ACB Presents Brewers of the Realm Homebrew Competition Volunteer Info

Judges and Stewards

If you have registered, log in and then choose Edit Account from the My Account menu indicated by the icon on the top menu.

If you have not registered and are willing to be a judge or steward, please register.

Staff

If you would like to volunteer to be a competition staff member, please register or update your account to indicate that you wish to be a part of the competition staff.

Other Volunteer Info

Volunteer Information
Our competition depends entirely on volunteers. Whether you're an experienced BJCP judge, a commercial brewer, or simply interested in learning more about beer judging, we'd love your help.

Judges
We're seeking BJCP-ranked judges, National Guild of Wine and Beer Judges (NGWBJ) members, experienced commercial brewers and qualified beer professionals to judge entries.

If you're currently studying towards BJCP or another recognised judging qualification and have attended off-flavour training, you're also encouraged to volunteer. Wherever possible, developing judges will be paired with an experienced BJCP judge.

Judges should be prepared to:

• Judge one or more flights of beer
• Provide constructive, legible feedback to entrants
• Work within the BJCP Code of Conduct
• Declare any conflicts of interest
• Eligible BJCP judges will receive experience points in accordance with BJCP competition rules

Stewards

Stewards are an essential part of every successful competition and no previous experience is necessary.

You'll assist judges by:

• Preparing and presenting entries
• Ensuring beers are served at the correct temperature
• Managing score sheets
• Keeping judging tables organised
• Assisting with Best of Show rounds where required
• Stewarding is an excellent introduction to BJCP judging and provides a fantastic opportunity to observe experienced judges at work
• First-time stewards are actively encouraged—training will be provided on the day

Competition Team

We're also looking for volunteers to assist with:

• Receiving and checking entries
• Bottle sorting and storage
• Competition setup and breakdown
• Cellar management
• Data entry and administration
• Awards presentation

What You'll Receive

As a thank you for volunteering, we'll provide:

• Access to refreshments throughout the day
• A complimentary lunch
• The opportunity to taste a wide variety of excellent homebrewed beers (within BJCP guidelines)
• A chance to meet brewers and judges from across the UK to build your network
• BJCP experience points where applicable

Who Can Volunteer?
Anyone aged 18 or over is welcome to volunteer

You don't need to be a judge to get involved. Enthusiastic homebrewers, club members and beer lovers are encouraged to volunteer as stewards or competition assistants.

Competition Day
Volunteer registration opens at 09:30

Judging sessions begin promptly at 10:00 and 13:30.

Lunch will be served around 13:00, with Best of Show judging and awards following the completion of category judging.

(Exact timings will be confirmed nearer the event.)

Code of Conduct

To ensure a fair competition, all volunteers are expected to:

• Treat entrants and fellow volunteers with courtesy and respect
• Maintain confidentiality throughout the judging process
• Declare any conflicts of interest
• Follow the instructions of the Competition Organiser and Judge Director
• Consume alcohol responsibly throughout the day

Preference will be given to volunteers who can attend for the full judging session, as this greatly simplifies judge scheduling.
If your plans change, please let the organisers know as early as possible, as judging teams are carefully balanced.