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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 chic 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 USTU 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  During the tournament you'll also receive a complimentary lunch and unlimited access to our concession stand.  Afterward, revel with other special guests at our invitation-only banquet.  Don't miss this opportunity.

What we ask of you:  Attend one of our referee and judge training seminars on Saturday May 17, Saturday May 24, or Friday(evening) May 30 and then help out during the tournament on Saturday, May 31.  That's it.  Please contact Kent Noble (tkdrefereemgr@lists.stanford.edu) if you have any questions or wish to volunteer.

Important Documents:

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.


Author: Kent Noble (tkdrefereemgr@lists.stanford.edu)
Last updated: 22-Apr-2003

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the referee and judge training?
A: The primary training session is Saturday, May 17th, 2003 from 10am to 2pm and will be led by Professor Misha Thackrey. If there is sufficient demand there will be a second training session on Saturday, May 24th from 10am to 2pm lead by Kent Noble. Please attend the first training session (May 17th) when possible.  You are welcome to attend both sessions.

Q: What should I wear for the training?
A: Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes with non-marking soles such as tennis shoes or TKD shoes. If you would like to spar, then please bring full gear.

Q: What is the agenda and location of the primary training seminar (May 17)?
A: 10am - noon: Review of the Rules and Q&A at Burnham Pavilion
     Noon - 2pm: Practice Sessions in the Ring including use of the scoring handgear and system
Lunch will be provided.

Q: What is the agenda and location of the second training seminar (May 24)?
A: 10am - 2pm: Review of the Rules, Q&A, and Ring Practice at Burnham Pavilion.

Q: Can I get a copy of the Referee Handbook?
A: (Acrobat PDF format -- 4Mb).

Q: What are the major and/or minor modifications to the rules that I need to be aware of?
A: We are in the process of creating a quick reference for referees and judges.

Q: What do I need to know about the electronic scoring handgear?
A: Check that the red light is illuminated (indicating strong battery). The handgrip marked Blue goes in your right hand; Red goes in your left hand. We will use differential scoring. For a scoring technique: Pull the trigger with your index finger for a body shot; Push the side button with your thumb for a head shot.

Q: How do I score a double technique? Will the scoring system eliminate "phantom" points?
A: The scoring software utilizes a buffer to register incoming points from the 3 sets of handgear. The Tournament Director sets the duration of this buffer (currently set to 1.0 seconds similar to National tournaments). In order to score a double technique (such as double roundhouse), the judge must wait at least 1.0 seconds before depressing a button to score the second point. This lock-out buffer eliminates phantom points.

Q: How many sparring competitors do you need on May 17th for the referee and judge training seminar? How many rings will be set up?
A: We will have two rings for sparring matches. If you are intending to compete in the Stanford Open or just like to spar you will have an opportunity to provide a real practice session for our judges and referees by participating in real matches using regulation rounds. If you are attending the training seminar and wish to spar, bring all equipment.

Q: How many sparring competitors do you need on May 24th for the referee and judge training seminar? How many rings will be set up?
A: We will have one ring. We again invite competitors and anyone else who wants to spar to attend.

Q: What equipment should I bring if I intend to spar at the training seminar?
A: The mandatory equipment comprises:

  • Standard white, V-neck taekwondo uniform (black trim for black belts only) in good condition.
  • White USTU or WTF chest protector with red and blue scoring zones.
  • Foam shin protector and instep pad (white only), and forearm protector (white only).
  • Groin protection (required for males), worn under uniform.
  • Foam USTU or WTF head protector (white only).
  • Mouth guard.

  • Q: How many people do you need during the tournament on May 31st? How many rings will be set up?
    A: We will have six rings for sparring matches. We need three judges and one center referee per ring. Therefore, we need a lot of trained and competent volunteers.

    Q: When should I arrive for the tournament?
    A: In order to be briefed and to make the opening ceremonies, please arrive no later than 8.15am on Saturday, May 31st at Maples Pavilion. Maples Pavilion has free parking just outside the building. You will need to check in at the volunteer desk and receive your Referee/Judge polo shirt for the event.

    Q: What should I wear for the tournament?
    A: Please wear dark trousers (such as slacks) and shoes with non-marking soles such as, preferably, TKD shoes or tennis shoes. You will need to check in at the volunteer desk and receive your Referee/Judge polo shirt for the event.

    Q: Can I compete in poomsae and/or sparring and still volunteer as a judge or center referee?
    A: Yes. Let Kent Noble know your requirements and we will schedule around those.

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

    Q: I hold a black belt in a style other than WTF. 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 their an age limit in order to participate?
    A: Everyone's refereeing role will be decided on the basis of refereeing abilities, knowledge, and skills (regardless of age, rank, etc.).

    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 either referee training seminar?
    A: At the 2002 WTF International Referee Refresher Course and the subsequent U.S. Open, 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: I can't make it to either training seminar, can I still help out on the day of the tournament?
    A: Please contact Kent Noble (tkdrefereemgr@lists.stanford.edu) and we will discuss the best way for you to participate given your circumstances.

    Q: Where can I find parking?  Where is Burnham Pavilion? Maples Pavilion?
    A: Stanford maps: General Map including Parking [PDF; 1.6 Mb], Burnham Pavilion, and Maples Pavilion.

    Q: Who is the head referee?
    A: Professor Misha Thackrey, California State University Fresno.

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

    Q: Who do I contact for more information?
    A: Please contact Kent Noble (tkdrefereemgr@lists.stanford.edu).

    Q: What is the URL of this page?
    A: http://tkd.stanford.edu/spropen2003/referee.html.