Board reviews Danish vs. American judging systems for art and photography categories
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Summary
Members discussed whether to shift art and photography entries from the Danish (standard-based) judging system to the American (head-to-head) system; staff and state coordinator research will inform any change.
A board member reported she had asked the state fair coordinator why some open-class exhibits use the Danish standard (judge scores against a standard) while others use an American, relative-judging system. She said state staff described the patterns as longstanding tradition rather than a strict statewide rule.
Board members noted that switching systems would increase ribbon and premium counts and could alter point values tied to premiums. One member warned that changing judging systems would require coordinated rule changes and could need statewide alignment for 4‑H classes; volunteers and judges would need updated guidance. “It could be changed, I guess, but not just in Cloud County. It would have to go statewide,” one participant said.
The board agreed to gather more input from superintendents and judges and to ask the state for clear guidance before proposing any change.