How does a blind judoka know who scored?
A · Advanced · During the fight · 1 of 2With each score and penalty the referee adds the colour, shiro for white or ao for blue, announces osaekomi with the colour and names the winner by colour. One coach may advise from the coaching box throughout the fight, but only for orientation and safety. Constant shouting is not allowed, and a coach who calls referee terms falls under IJF sanctions.
How it works
- Colours: shiro or ao with every call.
- Osaekomi: with the colour.
- Winner: named by colour.
- One coach: from the coaching box.
- Advice: orientation and safety only.
- No: constant shouting or cheering.
- Referee terms: a coach may not call them.
- No-show: fusen-gachi after 30 seconds.
The glossary has the naming the colour, the coaching (IBSA judo), the athlete does not appear, the judogi adjustment, the IBSA referee and the referee contact.
Tricky cases
Can the coach shout tactics?
Only orientation and safety advice is allowed.
Can two coaches coach?
No. One only.
The coach shouts "maté". Result?
The IJF procedure applies.
How is the winner announced?
By colour.
Why the rule exists
Athletes cannot see the scoreboard, so the colour tells them who scored. Limits on coaching keep it to help, not tactics.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | With the colour | 16 |
| Coaching | Whole fight, limited content | 20 |
| Winner | By colour | 19 |
From the rule book
IBSA, IBSA Judo Rules (amendment to the IJF rules, 2025 to 2028, January 2025), sections 16, 18 to 21. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBSA Judo Rules, January 2025.