Judge registration for the 2025 SASEF fair is open!
Each year, SASEF needs about 100 category and special award judges. In the past, scientists, engineers, and teachers in and around Knoxville have participated. Most judges work in pairs.
If you have never been a judge but would like more information about joining our team of volunteers, please read through the information below. If you have further questions please contact Micholas Smith at msmit316@utk.edu.
Judges Guide
Read through this Judge’s Guide to learn more about the judging expectations, project categories, awards, and a tentative schedule for judging day.
Judging Rubric
Here is the 2024 SASEF Judging Rubric for this year’s fair.
Timeline for Judges
November-December
Contacted by judge supervisor
January
Register online as a judge (at this time you indicate your preferences for judging – age group, discipline, etc. and if you plan to stay for dinner)
End of February
Student applications due
Mid-March
Judge assignments completed and judges notified
Judging Day
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
- 12:30-1:00 pm: Judge assembly for instructions
- 1:00-1:15 pm: Welcome and announcements
- 1:15-3:00 pm: Judges only on the judging floor (no students present)
- 3:00-5:00 pm: Judges interview students
- 5:00-7:00 pm: Judges submit score sheets, judges for each category meet to choose category winner and recommend projects for higher awards
- 7:00-9:00 pm: Lead judges meet to select final winner, dinner is provided
Awards Ceremony
The Awards Ceremony will held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025
All judges are invited to the Awards Ceremony!