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The EJU, supported by
the BJA and UK Sport, hosted the 2008 refereeing seminar at the
Park Plaza Hotel in London, from 29 th May – 1 st June 2008.
The seminar was held
to discuss various issues relating to forthcoming rule changes
and new proposals, which are being considered by the EJU and IJF
committees. There were 82 delegates from 44 counties in attendance,
including Mr Vladimir Barta, Vice President of the International
Judo Federation (IJF) Executive Committee, Mr Juan Carlos Barcus,
Head Refereeing Director of the IJF Executive Committee and Mr
Matthias Fisher, IT Support of the EJU Commission, along with
members of the EJU Refereeing Commission.
The seminar is held
annually by different host federations with the BJA taking over
from the Norwegian Judo Federation who held last year’s event.
Attendance at this years event was the highest ever hosted in
Europe.
The seminar was opened
by Mr Densign White, Chairman of the BJA, who gave a welcoming
speech.
The most significant
outcome of the seminar was the recommendation to remove the Koka
score and this will be trialled at the World Junior Championships
in Bangkok later this year, before being incorporated into mainstream
competitive judo.
Another topic for discussion
was the concerns of the weigh-in times for players at EJU events,
as it has been suggested that they do not allow significant recovery
for those who lose a significant amount of weight before competition
begins. This matter has been referred to doctors who are currently
researching the best options for recovery, or alternative measures
which can be put into place.
The seminar also allowed
the delegates to meet in a social environment, and included a
visit to the Houses of Parliament, and a sight seeing tour of
London.
The seminar was co-ordinated
by Elaine Down and the BJA, together with assistance from the
BJA National Referees commission members who volunteered their
services.
Elaine Down said, “It was a fantastic
seminar, with excellent feedback being given from Mr Barcus and
Mr Fisher and I would like to thank all those involved in the
running of the seminar, especially Renault who were amazing” she
continued to quote Mr Barcus who said, “when the British host
an event they do it right, setting the benchmark for others around
Europe”.
The BJA would like to
thank all of those involved in organising and hosting the seminar,
and congratulations on a very successful event.
Media Contact
James Sills
British Judo Association
Tel: 01509 631 670 x230
jamessills@britishjudo.org.uk
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