Referee Authority & Qualifications

The referee plays a crucial role in martial arts competitions, ensuring safety, fairness, and adherence to the rules.

 

 

 

1. Duties of the Referee:

• Primary Responsibilities: Enforce rules fairly, maintain control of the bout, ensure competitor safety, and call points.

• Rule Adherence: The referee cannot alter or change the rules.

• Final Authority: Has the final say on scoring disputes and can issue warnings or penalties without needing a majority decision.

• Broad Authority: Maintains control not just in the ring but throughout the tournament perimeter.

• Disqualification Powers: Can disqualify participants who fail to comply or exhibit aggressive behavior towards officials.

• Safety Focus: Prevents unnecessary punishment of competitors.

• Match Control: Only the referee can start or stop the match, independent of the timekeeper.

• Equipment Check: Ensures competitors’ gear meets UMA standards.

• Penalty Issuance: May penalize for unsportsmanlike conduct by competitors or their corner.

• Uniform Requirement: Must wear the official UMA referee uniform.

• Competitor Condition Awareness: Must monitor competitor health at all times.

• Injury Protocols: Leads the response for injured competitors, securing the area and assisting medical staff.

• Communication: Solely responsible for interactions with competitors, instructors, and spectators.

• Time Outs: Controls the issuance of time-outs; competitors may request but must receive referee approval. Limit: 3 per competitor.

• Flow of the Match: Limits interruptions unless calling points or addressing rule violations.

• Rotation of Roles: Referees and judges must rotate positions between matches.

• Impartiality: Must remain neutral and avoid bias.

• Position Checks: Ensures all personnel are in place before the match.

• Substitute Nominations: Can appoint substitute officials as needed.

• Apparel: Must adhere to dress codes – black slacks, official UMA shirt, and soft rubber-soled shoes.

2. Verbal Commands:

• Commands Overview:

  • "Fighting positions" – Start or continue the match.

  • "Stop" – Cease fighting.

  • "Fight" – Resume fighting.

  • "No Activity" – Warns competitors to engage.

  • "Judges call" – Calls for judges’ scoring.

  • "Break" – Separate and step back before resuming.

3. Qualifications for a Referee:

• Must be 21+ years old with martial arts experience (Black Belt not required).

• Must complete AMA training (dates announced on the website).

• No physical disabilities; extensions past 60 years require approval.

• No criminal convictions or restrictions related to children.

• Gain experience through practical involvement in sparring matches.

4. Dress Code:

• Mandatory:

  • Black slacks and small-buckled belt.

  • Official UMA shirt ($25 cost).

  • Black, soft-soled shoes.

• Prohibited:

  • Jewelry, watches, hats.

• Assist the referee with scoring and discipline.

• Monitor competitor boundaries and report issues.

• Secure areas for medical personnel if needed.

• Rotate positions with the referee as assigned.

• Sit at designated corners in the safety area.

Time Keeper's Duties:

• Manage official time, starting/stopping at referee command.

• Assist in securing the area for medical personnel.

• Provide a 10-second warning by tapping the table.

Score Keeper's Duties:

• Record scores accurately, following the referee’s signals.

• Notify the referee when a competitor reaches a 7-point lead.

• Assist in securing the area during injuries.

Arbitrator's Role:

• Appointed to resolve disputes and ensure fairness.

• Steps in only when requested by the referee.

• Works with the tournament director for impartial solutions.

Fairness and Impartiality Rule:

• Allows rule modifications only in extreme cases to ensure fairness (e.g., for disabled competitors).

Tournament Officials Guidelines:

• Cannot assist competitors or be involved with participants they trained.

• If a referee’s conduct receives three separate complaints, the ring may be suspended for investigation.

• Officials must arrive on time and stay through the final match.

Late Calls:

• Calls must be simultaneous. Late or biased calls may result in disqualification of the judge's call or the judge themselves.

Safety and Penalties:

• Techniques must be controlled, especially in junior divisions. Uncontrolled techniques causing injury will be penalized unless caused by the recipient.