Judo Tournament Guide This is a brief introductory guide to judo tournaments for beginners, spectators and parents. Start of a Contest Prior to a judo contest (shiai) one contestant is assigned a blue obi (belt) or they will be asked to wear a blue Judogi and other will wear a white belt or white suit. After the contestants have bowed and stepped forward, the referee announces hajime (begin) to start the contest. Scoring a Contest Scores Ippon (full point) Waza-ari (almost ippon, half point) Yuko (almost waza-ari) Penalties Hansoku-make (very serious violation, disqualification) Shido (minor violation, warning the first time, then increasing score for the opponent each time) Objective In Judo competition the objective is to score an ippon (one full point). Once such a score is obtained the competition ends. An ippon can be scored by one of the following methods: * Executing a skillful throwing technique which results in one contestant being thrown largely on the back with considerable force or speed. * Maintaining a pin for 25 seconds. * One contestant cannot continue and gives up. * One contestant is disqualified for violating the rules (hansoku-make). * Applying an effective armbar or an effective stranglehold (this does not apply for children). * Earning two waza-ari (half point). A waza-ari can be earned by: 1) a throwing technique that is not quite an ippon (for example the opponent lands only partly on the back, or with less force than required for ippon); 2) holding one contestant in a pin for 20 seconds; or 3) when the opponent violates the rules (shido) three times. If the time runs out with neither contestant scoring an ippon, then the referee will award the win to the contestant who has the next highest score. For example, a contestant with one waza-ari would win against an opponent who scored 4 yuko.     Scoreboards There should be a scoreboard to show the current score and state of play. The scoreboard show the scores for the player playing in blue or white. In adult competitions different coloured judo kits of blue or white are often worn but in childrens Judo normally blue and white belts are used to identify the players. The score board has an area to show the Ippon, Wazari or Yuko scores (shown as I, W or Y) and the number of penalties (Shidos) are normally shown with a light for each of the three shidos. Because in Judo it is always the highest quality score that wins one wazari beats two yukos. Ippon is a winning score no matter what the opponent has scored, or in other words the first to score ippon is always the winner as ippon ends the match. The scoreboard also shows the time left for the contest, in the picture below this is 3 minutes. The clock is stopped during the contest when the referee says matte. There is a separate timer for hold downs (Osaekomi) which records the length of a hold down. The referee uses the hold down timer to award scores for holdowns, 15 seconds = Yuko, 20 seconds = Wazari and 25 seconds = Ippon. A buzzer sounds if a player is held for 25 seconds continually as this wins the bout with Ippon.   Officials The number of officials depends on the level of competition attended, the minimum would be one referee and a scorekeeper/recorder, at larger competitions there may be corner judges and separate scorekeeper and recorders.  Referee The referee ensures the contest is carried out in accordance with the rules and decides on the scores and ultimately on who wins. The referee keeps control of the contest and ensures the players safety as far as possible. The may be corner judges as well to assist the referee with decisions. Other technical officials The competition controller manages the whole event on the day and sorts the players into the relevent pools based one age, weight, sex and ability. The technical recorder runs a mat area and records the scores.  They organise who is fighting who working from pool sheet that lists the players in a pool and records the outcome. The timekeeper/scorekeeper operates the scoreboard and clocks to show on the scoreboard what scores have been given by the referee and assists the recorder. Medical People are also on hand to cope with any medical issues.

Basic Judo Referee Signals   Ippon (full point): Opponent is thrown on the back with force, or held under control on the mat for 25 seconds. Waza-ari (near ippon): Throw is not completely successful, or opponent is held under control for at least 20 seconds. Yuko (almost waza-ari): Throw is partially successful, or opponent is held under control for 15 to 20 seconds. Osaekomi (mat hold begins): Opponent is held under control on his or her back and the time starts. Matte (stop): Match is stopped temporarily and the time clock pauses.