No judge may be a member of the sponsoring club or school of the contestant. State Contest Chairman will select the judges in keeping with the above rules. The decision of the judges may be challenged only under the protest conditions explained below. Other than protests, the decisions of the judges are final. Once the judges rule on a protest, that decision is final.
Judges are responsible for disqualifications based on lack of originality.
Before a contestant can be disqualified on the basis of originality, a majority of the judges must agree with the decision. Notice of such disqualification must be made and announced to the affected contestant immediately after that person's presentation. Allow sufficient time before the award presentation to resolve questions and allow the contestant to relax prior to the award ceremony should the issue be resolved. A. A random drawing will determine the contestant speaking order. B. Contestants not present when called by the Contest Chairman at their turn will be disqualified.