Judging multiple people simultaneously

[bobbyfearfactor]

What is the maximum number of competitors one person can judge at one time? I don't see any regulation about this, and I have seen judges simultaneously supervise up to 3 competitors at once. It would seem that the judge's attention would be too divided to properly look over all of the solves.

Just curious, since this is not officially outlined in the WCA regulations.

[Erik]

I regularly judge up to 3 - 5 people, but only at 6x6 and 7x7 or long BLD events and also only with permission of the delegate. I am very sure delegates would not like to see every random cuber do this so the best thing to do is always ask the delegate before you do something you are not sure about. The advantage at 6x6 and 7x7 is clear of course, more people available for scrambling, less people bored (and needed) at judging.

[lex]

lol I see, like the olympics. It would be exciting to watch a head-to-head speedcubing race oO

[Cubenovice]

Seems perfect indeed forthe long BLD events provided people are using a screen / stand to block view.

[ThomasJE]

It should only really be one at a time. Maybe judging one competitor for a solve, and then when the cube is being scrambled, the judge can watch another solve. And then when that cube is being scrambled... And so-on should be fine. But three at once... You wouldn't be able to give a fair judging of all three solves. It doesn't take long for someone to twist corners on a Zhanchi when the judge isn't looking. Or to make a move after the timer has stopped, saving a +2. And those circumstances could decide an outcome of a competition. Not all competitors would be competing. So, according to rule 1e2:

1e2) All competitors should be available for judging, if needed by organisation team. Penalty: disqualification of the competitor for the competition.

You could ask the people not solving to judge. So, in theory, you shouldn't need to have someone judge more than one person at a time.

[Goosly]

It doesn't take long for someone to twist corners on a Zhanchi when the judge isn't looking.

Off course you can't judge multiple 3x3 solves simultaneously. The first solve would end before you could even get your second competitor.
I've seen Ron doing it in 5x5 and up