Florida Judo Ki no Fuda's Referee Corner
![[Dr. Jigoro Kano Picture]](kano.jpg)
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First, I would like to thank anyone who has the courage to try to referee a Judo contest. As one IJF-A Referee told me recently, "Judo is the hardest sport to referee because it is the only sport that I am aware of that the referee and judges are basing decisions on the intent of the players when the players are try to compete with each other." I agree with that statement. Second, I would like to talk about teamwork. Not just about the referee team, but working with the technical officials. Remember to show them respect, as much respect as you want from them. Remember most days the referees get to switch out to get at least a short break. But most tournaments the technical officials sit at the table all day with very few, if any, breaks. I would recommend any referee to be a table worker at a tournament so you know how they feel. Make sure that everyone can see your signals by doing a 1/4 turn as a referee; this helps the team, both Judges and the table workers work more efficiently. Keep the players in sight when doing the 1/4 turn. And also remember that you can and should use 2 hands when calling a score for a throw and osae-komi at almost the same time. Don’t shorten the score call to get to the osae-komi call. My father, John R. Ellis, who was also a referee, once told me, "If the 3 officials are to work as a team, they must first all have the best possible view of the contestants from their positions on the mat. Since the judges cannot move around to get a better view, the referee must be careful not to stand between either judge and the action. Only a judge who can see the contestants can help the referee." This was some very good advice. I can't say it any better than that. There must be constant communication between the judges especially after the players go to the ground or after the referee makes a call. This is a non-verbal communication. This does not mean that you need to have a lot of conferences. If you have any questions, just contact me at awejudo@rocketmail.com. Yours In Judo David J. Ellis |