How should a judge handle disputes between players?

The appropriate way for a judge to handle disputes between players is by being impartial and applying relevant rules. This approach ensures that the resolution is fair and based on the established guidelines of the game, rather than personal biases or opinions. A judge’s impartiality is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the event and ensuring that all players feel they are treated fairly.

By adhering to the rules, the judge can provide consistent and authoritative rulings that are grounded in the official policies of the tournament. This helps to promote a positive atmosphere during the event, as players can trust that disputes will be handled according to the same standards for everyone involved, regardless of their reputation or experience.

Other methods, such as favoring players based on reputation, ignoring disputes, or consulting other players, can lead to biased decisions, unfair treatment, or further complications in resolving issues. Each of these alternatives undermines the role of the judge as an impartial authority in the game. Therefore, the commitment to impartiality and the application of the relevant rules is the foundation of effective dispute resolution in a tournament setting.