Competition Judging Comparisons around the world...

NTM,

Interesting observations...

The first thing I should mention is that IPMS/USA judging standards are only applicable (as a guideline) to IPMS/USA competitions and are not a "national", mearly an "organizational" standard. The judging criteria at Wonderfest, AMPS competitions, and the various automotive competitions (for examples) throughout the United States all vary dramatically and can have some things in common with IPMS/USA rules or nothing in common at all. The judging criteria you've outlined for IMSS sounds quite similar to AMPS in that both styles are based on a point system and provide feedback to competitors.

I personally prefer the "open" (Gold, Silver, Bronze) style of awards and the point based judging system in AMPS. However, I also see how this system - as it currently exists - would not work effectively in a National IPMS/USA contest with 5,000 models entered. There has been, and contiues to be, extensive discussion within the IPMS/USA membership toward developing a viable "open" style for judging that would work effectively. We'll have to wait and see if these discussions produce changes in the near future.

Once again, interesting point of view. Thanks for posting...

IPMS/USA, for the most part, is very adverse to any type of points system. No judgement, that's just the way it is. I've made no bones about it and have advocated, on-line and in person, to move to an open system of judging. My club has moved several categories there for its annual contest. Part of the problem across the board is a lack of volunteerism in judging. There simply aren't enough people willing to judge to allow for significant feedback given the tme constraints, unfortunately. At our show a couple weeks ago, we had 103 builders , at least 85 of whom were adult modelers. The judging crew was less than 30 who had to work on 375 models in 34 classes.

As to the seam in the detailed interior vs. the less detailed but less flawed kit. This is going to happen if you have to choose which one is better. No flaws gets the nod, any uncorrected seam gets put aside, or at least lowered in the awards. In an open system, perhaps that almost invisible interior seam would be weighed againt the simpler kit and both could get equal awards, be it gold, silver or bronze.

I judged my first show this past weekend, the “American” style.  I can see how the categories I judged would have adapted well to a point system.  Seeing how that process went I am trying to picture in my head how that would have worked for 1/48 scale aircraft, needless to say a huge category and the vast majority were excellent models.  With the provision of “no sweeps” if a modeler has more than one entry the judges need to pick the best of that bunch.  Assuming a modeler has a style that is very consistent, like the guy that had 25 1/48 entries, using ANY system is going to have a high number of to close to calls and ties.  Maybe I need to go to Ireland and see how they do it… would be interesting.

The comment made about not having enough volunteers is so true.  We had nearly 500 models and had 5 or 6, 3-man teams.  But I have to say if you want to improve your skills… judge.  I will be looking at every piece I cut, sand paint or glue very differently from now on.

wing_nut wrote:

I judged my first show this past weekend, the “American” style.

As a president of a club, a judge at many shows and this year's Region 1 COnventio Head Judge, thanks for taking the time to help with judging

Maybe I need to go to Ireland and see how they do it… would be interesting.

No need to travel that far. AMPS uses this system as do all the major figure shows. Also, the IPMS regional in western PA will be using this this year as does the host club.

But I have to say if you want to improve your skills… judge.  I will be looking at every piece I cut, sand paint or glue very differently from now on.

This is so very true.