We (SFOS) are an independent non-profit business, but also an official "affiliate society" of the AOS and we host their "Pacific Central Judging Center" in order to offer real time judging at our monthly meetings on Tuesday nights - people bring in plants at 6pm to register for judging and get an answer (award or not) typically by 8pm - judges meet in parallel to the main meeting.

The judges photograph and document all awards in a central database.

AOS Judging is a major reason they exist - very elaborate - 7 year typical training to become an accredited judge - serious growers pay to have their plants/flowers judged in hopes of getting them awarded - especially people/nurseries who breed orchids to make hybrids that they can sell at a premium price like to get credit for their efforts and be able to essentially advertise that the quality of their plants ...

http://www.aos.org/orchid-awards-judging.aspx


That said - many beginner growers do not get it - and don't care - until they come to appreciate that an awarded plant/offspring will more reproducibly have "better" quality flowers.

Some other countries have there own judging/award system and have some reciprocity in standards, training, ... super serious growers travel the world for shows in Asia, Europe etc.

Currently this is all on hold since it is not feasible to do virtually.  They publish ORCHIDS magazine which is also now online.