When the 45 minutes have elapsed from the time the contestants have been instructed to begin the contest, the timekeeper shall collect all entries. A properly qualified and impartial judging panel shall be selected by the contest director. The entries shall be graded in accordance with the list of journalism contest judging criteria for the contest. A list of judging criteria shall be enclosed in the contest material packet requisitioned from the League office. The contest director shall make available copies of the list for review by judges prior to the contest.
Lead consists of the most timely and newsworthy information.
Facts are presented in descending order of importance. Paragraph transition is smooth and logical. Direct and indirect quotes are used effectively. Writing is active, precise and stylistically exact. All news questions are answered.