Thank you for volunteering/considering to be a judge for South Dakota DECA. We
appreciate your time and expertise. Here are some frequently asked questions our
past judges have asked.
We recommend you watch the short YouTube video linked on the right. It breaks
down what you can expect and tips on how to score the role-plays. Please don’t
hesitate to contact Tina Miller at tina.k.miller@k12.sd.us or (402) 443-7694.
DO I NEED PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH DECA?
No prior experience with DECA is necessary. Your professional experience is extremely valuable, and we ask that you provide constructive feedback to each competitor on their score sheet.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
We ask that judges abide by the dress code at their place of employment. Competitors will be dressed in business professional attire.
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WHAT TIME & WHERE DO I NEED TO ARRIVE? WHEN IS JUDGING COMPLETED?
The South Dakota State Career Development Conference will be held at Southeast Technical College, 2205 N. Career Ave. Please check in at 8:30 a.m. in room 251. You will get a brief orientation and shown to the judging area. If we stay on schedule, you will be finished no later than 12 p.m. We invite you to stay for lunch and visit with students. Lunch is complimentary. You are welcome to stay or come back for the awards ceremony which will begin at 2:00 p.m.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WRITTEN EVENT AND A ROLE-PLAY EVENT?
A written event includes a written entry of 10 to 20 pages that the participant team has prepared prior to competition. If you are judging a written event, you will read and score the written entry and evaluate a presentation by the participant team.
In a role-play event, the participant is given prep time to review a scenario and prepare a solution, which is then presented to you in a role-play situation. You might assume the role of a boss or a customer. Judges should ask the same questions of each team for consistency.
HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL I EVALUATE?
You will evaluate 5-12 individuals or teams.
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HOW DO STUDENTS QUALIFY TO COMPETE?
DECA members have been preparing in their classrooms all year. Top performers at the State Career Development Conference, advance to compete at the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California, this April.
CAN I BRING MY CHILD?
No. Sorry, children are not allowed in the competition area.
MAY I TAKE A BREAK?
You are free to take a quick break if there’s a gap between competitors, but please be conscientious that we are generally on a tight schedule. Water and snacks will also be available throughout the day.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
Parking is free in all the lots at Southeast Technical College.