There are many shows that if the exhibitor(maker) doesn't pay for "judging" then it's not even in the running for a placing or a ribbon. A good percentage of quilts in shows are exhibition only/not judged so aren't even eligible for a prize. Did you know many guilds charge $10 and up per quilt as a judging fee, at the show to pay for the judges? Shows are different around the country, but believe me it can get very expensive if you want your quilt in competition, and there are many people who just want to show and not compete!