Understanding Awards and Certificates in Competitions

What Does “1st Runner-Up – Country Name” Mean?

When a team is named 1st Runner-Up – Country Name, it means that the team placed second in the country. It’s a notable achievement and highlights the team's strong performance in comparison to other teams in that country.

What Does “Honors” Mean?

The Honors Award is given to teams whose scores reach the Honors threshold, a mark of exceptional performance. Receiving this award signifies that your team ranked among the very best performers in the competition.

What Does “Merit” Mean?

The Merit Award is presented to teams whose scores achieve the Merit threshold. This award recognizes a notable accomplishment and reflects your team’s strong performance in the competition.

Common Questions About Certificates and Awards

Many participants have questions about certificates, especially if they notice that some teammates may have received more than one. Below are answers to some common inquiries.

Why Does One of My Teammates Have Two Certificates While the Rest of Us Only Received One?

In competitions with both team and individual awards, it’s possible for participants to receive recognition for both their team and individual achievements. If one of your teammates received an additional certificate, it may be because they earned an individual award based on their exceptional performance. The rest of the team may have only received the team award.

My Score Is Above the Honors Threshold. Why Didn’t I Get an Honors Certificate?

Certificate awards are organized in a hierarchical order:

1. Country Top 3 – This is the highest recognition and is awarded to the top 3 teams in each country.
2. Honors – Awarded to teams whose scores meet or exceed the Honors threshold.
3. Merit – Awarded to teams that reach the Merit Award threshold. 

If you received the Country Top 3 award, you would not also receive an Honors certificate, because the Country Top 3 award is considered a higher distinction than the Honors award.

I got the country champion. Does this mean I’m in the final round?

Congratulations! Being the country champion is an outstanding accomplishment and shows you performed at the very top in your country. Entry to the final, however, is based on global scores — the teams with the highest results worldwide will qualify. This means that even teams who are not in their country’s top 3 can still make it to the final if their absolute score is strong enough.