Mr Plugge noted the importance of the event, supporting it becoming established on the calendar, especially as the next edition, in Japan, will undoubtedly attract larger numbers. The 2026 IBSA Judo Asian Championships will be inside the Paralympic qualification and that always brings a new dynamic and energy.
Addressing the referees, Mr Plugge said, “We are here to help the referees. The one goal is to have a fantastic referee product, 3 days of competition and refereeing so consistent that we will be able to say that we had a great three days and gave the athletes their fairest chance to express themselves on the tatami.”
Referees have a slightly modified role with the IBSA athletes, beyond their expected tasks at the IJF level, in that safety procedures must accommodate visual impairments. The athletes must have auditory warnings of the edge of the tatami and must be escorted to the correct starting position, both tasks falling on the referee. Starting each contest with a grip also means there is no time for the referee to breathe before the full contact nature of judo is in play. Scores can happen within just seconds of the ‘hajime’ and so the referee must be completely in tune with the athletes and the action at all times. Of course this is the same for mainstream contests but the acceleration to full speed can be different at IBSA events.
Mr Plugge also reminded the referees and, at a meeting earlier in the schedule, the coaches, of the remit of the coaches who sit mat-side for their athletes, “Coaching is not quite the same for IBSA judo athletes as it is on the IJF World Judo Tour. Some comments are allowed during the ‘hajime’ part of contests but this should be limited to issues of safety, orientation and time, to give important, time-sensitive information to the judoka so they can manage their contests in the most effective way.”
Conversations between working parties at events form an invaluable part of the education needed to promote consistency and excellence. In Astana this process has been embraced and the competition has begun with the most positive spirit.