---
title: "Weighted criteria and 0–5 anchors"
slug: "scorecard/weighted-criteria-and-0-5-anchors"
section: "Scorecard"
description: "For each criterion, record a 0–5 rating . Weighted points = (rating ÷ 5) × criterion weight . A 0 means missing or materially adverse evidence; 1 weak unsu"
internal_only: false
---

# Weighted criteria and 0–5 anchors

For each criterion, record a **0–5 rating**. Weighted points = `(rating ÷ 5) × criterion weight`. A **0** means missing or materially adverse evidence; **1** weak unsupported assertion; **3** credible partial evidence; **5** independently checkable evidence specific to the buyer's decision. Score absence as unknown/0 until resolved, rather than inventing a result.

| Criterion | Weight | A 5/5 looks like | A 0–1/5 looks like | Evidence request |
|---|---:|---|---|---|
| Decision and stage fit | **15** | Actual analogous seed/Series A decision work | Prestige without relevant context | 2 redacted analogous briefs |
| Constructive challenge | **20** | Shows counter-hypotheses and when own view changed | Pure reassurance or confident opinion | Dissent work sample + reference |
| Evidence and disconfirmation method | **15** | Source register, contrary data and explicit test design | Unsupported framework slides | Annotated methodology |
| Independence and conflicts | **15** | Written interests, referrals, sponsor rights and safeguards | Refuses disclosures | Signed conflict form |
| Scope, deliverables and timeliness | **10** | Fixed milestones, outputs, exclusions and deadline | Vague retainer | Written statement of work |
| Confidentiality and AI/data policy | **10** | Access, retention, AI processing and deletion documented | Blanket “trust us” | Contract schedules and policy |
| Commercial terms and exit | **5** | Fully comparable cash/equity, cancellation rules | Ambiguous total liability | Signed fee sheet / redlines |
| References and outcome honesty | **5** | Permissioned reference describing disagreement | Only unverified growth claims | Reference and attribution method |
| Boundary recognition / referrals | **5** | Seeks qualified legal/securities/finance input | Gives unqualified legal recommendations | Exclusion/escation schedule |
| **Total** | **100** | | | |

ICF's ethics code provides a useful external standard for coaching sponsor, privacy and conflicts questions; the SEC's broker-dealer guidance identifies an important hard legal boundary in funding engagements. [ICF Code of Ethics, effective 1 April 2025](https://coachingfederation.org/credentialing/coaching-ethics/icf-code-of-ethics/) [Broker-Dealers — US SEC](https://www.sec.gov/resources-small-businesses/capital-raising-building-blocks/broker-dealers)