Contest Rules

Four ea., 7 meter competition area with 4 meter between mats with 3 meter safety border on edge.

The Championships will be conducted in accordance with the Contest Rules, Organization Code and Sporting Code of the International Judo Federation, as revised for the 2023 USJF Fall National Championships. These rules include, but are not limited to draw, weigh in, length of contests, and competition procedures. Rules that are specific to the various categories are so indicated; otherwise, the rule applies to all categories.

Determination of Weight Category: JUNIOR, SENIOR AND VETERAN athletes are asked to make a preliminary declaration of weight on the entry form or at check-in/registration. However, the athlete’s actual weight at weigh-in will determine their weight division, i.e. the athletes do not have to “make” their declared weight.

Naked weigh-in is no longer allowed for any category. To compensate, 0.1kg will be allowed. For example, in the 66kg category, the limit will be 66.1kg. This is a clothing allowance only and the 0.1kg will only be added to the true weight.

Shime-waza (choking) allowed in Juvenile, Cadet, IJF-Junior, Senior and Veterans categories only.

Kansetsu-waza (arm locks) allowed in Cadet, IJF-Junior, Senior and Veterans categories only. Arm locks are NOT ALLOWED in Novice divisions.

Injury Rule: Decisions as to whether an athlete may continue if injured while on the mat, are to be resolved in accordance with IJF rules.

Judo gi Requirements

IJF judogi Requirements regarding sizing will be enforced for ALL CATEGORIES at this event. Athletes, coaches and parents should study these requirements at the following link: IJF Judogi Regulations

Appropriate undergarments must be worn by all athletes. Female athletes shall wear under the jacket either, a short-sleeve plain white or off-white tee-shirt, with long enough torso to be worn inside the trousers, or a plain short-sleeve white or off-white leotard. The white tee-shirt should be round necked. No marking can be visible when the judogi is done up. Athlete’s needing to change clothes/judo gi should do so in a restroom, locker room or other area specifically designated for changing.

Judo gi color: In the Cadet, IJF Junior, and Senior categories, the blue and white judo gi requirement is mandatory. In all other categories we encourage the wearing of a blue judogi by the “blue” side competitor. However, Bantam-1 thru Juvenile can both wear white judogis. IJF labeled approved gi’s are not required, but gi’s must meet IJF sizing requirements. Under no circumstances shall both competitors be allowed to compete in blue gis, nor will the blue and white competitors be allowed to switch positions. The gi jacket and pants must be the same color; no mixing of colors. In all matches where both competitors are wearing white gis, both competitors will remove their grade belts and wear a blue or white belt to identify the contestant’s designated color for the match.

COMPETITORS AND THEIR COACHES IN BANTAM 1-6, INTERMEDIATE, & JUVENILE CATEGORIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING THEIR OWN BLUE AND WHITE BELTS FOR THIS COMPETITION. THIS RULE WILL ENSURE THAT THE BELTS FIT PROPERLY. PLEASE MARK YOUR BELTS WITH YOUR NAME OR CLUB.