CURRENT SEASON GOURDS
 E NOTE: Limited clear wax or oil is allowed in all classes.

q NOTE: Classes 1 and 2.  No pumpkins, squash, sweet dumpling or miniature pumpkins to be used, except for Turk’s Turbans.
q NOTE:  This is a “Growers Division” as listed in the AGS Handbook.

1.  Artistic display of current season gourds, including Ornamentals and Hardshells.  The display must be no larger than 3’x3’.  Risers and accessory materials are allowed, but no part of the display is to be attached to or leaned against a wall.  No dry gourds are to be used as accessories.  Gourds must predominate over accessories.
2.  YARD SQUARE artistic display of current season assorted varieties of Ornamental and Hardshell gourds.  No gourd or part of a gourd may extend beyond the 36” square.  A 36” frame is permitted.  No accessory material is permitted. Gourds must be clean and mature.
3.  Heaviest gourd by weight.
4.  Gourd with largest circumference.
5.  Longest overall STRAIGHT gourd, not to exceed 4” gradual curve.
6.  Longest overall CROOKED gourd, must exceed 4” distinct curve.
7.  Longest straight dipper gourd (not to exceed 4” gradual curve).
8.  Five small, assorted Hardshells, under 12” diameter and length.
9.  Five large assorted Hardshells, 12” and over in diameter or length.
10. Three current season, short handled Dippers, 15” and under.
11.Three current season, long handled Dippers, over 15” in length.
12. Three Dolphins or Marankas.  All straight necks.
13. Three Dolphins or Marankas.  All curved necks.
14. Five small Bottle gourds, 5” in height or less.
15. Five Bottle or Birdhouse gourds, over 5” in height (excludes Indonesian Bottles).
16. Three straight Indonesian Bottle gourds.
17. Three crooked Indonesian Bottle gourds.
18. Most unusual Hardshell, oddity or freak natural growth, not hand trained.
19. One Hardshell gourd, hand trained; i.e. knots, or shaped by use of a mold or form, twine, etc. (single gourd only unless inseparable).
20. One Ornamental gourd, hand trained; i.e. knots, or shaped by use of a mold or form, twine, etc. (single gourd only unless inseparable).
21 Three Luffa or dishrag gourds.
22. Three colorful Turk’s Turbans.
23. Three Cannonball gourds.
24. Three Hardshell Warty gourds.
25. Five Hardshell Banana gourds.
26. Three Hardshell Apple gourds.
27. One smallest mature Ornamental gourd (excludes marbles and other soft-shelled gourds).
28. One smallest mature Hardshell gourd (excludes marbles and other soft-shelled gourds).
29. Five smallest assorted mature Ornamental gourds (excludes marbles and other soft-shelled gourds).
30. Five assorted spoon gourds, under 6” in length (measured along central axis) – all different markings, colors, sizes, and shapes.
31. Five assorted spoon gourds, over 6” in length (measured along central axis) - all different markings, colors, sizes, and shapes.
32. Five identical spoon gourds - identical color, shape and size.
33. Five white or cream colored Crown of Thorns.
34. Five Crown of Thorns, any other color or combination of colors.  Can be assorted colors.
35. Five Autumn Wings (NEW CLASS).
36. Ten assorted Ornamental small warties, under 3 ½” in diameter and 6” in length.
37. Ten assorted Ornamental large warties, over 3 ½” in diameter and/or over 6” in length.
38. Ten assorted small Ornamentals, under 3 ½” in diameter and under 6” in length - no warties.
39. Ten assorted large Ornamentals, over 3 ½” in diameter, and/or  over 6” in length - no warties.
40. Most unusual Ornamental, oddity or natural freak of growth and/or color, not hand trained.
41. Ten identical size, shape, color and true variety Ornamentals – any size.
42. Five identical size, shape, color and true variety Hardshells.
43. A centerpiece with fresh gourds predominating in a tray, basket, bowl, plate, dried gourd, etc.  A minimum amount of fresh accessory material is permitted.
44. Most outstanding Hardshell gourd.
45. Most outstanding Ornamental gourd - no Luffas.
46. Two Trichosanthes (Snake gourds).


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q  This is a “Growers Division” under  the AGS Handbook.

47.YARD SQUARE artistic display of dried, cleaned, Ornamentals and Hardshells in their natural color.  No hand trained, crafted, cut or broken gourds permitted.  No color (paint, stain, shoe polish, etc.) or other decoration allowed.  Clear wax, oil, varnish, shellac, or sealer is allowed.  No accessories permitted.  No part of a gourd shall extend beyond the 36” square and no backgrounds or gourds may be fastened to the wall.  A 36” frame is permitted.
48. Most outstanding Hardshell specimen cleaned and dried.  Exhibitor must display a note with the specimen, naming the variety.
49. Five assorted small, dry Hardshells under 12” diameter and length.
50. Five assorted large, dry Hardshells over 12” diameter or length.
51. Ten assorted dry Ornamentals of any size.
52. Three dried, cleaned, uniform size Luffas, outer skin removed.  No bleach permitted.  Stems not required.
53. Three dried, cleaned, uniform size Luffas, outer skin removed. Bleached.  Stems not required.
54. One smallest dry Hardshell gourd.
55. One smallest dry Ornamental gourd.
56. One dried, cleaned, hand trained Hardshell gourd.
57. One dried, cleaned, hand trained Ornamental gourd.
58. One dry, cleaned, odd or freak natural growth, Hardshell gourd.  No hand trained gourds.
59. One dry, cleaned, odd or freak natural growth, Ornamental gourd.  No hand trained gourds

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DIVISION III

60. Short handled dried dipper, 15” and under similar to those used in early times (opened as for use and clean inside).  Corks or plugs in the handle are optional.  No color or decoration allowed.  Clear finish (urethane,  wax, etc.) is optional.
61. Long handled dried dipper over 15”, similar to those used in early times (opened as for use and clean inside).  Corks or plugs in the handle are optional.  No color or decoration allowed.  Clear finish (urethane, wax, etc.) is optional.
62. Decorated dipper of any length.  Interior and exterior may be decorated or finished by any technique(s).
63. A wreath with gourds predominating.  Accessories are permitted.
64. A wall hanging not to exceed 24” wide by 36” long.  Gourds must predominate.  Accessory material is permitted.
65. One Christmas ornament (must hang).  Gourds must predominate.
66. Christmas item or display - no ornaments.  Gourds must   predominate.
67. Santa gourd(s).  Limited accessory material is permitted.
68. Halloween item or display.  Gourd must predominate.
69. Easter item or display.  Gourds must predominate.
70. Holiday item or display other than Christmas, Halloween and Easter. Gourds must predominate.
71. Centerpiece of dry gourds with natural accessory material permitted. This “non-holiday” centerpiece may be in a dish, basket, bowl, etc., and the gourds may be decorated.
72. Dry, undecorated bowl of dry gourds.  No color or other decoration is permitted on the bowl or the gourds.  A clear finish is allowed on the bowl and/or gourds.
73.Most artistic, decorated, whole, uncut gourd – carving must predominate
74. Most artistic, decorated, whole, uncut gourd – woodburning must predominate.
75. Most artistic, decorated, whole, uncut gourd – painting must predominate.
76. Most artistic, decorated, whole, uncut gourd - any other technique not named above, or any “equal weight” combination of techniques above.
77. Undecorated  gourd pitcher, vase, or bottle (must be cut open).  Gourd pieces may be attached.  Only a clear finish is allowed.
78. Decorated (any technique(s)) gourd pitcher, vase or bottle (must be cut open).  Gourd pieces may be attached.
79. Decorated gourd bowl; no lid – carving must predominate.
80. Decorated gourd bowl; no lid - woodburning must predominate.
81. Decorated gourd bowl; no lid – painting must predominate.
82. Gourd bowl with decorated rim; no lid.  The gourd bowl itself may be decorated  or undecorated.
83. Decorated gourd bowl; no lid - any other technique not named above, or any “equal weight” combination of techniques above.
84. Gourd musical instrument – stringed instruments only.
85. Gourd drum.
86. Gourd rattle, shaker, maraca, uli’uli, rainstick, etc.
87. Shekerie only.
88. Any other instrument not specifically listed above, including flutes, ocarinas, kazoos, trumpets, etc.
89. Men’s decorated gourd hat (any technique(s)).
90. Women’s decorated gourd hat (any technique(s)).
91. Undecorated gourd hat in natural color (no stain, paint, or other color).  A clear finish is allowed and multiple gourds (cut or uncut) may be used.
92. Workshop participants from Friday, September 26, 2008 may exhibit any class project.
93.Working electric gourd lamp with limited accessories.  A gourd shade is not required.  If needed, a base may be used.  No night-lights or luminaries (low wattage decorations) are permitted except as part of the overall lamp.
94. Working, all-gourd lamp, including a shade made of gourd material.  No night-lights or luminaries are permitted.  Limited accessory material is permitted except as part of the overall lamp.  A base may be used if needed.
95. Gourd luminary with limited accessory material.  No candles are to be lighted (if used) for safety reasons.  Electric devices should use low wattage bulbs (4 watt or comparable).
96. All-gourd doll (doll must be of gourd material).  Clothing is optional.
97. Gourd doll with gourd head only - clothing optional.
98. Gourd jewelry set.  This must include 2 or more functional pieces (a pair of earrings is considered one piece for this class).
99. Single piece of gourd jewelry (a pair of earrings is considered one piece in this class).
100. Gourd seed jewelry (set or single piece).
101. One toy (may be a set) or game made from gourd(s).  Accessories are permitted.
102. Novel article(s) made from gourd(s) (no dippers).  Accessories are permitted.
103. Useful article(s) made from gourd(s) (no dippers).  Accessories are permitted.
104. One realistic gourd bird, using one or more gourds or gourd parts. Penguins are not permitted in this class.  Accessories are permitted.
105. Gourd penguin(s).  Accessories are permitted.
106. Realistic gourd animal(s) (mammal, reptile, fish, etc.), using one or more gourds or gourd parts.  Birds are not permitted.  Accessories are permitted.
107. Fantasy gourd animal(s), dragon(s) or monster(s) using one or more gourds or gourd parts.  Accessories are permitted.
108. Gourd Insect.  Accessories are permitted.
109. Gourd craft using Native American theme - no bowls or bottles. Accessories are permitted.
110. Gourd craft using Native American theme - bowls and bottles only. Accessories are permitted.
111. Woven gourd basket with handle and no lid, using natural, unprocessed materials such as pine needles, vines, grass, etc.
112. Woven gourd basket with handle and no lid, using manufactured or processed weaving materials such as leather, wire, fabric, processed reed (both flat and round), etc.
113. Woven gourd bowl with no handle, using natural, unprocessed materials such as pine needles, vines, grass, etc. (lid optional).
114. Woven gourd bowl with no handle, using manufactured or processed weaving materials such as leather, wire, fabric, processed reed, etc. (lid optional).
115. Decorated gourd container with lid (bowl or box), utilizing any decorative technique(s).
116. Mixed media.  Depict gourds in any other non-wearable medium such as photography, painting, quilting, paper art, beading, etc.
117. Mixed Media.  Depict gourds in a wearable medium.
118. Beaded bowl or cut gourd.  Beading (any technique) may be inside and/or outside.  Beading must predominate
119. Beaded whole, uncut gourd, any technique.  Beading must predominate
120. Pen and ink on an uncut gourd.  Limited color may be added with ink, watercolor, etc.  Pen and ink technique must predominate.
121. Pen and ink on a cut gourd (bowl, bottle, etc.).  Limited color may be added with ink, watercolor, etc.  Pen and ink technique must predominate.
122. "Show Theme" gourd craft - single decorated gourd.  Additional natural material may be added.
123. "Show Theme” gourd craft - made of multiple gourds and natural material.
124. Any other gourd craft not specifically listed (natural and manufactured accessories, including plastic products, allowed).
125. Gourd birdhouse with 2008 nest.  Drain holes are required; vents & perch are optional.  The gourd should be left as weathered.
126. New gourd birdhouse ready for 2009 season for house wrens with an opening of approximately 1”.  Drain holes are required; vents are optional. There should be no perch.
127. Any other new birdhouse (except Wren) ready for the 2009 season. Exhibitor must specify the bird being attracted and the opening size.  NEW CLASS.
128. New gourd birdhouse ready for 2009 season for Purple Martins.  Purple Martin Society Guidelines are to be followed for this class: no perch; ¼” drain holes in the bottom; vent holes in the top; painted white.  The opening should be approximately 1 7/8” to 2 1/8” (an optional “half-moon style” opening is permitted).
129. Artistically decorated, gourd birdhouse.  Perch, drain holes and vents are optional.  Hole size is optional but the house must be functional - PRIMARILY PAINTED.
130. Decorated Birdhouse.  Combination of techniques and/or techniques other than painting.
131. Functional gourd bird feeder.
132. Artistic charm string of dry gourds in natural color (no color added) with minimum dry, natural accessories.  A clear finish is allowed.
133. Artistic charm string of decorated (any technique(s)), dry gourds with minimum dry, natural accessories.
134. Mobile of dry gourds – natural or decorated with minimum dry, natural accessories.
135. Gourd mask.  Mask must be wearable.  Accessories are permitted.
136. Small, dried floral arrangement in a dry, undecorated gourd container. The design shall not exceed 8”.  A clear finish is allowed.
137. Floral design using all fresh materials in a dried, undecorated gourd container.  A clear finish is allowed.
138. Dried gourd flowers in a dry gourd container.  Flowers and foliage must be made of gourd.  Color and finish is unrestricted.  Minimum accessory material, such as stem wire, is permitted
139. Black and white, plus one other color, floral design in a dry gourd container.  Fresh and/or dried material is allowed.
140. "Show Theme" floral design.  Portray the Gourd Show theme with a floral design in a dry gourd container.  Exhibitor may choose style, color, accessories and design materials.
141. Silk floral design in a dry, undecorated gourd container.  A clear finish is allowed.
142. Dry, undecorated gourd container with a live plant or plants.  All plants must be planted directly into the gourd container.  No hidden pots are allowed.  A clear finish and/or stain are allowed but no accessories are permitted other than bases.
143. Dry, decorated gourd container with a live plant or plants.  All plants must be planted directly into the gourd container.  Bases are allowed.
144. One dry, undecorated, hanging gourd container with a live plant or plants.  A clear finish and/or stain are allowed but no accessories other than hanger material.  All plants must be planted directly into the gourd container.
145. Gallery display – 3, 4 or 5 decorated gourds arranged artistically. Accessory material is permitted, including risers.  The display must fit within a 3x3-foot space and may be rectangular, round or oval.  A display cloth or table cover is suggested.  The technique(s) used to decorate the gourds may be similar or varied, and the gourds may have been displayed in other classes (not gallery class) at previous Ohio Shows including the 2005 Show.  Judging for this gallery class will include the following considerations: craftsmanship, interest, arrangement and staging.

CURRENT SEASON GOURDS
q  NOTE: Classes J2-J3 to be judged on size/weight only.
q  NOTE:  This is a “Growers Division” under  the AGS Handbook.  Gourds may be part of the family garden.

J1.  Two assorted current season Hardshell gourds - different size and/or shape).
J2.  Longest current season gourd.
J3.  Heaviest current season gourd.
J4.  Five assorted current season spoons.
J5.  Ten assorted current season Ornamentals (warties and/or smooth).

J6.  Novel and/or useful article(s) made from gourd(s).  No dippers.
J7.  One realistic or fantasy animal (bird, reptile, etc.) made of gourd(s).
J8.  One insect made from gourd(s).
J9.  Dried gourd dipper, undecorated (clear finish is optional). The dipper must be cut open and cleaned.
J10. Gourd birdhouse, undecorated, with drain holes (perch is optional). The inside should be cleaned and the house must be functional.
J11. Decorated birdhouse.  Perch and drain holes are optional. The inside should be cleaned and the house must be functional.
J12. Gourd toy (or set) or game. Accessory material is permitted
J13. A decorated gourd pitcher, vase, bowl, bottle, or dipper.  The gourd must be cut open and cleaned on the inside.
J14. Gourd puppet or marionette.  Gourd head required.
J15. Gourd musical instrument.  Any style instrument is allowed (drum, flute, shaker, violin, etc.), but it must be a working instrument.
J16. Decorated gourd(s) using the Show Theme.  Accessories permitted.
J17. I did it my way.  Any other gourd craft not specifically listed, (natural and manufactured accessories, including plastic products, allowed).

CURRENT SEASON GOURDS
q  NOTE: Classes Y2-Y3 to be judged on size/weight only.
q  NOTE:  This is a “Growers Division” under  the AGS Handbook.  Gourds may be part of the family garden.

Y1.  Three assorted current season Hardshell gourds –  different size/shape).
q NOTE: Longest current season gourd.
Y2. Heaviest current season gourd.
Y3. Five assorted current season spoons.
Y4. Tray, bowl, or basket with ten current season, assorted (different         types, sizes, and colors) Ornamentals (no warties).
Y5. Ten assorted, current season warties.

Y6. One realistic or fantasy animal (bird, reptile, etc.) made of gourd(s).
Y7. Gourd Insect.
Y8. Novel and/or useful article(s) made from gourd(s).  No dippers.
Y9. Dried gourd dipper, undecorated (clear finish is optional). The dipper must be cut open and cleaned.
Y10. Holiday arrangement or decoration, gourds must predominate.
Y11. Decorated pitcher, vase, bottle, bowl, or dipper (open and cleaned).
Y12. Gourd birdhouse, undecorated, with drain holes (perch is optional).
The inside should be cleaned and the house must be functional.
Class Y13Decorated birdhouse.  Perch and drain holes are optional. The inside should be cleaned and the house must be functional.
Y14. Gourd doll or character (all gourd, or gourd head only).
Y15. Arrangement, with dry gourds predominating, suitable for a  centerpiece (dry natural accessory material only).
Y16. Gourd musical instrument.  Any type of instrument (drum, flute, shaker,
violin, etc.), but it must be a working instrument.
Y17. Decorated gourd(s) using the Show Theme.  Accessories permitted
Y18. I did it my way.  Any other gourd craft not specifically listed, (natural and manufactured accessories, including plastic products, allowed).

Gourd Show Rules for Exhibitors

1. Gourds must predominate in all classes.
2. All Exhibits and Entries must be in place, with entry tag attached, by 11 a.m., Saturday, September 27, 2008.  As a minimum, exhibitor name and entry number must be on the official entry tag.
3. Entries must remain in place until 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28. An entrant’s name may be made visible on the tag after judging has been completed.
4. Entries and special exhibits are open to everyone.
5. Entry forms for classes or special exhibits must be postmarked by Sept. 16, 2008, so that proper staging can be allotted for each class or exhibit. Anticipate entries since late entries may not be accepted. Check all class numbers to be entered and mail the entry form to:
          Ohio Gourd Show Entry,
          c/o John F. Martin,
          438 Sardinia Mowrystown Road,
          Sardinia, OH  45171.
Email entries (sent by Sept. 18) are acceptable and may be sent to martin.jf.kl@verizon.net.  A unique entry number will be assigned to each entrant.
6. Only one entry may be made in each class by an individual.
7. Any craft item entered in competition in 2005-06-07, may not be entered this year by the original exhibitor, or any other exhibitor; but it may be used in non-competitive displays or the “gallery” class (#145).  In fairness to all exhibitors, do not enter craft made by someone else. The show judges have the authority to disqualify any entry known to be in violation of this rule.
8. Judging of entries will be Saturday, September 27, 2008, starting at 11:30 a.m. Exhibitors are not to influence or interfere with judges while judging is in progress.  AREAS MAY BE CLOSED DURING JUDGING.
9. All classes will be judged: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th place. Ribbons will be awarded in each class.  Recognition will also be given for high show points and for special awards including the Stevens Family Award (outstanding gourdcraft), the John Stevens Award,(outstanding fresh gourd(s)) and the Judges Choice Award (of special appeal to the judging coordinators).
10. Show Points are figured as follows: 1st Place – 5 points, 2nd Place – 4 points, 3rd Place – 3 points, 4th Place – 2 points, 5th Place – 1 point.
11. The Ohio Gourd Society, Inc., and Darke County Fair Board shall not be responsible for any accidents, losses, or breakage of entries, containers, exhibits or displays.
12. Classes 1 through 46 in the Senior Division, Classes J1 through J5 in the Junior Division, and Classes Y1 through Y5 in the Youth Division must be 2008 crop.  In Classes 47 through 59 no crafted, decorated, stained (including colored shoe polish), or painted gourds are to be used.  A clear finish (such as wax or oil) is allowed. Finish is allowed as specified in gourd craft classes.
13. It is the feeling of the Ohio Gourd Society that the fresh and natural qualities of the gourds should be emphasized, therefore plastic or artificial materials are discouraged but not prohibited, except for the silk flower arrangement and/or functional use of a craft (i.e. items such as fantasy animals and fishing lures which may benefit from use of plastic embellishments).
14. No squash or pumpkins including sweet dumplings and/or miniature pumpkins are to be used in entries or displays except for Turks Turbans.
15. Mature gourds that have started to dry or cure may be exhibited, but theyshould be avoided if possible. Gourds that are spoiling or diseased should not be exhibited.
16. It is strongly recommended that all fresh and dried gourds exhibited have stems attached.  This may affect the awarding of ribbons, but will not disqualify an entry.  Stems on gourd craft items are optional.
17. Live evergreens are not permitted because of fire safety concerns. Artificial trees are permissible where used as part of a display.
18. No protected species (feathers, parts, etc.), animal or plant, are allowed.
19. SPECIAL EXHIBITS are encouraged, especially craft work and antique gourds. These extra exhibits are non-competitive and add to the success of the show. Tables (approximately 30 inches wide) will be furnished but exhibitors must bring props for staging and decoration. Each special exhibitor must submit an entry form specifying the length (number of feet along the table) of the special display. “BEST OF SHOW” awards will be given to outstanding non-competitive displays.  Competitive entries are not required in order to have a Special Exhibit.
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PLEASE READ YOUR RULES CAREFULLY
Be sure to mark your entry numbers and write your name, address, phone number, and email address if you use one, on the gourd show entry form.  There is also a section for vendor space requests, camping requests and special exhibit space.

Make a copy for yourself and mail one copy to:
          Ohio Gourd Show Entry, c/o John F. Martin
          438 Sardinia Mowrystown Road, Sardinia, OH 45171
          email: martin.jf.kl@verizon.net

Entries must be postmarked by September 16, 2008, so that proper staging can be provided for each class/exhibit.  “On-site” entries may be accepted depending on space available and staging requirements.

Gourd Show Judging
To the extent possible, the Ohio Gourd Show will conduct judging of the competitive entries in accordance with the American Gourd Society Judging Handbook adopted February 2008.  The published guidelines are available in The Gourd and on-line at www.americangourdsociety.org.

The 2008 Ohio Gourd Show  judges will utilize Option C (verbal consensus) in considering the various competitive classes for juniors, youth and adults. Under this option, the guidelines* state:

6.8.3   Raw and current season gourds.
6.8.3.1  Consider cultural perfection, quality, cleanliness, and  maturity, balanced with trueness of type and color.
6.8.3.2  In case of size competition, discussion is basically not necessary, just measurement and confirmation of the measurement.  For example, the winning gourd in a  “longest dipper” category will be the longest qualifying  entry.
6.8.3.3  In case of matching competition, that major consideration is the degree  to which the gourds are identical.
6.8.4  Gourd Craft
6.8.4.1 Consider originality of design, balanced by quality of the  workmanship.
6.8.4.2 Originality considerations are overall design/theme, craftsmanship, suitability of accessories, and artistic qualities.
6.8.4.3 Workmanship considerations are neatness and quality, color/finish, balance/scale, and overall appearance.
6.8.4.4  If the quality of the gourd used is poor, judges should rank  the gourd lower than they would otherwise.
6.8.5 Growers Division
6.8.5.1 Gourds must have been grown by the exhibitor/entrant.
6.8.5.2  Dried gourds have all the water evaporated leaving a lightweight shell.
6.8.5.3  For specimen gourds (a specific variety, trueness of type  and color must be observed.  Specimen gourds have no indication of excess grooming or training.
6.8.5.4  Gourds entered in the growers classes are not required to have stems unless specifically required by the category.  If  present, stem must be washed with skin and dirt removed  from the crevices, and the end trimmed.
6.8.5.4.1  One or more categories specifically requiring stems may be established by the ompetition, but as a general rule stems are not required.
6.8.5.5  Gourds must be true to type, mature and clean.
6.8.5.6  Assorted groupings must be of various sizes, shapes, and  varieties.
6.8.5.7   Identical gourd groupings must be the same size, shape, color hue, and variety.
6.8.5.8   Hand trained gourds have been manipulated by hand during growth to achieve a specific shape.
6.8.5.9  Freak growth gourds must have a unique shape that occurred naturally with no human intervention of any kind (no training, starving, growth interference).
6.8.6 If there are specific categories where these scoring guidelines are not  appropriate, the competition sponsor (show chair, show committee,  chapter president, etc.) will establish a judging standard for that category, and publish it in advance so those entering will know how  they will be scored.  The judges will use that standard (point scale or  other objective method).
6.8.6.1  The intention of these guidelines is to instill confidence in  competitors that their gourds will be consistently and fairly graded, and know how they will be judged even though they have not participated in a
particular show.  For that reason, exceptions to these scoring guidelines should be rare.”

        *AGS Judging Handbook 2/08

Rule 7.6 of the AGS Judging Handbook indicated that in cases where only one entry is made in a class, that entry will generally be awarded “First Place.” The Ohio Gourd Show will follow that guideline, and a first place award will only be withheld if the single entry is disqualified for not meeting the requirements of the class.