I assume that there is a lot more to working a Grand Prix than just helping judge. What kind of other operations are going on? Would an L1 be out on the floor helping people with rules questions or would they be counting match results? Any info on how these are run and what types of duties need to be fulfilled would be great. Would a Judge fill one role the entire tournament or would they switch from one job to another? Thanks.

Oftentimes an L1 judge at a GP will be assigned to sude events at a GP. Usual tasks include launching on demand events, handling results for on demand events, prepping product/basic lands for draft/sealed, handling the floor judge aspect of the side ecents, and of course pushing in chairs and picking up trash It is certainly possible to get pulled into special tasks as well.

Edited Chris Wendelboe (Dec. 13, 2014 11:26:55 PM)

At a Grand Prix, all the same tasks exist as on a small local event, but on a much larger scale. Rather than having to put up a couple of sheets of paper so that people can find their table for a round, for example, you are likely to have split the pairings into 6 name ranges with 2-4 sheets of paper in each and to stick two copies of each range around the venue in order to avoid the pairings board being such a crush. As a result, judges work in teams in order to get tasks completed efficiently, and being able to have a sufficient grasp of the logistics of a large tournament in order to be able to be in the right place at the right time is massive.

You'll be glad to know that there isn't generally a judge stuck counting match results - result slips are distributed to player tables by the papers teams early in the round, and players (and judges) bring the paper slips back to the scorekeeper when matches are done. The scorekeeper enters results into DCIR as they come in and, with the exception of judges helping to sort slips late in the round at a large GP (so that we can find them again if there are problems), the only judge involvement in monitoring tables comes right at the end of the round, when the scorekeeper provides a judge responsible for coordinating end of round procedure with a list of tables which are still outstanding.

Judges very rarely fill one role for the entire tournament, unless this is fulfilling a specific request either from themselves or from the TO to the head judge. You'll normally be on a different team each day, and every team has a whole range of tasks which you will be expected to help out with.

As Chris says, in most events it is unusual for a level 1 to be on the Grand Prix main event - because level 1 judges have no requirement to know the IPG, we avoid putting them as floor judges on high-profile Competitive REL events such as Grand Prix where possible. Side event tasks are hugely varied and can often be more important to the Tournament Organiser and more logistically demanding, especially if you end up involved with on demand events in happy hour! It's often more interesting than the main event as a result!

That is all very helpful information. I am considering applying for Grand Prix Las Vegas. Is there anything I should do to increase my chances of being accepted?

L2 judges are much more likely to be accepted for Grand Prix for L1, so the biggest piece of advice would be to look at the prerequirements to test for L2 and work on getting Competitive REL experience. Make sure that you know the IPG, that you have floor judged with other judges and on Competitive REL events, and start writing reviews. If you can show that you are a competent floor judge at Competitive REL and you have people who can vouch for that, you have a much greater chance of being accepted.

If you cannot make L2 prior to Grand Prix Las Vegas there is still no reason not to apply. Especially for an event of it's size there is a high probability that some number of L1s will be on staff. I know that we had almost 10% of our judge staff for Grand Prix New Jersey that were L1s, though I am not certain how many of them planned on testing for L2 over the weekend (which, I hear, helps your chances of getting on staff).

For a L1, there are two major things that help increase the chance for selections at a GP–any GP, not just Vegas:

1) Previous work with that TO
If the TO does other events in your area, work those events. If a TO knows your name (in a positive way), that helps separate you from the pack. Working with a TO at other events is the easiest way to be known and also shows your skills and interests.

2) Don't be boring
“Hi, I want to judge your GP” is a terrible cover letter. Instead, talk about what it is about that GP that has you excited. Having something about the GP that has you excited will help you convey your energy and passion. Don't be shy about letting the TO see that energy–it implies you'd be exuding positive energy at the event.

There's also a helpful third item.

3) Be realistic
“I want to judge your GP to get TL experience for my L2 test” is not realistic–that's not the experience you need to reach L2. Also accept that you likely won't be on the main event a whole lot. However, many good TOs are thrilled to have reliable L1s working at the GP making sure that customers have a great time in side events. A L1 dedicated to makes side events exceptional is a valuable asset. Don't be shy about including in your application a relevant note if you're happy being a dedicated sides judge.

Frankly, working side events at a GP is actually more likely due to variety and opportunity to get you the experience that will best help you reach L2.