At the 2026 National Judo Championships, Patrick Tichelaar was officiating as a National A referee with his sights set on a continental licence. In Győr, Hungary, the Judo Ryu Western Australia senior coach reached that goal, earning his International Judo Federation (IJF) Continental Referee Licence.
Patrick was one of 24 referees seeking to move from national to continental level at the IJF Referee Seminar and Examination. The practical assessment took place during the Győr Millennium Team Cadet European Cup on 7 and 8 November, where candidates had to apply the rules and make decisions in live international contests.
The seminar gave Patrick and the other candidates a chance to examine the kinds of calls they would face on the tatami. Using competition footage and on-mat demonstrations, referees and coaches worked through questions such as when to award a yuko and when a standing exchange becomes groundwork.
Patrick’s achievement is a milestone for him and for Judo Ryu Western Australia. For WA referees developing their skills at club and state competitions, his progression from National A to continental level shows where officiating can take them.
Congratulations, Patrick, from everyone at Judo WA.
