Florida Judo Ki no Fuda's Referee Corner
![[Dr. Jigoro Kano Picture]](kano.jpg)
First, I again would like to thank those that take the time and energy to referee Judo tournaments. Second, below are some of my personal observations about recent tournaments: 1) Wait for the player to land first before giving a score. It is most embarrassing when you have to wave off an Ippon for a nothing score when the player lands on the stomach. 2) When deciding a score start at Ippon and work downward, NOT the opposite. If in your mind, it could be either an Ippon or Waza-Ari then give the Ippon. 3) Remember the top of the shoulder is a Koka. Some referees tend to forget that one. 4) Be consitant and confident in your calls. 5) Do practice your hand signals with a mirror. Make crisp signals. Do not be half-way between such in the case of Yuko and Waza-Ari. Being in between causes confusion for the table workers, coaches, players, and your judges and it also does not portray a sense of confidence. Yours In Judo David J. Ellis |