The WSDC has implemented a Certified Chief Judge Training Program. The goal of this program is to help events avoid violations and penalties caused by their chief judges’ lack of knowledge and understanding of the WSDC Rules, not to train them in “how to be a chief judge”.
This certification ensures that the Chief Judge has demonstrated a thorough knowledge and understanding of the WSDC rules, by participating in the training program and passing a final exam.
If an event director has hired a WSDC Certified Chief Judge, the Event will not receive a violation for WSDC Rules errors that were the responsibility of the Chief Judge to enforce. The Chief Judge Committee will determine any action and/or penalty that may be warranted against the Chief Judge’s error (e.g. they may drop from “Excellent Standing” to “Good Standing” which may result in a drop in designation).
Master Chief Judge
Gold Certified Chief Judge
Silver Certified Chief Judge
Bronze Certified Chief Judge
It is the responsibility of the Chief Judge to provide documentation to the Chief Judge Committee when they meet the experience requirements for a given designation.
The definitions below are effective June 1 until December 31, 2024. Definitions may change effective January 2025.
(1) In “Excellent Standing” with the WSDC. No penalties were given to any Events due to Chief Judge error/issues in the past two (2) years.
(2) In “Good Standing” with the WSDC. In the past two (2) years, an Event received a minimum Penalty due to the Chief Judge not following WSDC rules.”
Loss of Designation
If a Chief Judge causes 2 or more Events to receive a minimum Penalty Level 2, within a 12 month period, the Chief Judge will lose Certified Chief Judge status for a minimum of two years.
Important Note #1:
Any Chief Judge that did not follow WSDC rules in the past two (2) years, and an Event received a minimum Penalty Level 2, (probation and/or a penalty fine) by the WSDC, may take the CCJ training and/or continuing education program. However, they will not be certified.
Important Note #2:
Effective 2025, a prospective applicant who does not meet the requirements, or anyone desiring to enter the Chief Judge Certification process, may take the CCJ Training Course. They will not be eligible for certification until they meet the minimum experience requirements of a Bronze Level. The cost will be $100.
Applicants who have completed the CCJ Training Course and passed the final exam, but are not yet certified, will be tracked by the CJC for verification purposes as the Applicant acquires the other requirements and experience towards Certification.