I have taken some judging classes and was told this story by an instructor: A women entered an Irish Chain quilt in the 'new and innovative' category. The judges called her and suggested she put it in the 'tradional category'. The quilters explaination it was the first time she had used a rotary cutter.
I know some judges will not move a quilt without permission, it may have been this woman's first applique`, or some other first. I do agree it is confusing at best and when these quilts win an explaination would be nice. I would not be discourages from entering in the future, the least you should get is comments on your quilt both good and 'need improvement'.