After reading, I do not want to get caught up in a back and forth so I will Post the Rules and then the decision making process and that is where I will stop:
7
.2. Marked Cards
Cards in a player’s decks that are clearly distinguishable from other cards in the deck during play are
called marked. A variety of conditions can cause the cards in a player’s deck to become marked. Because
marked cards can give a player foresight into the next card that he or she will draw, the contents of his
or her deck, or the location of a specific card in the player’s deck, marked cards cannot be allowed in a 9
Pokémon Organized Play Penalty Guidelines
Rev: September 1, 2010
player’s deck at a sanctioned Pokémon TCG event. If the problem is caught during deck checks prior to
the start of the event, these errors can be corrected without issuing a penalty.
While considering the severity of penalty to be assessed based on advantage, the tournament staff
should take into account both the markings on the cards or sleeves, and the variety of cards that have
these markings. For example, if five different cards in a player’s deck are marked due to sleeve length, it
is reasonable to assume that little advantage was gained, as knowledge of which cards are in those
sleeves provides very little advantage. However, in the same example, if the cards all have a similar
mechanic, such as allowing the player to search their deck for a Pokémon, significant advantage could
have been gained, so a stronger penalty should be applied.
If a player is required to resleeve a deck due to deck problems, the player should be strongly
encouraged to randomize the deck prior resleeving. In the event that there is a flaw in the new sleeves
that goes undetected initially, randomizing the deck will reduce the likelihood of a pattern occurring.
Players are always responsible for the condition of their cards and card sleeves, even if any problems
were missed by the event staff during a previous deck check.
7.2.2. Major
This penalty applies to a player who has marked cards or sleeves and there is a discernable
pattern to which cards are marked. Because the possibility for a player to gain an advantage is
high, the penalties associated with this category are more severe. Further investigation may be
required to determine if the markings are intentional, or if the player is using accidental
markings to intentionally gain advantage. If this proves to be the case, the penalty should be
escalated to Unsporting Conduct: Cheating, and the appropriate action should be taken.
Placing the deck in card sleeves (if unsleeved) or replacing the damaged sleeves (if sleeved)
usually solves the problem. Marked cards or sleeves should be replaced as soon as possible,
without disrupting game play.
Examples of Marked Cards: Major include:
All of the Basic Pokémon in a player’s deck are parallel holo, causing a slight bend down
the center of the card. This creates a pattern which allows the player to identify Basic
Pokémon when the cards are face-down, at rest.
A card in the player’s deck was damaged, and has created a visible wear mark on the
back of the sleeve along the damaged area, allowing the card to easily be identified
while face-down.
The sleeves on all of the Special Energy cards in a player’s deck are slightly longer than
the rest of the sleeves.
Recommended Starting Penalty:
Tier 1: Multi-Prize Card
Tier 2: Game Loss
For both players, it was determined there was an unintentional defined pattern to the markings.
In Martin's case, all Pokemon Collector had a crease down the middle of the sleeve in the same position and all of the Cyrus' had several creases down the sleeves. The rest of the sleeves had normal wear and not significant. These cards were easily identifiable when laying out prizes or randomizing the deck. Since States is a Tier 2 Event, the appropriate Penalty is a Game Loss in Swiss which could have been carried over to a Match Loss in Top Cut. The HJ, PTO, and myself weighed every option and determined the a Match Loss/DQ would be too harsh due to feeling it was unintentional.
In Kyle's case, 10 out of 12 Energy Cards had factory flaws in the sleeves and was unintentional on the player's behalf. The flaws gave a significant advantage, however, the determination as was with Martin's, was to go with a similar penalty.
The HJ and I had no knowledge they two players were playing each other in Top Cut until after the fact. Additionally, both sleeve scenario's were reviewed by numerous Judges during Top Cut deck checks and the result was the same in defining the cards marked. Judges did this without prompt or knowledge what they were looking for other than an issue with the deck.
I firmly stand behind the HJ and PTO on their determination of only a GL in Match Play which at least gave the Player the chance of playing and not a Ruling determining your final position. This is something all Judges Learn from experience and correct when possible.
As for Judging in General, we are flawed, but do the best to our abilities to provide a forum for Players to Play. Judges are volunteers and do so for the love of the game and the desire to grow the brand. Deck Checking is a learned tool in the Judges box. Therefore some flaws can get through initial deck checks if a lesser experienced Judge, who may have vast knowledge of the game, has little experience deck checking. Judges must learn each area of the game just as players much learn each area of a deck. A Judge has much to cover to become elite and also much to handle when the time comes. I stand behind my Judges and the decisions made. A Player always has the right to appeal to the HJ if they feel they are receiving a Penalty unfairly. Also, Player ALWAYS have the right to contact P!P if they deem necessary.
To the community in large, be aware that PTOs, TOs, Judges, Runners, and CPU Staff are there for the event and also because they enjoy providing a Forum for everyone in this community to gather. Without Staff there would be no Events, and without Players there would be no reason for Staff. We need each other and lashing out at one side or the other is just unhealthy.
Personal note: If I have, in your opinion, unjustifiably taken away something from anyone in this community, I sincerely apologize. My wife recently reminded me why I started getting into Pokemon, for my Family. Who knew over 10 years my family would extend globally. At OK States this year, I tried to make things as light and Fun as possible fro all involved. It was a Great Event in all and I can't wait for next Year!! Thanks to the Staff for your time and dedication to this Game! Thanks to Roy for providing a Great Venue as always. Thanks to the Players for bringing your best and putting it on the line, there were some amazing matches!! And Special Thanks to my Wife for reminding me to have FUN and be FAIR! She let's me be a kid and allows me to enjoy my Hobby!
Fish
