Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Age-Based Technique Restrictions
To protect developing athletes, the IJF and most national federations enforce strict age-based technique restrictions:
- Cadets (Under 18): Kansetsu-waza (arm locks) and shime-waza (chokes) are completely prohibited. Any attempt, even in a playful or accidental manner, results in matte and a warning or penalty.
- Younger age groups (Under 13/Under 15): Additional technique restrictions may apply per national federation rules, including bans on certain sacrifice throws and restrictions on ne-waza duration.
- Seniors (18+): All legal techniques are permitted, including arm locks and chokes.
8.2 Medical Protocols
- Medical Staff: At least one qualified doctor must be present at each competition mat. Major events require a full medical team with emergency resuscitation equipment.
- Blood Rule: If an athlete is bleeding, the referee immediately calls matte. The athlete has a maximum of 5 minutes of cumulative medical treatment time per match. If the bleeding cannot be controlled, the match is forfeited.
- Concussion Protocol: If a referee or doctor suspects a concussion (loss of consciousness, disorientation, inability to stand), the match is stopped immediately. The athlete may not continue and must undergo mandatory medical evaluation before being cleared to compete again. An athlete who is knocked unconscious is automatically withdrawn from the tournament.
- Injury Timeout: An injured athlete may receive on-mat medical attention. If the athlete cannot continue, the match is awarded to the opponent. The referee, in consultation with the medical staff, has sole authority to determine if an athlete is fit to continue.
8.3 Mat and Facility Safety
- Tatami mats must be inspected before each competition day for proper alignment, firmness, and absence of tears or seam gaps.
- The safety zone must be kept clear of chairs, equipment, bags, and spectators at all times.
- When multiple competition areas are in use, adjacent safety zones must not overlap in a way that could cause collisions between athletes on different mats.
- Temperature and humidity in the competition hall must be maintained at levels that prevent excessive sweating that could compromise grip safety.
8.4 Breakfall Training (Ukemi)
All competitive judoka must be proficient in ukemi (breakfall techniques) before entering competition. Proper ukemi — including back falls (ushiro-ukemi), side falls (yoko-ukemi), front falls (mae-ukemi), and rolling falls (zenpo-kaiten-ukemi) — is the primary defense against injury from throws. Referees may stop a match if they determine an athlete is unable to fall safely, indicating insufficient preparation for competition.
8.5 Anti-Doping
The IJF adheres to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code. All athletes at IJF-sanctioned events are subject to in-competition and out-of-competition testing. Violations result in suspension, stripping of results, and potential lifetime bans for repeat offenses.