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Attached is a summary of the changes to the Contest Rules of the IJF which were approved at the IJF Congress in London on December 9, 1978. These are taken from my notes, and so the wording may differ slightly from that which will appear in the new IJF Handbook which will go to press immediately. These changes will become effective on January 1, 1979.

Most of the changes are minor, and involve clarification of existing rules. There are, however, some points which are worthy of special mention.

ARTICLE 2: The addition to this article presents a choice to the organizers of large tournaments and is intended as a time saving measure. It simply means that the organizers may choose to provide red and white regulation judo belts instead of the light-weight sashes we currently use. Competitors would then remove their own belts and wear only the red or white judo belt. There is no question that this would assist the referees by making the competitors easier to identify, and would certainly save time whenever the competitors adjust their costumes. I would ask organizers to remember, however, that a tournament is not held for the benefit of the referees, but for the competitors. This is a highly emotional issue. The belt is a symbol of achievement, and most competitors form an attachment to their own. In addition, the color of the belt has specific meaning where white is the beginner and red is the almost unattainable master. The alternative has been provided. I strongly suggest that you consider the consequences very carefully before you make use of it.

ARTICLE 29: There is now a fairly detailed explanation of procedures to be used in non-combativity situations, which differ from the wording in Article 24. For the calls of Koka, Yuko, Waza-ari and Ippon, there is definite action on the part of the competitors and the referee. One of the contestants attempts a throw with some degree of success. This alerts both referee and judges and they glance quickly at each other to note some difference of opinion. Non-combativity is entirely different because it is triggered not by action but by lack of action; when the officials are looking, not at each other but at the competitors. A judge who feels that a warning or a penalty is in order cannot expect his fellow judge to be looking in his direction; therefore, he is permitted to stand, if necessary, to attract the attention of the referee or the other judge. I would ask judges to bear in mind that, as set forth in Article 16, the referee has the sole responsibility for conducting the contest, and that the determination of non-combativity lies within that responsibility. The judges are there to assist him. Only in extreme cases should a judge take it upon himself to usurp the authority of the referee.

ARTICLE 30: Two new paragraphs have been added to the prohibited acts, under the heading 'Serious infringements.' They are both based upon recommendations by the Refereeing Subcommittee arising out of investigation into the causes of major injuries in past competition.

ARTICLE 36: In the assessment of Yusei-gachi, where all recorded scores are equal,- the award will no longer be given to the competitor who has had the least severe penalty recorded against him. The referee will now call Hantei and the decision will be made based upon the attitude or on the skill and effectiveness of the techniques. This is a very important change, making the penalty exactly equivalent to its corresponding award, rather than giving the penalty additional weight in arriving at a decision. Please bear in mind that the word 'attitude' covers both the physical and the mental position of the contestants. Therefore, all other things being equal, a match could be awarded to the competitor who has maintained an upright posture, or the one who has created a general impression of good sportsmanship.

ARTICLE 38: The amount of medical time has been reduced to a total of five minutes for each competitor during a match. Further, the tying and retying of bandages is now specifically included in such medical time. Therefore, whenever the referee permits a competitor to re-tie a bandage, with or without the assistance of a doctor, he will so instruct the time keeper. This is a change in the responsibilities of the timers, who will now be required to maintain a record of the amount of medical time which has been used by each competitor. I am aware of any changes to the IJF Sporting Code to cover this new responsibility, although there may have been some which I missed. I would suggest that, pending further interpretation, this responsibility be assigned to the osaekomi time keeper, since injuries are less likely to occur during an osaekomi situation than in a standing position. I would also suggest that a separate stop-watch be provided for each contestant, clearly marked as red and white. I have another question regarding this rule change. The language leads one to believe that it applies solely to cloth or elastic bandages; common sense suggests that rubber inner tubes, adhesive tape and other types of protective padding would also fall into this category. I will request a ruling on this as soon as possible and pass it on to you.

ARTICLE 40: Removal of the commentary to this article has, in my opinion, raised a new question. Who is now responsible for the decision to withdraw or continue? I do not believe that the referee should take any part in such determination, and would suggest that you continue as you have in the past. That is, let the doctor and the competitor arrive at an agreement, or in the case of a junior, defer to the wishes of his parents or whomever has been given that responsibility for the duration of the tournament.

I would like to suggest that this information be distributed, as quickly as possible, to all referees and also to all competitors. We have done a fairly good job in the past of keeping our referees informed with regards to changes to the rules. Unfortunately, we have frequently omitted the competitors and coaches. With the exception of Article 29, the above changes have a direct effect on the competitors and it is very important that they be made aware of them.

If you have any questions regarding any of the changes, please direct them to me and I will reply as quickly as possible. If I cannot give an answer immediately, I will obtain a Consensus opinion from the other members of the Refereeing Subcommittee.

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