Judges evaluate Competition Materials, score Teams, and select the winners of InnovAction. Individuals interested in judging InnovAction may apply via the TIC Americas website www.ticamericas.net/reg/Juez.php . Judges are selected based on the following criteria:

1. Professional experience in sectors such as microenterprise development and/or business, grassroots organizing, academia, chambers of commerce, and other technical areas;
2. Bilingual or multilingual in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and/or French;
3. Past performance judging a TIC Americas competition, when applicable.

The roster of Judges shall reflect gender balance and be broadly representative of minority groups. The following individuals are ineligible to participate as Judges:

– InnovAction mentors;

– YABT Staff and members of its , national chapters;

– YABT officials and members of its Board of Directors;

– IAF staff, contractors, and members of its Board of Directors and Advisory Council;

– Organization of American States’ General Secretariat personnel; and

– Immediate family or households members of anyone mentioned above.

Judges shall sign a confidentiality agreement, disclose all potential conflicts of interest, and agree to abide by InnovAction’s Rules, Terms and Conditions in order to participate. Judges will agree to score teams fully and impartially based on the technical quality and presentation of the Competition Materials and the team’s performance during InnovAction and without regard to gender, nationality, age, education, race, sexual orientation, or other discriminatory factors. Judges participate on a voluntary basis and will not be paid by the team, by YABT, the IAF, Sponsors, InnovAction, or other partners.

YABT will provide training and oversight to Judges to ensure consistent, appropriate application of the Evaluation Criteria (see F. Evaluation Criteria) and the selection process.