British Judo Referee Success in Malaga

British Judo is proud to continue its recent run of success with developing referees, following an excellent showing at the Malaga Senior European Cup 2025.

Paul Grady from Scotland and Stephen Sims from Northern Ireland both travelled to Malaga in pursuit of their Continental Referee Awards — and British Judo is delighted to announce that both were successful.

This achievement marks the culmination of several years of dedicated effort from both Paul and Stephen, who have shown exceptional commitment to their refereeing development. Not only have they worked tirelessly within their home nations, but they have also invested their own time and resources to gain valuable experience across Europe.

Earning an IJF referee award is no easy feat. Much like the journey of an elite competitor, it requires perseverance, resilience, and the ability to learn from every experience — both the challenging and the rewarding. The success in Malaga stands as a testament to their hard work and determination.

The British Judo National Refereeing Commission (NRC) extends its warmest congratulations to Paul and Stephen and wishes them continued success in their future refereeing careers.

For more information about the Referee Pathway, please click here 

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