LINE JUDGES
However, other problems, while
perhaps smaller, just cling on. One issue
we’ve personally found annoying is
having to rustle up four line judges for
each Gold (and perhaps Bronze) medal
matches. Line judges for medal matches
are not required per USAPA rules but are
strongly recommended under Rule 14.C
and 14.E. The absence of line judges in
medal matches is a big no-no for most
regular tournament players, who don’t
want to expend psychic energy disputing
line calls during a match!
It can get tough to find some judges,
especially late in the day, when many
have left, or are tired, or want to watch
their friends play. Also, a surprising
number of folks are uncomfortable
judging. Finally, in spite of the recent
USAPA publication giving guidelines for
line judging, most folks have not read
those guidelines and many simply aren’t
sure of what’s required from them.
As a result, with few judges to choose
from, and if they are required per the
tournament director, officials take
whomever they can vWB