IPPON IS THE KEY

The International Judo Federation could not ignore numerous complaints on refereeing and complaints of trainers on individual rules. Therefore, it was expected that the rules of this popular kind of fight would be changed. Over 370 judges and coaches from 99 countries discussed the new rules at an international seminar in Baku.

Prior to the workshop, the President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation Rovnag Abdullayev and President of the International Judo Federation (IJF) Marius Vizer had a meeting.

M. Vizer stressed that the change in the rules of judo will lead to an even greater love for this kind of martial arts. Describing the productive activity of the Azerbaijani Federation, he also expressed confidence that the World Cup 2018 to be held in Baku will be organized at the highest level.

The approved rules will apply to all judo competitions worldwide. The judges will evaluate only two steps in judo - ippon and waza-ari. Yuko will also be evaluated with a waza-ari. The fight will continue even if the athletes have several waza-aris (previously two waza-ari meant victory). Total victory is awarded only upon ippon. According to experts, the new rules will make the athletes to fight more actively even if they have several waza-aris.

In the past, athletes would lose the fight after 4 warnings 4 (shido) but now they will after 3 shidos. Chairman of the Judges Committee of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, international referee Fariz Huseynov told R+ that these rules will be tested first: "They will be tested before the World Cup, which will take place in August. If the effects are positive, they will be adopted before the summer 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. "

Huseynov also announced a decrease in the number of judges. According to him, the meeting will be judged only by one referee: "This move facilitates the perception of the audience. Before entering the arena, the audience would see two or three judges. Now the meeting will be judged by a single referee. "

Chairman of the Committee also said that there were several changes in the rules: "From now on, both male and female fights will last 4 minutes only. If during this time none of the athletes applies technique, the winner is not determined by shidos and the meeting will proceed until the "golden point". The athlete who applies the technique first wins. There was a change in the rules of the attack and protect your feet. Previously, such an attack once regarded as a defeat, but now after the first attack will be awarded a penalty point shido, and after the second - loses. Make the changes and to protect athletes from spinal injuries, head and neck. So, if the defending player trying to get away from ippon touches the mat with his head, then he loses the fight immediately (hansuki). Under the old rules, when you touch the mat with head you could get out of the situation with waza-ari".

Stressing the importance of the organized for judges and trainers Judo International Federation of seminar, Vizer has expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani side for the hospitality at the highest level: "This major event was attended by nearly 400 representatives from 99 countries. At the seminar, they were acquainted with some modifications. New features designed to further simplify the rules for the further dynamic development of the sport. I express my gratitude to the Azerbaijani government, Judo Federation of this country for their cooperation with us ", he told R+.

"In 2018 Baku will host the world championship in judo. This tournament is the largest competition in this kind of sport. All fans of judo from all over the world will be focused on your capital. I think that the championship will increase interest in judo in Azerbaijan. I believe that it will be held at a high level", added the President of the IJF.

M. Vizer also noted that the new rules would bolster further development of Judo: "The seminar was held in a democratic environment. All opinions were heard. We love judo. Today judo is one of the most beloved sports in the world. However, we do not want to be limited to this. Changes in the rules have been made to attract more viewers. Referees and coaches also appealed to us in connection with certain rules. The new rules will make judo more dynamic and increase the number of techniques. Athletes will be more active in the fight. At the same time, we are trying to include team competitions in the Summer Olympic Games. Team competitions are of great interest at the World and European championships. I think it will be the same at the Olympics. Therefore, you will watch team competitions at Tokyo 2020. The new rules open a new page in judo. All international competitions will be conducted according to these rules. After the World Cup in Budapest, the Board of IJF will hold a convention. We will have the final decision regarding new rules at that meeting", said Mr. Vizer.

According to the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, all domestic competitions are held under the new rules. The honored coach Agayar Akhundzade said that athletes needed some time to get used to them: "If the rules are adopted, we can only study them. We can witness increase in dynamics of judo. Athletes need time to digest the new rules. Previously, a technique with the leg was immediately awarded as a loss of fight. Now this will be a warning only. Most importantly, this eliminates yuko. Now, even two waza-aris do not mean victory. The most important technique is ippon. As the new rules will affect judo, time will tell. I think that our athletes will not have problems with the new rules." 

It should be noted that this year, the Azerbaijani wrestlers will face serious tests on a number of important tournaments. In March, the authoritative competition World Masters will be held in Baku. In April, the team will perform at the European Championships in Poland, and in August - in the world championship in Hungary.