What is golden score in judo?
B · Beginner · Scoring and winning · 6 of 7Golden score is judo's extra time. If the scores are level after four minutes, the contest restarts at once and the first athlete to score anything, a yuko, a waza-ari or an ippon, wins. There is no time limit. It also ends if an athlete is disqualified.
How it works
- It starts straight after regular time. There is no rest.
- Scores and shido from regular time stay on the board and carry over.
- Winning it: any technical score, a hansoku-make against the opponent, whether direct or by a third shido, or kiken-gachi.
- A hold-down in golden score scores yuko at 5 seconds, and that ends the contest.
- Simultaneous scores by both athletes are ignored and the contest goes on.
- If both athletes reach three shido, both lose.
- An athlete who declines to take part in golden score loses by kiken-gachi.
Tricky cases
Is there a time limit in golden score?
No. It runs until there is a score or a disqualification.
One athlete had two shido from regular time. Do they start golden score with a clean record?
No. Shido carry over. One more is hansoku-make.
Can a single shido win golden score?
No. A shido is not a score. Only a third shido, which is hansoku-make, ends it.
Why the rule exists
Judo wants every contest decided by a technique. Golden score keeps the athletes fighting until one is scored, with the penalty rules still running so that neither can wait it out.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| IJF rules | As above | J 13 |
| Mixed team events tied on wins | One weight category is drawn and fights a golden score contest | SOR 2.7.1 |
From the rule book
International Judo Federation Sport and Organisation Rules, Refereeing Rules, Articles 13 and 18.3, and Section 2.7.1. Version of 24 July 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IJF Sport and Organisation Rules (PDF).