As 2024 comes to a close, we want to reflect on this remarkable first year of the International Judge Program (IJP), express our gratitude, and share an important message with our community.
This year marked the beginning of many important projects and the successful transition to the new five-level structure. None of this would have been possible without you—the judges who dedicate your time, effort, and passion to our shared mission. Your contributions are the heart of this program.
2025 and Elections
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited about the upcoming elections, where our first Regional Representatives (RRs) will be chosen. This is a major milestone in the evolution of the IJP. But these elections are not just about filling roles; they’re an opportunity to foster engagement, collaboration, and leadership within our community.
While there will only be nine RR positions this first year (there will be more as the community grows), the system also includes the selection of Substitute Regional Representatives for each region. Even if you are not chosen for one of these roles, there are still many meaningful ways to contribute and by being a candidate you can show your availability and willingness to help. Every applicant brings valuable ideas, perspectives, and skills that are essential for the Program’s growth.
We encourage you to view these elections not as a competition but as a chance to give back. Applying for an IJP role shows your commitment to strengthening our community. Those elected as RRs will lead and guide initiatives, but their success will rely on the support and collaboration of everyone involved.
To those considering applying: this process is not about “winning” or “losing.” It’s about stepping forward to help shape the future of our community. We hope that future RRs will work closely with all applicants, creating a united, vibrant, and supportive network. If you’re ready to contribute, learn more about how to apply here: How to Apply as a Candidate for the Elections.
On IJP Projects
In addition to participating in elections, we encourage judges to join existing projects or start new ones. There are already many initiatives aimed at supporting judges worldwide, from training and certification to fostering diversity and inclusion. Your skills and ideas could help these projects reach new heights. If you have a vision for a new initiative, don’t hesitate to bring it to life—our Program thrives on innovation and the collective effort of its members.This is a community made for judges by judges!
Whether you’re contributing to ongoing efforts or creating something new, your involvement helps build a stronger, more united community. Together, we can address the needs of players, tournament organizers, and fellow judges while creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
The Crowdfunding
We successfully closed our crowdfunding campaign, meaning that we have the means to keep going for the immediate future. Thank you to everyone who has supported our crowdfunding efforts. It means the world to us to see so many people believing in this project and the values it represents. Your support—whether through donations, spreading the word, or simply cheering us on—has shown just how much this community cares and acknowledges judges are important to the future of the game. It’s a reminder that even without the official support we had hoped for, we have something far more valuable: a group of people who support each other and believe in what we’re building together. Thanks to you, we can keep moving forward, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Wrapping Up 2024
As we wrap up this incredible year and look ahead to the next, we want to thank you for being part of this journey. Your dedication and energy have built the IJP into what it is today, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together in 2025.
Wishing you a joyful rest of the holiday season and a bright, fulfilling New Year!
Warm regards,
The Program Leads of the IJP
Alfonso, Bruna, Cristiana, Dan, Khanh and Sergio.
