Hi all!
I’m Bruna Chiochetta, the current Testing Manager for the IJP Level 1. I’m here presenting this introductory article about L1, with some of our reasons behind the design of this level and goals for it. Let’s go over each section of the L1 guidelines!
Edit March 8, 2024: The original version of this article omitted the option to pass 3/4 set update quizzes throughout a year instead of passing the annual L1 rules refresh exam. The Level 1 Page has always had the correct maintenance requirements and the error has been corrected here.
Description
Level One (L1) Judges primarily run events at local game stores (LGS) or casual events outside of stores, and may occasionally attend a large event that’s close to them. They understand the fundamental rules of the game, help casual players at their store learn more about how the game works and can resolve common issues. Level One Judges are capable of serving as a Head Judge for events where the primary focus is on fun, and not on high stakes.
For most people, Level 1 Judges will be their first point of contact with the Judge Program. As such, its role is fundamental in shaping the perception of the community about judges. This is why at this level, we want to ensure not only candidates acquire knowledge of rules and running events, but also develop community skills, especially in fostering inclusive environments.
I’d also like to point out that the majority of judges will be Level 1 (since the majority of Organized Play happens in stores), and it’s totally fine to recognize that Level 1 is the right place for themselves. If you really enjoy primarily running more casual events and supporting your community this way, this is totally fine and encouraged, no one should feel pressured to seek L2! The majority of play happens at the store level, and keeping those events fun and fair helps the game grow. I’d like to share as well that for judges enjoying casual play but interested in conventions, we have announced here that we are exploring a certification that certifies skills that are needed at events such as CommandFest or the more casual parts of MagicCons.
The process for L1 accommodates the unique characteristics of each community it serves. Regional Representatives, in coordination with the L1 Testing Manager, may adapt the advancement or maintenance requirements based on regional needs. We encourage candidates to reach out to their Regional Representatives to address any questions or concerns regarding their leveling process.
English proficiency is not a requirement – any advancement or maintenance requirements for this level can be met using your preferred language. (The IJP will strive to provide localized content wherever possible.)
Level One should be tailored to accommodate each region’s needs: wherever people are playing Magic, it should be possible to become a certified judge. If a certain requirement is too hard to achieve for a region, there will be space to adapt it in a way that makes sense regionally while keeping quality to the standards of the IJP. Regional Representatives are experts within their region, and will be empowered to adapt requirements, in coordination with the L1 Testing Manager. As L1 is a regional level, English proficiency is not required, and we have an amazing Translations team working on localizing the content required for L1.
Next, we have what is needed to become a Level One judge. The advancement process is a combination of acquiring practical experience, getting involved with your local community, finding a mentor and knowledge assessment in a written exam. We want to ensure L1s are recognized as valuable assets to their community in running local events. Let’s go through the advancement process.
Description
To be certified for L1, a candidate must complete the following requirements. Requirements 1-4 may be completed in any order, and requirement 5 may only be attempted after the other requirements are complete. Accessibility exceptions can be made by the Testing Managers, in coordination with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team.
- Run at least 2 sanctioned events
- Give opening announcements and round announcements at an event
L1 is highly focused on store events, thus stores are where the path to become a certified judge will start for most people. We expect L1s to have a good relationship with their local community, and reaching out to their local tournament organizers to seek opportunities to work in sanctioned events is a part of building that relationship. The basic expectation of a judge is to participate in events, and these two requirements are here to ensure some experience is acquired in the advancement process. If it’s a regular/casual event, the candidate may play in those events while judging. Talk with your mentor about some tips on how to master this!
3. Receive a Recommendation Review from an L3+ Judge including at minimum the following evaluated items:
- Confidence and lack of major stress or distress giving a ruling
- Understanding of Casual Play Philosophy
- Understanding of JAR Serious Problems
- Ability to create a plan for product distribution for a prerelease
- Basic understanding of Eventlink
- Ability to explain limited procedures to new players
- Ability to recognize potential advantage when something goes wrong in a game
- Mature behavior consistent with the IJP values
Mentoring is one of the core aspects of the IJP. We expect the candidate to seek a mentor and build a relationship with them. L3 judges are expected to be involved with their local communities and have the necessary skills to assess L1 candidates. The L3 mentor should provide constructive feedback and guidance according to the expected skills of a L1, which are focused on the necessary qualities to run small in-store events and teach the game to new players. We will have interview guidelines for mentors, to assist with assessing these skills and writing the review, which are currently in the works.
The idea of requiring a L3+ recommender is not to block anyone from advancing to L1. By our definition of levels, we don’t expect an L2 judge to be proficient in mentoring and growth of other judges, while it is expected of L3 judges. By requiring a recommendation from an L3, we want to avoid putting pressure on L2s to excel in an area that is beyond the scope of our definition for the level. If a georegion is lacking in L3s to provide these recommendations but has L2s who are comfortable and proficient to do so, the Regional Representative (or TRA) of that region can work with the L1 Testing Manager to find a solution. Also, we have expedited processes to relocate people’s Level, so soon more L3s will be available soon!
4. Become a member of the IJP (annual membership fee is still to be decided based on the number of members and the association’s costs. Our goal is to have it as low as possible.)
5. Pass the Level 1 Exam with a score of 80 or better. This exam is proctored, timed and open book (CR, MTR and JAR)
As mentioned in the beginning, we are aiming to build a team of specialists in Diversity Equity and Inclusivity, and we will be coordinating to accommodate accessibility requests as they come (such as dyslexia or ADHD or a broken main arm). The baseline will be proctored and timed exams, which can be accommodated on a case by case basis.
Maintenance
Once a judge has achieved Level One, judges complete annual maintenance to ensure our quality promise to Tournament Organizers and players.
To maintain the Level One certification, a judge must complete the following items each year:
1. Choose one —
- Pass the annual L1 refresh exam
- Pass three out of four set update quizzes throughout the year
2. Choose one —
- Act as a judge in at least three events
- Play in at least six events, and act as a judge in at least one event.
3. Maintain membership in the IJP by being up-to-date on their membership dues
Each year, we expect judges to demonstrate being up to date in rules and policy, in tournament procedures, and being active in their local community. Maintenance for L1 covers these 3 aspects, with a refresh exam and participation in events.
Skills
As a certified Level One Judge, a judge demonstrates the following proficiencies:
1. Knowledge
- Passed the L1 exam, which covers the rules and handling common casual play scenarios
- Understanding of casual play philosophy
- Understanding of policy priorities in casual play
- Understanding of Serious Problems
L1 judges are expected and tested to have a solid grasp of the basic game’s rules and to be able to handle common rules scenarios. Understanding the reasons and philosophy and policy applicable to casual play is crucial for fostering enjoyable gaming experiences.
2. Event Skills
- Basic understanding of running events in Eventlink
- Ability to run a draft on their own
- Ability to run a sealed or constructed event on their own
- Ability to identify areas for potential advantage or cheating in judge calls
Basic knowledge of various types of events is required, even if some specific format is not commonly played in a store. We expect a L1 to have enough knowledge to explain to a new player the differences between constructed, sealed and draft. We also expect that L1s are able to assist with software required for running small events.
3. Community Skills
- Involvement in their local community
- Engagement with a Level Three mentor and understanding of the mentorship process
- Able to command the attention of players at a casual event
L1 is the first step in getting involved with the Judge community, and building a relationship with a mentor is crucial for the candidate’s development in this step. Effectively communicating and engaging with players in stores is also an important skill for running events.
4. Personal Skills
- Ability to positively engage with players, judges and TOs and create a welcoming environment
- Ability to give rulings with confidence and without major stress or distress
- Mature behavior consistent with the IJP values
L1s are the majority of the store judges, and they are the judges that most players and TOs will primarily interact with. They help shape the image the community has of the Judge Program. We expect that L1s display friendly and mature behavior, and help create an inclusive atmosphere in their local communities.
Level 2
An L1 Judge can consider looking towards Level Two if they want to begin judging at in-store competitive events.
If a judge is interested in competitive play, they might consider pursuing L2. It’s important to note that making the decision to pursue L2 is personal, judges should assess their interest in participating in different types of events, and not feel pressured to do it just because it’s a level up. Both L1 and L2 hold value in the Judge Program, and judges are empowered to choose which path aligns best with their interests.
Wrapping up! In conclusion, we aim to build L1 as a level that serves as a pillar for local communities, and with qualities that will help shape a good perception of the Judge Program in all regions. It’s a regional level focused on covering local game stores’ needs, so we are also aiming to provide a lot of flexibility for Regional Representatives to work around requirements.
Thank you for reading!
