This article walks through the deliberation process judges use to compare teams, select award winners, and secure judging materials. It is written for judges, Judge Advisors, Event Partners, and volunteers.
Definitions of the terms used here are maintained in the central Glossary.
For guidance when no team fully meets the Design or Excellence Award criteria, see the section on deliberation in exceptional circumstances in Awards and Recognition Structure.
Award deliberations are the final step in the judging process. Judges compare teams, identify award winners, and gather any additional information needed to make final decisions. All deliberations, notes, and discussions are confidential. Rubrics are tools to support deliberations; final award decisions are based on qualitative judgment, not scores alone. Throughout, judges maintain fairness, consistency, and integrity.
Note: Use final Qualification and Skills rankings when an award requires performance criteria. Elimination and Finals match results are not considered for Judged Awards, and performance data should support, not determine, award decisions.
Nominate Award Candidates
Each judge group identifies its top candidates for each award from the teams it interviewed and creates a shortlist for each award. Groups do not need to nominate a team for every award.
Gather Additional Information
As needed, judges may:
- Conduct follow-up interviews.
- Observe teams in matches or pits.
- Review notebooks and team behavior.
Teams should not be told which awards they are being considered for.
Review Event Data
Use Tournament Manager reports as needed, including the Team List, Qualification Rankings, Skills Rankings, and Excellence Award Eligibility report.
Select Award Winners
- Rank finalists for each award and identify alternate candidates.
- Consider Code of Conduct and Student-Centered concerns.
- If a team becomes ineligible, move to the next ranked candidate.
- No team may receive more than one Judged Award.
- Reconcile awards so teams receive the highest-precedence award for which they qualify.
- Ensure you have accurately reviewed the Excellence Award Eligibility Report after the last qualifying match.
Enter Award Winners
Submit the final award winners to the Event Partner and verify that all awards have been entered correctly.
Secure Judging Materials
- Collect all notes, rubrics, and ranking sheets.
- Delete any team or robot photos taken for judging purposes.
- Destroy all judging materials after the event.
- Do not share or retain any judging information.