Translator's Note:

This report discusses feature teams at large events in Japan.

I translated it using Google Translate. Please reply if there's anything strange in the English.

Event situations will vary by region. I hope there are some topics that can be applied to your region.

Thank you.

 

●Could you choose feature teams as your dream job?

 

Have you read Mark Rosewater's article "How to Get Your Dream Job"?

 

It's an article from Making Magic, a WotC series, over 10 years ago.

Your "dream job" exists where three elements intersect: "Stuff You're Good At," "Stuff You Love To Do," and "Stuff Someone Will Pay You To Do."

That article discusses what actions you should take to find and get your "dream job."

Since this article is about judge tasks, let's replace "Stuff Someone Will Pay You To Do" with "Stuff Necessary for the Judge Community."

 

In the Japanese Judge Community, this "dream job" has been realized to some extent.

Especially at large events, the right person is often assigned to the right role based on the judge's characteristics and aspirations.

There are many examples where it's easy to imagine a specific role being matched with a specific judge.

 

However, there is one role in particular that faces a "lack of judges."

This is the "feature team," which we will explain in this article.

 

Although this role is "stuff necessity for the judge community," many judges don't feel it as "stuff you're good at" or "stuff you love to do".

Fortunately, we have a small number of feature specialists supporting this role.

However, very few new judges are interested in joining the feature team.

Currently, the shortfall in team menber is made up by assigning "Who Seems Good At" positions regardless of their personal preference.

 

The feature team is a team with a unique role at competitive events.

We oversee player matches in the feature area and assist coverage staff.

Our goal is to provide the best possible experience for players, spectators, and broadcast viewers.

 

From the outside, the feature area may appear confined to a "cage" at the edge of the event venue.

It may be difficult to understand what goes on there, and it may not seem appealing.

Understandingably, unlike many other judge teams, there is little interaction with outsiders.

From the perspective of other teams, the structure of the feature area did not encourage interest in the appeal and role of feature judges.

 

This report aims to resolve the "judge shortage" on feature teams in the future. 

I want you to feel that features are "stuff you love to do," so I'll explain the appeal and suitability of working on a feature team.

 I want you to feel that features are "stuff you're good at," so I'll explain the specific tasks and skills required of feature team judges.

 

A feature area is not a "cage" confined to the edge of the event venue.

A feature area is a "ship" that sets off from the event venue the outside world.

 

●The Appeal and Suitability of Feature Judges

 

First, I'd like to explain the appeal of judging a feature team and the type of judges who are suited to it.

Feature teams have a unique appeal that's not found on other teams, and if it suits your qualifications, you'll absolutely love it.

To be honest, it might not be for you, but it would be a shame to waste time ignoring its appeal.

You should first understand the appeal, then consider whether it interests you.

 

・Appeal and Suitability 1. Experience the tense action of top players up close.

Feature judges have the privilege of watching top-level players play up close.

You can experience the moments when advanced strategies and precise plays unfold, closer than anyone else.

This tension and excitement are appealing to judges who are passionate about gameplay and strongly player-oriented.

For judges who want to experience the heart of the action, this environment is an irreplaceable draw.

 

・Appeal and Suitability 2: Experience the excitement of the event from the front lines

Feature judges get to experience the highlights of the event, such as the Top 8 and the moment when the winner is decided.

The moment when the players' emotions mix and turn into cheers from the audience is an unforgettable experience for those who love the excitement of an event.

These moments are the climax of a competitive event, where the passion of all participants comes together.

The feature team is a special role for those who want to experience this excitement firsthand.

 

・Appeal and Suitability 3: Experience the sense of unity and accomplishment of program production

Feature judges work with coverage staff to play a part in producing programs that deliver excitement to viewers.

By supporting the progress of matches and providing accurate board monitoring and rulings, they enhance the quality of the broadcast.

During this process, you'll experience a sense of unity as the entire staff, including non-judges, create a program, and a sense of accomplishment through audience reactions.

There's great joy in contributing to a program that reaches beyond the event venue and is broadcast worldwide.

This job is perfect for those who are drawn to teamwork and want to share their passion with many people.

 

・Appeal and Suitability 4: An opportunity to enhance your own visibility

Serving as a feature judge means having your image captured in photos and videos.

Appearing on air and in official records allows you to demonstrate your presence. This is a major attraction for those with a strong desire for self-expression.

Having your work recognized as a judge and leaving an impression on viewers and the community is a highly appealing opportunity for self-realization.

For those who want to express themselves and attract attention, this role offers great satisfaction.

 

・Appeal and Suitability 5: High compensation offers financial benefits 

Feature judges' compensation is often higher than that of other floor judges.

(This depends on the event organizer's discretion, so it's difficult to generalize, but)

Feature tables receive a lot of attention when running competitive events, and compensation is set according to the level of responsibility they pose.

This compensation provides clear benefits, especially for judges who rely on their work for a living or who need to demonstrate the value of their work to their families.

The compensation also has value beyond mere monetary value; it provides the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts are being properly recognized.

 

●Table Judge

Feature teams are broadly divided into two roles: "Table Judge" and "Operations Judge."

 

"Table Judge" directly oversees matches in the feature area and manages each match.

They work with coverage staff to provide introductions at the start of the match and support the match's progress.

They also monitor the game, providing necessary guidance and rulings as a judge.

Judges with no prior experience in feature play are typically assigned to this role.

 

 

●Table Judge Tasks and Required Skills

・Tasks and Skills 1. Game Monitoring Skills

Table Judges are required to accurately monitor game progress.

Their goal is to minimize the impact on the broadcast by pointing out game errors before they occur whenever possible.

To achieve this, they must be familiar with popular decks and game rules, have a detailed understanding of the board state, and be able to assess interactions.

Furthermore, they are expected to be able to proactively predict upcoming plays and potential errors based on deck actions and players' hands.

These skills are closely related to one's own game experience and utilize the perspective of an experienced player.

 

・Tasks and Skills 2. Tournament Policy Application

Table Judges are required to make accurate rulings when violations or other issues arise.

All judges are expected to have good ruling skills, but in feature matches, any incorrect ruling can have a particularly significant impact on the broadcast.

A higher level of knowledge than floor judges is required, including knowledge of the IPG and ability of investigation.

Furthermore, careful double-checking with other judges as necessary to confirm the accuracy of a ruling is also important.

 

・Tasks and Skills 3. Attitude and Maturity

Table Judges are required to be gentlemanly and professional.

As they are the focus of attention for many viewers throughout the broadcast, they must set an example for players and viewers.

Emotional reactions and inappropriate behavior must be avoided, and judges must always remain calm and respectful.

This also includes the courage to intervene without hesitation when a game error or player-to-player conflict occurs.

 

・Tasks and Skills 4. Stress Management

Table Judges are required to demonstrate both mental and physical stability.

A single mistake can have a major impact, so consistently maintaining the required level of performance without major setbacks is highly valued.

Mentally, they must remain unaffected by the tension of being filmed and broadcast, and by the intense atmosphere of serious competition.

Physically, they must be able to maintain continuous concentration despite the unique nature of the job, which requires long periods of standing.

 

●Table Judge Logistics

This section lists logistics specific to feature tables that are not required for floor judges.

This is a basic procedure that all table judges must follow.

As described below, adjustments may be made at the direction of coverage staff, so these should be confirmed for each event.

 

・Inviting Players to Enter and Seat

Invoke players who arrive in the feature area and have them sit at their assigned tables.

Making a seating mistake during a live broadcast can be fatal.

Judges will confirm players' names and seating order aloud twice: before and after they sit down.

 

・Confirmation of Items That Cannot Be Broadcast

Due to intellectual property rights and public order and morals, there are some items that cannot be broadcast worldwide.

For this reason, it is clear and easy to understand that players should put away anything other than their decks and official supplies and put them in their bags.

 

If a player is using sleeves that cannot be broadcast, they will be asked to exchange them for spare sleeves at this point.

If a sleeve exchange is required, special operations such as swapping the main and sub tables may be performed to avoid keeping viewers waiting.

We recommend that all patterned items be confirmed with the coverage staff through the operation judge.

 

It is safest to prohibit non-official supplies from being placed on the tables.

Commercially available beverages are generally allowed to be consumed, but the labels must be removed.

 

・Smartphones

Some players use their smartphones to manage their life totals.

During broadcast matches, it is recommended that players keep their smartphones in their bags whenever possible.

If your smartphone is being broadcast, any incoming calls, such as social media messages, will be broadcast worldwide.

 

・Tokens and Dice

Players may be provided with tokens and dice by coverage staff.

Judges monitor the game, and coverage staff may provide tokens, but please note that players are responsible for managing their card effects.

 

・At the Start of the Game

In general, proceed until the mulligan check, then wait just before the game begins and confirm with the coverage staff before starting.

At tables being broadcast live, it is particularly important to be careful, as the timing of the game start is often adjusted to match the progress of the broadcast.

 

If both players mulligan, the judge will ensure that the correct procedure is followed.

After both players have mulliganed and returned cards to their libraries, the first player will declare their mulligan.

 

・After the match ends

Please remind players that the broadcast will continue even after the match has concluded.

Players should wait until they are sure the broadcast has ended before removing any non-broadcast items or smartphones from their bags.

 

● Operations Judge

The Operations Judge is responsible for facilitating smooth coordination within and outside the team in the feature area, supporting the successful management of matches and broadcasts.

While every member of the team needs to be able to handle table duties, approximately two people per team should be able to handle operations, depending on the size of the event.

Operations tasks are not an extension of table duties but an expanded area, requiring unique skills and perspectives.

(As such, it is difficult to be both operations and table specialist.)

Traditionally, this role has been handled by the feature team leader, but it does not necessarily have to be the leader's responsibility.

 

● Task and Skills of an Operations Judge

・Tasks and Skills 1. Communication with Outside the Team

Operation judge are required to communicate with a variety of stakeholders outside the team.

In the management of competitive events, teams are not independent and often work closely with external parties, such as HJs and other TLs.

Feature teams, in particular, have many opportunities to communicate with people other than judges, such as organizers and manufacturer coverage staff.

Feature selectors must be explained how to use the tools and the desired communication methods, and must always maintain a sense of ownership and support to ensure smooth progress.

It's important to keep in mind that neither the judges nor the coverage staff they work with are necessarily familiar with each other's needs or the tasks of the feature area.

Operation judge must be able to understand each other's knowledge level and position and communicate information effectively.

 

・Tasks and Skills 2. Feature and Coverage Logistics

Operation judge must have logistical knowledge and the ability to adapt flexibly regarding the management of feature areas and coverage programs.

The feature area is where the tasks of judges and coverage staff overlap.

As a result, Operation judge must understand the progress schemes for both the event taking place at the venue and the coverage program broadcast online.

While operations manuals exist for some content, they are highly personalized and often vary in detail depending on the event's scale, organizers, and personnel.

For example, the timing required by coverage staff for game start times varies from event to event.

Operation judge act as a bridge between judges and coverage staff by confirming the necessary information for each event and sharing it with table staff.

Furthermore, coverage staff tasks are constantly being updated to reflect technological advances and shifts in commercial values.

To address this "unfinished" nature, coverage staff must not only repeat past tasks but also flexibly adjust them based on experience.

(This is also why manuals are difficult to create.)

 

・Tasks and Skills 3. Risk Management

Operation judge are required to have a risk management perspective for feature area matches, which are live-streamed worldwide.

Risk management is the process of identifying potential issues in event management in advance and taking measures to minimize their impact.

A 10-minute interruption due to a problem during a game can have an immeasurable impact on the flow of the broadcast and the viewer experience, significantly impacting the business.

For this reason, feature area matches require stricter risk management measures than floor matches.

Operation judge arrange countermeasures to prevent problems before they occur and minimize their impact if they do occur.

One example of this is assigning judges with excellent game monitoring skills, as mentioned above, to immediately identify any rules errors.

Other measures include providing support to ensure the smooth selection of features and arranging for interpreters for players with language barriers, among other things.

Such risk management requires a "what if" approach, forward-looking preparation, and careful judgment. 

 

●Operations Judge Logistics

Here are the actual logistics handled by the operation judge.

A detailed explanation would take too long, but since it's something you can learn by experience, I've just listed it here.

(It ended up looking like Fumi's to-do list.)

 

・Details of the feature area

　・Number and role of match tables

　　*Table A is the main broadcast table, Table C is the sub-broadcast table, Table D is rarely used, etc.

　・Player seating order and sharing method

　・Player entrances and exits and flow

　・Camera angle and wiring considerations

 

・Feature selection and coverage progress

　・Confirm feature sharing method with the feature selector

　・Request the feature selector to maintain the necessary speed at the start of each round*

　　*Because this has a significant impact on the event, the idea is to provide support close to each round.

　・Confirm with coverage staff how match results will be shared.

　・Confirm with coverage staff the standards and verification procedures for items that cannot be broadcast, such as other companies' IP.

　・Confirm with coverage staff the pre-match and game start procedures.

　・Arrange for replacement sleeves with the tournament organizer.

　・Confirm with the tournament organizer instructions on tokens, dice, etc.

 

・Regarding the progress of features between rounds with the judge team.

　・Request SK to share information as soon as matchups are set for each round.

 　　*Delays in this process will delay the entire event.

　・Request HJ to make announcements for each round and share information on how to share features.

　・Request the floor team to lead the floor for each round and share information on how to share features.

　・Ensure a method for contacting all feature-related parties at once (e.g., Discord role settings).

 

・Any other requests to the judge team.

　・Request HJ to share any special information in advance.*

　　*The feature team generally arrives late and cannot attend the morning meeting.

　・Request printed materials from the SK

　　・Floor guide papers

　　・Guide papers for feature players (contents will be adjusted for each event)

　　・Paper deck lists, if decklists are exchanged at the top tables

　　・Papers with "1" through "8" written in large letters (useful for the TOP8 process)

　・Coordinate with the deckcheck team regarding TOP8 checks

 

・Feature Area logistics

　・Share overtime management standards and recording methods

　・Request the tournament organizer to grant all team members melee privileges

　・Ensure that all team members have a means to submit decklists in modes other than melee, if necessary

　・Ensure that team members have a means to contact coverage staff, if necessary

　・Confirm event milestone operations

 

・Check in advance with the HJ, TO, and coverage staff depending on the specifics of the event

　*Please note that certain players may be asked to remain until interviews, etc. are completed.

　・Final match of Day 1 (interviews with all Day 1 winners, etc.)

　・The start of the final Swiss round (IDs may cause delays in broadcast)

　・From the announcement of the TOP8 to its start (calls, photo shoots, interview input, explanations of changes from Swiss, etc.)

　・During the TOP8 (match progress, handling of waiting players, deck handling, etc.)

　・At the start of the Finals (special announcements may be made)

　・From the conclusion of the Finals to the awards ceremony (pay attention to the handling of runner-ups, including winner interviews)

 

・Handling irregularities

　・Specifying the reporting method and scope of irregularities when irregularities occur

　・Identifying players who are seated for physical reasons

　・Identifying players who have difficulty communicating due to language barriers

　・Sharing event progress information with coverage staff as needed

 　　*If the event progresses slowly, broadcast time may be adjusted using existing videos, etc.

 

・Sharing information within the feature team

　・Disseminating the above information to table judges as needed

 

● Hiring Feature Team "Crew Members"!

Feature teams have unique elements that other teams don't have, and therefore offer unique charm and experiences.

If you've read this report and are interested in feature teams, please write about it in your cover letter when applying for our next event.

I look forward to the day we can work together in the feature area.

 

Writing assistance: 

 

Proofreading: Ryuki Matsushita

Thank you to everyone who helped with the interviews.

 

Turn End.

 

Edited Fumiyasu Wakamatsu (Aug. 8, 2025 03:11:28 AM)

Thank you for the fascinating look into Japanese Feature Team in Japanese Large Events!