Referees and Judges Needed
Would you like a free pass to the Stanford Open and a complimentary spectator's pass? Would you like to see the action closeup? Would you like a nice Stanford Taekwondo polo shirt? If you are a red or black belt and would like to volunteer to participate as a judge or a center referee, read on!
If you have never volunteered before or are an old hand, whether you want to judge poomsae or sparring, you are invited to join the tournament team. Besides learning or brushing up on USAT regulations and gaining insights into best practices for judging poomsae and sparring, you will be trained in the use of state-of-the-art, electronic, wireless scoring gear provided by Impact Measurement Inc. Practice what you learn in an intense session dedicated solely to improving your skills!
For volunteering you'll receive a special recognition souvenir and complimentary shared accommodation at our official tournament hotel. A modest honorarium will be payed to USAT-or WT-cerfied referees. During the tournament you'll also receive a complimentary breakfast, lunch and unlimited access to food! Afterward, join other special guests at our invitation-only banquet. Don't miss this opportunity!
Please contact our Head Referee Vincent Lo (vlo@cs.stanford.edu) if you have any questions.
To sign up to volunteer as a referee, CLICK HERE!. Thank you!

Referee and Judge - FAQ

The tournament is for the benefit of the competitors. The referee's role is to provide a safe and fair environment -- the judges shall be unbiased.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where and when is the Referee Seminar?
A: There is no referee refresher taught by Stanford this year. Instead, you are encouraged to attend the USAT certified Sparring Seminar on May 5th at Palo Alto Martial Arts in Milpitas. For more information about the event, click here.

Q: Where can I find parking? Where are the ACSR Studio, Maples Pavilion, and Kissick Auditorium?
A: You can find ACSR Studio, Maples Pavilion, and Kissick Auditorium on Stanford Maps here. Please observe the parking regulations posted. For more information on parking regulations, see here. We are not responsible for any parking citations.

Q: How do I score a double technique? Will the scoring system eliminate "phantom" points?
A: The scoring software opens up multiple windows on separate instances of a judge's press of a button, and a judge can therefore repeatedly press a button as quickly as he/she can as needed.

Q: What should I wear for the tournament?
A: Please wear black pants and primarily white shoes with non-marking soles such as, TKD shoes (preferably) or tennis shoes. You will need to check in at the volunteer desk and receive your Referee/Judge polo shirt for the event. If you have refereed at Spring Open in the past, please bring your black polo referee shirt!

Q: Can I compete in poomsae and/or sparring and still volunteer as a judge or center referee?
A: Yes. Let Vincent Lo (vlo at cs dot stanford dot edu) know your requirements and we will schedule around those.

Q: Do I need to be USAT certified?
A: USAT certification is a plus but is not required.

Q: I hold a black belt in a style other than WT. Can I still participate?
A: Yes. The most important requirement is that you know the rules and are competent in acting as a judge or referee.

Q: Is there an age limit in order to participate?
A: Participants should be at least 16 years old (if a black belt) otherwise at least 18 years old (red belt). Referee and judge roles are decided on the basis of abilities, knowledge, and skills.

Q: I am a very experienced referee and would happily help out at the tournament. Due to my experience do I still need to attend the referee training seminar?
A: Professor Thackrey noted that even among the world's top referees and officials there are difficulties and controversies with the new Taekwondo competition rules. "The most capable and experienced referees seek more training, not less. We will do our utmost to make the required referee training sessions worth the while of even the most senior in attendance."

Q: I don't mind participating as a corner judge, but do I have to be a center referee?
A: No, although you are encouraged to participate in those areas in which you are competent.

Q: Who is the Head Referee?
A: Vincent Lo is the head referee for the Stanford Spring Open tournament.

Q: Who is the Tournament Director?
A: Head Coach - Program Director, Stanford University Taekwondo Program, Tim Ghormley (tghormley@stanford.edu).

Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Please contact our Head Referee Vincent Lo (vlo@cs.stanford.edu).

Our Sponsors

A special thanks to our sponsors for supporting this event. To learn more about them, click on their logo and you will be directed to their website!