[Sent
by email from Ernie W., July 2003]
Judging
Guidelines for IFoLG Competition
Note: every judging team should have a copy of the competition class and a copy of this judging guideline to refer to while judging. This should be supplied by the host guild.
1.
All items will be critiqued in writing. These critiques should be constructive,
such as suggestions for improving specific techniques, or possibly why the item
did not qualify to be judged.
2.
You should judge the quality of work instead of the subject matter. The subject
is strictly a matter of personal taste, and has no bearing on the ability of
the competitor to do leather work.
3.
Keep in mind that choice of color is a personal choice. However the method of
application can be considered in judging.
4.
If you feel you are not qualified to competently judge a specific category,
please notify the head judge or the competition committee chairman of the host
guild before judging starts. Likewise, the head judge should consider a
category in which you feel more comfortable.
5.
If you feel that you will be influenced in any way either for or against a
piece you are judging, than the quality of the work. Please have the courtesy
to excuse you from judging that class. Notify the head judge immediately so you
can be replaced.
6.
Under no circumstances will a judge, including the head judge, move an item
into another class or category. If all the judges in your team agree the piece
is entered in the wrong class or category. This piece will not be judged. You
will however critique it, noting that the item was entered in the wrong class
or category and was ineligible to be judged and why.
7.
Any question you have about judging an item should be directed to the head judge.
He then may approach the competition committee chairman. Should the occasion
warrant, and no decision can be reached by the head judge and the committee
chairman, the question will be brought to the attention of and discussed by all
the judges.
8.
When you have completed judging all the classes assigned to you, you may then
proceed to deal with any other duties the head judge assigns you, such as best
of class and best of category, as the host guild has directed. To award ribbons or trophies for best of
class and best of category is a host guild decision, and not recognized by the
IFoLG.
9.
Judges are expected to act responsibly on the competition floor. We would
request that you refrain from consuming any alcoholic beverage before or during
the judging. If a judge is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
and /or is acting in an irresponsible manner, he or she will be asked to leave
the judging area, either by the head judge or the chairman of the competition
committee. This person shall be barred from the competition area until the
judging is completed.
10.
At all times be aware of your respected status as a judge. Remember the IFoLG
awards are the highest recognized awards in the field of leather art. These
awards have been sanctioned by the largest worldwide grope of professional and
non-professional leather craftsman, International Federation of Leather Guilds.
11.
To ensure the integrity of the organization, we request of it’s members and
it’s judges that they refrain from making derogatory remarks or comments on the
results of the judged competition on the show floor. Judging is a grave
responsibility and should be approached as such.
Remember
you decision as a judge is final, and cannot be changed.