The Merit System (aka Open Judging)

The merit system is based on the persons score to place in various categories. In this case, each category can have multiple bronze, silver and gold pins/coins winners.

This system judges the entrant on their level of skill and quality of their entry. Entrants are not competing against their peers for 3 positions but rather judged on the quality of their entry.

The following scale will be used depending on the format:

Apprentice

The apprentice level competition is usually for kids ages 15 or younger. This is sometimes known as the "youngbloods" category. This does NOT stop anyone 15 or younger from entering the Journeyman or even the Master competition (if they are that bold).
  • Entries earning a score of 3.0 or better will receive a Gold Draconic Awards Pin
  • Entries earning a score of 2.0-2.9 will receive a Silver Draconic Awards Pin
  • Entries earning a score of 1.0-1.9 will receive a Bronze Draconic Awards Pin
  • All other Entries will earn a Competitor Draconic Awards Pin

Journeyman

The Journeyman level competition is for those that are still reach for that top level painting status or for those that are just starting out.
  • Entries earning a score of 6.0 or better will receive a Gold Draconic Awards Pin
  • Entries earning a score of 5.0-5.9 will receive a Silver Draconic Awards Pin
  • Entries earning a score of 4.0-4.9 will receive a Bronze Draconic Awards Pin
  • All other Entries will earn a Competitor Draconic Awards Pin

Master Class

This is the level for people that have aquired years of skills and/or have the knack for going up against the best of the best.
  • Entries earning a score of 9.0 or better will receive a Gold Draconic Awards Coin
  • Entries earning a score of 8.0-8.9 will receive a Silver Draconic Awards Coin
  • Entries earning a score of 7.1-7.9 will receive a Bronze Draconic Awards Coin