Been there, done that. It's one thing if you're judging high-dollar *restored* or *original* cars -- in those kinds of cases it's pretty formulaic and there tends to be a points system with clear criteria spelled out in a book (or in smaller clubs/shows, at least verbally). No…
Read the full replyI have been volunteered to be one of 3 judges at a custom car show in BF Oklahoma this weekend. I've been to countless shows, but never judged. I'm looking for tips, suggestions, anything up to a comprehensive "How to be a Judge" manual.
Any help out there?
The Hurricane may be in Tulsa Sunday.
Been there, done that. It's one thing if you're judging high-dollar
*restored* or *original* cars -- in those kinds of cases it's pretty formulaic and there tends to be a points system with clear criteria spelled out in a book (or in smaller clubs/shows, at least verbally). No such book exists for custom cars, so it winds up pretty much being judges' choice. I try to be systematic about it -- does the overall concept work well, or does it look like a bunch of randomly thrown-together ideas? Materials and build quality? Provisions for safety? Appropriateness of mods to a particular car? Originality/uniqueness? That kind of thing.Talk it over with the other judges before judging gets underway; that way you can get a feel for how formal or informal your particular show is going to be.
Well, first off you need to determine the standards that the show is to be judged by. One of the show organizers SHOULD tell you this in a pre-show meeting, but you can always look at the show entry form and/or advertisements and see how it was billed to the participants. Is it a "restoration" type show, or is it "best condition irrespective of originality," or is it "best customization" or some flavor in between? Judge in that spirit.
What I usually do when its a sort of "open- best of any type" show is look at the craftsmanship, care, and quality of any work done to the vehicle- either in the vein of restoration or modification. If its high-quality work, I award more points. High-quality "stock" work gets more points for me than lower quality flashy modifications- no matter how "cool" they are, if they're not done with craftsmanship, not many points get awarded.
You get "volunteered" like I do... I just went through the same thing with my FD. They decided to have a small show and "asked" me to be one of the judges since I have built a few vehicles. The big thing to determine first is what type of show will it be? Formal show with all the levels of awards or a more informal show with just a couple classes. Then you need to sit down with your fellow judges and decide the ground rules your going to use when judging, things like does a guy who did all his own work get more points than someone who farmed out the work? Or does a car that is as original as possible do better than one that has been cut up if they are in the same class? It can get really nasty being a judge.
Some of the guys I know who are judges all seem to have the same answer when asked what to do as a first step in judging a car show...... Pray for RAIN.......
I just received a 4-page set of comprehensive instructions. Looks like this is better organized than I first though. That and the replies from you guys are just what I need. If any of you would like a copy of these instructions, for whatever reason, drop me an email.
Thanks for the help.
- - Rex Burkheimer WM Automotive Fort Worth TX
Rex B wrote:
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