Is it permissible for a judge to judge beers in a category they have entered?

A judge is expected to maintain impartiality and objectivity in the evaluation process to ensure a fair competition for all participants. Allowing a judge to judge beers in a category they have entered can create a conflict of interest, as they may have biases or vested interests in the outcome. This compromises the integrity of the judging process and could undermine the trust that participants have in the competition's fairness.

By prohibiting judges from evaluating their own entries, the judging process upholds a standard of accountability and transparency, which are essential principles in competitions governed by the BJCP. This ensures that all beers are judged solely on their merits without the influence of personal stakes, enabling a more honest and equitable evaluation.