Award Force uses a range of terms to describe platform features. If you're new to the system, some of these terms may be unfamiliar.
This glossary provides clear definitions for commonly used terms across the platform.
Glossary
A-D
| Assignments | An assignment links a judge to an entry within a score set. Assignments are automatically created when panels are configured, but can also be created using manual or random assignments. |
| Attachments | Attachments are files uploaded to support an entry. These may include documents, images, videos or other supporting materials. |
| Broadcast |
A broadcast is an email message sent to users from within Award Force. Broadcasts can be created throughout the administration area by clicking the Broadcast button. |
| Category |
Categories group entries that share the same submission requirements. Different categories may collect different information from entrants. Judging panels can also be configured to evaluate entries within specific categories. See: Category configuration. |
| Chapter |
Chapters organise entries and judging based on a classification such as geographic location or organisational structure. Examples include:
Chapters can control entry dates, category availability and judging configuration. See: Chapter configuration. |
| Content block |
Content blocks are reusable pieces of text placed throughout the platform to provide contextual information. Content blocks can be created or edited in the Manage workspace under Settings > Content > Content blocks. They can also be edited using the pencil icon that appears in many areas of the platform. See: Content block locations and Content configuration and management. |
| Division | Divisions break a category into smaller judging groups. This is useful when a category receives a large number of entries. |
E-P
| Entrant | An entrant is a user who submits an entry or nomination for evaluation. |
| Entry | Entries are submissions created by users for evaluation. Depending on the program, entries may also be referred to as nominations, projects, submissions or applications. |
| Field |
Fields are the input areas used to collect information on an entry form. Examples include text inputs, drop-down lists and radio buttons. Fields are created and managed using the form editor. See: Field configuration. |
| Gallery |
A gallery is a visual display of entries. Galleries can be used to present finalists, winners or archived submissions. See: Gallery configuration. |
| Leaderboard |
The leaderboard displays judging results such as scores, votes or decisions. It also provides export options for judging data. |
| Notification |
Notifications are automated messages sent by the platform. These may be delivered by email or SMS and are triggered by system events such as registration or entry submission. Notifications are configured in the Manage workspace under Settings > Communications > Notifications. |
| Panel |
A panel defines who judges which entries and during which judging round. Panels are created in the Manage workspace under Judging > Settings > Panels. See: Create a judging panel and Utilising the Judging fast start. |
R-S
| Review flow |
Review flow allows specified individuals or organisations associated with an entry to review the submission as part of the evaluation process. Review flow settings are configured in the Manage workspace under Review flow > Settings. See: Review flow overview. |
| Role |
A role defines the permissions assigned to a user. Roles determine what actions users can perform within the platform. |
| Round |
Rounds define when entry submission, judging and feedback stages are open. See: Round configuration. |
| Sandbox account |
A sandbox account is a separate account used for testing entry forms, integrations or API functionality. Sandbox accounts are available as an add-on with a Premier subscription. |
| Score set |
A score set is a collection of judging results that appears in a leaderboard. Multiple score sets allow different judging stages to run independently. Score sets are created in the Manage workspace under Judging > Settings > Score sets. See: How do score sets work? and Configure score sets. |
| Scoring criteria |
Scoring criteria define the standards used by judges to evaluate entries. Judges assign scores based on these criteria. Scoring criteria are created in the Manage workspace under: Judging > Settings > Scoring criteria. See: Scoring criteria. |
| Season |
A season represents a program cycle, often annual. Each season contains its own entry configuration, judging setup and submission data. When a new season begins, the previous season is archived but remains accessible. Seasons are configured in the Manage workspace under: Settings > General > Seasons. |
| Slug |
A slug is a unique identifier for a record in Award Force. It uses an eight-character alphanumeric format, for example: Sw1if6eY. Unlike numeric IDs, slugs are randomised to ensure uniqueness. See: What is a slug? |
T-Z
| Tab |
Tabs act like pages within an entry form and organise questions into sections. See: Tab configuration. |
| Tag |
Tags are labels used to group entries for specific purposes such as judging, communication or reporting. See: Ultimate guide to tags. |
| Terms |
Terms allow you to rename certain platform labels. For example, the word "Entry" could be changed to "Application" or "Submission". Terms are configured in the Manage workspace under Settings > Content > Terms. See: Configuring terms. |
| Theme |
The theme controls the visual styling of your program, including colours, logos and images. |
| Top pick |
Top pick is a judging mode where judges rank their preferred entries. Results are calculated using the single transferable vote (STV) method. See: Top pick configuration. |
| User | A user is anyone who accesses the Award Force platform. Users may have roles such as entrant, judge, manager or guest. |
| VIP judging |
VIP judging is a judging mode where judges evaluate entries using numerical scoring criteria. |
| Voting |
Voting is a judging mode where users select their preferred entries rather than assigning scores. See: Voting configuration. |
| Workspace |
Workspaces are the main areas of the platform interface. Each workspace is designed for a different task or user role. Workspaces include:
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