Area Captains - USA-North

What is an Area Captain?

Area Captains are “that person” in their area – they help judge candidates connect with mentors, stores connect with judges, and know the judges and stores in their local areas well. The Regional Coordinator might sometimes connect a store looking for a judge with an Area Captain, or ask an Area Captain for feedback on judges in their area, or how organized play is behaving in their area in general.

Area Captains also have regular meetings and contact with the Regional Coordinator – if the Regional Coordinator is being unresponsive, or did something silly, they are a good channel for feedback.

What don’t Area Captains do?

Area Captains don’t have to solve all problems themselves. They are enablers – they exist to help people connect with other people. They aren’t responsible for certifying or mentoring everyone themselves, and will probably connect you to someone else. That’s what they are supposed to do!

Area Captains don’t arbitrate disputes between stores, judges, players, or Wizards of the Coast. If there is an issue with a judge, contact the Regional Coordinator. If there is an issue with a store doing something like breaking street date, report that to investigations@wizards.com. If you have an issue with a player, write up the details and pass it to the Regional Coordinator, who can open a case with the Player Investigations Committee.

Area Captains don’t force judges to judge events – they help find judges, but judges aren’t required to judge any particular event. Being hired for an event is between the judge and the Tournament Organizer. If a judge has agreed to judge an event and backed out or done something bad related to that event, please contact the Regional Coordinator, who handles conduct disputes. (If you would rather be anonymous or the issue is with the Regional Coordinator, the Magic Judge Feedback Form is available.)

What area is each Area Captain in charge of?

We have a map! It is a little vague – if you aren’t sure who is “in charge” of you, that’s fine. First, Area Captains aren’t “in charge” of anyone. They are leaders, not bosses. Pick one, or both, and keep in touch. You probably were already.

All the areas on the map (and in the Area Captain image links below) are based on urban areas. Those are the core places where a lot of stores are. There are certainly areas not spelled out, and some that are a little ambiguous. If you need help, get in touch with whomever you feel most comfortable with. If it is the Regional Coordinator, or an Area Captain, or a nearby L1 or L2, that is totally fine. The goal is to enable communication, not stifle it.