Iesa Judges Instructions:
2016
Thanks. Introductions. I’m the IESA official at this contest. Send runner for me if you have a question. ROOM 19. You don’t have to answer any coach’s or parent’s question. I’ll talk to you then I’ll talk to them. Packets.
Every January…state committee meets to go over contest problems. . I don’t remember EVER seeing a complaint from our area of the state. Thanks!
Timing: from first spoken word to the last, including any introduction. Some pieces may have an obvious beginning without any words being spoken..go ahead and punch the clock. : write it on the sheet. Some confusion in the state: No introduction is required! Tell the doorkeeper when to shut the door once the judge is ready. If you have any “storytelling,” see the rules. You give them time indications as they speak…explain to them: the time remaining. Anyone but me have Team Improv?
All times taken care of in office. You judge it as if the time is okay. DO NOT RECORD IDA TIMES!
This is IESA. If you’ve judged high school contest, this is very different. Everyone receives a first, second, or third. You will judge many different events.
Small group acting: 5-10 min ..3-5 actors, table and 4 chairs IDA rules. Explain. 1 1/2 to 2 min. Hum, Ser, Hum. Ok to ask contestants names before they begin. They should not say them after they’ve begun.
Let me know if you get some bad prompts. I haven’t seen them. Serious should be rather generic.
Impromptu Speaking.. Do we have any? Understand the rules? Storytelling? Judge’s Choice Awards: choose your two most outstanding at the end of the day. Complete the Award and give to office. NEW: The Judge’s Choice must have received a first place.
No penalty for wrong category but they should be told.
NEWEST RULES: Chair allowed in individual event May not stand on chairs. Performers may not play any number of characters in a duet
Arrange room how you like…make sure you have a wide center aisle in front of you. Take charge of room. Some will be full and some perhaps only you and the contestant.
Some kids may have tight scheduling. Allow performing out of order. No need to okay it with the office as long as you know. Don’t get ahead. We want to encourage parents to attend. If a cancellation, take a break. You may allow any changes in speaking order.
Note: tear-off sheet at bottom for coach only. The things you might not want the contestant to see unequal partners.. material too difficult or too easy. The contestant’s demeanor.
In small print on judging sheet are the things we’d like you to consider.
Excessive prompting: more than one. Many won’t even have prompters.
Note age & experience on card. . . and special disabilities
Go over sheet on “no ranking” and “ranking last.” No rating: insufficient number in duet, group or chorale Chorale only using one selection Directing a chorale with 7th or 8th-graders
Automatic lowering to third: Purposeful use of props Costumes
Props… the wall, a real watch, etc. Note: “intentional use of props.”
Oral comments are great if you have time. But put the really important things on your sheet. Sign your sheet.
Time: should be adjusted in the office. But you must record it.
Judges are all rated by coaches and ratings are sent in to IESA where my committee must resolve problems. Most common complaints: low rating and no reason. … or low rating and nothing but wonderful comments… grouchy judges…. few comments. This sounds picky…but… I’ve heard this a hundred times: “My judge didn’t even smile!”
In judging, realize: these are kids.. scared.. most coaches have no training and were talked into taking job. They need specific, concrete comments they can use. Your comments will probably be the same things their coaches have been saying for weeks. Today they will listen as if from God.
I encourage you to begin with a kind word. Set them at ease.
Many have worked for two months to prepare what you’re going to see today. You and I may be able to tell ourselves who we are and be satisfied with that. These are young adolescents. Who they are is determined by who the most important people in their lives think they are. Today that is you. Be sensitive. Be helpful.
Questions?
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