in the first place, when you enter a photography competition, the mentality, at least to me, is not *just* about winning.
it's just part of the fun of a hobby. i have seen people stressing out, shooting deliberately for competitions that require general shots, not themed ones.. i personally don't get it. photography is a long-term process. unless you have blanks to fill in (like sypa, where you can only repeat 2 categories out of 6 shots, meaning you need at least 4 categories fulfilled).. there should be no need for that. the regular shooting sprees you have will allow you to face such events with much greater ease - every single photography outing is an opportunity for great light. great pictures. at the same time you enjoy the rush and the challenge. and nothing - nothing beats seeing a glorious sunset, whether you shoot it or not.
who judges the judges? then who judges the judges of the judges? it will never end.
if you disagree with the judge's decision, then that's that. who cares? other than specific cases where it is obvious that it is a case of musical chairs - take for example one of the more publicised local competitions, you just look at the list of past winners, you will see that other than 30% new names every year, it is just this year i let you be emperor, next year, my turn, and i walk away with the prizes... 2 years may be a coincidence, 3 years is not, 4 years and counting is definitely confirmation that there is something amiss. for that, just don't participate lor..
a photography competition is all about fun. it isn't exactly like playing slots, yet there is an element of luck in it as well. there is no judge in this world that will be 100% impartial, especially when it comes to something as subjective as photography.
take for example, if i have a preference for minimal compositions, and i am the judge. if i can't decide between two contestants' works, obviously i am going to favour the one which has a minimal composition.