Referees

Judges uses the same hand signals as the referee but without the voice. If a judge determines a call should be different than the referee, he or she must indicate so with the appropriate hand signal. The signal should not be weak, half hearted, or modified since this would indicate a lack of confidence. The judge must hold the signal until it is acknowledged by the referee. A judge that fails to hold a signal long enough for acknowledgement demonstrates a lack of confidence and determination.

For actions that occur on the edge of the ring, a judge must be ready to indicate whether the action was in or out and hold this signal until the referee announces a score or calls Break. On all techniques ending outside, the judge must make an immediate signal, either in or out, so the referee can take the judge's opinion into consideration before awarding a score. A judge who makes no gesture is failing to support the referee and would be questioned about this lack of participation. If a judge fails to make a gesture as to whether the throw was in or out the referee must make the evaluation and indicate either a score (in) or that the technique was invalid (out).

On the command "Judges Score" by the referee, judges must raise their flags immediately and with conviction. The judge who raises the flag slowly or waits to see what the other judge has raised shows a lack of determination, presence, and appreciation. This makes the team appear indecisive and subjects the decision to possible criticism by the coaches and competitors.