How does DECA use judging criteria in competitions?

DECA uses judging criteria in competitions to evaluate participants based on their performance in relation to specific skills and knowledge required in business and marketing. The criteria are designed to ensure that judges can assess various aspects of a participant's abilities, including their ability to understand and apply business concepts, their problem-solving skills, and their overall professionalism. This methodical evaluation provides a comprehensive understanding of each competitor's strengths and areas for improvement, enabling a fair assessment across diverse presentations and scenarios.

This approach is fundamental to the integrity of the competition, as it allows judges to provide constructive feedback that helps participants grow and develop their skills. While the other answer choices mention relevant aspects of the judging process, they do not capture the full scope of evaluating specific skills and knowledge, which is the core purpose of the judging criteria in DECA competitions.