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Player Management and Rules Knowledge Certification Descriptions

 

This document defines and outlines each of the five certifications for player management and rules knowledge. In addition, this document explains the testing and re-testing process associated with each level. Finally, this document contains a quick reference chart for each of the certification.

 

Definitions

A judge is defined as a person who is officiating a sanctioned tournament, regardless of the certifications achieved by that person. A judge’s level is determined by taking the lowest certification between his or her rules knowledge for the specific game and his or her player management. This is a reversal of existing policy.

 

Official documents will use the term certification when referring to tests and the term level when referring to people. These two definitions are new.

 

Example: Alex has certification 3 in WoW rules knowledge, certification 2 in player management, and has not yet taken certification 1 in Yu-Gi-Oh! rules knowledge. Alex is a level 2 WoW judge and a level 0 Yu-Gi-Oh! judge.

 

Example: Thomas has certification 3 in Yu-Gi-Oh! rules knowledge, certification 3 in player management, and certification 1 in WoW rules knowledge. Thomas is a level 3 Yu-Gi-Oh! judge and a level 1 WoW judge.

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Alex Charsky
Judge Manager
Upper Deck

Level 1

 

Description
The primary duty of a level 1 judge is to provide players with a fair play experience. The focus should be on providing impartial rulings and promoting a positive atmosphere for game play.

Testing
Certification process for both rules knowledge and player management is the same.

All certification 1 tests are administered online and are open book. Judges are encouraged to find the resources required to complete the test. The purpose of the certification 1 test is twofold. One, the test serves as a learning tool—frequently asking simple questions and reinforcing appropriate behavior. Two, the test engages judges in the program by connecting them with other judges and OP via forums and events.

Re-testing
If a candidate fails the certification 1 test, he or she is automatically allowed to re-take the test in seven days. Re-testing takes place online with a new generated test.

Certification Requirements
Once a candidate passes the certification 1 test, he or she should work local sanctioned tournaments and gather both rules knowledge and player management experience. Each level 1 judge is expected to judge at least one sanctioned tournament a year.

 

If a level 1 judge has no judging activity (recorded as judged sanctioned events) after one year of certification, he or she will be reminded with an email to renew. In addition, he or she will enter a probationary six-month period. Failure to fulfill minimum level requirements during the probationary six-month period will result in removal from the judge program. This process of decay is necessary to ensure that resources such as judge card mailings are not sent to inactive judges.

 

Judge Exclusives

- UDE Judge Card, mailed yearly.

- Posting access to UDE Judge Certification Program forums.

- Access to UDE volunteer store.

- UDE volunteer store point modifier of 1.0.

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Alex Charsky
Judge Manager
Upper Deck

Level 2

 

Description

The primary duties of level 2 judges include those of level 1 judges. In addition, they should be people who seek a leadership role in their local community. A level 2 judge should be willing answer questions and provide help not only to players, but to other judges as well. The focus should be on mastering the mechanics needed to run events with C-Value 20 or higher.

 

Level 2 judges are the backbone for events with C-Value 20 or higher. Tournament Organizers who run C-Value 20 or higher events are encouraged to use level 2 judges for their events whenever possible. Level 2 judges should usually be limited to the floor judge or team leader role, unless they are training to test for certification 3.

 

Testing

Tests for certification 2 in rules knowledge are administered by judges who hold certification 3 in both the appropriate rules knowledge and in player management. Certification 2 for player management test can be administered by any judge who holds certification 3 in player management. In addition, certain UDE employees are authorized to administer certification 2 tests.

 

Certification 2 tests are administered in person. For player management certification candidates will undergo extensive observation at an event to make sure that they have practical experience to run tournaments. For rules knowledge certification candidates will undergo a pre-screening interview to determine the applicant’s rules understanding.

 

There is no specific time requirement between testing for certification 1 and testing for certification 2. Each candidate should be evaluated to determine if he or she is ready for the test. This means that if he or she is testing for certification 2 in player management, he or she has practical experience with running tournaments. If the candidate is testing for certification 2 in rules knowledge, then he or she must demonstrate adequate knowledge in the specific TCG rules.

 

Candidates interested in taking the test only to “see how well they know the rules” or “so that they can be better players” will not be allowed to take the test. Candidates who are obviously not sufficiently familiar with rules knowledge or player management to pass the test should be encouraged to study the rules or policy and to test at a later time.

 

A candidate wishing to test for certification 2 in rules knowledge must have a minimum certification 1 in player management. A candidate wishing to test for certification 2 in player management must have a minimum certification 1 in rules knowledge.

 

Re-testing

If a candidate fails certification 2 test, he or she must wait at least six months to re-take the test. This ensures that he or she has ample time to study and will pass because he or she knows the rules, rather than memorizing the answers.

 

Each time a candidate retakes a test, he or she must take a different version of the test. If another version is not available, then the candidate should not be allowed to re-take the test until another version of the test is available.

 

Because the re-test times are significant, each candidate should consider each testing opportunity very carefully. It’s much better to wait to test at the next event than risk having to wait six months because they are not prepared.

 

Certification Requirements

Once the candidate passes certification 2 in rules knowledge, he or she should work at least one C-Value 10 event per year.

 

Once the candidate passes certification 2 in player management, he or she should work at least three events with C-Value 20 or higher a year, or an equivalent amount of events with C-Value 10. Each C-Value 20 or higher event equals 5 C-Value 10 events.

 

If a judge is not on track to meet the yearly requirements for events after one year of certification, he or she will be reminded with an email to renew. In addition to that, he or she will enter a probationary six-month period. Failure to fulfill minimum requirements during the probationary six-month period will result in demotion to a lower level.

 

Judge Exclusives

In addition to level 1 exclusives:

- UDE volunteer store point modifier of 1.2.

- Consideration for C-Value 40 or higher event sponsorships.

- UDE judge shirt, available to keep after judging an event of C-Value 40 or higher.

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Alex Charsky
Judge Manager
Upper Deck

Level 3

 

Description

The primary duties of a level 3 judge include those of a level 1 and a level 2 judge. In addition, the level 3 judge should have demonstrated a willingness to devote his or her personal time and expertise to the UDE Judge Program. He or she does this through mentoring and developing other judges, and by being the Head Judge for tournaments with C-Value 30 and higher. The focus of level 3 judges should be on training judges and upholding UDE policy.

 

Level 3 judges are the primary means for Head Judging events with C-Value of 20 or higher (such as Regional and Sneak Preview tournaments), and for administering certification 2 exams to other judges.

 

Level 3 judges must contribute to policy/rules discussions, as appropriate, on level 3 message forums. Level 3 judges Head Judging events such as WoW Darkmoon Faires or Yu-Gi-Oh! Shonen Jump Championships, are expected to provide tournament reports that will be posted on the judge forums for discussion. Level 3 judges must maintain accurate contact information in the UDE database.

 

Level 3 judges are expected to administer certification 2 tests and provide feedback to testing candidates. They are expected to maintain perfect contact information and have reasonable response time to any emails regarding testing that may come from candidates wishing to test.

 

Testing

Certification 3 in rules knowledge is administered by a judge who holds certification 4 in the appropriate rules knowledge. Certification 3 in player management is usually administered by a group of judges who hold certification 4 in player management. In addition to that, certain UDE employees are authorized to administer certification 3 tests. Occasionally, at the discretion of the UDE Judge Manager, a judge with certification 3 in player management will be asked to help administer certification 3 interviews for other candidates. This will only happen under direct observation of the judge manager and is used for training purposes.

 

Certification 3 tests are administered in person. For player management certification candidates will undergo extensive observation at an event to make sure that they have practical experience to run tournaments. For rules knowledge certification candidates will undergo a pre-screening interview to determine the applicant’s rules understanding.

 

Certification 3 in rules knowledge is a multiple choice exam. Each candidate wishing to test for certification 3 in rules knowledge must fulfill the following requirements:

 

-         Hold certification 2 for the appropriate rules knowledge for at least six months.

-         Successfully Head Judge at least two events with C-Value of 20 or higher based on the feedback from the Tournament Organizers of these two events.

-         A brief interview with the person who administers the test to ensure the proper rules knowledge level.

 

Certification 3 for player management is an interview. The interview process itself will take approximately 2 hours. Each candidate wishing to test for certification 3 in player management must fulfill the following requirements:

 

-         Hold certification 2 in player management for at least six months.

-         Successfully Head Judge at least two events with C-Value of 20 or higher based on the feedback from the Tournament Organizers of these two events.

-         A letter of endorsement from a PTO (or country/region Organized Play Manager) or a current level 3 judge.

-         Observed by the interview panel at an event.

 

Re-certification for certification 3 in rules knowledge, as determined by the Judge Manager, is mandatory every two years.

 

Re-testing

If a candidate fails certification 3, he or she must wait to re-test for at least six months. This ensures that the candidate is serious about testing. The candidate must test using a different test version. If no new test version is available, then the candidate may not re-test.

 

Certification Requirements

Other then the mandatory re-certification every two years, there are no minimum requirements for maintaining certification 3 in rules knowledge.

 

Once the candidate passes certification 3 in player management, he or she should work at least five events with C-Value 20 or higher a year, or an equivalent amount of events with C-Value 10. Each C-Value 20 or higher event equals 5 C-Value 10 events.

 

If a judge is not on track to meet the yearly requirements for events after one year of certification, he or she will be reminded with an email to renew. In addition to that, he or she will enter a probationary six-month period. Failure to fulfill minimum requirements during the probationary six-month period will result in demotion to a lower level.

 

Judge Exclusives

In addition to level 2 exclusives:

- UDE volunteer store point modifier of 1.5.

- UDE Head Judge (red) shirt, available to keep after Head Judging a C-Value 40 or higher event.

- Posting access to UDE Judge Certification Program certification 3 forums.

- Ability to certify lower level judges.

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Alex Charsky
Judge Manager
Upper Deck

Level 4

 

Description

The primary duties of a level 4 judge include those of a level 1, a level 2, and a level 3 judge. In addition, a level 4 judge should be someone with enough experience and judgment to have a valuable voice in policy discussions. He or she should be able to effectively Head Judge any tournament in his or her area of specialty, regardless of size or complexity. Also, a level 4 judge should be capable of working closely with and mentoring the level 3 judges in his or her geographical area. The focus at level 4 is running the largest of the premier tournaments, supervising the level 3 judges in the local area, and participating in policy discussions. Level 4 judges are the primary Head Judges for professional level events such as large National Championships, World Championships, or Pro Circuit tournaments.

 

In addition to testing responsibilities of level 3 judges, level 4 judges may be responsible for policy creation or training material creation for specific events that they are Head Judging. Travel to events may be required, including international travel.

 

Testing

Certification 4 in rules knowledge is administered by a judge who holds certification 5 in the appropriate rules knowledge. Certification 4 in player management is usually administered by a group of judges who hold certification 5 in player management. In addition to that, certain UDE employees are authorized to administer certification 4 tests. Occasionally, at the discretion of the UDE Judge Manager, a judge with certification 4 in player management will be asked to help administer certification 4 interviews for other candidates. This will only happen under direct observation of the judge manager and is used for training purposes.

 

Certification 4 tests are administered in person. For player management certification candidates will undergo extensive observation at an event to make sure that they have practical experience to manage a tournament staff in addition to running the tournament. For rules knowledge certification candidates will undergo a pre-screening interview to determine the applicant’s rules understanding.

 

There is no specific time frame to test for certification 4 in either rules knowledge or player management. Candidates will be asked to test by the UDE Judge Manager based on observations and peer feedback.

 

Each candidate wishing to test for certification 4 in rules knowledge must fulfill the following requirements:

 

-         Successfully, as determined by the Event Manager, Head Judge a C-Value 40 or higher event, such as a Shonen Jump Championship, National Championship, Dream Machine Championship, World Championship, or Pro Circuit.

-         A letter of endorsement from a PTO (or country/region Organized Play Manager) or a current level 4 judge.

-         An endorsement from the Judge Manager.

-         A brief interview with the person who administers the test to ensure the proper rules knowledge level.

 

Each candidate wishing to test for certification 4 in player management must fulfill the following requirements:

 

-         Successfully, as determined by the Event Manager, Head Judge a C-Value 40 or higher event, such as a Shonen Jump Championship, National Championship, Dream Machine Championship, World Championship, or a Pro Circuit.

-         A letter of endorsement from a PTO (or country/region Organized Play Manager) or a current judge with level 4 player management certification.

-         An endorsement from the Judge Manager.

-         Observed by the interview panel at an event.

 

Re-certification for certification 4 in rules knowledge, as determined by the Judge Manager, is mandatory every two years.

 

Re-testing

If a candidate fails certification 4, re-testing has no specific time frame. Re-testing authorization is at the discretion of the UDE Judge Manager. This ensures that the candidate is serious about testing. The candidate must test using a different test version. If no new test version is available, then the candidate may not re-test.

 

Certification Requirements

Other then the mandatory re-certification every two years, there are no minimum requirements for maintaining certification 4 in rules knowledge.

 

Once the candidate passes certification 4 in player management, he or she should work at least five events with C-Value 20 or higher a year. Barring extreme circumstances judges may not substitute this requirement with C-Value 10 events.

 

If a judge is not on track to meet the yearly requirements for events after one year of certification, he or she will be reminded with an email to renew. In addition to that, he or she will enter a probationary six-month period. Failure to fulfill minimum requirements during the probationary six-month period will result in demotion to a lower level.

 

Judge Exclusives

In addition to level 3 exclusives:

- UDE volunteer store point modifier of 1.8.

- Consideration for C-Value 50 (World Championships) Head Judging opportunities.

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Alex Charsky
Judge Manager
Upper Deck

Level 5

 

Description

The primary duties of a level 5 judge include those of all other levels. In addition, the level 5 judge works closely with UDE in formulating and implementing policy for all aspects of Organized Play.

 

In addition to the testing responsibilities of level 3 judges and event material creation of level 4 judges, level 5 judges may be responsible for creating training materials for the Judge Program.

 

Testing

Certification 5 in rules knowledge is administered by a judge who holds certification 5 in the appropriate rules knowledge. Certification 5 in player management is administered by a group of judges who hold certification 5 in player management. In addition to that, certain UDE employees are authorized to administer certification 5 tests.

 

Certification 5 tests are administered in person. For player management certification candidates will undergo extensive observation at an event to make sure that they have practical experience to manage a tournament staff in addition to running the tournament. For rules knowledge certification candidates will undergo a pre-screening interview to determine the applicant’s rules understanding.

 

There is no specific time frame to test for certification 5 in either rules knowledge or player management. Candidates will be asked to test by the UDE Judge Manager based on observations and peer feedback. Peer feedback will play a much larger factor in determining candidate’s readiness, then for any other level. Each certification 5 candidate must be a respected member of the global judging community.

 

Each candidate wishing to test for certification 5 in rules knowledge must fulfill the following requirements:

 

-         Successfully, as determined by the Event Manager, Head Judge three C-Value 40 or higher events, such as a Shonen Jump Championship, National Championship, Dream Machine Championship, World Championship, or a Pro Circuit.

-         A letter of endorsement from a PTO (or country/region Organized Play Manager) or a current level 5 judge.

-         An endorsement from the Judge Manager.

-         A brief interview with the person who administers the test to ensure the proper rules knowledge level.

 

Each candidate wishing to test for certification 5 in player management must fulfill the following requirements:

 

-         Successfully, as determined by the Event Manager, Head Judge three C-Value 40 or higher events, such as a Shonen Jump Championship, National Championship, Dream Machine Championship, World Championship, or a Pro Circuit.

-         A letter of endorsement from a PTO (or country/region Organized Play Manager) or a current level 5 judge.

-         An endorsement from the Judge Manager.

-         Observed by the interview panel at an event.

 

Re-certification for certification 5 in rules knowledge, as determined by the Judge Manager, is mandatory every two years.

 

Re-testing

If a candidate fails certification 5, re-testing has no specific time frame. Re-testing authorization is at the discretion of the UDE Judge Manager. This ensures that the candidate is serious about testing. The candidate must test using a different test version. If no new test version is available, then the candidate may not re-test.

 

Certification Requirements

Other then the mandatory re-certification every two years, there are no minimum requirements for maintaining certification 5 in rules knowledge.

 

Once the candidate passes certification 5 in player management, he or she should work at least five events with C-Value 20 or higher a year. Barring extreme circumstances judges may not substitute this requirement with C-Value 10 events.

 

If a judge is not on track to meet the yearly requirements for events after one year of certification, he or she will be reminded with an email to renew. In addition to that, he or she will enter a probationary six-month period. Failure to fulfill minimum requirements during the probationary six-month period will result in demotion to a lower level.

 

Judge Exclusives

In addition to level 4 exclusives:

- UDE volunteer store point modifier of 2.

- Judging and Head Judging opportunities, including international events.

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Alex Charsky
Judge Manager
Upper Deck

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Here is a downloadable .doc version.

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Alex Charsky
Judge Manager
Upper Deck