In tournament play, what is the expected conduct of judges?

The expected conduct of judges in tournament play is to remain neutral and fair. Judges are responsible for enforcing the rules and ensuring that the tournament runs smoothly and equitably for all participants. This means they must approach their duties without bias or favoritism, treating all players with respect and impartiality.

Neutrality is essential because it helps maintain trust in the tournament process. Players need to feel that they will be treated fairly, regardless of their skill level or personal connections within the community. By upholding fairness and neutrality, judges help to create a positive environment where players can focus on their games without concerns about potential unfair treatment.

The other potential choices illustrate behaviors that would be detrimental to a fair tournament atmosphere. Playing competitively with players compromises a judge's ability to remain impartial. Publicly favoring certain players could lead to perceptions of bias, fundamentally undermining the integrity of the tournament. Collecting fees from players does not have any bearing on the conduct expected of judges and would detract from their primary responsibilities.