Judges Code of Conduct

JUDGES

World Barista Championship

This Code of Conduct applies to all WBC Certified Judges (for the WBC 2009 and 2010 Certification Term). This includes WBC certified judges participating in sanctioned National Body barista competitions (both regional and national) as well as the annual WBC Event.

The Code of Conduct requires that all approved and certified WBC Judges must:

  • Comply with this Code and adhere to the WBC Rules and Regulations document and the WBC Organizational Structure and Governance document
  • Support the WBC mission, vision and values.
  • Approach baristas in competition with a constructive attitude, looking for opportunities to reward them and help them improve, grow and develop.
  • Represent the WBC Organization at all times with integrity and a professional attitude and behavior.
  • Recuse him/herself from judging anywhere there may be a real or perceived Conflict of Interest. A Conflict of Interest Exists:
    • If the competitor or judge is or has been an employee of, a relative, close friend, customer, or has had a romantic relationship.
    • If the judge has trained the competitor for competition (with or without a fee).
  • Judges must disclose, by any required any required deadlines, any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Behave ethically, honestly, and with integrity. Respect fellow judges, competitors, volunteers and staff at all times.
  • Approach all competitors, and their selected coffees, with respect and without bias toward nationality, race, language, gender or sexual orientation.
  • Maintain appropriate confidentiality. Do not misuse privileged information in areas sensitive to other judges, competitors, volunteers or staff that might cause harm or embarrassment to anyone.
  • Abide by the laws of the host country and location of the competition and take responsibility for your decisions and behavior at all times. Take full responsibility for any violations and report them to the appropriate WBC committee immediately.
  • Never accept gifts, monetary or otherwise, from competitors or other judges, that could be construed as a bribe.
  • Sensory judges: eat appropriately prior to judging shifts, avoiding foods that could impair or taint ability to accurately taste and evaluate coffee beverages.
  • Sensory judges: Avoid the use of tobacco products/illegal substances prior to and between judging shifts.
  • All judges: Avoid excessive use of alcohol and tobacco products while judging at competitions (including during the days and evenings prior to judging).
  • Come to the competition properly hydrated, and continue to consume water during breaks and between judging shifts.
  • Have sufficient availability to judge at WBC events without excessive time conflicts.
  • Avoid comment or interaction with any media representative, publication or general public in relation to judging, judging decisions, discussions, competitors, volunteers and staff. (Refer all media inquiries to WBC event staff.)

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in revoking of the individual’s WBC Judge Certification.