What can result from a lack of clear judging guidelines?

A lack of clear judging guidelines can significantly lead to confusion among judges. When guidelines are murky or not well-defined, judges may interpret the criteria differently, resulting in a subjective and varied assessment of performances. This inconsistency can create uncertainty about how to apply the judging criteria, leading to a lack of confidence in the judging process. Judges might struggle to communicate their evaluations effectively to participants, which can further complicate the overall evaluation process. In an environment where expectations and standards are not clearly articulated, misunderstandings and discrepancies in judgment are likely to arise, ultimately undermining the fairness and integrity of the competition.