If you would like to apply to be a judge, you do not have to have a character drawn out for the judge application phase, however if you want to we will certainly look at it.
As long as you have an idea for a character we will look it over and consider you (assuming all spots have not been taken)
If you are accepted as a judge then you will be required to draw a ref, but what is required for that I will cover once you're accepted. If you end up being rejected for what ever reason you are still welcome to participate in the competition, even with the same character assuming they fall under guidelines.
and at this time we only have one judge spot left. This will be a water bender. I apologize if you wanted to be an earth bender, but water is the only element left.
I hope I answered what you needed to know, if you have any other questions feel free to ask.