Judo WA extends a sincere thank you to International Referee Celeste Knoester for delivering a hands-on practical refereeing course for members of the WA judo community on Sunday, 11 October.
The course brought judoka together on the mat to build their understanding of refereeing through practical demonstrations and discussion. Learning directly from an experienced international official provided a valuable opportunity to connect the rules of judo with the situations encountered during a contest.

Referees play an essential role in our sport, supporting safe, fair and consistent competition and giving athletes the confidence to compete at their best. Developing knowledgeable and confident officials is vital to the continued growth of judo in Western Australia.
Refereeing is also a pathway in its own right. From officiating at local competitions to progressing towards state, national and international opportunities, it offers a rewarding way to develop new skills, contribute to the judo community and stay involved in the sport alongside competing or coaching.

Thank you to Celeste for sharing her time, knowledge and experience, and to everyone who attended and took an interest in this important part of judo.
Interested in stepping onto the mat as an official? Visit Judo WA’s refereeing page to learn more about getting started, the accreditation process and the opportunities available through the refereeing pathway.