The judge's main job is to listen, Head Judge Mary Brooks told assembled spellers Tuesday evening.
To the pronouncers, to make sure they're pronouncing correctly. To the spellers, to make sure they understand the word they're supposed to spell.
There are a few things -- like accents and capital letters -- that spellers don't need to worry about onstage, even if their word has them.
"We are all on your side," she said. "If you carry out your responsibilities, truly, your only foe will be the dictionary."