Thank you for your interest in supporting the first-ever FND In Focus Annual Video Competition! 

Judges play a crucial role in helping us highlight creative, impactful videos that raise awareness and understanding of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

This page includes everything you need to know about serving as a judge, from eligibility and responsibilities to the scoring process.

Why Serve as a Judge?

As a judge, you will:

• Help celebrate stories that challenge misconceptions about FND.

• Support the recognition of creative, thoughtful, and informative videos.

• Contribute to an inclusive, fair, and transparent evaluation process.

We strive to build a panel that reflects diverse perspectives, including FND warriors and supporters, medical professionals, creatives, and other experts.

Judge Eligibility

• Judges do not need to be from the USA, even though submissions are USA-only.

• Judges should have relevant experience or insight, whether through advocacy, lived experience, professional expertise, or creative work.

• Judges must commit to the judging period (February 8 – February 21, 2027) and complete all required agreements.

Judge Responsibilities

Complete the Judge Interest Form

Provide basic information and confirm your availability and interest. Selection is not guaranteed.

Review the Scoring Rubric

Familiarize yourself with the official judging criteria prior to the start of scoring to ensure consistency and fairness.

Score Videos Fairly & Thoughtfully

• Score each video using the rubric categories (1-5 points each):

  • • Relevance to Theme: How clearly and thoughtfully does the video address the annual competition theme?

    • Accuracy & Responsibility: How accurately and responsibly does the video represent FND?

    • Creativity & Originality: How unique and imaginative is the concept and execution?

    • Storytelling & Communication: How effectively does the video tell a story or communicate its message?

    • Impact & Clarity: How impactful and clear is the video overall?

• Award bonus points (1-5 points possible) when appropriate for exceptional elements

• Optional: Provide written feedback to support participant growth

Meet Judging Deadlines

Complete all assigned scoring within the designated timeframe to ensure the competition stays on schedule.

Maintain Confidentiality & Integrity

• Do not download, share, or distribute videos outside of the judging process

• Treat all submissions with respect and impartiality

Disclose & Avoid Conflicts of Interest

Disclose any potential conflicts before judging begins

Do not score any submission where a conflict exists (e.g., personal, professional, or financial relationships)

Follow the Judge Agreement & Code of Conduct

Adhere to all guidelines outlined in the agreement, including professionalism, respect, and ethical participation.

Communicate with the Team

Reach out if you have questions, technical issues, or need clarification—we’re here to support you throughout the process.

Judging Process

• Video Review & Scoring: Each video is scored by multiple judges.

• Tallying: Scores are averaged to determine the Judge’s Choice winners.

• Tie-breakers: If two videos tie, tie-breakers are applied based on rubric category scores, starting with Relevance to Theme.

• People’s Choice Exclusion: Judge’s Choice winners are not included in public voting, giving more participants a chance to be recognized.

Recognition & Feedback

• Judges will be acknowledged on the website (optional, based on your preference).

• Your contributions directly impact which videos are highlighted in the competition.

• Judges’ insights may also help guide future competitions and improvements.

How to Join as a Judge

1. Complete the Judge Interest Form
Submit the Judge Interest Form to express your interest in participating. Please note that this is not a guaranteed placement, as judge positions are limited. We strive to build a balanced and diverse panel representing lived experience, advocacy, professional expertise, and creative perspectives.

2. Selection & Welcome Packet
If selected, you will receive a Judge Welcome Packet with detailed information about your role, judging expectations, and next steps.

3. Complete the Judge Information Form 
Selected judges will be asked to complete a form to gather details for the official competition website, such as your bio, title, headshot, and optional links (website or social media).

**This form also includes the Judge Agreement & Code of Conduct, which must be reviewed and accepted.**

4. Profile Review & Approval 
Once your materials are submitted, you will receive a preview of your judge profile to review and approve before it is published.

5. Review Judging Materials
You will receive a Judge Packet that includes the scoring rubric and detailed instructions. Please review these materials carefully to ensure you feel confident in the judging process. Our team is always available if you have questions.

6. Begin Scoring
When judging begins, you will receive a separate email with secure links to the scoring forms and video submissions.