Article 27 – Prohibited acts and penalties

The division of infringements into four groups is intended as a guide, to give clearer understanding to all, of the relative penalties normally awarded for committing the applicable prohibited act.

Penalties are not cumulative. Each penalty must be awarded at its own value. The awarding of any second or subsequent penalty automatically cancels an earlier penalty. Whenever a contestant has already been penalised, any succeeding penalties for that contestant must always be awarded at least in the next higher value than his existing penalty.

Whenever a referee awards a penalty, he should demonstrate with a simple action the reason for the penalty.

A penalty can be awarded after the announcement of soremade for any prohibited act done during the time allotted for the contest or, in some exceptional situations, for serious acts done after the signal to end the contest, as long as the decision has not been given.

Prohibited acts and corresponding penalties:

(a) Shido is given to any contestant who has committed a slight infringement:

Negative Judo

i) To intentionally avoid taking hold in order to prevent action in the
contest.

ii) To adopt in a standing position an excessively defensive posture. (Generally more than 5 seconds)

iii) To make an action designed to give the impression of an attack but
which clearly shows that there was no intent to throw the opponent. (FALSE ATTACK)

iv) To stand, both feet completely within the danger zone UNLESS -
beginning an attack, executing an attack, countering the opponent's attack or defending against the opponent's attack. (Generally more than 5 seconds)

v) In a standing position, to continually hold the opponent's sleeve
end(s) for a defensive purpose (Generally more than 5 seconds) or to grasp by "screwing up" the sleeve.

vi) In a standing position, to continually keep the opponent's fingers of
one or both hands interlocked, in order to prevent action in the contest. (Generally more than 5 seconds)

vii) To intentionally disarrange his own judogi or to untie or retie the belt or
the trousers without the referee's permission.

viii) To pull the opponent down in order to start ne-waza unless in
accordance with Article 16.

ix) To insert a finger or fingers inside the opponent's sleeve or bottom of
his trousers, or to grasp by "screwing up" his sleeve.

Invalid Gripping

"Normal" gripping is in general to hold with the left hand any part of the right side of the opponent's jacket above the belt and with the right hand any part of the left side of the opponent's jacket above the belt.

x) In a standing position to take any grip other than a "normal" grip
without attacking. (Generally within 3 to 5 seconds)

Non-Combativity

xi) In a standing position, after kumi-kata has been established, not to
make any attacking moves. (See Appendix NON-COMBATIVITY)

Miscellaneous

xii) From a standing position, to take hold of the opponent's foot/feet,
leg (s) or trouser leg (s) with the hand (s), unless simultaneously attempting a throwing technique.

xiii) To encircle the end of the belt or jacket around any part of the
opponent's body.

xiv) To take the judogi in the mouth.

xv) To put a hand, arm, foot or leg directly on the opponent's face.

xvi) To put a foot or a leg in the opponent's belt, collar or lapel.

(b) Chui is awarded to any contestant who has committed a serious
infringement (or having been penalised shido commits a second slight infringement).

xvii) To apply shime-waza using the bottom of the jacket or belt, or using
only the fingers.

xviii) To apply leg scissors to the opponent's trunk (dojime), neck or head.
(scissor with crossed feet, while stretching out the legs).

xix) To kick with the knee or foot, the hand or arm of the opponent, in order to make him release his grip.

xx) To bend back the opponent's finger (s) in order to break his grip.

xxi) From tachi-waza or ne-waza to go outside the contest area or intentionally force the opponent to go outside the contest area. (See Article 9 - "Exceptions")

(c) Keikoku is awarded to any contestant who has committed a grave
infringement (or who having been penalised chui, commits a further slight or serious infringement).

xxii) To attempt to throw the opponent by winding one leg around the
opponent's leg, while facing more or less in the same direction as the opponent and falling backwards onto him (kawazu-gake).

xxiii) To apply kansetsu-waza anywhere other than to the elbow joint.

xxiv) To lift off the mat an opponent who is lying on the mat and to drive him
back onto the mat.

xxv) To reap the opponents supporting leg from the inside when the opponent is applying a technique such as harai-goshi etc.

xxvi) To disregard the referee's instructions.

xxvii) To make unnecessary calls, remarks or gestures derogatory to the opponent or referee during the contest.

(d) Hansoku Make is awarded to any contestant who has committed a very grave infringement (or who having been penalised keikoku, commits a further infringement of any degree).

xxviii) To make any action which may endanger or injure the opponent especially the opponent's neck or spinal vertebrae, or may be against the spirit of Judo.

xxix) To fall directly to the mat while applying or attempting to apply techniques such as waki-gatame.

xxx) To "dive" head first, onto the mat by bending forward and downward while performing or attempting to perform techniques such as uchi-mata, harai-goshi, etc.

xxxi) To intentionally fall backwards when the other contestant is clinging to his back and when either contestant has control of the other's movement.

xxxii) To wear a hard or metallic object (covered or not).

Appendix Article 27 – Prohibited acts and penalties

Referees and judges are authorised to award penalties according to the "intent" or situation and in the best interest of the sport.

Should the referee decide to penalise the contestant (s), (except in the case of sonomama in ne-waza) he shall temporarily stop the contest, return the contestants to their starting positions and announce the penalty while pointing to the contestant (s) who committed the prohibited act.

Before awarding hansoku-make, the referee must consult with the judges and make his decision in accordance with the "majority of three" rule. Where both contestants infringe the rules at the same time, each should be awarded a penalty according to the degree of the infringement. Where both contestants have been awarded keikoku and subsequently each receives a further penalty, they should both be declared hansoku-make. Nonetheless, the officials may make their final decision in this matter in accordance with Article 30 - Situations not covered by the rules.

Keikoku or hansoku-make in ne-waza should be applied in the same manner as in osae-komi (Article 26 Appendix 3rd paragraph).

Where one contestant pulls his opponent down into ne-waza not in accordance with Article 16 and his opponent does not take advantage of this to continue into ne-waza, the referee shall announce matte, temporarily stop the contest and award shido to the contestant who has infringed Article 16.

x) Taking a high grip on the opponent's collar is regarded as "normal" even if the hand is gripping on the opposite side of the opponent's jacket, providing the hand passes behind the opponent's head.

A contestant should not be penalised for holding with an abnormal grip if the situation has been brought about by his opponent ducking his head beneath the holder's arm. However, if a contestant is continually "ducking" this way, the referee should give consideration as to whether he is adopting an "excessively defensive posture" (ii).

xi) Non-combativity. May be taken to exist when in general, for approximately 25 seconds, there have been no attacking actions on the part of either or both contestants. Non-combativity should not be awarded when there are no attacking actions, if the referee considers that the contestant is genuinely looking for the opportunity to attack.

xiii) The act of "encircling" means that the belt or jacket must completely encircle. Using the belt or jacket as an "anchor" for a grip (without encircling) to say - trap the opponent's arm should not be penalised.

xv) The face means the area within the line bordered by - forehead, in front of the ears and jaw-line.

xxviii) Examples: kani-basami, Combination kansetsu-waza and nage-waza.

xxix) To attempt such throws as harai-goshi, uchi-mata, etc., with only one hand gripping the opponent's lapel from a position resembling waki gatame (in which the wrist of the opponent is trapped beneath the thrower's armpit) and deliberately falling, face down, onto the mat is likely to cause injury and will be penalised. Not intended to throw an opponent cleanly onto his back, such moves are dangerous and will be treated in the same way as waki-gatame.

Bowing guide

The following Bowing Guide is adapted from the I.J.F. Bowing Guide.

A part of the etiquette of Judo, the rei, is a tradition which reflects the respect and discipline that permeates the unique activities of our sport. The guide for bowing, therefore, should be followed in a respectful fashion.

All standing rei should be at an angle of 30 degrees as measured at the waist.

1. Initial Rei – Opening ceremony

1.1 While the contestants are lined up on the competition area, as the last activity of the opening ceremony, all the referees are to be lined up, side by side, in front of the contestants and team officials, facing the joseki.

1.2 Upon the order of kiotsuke, rei, team officials, competitors and referees bow towards the joseki.

1.3 Immediately, the referees make a half turn counter-clockwise facing the contestants and upon the order of rei, all bow towards each other.

1.4 Then, in order and in accordance with the programmed events, the referees, team officials and contestants leave the competition area so the tournament can begin.

2. Final Rei – Closing ceremony

2.1 While the contestants are lined up on the competition area as the last activity of the closing ceremony, the referees are to be lined up, side by side, in front of the contestants, facing the joseki.

2.2 Upon the order of kiotsuke, the referees make a half-turn counter-clockwise facing the contestants and on the order of rei, all bow towards each other.

2.3 Then the referees make a half-turn counter-clockwise facing the joseki and upon the order of rei bow towards joseki.

2.4 After that, in order and in accordance with the programmed events, the referees and contestants leave the competition area, ending the event.

3. At the Beginning of the individual Contest

3.1 Before the first contest of each session of the shiai, the first team of designated referees walk along the outside edge of the competition area in single file (judge/referee/judge) to a centralised position before the contest area and facing the joseki, then step up to the competition area.

3.2 Once in the centralised position on the competition area, standing side by side, the referee and judges bow towards the joseki.

3.3 From there the referee and judges walk forward onto the danger area, now on contest area, where they bow for a second time toward the joseki.

3.4 While in the danger area the referee and judges bow towards each other. The referee takes a step backwards, while the judges turn to face each other for the bow.

3.5 Immediately the referee and judges take their positions. The judge that reaches the chair first remains standing in front of the chair waiting for the other judge and together they sit down in unison. This same seating procedure should be followed after each conference.

3.6 For the first contest of each session of a shiai, the referee is to ensure the first two contestants comply with the provisions of sub-section 9.2.

3.7 The first team of referees should leave the competition area following the bowing procedure in section 6.

3.8 The judge with the shorter distance should walk slower and the other judge should walk faster so that both judges meet the referee at the same time for the bow.

4. Following Referee and Judges

4.1 After the first team of officials designated for the first contest, all subsequent groups of referees and judges, before taking their positions, should follow the bowing procedure as established in 3.1, 3.2 and 3.5.

4.2 Each subsequent team of referees, with the exception of the last team of each session, are to leave the competition area follow the ceremony outlined in section 6.

5. Exchange of function between the referee and judge

5.1 Following a contest, once the result has been announced and the contestants have left the contest area, if the referee is required to exchange positions with a judge, both referees should approach each other within the red danger area. Once facing each other they should bow before taking their new position. Passing each other, the new referee walks on the inside, taking the shorter route, to the hajime position.

6. Referee team leaving the competition area

6.1 Following a contest, once the result has been announced and the contestants have left the contest area, if the referee and judges are to leave the contest area, they should walk towards the outer edge of the competition area. Facing the joseki, from a centralised position, with the referee in the centre, in unison they should bow towards the joseki and then leave the competition area.

7. Referee team at the end of the Shiai

7.1 Following the last contest of each session and after the result has been announced, in addition to having complied with sub-article 9.6, the referee and judges should walk towards the red danger area and once inside, facing the joseki side by side, with the referee in the centre, they should bow towards the joseki.

7.2 While in the danger area, the referee takes a step backwards and the judges turn to face each other to bow, and finally the three bow towards each other.

7.3 The referee and judges then walk towards the border of the competition area to a centralised position, facing the joseki, with the referee in the centre, they bow towards joseki and then leave the competition area

8. Contestants entering and leaving the competition area

8.1 Upon entering and leaving the competition area, the contestants should bow towards the joseki.

9. Tachi Rei between contestants

Contestants are required to adhere to the guidelines in this bowing guide and the IJF Refereeing Rules. Contestants who do not bow in accordance with these guidelines will be requested to do so. Those that refuse will be reported to the IJF Sports Director or Tournament Director. Under the authority of the Directors of the event the contestant will be disqualified from further competition and in the case of a medal contest, will be stripped of the medal and/or placement.

9.1 The contestants should move forward to the centralised position on the edge of the contest area and bow, then the contestants move forward onto the contest area to their respective marks and bow.

9.2 The first two contestants of each day of a tournament, before their contest, should comply with the following:

a) Standing face to face behind their corresponding marks, at the directions of the referee, the contestants should turn towards the joseki.

b) Upon the order of rei, they must bow.

c) The contestants should turn and face each other again to follow 9.3 of these guidelines

9.3 The two contestants, standing behind their corresponding marks and without requiring any orders must bow simultaneously towards each other, take a step forward and stand in natural standing position while waiting for the referee to order hajime.

9.4 Once the contest is over and the referee has ordered soremade, the contestants should stand in front of their corresponding marks to await the result. The contestants should at this point have their judogi in order.

9.5 The referee steps forward one step, awards the result and steps back one step, following this announcement the contestants simultaneously take a step back and must bow to each other.

9.6 The last two contestants of each day of a tournament, after their contest has ended, must comply with the following:

a) After following 9.4 and 9.5, and upon the direction of the referee to face joseki, the contestants must follow the dispositions of (a) and (b) of 9.2, then 9.7.

9.7 The contestants move back to the centralised position at the edge of the contest area and must bow, then leave the competition area complying with the provisions of article 8.

10. Team competitors

10.1 Each contest by two teams is considered as a session of a shiai.

10.2 Before the beginning of each team contest the referee and judges should follow 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 then 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7 and finally 3.5 of these guidelines.

10.3 At the end of each team contest, the referee and judges should follow 10.9, 10.10, 10.11 and 10.12 of these guidelines. Then they should walk to the danger area to a centralised position facing the joseki and bow in unison. After this bow they continue with 7.2 and 7.3 of these guidelines.

10.4 Before each team contest starts, with the referee and judges lined up next to each other, with the referee in the centre and the three facing towards the joseki, the two teams bow together onto the contest area. They then move forward to their mark, facing each other, the referee orders with both hands straight out and hands facing up, the contestants to face the joseki. Upon this gesture, the contestants then turn to face the joseki remaining in single file.

10.5 The referee then orders rei and the contestants bow.

10.6 Immediately the referee directs the competitors to face each other.

10.7 Again the referee orders rei, the teams bow towards each other and move back to the edge of the contest area and bow. It being understood that the contestants bow once more at the edge of the contest area before leaving completely.

10.8 For each individual contest the contestants should follow 9.1, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6 and 9.7 of these guidelines.

10.9 After all individual contests are finished the two teams line up inside the contest area on their mark facing each other. The referee and judges, with the referee in the centre, line up next to each other facing the joseki and lined up teams. The referee takes a step forward and announces the result.

10.10 The referee takes a step back, returning to the original position, and orders rei. The teams bow towards each other.

10.11 Then the referee with the gesture as in 10.4, directs the contestants to turn toward the joseki, remaining in single file.

10.12 Immediately the referee orders rei and in unison the contestants bow toward the joseki.

10.13 After this the contestants should move back to the edge of the contest area and bow. It being understood that before completely leaving the competition area, the contestants should bow again towards the joseki, from the edge of the competition area.

10.14 At that time, in the danger area, the referee and judges bow towards the joseki, bow towards each other and, following the procedure as established in section 7, walk towards the border of the competition area to a centralised position, facing the joseki with the referee in the centre, they bow towards it and then leave the competition area.

Summary

The bowing etiquette sets Judo uniquely apart from other international sports. The gestures are of respect, appreciation and courtesy. The referee and judges have a fundamental role in upholding this uniqueness by ensuring that bowing is done according to these guidelines.

Refereeing Rule Index
1. Competition Area.	16. Entry into Ne-Waza
2. Equipment	17. Application of Matte
3. Judo Uniform (Judogi)	18. Sono mamma
4. Hygiene	19. End of Contest
5. Referees & Officials	20. Ippon
6. Position & Function of Referee	21. Waza-ari awasete Ippon
7. Position & Function of Judges	22. Sogo-Gachi
8. Gestures	23. Waza-Ari
9.Location (areas valid)	24. Yuko
10. Contest Duration	25. Koka
11. Time Out/Sonomama/Matte	26. Osakomi-Waza
12. Time Signal-audible	27. Prohibited acts and Penalties
13. Osae-komi time	28. Default and Withdrawal
14. Technique coinciding with Time signal	29.Injury, Illness or Accident
15.Start of Contest	30.Situation not covered by the Rules
* Bowing Guide	* Glossary of Japanese Terms