Referees

Referees are responsible for the opening and closing of a match. The referee’s demeanor and actions directly affect the match that follows. Referees should maintain an attitude of respect and sporting enthusiasm for the match and emphasize that this is a sporting event and not a "fight." Referees should never attempt to dominate a match by arrogance. Referees actions should always be reserved and controlled when directing the competitors and enthusiastic during the competition.

Consistency in judgment and perception is a qualification necessary to obtain high refereeing skills. If a person is sharp and able, but not consistent, then he is not an observer. Referees should not be creative. Using personal opinion and forming and adjusting actions as valid or non-valid points in their minds in not acceptable. Referees should simply be observers and moderators of the action. Whether the technique is a point or not should not depend on the referee's imagination.

Referees should not read body language, neither that of competitors nor spectators. Body language is a major factor in bad calls. Just as person understands the language that he personally speaks, referees understand and give context to the body language that they are most familiar with. They may misread body language and misinterpret the actions of competitors.

Referees are not players in the competition and should only act to regulate the match and insure that each competitor gets what he or she earns. Winning or not winning should not depend on which referee was in control of the match. The match is won by the contestant's actions and should only be judged according to the rules.