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Fresno County 4-H

Judging Contests

Judging Contests General Information

What is a Judging Contest? A judging class consists of four items. The 4-H’er is asked to evaluate and rank the class in order from best to worst. Points are given on how close the participant comes to matching the placing an expert gives the class. Junior, Intermediate and Senior 4-H participants will also be given the opportunity to give oral reasons in some judging contests. Oral reasons enable the participant to explain to a judge why they placed the class the way they did. Points are given for how convincing the reasons are. Even if the class wasn’t placed correctly, if good reasons are given, the points will reflect that. Click the following for helpful resources: Introduction to Judging   Learning through Judging

How to Give Reasons:  When you explain your choices in a judging contest, you are “giving reasons”.  Before you can give your reasons, you need to have a clear picture of the class in your mind. After judging the class, be sure to make some notes. Giving reasons will be easier after you have studied your notes. Step up to the judge and explain your reasons using the following example:  Oral Reasons Format

Opening Statement: I placed this class of _______________________  4-1-2-3.

Explanation: In my top pair, I place 4 over 1 because: ________________________________________.

For my middle pair, I place 1 over 2 because: ___________________________________.

In my bottom pair, I place 2 over 3 because: _____________________________________.

Closing Statement: For these reasons, I placed this class of ______________ 4-1-2-3. Thank you.

Judging Contests

Judging Day

Judging Contest for Plant & 
Mechanical & Consumer Science

Saturday, January 11, 2025

2025 Medalists Names!

 

Sequoia Elementary School- 1820 South Armstrong, Fresno

This event is held in conjunction with Festive Food Faire (FFF)

11:00 AM- Judging Contest begins

1:30 PM- Judging Contest ends

Awards will be presented when tabulations are completed.

Scroll down to the blue section to learn more about how to judge.

Chair person: Anne Cehrs - (559) 618-0250

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What is a Judging Contest?

A judging class consists of four items. The 4-H’er is asked to evaluate and rank the class in order from best to worst. Points are given on how close the participant comes to matching the placing an expert gives the class.  Junior, Intermediate and Senior 4-H participants will also be given the opportunity to give oral reasons. Oral reasons enable the participant to explain to a judge why they placed the class the way they did. Points are  given for how convincing the reasons are. Even if the class wasn’t placed correctly, if good reasons are given, the points will reflect that. Scroll down to the blue section to learn more about giving reasons.