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Leg grab & blocking rule to be enforced at BJA events

As from January the 1st 2011 any grips of the leg(s) whilst initiating a technique or blocking with one or two hands or with one or two arms below the belt whilst performing a technique will be disqualified with a direct Han-soku-make. This is in line with the current ruling of the IJF.

From the 1st January 2010 the BJA decided that we would give a shido for the first infringement of leg grabbing or blocking whilst players and coaches became accustomed to the new ruling. This was taking into account the changes players had to make to adjust to the new rule.

This new ruling has clearly improved the standard of upright judo and reduced the negative ‘wrestling type’ judo at both senior and junior level. The rules that we apply both for junior and senior judo in Great Britain are the current international judo rules with the exception of the modified rules for U12’s.

The NRC and the members of the Board are consciously aware of the need to encourage judo at junior level without the fear of immediate disqualification for ‘accidently’ grabbing a leg or blocking without intent.

Therefore, the following restrictions will be applied at BJA events:-

All Senior Events:- Immediate(direct) Han-soku-make for leg grabs and blocking . In line with current rules, this direct hansoku-make will be for that contest only.

U16’s to Over 12’s:- Shido for the first infringement, han-soku-make for the 2nd infringement. Exception to this age category is the British Championships when full rules will be applied with han-soku-make for the 1st infringement as this rule will be applied if they are competing aboard at an international event.

U12’s:- Shido for 1st offence and shido for any subsequent offences up to Han-soku-make if necessary and an explanation given.

These rules will be inserted as an exception into the BJA rules as from the 1st January 2011.


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