Referee Development
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Steps of Development for a Judo Referee
In the United States, the system of rating referees is under the jurisdiction of USA Judo (the USJI), our national governing body. The Northwest Yudanshakai supports the development of its local referees within this system. Ratings progress from local to international as follows:
Local
All judoka are encouraged to referee at local events. Prospective referees should first learn the rules and practice refereeing matches within the local dojo. The next step would be to referee at a local tournament. In addition, clinics are held periodically to help clarify rules and teach refereeing basics such as signals, teamwork and movement on the mat. National and international referees are available at every tournament to help mentor beginning referees.
In January, 2005, the Northwest Yudanshakai implemented a new "Junior Regional" referee program for teenage judoka as en entry point for refereeing. Certified Junior Referees receive a polo shirt in which they can referee at local tournaments. Junior Referees may upgrade to fully certified Regional Referee status by taking the Regional certification test.
Regional
After gaining some experience on the mat, local referees should test to be certified at the regional level. At least two tests are offered annually in the Northwest Yudanshakai, usually at the Obukan tournament (first Saturday in December) and the Budokan tournament (the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend). This examination consists of a written test and performance evaluation. One must be certified for at least one year at the regional level in order to test for national certification.
National
Nationally certified referees are eligible to referee at specific national events, depending on the degree of national certification. There are three official levels of certification beginning with entry at the N-3 level, and progressing to the N-2 and N-1 levels. Those referees with an N-3 rating (or above) are qualified to referee at the Junior Nationals and Junior Olympics. Those referees with an N-2 rating (or above) are qualified to referee at the High School and Collegiate Nationals. Those referees with an N-1 rating (or above) are qualified to referee at the Senior Nationals.
To first receive a rating of N-3, a referee must test at an officially designated examination site. Several testing sites are offered throughout the year across the United States. Candidates take a written test the evening before the tournament and are then evaluated on their performance on the mat. To progress, referees must attend evaluation events where their performance is rated. At the conclusion of each year, all national referees receive an updated rating based upon their overall performance for the year.
International
The International Judo Federation recognizes four levels of officials:
Federation
This is the same as "national" described above.
Regional
Also known as PJU-C, this rating is authorized through the Pan American Judo Union. Referees with a PJU-C rating are qualified to referee at the US Open and at events throughout the Pan American Union, with the knowledge and approval of the US Referees Commission. (Not all unions offer this type of confederation rating. This level is not to be confused with the "regional" certification level within the US.)
Continental
Also known as IJF-B, this rating is authorized by the International Judo Federation. IJF-B referees may referee events throughout the Pan American Judo Union and in other unions as well, with the knowledge and approval of the USRC.
International Also known as IJF-A, this rating is the highest ranking authorized by the International Judo Federation. Referees of this level are eligible for consideration to referee international events such as the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
