Hello Martin,
I write in response to your recent Blog site article and the IBF coaches revalidation course in January. You pose some interesting questions as to the future of IBF refereeing and interpretation of rules, and I would like to add to this discussion, with some thoughts of my own.
1) Should we stick to the letter of the IJF rule book, follow BJA guidelines or introduce new or different rules to try to modernise Judo?
With the success of the under 8’s rule, I believe this shows that we can be innovative and that we should not be afraid to take the initiative. The experiment at The YJC 50th. Anniversary competition seemed to work well (i.e., entering ground work can only be done, following a successful scoring throw), perhaps this should be the first rule change to be adopted? Unfortunately, I can’t see that following BJA guide lines on age banded competition will work for us, as we just don’t have the numbers for this to work. Surely we would end up with only a couple of competitors in each pool?
If we are to introduce rule changes, either permanently or on an experimental basis, we must communicate this on entry forms, so that there is no confusion on the day, for different associations. Referees also need to meet regularly before competitions so that everybody understands and works uniformly on the interpretation of the rules, both old and new. I know that we try and do this already, but usually, there are only half a dozen officials present, then, through-out the day, others are co-opted to sit in the corners or take charge in the middle, who have not been at the meeting.
2) Scoring system.
I can’t see that changing the scoring system will work. If you try and mix the Japanese terminology with a numerical score, this surely will only confuse things even more. How do you explain to a parent, or novice judoka, that they have 2 Yukos and 10 points, but have just lost to their opponent who has one waz-ari and 7 points?
Points scoring only, would work if the scores were accumulative. But I don’t think this would attract players, as they would feel that for some reason, it was not “traditional Judo”.
3) Referee’s Uniforms
I for one, would love to see referee’s wearing something less formal then a blazer and tie. However, we have got to have something that is the same, worn by all. We have a lot of good, young referees at the moment, who generally look smart in suits, but every-one is wearing something different. Whatever uniform is decided upon, it must be fairly cheap and easily available, as many people just will not go to the expense of buying it. I like the look and appearance of wrestling officials, but perhaps, again, we should try to be different? How about, for example, trying the traditional referees outfit, but with a modern twist? White judo gi trousers, with either a red sombo or green kurash style jacket? Referees could then wear their judo grade belt, or even one of a neutral colour? Nearly every-one will already have this clothing, even if they have not worn it for a while!
4) Grading
Maybe we should take grading a step further, and recognise competition. A judoka could be of a certain grade, but have letters after his/her belt description. E.g. a blue belt E.C. would be a European Competitor. N.C. for National Competition player, E.M. European medallist, N.M. National medallist etc.
Colin Carrott.
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