Using tags in your judging configuration

Award Force gives you flexible ways to distribute entries to the right judges. You can manually assign entries, create judging panels, or use tags to automatically control which entries are included in a panel.

Using tags is especially helpful when:

• Moving entries between judging stages
• Assigning entries by language
• Assigning entries based on specific field values

Below are common use cases and how to configure them.

Moving entries between rounds of judging

For multi-stage judging programs, tags are essential. Tags allow you to control exactly which entries move from one judging stage to the next.

For full instructions, see:Moving entries between judging stages and selecting winners.

Assign entries by language

If your program supports multiple languages, you can use tags to assign entries to language-specific judging panels.

Step 1: create language tags

1. In the Manage workspace, go to Settings > General > Tags
2. Click Add tag
3. Enter your tag name (e.g. French, Spanish, German)
4. Click Save

Step 2: tag your entries

Apply the appropriate language tag to each entry from Entries in the Manage workspace.
For detailed instructions, see: What are tags?.

Step 3: configure your judging panel

1. In the Manage workspace, go to Judging > Settings > Panels
2. Click New panel
3. Enter a panel name
4. Select the appropriate judging mode and score set
5. In the 'Entries' section, select the relevant categories and/or chapters
6. Under 'Tags', select the language tag (e.g. French)
7. In the 'Who' section, select the role or specific judges
8. Select the relevant round in the 'When' section
9. Click Save

Assign entries based on a specific field value

If your entry form collects information that affects judging (e.g. grade level, region, division), you can use automated tagging to assign entries accordingly.

For example, you may:

• Separate primary and secondary school entries
• Split amateur and professional divisions
• Route entries by industry sector

To configure this:

1. Set up automated tagging based on the relevant field
2. Apply the tag rule
3. Select the generated tag when configuring your judging panel

For detailed instructions, see: Automated tagging.

Good to know

• Panel names are not visible to judges—use clear internal naming such as "Round 1 – French".
• Tags can be combined with categories and chapters for highly targeted entry distribution.
• You can also use the Judging fast start at Judging > Manage for guided configuration.
• Automated tagging reduces manual work and ensures consistent panel assignment.