“I never did a day’s work in my life,
it was all fun.”

Judging involves a 30-60-minute virtual training session, which can be live or pre-recorded to fit your schedule. Virtual judging is available 24/7 for a minimum of seven days, with varying time commitments depending on the number of assigned projects. For the Science Fair, the time varies, while for the Inventors Fair, judges are encouraged to evaluate ten or more K-12 projects, spending about 10-15 minutes per entry. In-person judging times depend on participation levels, generally starting in the morning for general judging and continuing until early afternoon for special/grand judging.

Judges must pass a background check to qualify for working with children. The dress code is business casual or better, and judges must adhere to venue requirements and maintain a professional demeanor, avoiding solicitation, profanity, or suggestive language around students. Venue details will be announced in advance.

Judges receive access to virtual sessions, videos, and printable guidelines, along with training on best judging practices and rubric scoring based on specific Regional Fair guidelines. Procedural updates are provided yearly, requiring at least one instructional virtual session or video.

The main advantage of virtual judging is its flexibility, allowing judges to serve anytime within a 7-10 day period. However, the drawback is the lack of live interaction with students.

Live judging offers the benefit of direct interaction with students, making the experience more enjoyable. Reviewing research online before the live event can save time, as preliminary scores can be adjusted on-site. The downside is the need to travel on specific dates and the physical demands associated with in-person judging.

Advanced review of project information allows for greater efficiency of time and preparation of questions for in-person interviewing. Overall judging numbers can be increased with distant judging. A judge has the option to just judge virtually.