Following the IJF Executive Committee meeting of 17 January, it was agreed to make clarifications as to how the contest rules are applied to ne-waza situations.

In particular, they describe in more detail when one contestant may throw and score against the other from the ground (near ne-waza situations), and when below the belt grips may be used without penalty.

It is important that referees, coaches and their judoka are aware of these clarifications, which are effective immediately at all levels of competition.

Details of the clarifications can be found in this briefing document – Click here to download