Lorcana Judge Program - Complete Guide

The Lorcana Judge Program is designed to train and certify competent judges at different levels. This guide details the complete journey, from admission requirements to certification requirements for each level.

πŸšͺ Platform Prerequisites

Before beginning your journey in the judge program, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Register on the platform
  • Submit an exam request in the dedicated tab
  • Be of legal age
  • Adhere to the principles of conduct defined by the game publisher

πŸ›€οΈ Certification Path

+ Apprentice: Lorekeeper (Rules Advisor)

Certification Requirements

  • Qualification Test: 20 questions in 20 minutes
    • β€’ Content: Basic mechanics, basic interactions, basic understanding
    • β€’ Success threshold: 90%
    • β€’ In case of failure:
      • - First failure: 30-day waiting period
      • - Second failure: 90-day waiting period
      • - Third failure: 6-month waiting period
    • β€’ Limit: Maximum 3 attempts per year
  • Additional requirement: Fill in your Discord profile in your candidate area and join the Lorcana Judge Discord server

Annual Maintenance

  • Participation: At least 2 events as a player or apprentice
  • Continuing education: Pass an annual maintenance test covering the latest game mechanics

Note: Annual maintenance requires an individual update and is not automatically verified by the system.

1 Level 1: L1 (Local Judge)

Prerequisites

  • β€’ Hold the Lorekeeper badge

Certification Requirements

  • Advanced test:
    • β€’ Content: Game mechanics, documentation understanding, situation analysis, basic conduct policies
  • Community contribution (one of the following options):
    • β€’ Write a review validated by an Exam Proctor
    • β€’ Make a publication in the field of judging and rules (after contacting the administrator)
  • Personal development:
    • β€’ Obtain a recommendation from an Exam Proctor or L2+
  • Additional requirement: Join the Lorcana Judge Discord server

Annual Maintenance

  • Practice: Judge at least 2 events during the year
  • Community contribution and development (one of the following options):
    • β€’ Write 1 review for other judges
    • β€’ Obtain 1 review from another judge or a TO
    • β€’ Make 1 publication in the field of judging
  • Continuing education: Pass the L1 maintenance test

Note: All reviews and publications must be validated by an Exam Proctor before being taken into account.

2 Level 2: L2 (Regional Judge)

Prerequisites

  • β€’ Hold the L1 badge

Certification Requirements

  • Expert test:
    • β€’ Content: Advanced mechanics, in-depth documentation, complex situations, leadership, customer service, conduct policies
  • Community contribution: All of the following:
    • β€’ Write 1 review for another judge observed during an event
    • β€’ Write 1 self-review covering your skills in: conflict management, teamwork, customer service during a judge call
  • Practical field evaluation: Obtain an advancement recommendation from an L2+ judge during an event with at least 6 Swiss rounds

Annual Maintenance

  • Advanced practice:
    • β€’ Judge at least 2 events during the year
    • β€’ Be Head Judge of at least 1 competitive tournament (which may include one of the previously mentioned events)
  • Community development (one of the following options):
    • β€’ Obtain 1 review from another judge
    • β€’ Make 1 publication in the field of judging
  • Ongoing contribution: Write 1 review for other judges
  • Continuing education: Pass the L2 maintenance test

Higher Levels

3 L3 (Elite Judge)

The precise requirements for this level are under development. This level represents an in-depth mastery of the rules, advanced leadership skills, and a significant contribution to the judging community.

4 L4 (Consultant Judge)

The highest level of the program, reserved for experts who shape the future of Lorcana judging. The precise criteria will be defined by the management committee.

The requirements for these levels are provisional and will be defined more precisely by the management committee that will be established later.

"

Certification is not an end in itself, but a step in your journey to excellence as a judge.

β€” Original Committee of the Lorcana Judge Platform

πŸ“š Detailed Definition of Judge Levels

Each judging level corresponds to a specific set of skills, responsibilities, and expectations. The definitions below specify the role and responsibilities associated with each certification level.

+ Apprentice: Lorekeeper (Rules Advisor)

Role Definition

The Lorekeeper primarily acts as a rules advisor in beginner or small-scale events. They serve as a reference for clarifying basic interactions and game mechanics for local players.

Main Responsibilities

  • Provide clear explanations of the fundamental rules of the game
  • Resolve simple questions about card interactions
  • Assist organizers during local or informal events
  • Promote a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere

Required Skills

  • Solid knowledge of the basic game mechanics (inkwell, challenges, quests, etc.)
  • Understanding of card types and game terminology
  • Familiarity with turn sequence and common keywords
  • Ability to recognize and explain common mistakes

1 Level 1: L1 (Local Judge)

Role Definition

The Local Judge oversees competitive events at the store and local levels, ensuring uniform application of tournament rules and official procedures.

Main Responsibilities

  • Judge local events as head judge
  • Resolve complex card interactions and rule conflicts
  • Issue appropriate penalties for minor infractions
  • Train new players in the rules of the game and tournament procedures

Required Skills

  • In-depth understanding of advanced rules and penalty guidelines
  • Detailed knowledge of card interactions and edge cases
  • Ability to effectively manage tournament time and resources
  • Communication skills to clearly explain judging decisions

2 Level 2: L2 (Regional Judge)

Role Definition

The Regional Judge is an expert capable of managing complex events, coordinating teams of judges, and serving as a reference for advanced technical questions.

Main Responsibilities

  • Lead major regional events as head judge
  • Supervise and mentor other judges (L0 and L1)
  • Resolve complex game situations and rule interpretation questions
  • Ensure compliance with conduct policies and fair play

Required Skills

  • Complete mastery of advanced mechanics and documentation
  • Expertise in leadership and judge team management
  • Excellence in customer service and conflict resolution
  • Ability to make consistent decisions under pressure

3 Level 3: L3 (Elite Judge)

Role Definition

The Elite Judge represents excellence in judging, contributes significantly to program development, and oversees the most prestigious events.

Main Responsibilities

  • Manage national or continental championship events
  • Develop and improve judging procedures and policies
  • Train and certify lower-level judges
  • Collaborate with major event organizers

Required Skills

  • Exceptional mastery of all aspects of rules and policies
  • Advanced capabilities in leadership and judging team management
  • Excellence in investigation and complex problem solving
  • Teaching skills to train other judges

4 Level 4: L4 (Consultant Judge)

Role Definition

The Consultant Judge represents the highest level of expertise and influence in the Lorcana judging program, shaping the future of the program and ensuring its integrity.

Main Responsibilities

  • Oversee the judging program as a whole
  • Contribute to the development of official rules and policies
  • Serve as a liaison between the judging community and the game publisher
  • Lead the development of the training curriculum

Required Skills

  • Undisputed mastery of all aspects of the game and its judging
  • Visionary leadership and ability to manage complex teams
  • Significant contribution to improving the judging program
  • Recognition as an authority in the Lorcana community

πŸ† Certification Process

The Lorcana judge certification process is designed to be rigorous and fair, ensuring that each judge has the necessary skills for their level. This section details the steps to follow to obtain each certification level.

πŸ“ How to Request Certification

  1. Go to the Requests & Reviews tab
  2. Select the My Requests tab
  3. Click on Exam Request
  4. Choose the Certification option
  5. Complete the form with all the information required for the target level

⚠️ Important:

Make sure you have all the necessary elements before submitting your request (reviews, links to publications, recommendations, etc.). An incomplete file will delay the processing of your request.

πŸ”„ Certification Process Steps

1

Initial Request

Submit your request via the candidate space, providing all the information required for the target level.

2

Prerequisites Verification

An administrator reviews your file to verify that you meet all the prerequisites.

3

Exam Assignment

If your request is approved, an exam corresponding to the requested level is assigned to you.

4

Taking the Exam

You take the exam within the allotted time, answering all questions according to the instructions.

5

Results Evaluation

Your exam is evaluated according to the success criteria for the requested level. For higher levels, your community contributions are also evaluated.

6

Level Assignment

If successful, your profile is updated with the new judging level, and you receive the corresponding privileges.

πŸ“Š Summary of Requirements by Level

Level Theoretical Requirements Practical Requirements Community Contribution
+ Lorekeeper
Qualification test: 20 questions in 20 minutes with 90% success rate No prior practical requirement Join the Lorcana Judge Discord server
1 Local Judge
Advanced test on game mechanics and policies Recommendation from an Exam Proctor or L2+ Write a validated review OR make a publication
2 Regional Judge
Expert test on advanced mechanics, leadership, and management Practical evaluation during an event with at least 6 rounds Write a review of another judge AND a self-review
3 Elite Judge
Under development Under development Under development
4 Consultant Judge
Under development Under development Under development

✍️ How to Take an Exam

Exams are the cornerstone of the certification process. Here's how to prepare and take them effectively:

Exam Procedure:

  1. Click on the exam once it has been assigned to you
  2. Carefully read the instructions and note the duration
  3. Click on "Start Exam" when you're ready
  4. Answer all questions within the allotted time
  5. Submit your exam to get your results

⚠️ Warning:

The timer continues even if you refresh the page. Plan for uninterrupted time to complete your exam.

πŸ’‘ Preparation Tips:

  • Carefully study the complete rules of the game and the latest updates
  • Familiarize yourself with the mechanics of recent expansions
  • Practice resolving complex game scenarios
  • Review event policies and penalties
  • Exchange with other judges to share knowledge and experiences

πŸ’« Conclusion

The Lorcana judging program is designed as a continuous learning journey. At each level, you will develop not only your technical knowledge but also your interpersonal skills and your connection with the community.

Remember that the goal is not simply to obtain a badge or title, but to contribute to creating a positive gaming experience for all participants. Your evolution in this program is an opportunity for personal growth and service to the Lorcana community.