Overview
This resources page provides the 4-H judging philosophy and other judging resource materials for county and state 4-H judges. For more information on judges webinars and resources for county offices in working with 4-H exhibits judges, please visit the Judges Information Page.
Project Area Information
- Project Area Webpages: These pages are for youth to use to assist their self-directed learning in 4-H project areas. The current list of recommended and approved educational resources are available at the bottom of each project area page.
- Project Area Guides 4H 11xx: These printable resources summarize events, activities, education and careers related to each project area.
- Exhibit Tip Sheets: These printable resources summarize the key aspects of exhibiting in each department and/or class at the fair.
- Evaluations and Exhibit Labels
Judging Philosophy
- Strengthening Goal-centered Learning 4H 203 (for 4-H’ers in review)
- 4-H In Fairs and 4-H Objectives for the Iowa State Fair , VI-1087-JCM/SAS, Revised March 1999
- Evaluate, Educate, Encourage, 4-H Conference Exhibit Judging,VI-000301-SAS, March 2000
- Meeting the Needs of Youth--Tips for 4-H Volunteers 4H 0351
- The Iowa 4-H Youth Development Experience 4H 3020
- Positive Youth Development Iowa 4-H Webpage
- How Kids Develop: Ages and Stages of Youth Development 4H 0350
- For Staff and Judges, Use of COPYRIGHT/TRADEMARK Material, VI-010401-WB; Instructions on obtaining permission to use copyright materials; Additional Listing of Copyright Resources; Instructions on obtaining permission to use copyright materials and Sample Letter (SFH)
- Color Wheel 4H 0633 Reference publication for any exhibit that involves design.
- Elements and Principles of Design 4H 0634 Reference publication for any exhibit that requires the elements and principles of design.
- Score With Your Posters
- Role of a 4-H Judge, VI-000302-SAS
- Thoughts for Successful Judging Experiences
- Responsibilities: 4-H Extension Staff & Judges, VI-1066-SAS
- State Fair Exhibits Frequently asked Questions & Answers
Judges Training Videos:
Resources referenced in the judges' training videos can be found below under the various project area sections on this webpage. After viewing one or more of the trainings, please complete the judges database form. Once you have completed the form, your profile information will be added to our judges database.
- Iowa 4-H 2022 Judges Panel and Q&A
- Iowa 4-H 2022 Judges Training: SET
- Iowa 4-H 2022 Judges Training: Visual
- Iowa 4-H 2022 Judges Training: Clothing Events
- Iowa 4-H 2022 Judges Training: Copyright
- Iowa 4-H 2022 Judges Training: Food & Nutrition
- Iowa 4-H 2022 Judges Training: Personal Development
- Iowa 4-H 2022 Judges Training: FCS
- Iowa 4-H 2022 Judges Training: Communication
- Iowa 4-H 2022 Judges Training: Photography
New 4-H judges are also asked to complete "Evaluate, Educate, and Encourage: 4-H Judges Training" prior to judging at a county fair. This training is not recorded. Please go to the Information for 4-H Judges webpage for current judges' training offerings.