What a Ringmaster does
A Ringmaster is a verified referee. Ringmasters are approved by RingGame staff, can be requested on any match, and are assigned to the staff of tournaments. They watch play, answer rules questions, verify scores and rule on disputes. Ranked matches require a Ringmaster to verify the result — a ranked match without one can't count.
From challenge to result
- Create or accept — challenge a player directly, post an open match anyone can join, or play a tournament match created by the bracket.
- Start — the match goes live once both sides are ready.
- Report — one side reports the final score. Scores can't be tied: every match needs a winner.
- Confirm — the other side confirms the score, or disputes it.
- Verify — for ranked matches the Ringmaster verifies the confirmed score. Unranked matches complete on confirmation.
- Completed — ratings and stats update and both players are notified.
If the Ringmaster reports the score personally, the match completes immediately.
Disputes
If you disagree with a reported score, dispute it instead of confirming and explain why. Add photos or notes from the match page. A disputed match is frozen until it is ruled on by the match's Ringmaster or, for matches without one, by RingGame staff.
The ruling is one of:
| Ruling | Effect |
|---|---|
| Side 1 wins / Side 2 wins | A final score is recorded for that side and the match completes normally (ratings update if ranked). |
| Rematch | The result is set aside and the match goes back to "accepted" so it can be replayed. No rating change until the rematch completes. |
| Void | The match is cancelled with no result. No rating change. |
Every ruling must include a written explanation and is kept on the match record.
Escalation
Rulings are binding. If you believe a ruling broke these rules (not just that you disagree with the call), open a support ticket from the app within a reasonable time and reference the match code. Regional managers and RingGame staff review escalations; staff may overturn a ruling that misapplied the rules.
Conflicts of interest
A Ringmaster should not referee a match they are playing in, and should step aside when they have a close personal or financial connection to a player. Players can ask for a different Ringmaster before the match starts.