The charity show I produce, Corvettes For a Cure, has traditionally been a "Participant Judged" show. Some people like that, some don't.
Some don't like it because there aren't strict rules, like NCRS.
Some don't like it because if they are not there with a club, they tend to not get votes because clubs tend to vote within their group only.

I've been considering asking an independent panel to do the judging. They would not have any car experience, necessarily. The would be just picking their favorites in each class. It would be staff members and representatives from the organization to which our proceeds go.

I guess this has the possibility of upsetting people that like the Participant Judging.

So, my question to you guys... should I keep it participant judged, or go with this independent panel?

Thanks.

 

Perhaps a mixture of both? I've been to many shows where there were participant vote classes, but then there were individual "choice" awards given out by sponsors of the show and such.

 

If your going to give out trophies the only fair way to do it is by independent judging. Otherwise it comes down to how many friends come to the show or what club you belong to.

 

Well said!

 

Hey guys.
I appreciate the opinions. Anyone else care to chime in?

Thanks a lot!

 

I was never a fan of participant judged events as it just seems unfair, I would with the independent panel

 

Independant

 

This seems fair

 

Looks like a strong heading for independent so far.
Keep the opinions and votes coming!

Thanks again!

 

 

Adam

Just having people picking their favorite cars in each class does not work. The issue is the word "favorite" Some people would look at a perfect 98 pace car and say YUK but it may be the nicest car amongst the C5's that are there.

I like the idea of picking judges that know the cars a bit but more importantly, can judge the effort the owner takes to make their car show worthy. If there are two idential cars in the running for a trophy I'd lean towards the one that displays the most effort. For example, two red 98 coupes. One has 5000 miles on it and is never really driven. The other has 65,000 miles and is driven all the time. All things being ortherwise equal the tie breaker for me is the higer mileage on the second one.

I've judged events where some of the entered car owners didn't bother to clean the windows, wipe down the barrels of the wheels and so on. If that's all been done but the car has some chips or minor scratches I will overlook them if the owner has demonstrated some real effort to get the show ready. One key area is under the hood. Lots of dirty chrome is not better than an all origional engine compartment that's squeaky clean.

One obvious thing, a judge can't have a car in the class he or she is judging. And, two person judging teams that do ALL the cars within a class is a must. Different teams will judge the same car differently. As for some people getting added credit because the judge knows them is a matter of integrity. I had to judge the car of someone that I don't particularly like but that didn't matter and he won a trophy because he put the effort in.

Kind of long winded but you asked. I'd be happy to be a judge at your event if I'm available. In fact I'd be happy to judge C6's (which I own) and show my car without having it elidgeable for a trophy.

Best regards
Mark

 

Adam, When I started running the LRCC show we had the same problem. The solution I used was a 2 part show. It was your option a participant judged section by generation or a judged section with several classes (stock, modified & concourse). We also had a problem with a shortage of judges and used volunteer judges from the show entries. There were 3 judges per judged car, each with a specific area (IE, interior/windows, body/tires or engine/lights) and you could not judge your own class. It was a lot of work using 3 judges, but no one ever complained that the judging wasn't fair. The show always had a great repeat participation, people returned year after year. Dan

 

The judging and awards for Corvettes for a Cure has always been "just for fun" and the main purpose of the event is to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. So, I'm hoping that if I change to the panel model that it won't upset the prior attendees. My biggest concern is raising the money, so I'm hoping by changing the format, I don't lose money.

We're also switching venues this year, so I'm hoping that will help, not hurt, attendance/participation.

To Mark's point, I would instruct the panel to look for certain things that Mark has pointed out. There is something to be said for effort that an owner puts into their Vette to keep it "show ready."

I appreciate all your comments. if there are more, I'll be happy to hear them.