Vacancy: National Referee Commission Member (EDI Lead)

The National Referee Commission (NRC) are seeking a dedicated member to champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EDI) across refereeing in Great Britain.

Judo is built on core values of respect, courage, and modesty—principles that must extend to who stands on the tatami as an official.

In this strategic voluntary role, you will help modernise our referee pathway, breaking down barriers for women, underrepresented ethnic groups, and officials from low-income or disadvantaged communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Female Representation: Design and implement retention and development pathways for female referees, ensuring balanced representation from grassroots to national championships.
• Reduce Socio-Economic Barriers: Identify and remove financial hurdles (such as judogi costs, course fees, and travel expenses) preventing officials from lower-income areas from progressing through qualification tiers.
• Advise & Modernise Policy: Serve as the Commission’s expert voice on EDI best practices, working alongside BJA leadership to integrate safeguarding and inclusive practices into referee regulations.
• Community Outreach: Partner with Area Committees, local dojos, and community sport networks to actively recruit new referees from non-traditional backgrounds.

What We Are Looking For

• EDI Expertise: Proven experience or strong advocacy in diversity, gender equality, or community outreach programs.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to collaborate with commission members to build practical, measurable initiatives that elevate British officiating.
• Communication Skills: A passionate advocate capable of engaging referees, club coaches, and executive stakeholders.

  Prior experience in judo or sports officiating is welcomed, but lived experience and a commitment to driving cultural change in British sport are our primary criteria.

We are striving to ensure of NRC represents both the demographics of the four home nations and that of our present and future membership.

We welcome members who both represent the protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010 and promote Intersectionality representation in the commission. This supports and promotes BJA Equality & Diversity’s safe, accessible and inclusive Judo for all.

How to Apply

Please submit a brief CV and covering email outlining your interest in making British Judo officiating accessible to all to NRC Secretary – Danharrisjudo@hotmail.com

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