British Judo’s club affiliation process for the 2025/26 season is now open, offering your club the opportunity to be officially recognised and endorsed by the National Governing Body for judo.
British Judo affiliated clubs are the beating heart of our Association, providing an enjoyable and safe environment for participants at all levels and from every background.
Affiliated clubs will proudly display the British Judo Affiliated Club status, signifying a commitment to excellence, safety, and the values that make judo a remarkable sport.
British Judo works with the Home Nation Partners, Affiliates and judo providers in Great Britain to ensure that the standards of delivering the sport are met across all of our nations through our ‘Three Step Safe’ programme which has been developed to ensure the best environment for all participants of judo and to ensure members have the best experience of judo
‘Three Step Safe’ guarantees clubs affiliated to the BJA offer three really important things:
- Approved Coaches,
- Internationally recognised grades,
- Safe training and competition environments.
If a club is not affiliated to British Judo, then they may not have the correct training or facilities to be able to offer a safe environment.
Benefits of Affiliation
National Recognition
Affiliating with British Judo opens doors to national recognition. Your club will be part of a network that spans across nations, allowing your members to connect with judo enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. Affiliated clubs will appear on the British Judo Club Finder.
Official Certificate:
Displaying the British Judo Affiliated Club certificate adds a prestigious touch to your club’s identity. It signifies that your club aligns with the highest standards set by the BJA in terms of coaching, safety, and sportsmanship.
Access to BJA Resources:
Affiliated clubs gain exclusive access to a wealth of resources provided by the BJA. This includes coaching materials, training programs, and educational resources that can enhance the skills and knowledge of both coaches and athletes.
Event Opportunities:
Affiliated clubs have the chance to participate in and host a variety of BJA-sanctioned events, tournaments, and championships. This not only provides valuable exposure for your club but also allows your members to experience the thrill of competitive judo at different levels.
Club Structure
As a reminder to clubs, you will be required to fulfil the following staff roles:
- 1 x fully valid Level 2 coach (minimum) (with an Enhanced DBS, Safeguarding and First Aid certificates, and an active Coach Licence)
- 1 x Club Welfare Officer (minimum) (with an Enhanced DBS, Safeguarding and Time to Listen certificates) (Click here for more info about Club Welfare Officers)
- Chairperson
- Secretary
Application Process
Affiliating with the BJA is a straightforward process that begins with completing our online application form. Please complete the 2025/26 Affiliation form, ensuring that all required information is accurately provided, including details about your club’s coaching staff, support staff, and venue details. This application form should be completed by existing clubs only, new clubs should complete the New Club Form.
The club affiliation application period for the 2025/26 season is open from Monday 20th January 2025 to Monday 31st March. Applications made before 1st March can be made at the cost of £70 per club. Applications made after this date will be charged at £80.
2024-2025 club insurance expires on 31st March 2025 so clubs are advised to apply as early as possible to ensure your insurance remains continuous into 2025-2026. Clubs that are not affiliated by 31st March 2025 will enter a six week grace period before they will lose access to MyMA and will be removed from the Club Finder.
Payments will need to be made at the point of completing your application and can be made with a debit or a credit card. Please remember that your club will not be affiliated and eligible for all the benefits until we have received your payment and have fulfilled the minimum criteria detailed above.
Successful clubs will receive the official British Judo Affiliation Club pack in the post, please ensure the postal address details are correct during your application.
Affiliating with the British Judo Association is a significant step towards elevating your club’s status. The benefits of affiliation extend beyond recognition and status; it is an opportunity to become part of a network that values the principles of judo and promotes its growth and development.
Our team is always available to support you through the process. Please email clubs@britishjudo.org.uk or call 0121 728 6920. You can also contact your local Club Support Officer or Home Nation to access their expert advice.
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