Organise an Event

Why sanctioning exists

Judo WA is listed in regulation 5A(2)(d) of the Combat Sports Regulations 2004 (WA). A competition conducted by Judo WA falls outside the contest permit scheme in the Combat Sports Act 1987 (WA). That exemption does not automatically cover every event run by a member club.

This application, and the written sanctioning decision, are how Judo WA decides whether a club-hosted inter-club competition is authorised to be conducted under Judo WA’s authority and oversight. A competition that is not approved is not represented by Judo WA as being conducted by it. The organiser remains responsible for any Combat Sports Commission permit and other legal and insurance obligations that may apply.

Sanctioning does not transfer delivery of the event to Judo WA and does not guarantee insurance cover. Any cover remains subject to the applicable policy.

Key timeframes

These apply unless the Policy or Judo WA’s written approval requires earlier action. The Chief Executive Officer may agree in writing to a later application.

• At least one calendar month before — submit this sanctioning application, including any planned departures from the standard divisions and formats.
• Before entries open — publish the approved divisions, eligibility, draw structure, contest duration, techniques, weigh-in arrangements and any approved departures.
• By 5:00 pm, two calendar days before — provide the complete competitor entry list for membership and eligibility checking.
• Within 24 hours — report any serious incident or integrity matter (after first responding to the incident and getting help).
• Within seven calendar days after — provide complete post-event records: final entries, weigh-in data, draws, results, departures and required incident records.

View events calendar

What a sanctioned competition must meet

• Eligibility — every competitor must be a current financial member of Judo WA on the day. Coaches, referees and other officials must hold the membership, accreditation, Working with Children Check, screening and authorisation required for their role.
• Divisions and draws — unless Judo WA approves a departure in writing, age groups, weights, contest times and draw structures follow Schedule 1 of the Policy. Age is the age a competitor turns in the calendar year of the competition.
• Event control and safety — a nominated event director and head referee; a safe venue and tatami; proportionate first aid; private, child-safe weigh-ins; and no promotion of unsafe rapid weight loss.
• On-the-day changes — combining categories, including across more than one age or weight band or across genders, is allowed only under clause 5.2, with a documented safety assessment and the required informed agreement.

Standard categories are U9, U11, U13, U15, Cadet, Junior, Senior and Veteran. You do not have to offer every category. Judo WA does not require a particular competition software product.

How a decision is made

1. Apply using the form on this page. The Chief Executive Officer assesses safety, integrity, insurance requirements, compliance with the Policy, and Judo WA’s capacity to oversee the event.
2. Written decision — the application may be approved, approved with conditions, returned for more information, or refused.
3. Appeal — if refused, the organiser may appeal in writing to the Board, stating the grounds and any further information. The competition stays unsanctioned while an appeal is pending. The Board’s written decision is final under the Policy.

Submitting this form is an application only. It does not sanction the competition and does not place it on the public calendar.