Ribbons and Awards
The Danish System of Recognition
The Danish System recognizes and rewards young people for their efforts and projects. This system is designed to maintain a proper balance of competition and recognition. To be sure we use it properly, we must understand its operational procedures and philosophy.
What is the overall objective of the Danish System?
The Danish System is a method of evaluating class entries (projects or exhibitors) and placing them in groups according to standards developed for that class. The defined groups are designed to recognize youth for their achievement relative to set standards.
Why is the Danish System used in the 4-H program?
The Danish System distributes awards among those participating, thus providing recognition for the maximum number of participants. It is understood that recognition is a basic need of all people (young and not-so-young), and public recognition can help to fulfill this basic need. The Danish System recognizes minor differences between two or more entries. This system allows for those minor differences and attempts to provide opportunity for the maximum number of youths to be recognized.
What award levels are used in the Danish system?
The Danish system uses color to signify different award levels. The 4-H Youth Development program awards ribbons in these colors. Purple (Superior): A purple is awarded to those entries that far exceed the average standard or meet the standards established for that particular class. This award indicates a near perfect exhibit.
Blue (Excellent): A blue is awarded to those entries that exceed the average standard. This award indicates a certain degree of excellence that exceeds the average expectation and may be given to multiple participants.
Red (Good): A red is awarded to those entries that meet the average standard or are slightly below the average standard established for that respective class. The general level of accomplishment meets expectations but is less than excellent. Shortcomings are found in certain aspects to cause this ranking.
White (Fair): A white is awarded to those entries that do not meet average standard. The level of accomplishment is less than expected. A ranking of white is deserved due to the severe shortcomings from the good standard. This ribbon might also be awarded to a project that does not meet project requirements.
Additional Awards or Ribbons
These are typically awarded by category. Categories can be defined by a class, age group, skill category, or exhibit type depending on the project.
Champion Rosette (Purple): A champion Rosette is a deep purple ribbon that indicates the top exhibit in a category as determined by the judge.
Reserve Champion Rosette (Pink): A reserve Champion Rosette is a pink color and indicates the second-place overall exhibit in a category as determined by the judge.
All Additional Awards or ribbons are at the discretion of the judge and are not required to be awarded