Lima seminar opens a new chapter in judo rule education

The International Judo Federation will stage an international refereeing seminar in Lima on 17 August 2026, right after the Lima Grand Prix. In judo terms, this is more than a routine education event: it will be the first IJF refereeing seminar to welcome athletes alongside referees and coaches.

Organised with the Panamerican Judo Confederation, the seminar marks a notable step in how the sport discusses rules and decision-making. For years, the IJF Refereeing Commission has worked on keeping refereeing fair, consistent and transparent, with regular adjustments designed to protect the integrity of competition.

What makes Lima stand out is the wider circle of people invited into that conversation. During the IJF Executive Committee meeting in November 2025, IJF President Marius Vizer proposed opening international refereeing seminars to athletes as well. The idea was simple but important: give competitors a clearer understanding of refereeing principles and let them engage directly in discussions about how the sport continues to evolve.

That proposal now becomes reality in Peru. By bringing officials, coaches and athletes into the same room, the IJF is aiming for a more open exchange around the Sport and Organisation Rules (SOR) and the latest refereeing updates.

Lima will be the first IJF refereeing seminar to include athletes.

The format is meant to be interactive rather than one-way. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions, share views and work through practical situations with members of the IJF Refereeing Commission. That matters in a sport where small details in interpretation can shape a contest, influence preparation and affect how athletes and coaches respond under pressure.

Referees and coaches are already familiar with this kind of educational setting, but extending the invitation to athletes signals a broader vision. The IJF believes that when more people understand the rules in the same way, communication becomes stronger and competition becomes fairer. It is a straightforward idea, but one with real value for everyone involved in judo.

The day in Lima will be divided into two connected sessions. The morning block is scheduled from 09:00 to 12:00, with the afternoon session running from 15:00 to 18:00. Participants are encouraged to attend both parts so they can follow the full programme as intended.

Registration is mandatory and must be completed through Judobase by 10 August 2026. That requirement underlines that this is a structured international seminar, not just an informal post-event meeting.

In a sport built on respect, precision and constant learning, this move feels significant. Lima will not change refereeing overnight, but it does create a closer link between the people who officiate, the people who teach and the athletes who step onto the tatami.

A shared understanding of the rules could mean stronger dialogue across judo.

For the IJF, this is another step in reinforcing openness and consistency in officiating. For athletes, it could be a rare chance to better understand the decisions that shape their matches from the inside.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation