Information for Judges
Thank you so much for volunteering to help judge 4-H projects this year!
As always, if you have my questions or concerns, please reach out to Amy at michaels.97@osu.edu.
Judging Packet
All of these items will be printed and available on the morning of judging along with evaluation and placing sheets.
Three Tips for Success
- Be positive - From the start to finish of the interview, as the judge, you set the tone for the 4-H'er completing judging. Be kind, uplifting, and remember they could be nervous. Make sure they leave feeling accomplished, and positive about the outcome.
- Give honest feedback - it is so important the 4-Her leaves knowing what they did great, and what they need to improve for next time. Use the rule of three when giving/writing feedback: two positives, for every one negative. Be sure to write comments on the judging sheet they can read and review.
- Ask open-ended questions - Although you may ask specific project-related questions, avoid coming off "quiz-like." You might be surprised how much knowledge the 4-Her has gained which couldn't be measured in the form of a test. Ask questions such as: "What was your favorite part of this project?" "What was one thing you learned?" "What was the hardest part?" etc.
Judging Updates Video
Please Watch!
Please watch this 16-minute video prior to judging.
View/Download PowerPoint Presentation.
Resources
Want to review the inside of 4-H Projects you are judging prior to judging?
- Ohio 4-H Project Central - Do a search for the project under the "search by keyword or title box." Under the Project description, select "View Project Sample Pages."
- County-Level only projects - These projects are available only to SC 4-H Members and are not listed in project central. Scroll to "Printable County Project Books" to view.
Want to prepare questions ahead of time?
- Questions for Project Judging - To quick-find questions, hit Ctrl + F, then search the name of the project.
Want to review the project requirements prior to judging?
- Sandusky County 4-H Handbook - Requirements are listed under the project name highlighted in grey. To quick-find, hit Ctrl + F, then search the name of the project.