What is the role of the judge in a DECA competition?

The role of the judge in a DECA competition is primarily focused on evaluating participants based on established criteria and providing constructive feedback. Judges are tasked with assessing the performance of contestants, which includes analyzing how well they present their business solutions, engage with the audience, and demonstrate their understanding of the DECA principles. This evaluation process is essential because it not only determines the winners but also helps participants identify their strengths and areas for improvement through the feedback provided.

Judges do not create the competition guidelines or rules, as that responsibility lies with the organization's leadership and planning committees. They also do not participate in the competition alongside the contestants, as their role is to maintain objectivity and fairness during the evaluation process. Additionally, mentoring contestants before the event is outside the purview of judges, as their focus is solely on assessing performance during the competition itself. Thus, the correct understanding of a judge's role emphasizes the importance of their evaluative and feedback-oriented responsibilities.