Chapter 1: Judging Foundations
Introduction
At a VEX Robotics Competition event, teams compete in matches, and they are also recognized for the work behind the robot: how they designed and built it, what they learned along the way, and how they worked together. Judges are the volunteers who look at that work and decide which teams receive Judged Awards.
Judging is a team effort. Judges and Judge Advisors work together at every event.
- Judges review Engineering Notebooks, interview teams, and decide together which teams receive Judged Awards.
- Judge Advisors organize the judging team, keep judging on schedule, and facilitate the discussion where award decisions are made.
You do not need a background in robotics, engineering, or teaching to be a good judge. What the role asks for is careful attention, consistency from one team to the next, and a willingness to listen to students. This course provides the rest.
This course is designed to help you:
- Understand the responsibilities of Judges and Judge Advisors.
- Apply the Engineering Notebook and Team Interview Rubrics with confidence.
- Support fair, consistent, and respectful judging at every event.
- Prepare for the judging role that matches your event responsibilities.
The Structure of this Course
The course is divided into two certification pathways. Chapters 1–3 cover judging foundations, reviewing Engineering Notebooks, and interviewing teams. These chapters are intended for all judges and Judge Advisors. After completing Chapters 1–3, you will complete the Judge Certification Exam and earn a Judge Certificate. Judges may complete the course at that point.
Chapters 4 and 5 build on that foundation with content specific to Judge Advisors: organizing judges at an event and facilitating award deliberations. After completing them, you will complete the Judge Advisor Certification Exam and earn an additional certificate.
The course is self-paced and should be completed in the order presented, since each chapter builds on concepts introduced earlier. Check Your Understanding questions are included throughout the lessons to help you monitor your progress and review key concepts before moving on. Each chapter ends with a Chapter Exam, and Chapter Exams must be completed before each certification exam is unlocked.
Thank you for volunteering your time, attention, and judgment in this role! VEX Robotics Competition events would not be possible without volunteers who are willing to give students a thoughtful audience for their work.
The time to complete this chapter is approximately 30 minutes.
In This Chapter
This chapter introduces the foundations of judging at VEX Robotics Competition events. You will learn why judging exists and what it looks for in a team's work, the awards judges decide, who does what on a judging team, and the conduct and confidentiality expectations that every judge and Judge Advisor is held to.