Section G

DCI JUDGES

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The misunderstanding that occurs between the largest organizer and the leading judge in a community is actually not uncommon. It primarily stems from two things: a lack of respect for the other’s role and a lack of communication about those roles.

The lack of respect issue has to be handled by the individuals, however, as for communication of roles, this is Wizard of the Coast’s viewpoint. An organizer's role is to provide logistics and staff, and to market an event—handling the business end of matters and customer service. Organizers get venues, set up venues, get product, organize product, hire staff, buy insurance, create marketing, dress a hall, rent equipment, plan the schedule, and deal with customer problems stemming from registration, product, and staff, etc.

The judge's role is to enforce DCI policies, issue penalties, keep things appearing fair, make rulings on the game or tournament, maintain integrity of the event, efficiently run the event in a reasonable timeframe, manage the judges, communicate to the staff, and mentor judges.

Problems arise when either party steps into the other’s expertise or overlap occurs.

When you find yourself addressing the other's area of expertise, step away and let that person handle it without comment until after all is said and done. Do not interfere, even if you think it’s wrong. Give your comments after, but ask first if input is desired. Generally if you have respect, input will be desired.

When you find your duties overlapping, communicate directly before anyone makes a decision or seek a mutually respected mediator. A good example of this is staffing where the organizer and head judge of a larger event will want to work together to ensure the head judge has the appropriate amount of skilled staff and others in training.

Common dos and don'ts:

• Judges: Don't worry about the decorations or floor plan until it’s been proven to fail and you can give solid examples.
• Tournament Organizers and Judges: Do not try to give customer service via penalties. Give customer service after the tournament if you feel the player deserves something.
• Tournament Organizers: Decklists are a judge’s tool. Don't alter policy without your judge approving.
• Tournament Organizers and Judges: Players are not cheaters; they are customers. Customers can be wrong, even when they think they are right—but their perception is always correct, whether or not their facts are.
• Tournament Organizers and Judges: You can always find new judges and organizers. Nothing says either will be as good as the last, and likely not even close for years.
• Tournament Organizers and Judges: You have a common purpose from different viewpoints. Share in the successes together and learn together from the mistakes. Fix the problem not the blame.
  
  

G.1 - Getting a DCI Judge for your Event

Tournament JudgesMost sanctioned events don’t require a certified judge, but having one of these knowledgeable individuals who understands tournaments and the rules of a game will help you run tournaments that are faster and more fair and fun. DCI Certified Judges are the best choice, as they have been tested and evaluated by other judges with years of experience.

Judges are skilled professionals who are giving up their own chance to play because they believe in making tournaments better. They often choose to judge for the same organizer or store if they feel appreciated and challenged. Many times, a store will gift them with a discount, credit, or simply a share of the prize pool from a tournament. Some judges are employees of professional organizers and stores as well.

Please remember that judges volunteer their time—they have regular jobs, school, and family commitments that they give up to assist you as the organizer.

G.2 - How to Contact a Judge

The DCI has created a tool that allows you to search for a judge in your city, region, or country and send them an email. Your email must show your DCI email contact address as the “return to” address. This tool is located in the new DCI Judge Center judge.wizards.com.

Using your DCI number and password, you can enter this site and look for the people icon:

Just read the brief instructions, then click the Select tab at the top of the page. You’ll see a list of judges and their pictures. You can refine your search by using the New Filter option at the bottom of the page. Click on the New Filter tab. Type in your desired city, region, or country for a list of judges in your search area. Click on the judge you want to select. In the Send Message area, type in your request.

It is important that you provide four details:
1. Name of your store/organization.
2. Contact info (address/phone/email).
3. The day(s), event, position, and hours needed.
4. Compensation being offered.

Another, sometimes more efficient way to find a judge for your events is to get in touch with your areas Regional Judge Coordinator. Each area of the world has a high level judge that watches over it to help train judges and make sure that stores are getting the help they desire. Contacting your Regional Coordinator can be a great way to find a local judge or to find out more about how to become a judge. You can find out who your Regional Coordinator is by following this link: www.wizards.com/magic/tcg/events.aspx?x=judge/resources/coords

G.3 - Getting a Regular Judge of your own

Developing a regular judging staff will take some commitment. Start with prospective employees or regular customers who have expressed a desire to become a judge. Any certified judge can mentor another toward certification, and when your candidate is ready to test and interview, they can attend a pre-release or qualifier tournament with a recommendation in hand from the local certified judge to give to a level-two judge who can certify them.

DCI Judge Certification Program: www.wizards.com/judge
Contact your local Regional Judge Coordinator
Visit our 24/7 Customer Service database at: www.wizards.com/customerservice
You can always find more judges on the IRC chatroom's efnet server. Just log into the #mtgjudge channel and ask for help.

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