Is Your Judging Style Demotivating Contestants?
When people speak of Quran competitions, they often imagine the stage lights, the anticipation, and the sense of achievement on the faces of young reciters. Having spent a large part of my life involved in organising, judging, and teaching for Quran competitions, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing these events from many angles. I’ve seen the thrill of a well-deserved win, but also the quiet disappointment of those who feel they came up short. Over the years, I’ve come to realise that while rules, criteria, and scoring are fundamental, the judging style and delivery often leave the most lasting impact — for better or worse.
This isn’t a theoretical concern; it has practical, sometimes long-term consequences on the motivation of contestants. In this post, I want to reflect honestly on what I’ve learnt, where I made mistakes, and how we, as judges and organisers, can ensure our approach nurtures rather than diminishes each reciter’s connection with the Quran.
Understanding the Role of a Judge Beyond Scores
Often, new judges assume their task is solely technical. Mark the sheets, follow the rubrics, perhaps jot down an occasional remark. But in practice, your role runs much deeper. You are, in many cases, the first point of meaningful feedback for a young or first-time contestant. Your words — and your tone — become part of their Quranic journey and their memories.
In many competitions, especially at local or community level, contestants are not seasoned performers. They are children or young adults, sometimes reciting nervously in public for the first time. For them, the judges are not only evaluators but, inadvertently, role models.
- Judges shape the environment. Is the atmosphere intimidating, or supportive? Are questions met with patience or impatience?
- Feedback can either clarify or confuse. Vague criticism can leave students lost, whereas kind, specific observations can guide learning.
- Your words carry weight. Contestants will recall even offhand remarks long after the event is over.
When we remember this, judging becomes not just an exercise in accuracy, but in encouragement, responsibility, and growth.
Common Judging Pitfalls That Demotivate Contestants
Over time, I have seen some patterns repeat themselves, often with unintended negative effects. Recognising these pitfalls is the first step towards avoiding them.
1. Overly Critical or Sharp Feedback
A well-meant “You made many mistakes in your tajweed” can sound devastating to a child who has laboured for months to prepare. I recall one such instance early in my judging career. A young boy, no older than ten, stumbled on a tricky verse. After the session, I told him plainly that he needed to “revise more carefully”. He nodded silently, but later I learned he was in tears. Speaking with his teacher, I realised my bluntness had overshadowed the actual advice. I have since watched talented young reciters shy away from further participation due to one harsh encounter.
- Remember: Contestants are often already aware of their errors. What they need is reassurance that mistakes are part of learning, not signs of failure.
2. Public Correction or Embarrassment
It may seem efficient to critique in front of everyone, especially in group competitions. But public correction almost always results in embarrassment, particularly among teenagers and children. What is meant as constructive can easily be felt as humiliating.
- Private feedback is nearly always better. If detailed correction is needed, offer it after the session or in a private setting.
3. Ignoring the Nerves and Effort Involved
It’s easy for seasoned judges to forget how intimidating the competition environment is for novices. Sometimes, judges critique without acknowledging the effort expended by the contestant just to step up and recite on stage.
- An encouraging word about their bravery or preparation can go a long way.
4. Focusing Solely on Errors
If we only highlight weaknesses, contestants start to associate Quran recitation with anxiety and criticism, rather than love of the text.
- Balance correction with affirmation. Point out strengths: “Your tarteel was very clear,” or “I appreciated your effort in pronouncing the Arabic letters.”
5. Favouritism, Real or Perceived
Nothing demoralises contestants faster than the sense that a judge has favourites, or is biased towards certain schools or backgrounds. Even when unintended, jokes, smiles, or lengthy side-conversations with some contestants can cause others to withdraw.
- Maintain professionalism and neutrality. Avoid personal jokes or off-topic discussions with contestants during the event.
Building a Motivating Judging Approach
Based on experiences — both personal successes and failures — a few principles consistently lead to better outcomes for all involved. These are not just “nice to have” add-ons, but core ingredients for positive, sustainable Quran competition culture.
1. Begin with Appreciation
Before discussing areas for improvement, acknowledge the time and effort the contestant has invested. I now make it a point at the start — even if the recitation was not perfect — to express sincere appreciation. This doesn’t mean exaggeration, but simple recognition: “Thank you for your hard work and courage. Reciting in front of an audience is not easy.”
2. Be Specific, Not General, in Your Feedback
Replace generic criticism like “Your tajweed needs work,” with “In verse three, the ‘ghayn’ was a bit unclear. Practising that letter will help — but your flow was excellent in the next verse.” This frames the correction as actionable, not as a label.
3. Use Supportive Language
- Swap “You made mistakes” for “There were a couple of slips, but your effort was evident.”
- Instead of “Wrong pronunciation,” try “The pronunciation of [particular letter] could be clearer; you’re on the right path.”
Small differences in wording greatly affect how feedback is received, especially by younger participants.
4. Guard Against Burnout in Older Participants
For older youth, who may participate in several competitions, be conscious they might already be carrying accumulated criticism. For them, ask reflective questions: How did you feel reciting today? What would you like to improve next time? This respects their experience and encourages self-improvement, rather than passive receipt of judgement.
5. Promote a Growth Mindset
Frame feedback not as a final verdict but as part of an ongoing process: “You’ve improved from last year — that’s clear. Keep working on your breathing and it will improve even more.” Demonstrating that every reciter, even the best, is still learning can be incredibly motivating.
Some Practical Steps Judges Can Take
- Attend training sessions or workshops on giving constructive feedback, whether organised officially or informally amongst peers.
- Watch experienced judges at work, noting how they phrase corrections and maintain a supportive tone.
- Establish a feedback protocol: For example, always start with one positive, one area for improvement, and one encouragement.
- Request anonymous feedback from contestants about the judging environment to identify blind spots.
- Involve teachers and parents where appropriate, so corrective advice can be reinforced in a nurturing way.
The Ripple Effect of Good Judging
It can be difficult, amidst tight schedules and judging sheets, to remember the human side of these events. But I have seen firsthand how the right words or manner, said by a judge at a key moment, can keep a child or young person engaged with the Quran for years to come. Conversely, I have also seen the opposite — talented individuals dropping out after a single disheartening experience.
Our responsibility as judges is not just to rank performances, but to be guardians of an environment where love for the Quran deepens, regardless of scores. Contestants may forget the exact feedback, but they will remember how it made them feel. Let us choose words that build, not break; and let us be the reason a young reciter returns, not the reason they step away.
If you need help with your Quran competition platform or marking tools, email info@qurancompetitions.tech.