Certified Judge Advisor Practice Test

Is it acceptable for judges to spend significantly varying amounts of time interviewing different teams?

1. Yes, based on team enthusiasm

2. No, all teams should have initial interviews under the same conditions

3. Only if time is limited

4. Judges can choose to adjust time as needed

The correct answer is: No, all teams should have initial interviews under the same conditions

The assertion that all teams should have initial interviews under the same conditions is rooted in the principle of fairness and equality in competitive environments. Ensuring that each team is given an equal opportunity to present their ideas and respond to questions is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the judging process. When judges allocate significantly varying amounts of time to different teams, it can lead to biases and inconsistencies in the evaluation process. Variations based on factors such as team enthusiasm or the judge's discretion could unfairly advantage certain teams over others. This could hinder the objective assessment of each team’s performance and contribute to perceptions of favoritism or inconsistency among the judges. By adhering to a standardized time for interviews, judges can ensure that each team has a fair chance to communicate their message effectively, allowing for a more accurate and equitable comparison of their presentations.