I’m a relatively new judge (recognized rank w/ only 1 point), and am excited to be attending my first NHC this year. At this point I’m planning on judging for the second round of the Competition on Thursday, but am wondering if this is realistic.
In selecting judges for the second round, are less experienced judges passed over for more experienced judges? Or is the competition always in need of more judges, regardless of level?
You never know. I think that in general they look for National and above, but I’m sure that varies depending on the number of judges they need.
There were plenty of Certified judges last year and I recall some Recognized. I’m fairly certain they’ll want more experience than you’ve got but you’ve got months to go get some more. At the very least you can steward and watch some of the highest-ranking judges work and taste some great beer. You’ll learn a lot.
cheers–
–Michael
I judged in the 2nd round last year right after I got my exam score back, so it can be done.
I think the decision rode on a few factors: my high test score (and recommendation from a GM2), my experience points (I had enough to be Certified right out of the gate) and the fact that a lot of judges who committed could not come due to the conference selling out so quickly.
YMMV, obviously. Email the judge coordinator and ask!
It is true that the competition organizers generally fill the judging slots with the most highly ranked judges available. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t volunteer to judge. Good luck.
Thanks for the encouragement, all. I’ll volunteer to judge, and indicate my willingness to steward if no judging slots are available for lower ranked judges such as myself. Either way it’ll be some good experience (and points toward a higher rank!).
It never hurts to volunteer to steward. At the very least you will learn from more experienced judges and there is the possibility of sampling some of the beers.
I always try to make it a point to share beers with my stewards when I get an exceptionally good example of the style OR a very distinct classic example of an off flavor. IMHO, those both offer the very best learning experience for everyone.
Steve
I’m in the same boat as the OP (Recognized with 1 pt). I tried to register with no luck. Is it to late to volunteer? I was hoping to steward at the very least.
Mike,
Try this link to register to be a judge or steward at the Final Round: http://www.brewingcompetition.com/final/index.php?section=register&go=judge
I just tested it and it’s working fine.
Geoff
Thanks Geoff! Worked perfectly once I figured out the magic eye test.
Is this the only call for judges or did I miss an announcement somewhere? It seems that they started very early last year, but not so much this year.
I was wondering if anyone had been contacted yet to confirm they are signed up to judge?
The only confirmation I have is the note that pops up on the website telling you that you have completed the judging registration. I’m sure they will be formulating the judge assignments in the next few weeks. I expect that we will hear something a week or so beforehand.
It would be quite nice if notice was received more than a week in advance. If I’m not judging on Thursday I’d like to know sooner than later, so that I can fill the day with other things beery.
Rest assured we have a lot of people properly signed up to judge. Some confirmation is a good suggestion, though. We will try to send an email to people who are in the system and confirm we have them.
Alternatively, people can always log in under the email address they used and check to make sure that they are signed up as judges.
I’m not sure that we will have everything nailed down too much more than a week in advance. But we will get assignments out at least a few days ahead of time. This will also let you know if you are not needed to judge and are free to drink in all that Philly has to offer.