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During the past four years, I have taken an active part in every PJU and World Championship tournament. Also, I have attended many other international events in Canada and Central America. I have had an opportunity to observe both competitors and referees from many different countries. One thing has impressed me. I am convinced—and I believe Dr. Koiwai and Mr. Dalton will agree with me—that Americans are at a disadvantage because of their unfamiliarity with IJF rules.

There are 71 member countries in the International Judo Federation, and ours is the only one with a separate set of rules!

The pressures of international competition are difficult to describe. When they are increased by the difficulties of a strange environment and unfamiliar rules, it is not surprising that we have made unimpressive showings at tournaments outside of our own country.

We have made it particularly difficult for our referee candidates for PJU or IJF certification.

We are a do-it-yourself nation. We use kits to build our own backyard barbecues, our swimming pools, and even our color television sets! It would appear that we have tried to develop a do-it-yourself judo referee's kit. We have tried to spell out each detail, so that every question can be resolved by reference to a Handbook. As a result, we have developed a set of rules that is so long that our referees spend too much time learning the rules, and not enough time learning how to referee. Mere rules will never replace knowledge or judgment. We cannot put into words the difference between a well-executed technique and one that falls just short. There is no substitute for experience—and a thorough knowledge of judo.

In my opinion it is imperative that we adopt the IJF rules—with one slight modification. Most of our clubs cannot provide a contest area large enough for a throw 'outside' the contest area according to the IJF definition. I suggest, therefore, that the section relating to the size of the contest area, and the pre-sent Rule XX, Section 2(b) be retained as exceptions permissible for local tournaments only.

I have also suggested a revision of the pairing and scoring methods in use, heretofore, at our national tournaments.

The AAU Judo Committee later repealed the AAU-USJF contest rules and adopted the IJF rules.

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