The standards and practices of judging throughout the Pierce-Arrow Society should further the attainment of these Society objectives:

1. Promote the preservation and excellent restoration of Pierce-Arrow automobiles and other Pierce-Arrow products.
2. Develop standards of judging which will be in keeping with the spirit of the builders of Pierce-Arrows.
3. Judge Pierce-Arrows fairly and in a manner which will increase the desire of the owner to further complete the authentic restoration of their cars to standards of quality and workmanship of the Pierce-Arrow factory.
4. Judge Pierce-Arrows as automobiles that were built and bought to be driven and enjoyed, deserving of the best care and maintenance.
5. Judges should be selected on the basis of their ability to assess and evaluate the entire range of vehicles to be judged. It is the responsibility of the Head Judge to select all judges. Judges should be selected several weeks in advance whenever possible. All judges must be members of the Pierce-Arrow Society. In general, teams consisting of a Team Captain and two judges.

1. The owner should be available at the time when his car is judged so that the judges may do their work without delay or backtracking. If the owner is not available when the judges come to inspect his car, they will pass on and will return only if they can when they have completed the inspection of the other cars. If the owner is absent on the second occasion also, the judges may disqualify the car by not judging it.
2. It is the responsibility of the owner to assist the judges in all matters concerning the operation of his car as requested, including starting, driving, braking to a stop, raising and lowering the hood, operating various controls and switches, opening and closing windows, etc.
3. The owner should be willing and able to answer whatever questions the judges may ask, however, he is not to volunteer any help or interfere with the judge's activities in any way. It is the responsibility of the owner to produce whatever data or reference material may be needed to authenticate and/or corroborate anything to do with the car or any of its details.
4. To be eligible for Pierce-Arrow Society judging a car shall satisfy one of the following requirements:
5. To be eligible for judging, all Pierce Arrow vehicles are required to complete one of the tours associated with the Annual Meet. Not meeting this requirement removes the vehicle from receiving a possible first place award, and the subsequent possibility of winning the Bernie Weis award.
6. Infrequently, a car may be judged which does not complete one of the tours. At the discretion of the Head Judge, the Head Judge or his designated representative may be driven in the car for approximately ten miles. In such an exceptional case, the car may be judged but will not be eligible for a First in Class or Weis Award. The Head judge must be contacted prior to the Meet to arrange for the lower mileage personal driving test.
7. All one and four-cylinder automobiles, because of their lesser power and drive-ability, need only complete the three-mile driving test to become eligible for judging and a possible First in Class or Weis Award.
8. The Head Judge may waive the driving requirement in case of inclement weather or other unusual circumstance.
9. All cars intended for judging shall have proof of liability insurance, including the name of the insurance company, policy number and expiration date. Proof of insurance must be available upon request.
10. Each motorized vehicle (excluding motorcycles) toured or shown/judged at a PAS Annual Meet must meet the following fire extinguisher requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements will disqualify the entrant.
11. Each vehicle must carry its own fire extinguisher. Borrowing one for judging negates the safely factor of always having an extinguisher in the vehicle.
12. Fire extinguisher must be Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved and have a 5ABC or a 5BC rating or equivalent (the larger 10BC is better).
13. Halogen extinguishers are acceptable and preferred. A 5BC Halon is much preferred over a Dry Chemical extinguisher, a Halon 10BC would be best.
14. The fire extinguisher must have a gauge or a button to test the adequacy of the charge in the unit (a gauge is preferred) and the charge must be satisfactory.

The following rules are intended to provide the most uniform judging possible. Please refer to them whenever you are in doubt.

1. Under no circumstances are judges to operate cars nor are they to raise or lower hoods, start motors or operate equipment, nor are they to disturb any adjustment, setting or control during the course of their inspection. It is the responsibility of the owner to do any of these things to make it possible for the judges to inspect the car adequately.
2. If a member of a judging team is called upon to judge a class in which his own vehicle is entered, he should not participate in the judging of his own vehicle. It will also be a good practice, whenever possible, for such a judge's entry to be the last car in the class to be inspected by that team of judges. The Head Judge or an alternate should replace the judge in judging at this time. Whenever possible, judges should not own vehicles being judged either in the group of vehicles they are judging or in a separate class outside of that group.
3. Each judge is requested to judge independently, speaking to no one about the score he should give any item. Any questions a judge might have should be directed only to his team captain. If the team captain cannot solve the problem, he should refer it to the Head Judge for an answer. Owners are required to be present when their car is judged, but the judges are to refrain from discussions with the owners. A specific question that will aid in judging is permissible through the team captain, but conversation is not. Under no circumstances should a judge reveal his scoring to any person, or allow anyone to see the judging sheets. If an owner wishes a copy of the judging sheets for his particular car, he may receive one by directing a request to the Head Judge with a self-addressed stamped envelope, and is encouraged to do so.
4. In judging, keep in mind that these are cars built to be used, and the mere fact of usage should not in itself cause hardship of the owner in judging, provided this usage does not adversely effect the condition or appearance of the car.
5. Trunks and glove compartments are not to be opened. These areas of the car are for storage of personal items, and not to be judged.
6. Some concessions should be made in regard to items which cannot be replaced by original equipment, where replacement items are available that perform as well as or better than the original and do not detract from the appearance of the car. Examples of this are mufflers, oil filters and multiple-ply windshield wiper blades.
7. In the interest of safety, all cars are now required to have safety glass in all windows and wind wings.
8. Turn signals are allowed, as discussed under Mechanical Condition & Maintenance - Lights, below.
9. There are several categories in which a specific situation requires a mandatory one-point deduction in that category. Those deductions are NOT at the discretion of the judge. These categories are:
10. Sealed-beam headlights (if not factory installed).
11. Truck tires.
12. Vinyl or plastic tops, boots or side curtains (exclusive of clear plastic used for window material in side curtains). On cars originally equipped with Pantasote, vinyl of like appearance is acceptable.
13. Synthetic upholstery material, unless original.
14. Flexible exhaust pipe where not original equipment.
15. Use of modern, stainless, aircraft-type hose clamps.
16. Lube Fittings: Use of modern Alemite Hydraulic fittings on a car originally equipped with "straight" Zerk fittings is acceptable. Use of later type fittings in place of grease cups on cars prior to 1921 shall receive a two-point deduction. Use of modern fittings on cars originally equipped with Alemite Pin Type Fittings and use of Alemite cups shall have a one-point deduction. (Dealers converted many cars with grease cups to Alemite Pin Type Fittings. Alemite provided a data sheet for this conversion.)
17. The mandatory one point loss does not affect the general instructions regarding the deduction of points under the two "Authenticity" sections of the judging form. For example: After a judge has deducted one point under "Lights" because a car has sealed-beams, he may then deduct further any amount he desires under either or both of the "Authenticity" sections. As these several items are violations of authenticity, it is expected that judges will make appropriate deductions under authenticity in addition to the mandatory one point loss in the individual category.

The individual items on the scoring sheet will now be discussed in sequence as they appear on the judging sheet.

1. Mechanical Condition and Maintenance: In the first ten items, we are concerned only with the mechanical condition of the car and NOT its appearance.
2. Engine, Start and Idle and Acceleration: The engine should start readily and idle smoothly. It should accelerate smoothly. Observe for any offensive exhaust smoke. Be sure the engine is off "fast idle" prior to judging. Replacement or substitute engines which are not authentic should receive an automatic unsatisfactory or zero.
3. Windshield wiper: Wipers are checked while the engine is idling. If the car has two wipers, both must operate. No deductions will be made due to use of the modern multiple-ply blades. Non-authentic wiper motors, such as electric, should be deducted under Authenticity. All vehicles from 1922 on were equipped with wipers.
4. Exhaust System: Exhaust systems, of course, should be checked during engine operation. The system should be tastefully done, reasonably quite, safe, and contain no leaks. Reproduction mufflers are now available for at least 1913 forward, including the “take-apart” style Clamps and hardware must also be correct.
5. Brakes (pedal and hand): Foot and hand brakes are to be operated only by the owner. Judges shall observe the action. The engine should be running for those cars equipped with power brakes. At this time, the operation of the stoplight should be checked.
6. Lights: Scoring under the category is concerned only with the proper operation of all lights on the car. All lights are to be checked for operation, including accessory lights, dome, reading, courtesy, instrument lights, etc. Tastefully installed turn signals, either by incorporating into existing lights or additional lights added and performed in a craftsmanship like manor, in good working order, should receive no deductions. Additionally, LED and halogen bulbs will receive no deduction.
7. Horn: All horns should be checked. If the car is equipped with two horns, a check should be made to be sure both operate. Deductions should be made if the horns are not loud enough to be safely audible. If the car is equipped with auxiliary horns, such as musical horns, these should also be in good operating order and tested.
8. Tires: Deduction under this section is for tires with cracked or cut sidewalls, badly worn tread, cupping or uneven wear and similar items dealing with the condition of the tire. No deductions are to be made under this section or under Authenticity due merely to a moderate amount of tread wear. No deductions are permitted because a car has either black walls or white. Deductions may be made for differences in tire size, in manufacturer, in sidewall design and in varying degrees of the width of white wall, but these deductions are to be made under Authenticity, not tires. All exposed tires will be judged, including spares, however, spares that are covered or in trunks are not to be judged. Valve stems and covers must be the correct rubber or plated metal for the year of manufacture.
9. Glass and/or Side Curtains: All window glass must be checked, including wind wings and the rear window in convertible tops. Phaetons and roadsters are required to have side curtains and town cars must have the removable section over the driver compartment. They do not have to be in place, but should be available for inspection. If they are not available for inspection, they will be assumed to be unsatisfactory. Prior to 1933 discolored or tinted glass is unsatisfactory. 1933 and later Pierce-Arrows had green tinted glass. The presence of safety glass should be verified. For safety, seat belts and high mounted brake lights may be added without deduction for points if tastefully done.
10. Cooling System (top tank, core, hoses): All judges should make an adequate inspection of the cooling system, checking all hoses for cracks or dried-out portions as well as leaks around the water pump. The top tank on cooling systems must be checked however; only the owner is to remove the radiator ornament. Remember that many automobiles use soluble oil type rust inhibitor; do not confuse this with rusty water. Appropriate vintage hose clamps should be used.
11. Authenticity of Mechanical Condition: Owners may present documentary evidence of authenticity of questionable feature. Much mention has been made of this section. It is applied to authenticity of all sections. The presumption of authenticity is always in favor of the car and owner. Before any deductions for authenticity in either section car be made, the individual judge MUST, of his own knowledge, know that the particular item is not authentic. There is no compromise on this point. Spark plugs were not cadmium-plated until 1938, and thus are not appropriate for 1901-1937 Pierce vehicles. There is no compromise on this point. Owners may present documentary evidence of authenticity of questionable feature.
12. Physical Appearance:
13. Engine Room: When dealing with the engine room, we are concerned with its appearance and its appearance only, not how well or how poorly any item in the engine room functions. The cleanliness and general appearance are factors to be judged. When judging exhaust manifolds, keep in mind that it is virtually impossible to re porcelainize a manifold without some cracking developing with use, but one with no cracks should naturally rate higher than one showing signs of deterioration. Aluminum metalizing of manifolds will be acceptable only on those cars originally equipped with aluminum painted manifolds, but not as a replacement for a porcelainized or un-coated manifold. Electronic Ignitions are permitted if done tastefully, unobtrusively and/or out of sight.
14. Undercarriage: The undercarriage of all automobiles must be inspected. Every effort should be made to ascertain the general appearance and maintenance of the undercarriage as far as reasonably possible. Absent splash pans or belly pans on all vehicles are cause for mandatory deduction.
15. Body (condition of): The only area of confusion here might be a tendency to deduct points because of poor paint. Paint comes under Section 7. Under this section, the judge should be concerned with the physical condition and appearance of the coachwork as distinct from whatever finish might be over it. Dents, pitting, door and hood alignment, and evidence of corrosion are examples.
16. Roof and Top: This section pertains to the outside roof area. All tops must be raised. In case the owner does not elect to raise the top, this item will be automatically scored unsatisfactory or zero. Judges will check the soft-top area on sedans and coupes. Top boots must be displayed and will be judged.
17. Wiring (neat and safe): Remember that in judging wiring under this section, we are dealing with mechanical condition and not appearance. Wire in good condition scores high. Modern vinyl covered wire with a woven cotton covered outside has the look of original wiring, with the safety of modern wires. Deduction for wires other than this modern version of woven cotton covered wiring should be made under the Authenticity categories.
18. Plating: No deductions are to be made under this section for over-chroming if it is encountered; deductions should be made under Authenticity. Deductions will be made under Authenticity for in appropriate use of chrome where nickel plating would be correct. Chromium plating is correct for late 1928 Series 81 radiator shells and automobiles 1929 and later.
19. Paint: All Pierce-Arrows are to be finished in a manner equal in appearance to the original. Lacquer or enamel may be used if rubbed out to be equal to the appearance of the original. There will be no deductions under this section or Authenticity for choice of color, including the use of metallic paint if the metallic paint is used on a car manufactured after November of 1927. Note: This is not meant to encourage the use of wild and/or color schemes not in keeping with the cars as built. Decals and plastic tape for striping is a mandatory deduction.
20. Upholstery (including headliners, floor covering, seat covering and door panels): Be sure to inspect all items of interior upholstery, including side panels, etc. Synthetic upholstery material will carry a mandatory one point deduction unless original equipment. Upholstery covered by seat covers should be rated unsatisfactory or zero. No point deductions for Pre-1920 open automobiles with canvas seat covers, as per original accessory. These were heavy tan canvas; piped in leather, with leather wear areas, attached to the outer perimeter of the body, with seat cushions covered individually.
21. Instruments, Dashboard and Interior Wood or Metal Trim: This is the only section under Physical Appearance in which the operation of some items will be checked in addition to their appearance. All instruments possible to check should have been checked while the engine was running. Obviously, the speedometer cannot be checked, but the amp meter, oil pressure, temperature gauge, etc. can be checked. Be sure to note operation of clocks, radios, lighters, heaters, etc. At this time. This category also includes the physical appearance of all interior wood or metal items of trim.
22. Degree of Authenticity of Restoration: The general instructions for this section are the same as for Authenticity under Mechanical Condition. The two Authenticity categories are an exception to the general rule of separation of the section in one regard; if a particular judge should feel sufficiently strongly about some items, which are not authentic; he can deduct points under both categories of Authenticity, regardless of where the items may happen to appear on the judging form.

The Pierce-Arrow Society offers up to seven distinct award categories (5 vehicles, 2 bicycle) each year to recognize member participation in the Pierce-Arrow Society's Annual Meet. After certification by the head judge, a perpetual list will be added to and placed in the Pierce-Arrow Society member roster. The current seven awards along with three retired awards and their respective histories are described below.

Minimum Point Requirements

Bernard J. Weis Trophy 90 points

Rosenau Award 90 points

First in Class 80 points

Second in Class 70 points

Third in Class 60 points

The society's most prestigious award is presented to the most authentically restored Pierce Arrow judged at the meet. Mrs. Mary Hecht, an early editor of the Arrow donated and named the trophy in memory of Mrs. Joseph Vanderveer. Established in 1961, this trophy stood for 31 years when it was retired at the end of 1991.

In 1992 the board of directors inaugurated the Bernard Weis Trophy, using the same criteria that had been established for the Vanderveer Trophy. This was to honor the extraordinary service of Bernie Weis who was Editor-Publisher of the Pierce Arrow Society for 43 years.

A new award to honor all past Vanderveer or Weis Trophy recipients was created in 2009, "The Honor of the Arrow." In 2013, the Honor of the Arrow Award was renamed the Eric Rosenau Award. Between 2009 and 2014, all past Vanderveer/ Weis winners were retired from competition and displayed at Pierce-Arrow Annual Meets for exhibition only. Past winners had a ribbon placed on them to indicate their past award status during the car show. Any past winner participating at an Annual Meet that is capable of scoring 90 points or better will receive the new Rosenau Award.

Determination of the past winner's ability to score a minimum of 90 points can be made by the normal class judges, or at the discretion of the Head Judge. The new award will be presented at the same time all other awards are presented at the banquet. It should be placed in the awards order, just before the Weis Trophy winner is announced. No order or judging scores should be noted in the placement at the Awards Banquet.

The explicit objective of this special recognition is to encourage winners of the Society's top judging award to be maintained in excellent condition far into the future. Beginning in 2009, vehicles that were prior winners of the Vanderveer and Weis Trophies are not eligible* for competitive judging. Instead, these past winners receive two forms of well-earned recognition at Annual Meets:

1. The Society provides an appropriate ribbon for display on the vehicle, indicating it has previously won the Society's top judging award.
2. The car can compete, at the owner's discretion, for the Society's Eric Rosenau Award. This award, formerly named the "Honor of the Arrow Award," was renamed in 2013 to honor the Society's long-time Chief Judge and Technical Advisor, Eric Rosenau.

This recognition is given to all past winners capable of scoring 90 points or better, as determined by class judges, or at the discretion of the head judge. The award is presented at the Annual Awards Banquet. Winners are announced in random order, with no ranking by point scores.

There is no limit to how many times a vehicle can receive this award. The award provisions apply to all past Vanderveer or Weis winners, notwithstanding a change in ownership.

*A 2015 amendment to judging rules authorizes prior Vanderveer/Weis winners to compete for the Weis Award again; beginning 15 years after the car initially received the award.

In accord with the Society's long-standing desire to see Pierce Arrow automobiles driven, in 1958 the "Long Distance Award" was first given out. This was the first award given at any Pierce Arrow annual meet. After a short time lag, it became a standard recognition and in 1975 the first "Long Distance Trophy" was designed and made by Del DeRees. The winning vehicle was determined by mileage driven multiplied by the age of the car. In 1991 the trophy was retied and is on display at the Pierce Arrow museum at Hickory Corners, MI.

In 1992 in honor of Henry (Gene) and Pauline Becker who drove their 1917 Pierce Arrow model 66 touring car, a past Vanderveer trophy winner, to every meet for 40 consecutive years, the trophy was renamed in their honor. A silver tray is now the perpetual trophy with consecutive names inscribed. The straight line driving distance multiplied by the age of the vehicle determines the award.

In 1981 the PAS initiated an award, to be given at the annual meet, to recognize preservation of original, un-restored Pierce Arrow automobiles. It was called the "Most Original" award and in 1988 was renamed the Vale Faro Trophy, to honor the founder of the PAS. It is the chief Judges choice. The chief judge may ask for input from other judges, especially the judging group for the particular year vehicle that is a candidate. If no vehicle is deserving, the award need not be given out.

The Parnagian Prize was created in 2016 to honor Pierce-Arrow Society members who drive their cars at least 500 miles to the Annual Meet. It replaces the former "1000-Mile Award" and establishes the new category for driving a minimum distance of 500 miles one way. The former 1000-Mile Medallion is still presented to drivers who qualify for that special achievement. The Parnagian Prize is named for the late Dr. Leo Parnagian (1931-2013), former PAS President (1983-1985) and long-time head judge who served the Society with distinction for more than 30 years. These awards are based on straight-line distances.

A courteous, conscientious judge will be remembered and admired by an entrant, regardless of the outcome in scoring.

1. General
2. Bicycles shall be in operating condition and demonstrated to the satisfaction of the judge.
3. Fire extinguisher and proof of insurance are not required.
4. The benefit of questions shall go to the bike.
5. Frame/Fork & Suspension
6. Evaluate for straightness and physical condition.
7. Deduct for flat spots, cracks and bent frames
8. Drive Train
9. Evaluate for proper fit and correct components.
10. Verify that pedals are suitable for era.
11. Paint & Plating
12. Paint color shall be consistent with sales literature for stated year. Non-standard colors shall have documentation supporting use.
13. Include deduction for wavy finish, runs, sand scratches or other blemishes originating from paint preparation.
14. Use of pin striping shall be consistent with sales catalog.
15. Include deduction for chrome plating used on bikes manufactured prior to 1929 under authenticity.
16. Handlebars, Grips & Posts
17. Include deduction for flat spots, distortion or other physical damage. Bikes were offered with a variety of handlebar options. Take deduction for use of modern handlebars under authenticity.
18. Verify that grips are suitable for the era.
19. Saddle/Post
20. Saddle shall not be ripped or damaged. Age checking is an acceptable condition. Verify that mounting method, springing systems and fasteners are consistent with era.
21. Rims
22. Bikes thru 1905 est. used wood rims. From est. 1910 on, metal clad rims were optional.
23. Standard deduction for bent, damaged or run-out on rims.
24. Verify that paint color agrees with sales catalog.
25. Deduct for broken/missing spokes.
26. Tires
27. Use of "hose" tires is acceptable.
28. Deduct for worn out (i.e. bald) tires
29. Verify that tire is appropriate for era. Single tube tires were used thru 1933.
30. Hubs
31. Hubs should be clean, rust free and appropriate for era.
32. Deduct for missing oil cover when applicable.
33. Identification
34. Verify that badge(s) is secure and correct for era.
35. Deduct for damaged badge
36. Verify that any decals are correct for era
37. Authenticity of Configuration
38. Summarize deductions here for items noted above concerning authenticity.
39. The judge may elect to adjust bicycle build date to improve score.

This award is made at each annual meet to recognize the most original Pierce Arrow bicycle displayed at the meet.

Since 2010 the Clara Follis Memorial Award has been awarded to the best-restored Pierce-Arrow bicycle at the Annual Meet. Clara Follis was a long-time collector of Pierce-Arrow bicycles. She was a pioneer in restoring Pierce bicycles to factory standards. Bicycles receiving this award will be eligible again in three years.