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The Board of Directors
have felt it necessary to issue a strong reminder of the behaviour
expected by spectators at judo events following a number of incidents.
One of the principles that
underpin the sport is the respect shown between rival exponents
on the mat. However, on too many occasions, the same respect
has not been given by spectators to competitors. All spectators
are encouraged to support their favourite fighters but this should
never be reflected as negative feedback directed at an opponent.
This is not a problem that
is restricted to major national events, but has been reported
from Area Competitions, Home Country National Trials, and even
at local junior events.
Unacceptable spectator
behaviour has become common place in some sports but cannot be
allowed to creep into judo, a sport which prides itself on its
strict code of moral conduct and ethics.
To allow it to do so reflects
badly on the sport and the BJA ask that spectators fully respect
all participants at judo events.
The Association also
ask that competition organisers help stamp out the problem by
reporting all cases of booing and offensive language immediately
to the Panel. Any spectator found partaking in such behaviour
will be informed that they are not welcome at future BJA events.
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