IJF International Federation Rules:

Competitors and coaches will need to present a vaild USA Judo, USJA, USJF and ATJA memberships

For Complete Rules Click HERE

Events will use a Modified IJF Rule Set

Below is a list of rules that are being modified from the IJF Rule Set. 

Events

These events are designed to give the best possible experience for the athlete. Coaches and referees should work together to create a positive experience for athletes. 

The focus of these events is development and the emphasis is on positive judo (Throws, Pins, Armlocks, Chokes). 

• Refs for kids (U13) matches should be at least a brown belt in judo. Refs for ages 13+ should be at least a  black belt in judo. 
• 1 Ref per mat area. No Care system is used at the events.

BASIC DIVISION MATCH TIMES:

• All Basic Divisions (Youth/Teens/Adult/Veterans) are 3 mins.
• Athletes are encouraged to get up quick and continue. 

INTERMEDIATE DIVISION MATCH TIMES:

• Youth Intermediate are 3 mins
• Athletes are encouraged to get up quick and continue. 

13+ INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED DIVISION MATCH TIMES:

• 13+ Int & Adv is 4 mins
• Clock stops when the Referee says Matte. 

IJF Cadet, IJF Junior & IJF Senior DIVISION MATCH TIMES:

• IJF Cadet, IJF Junior & IJF Senior. 4 mins 
• Follow standard IJF Rules

Veterans Intermediate & Advanced DIVISION MATCH TIMES:

• Veterans Intermediate & Advanced is 4 mins.
• Clocks stops when the Referee says Matte. 
• Athletes are encouraged to get up quick and continue.

GOLDEN SCORE:

• All Basic & Intermediate Youth Divisions - 2 minutes
• If nobody scores at the end of the Golden Score, referee decides the winner
• 13+ (Intermediate & Advanced), IJF & Veterans Unlimited

Coaching

Coaching is encouraged at all times during the matches. 

What does it mean to coach your athlete: 

• All comments from the coach should be geared towards helping your athlete perform a judo technique.
• As long as coaches are being a positive influence over the athlete they will be encouraged to continue coaching. 

Penalties

Basic Divisions 

Shidos will not be handed out for Minor infractions

• Referees will warn judoka about infractions and instruct them not to do so in the future. 
• If a judoka gets 3 warnings for the same infraction they will lose the match. 
• If a judoka gets 3 warnings for different infractions the match will continue. 

Intermediate Divisions

• Referees will use their discretion to give penalties for stalling
• Stalling can include - Running out of bounds, defensive posture, or any action deemed to prevent their opponent from positive judo.
• If a judoka gets 3 warnings for the same infraction they will lose the match. 
• If a judoka gets 3 warnings for different infractions the match will continue.

Advanced and IJF Division

• These will follow IJF Rules

JUDO Uniforms

All competitors must wear a properly fitting gi.

Divisions under 13 years old Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Divisions

• Any color (white, blue, black)
• Any patches/embroidery can be worn as long as it does not hinder opponents ability to grab judo gi or go against the spirit of judo.

Divisions 13+ Basic, Intermediate, Advanced

• Any color (white, blue, black)
• Any patches/embroidery can be worn as long as it does not hinder opponents ability to grab judo gi or go against the spirit of judo. 

IJF Divisions (Cadet, Junior, Senior)

• Follow IJF rules (White & Blue Only)