The new Exemplar Program has launched! Its first window for writing nominations has opened and will close in the middle of August. Reflecting on its impact, the legacy Exemplar Program stands as one of the most significant initiatives within the Judge program, fostering appreciation and community. They stay on your profile and can be looked back on to remember those that had an impact on you, and the impact you made on others.

I was privileged to receive a nomination from CJ Crooks during the final Exemplar Wave of the legacy program in the summer of 2018—an acknowledgment I will always value. He wrote,

The existence of the Exemplar Program made this recognition, and several others possible. Now, with the program relaunched, others will have the opportunity to experience such meaningful acknowledgment again.

Perry’s Background

This next part is to give you some context on my time as a Judge and why the Exemplar Program is so dear to my heart.

Do you remember your first encounter with a Judge? My first Judge encounter? It was a life-altering event, good buddy.

There I am, the TCGPlayer.com State Championship in Raleigh, North Carolina (Modern, 100+ Players). I’m there playing a Mono-Green Devotion deck that I’ve been nurturing with a full playset of Genesis Wave. I even splurged on a Verdant Catacombs—because clearly, that’s what’s going to make my deck unstoppable. It did not.

This was 2015. Splinter Twin was running rampant. I went 0-3 faster than you can say “Deceiver Exarch,” and by round 4, I’m just there for the free air conditioning and the existential crisis.

Now, I draw my opening hand for round 4, and guess what? That glorious Verdant Catacombs is staring back at me like the Holy Grail. Excited, I slam that fetch land down like I’m declaring war on gravity—and then I draw. My opponent, who up until this moment was all smiles and casual chit-chat, suddenly morphs into the town crier and belts out, “JUDGEEE!!!” I swear the decibel level could’ve set off car alarms in the parking lot.

So here comes the Judge—black shirt, stern face, with an aura of “I took this job to keep people like you in line.” My opponent explains the heinous crime: I played a land and then drew a card. The Judge looks at me like I just robbed a bank and proceeds to give me a dressing down. Apparently, my innocent excitement was indistinguishable from an elaborate cheating scheme. I try to explain, “I was just excited about my fetch land!” but the Judge shuts me down, “Do it again,” they said, “and we’ll assume you’re cheating and kick you out.”

The rest of that game? A masterclass in quiet quitting. Then, I made the long drive home, accompanied only by the sound of my shattered dreams.

A local store informed me of an upcoming Star City Games Invitational Qualifier (IQ) they hired a Judge for and invited me to assist and test to become a Judge. I prepared thoroughly – purchasing a black button-up shirt, belt, and polishing my black shoes, ensuring a professional appearance inspired by my Marine background.

Over the next week, I immersed myself in studying. I listened to JudgeCast episodes, created an apps.magicjudges account, and reviewed message boards.

Despite all my preparation, I underestimated the multifaceted responsibilities of a Judge, which extend beyond handling rulings and calls to include the overall management of an event. Fortunately, the Judge I collaborated with that day embodied mentorship and patience, taking the time to guide me through the intricacies of the role, including scorekeeping and operational logistics. This immersive experience was invaluable, offering me an opportunity to learn in a supportive environment. This Judge was Exemplary.

This Judge set a new standard from what I’d previously experienced in Raleigh. Approachable, attentive, and fair, they listened carefully to each situation, asked thoughtful questions, and communicated rulings with respect and clarity. Their commitment to fostering a welcoming and just environment left a lasting impression, inspiring me to carry that same spirit forward in my own judging journey.

With their support and guidance, I became a Judge that day. I firmly believe that without the mentorship of this particular Judge, the insights I gained from JudgeCast, and the collective knowledge shared by Judges on Apps, I couldn’t have succeeded.

Exemplary Actions

Everyone’s judge journey begins differently. Sometimes it’s driven by the desire for better-run tournaments at local stores, and other times by moments like Brook’s—or mine. That drive home from Raleigh was the turning point for me. It was in this first encounter (and the grey in my hair) that taught me the moments we create today are the memories we’ll remember tomorrow. Exemplar helps capture that in writing and other memories made when read.

I began by asking about your first encounter with a Judge. Over the years, I’ve heard various stories that don’t always cast us in the best light, and a few that show just how incredible we can be. But unfortunately, those fantastic positive interactions and moments aren’t always the ones that receive the recognition they deserve. When was the last time Reddit had a thread about the great Judge?

In the Judge community, feedback is frequently emphasized. We often focus on pointing out areas for improvement rather than celebrating what went exceptionally well.

That’s where the Exemplar program comes in—it provides us with an opportunity to give well-deserved accolades and highlight the great work being done in a meaningful, visible way. Below are some of the shining moments I’ve celebrated in the legacy Exemplar Program.

Here is one for Angela from Winter 2018. This occurred at a game store in Morganton, North Carolina.

Here is one for Michelle from Winter 2019. This was at her local game store in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Here is one for Sean from Fall 2017. To this day, his preparedness shapes mine each event.

These recognition’s are just a few snapshots of the everyday excellence that often goes unseen. They remind us that impactful judging isn’t always about rulings, it’s about leadership, presence, and care. And that’s exactly what the Exemplar Program helps bring to light. As we bring back Exemplar, we have the opportunity to shape the judge culture together.

Having the chance to do this again, I’ll be honest, it really makes me happy.  I love spotlighting the incredible ways Judges leave their mark and prove that their magic goes far beyond the cards.

If you’ve seen a Judge make a difference lately, whether it was on the floor or a quiet moment of mentorship, take a few minutes to recognize them through Exemplar. Take the time to uplift others, embrace opportunities, and build the future of this incredible judging journey together.

Exemplar makes space for this.