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What Exactly is the “Danish Judging System” in Michigan 4-H?
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DISCLAIMER: What follows are my conclusions based on personal research from a wide variety of sources but emphasizing Michigan 4-H and local events. This paper was not reviewed or endorsed by National or Michigan 4-H or Michigan State University Extension. This paper is not to be considered official 4-H policy. I wrote it to help other 4-H parents like me better understand the structure, philosophy and benefits of the Danish scoring system as it is used in Michigan 4-H. While this paper is specifically for U.P. Riders at local U.P. horse events, it is useful for anyone showing in any event that uses the Danish scoring system.
While I strove to be as technically accurate as possible, this is solely my personal understanding of the Danish system and related subjects based on the references cited. Other parents or organizations may disagree. If you have specific questions, contact your local 4-H coordinator.
By having two kids in 4-H for over 6 years, we’ve attended many state and county fairs, exhibiting in many events including equine, agriculture, photography, art, crafts, etc. I wondered about the “Danish System”. Do a Google search for “Danish system judging” and you will find many pages from 4-H events all across the United States. It is a very commonly used judging system. But…
Who gets a ribbon? What is each ribbon for? Why so many ribbons? Fellow parents couldn’t quite define what exactly an exhibitor had to do to receive a blue, red or white ribbon so, what are the standards? What exactly does a red or white ribbon signify? When is the Danish system used? Why is the Danish system used and frankly, what exactly is the Danish System? I heard “everybody gets a ribbon” and “you get paid to play.” Is that correct? Is that all it is? I decided to find out.
In researching this topic I learned a lot about the strategy and philosophy of the Danish system. I learned more precisely what it is, how it is structured, where and why we use it. I also learned a lot more about the value of 4-H.
As usual, I got into way more detail than most people care to know so I formatted this document as a FAQ page. Read just what you want or read the whole thing. It’s up to you. Hyperlinks are provided for important documents. Footnotes are provided so that you can verify my sources.
1) From the Michigan 4-H Recognition Handbook
2) How is the “Danish” system different than the “American” system?
3) Why is the Danish system used?
4) What is the difference between Danish blue, red and white ribbons?
5) What is the “modified” Danish system and when is it used?
6) In the Danish system, does everyone in the class always get a ribbon?
7) What “standards” do judges use to determine blue, red or white ribbons?
8) Do all judges use the same standards?
9) How do judges get trained in the 4-H Danish standards?
10) What works better, competition or cooperation?
11) But, isn’t there American (Peer) judging in 4-H?
12) Are county fairs, state fairs and shows 4-H events?
13) What system is used at the Marquette County Fair?
14) What about the U.P.H.A. (Upper Peninsula Horsemen’s Association) Rules?
15) What system is used at the U.P. State Fair?
16) What is the definition of an “Open” class?
17) Are “premiums” ($ rewards for ribbons) part of the Danish system?
18) Evaluation of 5-8 year old activities
1) From the Michigan 4-H Recognition Handbook
Many times, our conversations about recognition center on debate about the value of competition in 4-H. Some people believe that recognition programs need to have a competitive element to be valuable. Others believe that competition is basically “bad” for kids and we should not be encouraging competitive activities in 4-H. In reality, the truth seems to be a balance somewhere in the middle.
Recognition is a key aspect of youth and volunteer development. When used effectively and appropriately, it encourages and supports learning in all parts of our lives. It is broader than competition, but can include competitive aspects. A comprehensive recognition program includes opportunities for recognition based on participation, progress toward goals, standards of excellence, peer competition and cooperation (Parsons, 1996.) This is true for both adults and young people.
There is much more valuable and interesting information available in the Recognition Handbook. I strongly suggest that you check it out.
2) How is the "Danish" system different than the "American" system?
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A rank-order scoring system which awards the top exhibitor 1st, another 2nd, 3rd, etc. based on a score is called the “American System” or the “Peer System.” There may also be special categories such as “Top of Class”, “Best of Show”, etc. While the American system uses standards and requirements, it primarily uses the idea of competition between exhibitors, pitting one competitor against another to establish the rankings. In the Olympics, there can be only one gold, silver and bronze. That is the “American system” of awards. In the “Danish System” (sometimes called the “Group Method”), exhibitors are measured against standards, not ranked against other exhibitors. |
You are probably already familiar with the Danish system from school where A, B, C, D, & F grades are given. There might be 7 students with an A (meets excellent levels of ability) 12 with a B (above average levels), 14 with a C (average levels), etc. This, grouping by standards, is the Danish system. Since more than one exhibitor can meet the each level of standards, many more ribbons are handed out.
In 4-H, and in many junior classes of events in state and county fairs, most judging involves the Danish system of judging. In this system, the judges do not judge one person’s work by comparing it to another’s. Instead, a judge determines whether the exhibitors meet or exceed standards. Often a score sheet, available from the county 4-H office, is used to help the judge group exhibitors consistently.
3) Why is the Danish system used?
4-H uses the Danish system to judge youth exhibits to: · Help youth improve their project skills · Help them recognize their own efforts and accomplishments · Help them develop standards for future self-evaluation · Encourage them to continue in the project · Advise them on what they might learn next. |
It’s not just about picking winners. |
If young or novice exhibitors have to compete, American System, against older or veteran exhibitors, the chances of scoring at all would be very low. When the bar is set high, only the very best can truly compete, only the most experienced have even a chance of placing, discouraging novices from even entering the event.
If you’re just learning and have absolutely no chance of placing against veterans, why bother to enter? Why bother to learn in the first place if you are just going to get killed in the show ring? Why have announcers publicly state how bad you are over the loudspeaker? It’s safer and less embarrassing if you don’t compete at all.
Why not just have the top three competitors (we already know who they are) compete? The rest of us will just watch from the sidelines and let the event become a spectator sport instead of a participatory activity. Spectators don’t need to learn skills or set goals.
If novices are too intimidated to enter, the field narrows, the event dies.
For some young people and adults, participation itself is a bold and meaningful accomplishment. It can be a first step in improving self-esteem and encouraging individuals to continue to set new and higher goals. The Danish system encourages novices and intermediate exhibitors to do their best and strive to reach the highest levels even if they are not quite there yet. It helps people become better instead of just rewarding the best. It keeps the event populated and alive.
4-H boys and girls are more important than 4-H projects or awards. Learning how to do a project is more important than the project itself[1] and more important than being superior to others.
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Danish gives every 4-H exhibitor the recognition deserved for the work that was done even if they haven’t yet reached the highest levels and helps young people recognize the need to set goals, improve their skills and “make the best better.” The Danish system rewards achievement more than individuals. The goal, especially for young people, is to cooperate to reach goals more than to compete against friends for ribbons. Exhibitors are encouraged to help each other meet goals instead of competing against each other; to cooperate instead of compete. There is no reason to hope your fellow exhibitor does worse than you. In Danish you strive to join your “Blue Ribbon” team, not to beat them. |
Hard-core competitors will steadfastly claim that the American System is the best way to “make the best better”, but in reality, the American System benefits just the one or few winners. Everyone else, the majority, especially the young, learn mostly about losing.
There is a very old saying: “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (II Cor. 9:6)[2]. In the Olympics (American System), we reap years of developmental work. For youth in county fairs (Danish System), we are sowing seeds, growing the next generation. Competitors who demand a high bar to reward only the best, even for youth, confuse reaping with sowing. Pick fruit too early and all you get is bitter fruit. For the sweetest fruit, patiently nurture your developing plants. Resist the temptation to reap too early. Reaping unripe fruit just because you are impatient, feeds no one. Endure a little hunger while fruit matures. Think more about the future than the present. That is how you reap bountifully.
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In Danish, everybody doesn’t win. Those who don’t apply themselves or who are novices, just starting out, typically receive lower level ribbons, and they should know what that signifies (see below), but more than one can be a winner. More than one can realize success. In Danish, your fellow exhibitors are hoping you succeed, not hoping you fail. Danish doesn’t reward everyone it encourages everyone, more than just the elite few already at the very top. If you have worked hard to meet tough standards, you receive the recognition you deserve, even if you didn’t beat everyone else. You didn’t need to. You just needed to set goals, work hard and meet those goals. |
4) What is the difference between Danish blue, red and white ribbons?
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BLUE (excellent or A): The exhibit met high standards, an excellent rating. A blue is given to those who most nearly meet the highest standards established for the particular class or level of performance. Blue does not indicate perfection or superiority, but indicates a high degree (90% - 100%) of achievement toward the elements in the standards. |
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RED (good or B): Meets minimum standards, very good work. These entries rank good (80% - 89%) in relation to the standards or expected achievement. Either the general level of the accomplishment is less than excellent or enough shortcomings are found to cause the placing to drop from excellent to good. |
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WHITE (average or C): Meets standards well enough to be shown, but is only fair quality (70% - 79%). The white grouping contains entries found lacking and rate only an average, acceptable, or satisfactory rating for the standards established. |
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NO RIBBON: In Danish, no ribbon may be given if exhibits or individuals who for one reason or another fail to produce that level of achievement which can be reasonably expected in relation to the specific class or performance in which they are entered. |
One advantage of the Danish system is that everyone whose work fulfills at least the minimum qualification can receive a ribbon of recognition. Theoretically, if all entries are judged to be excellent, all would receive blue ribbons. If all entries are judged to be poor, all would receive white ribbons or no ribbons at all. In Danish, ribbons signify levels of achievement, not placing.
5) What is the "modified" Danish system and when is it used?
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A true Danish system is evaluation against a standard of excellence that is the same for young people and adults, novices and veterans. Michigan 4-H uses a modified Danish system that recognizes excellence against a standard that is adjusted according to age and years of experience. That is why some young or novice exhibitors may receive higher than expected ribbons. The standards were adjusted. Do better than expected for your age or experience and you will receive a higher level ribbon, but only if the judge is using the modified Danish system. |
6) In the Danish system, does everyone in the class always get a ribbon?
Maybe. In a true Danish System class, only the standards determine who gets which ribbon. The number of blue, red and white ribbons is not specified. Entries that are below the minimum standard would not be awarded a ribbon.
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In the Modified Danish system used by Michigan 4-H, the judge adjusts the standards to compensate for age and experience. More exhibitors are likely to get ribbons. Even entries that fall below the normal standards may get white ribbons because the judge adjusted the standards for age or experience. But still, ribbons might not be given to everyone. It depends on the judge. Different events may interpret “Danish” differently than 4-H does. In many, but not all event rule booklets, Danish ribbon guidelines are specified, typically 30% blue, 50% red and 20% white (totaling 100% - according to that event guideline, everyone gets a ribbon). |
Some events limit the number of blues that can be awarded “…any one class may vary greatly from these percentages to conform to the judge’s rating, but in no case shall a judge award an A rating to more than 50%” and/or “If, in the opinion of the judge, the exhibit is not worthy, no premium will be awarded.”[3]
Even in Danish events, which entries get a ribbon and which ribbon is awarded, depends entirely on the event rules, the judge and the performance of the exhibitor.
7) What "standards" do judges use to determine blue, red and white ribbons?
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The current 4-H standards for horse showing are described in the 2006 Michigan 4-H Horse & Pony Project Show Rules & Regulations.[4] This publication is intended to help standardize the judging and evaluation at 4-H horse shows throughout Michigan. It is available from the link above. |
Notice that I emphasized “4-H standards”. Other organizations (Upper Peninsula Horseman’s Association (UPHA), or the UP State Fair) may and usually do have their own standards. Non-4-H events like state or county fairs, may combine standards or use different standards for certain classes, events or age categories. You need to read the rules for each show very carefully.
Interestingly, even when 4-H rules and regulations are not specified, the event’s rules and regulations used are often based on 4-H rules and regulations. Learning 4-H rules and regulations is a wise strategy. Even then, the standards used depend a lot on the judge.
8) Do all judges use the same standards?
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In a word – no. It is unfortunate but true that each show may use similar standards but not necessarily the same standards and each judge may interpret standards somewhat differently. Not all judges are thoroughly trained in 4-H standards or trained in the Danish system. Judges for non-4-H events are not required to learn Danish specific standards. Beyond those technicalities, judges (humans like the rest of us) may interpret or apply standards a little differently. Non-4-H events often do but are not required to hire 4-H suggested judges. |
For youth horse showing, it is best to focus on the 4-H Horse and Pony Project Show Rules and Regulations because it is an excellent and common reference and supplement for any other specific rules listed for the event you are participating in.
9) How do judges get trained in the 4-H Danish standards?
The Michigan State University Extension 4-H Horse Judges Advisory Committee compiles an annual Michigan 4-H Horse Judges List.[5] All judges on the Michigan 4-H Horse Judges List are given an annual, open-book, written test on the information given in 4-H Horse and Pony Project Show Rules and Regulations.
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This annual test is sent directly to the judges for completion and returned to the Equine Extension Youth Specialist or collected at the 4-H Horse Judges and Superintendents Conference. Judges must obtain at least 80% on this test to remain in good standing. For results from the Feb. 5-6th, 2009 Judging Clinic, click: 2009 RESULTS. Judges in good standing on the Michigan 4-H Horse Judges List must attend the 4-H Horse Judges and Superintendents Conference at least once every three years. Judges also must annually attend one approved judge’s clinic. Judges from other states may be on the Michigan list as long as they meet Michigan requirements. This list is published by the CANR (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources). |
About the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU
Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) is the first college of the first land grant institution in America. Land-grant universities (also called land-grant colleges or land grant institutions) are institutions of higher education in the United States designated by each state to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. The Morrill Acts funded educational institutions by granting federally controlled land to the states for the states to develop or sell to raise funds to establish and endow "land grant" colleges. The mission of these institutions as set forth in the 1862 Act is to focus on the teaching of agriculture, science and engineering as a response to the industrial revolution and changing social class rather than higher education's historic core of classical studies.
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, together with the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) and Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) offer an array of expertise that reflects the breadth and diversity of the agricultural and natural resource base of Michigan.
10) What works better, competition or cooperation?
Alfie Kohn in his 1992 book No Contest; The Case Against Competition 2nd edition, distinguishes between structural competition (a win/lose framework) and intentional competition (where individuals desire to be number one).
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In structurally competitive activities, my success requires your failure. Two or more individuals are trying to achieve a goal that cannot be achieved by all of them. This is the essence of competition. Two hungry people may structurally compete for a bowl of stew, but in most contests, the goal is simply a prized status – to intentionally defeat others. [6] In contrast, cooperation requires working together to achieve goals so that both hungry people eat. It is common to assume that cooperation is fuzzy-minded idealism, applies in only limited situations, and that competition yields more productive results. |
But Kohn suggests this may be confusing cooperation with altruism (self-sacrifice for the benefit of others). “It is not at all true that competition is more successful because it relies on the tendency to “look out for number one” while cooperation assumes that we primarily want to help each other. Cooperation sets things up so that by helping you I am helping myself at the same time.”[7]
Competitors often assume, because it is so often repeated and unchallenged, that competition builds character, values and excellence but, when pressed, naming those characters and values is difficult beyond “being the best you can be” (or in 4-H, “make the best better”). It gets even more interesting when competition is challenged to list characters, values and excellence that cooperation could not develop better.
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It is easier, faster and more useful to become the best you can be with and in cooperation with others instead of against others. Cooperation still asks you to be your best, just not at the expense of others. Cooperation asks you to be the best you can be while respecting and considering others instead of just considering yourself. Cooperation is not a win/lose (competition) or lose/win (altruism) strategy. Cooperation is win/win. That is why the Danish system is preferred over the American scoring system, especially for youth. The Danish system emphasizes success instead of failure, in keeping with the 4-H Recognition Program. The 4-H goal is to achieve standards of excellence instead of defeating your neighbor. |
11) But isn't there American (Peer) judging in 4-H?
Competition is the most visible kind of recognition in 4-H. Competition is highly motivating for some individuals, while others have no interest in it. 4-H has a long tradition of offering competitive events as a part of the program, especially activities linked to county fairs.
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While Danish judging focuses on set standards, other judging compares one 4-H’ers’ work to another’s. This is peer competition. This type of judging may be used to select the “best” projects within a class. An example of this would be awarding a “Best in Show” rosette to the photo with the highest score in a photo judging contest. In some projects, such as horse shows, participants are often ranked against one another and given placing, such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, etc. The State 4-H Awards Program is another competitive event that challenges our older youth to compete for state-level awards in more than 30 different project areas. Ribbons, trophies, plaques, scholarships and certificates are common forms of recognition in competitive events. It’s important to be aware of the value 4-H members place on competition. We often hear the argument that “Kids need to learn how to compete to be successful in the real world.” While competition is a tradition in American society, it is not the answer for everyone. |
12) Are county fairs, state fairs and shows 4-H events?
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Interestingly, and maybe to the surprise of 4-H members, the answer is no. County and state fairs and shows often include 4-H members and 4-H activities, but they are not 4-H events. These fairs are organized and presented by fair specific boards or associations but are not 4-H boards. Some events may receive state funds but are not obligated to use 4-H standards. Still, to encourage young and developing participants in agricultural subjects, the 4-H Danish system is often adopted by various fair and show boards specifically for youth or junior classes because Danish is considered fair, positive, more educational and less competitive. |
13) What system is used at the Marquette County Fair?
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The Marquette County Fair is an independent 501-(c)-3 non-profit corporation with no formal or informal affiliation with any governmental agency or unit at the local, state, or federal level; including the County of Marquette.[8] At the Marquette County Fair, as of 2010, when horse class exhibitors are ages 6-19, the judging is Danish (which the County Fair Board typically interprets as “everybody gets a blue, red, or white ribbon”) but since the County Fair is not a 4-H sponsored event, the judges may or may not be 4-H judges and may have different standards for awarding blues, reds and whites. It’s up to the judge. Even the Danish judging system is optional at the fair. It is up to the County Fair Board. |
The fair has also awarded monetary “premiums” for ribbons: blue ribbons-$10, red ribbons-$7, white ribbons-$5 (2009). Premium money is provided by the fair board and is not part of the Danish system or of 4-H. Because all state money for premiums was eliminated for 2010, premiums may or may not be included in future youth horse classes. It is up to the County Fair Board.
From the 2009 Marquette County Fair Book[9]
Department 26 - Youth & Open Horse Show
5. Youth classes will be judged according to Danish 4-H rules except for speed events. Open horses to be shown by breed standards; otherwise U.P.H.A. rules will apply.
Department 31 - 4-H & Youth - Food
Judging: It is expected that approximately 30% or total exhibits may be rated A, 50% rated B, and 20% rated C, although any one class may vary greatly from these percentages to conform to the judge’s rating, but in no case shall a judge award an A rating to more than 50%.
The use of the Danish system is optional and can be changed by the board members. Since the Danish system often awards more ribbons, events that award “premiums” ($ awards for ribbons, see the “premium” FAQ below) find that Danish classes are more expensive. Sometimes the Danish system is not used for youth classes simply to save money.
UPPER PENNINSULA HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION SHOW RULES
SECTION I. General Rules:
F. All judging will be in accordance with U.P.H.A. rules and judges be on a current approved “Judges List” or have a current “Judges Card” from an approved equine association, and be approved by a majority of directors. A judge may judge no more than two years in a row. The show committee will post a form furnished by U.P.H.A., whereby any U.P.H.A. Member may write their approval/disapproval comments about the judge for that day and sign their name.
K. Five places will be awarded in each class. It is up to the show committee to award what they wish.
P. Age of contestants at any U.P.H.A. sanctioned show will be as follows:
1. JUVENILE - 3 through 13
2. JUNIOR - 14 through 25
3. SENIOR - 26 and over
The UPHA makes no mention of Danish scoring and the age categories are different than other organizations. The Marquette County Fair uses UPHA rules with exceptions (including Danish scoring, two different junior age categories 9-13 and 14-19, senior is 20 and over). Again, be sure to read each event’s rule booklet very carefully.
15) What system is used at the U.P. State Fair?
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The Michigan State Fair Act 89 of 1927[10], was signed by then Michigan Gov. Fred Green which stated, "An annual state fair at the City of Escanaba, which shall have for its main purpose the exploiting, and encouragement of improved methods in agriculture and industrial pursuits I hereby authorize."[11] The state fair was designed to encourage interaction between rural agriculture and urban industry. It quickly evolved into a rich blend of education, recreation and entertainment. In 1853 the fair opened in Lansing and moved to its final Detroit location in 1905. |
A second Michigan State Fair was organized by farmers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the 1920s. Escanaba was favored as a location for the new fair because it was centrally located with good rail and road connections. The first Upper Peninsula State Fair was held in 1928 and continues today.[12]
Feb. 3rd 2009, Governor Granholm presented her State of the State Address where she outlined that there would be no State Funding for the State Fairs in Detroit and the Upper Peninsula in 2010. March 17, 2009 – Marquette County Board of Commissioners approved a Resolution of Support for the conveyance of the fairgrounds property from the State to Delta County. March 18, 2009 – Discussion with E.J. Brown, Director of Fairs and Festivals for Michigan about grant program for premium awards[13]. But in 2010, all state funding was eliminated; even state premium funds were eliminated.
Today the U.P. State Fair is run by a fair authority. Through an agreement entered into under Michigan's Urban Cooperative Act ("Enabling Agreement"), the fifteen (15) counties in the Upper Peninsula and the Hannahville Tribe have created a legal entity to be known as the "Upper Peninsula State Fair Authority.[14]
From the 2009 U.P. State Fair GENERAL RULES[15]
24. An entry in any department, including entries made under the Danish System of judging, does not guarantee a premium award.
26. If the total premiums won by exhibitors exceed the amount of premium money appropriated by the State Legislature, the Upper Peninsula State Fair reserves the right to pro-rate all premiums won.
Junior Show Rules
4. “Danish Judging System” means a method of judging in which all entries are judged against an established set of standards. All of the entries meeting the standards may receive the same award. The Danish system, when used, will award premiums for an A (blue ribbon), B (red ribbon) or C (white ribbon) rating given each exhibit in each class. If, in the opinion of the judge, the exhibit is not worthy, no premium will be awarded.
Department 13 Horse Show, Junior
8. Judging will be done using the Danish system and awards made on the basis of 20% A’s, 50% B’s and 30% C’s. Only the top two horses of each class are eligible for Grand and Reserve Champion judging.
9. All classes will be judged using the current edition of “4-H Horse and Pony Project Show Rules & Regulations”, a bulletin by the 4-H Youth Program of Michigan State University, including as a guide for conduct, clothing, equipment and some of the show patterns.
PREMIUM SCHEDULE
A $18, B $15, C $13
16) What is the definition of an "Open" class?
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At the U.P. State Fair an open entry is “open to the world”. Anyone from anywhere can enter and compete in the class. Typically, junior classes are not “Open” so that amateur juniors do not have to potentially compete with veterans or “professionals” from neighboring states or countries. Junior classes are only open to Michigan residents ages 6-19.[16] |
17) Are "premiums" ($ rewards for ribbons) part of the Danish system?
For many years, the State
of Michigan appropriated money for premiums for county and state fairs, ($91,400
in 2009) to reimburse up to 75% of premiums paid to large livestock and equine
exhibitors in shows or exhibitions held by statewide associations. State fairs
were awarded monies ($40,000 in 2009) through a competitive grant program to
local, regional, or state fairs or youth education programs to promote youth
involvement and adult exhibitions in the animal agriculture industry.[17]
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State and county fairs used this money as incentives for youth and adults to enter agricultural events. In 2010, all “premium money” from the state was eliminated due to state budget deficits. If fairs want to continue to offer premiums for ribbons they have to find other sources of money: donations, fees, etc. Maybe the Danish system may be eliminated to reduce the amount of premiums paid out or maybe premiums will be reduced or eliminated. We’ll have to wait and see. |
From the 2009 U.P. State Fair GENERAL RULES[18]
24. An entry in any department, including entries made under the Danish System of judging, does not guarantee a premium award.
26. If the total premiums won by exhibitors exceed the amount of premium money appropriated by the State Legislature, the Upper Peninsula State Fair reserves the right to pro-rate all premiums won.
Junior Show Rules
4. The Danish system, when used, will award premiums for an A (blue ribbon), B (red ribbon) or C (white ribbon) rating given each exhibit in each class. If, in the opinion of the judge, the exhibit is not worthy, no premium will be awarded.
PREMIUM SCHEDULE
A $18, B $15, C $13
18) Evaluation of 5-8 year old activities
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Cloverbuds, 4-H members ages 5 through 8, are not ranked or judged competitively. Even the Danish system is considered competitive so it is not used for cloverbuds. At events, Cloverbuds receive identical forms of recognition of participation for work exhibited in Exhibition halls or for participation in non-competitive animal demonstrations, skill-a-thons, clinics, or other educational events. Although Cloverbud exhibits or demonstrations are not ranked or scored, it is important for the children to receive feedback on their work. They may participate in a “show and tell” activity about their exhibit or receive written or oral feedback that includes positive encouragement and constructive suggestions for growth for their exhibits or animal activities.[19] |
