As you will know, I am spanish, nidan and referee (so good referee :-) ). I
would like to now your impressions about the changes of the rules of
comeptitions. Since JEJU games, some things have change in refereeing and I
would like to know if this rules have been introduced in your countries.

The most important changes, for me, that both chui and keikoku disappear as
sanction. Only shido (soft sanction) and hansokumake (hard sanction) remains
as sanction. Soft sanctions are when there are any infraction of the combat
tactics (false attack, lack of combativity, pocket catching, gun catching,
do-jime, defensive attitude, etc...). Hard sanctions are when there are some
danger for personal integrity of any of contestants and/or is against the
Spirit of Judo (doing Kawazu-gake, doing kansetsu-waza anywhere but elbow,
do not hearing referee instructions, etc...). Now, shido is the only
sanctino that we could hear during a combat. A shido will be a koka for the
opponent; two shidos, a yuko; three shidos, a waza-ari. The next shido will
be be automatically a hansokumake for infractor (four shidos = ippon).
Anyway, a hansokumake can be called in any moment of the combat.


As far as ritsurei is concerned, IJF has proposed that both contestant only
have to do "rei" when they are on their combat position and under the
control of the referee. If a contestant doesn't do "ritsurei" Referee should
"invite" (calling "rei!") to do it. Ritsurei when contestant go in on combat
zone are not required.

Other change is about "medical calling". When some contestant needs medical
assistance, chair referees will stay on their chairs controlling all
situation. Only central referee will stay near injured contestant and
doctor. If needed, central referee can call both chair referees.

Comments will be wllecome.


Personally, I haven't done no competition with this new rules. I think I
will have some problems with news concepts. I will begin the refereeing
season on january, because here in Spain, senior competitio are on novembre
and december (even on january as Spanish Championships). I do not referee
this competitions yet. U23 is the highest cathegory I have been as referee.
I hope I can be on a senior competition on december next year.

Best regards

Angel (Spain)
Nidan