Judges & Volunteers

Support authentic research, provide constructive feedback, and see outstanding student work up close. No prior experience required—training, rubrics, and orientation provided.

Why Judge

  • Encourage future scholars by evaluating real research projects in papers, exhibits, documentaries, websites, and performances.
  • Use clear rubrics and short interviews to help students grow—expert knowledge of the topic is not required.
  • Breakfast & lunch provided; CPE credit available for educators; volunteers receive a THD t-shirt.

What You’ll Do

  • Review entries using the official evaluation form for your category.
  • Conduct brief student interviews (where applicable).
  • Submit scores and written comments; finalists rounds may follow.

Time Commitment

  • Half-day or full-day options depending on category and finals.
  • Most judging occurs on a Saturday; exact schedules are sent with your assignment.

Project Divisions & Categories

  • Divisions: Junior (grades 6–8) and Senior (grades 9–12)
  • Categories: Historical Paper (individual only), Exhibit (individual/group), Performance (individual/group), Documentary (individual/group), Website (individual/group)

Orientation & Day-Of Flow (What to Expect)

On contest day, you’ll check in and grab a light breakfast, then attend a short category orientation with a rubric walkthrough before judging begins. You’ll review projects and conduct brief interviews, break for lunch, and then reconvene to tally scores and write comments; if assigned to a finals round, you’ll continue after the preliminary session. Each judging team includes at least one experienced judge, and all materials are provided onsite.

Conflict of Interest & Conduct

  • Please recuse yourself from entries involving your school, students, or close relationships. Tell the head judge or coordinator immediately.
  • Maintain professionalism and impartiality. Texas History Day may reassign or remove a judge in cases of unacceptable behavior.

Interview & Feedback Tips

  • Start with open prompts (“Walk us through your thesis and key sources.”).
  • Probe research depth and historical analysis before presentation polish.
  • Use the rubric language in your comments; be specific and encouraging.
  • Flag rule concerns gently; final determinations follow the contest rules.
  • End with one “keep doing this” and one “to improve, try this next.”

How to Register to Judge

Go to https://tx.nhd.org.
Create Account → choose Judge, then enter name, email, and a simple username.
Confirm your email via the link sent by their system.
Complete Personal Information and set a password.
Fill out Preferences (availability, divisions/categories you’re comfortable judging) and agree to the conflict-of-interest statement.
Complete Permissions/Waivers, then submit.
You’ll receive a confirmation email from zFairs. Save your username & password.

Returning judges:

  • Use Login (top right) at https://tx.nhd.org.
  • Edit profile/password: Click your name → My Profile or Change Password.
  • Log out: Click your name → Logout.

Stipends Available for First Time Judges!

A limited number of need-based stipends are offered to offset travel and costs—apply early.

    Apply Here

    Evaluation Forms & Category Judging Guides

    Use these official forms for scoring and feedback and view the category judging guides for detailed instructions for each format.

    Volunteers (Non-Judging Roles)

    Help Texas History Day run smoothly—greet teams, assist with rooms, or support tabulation. No experience needed; we’ll train you on-site. Half-day or full-day shifts available, and yes: breakfast and lunch are included. Your time lets students shine. Join us!

    We also need help with:

    • Room captains & timekeepers (keep judging on schedule)
    • Registration & info desk (welcome, verify paperwork, direct traffic)
    • Runners (move score sheets/materials)
    • Tech support & hall monitors (AV checks, queue management)
    Sign Up to Volunteer →

    Questions?

    For questions about judging or volunteering at this year’s Texas History Day, please email thd@tshaonline.org.