The CCG Judging Program supports woodcarving competitions at shows throughout California. Competitions are open to all woodcarvers — CCG membership is not required to enter, though only member results are recorded in the permanent record. Use this page to find your category, understand scoring, and prepare your best work.
How your carving is scored
Three certified judges score each carving independently. Scores are never compared to other carvings — only to the standard for that category. The maximum is 300 points (100 per judge).
| 30 Composition Balance · focus · wood choice | 30 Correctness Accuracy · proportions · pose | 20 Execution Clean cuts · consistent quality | 20 Finish Protected · no runs or dust |
Award thresholds (3-judge total)
| Award | Minimum points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First place | 225 – 300 | Highest score in class wins; others may be bumped down |
| Second place | 195 – 224 | |
| Third place | 165 – 194 | |
| Fourth place | 135 – 164 | At host chapter’s discretion — not all shows offer this |
Find your category
There are 71 categories. Place your carving in the category that best matches its subject and finish technique. If your carving fits a specific category, it must go there — it may not be entered in Miscellaneous (MS) to avoid competition.
| Birds BB Burned BC Caricature BI Interpretive BN Natural BP Painted DD Decorative Decoy DS Service Decoy SD Shore Bird Decoy | Mammals MB Burned MC Caricature MI Interpretive MN Natural MP Painted | Human figures HB Burned HC Caricature HF Fantasy HI Interpretive HN Natural HP Painted |
| Fish FB Burned FC Caricature FI Interpretive FN Natural FP Painted | Reptiles & Amphibians RB Burned RC Caricature RI Interpretive RN Natural RP Painted | Relief carving BR Burned Relief GR General Relief PP Pierced Relief PR Painted Relief |
| Turning TC With carved decoration TR Turning only | Woodcrafting WC Woodcrafting WD With carved decoration | Figurative & Character Carvings (Living things, people, fantasy figures) CA Carousel Animal IV Invertebrates KD Kachina Dolls MA Carved Masks NF Non-Human Fantasy SA Carved Santas XC Mixed Caricature |
| Functional & Practical Pieces (Things meant to be used) CF Carved Footwear CP Carved Pipe CS Carved Spoons PF Plains-style Flute UT Utilitarian WS Walking Sticks & Canes MO Carved Models | Decorative Art & Special Techniques (Defined by method or artistic style) CC Chip Carving GS Group Scene IM Inlay & Marquetry IN Intarsia NR Non-Representational PY Pyrography WH Whittling | Small Scale & Material-Specific (Size-defined or material-focused work) CB Carved Bark CG Carved Gourds DR Driftwood LP Little People (≤3″) LS Little Stuff (≤3″) PC Carved Plant |
Finish & style suffixes in category codes
The letter suffix on most category codes tells you the finish type (N, P, B) or carving style (C, I):
- Natural (N): Wood grain is clearly visible through a clear finish. As realistic as possible.
- Painted (P): More than 50% of surface painted. Realism emphasized. Quality of paint is a major factor.
- Burned (B): More than 50% burned/pyrography for realism. Quality of burning is a major factor.
- Caricature (C): A carving style — exaggeration of features for satire, ridicule, or humor. Not a finishing technique.
- Interpretive (I): A carving style — subject is recognizable but intentionally modified for artistic purpose. Not a finish technique.
Special entry categories
These three categories have mandatory entry requirements. Entering the wrong category when one of these applies is grounds for disqualification.
SM — Schooled or Mentored
Any carving done mostly or completely in a class, or with significant physical or design help from a mentor. Advice from a friend does not count — actual instruction does. Not eligible for Best of Show.
TM — Team Carving
Any carving on which more than one person worked in any capacity. All participants must be listed. Entered at the highest class of any participant. Not eligible for Best of Show.
RM — Roughouts & Machine Carved
Any carving that began as a commercial roughout or machine-carved blank. All surfaces must be carved. Not eligible for Best of Show.
SM is not a lesser category. Some of the most technically accomplished work at any show appears in SM. You can still earn first place, second, and third — and the judges know the bar is high.
Before you enter
- No dusty carvings. Wipe it down — be proud of your work.
- Put a finish on it. Protect your work. Judges will handle it.
- Mount it on a base that enhances the carving, not just a platform to stand it on.
- Check quality on all sides, including the bottom. Judges will flip it over.
- Make sure loose pieces are secure and the carving won’t fall off its base.
- If your carving “sort of” fits a category, aim for a better fit — partial fits earn partial points.
- After judging, ask a judge for a critique. It is free, required by the Judges’ Code of Ethics, and the most valuable feedback you will get.
Contact the Chief Judges
Questions about categories, class placement, or the judging program? Contact your region’s Chief Judge.
Northern Region
Debbie Mize
Southern Region
Michael Yarbrough
P.O. Box 341, Carlsbad, CA 92018
Interested in becoming a judge? It takes 2–3 years of apprenticeship, but you don’t have to be an expert carver—you just need to care about the craft and be willing to learn. Contact a Chief Judge.
A Carver’s Guide to CCG Competition Version 6 — March 2019 — Complete rules, all 71 category descriptions, codes of ethics.
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