Rokman. I find your topic thought-provoking and interesting.
You are allowed to vent your frustrations and they don't offend me at all. So, I'll convo with ya
WHEN I WAS STARTING OUT (as a PokeParent about 5 years ago i think...)
I actually studied the compendium weekly to ensure that I could help MY DAUGHTER learn the rules properly, so she wouldn't feel inadaquate when some bully kid was like "YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW THAT???"
I was REALLY into playing and was just asked to judge one day because I'm so responsible with children.
After awhile, my PTO was like "You should take the professors test. You know all the rules."
ABOUT EXPERIENCE vs. "studying"
What I learned is that you have to PLAY the game alot to really be a solid judge. Understanding the mechanics of decks and matchups (and common techs) makes you a more approachable judge. People can just casually call out a situation with the knowledge that you're well versed in the jargon; you can issue a very quick ruling and they can continue to play on without a hitch.
i.e.
"Hey, Mr. W., can I snipe the night spin Dnoir X if he's been cycloned back?"
Me = "yep"
"Does it become a stadium?"
Me = "nope."
So...
MY response to your topic is two-fold.
1. You have judges that PLAY the game actively. ("Type A")
2. You have judges that don't (or don't have much tournament play experience). ("Type B")
The first type ("Type A") doesn't really need to "study" anything. He just needs to know a few NEW rulings that have come down since his last experience (and it's probably on a card he's currently playtesting anyway). So, rulings come naturally and easily. There are only ruling mistakes made by VERY unique plays and NEW rulings.
The second type ("Type B") is well intended. He is filling a position that nobody else wants. Players play and they want the rankings. Some judges judge so YOU CAN HAVE AN EVENT to play in. So, these judges will make many mistakes and will need to check with other judges to verify rulings.
Be patient with this type (unless they're clueless
AND irritable about it).
Chances are, they already know they're screwing up and they have to just stand there feeling insecure about it. Nevertheless, this is the position they put themselves in so their child can have a fully staffed event.
"THE CARD HOARDER"
Many new pokeparents have no idea about what they're going to get as a reward from judging. I was asked to judge and had to think about it even when someone told me "you get half a box for judging that!" I like to play. Judging takes my edge away and I don't get an opportunity to earn respect from the other players by staying off of the matchup sheets.
There ARE people who judge just to get their kids some cards. I can't really hate on that though Rok. Some parents just don't have the scrilla to cough up a buck and change for a box of cards to keep thier kids fresh in the format man.
Sometimes, that's a strong selling point to get some more judges into your area. "Hey, I know a way you can get your kids some cards." At some point followed by "If you ever have any questions about a ruling, just come to me. Try to read the "Ask the rulings team" threads a couple times per week though. They help you stay current."
ABOUT "STUDYING"
For REAL for real... I'm just not going to sit down and cram the compendium to judge an event.
It's not a 'fun' read. The compendium isn't written in that style.
I'm, actually, worried if a judge next to me says "I studied the compendium every night this week."
THAT would, actually, lead me to think he doesn't know the game very well.
If you play, you know.
I could care less about WHY someone judges. My OWN pet peeve is about anyone who becomes a PROFESSOR or A JUDGE without a good amount of premier tournament experience. It's like learning your craft before you 'level up.' Being an experienced player turned judge just makes sense to me.
ABOUT MISTAKES:
I make them. It's how you deal with your mistakes that makes the difference.
My absolute LAST resort is a warning. I just don't like having to issue any sort of formal reprimand on anyone.
I try to let people laugh, play, and enjoy their time together.
If something comes up and I'm wrong. I acknowledge it and I do whatever I can to repair the game state and get those players going (even if that means issuing a time extension). If I don't know something, I ask (even if I have to sneak by one of our BOSS ranked players and ask).
People don't really mind you NOT knowing something; they just don't want to take any losses because of it!!
Having an ill-equiped judge isn't the real issue. It's having a system in place that allows bad rulings to stay in place and affect the win/loss column. If the inexperienced/unknowledgable judge is willing to learn from mistakes, you'll grow your judge pool and laugh those mistakes off in time.
I've gotta get back to work now...