USA Judo's application of the IJF Refereeing & Competition Rules Modifications For 2013 – 2016 

Mexico City Seminar 1/26 & 1/27/13 

Details & Clarification

Preface

The content of this document has been reviewed, approved, and accepted by the USA Judo Referee Commission, USA Judo Coaches Commission, and the USA Judo Board of Directors.

It is our hope that you will use this document to guide you and your students in understanding and adopting these new rule changes so that they may compete effectively under these new modifications.

Some suggestions:

1. These rule changes are made by the International Judo Federation (IJF). They are not subject to debate as to whether they should or will be accepted and used by the IJF. They have already been accepted. The first use of the new rules will occur at Grand Slam Paris 2013. It is now our job to accept and implement these changes.

2. The description and interpretations are those that were presented at the IJF/PJC referee seminar in Mexico City, Mexico, on 1/26 and 1/27/13. The seminar was conducted by IJF Sports Head Director, Mr. Vladimir Barta/CZE, and IJF Referee Head Director, Mr. Juan Carlos Barcos/ESP. USA Judo attendees were: Jose Rodriguez, Edward Liddie, Joon Chi, Gary Takemoto, and Robert Fukuda. This document is a collaborative effort among all of the attendees. After reviewing and editing this document, we all agree that this accurately presents the information disseminated at the seminar.

4. The IJF Refereeing Rules are the standard rules used by USA Judo, United States Judo Association, and United States Judo Federation.

5. The changes are pretty straightforward. We suggest that simplicity is the key and that one should not invest too much time in over-thinking over-analyzing them. This document should help to clarify any ambiguities and make the changes easier to understand and accept.

6. We expect that these new rule changes and their interpretations will be somewhat fluid. Especially at the first few events. Please keep that in mind as you train your students to compete under these new changes.

7. Some may feel that this is an attack on or an attempt to make extinct a specific class of Judo techniques. We ask you to keep in mind that - although some of the rule changes over the last few years have eliminated some techniques from contemporary contest Judo - there is nothing to prevent you from teaching those techniques to your students and allowing use of the techniques during randori or other in-dojo activities.

Additional Resources

The IJF has made available some video clips that illustrate some practical examples of the refereeing rule changes at the following URL:

http://refereeusb.judobase.org/live/hidden/app/index.html

The same video clips are being distributed via DVD at clinics around the country.

Clinics Around The Country

The following is an initial listing of referee clinics being given around the country by at least one of the US attendees of the IJF/PJC seminars (as of 1/30/13):

I. IJF Implementation & Evaluation Period:

A. Original Language:

To experiment from the Paris Grand Slam 2013 up to the Rio World Championships (included)
the following items:

B. Important Points:
1. Experimental period start: Grand Slam Paris 2013
2. Experimental period end: 2013 Rio World Championships
3. Evaluation & Review: after 2013 Rio World Championships
4. Decisions about permanent adoption, additional modification, etc.: after evaluation & review

II. Referee and Judges
A. Original Language:

Only one referee on the mat and one referee at a video check table with a radio communication assisted by a referee commission member or another referee will judge the fights. A rotation system will be implemented for the Referees. The Super Jury will interfere only when they consider it to be necessary.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? To the question: will there be only one referee to judge the fight? The answer is clearly no. There will always be three people. Only the distribution of the roles will change. Instead of having three referees on the mat, there will be one referee on the mat and one referee sitting at the table with the video. He will be assisted by a member of the refereeing commission or an other referee, whose expertise in the use of video is recognized. So, there will always be three people to judge a fight. The IJF jury will intervene only in exceptional situations. The sole purpose of this approach is to ensure that the fighter who really won the fight, would leave the tatami as the winner. For this purpose, a direct and clear refereeing procedure on the mat, with a single referee, assisted by another referee and a member of the refereeing commission, must make things more fluid. A Rotation will be organized among the referees to maintain the fairness between the fighters and to ensure an optimal recovery of the referees. The referees will be directly involved in the video assistance.

C. Important Points:
1. One on-mat referee with headset & radio in communication
a. Matside CARE system
b. Super Jury CARE system

2. Matside CARE system
a. Manned by
i. Working referee
ii. Referee commission member
iii. Radio communication with on-mat referee & Super Jury

3. Super Jury CARE system
a. Manned by
i. Head Referee Director
ii. Referee Director
iii. Sports Director
iv. Radio communication with on-mat referee & Matside CARE system crew

4. Working Referee Crew Members Will Rotate In & Out Of Matside CARE System Duty
5. It Is Still 3-Referee System
a. 3 people
i. On-mat referee
ii. Working crew referee (Matside CARE system)
iii. Referee commission member (Matside CARE system)

b. If Matside CARE system crew agree that change needs to be made
i. 2 out of 3 opinions
ii. Use radio to have referee make appropriate change

6. Assessing Hansoku Make
a. If very obvious - assess it
b. If close/marginal - get support from Matside CARE system crew

7. Reasons behind change from 3 referees to 1 referee
a. Having 2 lateral referees does not add to the presentation and is not particularly appealing
on TV or in photos
b. Lateral referees oftentimes create TV & photo camera positioning issues, affecting product
presentation
c. In situations where the 3 referees all have different opinions, it may appear that the team is
not functioning well or is incompetent - negative image, detracts from presentation
8. What Are "exceptional situations"?
a. At their discretion

b. Considered on a case by case basis

c. Generally, when there is a big problem - one that will clearly cause the incorrect athlete
to win the match

A. Original Language:
IPPON: to give more value «to take into account only the techniques with real impact           on the ground on the back».
B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? By definition, a clear ippon is a movement executed with strength, speed, and control, on theback. A return to this definition will be observed, in order to give real value to the objective of any competitor: to score ippon. Judo is a spectator sport as long as the goal is clearly defined.

C. Important Points:
1. Ippon Must Be 100% (largely on back, speed, force, & control)
2. Initial Impact Must Be Largely On Back
a. Landings on side/buttocks & push over to back cannot earn Ippon
b. Generally - rolling landings cannot earn Ippon
3. Must Have More Back Than Before
4. Super Ippon May Have Less Back Due To Over-Compensation In Other 3 Criteria
a. Superior Speed
b. Superior Force
c. Superior Control

A. Original Language:
All situations of landing on the bridge position will be considered Ippon.
B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? Considered as a dangerous technic avoiding to be thrown, any attempt to land (for UKE - the
one, who is thrown) on the bridge position will be considered as ippon for TORI (the one who has
executed the throwing technic).

C. Important Points:
1. Uke Has Clear Intention To Bridge = Ippon
2. Purpose Is To Protect Players From Grave Injury Via Bridging
3. Purpose Is To Dissuade Young Players From Mimicking Dangerous Behaviors

4. No Longer Has To Completely Satisfy Definition Of Bridging For Ippon
5. Only Score Is Ippon - No Need To Extrapolate Score

A. Original Language:

During the fight there will be three Shidos, and the fourth Hansoku-make (3 warnings and the disqualification). Shidos do not give points to the other fighter, only technical scores can give points on the scoreboard. At the end of the fight, if scoring is equal, the one with less Shido wins.
If the fight continues to golden score (due to a draw), the first receiving a Shido loses, or the firstscoring a technique will win.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? In order to avoid that an increasing number of competitors try to win by penalties instead of trying to win with a score, and in order to restore the balance in favor of the scores obtained by judo techniques, the penalty philosophy completely changes. Penalties still exist and after four of them, the athlete is disqualified, as it has been the case until now. However, there are no more parallel
between the scores (yuko, waza-ari) and penalties. The advantage is given to the fighter who attacks
and scores. But if nothing is scored (no technical advantage), the one with the least penalties wins.
Once again, this gives the advantage to the competitor who attempts the most to execute techniques
and who is practicing the least anti-judo.

C. Important Points:
1. Shidos No Longer Earns Positive Scores

2. Score Board/System Should Display Only Shido(s)

a. No longer converting 2 Shidos into yuko
b. No longer converting 3 Shidos into wazaari

3. End Of Regulation Time
a. Golden Score If
i. Earned scores are same
ii. Shidos are same

b. NO Golden Score if
i. One athlete has winning earned score
ii. Positive scores are the same, but one athlete has more Shido(s) than the other

4. Trying To Force Athletes To Compete & Earn Positive Scores Vs. Winning Via Tactics/Penalties
5. Shido Now Effectively A Negative Score For Violator
6. Sogogachi Is Now Eliminated
7. Hantei Is Now Eliminated
8. IJF scoreboard software will be available for downloading from the IJF website

VI. Penalized with Shido:

A. Original Language:

Breaking the grip with 2 hands.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? The take the grip (kumikata) is part of a judo contest. Searching the best kumikata to perform

beautiful techniques is logical and necessary. But to prevent the opponent to grip, if there is no

immediate attack, is not constructive. Recently, it was found that the process of blocking the

opponent became predominant in many fights, leading to long and boring combats. Thus, the

decisions that have been taken aim to correct this. The goal is not to prevent the kumikata work, but

rather to make it active and constructive

C. Important Points
1. Grip Means Holding Onto Judogi
2. Using Knee To Break Grip = Shido
3. Gripping Own Pants & Kicking Own Leg Backwards To Break Grip = Shido
4. Striking/Hitting To Break Grip = Shido
5. Goal Is To Eliminate Only Gripping & Cutting
6. Catching Hand/Sleeve With 2 Hands Is Legal (no grip yet)
7. Use Of Just 1 Hand Is Legal

a. Peeling

b. Snapping

c. Circling

d. Pushing Off

e. Ripping

8. Trying To Force Athletes To Obtain Kumikata Instead Of Just Grip Fighting & Cutting

A. Original Language:

Cross gripping should be followed by an immediate attack. Same rule as for the belt gripping and one side gripping.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page
C. Important Points:
1. Abnormal Grips Require An Immediate Attack

2. Immediate Allows For A Brief Moment/Movement To Setup Attack

3. Abnormal Grips Accompanied By Sticking Leg In Does Not Constitute An Attack

4. Trying To Force Athletes To Obtain Kumikata & Attack

A. Original Language:

The referees should strictly penalize the contestants who do not engage in a quick Kumikata grip or who try not to be gripped by the opponent.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page
C. Important Points:

1. Intent Is Most Important Criterion - Are They Looking To Obtain Grip & Throw?

a. Are they looking & working for their own grip? = OK

b. Are the more concerned with preventing their opponent from obtaining their grip? = Shido

2. Want To Avoid Excessive Grip Fighting - Especially Grip & Cut Pattern
3. Non-Combativity Or Defensive Attitude/Posture Should Be Penalized
4. Determine Who Is The More Negative Athlete
a. Give the more negative athlete the Shido

b. If unable to determine who is the more negative athlete
i. Give Shido to both athletes

A. Original Language:
To hug the opponent for a throw. (Bear hug).
B. IJF Comments From Web Page
C. Important Points:
1. No change in penalty criteria, but there is no free warning. The first infraction is penalized with
Shido
2. Obtain Grips Around Torso With Both Hands Simultaneously = Shido
a. Hand positioning = not relevant

b. Around one or both arms = not relevant
c. Hands clasped, touching, side-by-side, etc. = not relevant
3. Grip With One Hand First, Then 2nd Hand = OK
4. Bear Hug From Side Or Back = OK

A. Original Language:
All attacks or blocking with one or two hands or with one or two arms below the belt in        Tachiwaza.
B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? The aim of judo, as is has already been pointed out is simple: to score ippon. For this, there

are many possibilities, which make judo a spectacular sport, but nevertheless a technical activity. A

greater clarity is needed to make it more understandable by judoka themselves, to make it easier to

judge, but also to make it more affordable to the public. The direct leg grabs were banned from judo

competition in recent years. The effects are obvious: some techniques disappeared for the benefit of

the reappearance of spectacular movements that couldn't be executed due to the position of the

fighters. The exception made for direct leg grab in case of cross grip made the refereeing yet

sometimes complicated, despite the intervention of the video. As such, any attack of blocking below

the belt, during standing work, will now be sanctioned by Hansoku-make, without exception.

C. Important Points:
1. Absolutely No Grabbing, Touching, Blocking Below The Belt At Any Time During Tachiwaza,
including situations of Renrakuwaza attacks, Kaeshiwaza attacks, defending against valid
attacks, while making the transition from tachiwaza into newaza, during cross-guard grip situation, and etc.
2. Use Common Sense In Cases Of Accidental Contact
3. During Newaza Is The ONLY Time That You May Attack, Grab, Touch, And Block Below The Obi.

A. Original Language:

Will continue also outside of the contest area as long as Osaekomi was called inside.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? A lack of consistency was observed due to the fact that an action, in standing work, could

begin within the fighting area and end outside (giving a score), but it was not valid for the ground

work. From Paris Grand Slam on, an immobilization, which starts inside, can be completed outside

the fighting area. The only possibility to stop the immobilization will be to get out of it. Just going

out of the fighting area is not sufficient anymore. It is the same for arm locks and chokes. As long

as they are clearly engaged inside the fighting area (outstretched arm, engaged arm lock or choke

engaged), the conclusion may be held outside. If the arm is not stretched or if there is not throttling,

the combat will stop and start again from the standing position.

Downtime is reduced to make combat more dynamic. Indeed, it is the first 10 seconds of

immobilization that are the most important. In most cases, after 10 or 15 seconds, there is little

chances to escape and abandonment often occur.

C. Important Points:

1. Going Out of Bounds Is No Longer A Valid Means Of Escaping From Osaekomi
2. If Uke Escapes While Osaekomi Is Out of Bounds, Referee Procedure Is To Announce, "Mate"
3. While Out of Bounds, It Is Possible For The Tori To Switch From The Osaewaza To Shimewaza or Kansetsuwaza If
a. It is continuous transition from the osaewaza to shimewaza or kansetsuwaza

b. Its effect is immediate (has to earn Ippon before referee can call mate)

4. If Uke Tries To Escape By Heading Towards The Out Of Bounds Area, Referee May

a. Call "mate"

b. Have athletes go back to their starting positions
c. Consult with Matside Jury or Judges

i. Confirm award of ippon to tori

d. Award ippon to tori & conclude match
e. This is an indication of "maita" or abandonment and deter other athletes from doing so

A. Original Language:

Osaekomi scores 10 seconds for Yuko, 15 seconds for Waza-ari, and 20 seconds for Ippon.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? A lack of consistency was observed due to the fact that an action, in standing work, could begin within the fighting area and end outside (giving a score), but it was not valid for the ground work. From Paris Grand Slam on, an immobilization, which starts inside, can be completed outside the fighting area. The only possibility to stop the immobilization will be to get out of it. Just going out of the fighting area is not sufficient anymore. It is the same for arm locks and chokes. As long as they are clearly engaged inside the fighting area (outstretched arm, engaged arm lock or choke engaged), the conclusion may be held outside. If the arm is not stretched or if there is not throttling, the combat will stop and start again from the standing position. 
Downtime is reduced to make combat more dynamic. Indeed, it is the first 10 seconds of
immobilization that are the most important. In most cases, after 10 or 15 seconds, there is little

chances to escape and abandonment often occur.

C. Important Points:
None

A. Original Language:

The Kansetsu-waza and Shime-waza initiated inside the contest area and recognized as being effective to the opponent can be maintained even if the contestants are outside the contest area.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? A lack of consistency was observed due to the fact that an action, in standing work, could

begin within the fighting area and end outside (giving a score), but it was not valid for the ground

work. From Paris Grand Slam on, an immobilization, which starts inside, can be completed outside

the fighting area. The only possibility to stop the immobilization will be to get out of it. Just going

out of the fighting area is not sufficient anymore. It is the same for arm locks and chokes. As long

as they are clearly engaged inside the fighting area (outstretched arm, engaged arm lock or choke

engaged), the conclusion may be held outside. If the arm is not stretched or if there is not throttling,

the combat will stop and start again from the standing position.

C. Important Points:
1. Now Congruent With Osaekomi Jonai/Jogai

A. Original Language:

3 years for Cadets (this proposal could be reviewed).
Kansetsu-Waza authorized for Cadets.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? To harmonize the age categories, with, amongst other, events such as the Youth Olympic

Games, three years have been planned for the cadets. Based on the analyzes that will be made

(especially on the medical impact), the proposal may be modified.

Cadets are, for many of them, on the eve of an international career. Therefor, it seems obvious that they can practice the arm-locks, in order to prepare for the juniors. In fact, as soon as they enter in the juniors, athletes can participate in senior competitions. They need to be ready.

C. Important Points

A. Original Language:

When entering the tatami area, fighters should walk to the entrance of the contest area at the same time and bow to each other into the contest area. The contestants must not shake hands BEFORE the start of the contest.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? Judo is a sport whose values are worldwide known and recognized. In Judo, there is a

'ceremony', which is accepted by everybody and which is part of the DNA of our sport. It must be respected. It is the symbol of our moral code and it warns against any drift. That the fighters will be asked to really respect the bow procedure as it has been defined since the invention of judo. At the beginning of the bout, they will not be allowed to use other signs than the bow. At the end of the fight, after the bow, the fighters are allowed to shake hands and to congratulate themselves with

respect.

C. Important Points:

1. Bowing Is The Equivalent To A Salute, Handshake, Etc.
2. No Prohibition At The End Of The Contest
3. If athletes attempt to shake or slap hands, the referee may try to verbally ("NO") dissuade them
4. No penalty if they do

5. It is the coach's responsibility to teach and train the athletes in the proper protocols

A. Original Language:

No time limit for Golden Score (Hantei is cancelled).

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? Recently, everybody agreed that too many fights ended in golden score with a referee flag

decision. With the fight common to an end (towards the referee decision), some fighters relied on

that flag decision to decide between themselves, while the goal of judo is and will remain to score

ippon, or at least to score an advantage. To avoid that, the removal of the flags decision (Hantei)

was recorded. The golden score will now be 'open' until a fighter scores an advantage or is

penalized, the decision will be made only on the technical merits of judoka.

C. Important Points:

1. Hantei Is Now Eliminated
2. Tracking Kinsas Is Now Eliminated
3. 1st Score Or Violation Will End Contest (unless simultaneous for both athletes)
4. Apply at all levels in United States, including junior, novice, and masters competition

A. No Change
B. Regulation Contest Time Is 5 Minutes
C. Important Points:
1. This applies to Senior competion

2. Variation for junior, novice, and masters competition is permitted

A. Judogi Control
1. Be Very Strict
2. LOC Is Not Obligated To Provide Spare Judogis - Bring Your Own Properly Fitting Judogis

B. Give More Time In Newaza
C. Yuko

1. Focus On Torso, Especially Upper Torso

2. Not So Much Focus On Legs & Hips

3. On Side With Slight Lean To Front = No Score

4. Collapsing On Arm With No Contact On Side = No Score
5. Watch Elbow On Landing
a. If Uke is trying to post with elbow and elbow is sticking out towards back
i. Probably no score - torso is probably facing a little forward because of elbow

D. Pay More Attention To Crushing
1. Sometimes athlete will "crush" their opponent for tactical purposes vs setting up a real attack

a. to put their opponent in a bad position

b. to be or appear to be dominant & in control

c. to use a & b above to in fact be non-combative or defensive

d. to use this tactic to have the Referee assess a Shido to the opponent

2. Referee Must Determine Intent Of Athlete Doing The Crushing
a. If behavior is negative
i. assess a Shido to the "Crusher"

b. If behavior is positive
ii. NO Shido to the "Crusher"
iii. "Crusher" must attack
iv. possibility of Shido for "Crushee"

E. Virtually Impossible To Have Contest End By Hansokumake With 4 Shidos To Each Athlete

1. Referee Is Considered To Be Incompetent

2. Moments To Effect A Better Outcome For The Match Were Missed

F. Missing Infractions By Uke Immediately Preceding Score By Tori
1. If Tori's Action Results in:
a. Ippon
i. Let it ride

b. Any Thing Else
i. Let action finish - do not take away Tori's advantage
ii. After Mate give Uke correct penalty

A. Original Language

The athlete’s weigh in will be scheduled the day before the competition at 19:00h. A weigh in will be operated the morning of the competition, during the Judogi control, prior to the first fight in order to assess the impact of this new decision on the weight of the athletes during the competition. If the collected data require further experimentation, then it will be maintained. A

procedure will be implemented when a fighter has a weight over a certain weight tolerance percentage. Within his category (weight to be determined with sport doctors) a medical check may be done.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? For many years, it has been an important topic related to the athletes' health. As they are

organized today, weigh-ins force competitors to get up early, or very early, and sometimes to follow

drastic diets until the last minute. The organization of the weigh-in the day before the competition

will be set on an experimental basis. It will determine if it is beneficial and if it helps to protect

athletes from injuries related to too restrictive weight loss. The test will be closely followed by the

IJF medical staff. At any time it will be stopped if the observations are not positive. From the

beginning of the experiment, "weigh-in tests" will be conducted, during the judogi control, to

determine if the weight gain during the night is consistent with the weight categories. Athletes and

coaches will also be asked to explain the changes it brings to their preparation for the competition.

This new procedure should help to reduce to competition day for athletes, coaches, but for the

organizers as well. It must also protect the health of the athletes.

A. Original Language

9 entries in total for men and 9 entries for women. The maximum of 2 athletes per category for men and the same for women. Maximum of total delegation men and women, 18 athletes. For cadets and juniors: same principle for the delegation composition

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? National Federations have the opportunity to enter two athletes per weight category for the

World Championships, as well as for the continental championships. This procedure has been

positive both in number of participants and quality of judo. It has enabled federations, who could

not register athletes in all categories, still to engage their best athletes. In order to give the

opportunity to all national federations to register their best players in the respect of the fairness of

these major events, it will now be possible to register a maximum of two athletes per category, but

delegations may not exceed a total of nine competitors (9 men / 9 women). Slightly reducing the

number of participants, this measure will tighten up the level of the World Championships and

Continental Championships.

XXI. Denomination World Cups

A. Original Language

Name: “Continental” Open of “City”. E.g.: European Open of Roma, Asian Open Ulaanbaatar….

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? The World Judo Tour consists of Judo World Championships, individual seniors, World Masters, Grand Slams, Grand Prix and World Cups. All these events are eligible for points for the world ranking list and for the Olympic qualifications. The World Cups are events organized by the Continental Unions. Thus, in order to make the system coherent and comprehensible and to highlight the work of the Continental Unions, the names of the World Cups (to become Continental Open) will change in 2013.

A. Original Language

10x10 m and 4 meters minimum for safety area for Olympics, Worlds and Masters. Recommended for Continental Championships.

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? To ensure the maximum performance and security for the major world competitions which are organized in venues that allow it. For all other competitions, a combat area of 8x8m will both ensure the performance and the safety, while allowing organizers to host major international competitions of the world circuit.
A 4 meters security area is necessary in regards to the rule that an action initiated inside the fighting area can be concluded outside.

C. Important Points

1. 8M x 8M contest areas with 4M safety areas are satisfactory
2. 7M x 7M contest areas with 4M safety areas are satisfactory for local & regional competition

A. Original Language

3 years for juniors (upgrade 1more year)

B. IJF Comments From Web Page

Why? To harmonize the age categories.

A. Original Language

Only one annual event with IJF ranking list points can be organized in the same country except of World Championships, Masters or Continental Championships. The World Ranking List has been modified, see annex.

B. IJF Comment From Web Page

Why? For instance, if you are organizing a Grand Prix, you can not have a Grand Slam, in the same country, during the same year. This does not concern the World Championships, the World Masters and the Continental Championships.

The scale of points distributed at the world circuit events has been modified (see Appendix) to mark a clear difference between the events.

A. Original Language

Organizing countries should not request fee penalties for countries which cannot make bank transfers but can pay in cash money upon arrival. On the other hand, they should inform well in advance the organizing country and specify the number of participants before the deadline.

B. IJF Comment From Web Page
Why? Not to penalize countries that have no bank transfer facilities.

A. Original Language

Quarter Final / last 8 / repechage for all IJF events (including Master, GS and GP)

B. IJF Comment From Web Page

Why? All IJF events will adopt the quarter-final repechage system. As a consequence, three winners

of their last fight will be present on the podium (instead of one, in the knockout system. The only

‘loser’ will be the silver medalist). It will also raise the interest to the final blocks of the

competitions, whose results will take more value. Finally, it will give a second chance for the

quarter-final losers, while maintaining a compact system of competition.