2 Modules

Referees play a vital role in fostering competition among athletes by overseeing contests in a manner that is both fair and safe.

Being a USJF Jr. referee offers a fulfilling and enriching role. In addition to enhancing the enjoyment of judo, refereeing instills crucial life skills such as confidence and decisiveness, proving beneficial in various aspects of one’s life.

The USJF Jr. Referee program consists of two Modules.

Module 1

Module 1 offers a comprehensive introduction to contest rules in judo, covering fundamental aspects such as judo contest basics, bowing procedures, gripping, throw scoring, mat work scoring, common referee hand signals and calls, penalty overview, and scoreboard interpretation. This module serves as a foundational knowledge resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Judo contest rules.The content is organized into three main sections: Procedures, Scoring, and Penalties.

At the conclusion of Module 1;

• You will be able to assemble elements of a judo contest, contest bowing, kumi kata (gripping), judo -gi, referee hand signals and calls and scoreboard basics.
• You will be able to differentiate Tachiwaza Scoring – Ippon and Wazari, Ne-waza Scoring – Osaekomi, Shime-waza and Kansetsu-waza.
• You will examine and distinguish the difference between Shido (Slight Penalty) and Hansoku Make (Grave Penalty).

Module 2

Module 2 provides more contest rule information, including; Referee’s focus, positioning and attire, examples of Ippon, Wazari and Osaekomi and common penalties and their gestures.  The module incorporates three sections: Procedures, Scoring and Penalties.

Module 2 extends the understanding of contest rules in judo, encompassing additional information such as the Referee’s focus, positioning, and attire, along with examples of Ippon, Wazari, and Osaekomi, as well as common penalties and their corresponding gestures.

The module maintains the structure of three main sections: Procedures, Scoring, and Penalties. This comprehensive resource is designed to provide a more in-depth insight into the nuances of judo contest rules, aiding participants in refining their knowledge and skills.

At the conclusion of Module 2, you will be able to;

• Describe the referee’s focus, positioning and attire
• Differentiate Scoring – Ippon, Wazari and Osaekomi
• Distinguish common penalties and their gestures.

Module 1

Module 1 provides a thorough and comprehensive overview of competition regulations in judo. It covers essential elements of a judo contest, including bowing protocols, gripping techniques, scoring for throws and mat work, referee hand signals and calls, penalties, and scoreboard interpretation.

At the conclusion of Module 1, you will be able to;

• Identify contest and referee procedures.
• Recognize and identify scoring in Tachiwaza and Newaza
• Identify the penalties of Shido and Hansoku maki

Module 2

Module 2 expands on the comprehension of judo contest rules, incorporating additional details such as the Referee’s focus, positioning, and attire. It also includes examples of Ippon, Wazari, and Osaekomi, along with explanations of common penalties and their corresponding gestures.

At the conclusion, you will be able to;

• Describe the referee’s focus, positioning and attire
• Differentiate Scoring – Ippon, Wazari and Osaekomi
• Distinguish common penalties and their gestures.

Module 3

Module 3 furnishes additional illustrations of Ippon, Wazari, non-scoring throws, landings, and less common penalties along with their corresponding gestures.

Scoring

Nage waza Scoring

• Ippon or Wazari -Marginal landing examples
• Score or No Score – Continuation examples

Penalties

• Shido (Slight Penalty)
• Shido for an Illegal Move

At the conclusion of Module 3, you will be able to;

• Differentiate marginal landing examples of Scoring – Ippon and Wazari
• Distinguish score and no score landings
• Examine and distinguish penalty for lack of combativity
• Distinguish illegal moves in kumi-kata.

Module 4

Module 4 provides additional examples of Ippon, Wazari, non-scoring landings and less common penalities and their gestures, including direct Hansoku Make.

At the conclusion of Module 4, you will be able to;

• Differentiate marginal landing examples of Scoring – Wazari or no score 90 degree landings and no score shoulder/upper back
• Examine and distinguish penalty for lack of combativity, illegal move and untidy attire or hair
• Distinguish Hansoku-make for dangerous techniques.

Module 4: Scoring

Nage waza Scoring

• Score or No Score-marginal landing examples
• Wazari or No Score 90 degree– marginal landing examples
• Wazari or No Score Shoulder/ Upper Back- marginal landing examples

Module 4: Penalties

Shido (Slight Penalty)

• Shido for a Lack of Combativity
• Shido for an Illegal Move
• Shido for Untidy Attire or Hair

Hansoku Make (Grave Penalty)

• Hansoku-make for Dangerous Techniques  (can continue)

Module 5

Module 5 provides additional examples of Ippon, Wazari, non-scoring landings and less common penalities and their gestures, including direct Hansoku Make.

At the conclusion of Module 5, you will be able to;

• Differentiate opponents counter attack and push down examples
• Examine and distinguish grip below belt at end phase of throws and Kaeshi waza
• Analyze and assess Shido for an Illegal move
• Examine and assess Hansoku-make for dangerous techniques.

Module 5B: Scoring

• Nage waza Scoring
• Counter roll to back examples
• Grip below belt at end phase of throw examples
• Kaeshi waza examples

Module 5C: Penalties

• Shido (Slight Penalty) Shido for an Illegal Move
• Hooking one leg between the opponent’s legs
• Take the judogi in the mouth
• Put a foot or a leg in the opponent’s belt, collar or lapel.
• To kick with the knee or foot, the hand or arm of the opponent
• Both of the contestants are in a tachi-shisei (standing position) and one or both apply kansetsu-waza or shime-waza
• No score and shido for reverse seoi-nage
• Hansoku Make (Grave Penalty)
• Hansoku-make for Acts against the Spirit of Judo (cannot continue)
• To apply kawazu-gake
• To apply kansetsu-waza anywhere other than to the elbow joint
• To fall directly to the tatami while applying or attempting to apply techniques such as Ude-Hishigi-Waki-Gatame
• To reap the opponents supporting leg from the inside
• To make any action this may endanger or injure the opponent
• To intentionally fall backwards when the other contestant is clinging to his back
• To lift the opponent off the tatami and forcefully push him back onto the tatami without a judo technique.
• To disregard the referee’s instructions
• To wear a hard or metallic object