What conduct rules apply to judges, and how are panels organised?

Q: What conduct rules apply to judges, and how are panels organised?

Under the SSA Rulebook 2025 (Section 3): Panels Each heat has up to five judges, rotating from a larger panel. A panel of up to seven is the minimum to run an event full-time, and no judge should judge more than three heats without a break. At national championships, accredited judges are selected and paid, and there are no team judges. The most consistent judges may be used for finals. Conduct Check in with the Head Judge at least 15 minutes before your heat. Give full concentration so personal bias is eliminated, and score every wave by every competitor. Don't discuss wave scores or interference calls with other judges. Never comment on a surfer's chances to the public, media or competitors; you may be dismissed from the panel. Stay in the admin area after your last rostered heat until it's tallied and protests can no longer be lodged. An inconsistent judge can be dropped and given other duties at any time (Contest Director on the Head Judge's recommendation), which may reduce their fee. No SSA event staff member may judge a division where they have a conflict of interest, and sponsors' representatives may not judge.

Question

Accepted Answer

Under the SSA Rulebook 2025 (Section 3):

Panels

Each heat has up to five judges, rotating from a larger panel. A panel of up to seven is the minimum to run an event full-time, and no judge should judge more than three heats without a break.
At national championships, accredited judges are selected and paid, and there are no team judges.
The most consistent judges may be used for finals.

Conduct

Check in with the Head Judge at least 15 minutes before your heat.
Give full concentration so personal bias is eliminated, and score every wave by every competitor.
Don't discuss wave scores or interference calls with other judges.
Never comment on a surfer's chances to the public, media or competitors; you may be dismissed from the panel.
Stay in the admin area after your last rostered heat until it's tallied and protests can no longer be lodged.
An inconsistent judge can be dropped and given other duties at any time (Contest Director on the Head Judge's recommendation), which may reduce their fee.
No SSA event staff member may judge a division where they have a conflict of interest, and sponsors' representatives may not judge.