Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get scheduled to a judge at an event?

2. How does this work?

3. What will my first event look like?

4. So, I help out all day - what do I get?

5 .What should I do to prepare?

6. Will I get a judge shirt?

7. What do I do if I want more info?


1. How do I get scheduled to a judge at an event?

The first step is to look over our schedule, choose an event you would like to work, and send an email to:

David Noble at nobledave@cascadegames.com 

You may not get your first choice, but we will work with you to find a good opportunity.

In the initial e-mail, judges should explain which event they want to work, why they want to judge, and give a summary of their experiences with tournaments.


2. How does this work?

Information about becoming a DCI certified judge can be found at…
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=judge/welcome
In order to be a level 1 DCI certified judge, you need to be observed by a level 3 judge at two events and pass a rules knowledge test.

Information about becoming a UDE certified judge can be found at…
http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/op/certprogram.aspx
In order to be a level 1 UDE certified judge, you can go to the link above.
Their entry level tests are online.


3. What will my first event look like?

New judges (level 0) perform a variety of roles during the event which allow them to demonstrate their competence, and learn new skills.
Some of the skills required include; score keeping, customer service, and providing rules interpretation.


4. So, I help out all day - what do I get?

The opportunity to gain experience judging, build your skills and judging resume, and potentially take the judge test.
I like to thank our judges by providing lunch and snacks and some amount of product to help them practice and play more.
Our goal (depending on attendance) is to give judges product based on their experience.


5. What should I do to prepare?

You should review the rules of the game you will be judging.
You should get a good night's sleep
Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes


6. Will I get a judge shirt?

Sometimes.
DCI Judge shirts are hard to get. Usually you need to work a Pro Tour event, Nationals, or Worlds to get a DCI Judge shirt.
UDE provides judge shirts at Shonen Jump Championships, Yu-Gi-Oh! National Championships, and VS 10k Championships.


7. What do I do if I want more info?

Please check out the each company’s website, if you have questions about a particular game system.
If you would like more information about judging events for Cascade Games, please email:
David Noble at nobledave@cascadegames.com 


Related Links


Upper Deck Entertainment Judging Resources

UDE Judge Certification Program
http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/op/certprogram.aspx 

UDE Official Tournament Policy
http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/op/policy/policy.aspx 

Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament Policies
http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/op/policy/yugioh_policy.aspx

UDE Penalty Guidelines
http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/op/policy/penalty.aspx 


DCI Judging Resources

DCI Judge Certification Program
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=judge/welcome

MTG Comprehensive Rulebook and FAQ's
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=magic/rules/tourneyplayer

DCI Penalty Guidelines
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dci/doccenter/home

DCI Judge Mailing List
http://oracle.wizards.com/archives/dcijudge-l.html

Magic The Gathering Discussion Mailing List
http://oracle.wizards.com/archives/mtg-l.html

WoTC Message Boards: Rules Q&A
http://boards.wizards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=154

Our special thanks to Paul Thompson for helping to compile this list.