Introduction
The International Judge Program (IJP) is built upon core values such as service, integrity, community, respect, and trustworthiness. These values guide International Judge Program members in creating inclusive environments and upholding fairness at events worldwide.
As International Judge Program members, we serve as stewards of these values, dedicating our time to ensure the smooth operation of tournaments, deliver accurate rulings, and address community concerns. Whether we’re assisting players at local stores, officiating at prestigious events or online when identified as an IJP member, our goal remains consistent: to foster enjoyable and fair tournament experiences for all.
The term “judge” in this document refers to any International Judge Program Member, regardless of their certification status as a judge or any other role.
With our positions come responsibilities. International Judge Program members wield authority to enforce rules, issue penalties, and maintain order. Consequently, the community rightfully expects us to act with integrity and demonstrate worthiness of our roles. For this reason, official governmental charges of certain criminal acts will result in automatic membership removal per the IJP statutes.
This document outlines our responsibilities, defines acceptable conduct, and delineates the process for addressing misconduct. The IJP focuses only on conduct when performing the role of a judge (online or in-person) and not upon personal actions, personal social pages, etc.
Joining, retaining, and leaving Membership in the International Judge Program is covered in its statutes.
Principles of Judge Conduct
Fair Use of Authority
International Judge Program members are expected to use their status and authority impartially and in accordance with tournament guidelines. Fair treatment of all members, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or other factors, is paramount. Bias based on reputation or personal relationships is unacceptable.
Example: A judge should not penalize a player due to a personal disagreement or show favoritism toward friends during rulings or evaluations for promotion of other International Judge Program members.
Avoidance of Personal Gain
International Judge Program members should serve the game community without seeking undue unfair personal benefit. This includes refraining from using their status for fraudulent purposes or personal advantage.
Example: A judge should not use their position to gain trust and then commit fraud or theft; or use their position to get a favorable card trade from a player.
Creation of Inclusive Environments
International Judge Program members share the responsibility to maintain welcoming tournament environments free from harassment or discrimination. They should actively promote positivity and intervene when necessary to prevent disruptive behavior.
Example: A judge should not make derogatory remarks or engage in behavior that makes others feel unwelcome or unsafe or turn a blind eye to those acts happening in a tournament they’re judging.
Accountability and Transparency
International Judge Program members must take responsibility for their actions and conduct. They should not hinder reporting of misconduct or retaliate against individuals who report such behavior. Honest communication and acknowledgment of mistakes are essential.
Example: A judge should not impede the disclosure of inappropriate behavior or seek revenge against those who do. A judge should refrain from discouraging another judge from reporting a disqualification of a friend or making biased rulings against someone they dislike. A judge should not accuse other IJP members of false breaches of this Code of Conduct with the intention to harm them.
Types of Misconduct
Violation of Event Integrity
Any deliberate action that compromises the integrity of an event, such as manipulating pairings or providing unfair advantages to friends, falls under this category.
Example: Intentionally changing pairings to ensure friends do not face each other until the final round.
Misrepresenting Judge Status
Falsely claiming or misrepresenting one’s certification level as an International Judge Program member for personal gain, avoiding penalties, or falsely claiming completion of certification maintenance requirements is considered misconduct.
Example: Exaggerating certification level to impress tournament organizers or fabricating completion of maintenance requirements to maintain status.
Significant Diplomacy Failure
Instances where a judge fails to exhibit appropriate diplomacy, resulting in escalated conflicts or strained relationships, fall under this category.
Example: Engaging in public altercations with players regarding a ruling given in a tournament.
Harassment
Systematic and unwanted actions, including threats or intimidation, directed towards an individual or group, constitute harassment and are not tolerated.
Example: Any use of a racial slur during an event. Or repeatedly making sexual propositions to another person while acting as a judge.
Abuse of Trust / Abuse of Program Role
Violating trust or exploiting program roles for personal gain, such as accessing sensitive information or misusing resources, is considered misconduct.
Example: Charging a fee to mentor a judge on staff. Or revealing confidential information a judge has due to their role in the IJP.
Assault
Any action or threat of bodily harm towards another person, regardless of the context, constitutes assault and is severely punished.
Example: Physically harming someone or their belongings. Engaging in physical altercations at events.
Bribery and Wagering
Betting on tournament outcomes, as well as soliciting or accepting bribes, or choosing to not enforce the rules around bribes, in exchange for leniency or favors, impairs the integrity of the Judge Program.
Example: Requesting or accepting a bribe to overlook a rules violation.
Theft
Appropriating something that does not belong to you or violating the property rights of judges, stores, players or organizers is unacceptable within the International Judge Program.
Example: Stealing a leftover promo card that was gifted to players.
Consequences of Misconduct
When an IJP member is accused of one or more of the above misconducts, the Program Leads or the group they delegate to, will evaluate the situation and apply one of the following penalties to the accused International Judge Program member:
No action, if the evaluating group doesn’t think any of the above misconducts happened.
Warning letter, in cases where the misconduct is not severe.
Deleveling (removing International Judge Program member’s levels and/or certification), one or more levels, for medium or severe misconducts. This frequently comes with a restriction to level up again for a period of time.
Temporary membership suspension, for severe misconduct. The International Judge Program member will lose their IJP membership and all certifications and roles associated with it. After the duration of the suspension the International Judge Program member will recuperate their membership and certifications, but not any roles (such as Program Lead or Regional Representative).
Expulsion, for more severe misconduct. The judge will lose their IJP membership and all certifications and roles associated with it. The person won’t be allowed to join the IJP ever again.
Automatic Removal of the IJP Membership
Any IJP member in trial or guilty of crime involving violence (sexual or otherwise) or youth (non-adults), or charges of theft, harassment, or damage associated with organizers, stores, players, or members of this community will automatically get their IJP membership suspended. After the trial, if the person is not found guilty, their membership and all their certifications will be restored.
Examples of Automatic removal involve criminal charges related to:
- Convictions for crimes involving violence, threats, or harm to others, whether at events or in personal life.
- Sexual offenses, including but not limited to sexual assault, harassment, or crimes against minors. Whether at events or in personal life.
Conclusion
This Code of Conduct serves as a cornerstone document outlining the expectations and standards for International Judge Program members within the International Judge Program. By adhering to the principles and guidelines outlined herein, International Judge Program members commit to fostering a community characterized by fairness, inclusivity, and respect. Through their actions and conduct, International Judge Program members contribute to creating an environment where all participants, regardless of background or identity, feel valued, heard, and supported. As guardians of integrity and excellence, International Judge Program members play a vital role in upholding these fundamental principles, thereby enriching the judge community and enhancing the experience of all those involved in events and tournaments.
