How to give a ruling
(or Players are not our enemies)
Miguel Calvo (L2)
Sergio García (L2)
Summary
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
How do you currently give a ruling?
Before the ruling
How to get to the table
Listen to the players
Goal: clarify the scenario
Once the scenario is clear…
Solving the problem
Once the problem is solved…
General guidelines
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
2
How do you currently give a ruling?
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
3
How do you currently give a ruling?
Player who started the game.
Hand
6 Cards
Graveyard
Hand
6 Cards
Active player
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
4
Before the ruling (I)
1. Choose an area to cover
• A non covered area is desirable
• Think about accessibility
2. Pay attention nearby
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
5
Before the ruling (II)
3. If you are talking to other judges or players…
… do it looking towards the tables
4. Avoid “black holes”
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
6
How to get to the table (I)
• Go by the side of the player who made the call
• Friendly and collaborative attitude
– Hello, what can I do for you?
– May I help you?
– Hi, is there any problem?
• A smile makes a lot =)
• Put your head at the same level as the players
Denotes proximity & interest
• Look at the clock!
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
7
How to get to the table (II)
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
8
Listen to the players
• Be methodical:
– Listen first to the player who made the call
– Listen then to the version of the opponent
– Try to get the important information:
• Avoid superfluous things
• Pay attention to the gestures
• Pay attention on how the question is made
– Keep eyes contact: shows CONFIDENCE
• Conflictive situations:
– Stop the discussions
– Prevent spectators from intervening in the
conversation
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
9
Listen to the players
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
10
Goal: Clarify the scenario
We should have a general idea of what is happening
– Situation at the table
– Cards involved in the scenario
– Learn how the players got to this situation
– Inquire the players about the communication during
the problem
If you still have doubts: ASK THE PLAYERS AGAIN
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
11
Once the scenario is clear…
• Look at the clock
• Identify the problem
–Maybe it is crystal clear  Proceed to fix the problem
–Maybe we have doubts
• Ask to a partner/team leader/HJ
• Check the rules or internet
• Call a judge??
–Maybe you are dealing with an investigation
INVOLVE THE HEAD JUDGE* AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
• Check the clock again to tell the HJ the time past.
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
12
Solving the problem
If we are not sure on how to resolve the problem: ask for help.
It’s REALLY IMPORTANT not to give a bad ruling.
Rules/Oracle question
• Don’t give out strategic information
• Explain if our answer is based in partial information
• Request to ask a question apart from the table:
– Honor it if possible
– Tell the opponent that it was a rules question or the oracle
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
13
Solving the problem
Policy problems
• Explain the players the root of the problem
• Explain them the derived problems
• Explain them the infraction(s) committed. Tell them the name
of the MIPG infraction
• Explain the resolution as per the MIPG
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MIPG
DON’T MAKE PARTIAL FIXES
• Before giving the penalty, ask if they had other penalties in the
tournament and why
• Take into account other possible upgrades or downgrades *
• Give the penalty taking into account the MIPG and previous
penalties if applicable
* Consult with a L3+ at certain tournaments
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
14
Solving the problem
Policy problems (cont.)
• If the players agree, solve the situation
– If a back up is needed: ask the HJ
– If you have to shuffle the library, check if there is any part of
the library already known
– If you have to put a card on top of the library: choose it at
random
• If they disagree with the ruling - or you feel they do -,
offer them the possibility of appealing to the HJ
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
15
Once the problem is solved…
• Tell them they can continue playing. Give them extra time.
• Write the infraction (if needed) on the results slip
-Your Name, Surname/ Player’s Surname, Name / Infraction / Penalty / Explanation
-Make it apart from the table
Miguel Calvo/ Doe, John/GPE-DEC/GL/Drew two cards at
draw step
Sergio Garcia/Doe, Jane/GPE-GRV/W/Cast a spell for the
wrong mana
• Stay close to the table if we believe that could be derived
problems of the situation we had solved.
• Write down the extra time in the Extra time sheet (if used)
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
16
General guidelines
• Positive Attitude
– It will make players feel more comfortable
– Players will have more willingness to call a judge.
•
•
•
•
Try to be as less disruptive as possible for the game
Be always available for giving rulings
Show confidence (eyes contact, voice, body language…)
Don’t be influenced by the players or the vision we have of them
– Players who speak a lot
– Players with bad reputation
• BE ALWAYS AWARE OF THE TIME
– Saving time makes the tournament smoother
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
17
References
• Five Steps to Giving a Professional Penalty – Stelios Kargotis
• Body Language – Daniel Kitachewsky
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
18
Remember that…
Players are not our enemies
11/08/2013
How to give a ruling
19