Baroness Ximena Yannez de Talavera, OL shared some of her ideas on how to make Kingdom A&S even better with me and others at Kingdom A&S in 2005. After I was awarded the bid for this event, Elspeth and I met with Ximena and we're going to work with Lord Guillaume, the South Downs A&S minister, to use all of her ideas.
Prior Events
Experiment at this Midwinter
Entrant received one score sheet per entry.
Multiple judges came to a consensus on the score and often the comments as well.
Judges sometimes had to wait on other judges.
Entrant receives one score sheet per judge (three, preferably). Final score, when needed, will be averaged.
Judges may collaborate on judging and scoring, but no consensus is required.
If there are enough qualified judges, each judge will score no more than three entries.
A judge need not score all of the entries in a given category.
Judges may trade entries.
Entrants were not allowed in the judging area for static entries.
Entrants are both allowed and encouraged to be in the judging area for static entries so that the judges can ask them questions about their entries.
Verbal answers do not replace missing documentation.
Performing arts entries were judged separate from those in Costume Revue.
Costume Revue entries will be interspersed between performing arts entries to give judges more scoring time closer to the actual display or performance.
There was no encouragement or facility for entrants to provide documentation before the event.
Entrants are encouraged send in their documentation at least three weeks before the event via US mail or email. This gives the judges time to do their own research and collaboration — especially on entries with aspects in which the judges have little or no experience. This will save time at the event.
Locations
Depending on the number and type of entries, the current plan is to have all static arts entries (both scored and display only) in the main hall and performing arts and costume revue in the craft cabin.
Advice for entrants
The entry should be the final product of research and production. Research first. You could then use your findings as a research paper in a separate entry.
Your documentation should have a summary at the front covering the basic questions.
Finish your documentation early so that you have the option of sending it in finished before the event.
Use your documentation to educate the judges and those others who see your entry. You just might know more than the judges about a specific area. Explain the process you used and other decisions you made - especially when you differ from historical practice by choice or necessity.
Have at least five copies (more is better) of your documentation at your display.
For static entries, leave paper and writing implements to collect comments from the populace.
Present your static entry in a pleasing display. Put it on a nice cloth and accessorize.
The entry is not your baby. Accept the judges' comments as constructive. They want to help you do better work in the future.