Judo · rules and equipment
IJF – competition rules and judogi requirements
Before a judo competition, both you and your equipment need to be ready. Here we explain the IJF rules on weigh-ins, participation, judogi control and medical assistance during a contest.
Updated on 5 October 2026 using the IJF Sport and Organisation Rules, version 14 August 2026. This summary applies to IJF competitions. Also check the event outlines and any specific provisions.
Weigh-in before the competition
Official weigh-in
The official weigh-in at IJF events is normally scheduled for 16:00 local time on the day before competition. It lasts 30–60 minutes. Exact times are stated in the event outlines, and changes require approval from the IJF Sport Commission.
Random weight checks
Individual IJF World Judo Tour events also include random weight checks. The check opens one hour before the start of competition. The reporting deadline is stated as 30 minutes or six contests before the athlete's first contest. Accreditation is used for identification.
At this check, weight must not exceed the usual upper limit of the weight category by more than 5 percent. This rule applies to the random check; it is not an extra allowance at the official weigh-in. IJF mixed team events do not have this random weight check.
Olympic qualification, mixed teams and world rankings
Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
The qualification period for the 2028 Olympics runs from 15 June 2026 to 12 June 2028. The previous qualification period for Paris 2024 has ended. Places are allocated under the separate IJF and IOC qualification system.
The mixed team event comprises three women's and three men's categories. A team is based on individually qualified athletes who collectively cover its weight categories. Special invitation places may complete certain teams. An Olympic mixed team may include up to 14 athletes; details are set out in the IJF qualification system and Olympic FAQ.
Ranking points after a change of nationality
Under IJF rules, an athlete who changes nationality retains previously earned world ranking points in the weight categories in which they have competed. Changing the country represented is subject to separate conditions and approvals.
Entry to the Senior World Championships
The basic rule allows athletes ranked 1–100 in the senior world rankings or 1–16 in the junior world rankings to enter. If a ranking position is tied, all athletes at that position are included.
- Each national federation may enter up to nine women and nine men.
- No more than two athletes may be entered in each weight category.
- Specific exceptions apply to the host country and allocated wild cards. The IJF determines which ranking list is used for qualification.
Judogi and uniform control
At official IJF events, the judogi must meet IJF requirements. Its approval, condition, size and markings are checked. The national federation is responsible for ensuring that its athletes use approved equipment.
Pre-control and backnumbers
Pre-control is offered from two days before the first competition day until the day before the final competition day. Times are stated in the event outlines. The optional size check is carried out with the judogi on and the belt properly tied.
Backnumber control is compulsory. Bring both white and blue judogi. Checks include the backnumber, markings, colour, wear and stains. An athlete who fails to attend without a valid reason may not have their coach in the coach's chair.
Fit, jacket length and belt
- The jacket must cover the entire buttocks and have the same length at the front and back.
- The part of the jacket hanging below the belt is measured at the front: at least 20 cm for women's −48, −52, −57, −63 and −70 kg and men's −60, −66 and −73 kg categories; at least 25 cm in all other categories.
- The overlap between the jacket's front panels must be at least 25 cm at belt level.
- The belt must sit just above the hip bone and be properly tied.
- The sleeves must cover the whole arm, including the wrist bone. Other measurements are checked using the IJF measuring tool, the sokuteiki.
If the judogi fails control
Judogi control takes place before every contest. If the judogi does not comply with the rules, the athlete must use a reserve judogi and may not have their coach in the coach's chair for that contest.
When a reserve judogi may be used
A reserve judogi may be provided if the uniform tears or becomes bloodstained during a contest, is worn or wet, has an incorrect size, colour, brand or marking, or if the jacket and trousers are different brands. Incorrect or missing backnumbers, inappropriate advertising and emblems are also covered by the rules.
A lost or stolen judogi must be supported by evidence such as a baggage report or police report. A reserve judogi may also be authorised by an IJF referee supervisor. Accreditation and the rejected item are handed over in exchange, and the reserve judogi must be returned immediately after the contest. Refusal to follow the rules may lead to exclusion.
Medical assistance during a contest
Bleeding injuries
An athlete may not continue while bleeding. The competition doctor helps stop and cover the bleeding. Treatment is normally permitted on two occasions. If a third treatment is needed, the opponent wins by kiken-gachi unless the IJF Ad Hoc Commission, in consultation with the Medical Commission, grants an exception.
Dislocated finger or toe
An athlete may request medical assistance to relocate and tape a dislocated finger or toe. The same finger or toe may be relocated on two occasions. On a third dislocation of the same joint, the contest is stopped and the opponent wins by kiken-gachi, subject to the medical assessment under the competition rules.
Rules and further reading
The IJF's official documents are the complete source of the rules. They also contain any later amendments and specific Olympic provisions.
- Current IJF rules, Olympic qualification system and Olympic FAQ
- IJF list of approved equipment suppliers
- International Judo Federation
Rule illustrations and video from 2022–2024
These illustrations and the video belong to the previous rules overview. They are retained as historical reference and must not be used to check current judogi measurements. Use the current rules above before competing.
