Introduction to the USJA Technical Official Certification Program
The USJA Technical Official Training and Certification Program were instituted to meet the continual need for well-trained and qualified Technical Officials to serve at USJA-sanctioned tournaments. Although the program is designed to serve the specific needs of the USJA, the training materials are intended to be in compliance with all the applicable rules and requirements of the International Judo Federation (IJF), and to expand upon and be compatible with similar training programs and materials published by the United States Judo, Inc. (USJI).
The aim of the program is to provide a service, rather than to regulate or control. The program has been designed to train and motivate new Technical Officials, and to update the skills and recognize the professionalism of the many volunteers who already serve with such dedication as Technical Officials. There is no desire on the part of the USJA Technical Official Committee to place any extra burden upon tournament directors by mandating that volunteers must be certified before they can serve as Technical Officials. Rather, the committee seeks to support the existing efforts of tournament directors to train their volunteers by supplying a training curriculum, and by training and certifying Technical Official Supervisors who can provide training and motivation to the volunteers, and by giving recognition to those volunteers who actually receive the training. In keeping with its service-oriented mission, the program is meant to be revenue neutral. It is not necessary to be a member of the USJA to become certified through this program. Members of the other national judo organizations, and interested volunteers, such as judo parents, are invited to participate in this program.