Configure comments for judges

Which judging modes support comments?

Your program may require judges to make comments on entries. This option is available on all judging modes:

• Qualifying
• Top pick
• VIP judging
• Voting
• Gallery

Configure judging comments

Judges can leave a comment(s) in two ways:

• Overall comment on the entry; available on all judging modes
• Comment on individual scoring criteria; available in VIP Judging only

To enable judges to leave a comment(s) on the overall entry using a comment box at the bottom of the page: 

1. In the Manage workspace, go to Judging > Settings > Score sets
2. Click on the Score set name
3. Go to the 'Display' tab
4. Under the 'Commenting' heading, select the Registered users can comment checkbox
5. Click Save

You can also select Comment on entry required which will make comments on each entry mandatory before judging is considered complete.

Tip: judges can also include a file with their comments by clicking the file icon in the commenting area. 


Accepted file types include .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .doc, .docx, .pdf, .xls, and .xlsx. 

To enable judges to leave a comment(s) on every scoring criterion:  

1. Open the Manage workspace and navigate to Judging > Settings > Score sets
2. Click on the Score set name
3. Go to the 'Display' tab
4. Under 'Commenting', check the Comments on individual scores invited box
5. Click Save

You can also select Comment on individual scores required which will make comments on scoring criteria mandatory before judging is considered complete.

Display (share) judging comments between judges

If you want judges to be able to see each others’ comments:

1. From the Manage workspace, go to Judging > Settings > Score sets
2. Click on the Score set you want to edit
3. Open the 'Display' tab
4. Under 'Commenting', select the Users can see each other’s comments on this score set checkbox
5. Click Save

Display comments on feedback view

1. In the Manage workspace, go to Judging > Settings > Score sets
2. Click on the Score set you want to edit
3. Open the 'Display' tab
4. Under 'Commenting', check the Display comments on feedback view box
5. Save
6. Configure a feedback round to see how this appears to entrants

Download judging comments

By default, only the program manager can download the judges' comments via the leaderboard.

1. From the Manage workspace, navigate to Judging > Leaderboard
2. Open the Export drop-down
3. Hover your cursor over Scores + comments and select either Excel or CSV file

Your export file will be sent to your email with a link to the file when it’s ready. Depending on the size of the export, this may take a few minutes to appear. 

The Excel/CSV sheet will have a row for each judge and their comments and scores per entry.

Video overview

This video shows menu navigation that has since changed.