Judging at SAOC
Accreditation, awards, and how plants are scored across South Africa.
Overview
SAOC operates a national orchid judging system — training and accrediting judges who score plants on form, colour, size, and cultural condition at affiliated shows.
How judging works
Plants are assessed by accredited judging panels against published criteria. Awards are conferred when a plant meets the required point threshold.
SAOC awards
AM/SAOC
Award of Merit
80–89 pts
Recognises a plant of superior quality — exceptional form, colour, size, and cultural condition.
FCC/SAOC
First Class Certificate
90+ pts
The highest flower-quality award — reserved for plants of truly outstanding merit.
HCC/SAOC
Highly Commended Certificate
75–79 pts
A plant worthy of recognition, a step below Award of Merit.
CCM/SAOC
Certificate of Cultural Merit
80+ pts
Awarded to the grower for exceptional cultivation — specimen plant quality.
CBR/SAOC
Certificate of Botanical Recognition
For the first exhibition of a rare or unusual species.
JC/SAOC
Judges' Commendation
For a distinctive characteristic not covered by standard criteria.
Becoming a judge
Judging accreditation is earned through a structured training programme run by SAOC. Speak to your affiliated society to begin the pathway.
Accredited judges
The full accredited judges directory is available to SAOC members.