Can a player appeal a judge's ruling?

Players have the right to appeal a judge's ruling, and this procedure is an important part of ensuring fairness and transparency in tournament play. A player can appeal to the Head Judge, who is usually the most experienced judge at the event and can provide a second opinion on the ruling made by another judge. This process allows for the opportunity to have a ruling reviewed and potentially overturned if there is a valid reason to believe that the original decision was incorrect.

The presence of the Head Judge in this scenario ensures that appeals are handled consistently and according to tournament rules, maintaining the integrity of the event. This structure allows for a clear channel of communication and review, which can help prevent disputes among players and judges.

The other options do not reflect the established protocols for appeals. For instance, stating that rulings are final does not account for the established appeal system. Limiting appeals to only during the next round misrepresents the process, as players can appeal immediately after a ruling if they believe it's warranted. Lastly, while any judge present can assist in clarifying or explaining the ruling, the appeal must specifically go to the Head Judge for a formal review.