Designers Corner: What's Up With "Dimensions?"

Background of the Issue:

I recently had the opportunity to judge & clerk a couple of shows where I encountered similar issues with the show/design schedule related to use of the word "dimensions." The issue raised many questions about why to date, this hasn't been an issue, as well as to get a ruling on what is the rule for use of this word. The Show & Judges Chair was asked for a determination & resolution which, to my understanding, will result in education being provided that provides more clear, concise, & understandable definitions of length, width, & height vs use of the word "dimensions."

What I found most astounding was these were not unusual circumstances or situations. Exhibits have on many occasions not met the L x W x D requirements defined by the schedules. So - what have the judges been doing all this time? Why is this now a "new" issue, when it actually isn't?

Background of the 2 Shows:

Regarding the 2 shows & based on how the word was used in each show, there were similar, yet differing rulings/decisions. Also, there were different judging style dynamics at play between the 2 shows.

Show 1: One judge actually asked the Show Chair for a ruler or measuring tape so the "dimensions" of several designs could be checked to make sure they met the requirements as stated in the show/design schedule. Several entries were not judged based on an inquiry to & determination by the Show Chair. The entries exceeded the sizes as defined in the schedule. 2 of 3 entries in one particular class were not judged. Best in Class was awarded to entry which IMO was not the best exhibit. Judging dynamics: 2 very strong, very different, judging styles vs 1 very quiet, passive style.

Show 2: Several container (dish & natural) gardens had plants that extended outside the perimeter of their container (e.g. dish garden plants exceeded size of container) or the entire exhibit appeared to exceed requirements as noted with use of the word "dimensions." Judging dynamics: All 3 judges were equally strong which balanced panel very well. All waited on ruling from S & J Chair before awarding BIC to best exhibit.

Final Determination by Show & Judges Chair:

After the 2nd show inquiry, the S & J Chair determined that the schedule needed further clarity because of the use of the word "dimensions." Final determination was as follows:

1. Use of the word "dimensions" or "all dimensions" means LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT only. There is no requirement related to "DIAGONALLY". Exhibits are not to be judged measuring diagonally.

2. Show Schedule Approver has been updated about this issue & how to respond to future schedules which are not clear about this. Show Chairs will be educated to either remove use of "dimensions" or provide more detailed clarification of measurements (L x W x H).

Based on my recent experiences with the dimensions issue, I highly recommend the following:

1. Show Chairs - verify all design entries to make absolutely CERTAIN they meet all schedule requirements BEFORE judging even begins.

2. Designers - PLEASE READ THE SCHEDULE! If you have questions, contact the Show Chair PRIOR to when you arrive at the show venue. Measure! Measure! Measure! Be sure your design meets ALL requirements as defined by the show schedule.

3. Design judging is IMO very difficult, as well as very subjective. Most judges do their best to be fair, but there are times when results raise more questions than answers. For judges, if you feel the need to measure every design, please bring your own measuring devices. Stopping to ask a Show Chair for measuring devices IMO is unnecessary, so be better prepared.

NOTE: The above information is based on my own personal experiences & interpretations of what happened at two recent, separate shows. The actual rulings from the Show & Judges Committee would take precedence over my interpretations, comments, or statements in this post.