As judges progress through the NASDA Judge Advancement Program, their level of responsibility, decision-making, and independence increases.

Stage	Primary Purpose	Independence
Shadow Apprentice	Learn and practice	Judge of Record makes official decisions
Supervised Apprentice	Judge with oversight	Apprentice makes decisions under supervision
Provisional Judge	Develop through independent judging	Approved to judge independently
Licensed Judge	Maintain competency	Fully independent within approved privileges

The Important Transition

For MemberPress, I would actually turn the next part into four large stacked cards rather than another table:

SHADOW APPRENTICE
Learn & Practice

“What would I do if I were the judge?”

↓ Increasing Responsibility

SUPERVISED APPRENTICE
Judge With Oversight

“I am the judge. Now I need to make the decision.”

↓ Increasing Independence

PROVISIONAL JUDGE
Judge Independently

“I can make this decision independently.”

↓ Continuing Responsibility

LICENSED JUDGE
Maintain Competency

“I am responsible for maintaining the knowledge and skills necessary to continue making these decisions well.”

Key Takeaway

Advancement isn’t simply about completing assignments. Each stage represents NASDA’s decision to give the judge greater responsibility and independence.