> 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/head-judge.md).

# Head Judge

The Head Judge assumes a more administrative role when it comes to judging. At all events, the Head Judge is the highest-level judge registered for that event, unless otherwise specified by the tournament organizer. At premier events, the Head Judge is typically selected through an application and/or interview process from a prospective pool of judges. Head Judges are responsible for helping select their judge staff, assigning Assistant Head Judge roles and delegating tasks, and reviewing the event from their perspective if directed to do so by the tournament organizer. This can include performance reviews for Assistant Head Judges, as well as consolidating feedback about regular judges from Assistant Head Judges. For premier events, performance reviews are a baseline requirement. The Head Judge evaluates judge-staff competencies in categories listed under [Judging: The Basics](/judging-the-basics.md).

Apart from administrative duties, the Head Judge is the final decision-maker regarding rulings, judge calls, corrective procedures, and penalties applied within a tournament. Decisions from a Head Judge are final. Judge calls appealed from a floor or regular judge should initially be appealed/escalated through an Assistant Head Judge, after which it can be escalated further to the Head Judge.

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It is typically good practice to review any tricky situations or calls that might have had an alternate result or interpretation. Much of the feedback that goes into improving policy documents and the verbiage of the comprehensive rules originates from Head Judges.
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For tournament proceedings, the Head Judge should make all important tournament announcements unless the task is delegated to another judge. This includes call times, round times, task deadlines, and all other general tournament announcements. Suggested round-time announcements occur at the 30-, 10-, and 5-minute marks. Announce when the round ends, overtime begins, and overtime ends so players can quickly submit match slips.

Head Judges must have an excellent understanding of the tournament details, from venue organization to the staff and roles involved, especially from outside of the judge team itself. Large events, in particular, require extensive collaboration between the judging team and others, such as any other tournament officials, volunteers, or venue staff.

While the Head Judge carries the position with the greatest weight behind any decisions or rulings, it is important to understand that the position's responsibilities are not light. Head Judges are typically prominent members of the judging community who have repeatedly demonstrated commitment, excellence, and leadership qualities befitting the position and are trusted by the community. We understand that Head Judges will form strong bonds with players, particularly in the competitive scenes, and build friendships and other relationships in this context.

It is unavoidable, in this context, for Head Judges not to be involved in rulings or decisions for which they may hold some degree of inherent bias. Being selected as a Head Judge implies that the individual is trusted to put the integrity of the tournament above personal interests and can act faithfully to uphold justice in the competitive setting. However, if a Head Judge feels that they are incapable of rendering a decision and cannot assume the necessary position of impartiality, they can defer judgment (at least, partially) to an [Assistant Head Judge](/roles/assistant-head-judge.md).