According to the BJCP guidelines, what determines if a novice judge can evaluate entries?

The ability of a novice judge to evaluate entries in a BJCP-sanctioned competition is contingent upon authorization by the judge director. This authorization is crucial as it ensures that novice judges have met the necessary training and educational requirements established by the BJCP, allowing them to partake in the judging process responsibly and effectively.

The judge director is responsible for overseeing the judging team and ensuring that the judges are equipped to provide fair and knowledgeable evaluations of the entries. This oversight helps maintain the standards of the competition and fosters an environment where judges can learn and improve their skills under appropriate guidance. Other aspects such as the location of the competition, the number of entries, or the experience of the steward do not directly influence a novice judge's ability to evaluate entries as these factors do not pertain to the qualifications or training of the judges themselves.