Technical Memo – Update to Shime-waza Rules for Contests Involving Athletes Aged 60 and Over
Following a review of the rules relating to strangulation techniques, British Judo has updated its rules for their use in all contests involving athletes aged 60 years and over.
The change reflects further review of the increased medical risks associated with strangulation techniques for athletes in this age group and discussions with our insurers. As a result, shime-waza will not be permitted in any contest where one or both competitors are aged 60 or above, regardless of the category in which they are competing. This is effective immediately.
This rule applies to all BJA licensed competitions and dan gradings at every level, including events that are not specifically designated as Veterans competitions. As an example – If a 45-year-old athlete competes against a 63-year-old athlete, shime-waza is not permitted for either athlete during that contest.
The purpose of this update is to ensure that contests remain safe for all participants while maintaining fairness in categories where athletes of different ages may compete together.
Athletes aged 60 years and over practicing judo in other environments (e.g., training in a club environment), may technically learn shime-waza however it should be without execution on them. With the support of the coach, athletes must make their training partners aware of the restriction. If an individual makes their own choice about inclusion of shime-waza execution on them in their training, they do so entirely at their own risk. In the case of technical assessments for both technical and competitive Dan Gradings, and kata examinations, shime-waza may be performed by a judoka over the age of 60 on an uke under the age of 60.
An updated version of the Contest Rules has been published
Full text of the updated rule:
Shime-waza
Shime-waza is not permitted by either athlete in any contest where one or both of the athletes is aged 60 years of age and over. This applies to all BJA licenced competitions and dan gradings, at all levels, irrespective of if they are advertised for veterans or open age, and cannot be waived.
Recognising that categories may have mixed ages:
- Table officials or grading examiners should inform the referee before each contest that shime-waza is not permitted under this rule.
- Both athletes should be informed prior to hajime by the referee, unless the category is restricted to M7 / F7+ athletes, where the rule already applies to all competitors
- In such a contest, should an athlete apply or attempt to apply shime-waza, the referee will call mate at the earliest opportunity to prevent the action. The referee will remind the athlete that shime-waza is not permitted.
- No penalty will be applied.
If you have any queries regarding this rule change please contact Keith Merrick at keith.merrick@britishjudo.org.uk
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