Competition Judging - Criterium

When entering a piece into a competition you enter the piece into what you think is the most approriate for the piece.
Should you know the criterium of judgement? Eg form fit function artistic finish etc. I have seen pieces win when their artistic intent overshadow its poor finish and fit. It seems the judges only took one aspect into consideration.
This is not sour grapes. I'd like to know how events are judged. When you see a horse show the judges are looking for certain qualities and judge accordingly.
Should you know beforehand or is it innappropriate to ask. Is it the judges call. Is it the event organisation. How are judges selected. Qualifications, celebrity etc.
Any thoughts?

Of course it's appropriate to ask for the rules of the game before you play.
What the Hello? You up against a bag of stuff that you imagine should be secret?
You want to play poker without the rules? Woodworking comps are no different or the
organizers are fools and I'd never be back.

My fastball was just shy of 100mph. Because I was "pitching", all the OZ objected.
Nobody told me until I was on the pitch for the very first time.
Caught one for 3 and bowled 2 for a Duck in one over.
Spent the afternoon on the cold concrete floor of the clubhouse =
seems the unusual posture had ripped off a bunch of shoulder blade things.
Worth it.

Not all competitions are the same.
And there are divisions within them.
I have entered a comp in a division and was told after the event my entry didn't even get judged as it was decided that I should have entered it into a different division. Was not told until after and it was a done by someone doing the entries. I was gutted and told them so. Best they came up with was here is you entry fee back and better luck next year.
Haven't been back as they haven't become more professional in their comps.
But what questions to ask. Judging criterium judges qualifications etc. Without getting noses out of joint.

Hold out your hand and ask.
If they won't give it up, walk away (you've got their number.)

I know a bigshot carver who is an invited judge many times.
He won't go if the criteria seem shabby.