Competition in Disney Lorcana TCG has increased in stakes since its release, giving competitive TCG players a home other than the usual Magic: The Gathering and the other top card games that have been dominating the space for many years.
However, even with official comprehensive rules in place there has been disputes and issues arising in recent tournaments pertaining to players maintaining the honor to adhere to them. There is no doubt having judges will increase the quality of tournaments, but also the cost to maintaining them is high even with MTG abandoning the official support and now with no official governing body.
Despite that, an organization called Lorcana Judges has submitted a proposal to Ravensburger showing their interest in doing so. Check out the full transcript from Discord below, as well as a more detailed, full proposal here.
PROPOSAL: Judge Certification Program
Disney Lorcana has soared in popularity in just over a year, captivating a broad range of fans with its enchanting themes and unique gameplay. Premier events often sell out in seconds, highlighting enormous demand—and an urgent need for more qualified judges. Although Ravensburger hinted at a judge program before the game’s launch, very little has been publicly shared since. The community remains uncertain about whether it’s a priority, even as competitive play thrives.
Players investing time and resources to compete in tournaments expect consistent officiating by individuals who understand the game’s rules, structure, and culture. Equally, judges who forego the opportunity to play in tournaments deserve to be compensated fairly for their time and expertise. Ravensburger recently announced that the Comprehensive Rules will not be updated until late 2025, adding significant difficulty to developing deep familiarity with game rules sufficient to Judge high-level competitions. Without a formal certification framework, events risk employing underprepared officials who must learn on the fly, often undermining player confidence and tournament integrity.
With demand surging in North America, Europe, and beyond, it’s reasonable to assume Ravensburger plans more high-profile competitions. However, a higher volume of events will require a commensurate number of qualified Judges. Disney Lorcana’s mechanics are unique amongst TCGs, and each new set adds complexity that judges must master. Without a reliable education and training process, Organized Play expansion could falter due to a lack of knowledgeable staff.
In response, we offer this proposal as a public blueprint for an official Judge Certification Program. It formalizes the community’s recent call for clarity, accountability, and structure. By adopting a transparent, tiered approach to training and oversight, Ravensburger can ensure events are staffed by competent, prepared officials—and that the vibrant, inclusive spirit of Disney Lorcana remains intact. This system would centralize the efforts of volunteers already serving as Judges unofficially, transforming haphazard efforts into a reliable backbone for Organized Play. In doing so, it would address immediate challenges while paving the way for a more ambitious, rewarding Organized Play environment that has clear room to grow.
