Spring has been a busy period for British referees with competitions across the country coming thick and fast. This has also presented an opportunity to grow and develop their skills by studying for new qualifications.

National ‘A’ Referee Education and Examination

In March this year British Judo conducted a National ‘A’ referee assessment and examination at the Eastern Area hosted English Open. The National ‘A’ award is the highest award of refereeing competence in the British Judo system and requires candidates to negotiate their way through a comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge testing process.

James McBeath was successful at his first attempt at the examination and was duly promoted to a National ‘A’ referee. James has undergone an intensive training programme over the past 18 months and showed continued improvement to obtain his award.

In addition, three new candidates were successful in their attempt to join the training programme. Paul Tansey (Rainhill Rockets Judo Club), Natasha Maslen (Senshi Judo Club) and Graham Holmes (Crayford Judo Club), all put in strong performances and will be working towards the National ‘A’ award over the next 1 – 2 years.

British Schools Referee Examination

Over the past four years the British Schools event has established itself as the main National event where young people are playing a significant role in the technical official duties at the event.

After four years of continuous increase in quality and quantity of under 20 referees, British Judo are proud to announce that the majority of referees used at the British Schools Championship were under 20. Seventeen under 20 referees in total were used over the course of the weekend including Ewan Baker, Benedict Ray, Marcus Ray and Lewis Widdicombe all of whom were under examination and successfully passed the next level of their award.

British Judo would like to extend its deepest congratulations to all the referees that have successfully obtained new awards in recent months.

For more information about refereeing and referee qualification, visit https://bja.platform81.com/refereeing.