Level One

This page will be kept up to date with the official definition of a Level One Judge. To read about the philosophy of Level One as of Judge Foundry’s launch, check out this blog post.

Description

Level One Judges primarily run events at local game stores (LGS) or casual events outside of stores, and may occasionally attend a large event that’s close to them. They understand the fundamental rules of the game, help casual players at their store learn more about how the game works, and can resolve common issues. L1s are capable of serving as a Head Judge for events where the primary focus is on fun, and not on high stakes. An L1 should start looking towards L2 when they begin judging at competitive events, or attend large events. 

Advancement

To be certified for Level One, a candidate must complete the following requirements. Requirements 1-5 may be completed in any order, and requirement 6 may only be attempted after the other requirements are complete. The endorsement from a Level Two+ Judge may be given verbally immediately prior to that judge administering the exam, and need not be entered into JudgeApps until after the exam.

  1. Receive an endorsement of an event organizer, or L3+ Judge
  2. Run at least one Draft, Sealed or Constructed event
  3. Give opening announcements and round announcements at an event
  4. Receive an endorsement review from an Level Two+ Judge including at a minimum the following evaluated items:
    • Confidence and lack of major stress or distress giving a ruling
    • Understanding of Casual Play Philosophy
    • Understanding of JAR Serious Problems
    • Ability to create a plan for product distribution for a prerelease
    • Ability to recognize potential advantage when something goes wrong in a game
    • Mature behavior consistent with Judge Foundry values
  5. Become a member of Judge Foundry
  6. Pass the Level 1 Exam with a score of 70 or better

Maintenance

To maintain the Level One certification, a judge must complete the following items each year:

  1. Pass the annual L1 rules refresh exam
  2. Choose one —
    • Work at least three events
    • Play in at least six events, and work at least one event.
    • Write or receive a short review about their involvement in events or the judging community
  3. Maintain membership in Judge Foundry by being up-to-date on their membership dues

Skills

As a certified Level One Judge, a judge demonstrates the following proficiencies:

  1. Knowledge
    • Passed the L1 exam, which covers the rules and handling common casual play scenarios
    • Understanding of casual play philosophy
    • Understanding of policy priorities in casual play
    • Understanding of Serious Problems
  2. Event Skills
    • Basic understanding of running events in Eventlink
    • Ability to run a draft on their own
    • Ability to run a sealed or constructed event on their own
    • Ability to identify areas for potential advantage or cheating in judge calls
  3. Leadership Skills
    • Involvement in their local community
    • Engagement with a Level Two mentor and understanding of the mentorship process
    • Able to command the attention of players at a casual event
  4. Personal Skills
    • Ability to positively engage with players and create a welcoming environment
    • Ability to give rulings with confidence and without major stress or distress
    • Mature behavior consistent with Judge Foundry values

Benefits

Certified Level One Judges receive the following privileges as members of Judge Foundry:

  1. Use of title Level One Judge or Judge Foundry Level One
  2. Access to private Judge Foundry resources, forums, and chats
  3. Right to vote in Judge Foundry leadership elections

Changelog

3/24: Changed advancement requirement “At least one draft and one constructed/sealed event” to “At least one Draft, Constructed, or Sealed event.” (Philosophy)
3/24: Clarified that the L2+ endorsement may be given just prior to the exam (Philosophy)