> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jh.gatcg.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jh.gatcg.com/roles/assistant-head-judge.md).

# Assistant Head Judge

The Head Judge typically assigns the Assistant Head Judge role to a judge overseeing different teams at premier events, especially Ascents and higher. While this judge primarily fulfills the same responsibilities as a regular judge during the event, the Assistant Head Judge has slightly different responsibilities from a floor judge.

* The Assistant Head Judge takes over the Head Judge's role and responsibilities for side events and sub-tournaments hosted at premier events. This alleviates the administrative burden on Head Judges, allowing them to focus on the main event and important decisions.
* Assistant Head Judges should report regularly to the Head Judge between rounds about important events, calls, results, or interactions that might require administrative or higher-level decision-making.
  * Assistant Head Judges should also keep in mind the individual performances of judges on their respective teams and pass this information to the Head Judge for commendations and areas for improvement. This feedback can help shape future articles and educational materials released for the judge program, in addition to informing the direction of seminars.
* The Assistant Head Judge can delegate tasks and actions to regular judges on their team. This is true for Stream Judge Lead and Deck Check Lead roles, in addition to others. Any information given from the Head Judge should be passed through the Assistant Head Judge to the judges under them.
  * These judges have more specific information, knowledge, and experience as part of these teams. They should pass on best practices to other judges on their team. They should also expect to mentor judges on their team in some aspects of these tasks.
  * Generally, Assistant Head Judges do not directly judge games unless needed. Instead, they oversee areas and support the judges on their teams. When attending calls, they should introduce themselves according to their role for clarity.
* Assistant Head Judges should be present for all judge calls where a game loss is issued, at minimum to confirm the penalty issued by a floor or regular judge. Head Judges are expected to be present for any penalties involving a match loss or disqualification.
* Assistant Head Judges are the first line when a player appeals or escalates a judge call. If the call is appealed further, the Head Judge will need to be present to deliver a final ruling and result.
* Consistent with our philosophy of impartiality, the Assistant Head Judge can also weigh in when a Head Judge needs to recuse themselves, wholly or partially, from a call or decision and defer authority. This should be extremely rare.