Referees

The referee structure is made up of 8 levels, starting at club level, progressing through to international level. As a referee builds their skills and experience, they have the opportunity to advance through these levels and attend larger, tougher and more prestigious events.

Referee duties include:

As referee:

• Ensuring contests are conducted correctly and safely, following our approved contest rules, and ultimately that the correct winner leaves the mat
• Managing the flow of the contest, starting and stopping the contest and giving scores and penalties as required, supported the judges
• Ensuring the scoreboard is correct
• Explaining the reason for refereeing decisions made

As a judge

• Judges are responsible for assisting the referee and correcting any refereeing errors
• Judges may use the CARE system technology to help make decisions in difficult scenarios, where available or by collaborating with the referee in charge
• The referee and judges are responsible for Ensuring the scoreboard is correct

As referee in charge:

• Overall responsibility for all refereeing matters in the run up to and during an event
• Agreeing the list of referees called to an event
• Deciding the refereeing teams and mat allocations
• Giving the referees and coaches briefings
• Managing refereeing decision appeals or complaints
• Communication with other competition officials and event staff

It’s simple, so long as you are at least green belt and 12 years old, you can take your first steps toward becoming a referee – the first step is to attend a refereeing course where you will be told everything you need to know and take a theory paper to check your understanding.

You are best advised to consult your area refereeing representative or club coach to identify the best course for you.

After the course and theory paper, your area representative will work with you to arrange a practical assessment to confirm you are competent and safe to start refereeing at British Judo events. It is recommended to practice either in your club or at some entry level events as a trainee before the assessment, this isn’t compulsory. Once passed, you are officially a British Judo referee and can begin refereeing at official events applicable to your level.