Scott Rosen
After the discussion a month or two ago on young or new judges and the
lack of respect, I decided to write an article. As a young but
experienced judge, I feel I have some good insight for anyone facing
these problems.
First, some background about myself-I began judging in November 1997,
here in Memphis, TN, at age 14. The local judges then were Mattie
Casper (Level 2) and Shawn Smith (Level 3), and received my Level 1
almost immediately. Shawn encouraged me to go for Level 2, but during
the first PTQ at which I judged in January 1998, I ran into problems.
At the event, several players complained about me saying I lacked
maturity. This became a recurring theme that eluded correction. Still,
I was determined to try for Level 2. I attended WotC's GameCamp for the
second straight year in 1998, and while there I helped judge the JSSQ
at the WotC Game Center. Jimmer, the Level 3 there, offered to test me
for Level 2, but suggested I wait and try once again to prove myself to
Shawn.
Determined, I returned home and worked on exhibiting more maturity at
events. By the Urza's Saga prerelease Shawn was willing to test me. I
once again scored 90+% on my judge test, and got my Level 2. Since
then, I have judged many PTQs, 3 additional Prereleases (one of which I
was Head Judge for), Grand Prix- Memphis, and PT-NY '00. I am now a
Tournament Coordinator for a local store, and I work with John Carter
(Level 3) in the hopes of getting a recommendation for Level 3.
Enough about me. I've learned a lot of things since I began judging,
and the following is a list of tips for any judge seeking respect.
-
Be Confident
Everyone expects a good judge to know their rules, and yet every once
in a while, a situation comes up where you don't know what to do. When
making a ruling about specific situations, don't be afraid to grab an
Oracle (if it's available) or another judge. One thing to NOT do is
waver back and forth on the subject. While accuracy in rulings is
important, if the players think you don't know what you're talking
about, you'll lose respect fast, no matter how right you are.
Also in this category, never be afraid to make rulings against friends,
or that may make someone larger than you mad. Example: at Arkansas
States last year, a player declared his attack phase, and the other
said, "Ok, in response, I'll tap your guy with Ring of Gix." The
players, both imposingly larger than me (I'm 5'6", not many Magic
players are smaller than me :), got into a debate about what phase they
were in: 1st Main or Combat. I ruled they were in the 1st Main, since
the NAP said "in response." Later, the person who was the NAP came up
to me with his friends and politely asked me to explain why I ruled how
I did.
To summarize: confidence earns respect.
-
Act Your Age, and Better
This is something I learned the hard way. While you may be only 14, you
are just as qualified as any other judge on the floor, or else you
wouldn't be a judge, therefore you are expected adhere to the same
guidelines. While people may encourage you to misbehave or put you in
odd situations (one judge offered to give me away as an ancillary
tourney prize at the Stronghold prerelease), you have to be able to
make responsible decisions to act as mature as any other judge on the
floor. If you act more mature than you look, players and other judges
will respect you for your professionalism. If not, people will use you
as an example for why young people shouldn't be judges.
-
Watch Your Language
This falls under #2, but needs to be stressed on its own. Funny
situations occur at events all the time, and they frequently involve
one or more players doing something stupid. It's all right to discuss
these situations, but make sure you do so professionally. Also, if you
have a "flavorful" vocabulary, be sure to be extra-careful with your
language at tournaments.
-
Don't Show Favoritism
While every judge prefers certain players to some extent, it is
important for younger judges not to be hanging out around friends'
games, or chatting with friends instead of working the floor. It may be
necessary for you to go out of your way to accomplish this. If you can
show that you care more for the integrity of the tournament than your
friends, you will earn extra respect.
-
Don't Judge Only Big Events
One of the best ways to get respect is by working smaller tournaments
in your hometown and proving yourself to the local crowd. While it is
important to work big events, if you can prove to your local group that
you're a good judge, word will spread at the bigger events. Offer to
run local tournaments by yourself to show to players you're able to
handle sticky situations without going to a higher judge. Many times
you can make a deal with established judges so you get to run the
event, and they are free to play. Then you can follow up with the
experienced judge to get his or her thoughts about your performance.
-
Actively Seek Respect
This is probably the most important point. Players won't think you're a
good judge until other judges do. Those judges won't respect you until
you respect yourself. Offer your opinions in ugly situations, and don't
be afraid to make tough calls. Maintain a professional attitude, and
work to improve your faults. Respect your players, show them that you
know your stuff, and they will respect you, no matter how tall or how
young you are.
I hope these six points help you in becoming a better judge, no matter
what your age is. There's one last thing to say, but it's worth saying,
as it's the most important part of being a good judge: Nobody likes a
judge who's always serious. HAVE FUN!
Scott M. Rosen
Level 2 Judge
Tournament Coordinator for Legend of the Five Rings and Magic: The
Gathering
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