Disney Lorcana Judge Certification Program Proposal(English)

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Disney Lorcana has soared in popularity in just over a year, captivating a broad range of fans with its enchanting themes and unique gameplay. Premier events often sell out in seconds, highlighting enormous demand—and an urgent need for more qualified judges. Although Ravensburger hinted at a judge program before the game’s launch, very little has been publicly shared since. The community remains uncertain about whether it’s a priority, even as competitive play thrives.

Players investing time and resources to compete in tournaments expect consistent officiating by individuals who understand the game’s rules, structure, and culture. Equally, judges who forego the opportunity to play in tournaments deserve to be compensated fairly for their time and expertise. Ravensburger recently announced that the Comprehensive Rules will not be updated until late 2025, adding significant difficulty to developing deep familiarity with game rules sufficient to Judge high-level competitions. Without a formal certification framework, events risk employing underprepared officials who must learn on the fly, often undermining player confidence and tournament integrity.

With demand surging in North America, Europe, and beyond, it’s reasonable to assume Ravensburger plans more high-profile competitions. However, a higher volume of events will require a commensurate number of qualified Judges. Disney Lorcana’s mechanics are unique amongst TCGs, and each new set adds complexity that judges must master. Without a reliable education and training process, Organized Play expansion could falter due to a lack of knowledgeable staff. 

In response, we offer this proposal as a public blueprint for an official Judge Certification Program. It formalizes the community’s call for clarity, accountability, and structure. By adopting a transparent, tiered approach to training and oversight, Ravensburger can ensure events are staffed by competent, prepared officials—and that the vibrant, inclusive spirit of Disney Lorcana remains intact. This system would also recognize volunteers already serving unofficially, transforming haphazard efforts into a reliable backbone for Organized Play. In doing so, it would address immediate challenges while paving the way for a more ambitious, rewarding Organized Play environment that has clear room to grow.

• Uniform Standards of Expertise
  Each judge is trained and assessed according to the same foundational criteria, ensuring consistent rulings and event management across all levels of play.

• Publisher-Led Administration with Community Collaboration
  The certification program is centrally managed, with significant input from experienced community members who help refine policy, mentor new judges, and provide ongoing feedback.

• Tiered Progression
  Judges advance through multiple levels, each reflecting deeper involvement in competitive events, stronger leadership skills, and broader mentorship responsibilities.

• Continuing Education
  Frequent updates to course materials and policies keep judges current with evolving gameplay mechanics, tournament procedures, and community standards.

The system features four levels, each with specific requirements, responsibilities, and scopes of authority. The first level is intended as a very accessible certification that is intended for entry-level Disney Lorcana rules experts. It is perfectly suited for someone exploring involvement in the Judge program or to allow a hobby store employee to become proficient enough in the rules to supervise league play. Subsequent levels are intended to support the increasingly demanding nature of competitive events.

This progression ensures local advisors and highly competitive event officials alike are clearly defined within the same unified framework.

• Role: Acts primarily as a rules advisor in casual or smaller events, helping clarify basic interactions and set mechanics.

• Responsibilities:
  • Completes an introductory course covering fundamental game rules.
  • Passes a straightforward rules assessment.
  • Undergoes periodic refreshers to keep pace with new expansions.

Lorekeepers are not expected to manage larger competitive events, but they often serve as the first point of contact for rules-related questions at the local level.

• Role: Oversees store-level and local competitive events, ensuring consistent application of tournament policies and procedures.

• Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrates thorough understanding of advanced rules and penalty guidelines.
  • Completes supervised practical experience under a more senior judge.
  • Passes a written examination focused on in-depth rules scenarios and officiating philosophy.

Certified Judges typically act as head judges at smaller tournaments and may assist at larger ones under the direction of higher-level judges.

• Role: Serves as an expert official for highly competitive events and as a leader within the judging community.

• Responsibilities:
  • Successfully manages complex events and coordinates judging teams.
  • Demonstrates thorough knowledge of sophisticated rules interactions, tournament logistics, and dispute resolution.
  • Provides mentorship to Level 1 and Level 2 candidates, helping develop their skills.
  • Undergoes an advanced examination process involving detailed scenario-based testing.

Professional Judges are relied upon to ensure high standards of fairness at regional qualifiers or similarly large-scale events.

• Role: Oversees the most complex tournaments, contributes significantly to program development, and maintains the program’s vision and standards.

• Responsibilities:
  • Provides proven leadership across large event formats that involve coordinating multiple judge teams.
  • Produces or refines official educational materials, including exam content, training modules, or policy documents.
  • Actively participates in reviews of judge performance, program governance, and policy evolution.
  • Consistently and tirelessly works to improve the Judge Certification Program, operating independently and without direct prompting. 

Master Judges not only manage highly competitive events but also steer the long-term trajectory of the Judge Certification Program by cultivating best practices and updating training materials and systems.

Once a candidate decides to pursue the next level of the certification, they follow a defined path consisting of:

• Educational Modules
  • Foundational Documents: Comprehensive rulebooks, policy manuals, case studies, and official guidelines.
  • Interactive Courses: Online lectures, tutorials, and practice exercises tailored to each level’s expertise requirements.

• Examinations
  • Written Assessments: Multiple-choice or scenario-based questions measuring rule interpretation, policy understanding, and decision-making skills.
  • Oral or Practical Components (Higher Levels): Evaluations conducted during actual or simulated tournaments, gauging a candidate’s ability to handle unexpected situations under pressure.

• Mentorship and Practical Experience
  • Hands-On Training: Candidates at Level 2 or higher undergo supervised judging at real events, observed by senior judges.
  • Mentor Feedback: Senior judges assess a candidate’s ruling accuracy, communication clarity, and leadership potential before endorsing them for advancement.

• Recommendations
  • Peer and Mentor Endorsements: Professional and Master-level applicants must demonstrate service to the community through training others. Recommendations from mentees may be part of the evaluation, reinforcing the idea that advanced judges play a mentorship role.

• Continuing Education and Renewal
  • Refresher Modules: Judges complete periodic updates to stay informed about rules changes, new card sets, and policy revisions.
  • Performance Reviews: Persistent negligence or repeated errors may lead to temporary suspension, retraining, or decertification.

• Minimum Age: Higher levels are restricted to adults (18+) with the capacity to handle competitive environments. The minimum age for Lorekeepers should be 13+, allowing for broader participation while also allowing for roles with more limited responsibilities.
• Background Checks: Mandatory for CJ and above. Conducted by Ravensburger’s approved vendor and kept strictly confidential.

Exact thresholds and procedures may vary by region, ensuring compliance with local regulations while maintaining uniform expectations of professionalism.

No fees are assessed to participants for exams, training materials, or related administrative processes. All resources, from online modules to official program support, are made available without direct cost to judges. 

Judges participating in these certification levels act as independent volunteers or contractors within local communities, typically engaged by event organizers or stores. This helps preserve flexibility for both judges and organizers, avoiding unnecessary complexities in labor classifications.

Competitive events should require Certified Judges to oversee them. This is to ensure the integrity of the event and further reinforce the value of Judge Certification. This is especially true in the case of Set Championships, where the Head Judge is almost always also the Tournament Organizer. 

• Set Championship or Small Tournaments (less than 128 participants): A Certified Judge (Level 2) is required to ensure consistent enforcement of rules and penalties. They may be supported by other Judges with LK certification. The requirement for a Certified Judge can be temporarily reduced to Lorekeeper during the initial implementation phase of the program. 

• Large Competitive Events (more than 128 participants): A Professional Judge (Level 3) or Master Judge (Level 4) Judges is required to serve as Head Judge. They manage staffing, oversee complex rulings, and provide final arbitration. 

• Mentorship in Practice: Lower-level judges assist senior judges, gaining real-world experience while ensuring adequate coverage at large events.

These requirements help ensure smooth operations and cohesive gameplay experiences, regardless of venue size or prize structure.

The curriculum for each certification level combines theoretical foundations with practical exercises, ensuring judges gain both conceptual clarity and operational competence.

Comprehensive Rules

• Focus on precise interpretations, multi-card interactions, and advanced sequence structures.
• Use of official rulings archives and real-case scenario analyses to refine problem-solving skills.

Tournament Policy and Procedures

• Detailed coverage of event formats, match reporting, time management, and penalty guidelines.
• Emphasis on consistent implementation of policies to foster fair competition.

Communication and Dispute Resolution

• Techniques for delivering clear rulings, de-escalating conflicts, and maintaining professional neutrality.
• Guidance on handling appeals and verifying player concerns regarding ambiguous interactions.

Leadership and Mentorship (Advanced Levels)

• Strategies for coordinating multiple judges, delegating tasks, and overseeing staff performance.
• Methods for training and evaluating newer judges to ensure sustained community growth.

• Online Learning Modules: Each tier has video or text-based lessons to assist with self-study.
• Workshops & Seminars: At higher levels, in-person or online seminars become more valuable.
• Peer Learning & Forums: Encouraging a supportive network where lower-level judges can seek help from higher-level judges at any time.

Periodic Updates: All certification levels require ongoing refreshers or quizzes as new sets and policy updates are released.

Focus:

1. Foundational Comprehensive Rules and Game Mechanics Knowledge
2. Basic Role of a Rules Advisor
3. Familiarity with Disney Lorcana’s Community Code and Organized Play policies

Curriculum Outline:

• Comprehensive Rules (Introductory Focus)
  • Reading and Understanding the Basic Structure
    • Card Types and Terminology
    • Turn Sequence and Key Mechanics (inkwell, challenge, quest, etc.)
    • Simple Interaction Examples
  • Recognizing Common Pitfalls or Frequently Asked Questions

• Gameplay Mechanics & Interactions
  • Keyword Abilities (e.g., Ward, Evasive)
  • Resource Mechanics (Inkwell Basics)
  • Simple Examples of Simultaneous Effects or Replacement Effects

• Disney Lorcana Community Code & Diversity and Inclusion Policy (High-Level Introduction)
  • Core Principles of Respect and Fair Play
  • Diversity & Inclusion Overview: How judges should foster a welcoming environment
  • Basics of Conflict Avoidance and Communication

• Tournament Rules (Overview)
  • Standard Event Structure: Rounds, Match Timers, Reporting Results
  • Basic Penalty Definitions (e.g., warnings vs. more severe penalties)
  • Lorekeeper Role in Casual or Local Events

• Hobby Store Program Requirements & Terms (General Awareness)
  • How Local Game Stores typically operate their Disney Lorcana events
  • General expectations for anyone helping organize or assist in running events
  • Understanding boundaries between store owners, players, and rules advisors

• Play Correction Guidelines (Essentials)
  • Recognizing minor infractions in casual settings
  • Encouraging fair play and simple rewinds without advanced penalty applications

• Online Exam & Continuing Education
  • Single Online Examination Testing Fundamental Rule Knowledge
  • Brief Refresher Modules for Each Set Release to Retain Certification

Focus:

1. Advanced Rules Comprehension
2. Tournament Infrastructure & Policy Application
3. Mentored Introduction to Officiating
4. Alignment with Official Policies & Requirements (18+, Background Check, etc.)

Curriculum Outline:

• Comprehensive Rules (Deeper Coverage)
  • Detailed Exploration of Costs, Effects, and Abilities
  • Advanced Keyword Interactions (e.g., the Bag, advanced enter/exit play scenarios, exceptions)
  • Handling of Corner Cases (e.g., multiple triggers occurring simultaneously)

• Tournament Rules & Event Management
  • Structure & Flow of Competitive Events (Store Play and Premier Play basics)
  • Match Reporting, Tiebreakers, and Round Timings
  • Knowledge of Bracket Formats & Cut to Top X
  • Understanding the Roles (Head Judge, Floor Judge) and Chain of Appeal

• Play Correction Guidelines
  • Differentiating Simple Questions, Rewindable Game States, and Corrective Actions
  • Issuing Warnings vs. More Serious Penalties (Game Loss, Disqualification)
  • Documenting Rulings and Penalties (Basics of Paper or Digital Tracking)

• Mentorship Component
  • Required Practical Experience Under a CJ or PJ’s Guidance
  • Observing Judge Calls and Player Interactions
  • Feedback & Evaluations from Mentor on Communication Skills and Consistency

• Community Code & Diversity/Inclusion (Extended)
  • Addressing Sensitive Situations (e.g., harassment, discrimination)
  • Upholding a Welcoming Atmosphere (not just rules enforcement but fairness for all)
  • Approaches to De-escalation: Balancing a firm stance on policy with empathy

• Hobby Store Program Requirements & Terms (Operational Focus)
  • Coordinating with Store Owners: Pre-event Setup, Player Registration, Prize Handling
  • Event Reporting Responsibilities and Confirming Compliance for Official Sanctioning
  • Maintaining a Positive Store Relationship

• Application of Ravensburger Policies
  • Basics of the Terms & Conditions for Running Events
  • Certification as a Prerequisite for Receiving Official Promotional Materials
  • Background Check Clearance

• Exam & Certification
  • Multiple-Choice Test Covering Advanced Rules Scenarios and Basic Officiating Procedures
  • Practical Event Shadowing & Mentor Sign-Off
  • Inclusion in Official Judge Directory (if passing)

Focus:

1. Complete Mastery of Gameplay and Tournament Rules
2. Leadership & Mentorship Skills
3. Handling of Complex Infractions & Investigations
4. Deeper Engagement with Community and Policy Enforcement

Curriculum Outline:

• Comprehensive Rules (Expert Level)
  • Mastering Complex Rulings with Multiple Considerations
  • In-depth Understanding of Special Cases (e.g., contradictory card texts, edge-case interactions)
  • Adapting Rulings as New Mechanics Are Introduced

• Tournament Rules & Logistics (Advanced)
  • Organizing Larger Premier Events (Disney Lorcana Challenge, Large Tournaments)
  • Comprehensive Scheduling: Multi-day Structures, Staffing, Judge Team Roles
  • Handling Appeals, Dispute Escalation, and Final Rulings with Confidence

• Play Correction Guidelines (Investigation & Severity Assessment)
  • Identifying Cheating vs. Honest Mistakes
  • Investigative Techniques: Interviewing Players, Cross-verifying Gameplay Actions
  • Consistency in Applying Penalties While Maintaining Fairness

• Leadership & Mentorship Emphasis
  • Mentoring Lorekeepers and Newly Certified Judges
  • Running Workshops, Judge Seminars, or Study Groups
  • Providing Written Endorsements and Constructive Evaluations
  • Techniques for Leading a Judge Team (assigning tasks, coordinating floor coverage)

• Community Code & Inclusion (Advanced Cases)
  • Handling Sensitive Complaints, Allegations of Discrimination, or Harassment
  • Cultural Competency: Ensuring Players of Various Backgrounds Feel Safe and Supported
  • Navigating Complex Community Conflicts (e.g., interpersonal disputes at higher-level events)

• Ravensburger Policies & Official Event Coordination
  • Engaging with Official Ravensburger OP Staff or Representatives
  • Assisting Hobby Stores with Complex or Premier Tournaments (conventions, large expansions)
  • Reporting Transparency: Documenting Policy Updates, Clarifications, and Disseminating to Lower-level Judges

• Professional Judge Exam & Peer Review
  • Complex Scenario Exam (written, possibly with short essay justifications)
  • Panel or Peer Review Assessing Event Experience, Mentorship Track Record, Leadership Skills
  • Endorsements from Judge peers (PJ or MJ level required) and mentees

Focus:

1. Highest Level of Rule and Policy Expertise
2. Program Leadership, Content Creation, and Large-Event Management
3. Significant Mentorship Portfolio and Community Contribution

Curriculum Outline:

• Comprehensive Rules (Ongoing Maintenance)
  • Remaining the Go-To Resource for Any Rule Clarification
  • Collaborating on or Reviewing Official Rulings for Potential Rule Updates
  • Constantly Adapting to New Releases, Rare Interactions, and Potential Gaps in Documentation

• Tournament Rules & Policy Development
  • Participating in Shaping or Updating Policy Documents (Tournament Guidelines, Penalty Guidelines)
  • Overseeing Premier Play at the Highest Level (Continental Championships, Regional Events)
  • Conflict Resolution Between Multiple Staff and Judges (team management, appeals committees)

• Mentorship & Program Oversight
  • Serving as a Mentor to prospective Certified Professional Judges, Possibly Overseeing Judge “Groups” or Regions
  • Leading Educational Workshops, Curriculum Building, and Advanced Training Resources
  • Reviewing and Updating Exam Content for Lower Levels

• Community Code & Advocacy
  • Upholding and Modeling Ravensburger’s Diversity and Inclusion Standards at All Times
  • Publicly Supporting Fair Play, Positive Community Culture, and Policy Enforcement
  • Addressing Broad-Level Community Concerns (public Q&As, articles, or meetups)

• Ravensburger Alignment & Policy Implementation
  • Coordinating with Publisher and Official OP Team on Major Announcements
  • Proposing Adjustments to Hobby Store Program Guidelines Where Judges Are Involved
  • Championing International Consistency in Rulings, Event Structures, and Certification Processes

• Major Event Administration & Innovation
  • Constructing Judge Teams for Large-Scale Events; Overseeing Staff Hiring/Assignment
  • Evaluating Event Feedback, Gathering Data to Refine Future Policy and Judge Methods
  • Leading Post-Event Debriefs or Post-Mortems for High-profile Tournaments

• Master Judge Final Review
  • Demonstration of Sustained High-Level Mentorship (a significant number of successfully trained judges)
  • Documented Experience Managing Large, Complex Tournaments
  • Peer and Committee Review of Contributions to Judge Program Growth (curriculum input, articles, content creation)
  • Induction as Master Judge upon Approved Committee Vote

A centralized body, consisting of select Professional and Master Judges as well as publisher-appointed coordinators, manages the certification system. This administrative group:

• Maintains Standards: Updates official documentation, training modules, and examination materials.
• Monitors Misconduct: Reviews reports of impropriety, conducts investigations, and renders disciplinary actions where necessary.
• Implements Policy Changes: Ensures that major rules, structure, or curriculum revisions are tested, communicated promptly, and enforced uniformly.

• Feedback Mechanisms: Judges and players can submit event feedback, request clarifications on rulings, and suggest improvements to policy.
• Regional Coordinators: Experienced judges may serve as liaisons, facilitating events, providing local training, and escalating issues to program administrators.
• Public Database: Hosts lists of certified judges, their levels, and major events officiated, promoting transparency and accountability for everyone involved.
• Uniform Standards of Expertise
  Each judge is trained and assessed according to the same foundational criteria, ensuring consistent rulings and event management across all levels of play.
  

Being a Judge should be worth the time and effort it requires. The economics of the Trading Card Game industry are such that monetary compensation will never be the most compelling aspect of serving as Judge, and most candidates already understand that reality. Fortunately, the relatively modest pay available can be combined with unique, non-monetary compensation in the form of promotional items that will reinforce the most compelling reason to be a Judge: genuine love of the game and its community. 

Judges should receive:

• Non-Monetary Rewards: Judges should receive exclusive promotional items (unique items only for Judges), including special versions of Disney Lorcana cards, apparel, accessories, and merchandise. 
• Recommended Event-Specific Stipends (Organizer-Dependent): The Judge Certification Program should maintain recommended compensation tables for Tournament Organizer use that covers various scenarios. These may include a combination of different compensation options that cover travel reimbursements, meals, or products.
• Long-Term Growth Opportunities: The education and training gained in the Program may provide verifiable, valuable work experience that bolsters the professional opportunities of the participants. 

This multifaceted approach balances altruistic motivation with tangible incentives, reducing turnover and preserving experienced officials for the benefit of the entire player community.

A robust infrastructure is essential for credibility:

1. Centralized Web Portal: Provides all judge resources in one location, including rules, policy documents, training modules, and frequently asked questions.
2. Accessible Advancement Criteria: Clearly outlines how individuals progress from Lorekeeper to Master Judge, removing ambiguity about prerequisites or evaluations.
3. Event Feedback and Appeals: Allows participants to submit post-tournament feedback, which can trigger peer reviews or administrative interventions if concerns arise.
4. Regular Communication: Administrators and regional coordinators issue announcements on new sets, policy updates, and any procedural adjustments.

By emphasizing openness, the program builds confidence among players, judges, and event organizers.

This Judge Certification Program offers a cohesive, publisher-led framework that ensures Disney Lorcana’s competitive scene maintains consistent, high-quality officiating. With well-defined certification levels, rigorous training and testing, and ongoing mentorship opportunities, the program not only establishes uniform standards but also nurtures a thriving community of dedicated judges.

Equipped with clear governance, minimal barriers to participation, and a structured pathway for professional development, this proposal upholds Disney Lorcana’s inclusive spirit while safeguarding the integrity of its tournaments. The result is a supportive environment in which participants can trust the fairness of competition and judges can continuously refine their craft—driving the game’s organized play to sustainable success.

(Author's note: If you support this proposal or have specific feedback, please take a moment to comment on it in the official Disney Lorcana Discord server: Proposal Link)