Judge kits are essential for judges to stay comfy and execute their duties through the day. For large events it is easiest if you have a few things on your person so you don’t have to run across the floor to grab something from the staging area or otherwise.
Water Bottle
Hydrate or “die-drate.” If you or your lead judges have not asked you or others if you have had water lately, then everyone has failed. We do a lot of walking, we need to keep hydrated as our body will use a lot of fluid to keep itself going.
Sling Bag/Waist Bag
A bag is the easiest thing to carry all of your greebles and tools. Find something that you enjoy that fits most of what you need. Keep in mind that if you don’t normally wear a bag you may want to get used to having it on your person. Some people enjoy leg bags as well, however, I find that strapping them on me I lose access to a pocket… So there are trade offs on which is best for your person!
Notebook
A pocket notebook is a great tool. It will help you write down details or gather your thoughts. You can use it to quickly write down table numbers you are working with. Details of an investigation. Things you need to be reminded of, etc. A great tip I have seen veteran judges do is also write down complicated rulings they executed so they can reflect on them later.
Pens and Permanent Markers
With a notebook, you want your own favorite pen. You may want more pens in general as players will inevitably ask you for one (pro tip – pens are generally provided near the scorekeepers! Grab a handful to hand out). A permanent marker is a Judge’s prized tool. Useful to mark pairing boards with end or round time or other notes for players to read, etc. Or even have on hand when you spy Steve Warner or Ryan Miller walking about and want a quick signature 🙂
Portable Battery
A portable battery will save your life more than you think. Phones (and more on this later) will be useful during your judge tasks. Checking discord channels or however your lead will communicate with you. Pinging scorekeeper channels if needed with penalties or missing records. Using it to find missing table reports or even when someone asks “Hey do you know where my table is or where my friend is?” I’d recommend one that is comfortable enough for you to carry with your phone and at least near the size of your phone’s battery. Just remember to charge it in the hotel room!
Other little tools/knick knacks
There are a plethora of other things that you may want to carry with you, here’s a small list you may consider.
- Hand Sanitizer (useful for deck check teams!)
- Disposable Face Masks
- Eye Drops (useful for coverage teams!)
- Top loaders/sleeves (useful for ODEs/sides where people are opening packs)
- Water flavor packets (there are caffeinated ones or electrolyte ones that will help you stay hydrated and energized through the day!)
- Tylenol/Vitamins
Phone/Tablet
Whatever your preferred device, a phone or tablet that is loaded with the latest docs from the Disney Lorcana Resource page will be very helpful. Looking up a ruling quickly if you are unsure or if you want to fact check yourself is always great. Having the data pre-loaded in case of spotty wifi or service will also be very helpful to you.
A Flexible/Patient Mindset
If you thought I was only going to talk about physical items, you’d be wrong! Large events take a lot of flexibility. As a judge you may be pulled onto various teams through the weekend, not to mention that once any singular event of the show is over, that means you might be onto the next team or thing. Flexibility is required for that. Balancing between the needs of one area to the next is what keeps the shows exciting.
Patience with yourself and with others is also very key. As you approach a table that seems to be getting loud, being patient and authoritative will help de-escalate the situation. Or maybe you feel that you need to push things along quickly, just remember, it is better to be a little patient and correct, than hasty and incorrect. Lastly remember that even if you do get something wrong, don’t fret. Be patient with yourself and learn from it.
The last part of this is that when you are at a large show. Whatever you bring, remember to keep yourself healthy. If you are assigned a break, take it, don’t skip them. If you need a break, ask for one. It does nobody any good if you hurt yourself physically or mentally because you pushed yourself too hard. Trust me when I say it doesn’t impress those above you if you are hurt because you did too much. We value those that do great work and know how to take care of themselves to continue to do great work!
Judging with Phil 
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