With a new program we get a new certification structure.
Historically, we've noticed that the traditional level structure does not meet the needs we have on our region, and that there are gaps that need to be filled in things like the broadness of the Level 2 and the fact that reaching Level 3 had way too many barriers for our community.
This new structure tackles these existing problems and expands certifications to highlight skills that had no dedicated recognition before.
Our certification structure is divided in Judge Categories and Medals. Categories are focused on hard-skills related to documents, experience, and running tournaments; while medals lean more towards dedicated soft-skills like mentorship and leadership.
We're sharing the following definitions and requirements as provisional for the moment, staying open to the feedback that the community might have before actually launching our certification path. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please leave them in the comments box below, or you can contact us via Facebook, Twitter, Discord, or e-mail.
Judge Categories
There are 4 categories, each one focused on different types of events and positions normally held by judges in each category.
Regular Judge
The first step into the world of judging for new members.
A Regular Judge is capable of handling in-store events, commonly Regular REL, covering all tasks from answering judge calls, to even doing basic scorekeeping tasks with EventLink.
They have a solid comprehension of the JAR, understand Common Problems and Serious Problems, using the document's philosophy as a base when working events.
Moreover, they have a basic, but solid, understanding of the CR. It's not expected that a Regular Judge understand perfectly all the Dependency interactions, but it is expected from them to be able to explain how the Stack work to a new player, for example.
Certification process
The certification process of a Regular Judge can still suffer changes, besides additions to the maintenance process:
Classical exam focused on JAR and CR
Practical exam judging a Regular REL event
Interview with a Regular+ Judge with a Mentoring Medal
Competitive Judge
We'll usually see Competitive Judges working con Competitive REL events in their local community, like Regional Qualifiers, mostly acting as a HJ.
These judges not only have a deeper knowledge of the CR, they also start understanding philosophy behind IPG and MTG.
Additionally, they start dipping their toes on Tournament Operations needed to run Magic events correctly, helping both TOs and players alike.
Certification process
The certification process of a Competitive Judge can still suffer changes, besides additions to the maintenance process:
Classical exam focused on CR, going deeper in topics like Layers
Classical exam focused on IPG and MTR
Practical exam judging a Competitive REL event alongside another Competitive Judge
Interview with a Competitive+ Judge with a Mentoring Medal
Advanced Judge
Advanced Judges have experience and knowledge focused on leadership for traditional tournament teams (Deck Checks, Papers, Logistics, etc), besides being capable of leading teams at a convention like Side Events, or ODEs.
They have a clear and proficient understanding of the documents and their philosophy (CR, IPG, MTR), and a clear proficiency in Tournament Ops.
By being in positions that are usually in charge of other judges, effective feedback skills are key, and they self-reflection & self-evaluation skills are drivers for they growth and performance.
Certification process
The certification process of a Advanced Judge can still suffer changes, besides additions to the maintenance process:
Classical exam focused on IPG and MTR philosophy
Classical exam focused on Tournament Ops
Practical exam in a Large Tournamente as a Team Lead with another Advanced Judge with a Leadership Medal
Two interviews with Advanced+ Judges with Mentoring Medals
Premiere Judge
Premiere Judges have the highest and deepest understanding of the documents and Tournament Ops. We'll usually see them in the high-level tournaments like Pro Tours, Head Judging Regionals, acting as Area Managers on conventions, and so on.
Besides, their work can have a focus on helping TOs to meet their special needs like coverage.
Certification process
The certification process of a Premiere Judge can still suffer changes, besides additions to the maintenance process:
Classical exam focused on document philosophy
Classical exam focused on Tournament Ops and it's philosophy
Two practical exams as TL on Large Tournaments, or as Floor Judge on Premiere events (Pro Tour)
Two interviews with Premiere+ Judges with a Mentoring Badge
Have a Leadership Medal
Birds-eye view
Regular | Competitive | Advanced | Premiere | |
JAR | Deep | Deep | Deep | Deep |
CR | Competent | Advanced | Deep | Deep |
IPG | N/A | Competent | Advanced | Deep |
MTR | Competent | Advanced | Deep | Deep |
Tournament Ops | N/A | Competent | Advanced | Deep |
Medals
Medals allow us to recognize and highlight skills that exist outside of tournament knowledge. For that reason, Medals aren't exclusively link to your Category.
Currently we have 2 medals, but these will grow alonside the program and the community.
Mentoring Medal
Being a mentor goes beyond telling someone to read the docs.
The Mentoring Medal demonstrates your skills and interest in helping your community grow, your effective feedback skills, as well as certifying new judges.
Judges with this medal have a clear understanding of the philosophy and skills that define the category they belong to.
Judges with this medal are the only ones that can certify new judges. They can start being part of a certification/advancement process 3 months after they get the badge if they are a Regular Judge, or 6 months after for Competitive+
Leadership Medal
Being a leader does not only mean giving out orders and instructions.
The Leaderhip Medal demonstrates your skills in leading tournaments relevant to your category (and even above), besides a big involvement in your community.
Judges with this medal have shown that whenever they are in a leadership position, they have all the resources they need to do a good joob, besides helping other people succeed.
This medal allows you to act as a "Shadow" for judges applying for this medal 6 months after getting it, as well as being part of practical exams when relevant
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