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Training for your first refereeing award
Your first step into official refereeing will be to attend your first training course, although you may have tried it in the club. Here you’ll learn the basics of what it is to be a referee, a better understanding of the contest rules and how to apply them.
For your first course, pick the level most appropriate to you and your existing experience. If you are in any doubt, your refereeing representative will be able to help you.
- Club Referee Module – Judoka of at least 12 years old and 10th Mon / 3rd Kyu may attempt the Club award
- Area Referee Module – Judoka of at least 15 years old and 15th Mon / 2nd Kyu may directly attempt the Area award
Fast Track options:
- National C Referee Module – Judoka of at least 18 years old and a competitive 1st Dan may directly attempt the National C award
- National B Referee Module – Judoka of at least 30 years old who have had at least 10 senior BJA selections for international events at European Cup or above and won at least two medals at senior European Cup or higher may directly attempt the National B award. International coaches with at least 10 events completed at European Cup or higher and have returned at least two medals with their athletes.
Training for your next promotion
Once you have become experienced at your current refereeing grade, so long as you meet the criteria for the next grade, you’ll be able to apply for promotion by completing the next refereeing module. Before applying, it is recommended that you liaise with your area representative to understand how you are performing and how likely you would be to succeed at the next level.
- Club Referee Module
- Area Referee Module
- National C Referee Module
- National B Referee Module
- National A Referee Module
- Continental Programme
- International Programme
After completing the module, you’ll will attempt a theory paper and practical assessment / assessment programme, all trainees for Club, Area and National C will be offered a second opportunity to pass if unsuccessful on the first occasion.
Continuous Development – National Seminars
The rules of judo continue to be updated and refined by the IJF to meet the needs of modern judo. It is important that our referees remain up to date with the latest interpretation and application of the contest rules to ensure that we continue to apply the highest standards of refereeing and most importantly, that the right player wins the contest.
National seminars are organised each year and are open to referees, coaches and athletes to enable cross education of all groups. The seminars are underpinned with the use of video clips and provide an opportunity for detailed questioning.
It is mandatory for National B and above referees to attend a national seminar at least every two years in order to revalidate. Attendance is optional for National C, Area and Club referees.
Finding and Booking a Course
Most bookings can be made from British Judo’s events calendar by clicking here.
National B and National A modules are normally run once per year based on demand. If a course isn’t listed, please express your interest to your Area Refereeing Representative.