Who are the officials in silambam?
A · Advanced · The stick fight · 1 of 2The referee runs the fight inside the court and alone shows the cards. Five judges score from seats round the court. The ring chairman is in overall charge, handing out and collecting score cards and working out the result. An announcer, a recorder and a timekeeper complete the table. A referee must have judged for five years.
How it works
- Referee: inside the court.
- Judges: five.
- Ring chairman: overall charge.
- Announcer: calls the winner.
- Recorder: keeps the record book.
- Timekeeper: whistle at time.
- Referee: five years as a judge.
- Ring chairman: ten years as a referee.
The glossary has the referee (silambam), the ring chairman, the judges (silambam), the announcer, recorder and timekeeper, the coach conduct and the disqualification and appeal.
Tricky cases
Can a coach complain?
Yes, politely and in writing on the set form.
Can a coach hold a staff in the court?
No, not while their student competes.
Who has the final word on the game?
The technical council chairman.
How many WSA coaches may enter the field?
One per team.
Why the rule exists
Splitting control of the fight from the scoring keeps the referee free to watch safety.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Referee | Five years judging | L S 7 |
| Ring chairman | Ten years refereeing | L S 7 |
| WSA coach | One per team | L W 22 |
From the rule book
SGFI Silambam Rules and WSA Silambam Sports Rules: SGFI chapters 4 and 7; WSA article 22. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: SGFI Silambam Rules; WSA Silambam Sports Rules (web page).