Adjudicator (Judge)
Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
My name is Michael Empric, and I’m an adjudicator (judge) for Guinness World Records, based out of New York City. I’ve worked for GWR for about four years and traveled throughout North and South America during that time judging record attempts.
Explain a little bit about what the Guiness Book of World Records does.
Guinness World Records is the foremost authority on records, in both human achievement and the natural world. Essentially, we’re the ones who try to document the biggest and best in the world, and share that information with everyone through our books, TV shows, websites and social media channels.
Why is this work important/how does it apply to everyday life for most people?
We have a saying that Guinness World Records is all about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Many of our most successful repeat-record holders are great examples of what you can do with dedication, practice and focus.
What is it like to watch someone break a record? That must be exciting!
As adjudicators, it’s important to always remain impartial. While it’s thrilling for people attempting records, our role is to serve as a referee and make sure all of the rules are followed, not to get excited if they’re successful.
What do you do at the Guinness Book of World Records?
As an adjudicator, my role is primarily to judge record attempts live at attempts throughout North and South America. When I’m not on the road, sometimes I will come into the office to help review evidence that people at home have submitted to Guinness World Records.
What is the coolest thing about your job?
Meeting people attempting records is always interesting, because no two record attempts are ever alike. Also, the opportunity to travel to so many different places is always exciting, because it helps you to appreciate the world, and our diversity.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day doesn’t really exist when you’re on the road adjudicating.
For a typical adjudication, I may leave my home for the airport around 7 a.m. I get to the airport, make it through security and hop on my first flight. Many times, we’re headed to out-of-the-way places, so I’m racing to make a connection or getting re-routed around a storm. Once I land, I’ll usually head over to the attempt venue and meet with the organizers to make sure things are on track, then I’ll eat and check e-mails before bed. On the day of the attempt, it’s often another early morning and then the actual attempt and adjudication process. This can take a few minutes to hours and hours. Then it’s usually back to the airport to do the whole travel process in reverse, usually getting home to New York late that evening or early the next morning.
What kind of training does it take to do your job?
All new starters at Guinness World Records are sent to London for a week of adjudication training. At a very basic level, you learn how a record is defined, what is and isn’t a record and things like that. You also get trained in presentation and speaking skills, media training and how to accurately measure and count for record attempts. You then have to shadow several record attempts before you’re allowed to wear the Guinness World Records uniform and adjudicate on your own.
When/How did you know you wanted to work for the Guinness Book of World Records?
I used to read Guinness World Records as a child, but I never actually thought I’d work for them. I was living in New York several years ago, and job-hunting, when I randomly decided to write Guinness World Records a cold letter telling them I was great and they should hire me… luckily, that worked, and they called me a week later.
What are some challenges you face in your work?
The biggest challenge is the travel. It sounds really fun, but spending days at a time in airports and random hotels is challenging. It’s also hard on your personal relationships, as many times you’re gone on the weekends when everyone else is off having fun. Your friends and family have to be very understanding.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
Living in New York, I like visiting new restaurants and enjoying what the city has to offer. But most of the time when I’ve been traveling for a week, I just want to chill out on the sofa with a book or catch up on TV shows I’ve missed.
What a fun job! Thanks for your time!