Section 4: Players & Officials
4.1 Weight Categories
Individual events are contested in seven weight categories per gender. Athletes must weigh in on the morning of competition (official weigh-in) and may not exceed the upper limit of their category:
- Men: −60 kg, −66 kg, −73 kg, −81 kg, −90 kg, −100 kg, +100 kg
- Women: −48 kg, −52 kg, −57 kg, −63 kg, −70 kg, −78 kg, +78 kg
There is no minimum weight. Athletes who fail the official weigh-in are disqualified and may not compete. A tolerance of zero grams applies at IJF World Tour and Olympic events. Random weight checks may be conducted after weigh-in and before the first match.
4.2 Mixed Team Event
The Olympic mixed team event features national teams of six athletes: three men and three women. Matches are contested in a fixed weight order:
- Women −57 kg
- Men −73 kg
- Women −70 kg
- Men −90 kg
- Women +70 kg
- Men +90 kg
Each match is a standard 4-minute bout. The team winning the majority of matches (first to four wins) advances. If tied at 3–3, a random draw selects one of the six weight categories for a deciding "golden match."
4.3 Referees and Judges
Each match is officiated by a panel of three:
- Mat Referee (Shushin): Stands on the contest area, directs the match, announces scores and penalties, and has primary authority over all decisions.
- Two Side Judges (Fukushin): Seated at diagonal corners of the mat with access to video review monitors. They may signal disagreement with the referee's call by raising a flag or pressing a buzzer.
Decisions are made by majority rule: if two of the three officials agree, the call stands. The IJF CARE system (Computer Assisted Referee Evaluation) provides instant multi-angle video replay. Referees may initiate a video review at any time, and the CARE commission supervisor may intervene on clear errors. All IJF referees must hold current certification and attend annual rules seminars.
4.4 Coaches
Each athlete is permitted one coach seated in the designated coaching chair. Coaches may offer verbal encouragement but may not physically approach the mat, interfere with officials, or use electronic devices to communicate tactical instructions during the match. Coaches who violate decorum rules may be issued a warning or removed from the competition venue.