Exam Focus
- Distinguish advancement-round comparison from rescoring a normal flight or carrying forward an earlier total.
- Evaluate entries independently before discussion and withhold information about prior panels or placements.
- Follow organizer procedure for ranking, ties, discussion, and final paperwork without using reputation or advocacy.
Core concept
In a mini-BOS or BOS setting, evaluate the presented entries on the round's instructions. Do not announce that an entry advanced from your earlier panel before other judges form their impressions.
Judging and study application
Use concise comparative notes, discuss after independent assessment, and follow organizer procedure for ranking, ties, and paperwork. Earlier numeric scores do not automatically decide the new round.
Why It Matters
- Announcing an entry's earlier success can anchor the new panel before judges form their own impressions.
- Treating a prior numeric score as decisive ignores the comparative purpose and instructions of the advancement round.
Practical Sensory Exercises
Run a silent advancement pass
Taste three contrasting beers suitable for a mock advancement round. Rank them independently with one strength and one limitation each, then compare rankings without revealing any earlier practice scores.
Key Terms
- Mini-BOS
- A smaller advancement round used to select top entries from a flight or category.
- Best of Show
- A final comparative round among leading entries.
- Undue influence
- Pressure or information that distorts independent judgment.