Our evaluation rubrics are designed to assist artisans who want to enter A&S projects into shows and competitions. They are also designed for judges as guides to scoring entries. Anyone is welcome to use our rubrics, they are not reserved for Kingdom events and are available to help standardize expectations throughout the Sylvan realm.
When everyone knows what to expect while working on their projects, and expectations are set for both entrants and judges, we should arrive at an objective scoring platform throughout our Kingdom, with some room for subjective opinion. See also Ask Aunt Æthel and How To Document an A&S Entry for Competition for advice.
How does the scoring work?
The judging criteria or rubric is a feedback system to help show progress over time and help you develop your skills. If you are new to competition, or to your project, a score consistent in the 2-3 column would be equivalent to an apprentice, and quite nice feedback. A score consistent in the 3 to 4 columns would be intermediate or like a journeyman; in the 5 advanced or like a master and 6 would be the expert.
The highest score of the judging criteria is intended to reflect expert work, a museum-quality entry. Reaching this level should be the goal of every entrant, someday, but don’t expect it to happen overnight. Then when you do reach this milestone, it will be an achievement to be rightfully proud of – a true masterpiece!
Evaluation rubrics
We have four rubrics in both PDF format for download and in table format on their own pages. Each is designed for different kinds of projects or entrants, and each comes with an accompanying Feedback Form:
Material Culture; most projects will use this basic rubric: PDF or web page.
Live Performance; adopted for music, singing, acting, etc.: PDF or web page.
Research Paper; adopted specifically to the written word: PDF or web page. See also SCA Research Papers.
Youth Projects; adopted for younger entrants: PDF or web page.
Feedback Forms
The Kingdom of Æthelmearc judging rubrics are accompanied by matching judging feedback forms. During evaluation the judges can quickly indicate score on a paper-printed rubric by circling the appropriate level for each category. Then the corresponding score is transferred to the judging feedback form, and personal feedback is added. Please add your contact information, including name and email, so the artisan can follow up as they like.
When an artisan enters into a judged competition this means they consent to critique. Unfortunately, not all commentary from judges will be helpful, and the artisan may not like or agree with what a judge has to say about their project. That’s part of the deal though – take what you need, disregard the rest. Entrants, don’t let the judging sheet be the end of the dialogue, especially if you don’t like something or feel like you can gain more from a longer conversation. Follow up and – hey look! You made a new friend. Judges, keep your commentary focused on the project and serve the compliment sandwich (constructive critique sandwiched between two feel-good compliments); make sure every part “tastes good”.
Material Culture judging feedback form: PDF
Live Performance judging feedback form: PDF
Research Paper judging feedback form: PDF
Youth Projects judging feedback form: PDF