Back Scratching/cheating

**Mrs Bucket** · 09-Jun-09, 21:12

Tonight I witnessed what in my opinion can only be described as blatant back scratching. It involved a children's competion. There was obvious collaboration between the male judge and a tutor of some of the competitors. The judge's decision is final he tried so hard to justify himself but it is so unfair not only on the unsuccessful competitors but the winners who get the impression they are better than they really are. But thats life. I dont think it was the children it was about. Has anyone else come across this sort of behaviour?

**skinnydog** · 09-Jun-09, 21:37

Not directly I havent but I must admit that Rosie (3 at the time) entered stuff in the County Show childrens section and oh my god you could tell that a 3 year old had done it herself, although she was very proud of sticking some weeds into her wellies. Well when I went to put her entries in I was more than gobsmacked by what met me. Looked like professional florists had been in before me. That kind of shocked me as it was titled "childrens section" so my dilema this year is do I let her lash on again and do it herself or do I do it and pass it off as hers.

By the way - she did get a second prize but it must have been out of pity more than anything else and that was just for a pear with 2 cloves stuck in it to look like a mouse!

**joxville** · 09-Jun-09, 21:45

It's good grounding for what life has in store for them. As much as I'm a firm believer in fair play, unfortunately no matter how good you are, there is always someone willing to use some influence or take a short cut to get what they want.

**Invisible** · 09-Jun-09, 21:49

I've had experience of this but it was when the judge knew the tutor but i dont believe the decision was influenced at all. The problem is you cant really complain or youll appear a bad loser.

**joxville** · 09-Jun-09, 21:52

It's just like the Org's Sunday night quiz....too much favouritism going on there too.

**golach** · 09-Jun-09, 21:53

Originally Posted by joxville

It's just like the Org's Sunday night quiz....too much favouritism going on there too.

Naw Jox, only when one Quizzie runs it

**joxville** · 09-Jun-09, 21:58

Originally Posted by golach

Naw Jox, only when one Quizzie runs it

Here's an 'i' for you Gol, you forgot to add it to the word 'runs'!

**mushroom** · 09-Jun-09, 22:12

why do the judges at the towns gala take the names of each child before the parade and announcing the winner? i remember one year they called the winner of the younger section and said "this family have supported the gala for years" surely you chose the winner THEN ask their name. that was the last year that i entered my child, what is the point going to all the effort of dressing up your child when it is a forgone conclusion.

**Moira** · 09-Jun-09, 22:38

Originally Posted by Mrs Bucket

Tonight I witnessed what in my opinion can only be described as blatant back scratching. It involved a children's competion. There was obvious collaboration between the male judge and a tutor of some of the competitors. The judge's decision is final he tried so hard to justify himself but it is so unfair not only on the unsuccessful competitors but the winners who get the impression they are better than they really are. But thats life. I dont think it was the children it was about. Has anyone else come across this sort of behaviour?

I have no idea what you are on about

Present the bare facts before us as in :-
Criteria for entering
Venue
Entrants
Judges
Results

**Hibeechick** · 10-Jun-09, 08:49

Originally Posted by skinnydog

Not directly I havent but I must admit that Rosie (3 at the time) entered stuff in the County Show childrens section and oh my god you could tell that a 3 year old had done it herself, although she was very proud of sticking some weeds into her wellies. Well when I went to put her entries in I was more than gobsmacked by what met me. Looked like professional florists had been in before me. That kind of shocked me as it was titled "childrens section" so my dilema this year is do I let her lash on again and do it herself or do I do it and pass it off as hers.

By the way - she did get a second prize but it must have been out of pity more than anything else and that was just for a pear with 2 cloves stuck in it to look like a mouse!

Please, please please, from a florists opinion and point of view, continue to let Rosie do her own. Encourage her to be creative and have fun. If you want to know more about the rules of how something should be arranged please ask

I cant speak on behalf of any judges etc, but I know from judging at things myself that if I come across something that im pretty sure hasn't been done by the kid, I have the right to disqualify or at least not place that particular arrangement.

**jings00** · 10-Jun-09, 09:01

Originally Posted by Hibeechick

Please, please please, (from a florists opinion and point of view), continue to let Rosie do her own. Encourage her to be creative and have fun. ....................

yip, i agree...let the bairn keep doin it herself....part of the fun, gettin in about

**Lingland** · 10-Jun-09, 09:10

Originally Posted by Mrs Bucket

Tonight I witnessed what in my opinion can only be described as blatant back scratching. It involved a children's competion. There was obvious collaboration between the male judge and a tutor of some of the competitors. The judge's decision is final he tried so hard to justify himself but it is so unfair not only on the unsuccessful competitors but the winners who get the impression they are better than they really are. But thats life. I dont think it was the children it was about. Has anyone else come across this sort of behaviour?

He who cheats acknowdedges that he is afraid of the opposition

**vanman** · 10-Jun-09, 09:43

The judging at shows really annoys me

If we can all see that half the entries are obviously done by adults why cant they! I did actually say this to the judges last year but they refused to answer me.
At our local show its the same child that wins every year everyone knows she doesnt do the items herself & even the other children she goes to school with point out her work at school is nothing like what she enters. Her parents arent doing the child any favours all they are teaching her is how to cheat!!

**Mrs Bucket** · 10-Jun-09, 13:43

Originally Posted by Moira

I have no idea what you are on about

Present the bare facts before us as in :-
Criteria for entering
Venue
Entrants
Judges
Results

Why? It would not serve any useful purpose those concerned are aware of the situation. As I have stated (it is my opinion) also (the judges decision is final)

**Mrs Bucket** · 10-Jun-09, 13:46

Originally Posted by vanman

The judging at shows really annoys me

If we can all see that half the entries are obviously done by adults why cant they! I did actually say this to the judges last year but they refused to answer me.
At our local show its the same child that wins every year everyone knows she doesnt do the items herself & even the other children she goes to school with point out her work at school is nothing like what she enters. Her parents arent doing the child any favours all they are teaching her is how to cheat!!

I agree and so it goes on into the next generation. And sadly it appears to happen in all areas of life even in the highset offices in politics.