Some Less Desirable Features

Te Ao Hou, December 1965, Page 45

Some Less Desirable Features These, then, are the worthwhile aspects of competitions. There must be many readers, however, who have been concerned to note less desirable features. This article seeks to discuss the causes and effects of these, and to make a few suggestions for improvement. Among the most consistent features of many competitions today are poor organisation, unsatisfactory judging and sometimes a very poor attitude amongst some of the competitors. These first two are particularly important because they can cause frustration and ill-will amongst even the most well-meaning. Let us discuss organisation first. A clear and detailed set of rules is essential, otherwise competitors begin without knowing clearly what is expected of them. Groups that are situated away from the competition centre begin with a disadvantage, since they are seldom able to confer with the organisers until it is too late. These rules must define such points as what each team is expected to perform in the way of items before it can qualify for an aggregate prize (in any), whether original compositions are required, the system of marking, whether any conventions of dress such as moko are mandatory, and whether there is a requirement for any particular type and direction of entrance.