Referee Training

The UKBJJA  has designed a comprehensive course which allows individuals to gain qualifications and work at BJJ competitions.

We are also committed to ensuring that high standards of refereeing are maintained at competitions

If you are interested in the course you can read about the requirements and process for qualification you can read the outline below, or download the refereeing guide here.  You can check whether there is a course near you on our events page or express your interest in hosting one by contacting us. 

If you are a competition organiser and want to use UKBJJA qualified referees, our list of qualified referees can be found at the bottom of this page.

Upcoming courses

The UKBJJA Refereeing Programme

There are three levels of qualification:

Level 3

(Blue belts and above. Able to referee under supervision, up to their own belt level)

The level 3 programme is intended to be an opportunity for potential referees to gain experience before undertaking the UKBJJA practical assessment.

The position of Level 3 referee is valid for two years from the date of the last UKBJJA referee course undertaken.

Eligibility:

1. Individual member of the UKBJJA

2. Age and grade requirements;

i) Minimum age of 18

ii) Minimum grade of Blue Belt

3. Attend UKBJJA referee course.

4. Pass UKBJJA referee exam.

THEORY AND PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS:

The full 3-hour referee course must be completed before taking the theory exam. Candidates are permitted three attempts to pass the theory exam after which they must retake the referee course. The Pass mark for the theory exam is 90%.

A maximum of
1 hour is allowed to complete theory exam.
The full referee course must be undertaken and the theory exam must be passed before undertaking the practical assessment for Level 2.

Level 2

(Blue belts and above. Able to referee independently, up to their own belt level)

Eligibility:

1. Individual member of the UKBJJA

2. Age and grade requirements;

i) Minimum age of 18

ii) Minimum grade of Blue Belt

3. Attend UKBJJA referee course.

4. Pass UKBJJA referee exam (within the previous 12 months)

  1. Pass UKBJJA practical assessment.

For the practical assessment the candidate will undertake refereeing duties at a BJJ competition and will be observed by an assessor.

The practical assessment must be taken within 12-months of passing the theory exam.

The candidate will be graded as follows:

  1. Pass with distinction
  2. Pass
  3. Requires Guidance
  4. Advised to retake referee course

Candidates who achieve grade 1 or 2 will have achieved the Level 2 qualification.

Having achieved a Grade 3, the candidate will be advised on areas for improvement and can retake the practical assessment at a later date (within a period of 12 months).
A grade 4 will require the candidate to retake the full 3-hour referee course.

Level 1

(Black belts and above. Able to act as head referee)

Eligibility
1. Must have held the UKBJJA Level 2 award for 2 years and refereed at a minimum of 8 events prior to application for this award.
2. Apply to UKBJJA for consideration.

RE-VALIDATION CRITERIA:

Within the 2 year period:
1. Must have officiated at a minimum of 8 events including attendance at the referee briefings.

  1. If revalidation requirements are not met within the 2 year period, the referee will be re-assessed

The Level 1 referee is expected to maintain a competent level of officiating, having continued to keep up to date with current rule changes and interpretations.