provide specific, positive feedback about winning entries
• Coordinate announcements with schools for maximum impact
• Prepare press releases for local media
• Plan recognition at state convention or other events

Prizes and Recognition

Winners should receive meaningful recognition:

• Certificates signed by state and national leadership
• Monetary prizes or savings bonds (as budget allows)
• Public recognition at Elks events
• Display of winning entries
• Notification of their school and local media