In all sports, evolution is not merely an option but a necessity to ensure that athletes of all levels receive the best possible experience. The British Schools Championships, a renowned event in our judo calendar, is no exception to this principle.

In its ongoing commitment to fostering the growth and development of young judoka, the event organisers have introduced changes to its entry criteria. These modifications are driven by a steadfast dedication to ensuring that the event remains not only competitive but also appropriately tailored to the skill and development levels of the participating age groups. By embracing these changes, the British Schools Championships aspire to maintain a spirit of inclusivity, fun, and meaningful engagement with the regional school events, promising a judo experience that resonates with athletes and spectators alike.

Below, we highlight the details of these adjustments and the full circuit of regional and final school events.

• To be eligible to compete at the British Schools Championships 2024, you must have entered at least one British Schools Regional Championships. If there is no regional championship in your area, you must have entered a minimum of 2 events, level 2 or above.
• Any player who has won a medal at the previous British Pre-Cadet, Cadet, Junior, or Senior Championships will not be eligible to compete (This does not include the British Minors Championships).
• The minimum grades to enter both the British Regional Schools and the British Schools Championships 2024 have been changed. Please see below the minimum grade requirements for each event.

Regional School Championships Grades

Academic Years 6 and 7: Born 1st Sept 2011 – 31st Aug 2013

Minimum Grade: 4th Mon (Bottom Yellow Belt)

Academic Years 8 and 9: Born 1st Sep 2009 – 31st Aug 2011

Minimum Grade: 6th Mon (Top Yellow Belt)

Academic Years 10 to 13: Born 1st Sept 2005 – 31st Aug 2009

Minimum Grade: 9th Mon (Top Orange Belt)

British Schools Championships Gradings

Academic Years 6 and 7: Born 1st Sept 2011 – 31st Aug 2013

Minimum Grade: 6th Mon (Top Yellow Belt)

Academic Years 8 and 9: Born 1st Sept 2009 – 31st Aug 2011

Minimum Grade: 7th Mon (Bottom Orange Belt)

Academic Years 10 to 13: Born 1st Sept 2005 – 31st Aug 2009

Minimum Grade: 10th Mon (Bottom Green Belt)

Upcoming British Regional Schools Championships

Date	Area
Saturday 30th September 2023	Northern
Sunday 22nd October 2023	Western
Saturday 4th November 2023	Northwest
Sunday 5th November 2023	Yorkshire and Humberside
Saturday 11th November 2023	London
Sunday 26th November 2023	Northern Home Counties
Sunday 21st January 2024	Eastern
Saturday 27th January 2024	Wales
Sunday 28th January 2024	Southern
TBC	Midland

For queries on the above please get in touch with the British Judo Events team at: events@britishjudo.org.uk

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