Instead of using a typical panel where all judges evaluate all entries in selected categories, you may prefer to assign:
- A specific number of judges per entry, or
- A specific number of entries per judge
You can do this using random assignments.
Create random assignments
- In the Manage workspace, go to Judging > Settings > Assignments
- Click New random assignment
- Choose the relevant Score set
- Select the Round—if you haven't created your judging round yet, do that first
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In the Randomly assign box:
- Enter the number of assignments
- Choose whether to assign entries per judge or judges per entry
- Choose whether assignments should be created minus existing assignments or in addition to any existing assignments.
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Search for the judges and entries:
- Search for judges by name or role using Advanced search
- Search for entries by name, ID, status, or category
- Click Create assignments
Assignment options explained
Minus existing assignments
Use this when you want to top up judges to a new maximum.
Example:
- Each judge currently has 5 assignments
- You create a new batch: 10 entries minus existing assignments
- The system adds enough assignments for each judge to reach 10 total
In addition to existing assignments
Use this when you want to add more assignments beyond what already exists.
Example:
- Each judge currently has 5 assignments
- You assign 10 entries in addition to existing assignments
- Each judge will receive 15 total assignments
Delete random assignments
- In the Manage workspace, go to Judging > Settings > Assignments
- Check the checkbox next to the assignment(s)
- Click Delete
Good to know
- Random assignments do not require panels.
- Award Force does not automatically notify judges when they receive assignments.
- When you’re ready for judges to begin, send a broadcast from Judging > Settings > Assignments.
- Random assignments can be combined with manual assignments and panel-based judging if needed.
- Deleting an assignment does not delete the entry
- If a judge has started or completed scoring, the assignment cannot be fully removed; it becomes a stray score. Stray assignments are excluded from reporting but remain available for recovery. To recover stray scores, create a new manual assignment between the same judge and entry
Assignment scenario:
Scenario: 80 entries, 10 judges
Entries per judge
If judges can score no more than 5 entries each, set:
- Entries per judge = 5
This creates 50 total assignments (5 × 10).
Not all 80 entries will necessarily be covered.
Judges per entry
If every entry must be reviewed by 5 judges, set:
- Judges per entry = 5
This creates 400 assignments (5 × 80), evenly distributed.
Video overview