Several new rules intended to speed things up such as allowing competitors 
to continue with the joi out were implemented at the last world champs. 
Shortened hold down time, faster warnings for delaying tactics, 
disqualification for refusal to attack, allowing the ref to change a call 
without conferencing etc.

It comes down to giving the ref more power to keep the match moving along 
and ensuring a decision within the now shorter match time.

It worked and the entire Judo competition started and finished on time 
throughout.


Jason Cormier wrote:
> At the Sydney Games, after almost every break in the fighting, one or
> both of the Judoka were told to tuck in their joi before action could
> continue. Often, this took a fair bit of time as the judoka had to
> undo their obi and tuck it in before tying it up again.
>
> Yet, watching the judo this time around, I have yet to see a single
> judoka told to tuck it in (except after the match is over). Often,
> they are fighting most of the match with the entire joi hanging loose.
>
> What gives? Is it a change in rules or simply a matter of preference
> by the official?