--Continued
VII. JUDGING SYSTEM
We use a three-judge scoring system, with each judge scring a photograph from 5 to nine points. The three scores are then added together. The lowest combined score is a 15, and the highest is a 27. When possible we use outside judges (non-Club Members) with a photography background.
Besides giving a numeric score, judges are asked to critique each photograph in the open subject and the first and second place winners of the assigned subjects. The purpose of these critiques is to point out the positive features of each photograph, as well as giving tips the maker can use to improve his or her work.
VIII. MAKE UP
If a competition is missed during the year, one make-up (only one) will be allowed for each category in both open and the assigned subject. These will be scored without commentary and will not be eligible for monthly ribbons. One make-up night is scheduled in the spring.
IX. AWARDS
Each month the First and Second Place winners in Class A and Class B are awarded ribbons.
At the end of the monthly competitions, which run for eight consecutive months (September through April), we award prizes to the winners in all three levels with the highest cumulative scores. In addition, we award trophies to the winners with the highest combined cumulative scores (open and assigned) in Black & White Prints, Color Printes, and Color Slides.
X. ANNUAL COMPETITON
At the end of the regular eight month competition program, we hold an annual competition in each category to crown a "Photo of the Year" winner and to acknowledge Honorable Mention photos.
For each category, participants may enter up to three photographs that have already been submitted during the current year's competition. These photos may be either from the open or assigned subjects and are not to be altered or changed in any way from the way they were originally submitted.
While the three levels (Salon, Class A and Class B) will compete separately in all three categories for First Place awards and several Honorable Mentions, the "Print of the Year" or "Color Slide of the Year" will be the overall winner from all three categories.