Hmm, what's our role ... ... (Part 1 of 2)

in any tournament setting. ^_^ This has been covered quite extensively in the Magic the Gathering Tournament Rules (MTR), and that’s also the content of this current post! Do note that this is part 1 of 2 series, where we will cover the roles of Tournament Officials. A person may hold multiple roles during a tournament.

Individuals, who are not Judges at the particular tournament, including those without DCI numbers, are acting as Spectators in any matches that they are not playing in. Members of the press are also considered Spectators. Players and Spectators are expected to follow all instruction given by the Tournament Officials.

In every event setting sanctioned by Wizards Event Reporter (WER) or Wizards Large Tournament Reporter (WLTR) ranging from the casual events (eg. EDH) to the tournaments events (eg. FNM, Worlds, Grand Prix, Pro Tour), there are the several roles which have been defined for tournament purposes. A person may hold multiple roles during

The original MTR can be found here.

The Tournament Official roles are 1) Tournament Organiser 2) Head Judge 3) Floor Judge 4) Scorekeeper.

Let us take a look at them:-

1.      Tournament Organizer     

The bao kar liao personnel-in-charge for all tournament logistics between all respective parties. Responsibility includes:-

1.1.   sanction the event with Wizards (usually through WER)  

Good Practice👍: Sanction the event early and avoid clashes, if possible, so that player attendance will not be affected by other events.

1.2.   provide a suitable space for the event

Good Practice👍: Have a well-lit and comfortable playing area. Possibly set a limit cap due to event space constraint. Everyone loves comfortable playing area.

1.3.   advertise the event details early

Good Practice👍: Promote the event with clear details on mediums (fb/blog/websites/store calendar) so that players can plan their schedule.

Good Practice👍: Provide pre-registration that incentivize players to register and make payment early, so that players are committed to the event.

1.4.   staff the event with appropriate tournament official to run the event properly and efficiently

Good Practice👍: Run the event on-time. Everyone likes event that starts on time.

Good Practice👍: Have judges (certified or not)to assist players with rules and games dispute.Have a scorekeeper who knows how to work with WER properly.

Good Practice👍: Secure and confirm a Head Judge (L2+ judges) early for PPTQs. Nobody likes a cancelled event.

1.5.   provide all materials necessary to operate the tournament

Good Practice👍: Ensure computer, printer, space to post pairings, visible round clock, decklist& products (if required) are available. Everyone likes a smooth event.

1.6.   report and upload event results(usually through WER or WPN representative)

1.7.   save match result slips from each tournament for a period of 6 months (to aid in match appeals)

2.      Head Judge

The person with final authority in relation to in-game disputes, rules, policy and other official game decisions. Responsibility includes:-

2.1.   ensure that all necessary game and rule policies violations are handled properly or brought to attention

Good Practice👍: Serve as a resource to floor judges. Potentially further clarify and discuss about game and rules policies violation with players involved after final ruling and possibly in between matches, so that the discussion will not hold up the whole tournament.

2.2.   issue final ruling in all appeals, potentially overturn the ruling of a floor judge

Good Practice👍: Allow floor judges to take judge calls(mentoring experience), and inform players that they have a right to an appealor a second opinion of which is final (does not mean that there is no trust on floor judges).

Good Practice👍: Explain the reasoning behind in decision on any appeals to both floor judge and player involved (whether it is upheld or overturned).

2.3.   coordinate and delegate tasks to Floor Judges as needed(in larger events, with multiple judges)

Good Practice👍: Have a macro view of the event, in order to assign, organise, and manage Teams Lead and teams in large events with multiple judges. Coodinate with the Tournament Organiser (TO) on other tasks as needed by the organiser.

If necessary, the Head Judge may transfer his duties to any judge (ie. lunch break). Also, in exceptional circumstances (although the TO has the final say on whether the Head Judge needs to be replaced due to exceptional circumstances, it is prudent to check with the WPN representative on what is considered as exceptional), if the tournament’s integrity would be damaged otherwise, the Tournament Organizer may replace the Head Judge.

3.      Floor Judges

The resource person, that assists the Head Judge and Players, dealing with questions, fixing play errors and assisting with reasonable requests. Certification is not a must to be able to judge, but it is recommended to be certified or working towards certification.Responsibility includes:-

3.1.   answer questions about rules, interaction between cards, or provide Oracle text of relevant cards, while not providing strategic advice regarding gameplays

Good Practice👍: Explain the rules affecting the interaction, and let the Players derive the answer from the understanding of the rules.

Good Practice👍: Have an app that allows you to retrieve the MTR, Judging at Regular Document (JAR), Infraction Procedure Guide (IPG), Comprehensive Rulebook (CR) and Oracle text easily without the need of internet connection. (MTG Guide on iOS Phone OR MTG Familiar/MTG Judge Core App for Android Phone OR Bugko – MTG Tool for Windows Mobile).

3.2.   assist Players in understanding the game state in the interest of education at Regular Rule Enforcement Level (REL)

Good Practice👍: Understand and apply the philosophy of JAR in Regular REL events when answering the Player’s questions (emphasis on education and helping new players’ entry to the game).

3.3.   honor Player’s request to ask questions away from the table, if able

Good Practice👍: Offer the Player the option to step away from the table to ask question, if the Player feels that too much information may be given away to the opponent.

3.4.   do not intervene in a game to prevent illegal action, but to intervene in a game as soon as a rule has been broken or prevent a situation from escalating

Good Practice👍: Adopt a proactive approach bywatching games, and encourage the Players to call for Judges if they need assistance.

Players may not request specific judges to answer their calls, but may request a Tournament Official to help to translate(to maintain the partiality tournament integrity). This request may be honored at the discretion of the original Judge (as there are players who speak different languages, translation helps to ensure that there is clear and efficient communication).

4.      Scorekeeper

The “do not disturb” person that ensures that generation of pairings and all other tournament records are correct. Responsibility includes:-

4.1.   generate correct pairings and accurately enter the results for each rounds

Good Practice👍: Double check and make sure that the results are entered correctly. No one like to be paired with the incorrect opponent.

4.2.   generate standings for posting before and after the final Swiss round. Other rounds may be posted at the Head Judge’s discretion

Good Practice👍: Remind Head Judge to remind Players that actions that undermine the integrity of the game should not happen.

4.3.   solve all scorekeeping problems that arise, in consultation, with the Head Judge

Good Practice👍: Consult the Head Judge for determining corrective actions for scorekeeping errors (incorrect pairings).

4.4.   Make sure all necessary information is included in the eventsubmitted to Wizards

Good Practice👍: ensure that infractions arising from the tournament are recorded.

Good Practice👍: make sure that Judges and Players are correctly entered into the event.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or email to us! Hope that you look forward to the 2nd instalment of "Hmm, what's our role... ..."

~Sign off
SGJudges(Dennis Xiao)