Judging Tools
Here are some tools we use while we judge orchids and some additional research resources we can utilize to help us better score and describe the flowers and plants!
Database
OrchidPro
Orchid Pro – The AOS database has flower photos, descriptions and measurements of of over 100,000 AOS awards granted since 1932, plus awards from several other international judging organizations. We use this data to compare the plant on the judging table to all of the prior awards to that species or hybrid (and sometimes the hybrid’s parents), so that we can determine whether or not the current entry is an improvement. Orchid Pro is now available on the AOS website to all AOS members.
Database
OrchidWiz
This commercially available database includes award information from the AOS and numerous international organizations, although it is missing many of the photos. It is particularly useful for resolving the imprecise nomenclature issues we frequently encounter, and it has many specialized search features that are very helpful.
TAXONOMY AND NOMENCLATURE
These subjects can be very complex and controversial. The AOS maintains uniformity across the judging system by following the classification systems of highly respected international authorities.
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World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: The AOS only grants awards to the species accepted by the WCSPF.
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International Orchid Register: The AOS only grants awards to hybrids that have been registered with the Royal Horticultural Society.
A FEW OF THE OTHER RESEARCH TOOLS WE USE
Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia (Web) – IOSPE is a free, highly useful database of over 24,000 orchid species, including photos, culture information, habitat information, lists of synonyms and references.
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Orchids Magazine (Web) – The AOS began publication of Orchids in 1932, and all issues from the first to the most recent are available to members and searchable online at aos.org. This is a treasure trove of 90 years of “all things orchid.”
Description Template
Worksheet
Botanical Award Description Worksheet:
This is a description template for cultural awards, Certificate of Botanical Recognition, and Certificate of Horticultural Merit
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Description Template for Quality and Miscellaneous Awards:
This is a description template for quality awards and other miscellaneous awards
Diagrams of Shapes and Marking
These diagrams illustrate terminology used to describe flower segments as well as other plant parts. They are examples of the diagrams available in the three Flip Card files under the Resources tab in Orchids Pro. Orchids Pro can be accessed from the Members Account drop down box at AOS.org.
Forms for Judging
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Judging Entry Form (PDF)
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AOS Award Form (PDF)
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Score Sheet (PDF)
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Cultural Certificate of Merit/ Cultural certificate of Excellence (PDF)
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Award of Quality (AQ) (PDF)
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Show Trophy Ballot (PDF)
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Scoresheet for Cut Flower Exhibits Arranged for Effect (PDF)
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SITF Form (PDF)
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Show Application (PDF)
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Student Evaluation Form (PDF)
