If a judge has entered a beer in a category, what is the ethical action regarding judging?

A judge who has entered a beer in a category must avoid judging that category to maintain ethical standards and ensure a fair evaluation. By abstaining from assessing the category in which their beer is competing, the judge eliminates any potential conflict of interest that could arise from personal bias. This helps uphold the integrity of the judging process, ensuring that all entries receive an impartial and objective evaluation.

While there may be various actions a judge could take, abstaining ensures that the competition remains credible, and the trust placed in the judging process is upheld. This practice reflects the importance of fairness in competitions, where the credibility of the judges is paramount to the respect and legitimacy of the event. Other options, such as modifying scores or requesting to stay silent, do not effectively address the potential conflict of interest and may not sufficiently prevent bias.