The OpenWater Blog

Learning Series: Surveying Judges

You know you need to survey entrants, but what about judges? After all, keeping your judges happy is a key component of any program since you’ll want them to return year after year.

Asking the right questions is the only way to evaluate your program and ensure you’re doing everything you should be. Below, we detail just some of the questions you should be asking along with others you custom tailor to suit your unique program.

Why Survey Judges?

If entrants are at the center of your program, why survey judges?

There are a few reasons why:

• Judges want to feel pampered and as if their opinion matters
• Surveying judges helps identify strategies to attract better judges every year; and
• Understanding judges can help you add diversity and prestige to your event

How to Survey Judges

Like the surveys you send to entrants, judge surveys will fall into one of three categories:

1. Prestige of the program
2. Integrity of the program; or
3. Operational goals

Prestige of the Program

Prestige-focused questions will reveal how your judges perceive the benefits of working for your program. Questions you may want to ask include:

• Thoughts on the diversity of the judging panel
• Thoughts on whether a judge is likely to return if invited in following years; and
• Thoughts on the number of finalists, winners, and other metrics

Integrity of the Program

Integrity-focused questions will relate specifically to the judging process. This may include thoughts pertaining to:

• Whether judges felt the judging process was fair and transparent; and
• Whether judges agree with the chosen finalists and winners

Operational Goals

Operational goals will relate to your administrative processes and how they affected the judges. Some examples of questions may include:

• Whether judges felt as if you communicated often and well during the judging process
• Whether the judging guidelines you provided were clear and concise; and
• Whether judges were given enough time to review submissions

What Will You Ask Judges?

Building positive, professional relationships with judges is essential for the present and future success of your program. And, by creating surveys that ask meaningful, measurable questions, you can ensure you aren’t leaving these relationships to chance.

If you still have questions yourself, get more information on surveying judges in our free online course Awards 101: The Missing Manual for Awards Professionals!

Ashley Surinak

Ashley Surinak is the resident OpenWater expert on all things content. From the blog to guides and beyond, you'll find her at every turn in your OpenWater journey.

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