> 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/judge.md).

# Judge

A judge is the core unit of the judge program and the most granular level of judge operations in organized play.

#### Judge Tiers (TBA)

Judges are categorized using two main metrics: their judging tier and their judging experience. Judge tiers are based on several milestones:

* A Tier 1 judge has passed the initial certification test, which currently consists of rules questions, game mechanics and interactions, and hypothetical scenarios. Once a judge passes the certification, they receive Judge status on [Omnidex](https://omni.gatcg.com/), the digital hub that records competitive Grand Archive information, including events attended and won, plus experience accrued from each event.
* Once a judge gains sufficient event experience **as a judge** (not as a player), they are automatically upgraded to Tier 2. From this point, judges may be more favorably selected to judge higher-level events, such as regionals, depending on their region. Judging enough of these events gives judges the criteria needed to test for the next tier.
* Judges can advance to Tier 3 after meeting criteria that allow them to take an in-person exam at premier Grand Archive events. At this tier, judges can expect greater rewards from the judge program and preferential selection for events. This reflects the program's quality and experience benchmarks.
* Higher tiers consider only the community's most experienced and influential judges. These judges consistently demonstrate persistent, proactive involvement in the judging community and events. They also contribute to the growth of the program and their local judging communities. They are preferentially selected as Head Judges for regional and global premier events. They can serve as contacts for judge-program feedback and their local or regional judging scene. They may also be asked, or volunteer, to create educational pieces and resources for judges globally.

#### Event Judging

At a minimum, judges can register for non-premier events (Store Championships and lower) to participate as event judges. Events are listed on Omnidex and posted by tournament organizers, including stores and other entities. As judges participate in events, they gain experience, which may grant them a higher tier and the opportunity to judge premier events. Premier events can host hundreds of players, require larger staff to run smoothly and effectively, and have a greater need for competent judges.

Judges typically attend calls during a round when a player calls "Judge!", raises their hand, or otherwise signals for a judge's presence. When a judge attends a call, they should be the only judge present to interview players, unless extenuating circumstances require other judges. A common example is translation assistance, in which the translating judge may take over the call. After an initial ruling is issued, the judge who attended the call may discuss the ruling and how it was issued. If the judge feels they need to appeal the call, they may ask the Head Judge for an opinion on how to handle it.

Typically, call areas are assigned according to the tournament organization or at the Head Judge's discretion. Judges should exercise authority primarily over their region, unless there is a compelling reason to temporarily move to another region.

Judges are also expected to resolve calls promptly to maintain the pace of play and keep the tournament running on time. Tournament regulations allow players in a match to receive time extensions of up to five minutes per round for cumulative time spent on judge calls, regardless of how many calls occur in a game. Having resource documents on hand can help judges handle calls promptly and reduce the need for perfect recall of important information. That said, judges should study the materials well enough to know corrective procedures, infractions, and penalties from memory, so looking up information does not significantly detract from round time.

To facilitate tournament proceedings, judges may assist with or be assigned tasks necessary to run the tournament. These tasks can include distributing and collecting paper match slips, registration, scheduled deck checks, collecting decks for safekeeping (typically for top-cut players), giving instructions, or reminding players of the round time, if delegated by the Head Judge.

Judges also serve as important timekeepers and can remind players of the round time, particularly during end-of-round procedures or overtime. Judges are expected to track any extra time given for judge calls and communicate these extensions to the team. When a match is finished, judges verbally confirm the match result with players before acknowledging it and submitting it to the scorekeepers for processing.

Between rounds or regularly throughout the tournament, judges are recommended to check in with their Assistant Head Judge to discuss important incidents, events, or to review calls and solicit feedback on performance.