USA Judo National Referee Development Framework

Dear USA Judo Community,

USA Judo is pleased to announce the launch of our National Referee Development Framework, a comprehensive national initiative designed to strengthen referee education, consistency, development, and leadership across the United States.

The framework creates a connected pathway from education and certification through evaluation, Active Status, advancement, and future leadership. Education will be a central focus, including monthly national online sessions and a geographically distributed series of National Referee Development Symposiums beginning in 2027.

This investment is about more than referees. More consistent and better-developed officiating supports safer and fairer competition for athletes, greater clarity for coaches, stronger events for organizers, and a stronger national judo community.

Below you will find a one-page illustrated overview for a quick look at the program and what is coming.

USA Judo and the Referee Committee are now developing the curricula, certification materials, online education schedule, and symposium implementation details. More information will be shared as these components are finalized.

I want to personally thank the Referee Committee members...Hector Estevez, Raelyn Adorno, Saro Balagezyan, Sheldon Konno, David Smith and Mary Wakabayashi...for their time and effort in putting this framework together.

We are excited to begin building the next generation of referee development together.

Sincerely,
Corinne Shigemoto
Chief Executive Officer
USA Judo