1. Judges Training Webinar
Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards
Judges Training Webinar
February 10, 2017

2. Judges Training Webinar
Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards
Judges Training Webinar
February 10, 2017

3. TODAY’S AGENDA Judging process Guidelines and tips
Q&A and final comments
Presenters:
NAGC Competitions Director S.J. Brown
NAGC Professional Development Director Bethany Hornbeck
Kathy Zona Competitions Committee Member
Dummy question: 3

4. Q&A
We will address questions and comments at various points throughout the webinar
You can submit them in the “Questions” box in your GoToMeeting panel 4

5. JUDGING TIMELINE
Feb. 13 (week of): Receive your entry package in the mail (instructions, materials to be judged, forms)
March 15: Final deadline to complete judging, select winners and complete judging forms
Mid-March: NAGC returns judging results to the entrants. Winners are notified but not of their placement (first, second, etc). Places are announced at NAGC Communication School.
June 13-15: NAGC Communication School
We recommend that teams meet now or shortly after receiving their materials to plan their review process; some teams like to review independently and then meet; some like to review the materials together; some like to determine weights for the criteria; some like to identify a lead who will work with NAGC to submit winners forms, etc.; some like to set future meetings dates
It is also important for teams to review the materials upon receipt so issues can be rectified early on; miscategorized entries can be assigned to another team; nominees can be asked to submit working files, etc. 5

6. JUDGING PROCESS
Tip: Before or just after receiving your materials, meet as a team to plan your review process
To do: Assign a team member to preview the materials upon receipt to identify potential issues (for example: miscategorizations, files that don’t work)
Important: Immediately report problems to Michelle Savoie for redress
Disqualify an entry only after consulting with Michelle in an attempt to resolve the issue
If you’re doing this as a team in the same location, you may not need to use the Word document…it may be just as easy to do the online form if you’re working all together. But please be sure to keep your opinions independent.
Disqualify an entry only after consulting with Michelle or Cheryl Chambers in an attempt to resolve the issue 6

7. JUDGING PROCESS
Individually or as a team, review every entry in the package: products and nomination forms
Use the judging forms to rate entries on each criterion, total the ratings to produce an overall score, and make detailed comments
Tip: If you need help coordinating team meetings, NAGC can help
Some teams like to review independently, some like to review together; your initial meeting will let you determine the best approach for your group
If you are doing this as a team in the same location, you can may not need to use the Word document…it may be just as easy to do the online form if you’re working all together. But please be sure to keep your opinions independent. 7

8. JUDGING PROCESS
If reviewing entries individually, meet as a team to discuss your scores and select winners; identify one person who will submit your winners form
Submit judges forms and winners forms by March 15, 11:59 p.m. EST
If you’re doing this as a team in the same location, you may not need to use the Word document…it may be just as easy to do the online form if you’re working all together. But please be sure to keep your opinions independent. 8

9. JUDGING FORMS
You will receive two versions of the judging forms: electronic Word copies and links to online copies
Choose one option and complete all forms provided for your entry package using that option
Complete one form per entry
Important: If completing entry forms as a team, provide single ratings and collated comments 9

10. JUDGING FORMS Word Version
Electronic forms — Form fillable; complete and save in Word; submit to Michelle Savoie via 10

11. JUDGING FORMS Online Version
Complete and submit online 11

12. JUDGING FORMS Online Version
You can go back to the survey link as many times as needed, but you will not will not be able to view or change any previously submitted entries
Tip: Do not click “Submit Survey” until your scores and comments are fully recorded for an entry
Tip: If you are working in multiple sessions, click “Submit Survey” before exiting or your responses will be lost
If you leave the survey before you click on the “Submit Survey” button at the end, your responses will NOT be recorded.
There is no need to pick one form over another.
This is more work for Michelle. This is not a preferred option for NAGC. The easiest form is the electronic form.
If a team wants one person to record all comments in one place, but they need to note that. Better to fill them out individually.
However she can get comments the better. 12

13. WHAT TO DO WITH ENTRIES
Keep your entry packages until the end of the NAGC 2017 Communications School
After the communications school, share, store, or discard entries as you wish
Do not mail your entries back to NAGC 13

14. WHAT THE RATING SCALE MEANS
Provide a rating for each criterion; if the information for a criterion is missing, rate as 1
1 – 2 = did not include or poor
3 – 4 = average
5 – 6 = good or very good
7 = exceptional 14

15. COMMENTING IS CRITICAL
Remember
Organizations submit entries not only to win accolades, but to get useful, detailed feedback on how they can better their products and services 15

16. COMMENTING IS CRITICAL
Do not be vague or general
“Unclear objectives”
“Cluttered graphics, too much color”
“Video is too noisy/loud”
“Awesome brochure”
Be specific and cite product details 16

17. FOR EXAMPLE . . .
“Great use of theme color, photo placement, and font style. Like the clear call to action (e.g., “Call NOW!” on the back cover)”
“There is too much ‘noise’ in the video. Consider slower background music, fewer voiceovers (don’t compete with the music), and more verbiage on the screen to appeal to various audience senses (i.e., aural and visual)”
We want judges on teams to be consistent. 17

18. WHY DID THEY WIN?
On the winners forms (only) include a one-paragraph summary from your team describing why each entry was chosen
This explanatory paragraph is required for first and second place; optional for Awards of Excellence
We will be using these paragraphs in our award materials and at the June Communications Schoo 18

19. FOR EXAMPLE . . .
“This functional, concise, and cleanly designed publication characterizes good government communications. It makes a compelling statement about the importance of census data collection. It balances brevity with instruction. It presents its information directly, creatively, and in an easy-to-read format. Our team found it to be a cogent resource, and we were impressed with its overall efficiency.”
We want judges on teams to be consistent. 19

20. FINAL THOUGHTS
Judging forms and winner forms are due to Michelle Savoie by March 15, 11:59 p.m.
With your entry packages, we will provide a copy of the instructions for team and individual judging, a rating sheet for each entry, and a winners form
Should you need more time, please let Michelle know. 20

21. FINAL THOUGHTS
Do you have questions? Are you having trouble? Do you need help?
We are here for you!
Contact Michelle Savoie at
Should you need more time, please let Michelle know. 21

22. Thank you for judging!
Discount for judges? 22