What should a judge do if they realize they have made a mistake?

When a judge realizes they have made a mistake, the most appropriate action is to acknowledge the mistake and apologize. This fosters a transparent and trustworthy environment within the game, helping to maintain the integrity of the tournament. By openly admitting to the error, the judge demonstrates accountability and encourages a culture of honesty among players and other judges.

Acknowledging mistakes also allows for the possibility of correcting the situation effectively, ensuring that players are treated fairly and that the game proceeds according to the rules. This can help to mitigate potential confusion or frustration among players and reinforces the idea that judges are human and can make mistakes, which is an important aspect of a healthy game environment.

In contrast, ignoring the mistake or failing to acknowledge it can lead to a lack of trust and dissatisfaction among players, while continuing without admitting the error can result in further complications and disputes later on. Reporting the mistake only to the Head Judge may not address immediate concerns from players and could prevent those affected from receiving the necessary resolutions in a timely manner.