Safety rules are an essential part of Special Olympics judo trainings and competition. These rules were created with one purpose in mind – the safety of our judo players.

Below is an overview of the rules with some visuals to assist with learning and understanding of the more important safety elements. The full set of SO judo rules can be found here >>

Starting positions

In Tachi-waza, there are two possible starting positions:

♦  In the usual way, according to the tournament regulations;

♦  In the case where one or both of the judoka has a visual impairment or is blind, or has a disability that impairs the execution of a correct kumi-kata, the judoka will bow at the edge of the contest area as normal. The coach or corner referee is permitted to support the judoka if needed. At the command of the referee, the judoka will approach mat centre and perform basic kumi-kata (sleeve, lapel). Referee announces Ha-jime.

In Ne-waza, starting position can be different depending on the following procedure:

♦  The judoka enters the contest area, where necessary supported by coach or referee. The judoka will then bow in the normal central position, after which referee will announce Ha-jime. If either judoka has a visual impairment or is blind, the match will start in basic kumi-kata (sleeve- lapel).

♦  In this starting position both players knees must be level, so no unfair advantage is given.

♦  If either judoka cannot use one leg for support, this is also not allowed for the other opponent.

♦  If either judoka cannot perform the match in kneeling position, the judoka will start the match in a sitting position. In this case, the opponents sit next to each other, facing opposite directions, and assume basic kumi-kata (sleeve-lapel)

Ne-waza contest

 Ne-waza matches are performed exclusively in ne-waza because either judoka, because of a disability, cannot perform a match safely in tachi-waza.

♦  A referee is authorised to change a tachi-waza match into a ne-waza match. The judoka that triggered this decision will then perform in ne-waza for the remainder of the tournament.

Prohibited actions

 In addition to the prohibited actions as described in the IJF official Judo rules, the following techniques are also prohibited:

Any and all forms of:

♦  Sacrifice techniques (sutemi-waza) including Tani Otoshi and Makikomi

♦  Arm-lock techniques (kansetsu-waza)

♦  Choking techniques (shime-waza)

♦  Choking, locking and holding techniques that involve holding the legs in a triangle position (sankaku-waza)

♦  All throws executed on one or two knees (to the front and rear)

In Tachi-waza:

♦  To perform Kumi-kata around the head or neck of the opponent. While taking hold over the shoulder, the hand may not pass the centre line of the back.

In Ne-waza:

♦  In Ne-waza, it is not allowed to put pressure on either head or neck. In osae-komi situations where tori is in Kesa position, Tori is not allowed to put either hand or arm under head or neck of Uke.

♦  Pushing opponent backwards while in kneeling position is not allowed.

N.B: Prohibited actions/techniques will not be scored and where possible mate will be called before the techniques is executed to ensure the safety of the players

Penalties

♦ In Levels 1, 2, and 3 the referee can penalize the repeated use of prohibited techniques by issuing “shido” In case of a forbidden action, the referee will give a warning and explain to
the athlete the nature of the forbidden action. When the same error is repeated, the referee can take punitive action. Guidelines: For level 1 – after 1 warning. For level 2 – after 2
warnings. For level 3 – after 3 warnings. In levels 4 and 5, the referee shall request that the coach be present for the explanation, in order that the errors be explained to the athlete in
their native language or simple language. At these levels, “shido” is only announced after providing repeated explanations. In levels 1 and 2, it is recommended highly that the coach
be involved in the explanations. Any deliberate infringement of the rules in level 1 & 2 will be penalised with shido straight away. Leg grabbing will be penalised with shido as per IJF rules.

♦  All actions that go against the spirit of Judo will be penalised with Hansoku-make, to protect the judoka affected by this

♦  The referee is allowed to consider the level, the disability, type and intention of the offense in his/her decision, as well as the intention, repetition, overall match image and safety while deciding on a penalty

Referees

♦  There will be 3 referees per mat, this is for the safety of the players to ensure that all angles are covered and any potential injury situation is avoided before it happens

♦  SO judo referees are as much part of the contest as the players

♦  SO judo referees position themselves closer to the action than mainstream refereeing in order to intervene quickly in any potential injury situation.

Golden Score

Golden score is at the discretion of the tournament organisers, if implemented, a one minute golden score will be applied.