IGO
International Greenwich Olympiad
Online Judging
Moderator Guide
May 16th, 2026
Welcome, Moderators!
- Thank you for your vital contribution to the IGO.
- Your role is key to a smooth, fair, and efficient online judging process.
- This briefing will guide you through your responsibilities for the live Zoom sessions.
Getting Ready: Before the Day Begins
Be at North London Grammar School NO LATER than 9:00 AM.
Collect Documents:
- Student Projects Timeline
- Judge List
Equipment:
- Bring your own laptop (preferred).
- School PCs available if needed.
Technology Readiness
- CRITICAL: Test your computer’s microphone thoroughly.
- CRITICAL: Test your computer’s camera thoroughly.
- Ensure a stable internet connection.
- Familiarize yourself with the basic Zoom functions you'll be using.
Going Live: Starting Your Session
- Start your assigned Zoom session at the designated time.
-
Activate Waiting Room:
- This is essential for controlling entry.
- If not active by default, enable it immediately.
Welcoming Participants: The Entry Process
- Follow the Schedule: Admit projects strictly according to the provided Projects Timeline.
-
Check Display Names:
- Required Format:
"IGO reference number - First Name" - Example:
"IGO26-010058-John"
- Required Format:
- Action: If incorrect, politely ask the student to rename themselves before admitting them from the waiting room.
Verification & Record Keeping
-
Verify Details:
- Cross-check student name(s) with your list.
- Confirm the correct number of students per project.
- If Correct: Tick off names on your list.
-
If Discrepancies:
- Do NOT admit immediately if unsure.
- Make clear, detailed notes (e.g., wrong name, unexpected number of students).
- These notes are crucial for reporting.
Judging Session Participants
- Students ONLY: Only registered student participants are allowed in the judging session.
- No Supervisors: Politely inform any supervisors in the waiting room that they cannot join the judging session itself.
- Maintain focus on student presentations.
Keeping Things on Track
- Monitor the session time based on the Projects Timeline.
- 10-Minute Reminder: Politely and clearly remind judges when there are 10 minutes remaining for the current project's allocated time.
Between Sessions: Judge Evaluation & Next Steps
- Judge Evaluation (4-5 mins): After a team finishes, judges will have ~4-5 minutes for evaluation.
-
Your Role During Evaluation:
- Prepare for the next session.
- Consult your timeline.
- Admit the next student team from the waiting room into the main session promptly.
- Ensure a seamless flow.
Quick Recap: Your Core Responsibilities
- Punctuality & Preparation are key.
- Tech Checks are non-negotiable.
- Strictly follow the student entry and verification process.
- Maintain session timing and provide reminders.
- Ensure smooth transitions between projects.
- Accurate note-taking for any issues is vital.
- Clear, polite communication at all times.
Thank You!
Your dedication ensures the success of the IGO online judging.
We appreciate your time and effort.
Questions?
