Page 40 - July2011

146 THE NATIONAL 13u'T'Ton BULLETIN July 2011

Competition

Q: Is it appropriate for someone to enter an award he/she
has sponsored?
A: It is not only appropriate, it is recommended. By entering the award, the
person illustrates that it is doable. They probably have given thought to
the scope of the topic they are interested in displaying. The award becomes
"button tested" that way. If everyone did this, awards that end up attracting
few or no entrants might be eliminated and awards would be easier for more
to enter and judge.

Q: When submitting an award, is it advisable to furnish my ideas for
judging criteria at the same time?
A: Absolutely, especially if the award is not a straight-forward one such as a
basic assortment or standard class from the Blue Book. Criteria are very
helpful to the Awards Chairperson receiving the award, as it pins down the
parameters you are trying to illustrate. Since she is versed in the classifica-
tion, it gives her an opportunity to suggest ideas for minor changes in the
award language which would enhance clarity. Many state button societies
pre-publish the awards criteria along with the list itself. This information
will aid both the competitors, as well as the judges, at the show. Clearer
awards result in more entrants and fewer measles and less disgruntlement.

Q: When putting together an assorted award, such as Clear & Colored
Glass Assorted, may I use the same class or subclass # more than
once without losing points?
A: You can in some circumstances. As with all classes, the overall goal is to
show the broadest representation. Sometimes this entails using a single class
number more than once. The most common example involves 2 techniques
listed under a single class, separated by a comma. Class 7-3.1 is for Opaque,
translucent. Since these are recognized as different types of opacity, examples