What does the Head Judge do?

Under the SSA Rulebook 2025 (Sections 2, 3 and 5), the Head Judge:

• Holds judges' meetings before and during the event for instruction and standardisation.
• Organises the judges into panels so no judge works more than three consecutive heats.
• Identifies judges whose standard (including interference calls) isn't acceptable and, with the Contest Director, decides whether to drop them. Judges removed for sub-standard judging aren't paid.
• May not adjust any judge's scores or advise on scores or interferences while heats are running.
• Keeps the wave count for each heat (or has the spotter do it) and makes sure vest colours are clear to the judges.
• Tries to tell any surfer who was interfered with, over the PA, that they have an extra wave (surfers must still track their own wave count).
• Is responsible for official heat timing, signals when a heat starts, and tells judges when no more rides can be scored.
• Calls an interference only if the panel can't reach a majority, and approves interference announcements before the commentator makes them.
• Is in sole control of the judging area, and decides with the Contest Director on stoppages, contestable surf and re-surfs.