Who referees a kurash bout?
A · Advanced · Referees and the competition · 2 of 4Three referees judge each bout. The arbitrator stands on the mat, gives the commands and announces scores and penalties. Two side referees sit at opposite corners. Decisions are by majority of the three, and a disqualification always needs a majority. A chief referee is in charge of the whole competition.
How it works
- Arbitrator: on the mat. Checks the athletes and their jackets, controls the bout, gives the commands and announces scores and penalties.
- Side referees: two, seated at opposite corners where they do not block the scoreboard.
- Majority: the three evaluate every action by majority. If all three differ, they discuss it and reach one opinion.
- Stop-watch referee: keeps the fighting time and signals the end.
- Scoreboard referee: shows each score and penalty the arbitrator announces.
- Informing referee: announces the schedule and the athletes.
- Chief referee: the head of the competition. Seeds the draw, appoints referees to bouts and may remove a referee, an athlete or a coach.
- Doctor: treats an injury during a bout only when the arbitrator calls.
- Dress: black suit and trousers, black socks, white shirt and black tie.
- Signals: made with the hand on the side of the athlete concerned, by jacket colour.
The glossary has the arbitrator, the side referee, the chief referee, the appraisal, the girrom and the gilam.
Tricky cases
The arbitrator sees a khalol and both side referees see a yonbosh. What is given?
A yonbosh. The three decide by majority, and the arbitrator takes the side referees' evaluations into account.
The three referees see three different things. What then?
They must discuss it to reach a final opinion.
Can the chief referee change a rule for a tournament?
No. The chief referee has no right to cancel or change the rules. Changes go to the federation's directing committee and its congress.
Can a coach run on to the mat when an athlete is hurt?
No. The doctor comes when the arbitrator calls, and the coach may not come near while the athlete is receiving medical aid.
Why the rule exists
A throw is over in a second and can look different from each side, so three pairs of eyes at three angles judge it. The majority rule stops one referee from deciding a bout alone, and the rules go further for a disqualification because it ends the contest.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| On the mat | The arbitrator | IKA Rules 7 |
| At the corners | Two side referees | IKA Rules 8 |
| At the table | Stop-watch, scoreboard and informing referees, with a secretary | IKA Rules 6; 9; 10; 11 |
| Over the competition | The chief referee and deputies | IKA Rules 4; 5 |
| International events | Only referees authorised by the federation | IKA Rules 3.1 |
From the rule book
International Kurash Association, International rules of organization and holding of Kurash competitions (web page, adopted 1998, categories for 2026), sections 3 to 15, 21 and 28. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's competition rules (saved as a web page only).