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Referee Roger Down has
become the first Briton to be awarded an honorary IJF A licence
by the European Judo Union and the International Judo Federation
Commission.
Roger received his award
from European Judo Union Vice President Daniel Lascau at the National
Referee Seminar in Daventry last week after being nominated by
Reuben Davison, Chairman of the National Refereeing Commission,
on behalf of the British Judo Association.
The esteemed referee, who
also has a Life Membership from British Judo, is currently involved
in the new BJA Referee Talent Programme as a mentor for future
referees who are showing potential to becoming future continental
and international Referees.
Roger’s key role involves
him travelling to domestic and international events to support
and guide them through their apprenticeship of refereeing at different
levels.
In an application to nominate
Roger, Reuben Davison, Chairman of the National Refereeing Commission
and British Judo Board of Director, said: “Throughout his time
as an active continental referee Roger gained the respect of many
referees in Europe and around the world and was a trusted asset
in the team on the mat.
“Roger still continues
today to be a mentor for younger referees coming through the system
and is currently involved in a new continental training programme
for potential continental referees.
“He eventually retired
from international refereeing in 2004 but continues to support
the BJA all at major events i.e. World Cups, Senior European Cups,
National events and his own regional events. Roger has been an
inspiration and outstanding mentor not only for international,
continental and national referees but also for his wife – Elaine
Down who is an international referee and supports her unconditionally
in her judo career.
“The BJA believe this Honorary
Award illustrates to Roger our appreciation and gratitude for
everything he has achieved in the past and for all of those individuals
he has helped full fill their ambitions and personal dreams in
the sport of judo. His unconditional support over the years reflects
in those individuals appreciation when they greet Roger.”
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