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PRINCIPLES
OF AWARD JUDGING
The system of
award judging approved by the Cymbidium Society of America, Inc. is
based on theoretical perfection. Each Judge's personal appraisal
of the characteristics listed on the judging form is allotted points
according to a percentage rating based on his concept of theoretical
perfection. The result should be carried out to two decimal places. The basic standard
of judging is the individual Judge's concept of a perfect flower under
rules and standards of the Society. The foundation for this standard
is the Judge's experience in judging and evaluating quality flowers
each season so that his concept of perfection will keep pace with the
development of the genera involved. In judging multiflowered
genera, the flower with the best general appearance and maturity should
be selected for measurement of size and determination of shape, color,
substance and texture, provided that the other flowers are of a relatively
even and comparable standard. The spike or stem with the selected
flower must also be utilized for judging. This is, also, the flower
to be photographed. FORM: Definition
of what constitutes good form should be fairly broad but not lax.
Generally there are three basic types of form: The round, the oval, and
the open shape (see FORM under Novelty Cymbidiums for exceptions).
These forms and their variations may have their horizontal or vertical
shaped flowers, but in all types balance and symmetry are desirable.
The petals and sepals should be broad and may be either pointed or rounded
distally. The dorsal sepal should be erect; the lip, wide and
full without turning under. Excessive hooding, twisting, cupping,
reflexing and other distortions are undesirable. Variations on
the three basic types may be acceptable so long as the definition of
good form stated above is observed, and there is distinction with the
overall appearance in accordance with the Society's concept of award
quality. Recognition should be given to the best examples of all
types of flower forms if award qualities are otherwise present. COLOR: Color
is appraised in the same manner as form and both are given an equal
number of points. 1 Flower color may be white or any other
color or combination of colors. Each color should be appraised
on the basis of how good or bad it is for its class against the judge's
concept of perfection for each genus. Care must be used to avoid
a judge's color preferences or prejudices influencing his color appraisal.
Each color must be judged for what it is; markings; stripes and shadings
should be well defined and distributed so as to enhance the color appearance
of the flower. Muddy, smudgy, and improperly distributed color
should be avoided; however, polychromes and mottled colors need not
be automatically discarded. Sepal staining, or bronze pigmentation
on the back of the sepals due to excessive light during the bud state,
should be considered on the basis of whether it gibes the flower a muddy
and undesirable appearance. Exhibitors must be advised to use
proper cultural methods to avoid sepal staining. Bright, fresh,
glistening colors are highly desirable and are due recognition.
Lip color should be considered in evaluation of the general color and
appearance of the flower whether it is contrasting, or consistent with
the general color. Measurement::
Measurements shall be in centimeters. Size of flowers in all genera
shall be measured across the visual limits of the petals without change
or correction. Substance and
Texture: Substance refers
to the thickness of the sepals and petals; texture refers to the surface
appearance of the sepals and petals. Sufficient substance must
be present in an award quality flower. Good texture will provide
a lustrous sheen that emphasizes the colors of the flower. Spike Habit
and Flower Arrangement: The spike should be sufficiently
strong to support the inflorescence with a minimum of artificial support.
It should be tall enough to carry the flowers above the foliage, not
twisted or crooked or require several support ties. It may be
upright or arched but flowers are best displayed when they are evenly
distributed without crowding or overlapping on the spike. Floriferousness: All, or nearly all, of the flowers on the spike should be open to insure maturity of both the form and color. Cymbidium spikes with fewer than 75% of the flowers open should be disqualified and the exhibitor asked to resubmit the plant when the flower spike is mature. All open flowers on the spike when judged. CRITERIA FOR THE GENREASPECIES CYMBIDIUMS This category is established to encourage the propagation of cymbidium species and to award outstanding examples of individual species. FORM: 30 POINTSGeneral form should be an improvement over the normal shape of the particular species being judged, with segments being fuller or wider than the average form of the species. A minimum of 75% (22.5 points) is required for an award. COLOR: 30 POINTSClear color is
desirable; combinations of colors and suffusion of one color over another
should be harmonious and pleasing. Both the normal
color and albino forms will be judged. A minimum of 75% (22.5
points) is required for an award. OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:
STANDARD CYMBIDIUMSFORM: 36 POINTSGenerally three
basic types of form are recognized: the classic round shape, the
oval, and the open star-like shape. In all types, balance and
symmetry are desirable. The petals and sepals should be broad
and may be either pointed or rounded distally. The dorsal sepal
should be erect; excessive hooding or reflexing is undesirable.
The ventral sepals should be broad and arranged so as to fill in the
spaces between the petals and the labellum. Reflexing or turning
in of the ventral sepals is to be avoided. The lip should be proportionately
sized, wide and full in form without turning under. Hooding, furling,
reflexing and other distortions of the lip are undesirable. Variations of the three basic types may be acceptable so long as the definition of good form stated above is observed and the overall appearance is in accord with the Society's concept of award quality. All desirable types of form should receive fair consideration, and recognition should be given to the best examples. COLOR: 36 POINTSThe color of the
flower should be definite and attractive. It may be white or any
other color or combination of colors. Each color should be appraised
on the basis of how good or bad it is for its class against the Judge's
concept of perfection. Markings, stripes, veins and shading should
be definite, distinctive and evenly distributed so as to enhance the
color appearance of the flower. Muddy, smudgy, and/or poorly distributed
color should be avoided. Sepal staining should be considered on
the basis of whether it gives the flower a muddy and unattractive appearance.
Bright, fresh, glistening colors are highly desirable and should be
given the recognition they deserve. The lip should compliment
the petal and sepal color by the use of contrasting colors in the form
markings, dots, bars, etc. Lip color should be distinctive and
add to the overall beauty of the flower. SIZE AND FLORIFEROUSNESS: 7 POINTS EACHEach judge will distribute a maximum of seven points in each category. Large individual flower size and high flower count are desirable characteristics in standard cymbidiums. A minimum of nine flowers is required to receive an award. TOTAL =14 POINTS SPIKE HABIT AND FLOWER ARRANGEMENT: 7 POINTSA desirable spike habit for standard cymbidiums is one where the spike is tall enough to display its flowers without interfering with the foliage of the plant. It may be gracefully arching or upright. It should be free of kinks or unsightly twisting. The flowers on the inflorescence should be arranged so that they are all well displayed without crowding or bunching. SUBSTANCE AND TEXTURE: 7 POINTSThe substance for an award quality flower should be greater than the average. Texture should be recognized as a distinctive sheen to the flower surface that intensifies its color. CUT SPIKES:Cut spikes from outside the national
border of the CSA Judging Center may be judged. NOVELTY CYMBIDIUMSThis classification
was established to encourage the development of miniature type cymbidiums,
which are not necessarily miniature in growth or flower characteristics,
and would not ordinarily qualify under the miniature cymbidium classification. To be acceptable in this classification a known dwarf flowered species must be in the background of the plant. Flowers must score at least 75% in both form and color. The entire plant is judged; cut flowers will not be accepted. FORM: 20 POINTS The silhouette
of the flower, in general, may be round, square, or triangular: some
star-shaped, or vertical oval types of form are also acceptable. Symmetry and balance of the flower are characteristics underlying pleasing proportion within the flower. 15 points required for an award. COLOR: 20 POINTS All colors are
considered. They must be clear and distinct. Stripes, shadings,
overlay or color, and color contrast between the lip and other segments
must be attractive and enhance the color charm of the flowers. Bright, fresh colors are highly desirable and must be recognized by the judges when making their color appraisal. 15 points required for an award. FLORIFEROUSNESS: 15 POINTS In this classification the number of spikes should be in proportion the size of the plant. Plants exhibiting 12 or more flowers per spike are desirable. SUBSTANCE AND TEXTURE: 5 POINTSThe substance for an award quality
flower should be greater than the average. Texture should be recognized
as a distinctive sheen on the flower surface that intensifies its color. SPIKE HABIT AND FLOWER ARRANGEMENT: 15 POINTS Straight and arching, the flower spike should be long enough to stand above the foliage. Spikes may be straight, arching, or pendulous. Flowers should be arranged so they are well displayed without crowding and bunching. APPEARANCE OF FOLIAGE: 10 POINTSThe foliage should
be clean and in good condition. All unsightly dried tissue should
be removed. OVERALL CHARM AND DISTINCTION: 15 POINTS In this classification,
plants may not have the classic proportions normally considered essential
in award cymbidiums. But charm and distinction may overcome these
shortcomings and product a very attractive specimens. A certain
color, or combination of colors, may be distinctive characteristics,
as well as form or a particularly fine spike habit. Judges must
be aware of these qualities when appraising their point score.
These points are given at the Judges' discretion. MINIATURE CYMBIDIUMSIn order to qualify for this category a plant must have a known dwarf species in its primary or secondary parentage. The plant and its flowers must also have the dwarf or miniature characteristics. A complete potted plant is judged; cut spikes are not acceptable. FORM: 20 POINTSBalance is the most desirable characteristic in the general form of miniature cymbidiums. Petals and sepals should have enough width to them to give the appearance of roundness. They can be held on a flat plane or be slightly concave. The lip should be full and wide and lend balance to the flower. COLOR: 20 POINTSThe color of the
flower may be white or any other color or combination of colors.
The overall color must be definite, clear and distinctive. Stripes,
shadings, and overlays of color, etc. must be attractive and enhance
the color charm of the flower. Muddiness and poorly distributed
color patterns are to be avoided. Bright fresh glistening colors
are highly desirable and should be recognized by the Judges when making
their color appraisal. The lip color should compliment the overall color of the flower by the use of contrasting or matching colors in the form or dots, bars, etc. Lip color should be distinctive and add to the beauty and charm of the flower. FLOREFEROUSNESS OF SPIKE AND PLANT: 15 POINTSThe Judge's appraisal of these characteristics must be made on the basis of this experience in judging a potted plant. A plant with several spikes distributed evenly around the foliage each holding twelve to sixteen or more flowers is the desirable concept of a high quality miniature cymbidium plant. Immature plants, with one spike and a few flowers, are to be avoided. SUBSTANCE AND TEXTURE: 10 POINTSThe substance for an award quality miniature cymbidium flower should be greater than the average. Texture should be recognized as a distinctive sheen on the flower surface that intensifies its color. HABIT OF SPIKE and FLOWER ARRANGEMENT: 20 POINTSA desirable spike habit for miniature cymbidiums is one in which the spike is either tall enough or arranged to enable the plant to display its flowers without interfering with the foliage. It may be gracefully arching, upright, or pendulous. It should be free of kinks or unsightly twisting. 10 POINTS The flowers on the inflorescence should be attractively arranged so that they are all well displayed without crowding or bunching. 10 POINTS TOTAL = 20 POINTS APPEARANCE OF FOLIAGE: 5 POINTSThe appearance of the foliage is important when appraising the quality of a miniature cymbidium plant. Proper culture and grooming are essential in providing attractive foliage. Leaves with burned tips and other dead tissue, along with dried flower sheaths, should be removed. Yellow, spotted and diseased foliage should also be removed. Only plants with healthy attractive foliage should be considered. OVERALL CHARM AND DISTINCTION: 10 POINTSCharm and distinction
may be the projection to the observer of one or more characteristics
of the plant that commands attention above the usual qualities present.
This is most commonly found in rare colors, unusual colors, or combinations
of colors. Attractive color patterns in the lip may also contribute
to the charm and distinction of a flower. Sometimes the form and
carriage of the flower will give a distinctive and charming appearance.
These qualities should be present in high quality orchids and Judges
must recognize these admired characteristics. PAPHIOPEDILUMSStandard Paphiopedilums will be judged under our point scoring systems, for all green leafed typed, as follows. FORM: 40 POINTSThe general form
of the flower should be full and round or oval; either a vertical or
horizontal oval is acceptable. The dorsal sepal should be large,
full and round, slightly concave and not reflexed. The ventral
sepal should form a background for the pouch and extend low enough to
give a balance appearance. The top of the ventral sepal should
overlay the bottom of the dorsal sepal giving it support and preventing
reflexing. The petals should be broad and rounded on the ends,
and held on a horizontal plane. They can be slightly concave to
blend in with the other segments of the flower. They must not
twist, droop, or reflex in any manner. The pouch should be in proportion to the rest of the flower, and held in such a way as to give balance and beauty to the flower. Symmetry and balance are essential to award quality form in Paphiopedilums. COLOR: 40 POINTSColors include white or any other color or combination of colors. They should be clear and definite with patterns and markings will-defined. Muddy or blurred colors are to be avoided. SIZE: 10 POINTSThe size should be large for the group in which the flower is classified. TEXTURE - SUBSTANCE: 5 POINTSThe substance should be heavy and the texture of patent leather quality in the pouch and petals. Flowers with a papery appearance and/or transparent edges on the dorsal sepals are undesirable. STEM: 5 POINTSThe stem should be strong, tall,
and straight in proportion to the size of the flower. The stem
will be measured from leaf axis to the top of the ovary, or from the
bottom of the ovary to the base of the plant. CUT SPIKES: Cut spikes from outside the national
border of the CSA Judging Center may be judged. NOVELTY PAPHIOPEDILUMSA novelty Paphiopedilum is a species or hybrid that because of its form would be ruled out under the standard judging procedure. Hybrids with parentage that would place them in the standard classification shall not be judged as novelty Paphiopedilums. FORM: 30 POINTSThe flower should be will-proportioned and symmetrical, with the pouch in proportion. It does not need 75% for form to qualify for an award. COLOR: 30 POINTSAll colors are considered. They should be clear, fresh and glistening, without muddiness. Markings should be evenly balanced in like sections of the flower. 22.5 points (75%) required for an award. FLORIFEROUSNESS: 5 POINTSNovelty Paphiopedilums may have several flowers and buds on a single stem, although all need not be open at the same time. SUBSTANCE AND TEXTURE: 10 POINTSThe substance should be heavy and the texture of good quality in the pouch and petals. SPIKE HABIT AND FLOWER ARRANGEMENT: 5 POINTSThe stem should be straight and hold flowers above the foliage. APPEARANCE OF FOLIAGE: 10 POINTSThe foliage may be of solid color, mottled or tessellated. It may be erect or arching. It should be free from blemishes. OVERALL CHARM AND DISTINCTION: 10 POINTSThese qualities
may be found in rare and distinctive color patterns, form and carriage
of flower and unusual foliage markings. Note: Species paphiopedilums
and phragmipediums are judged under novelty paphiopedilums. |
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