Referees

Conferences

Conferences should be kept to a minimum as they take away from the momentum of the match. However, there are times when a conference is necessary to discuss a penalty or a circumstance that is not covered by the rules. A conference is initiated and directed under the authority of the referee and held within the ring. The referee invites both judges to approach a location just out of hearing range of the contestants. The referee stands facing the competitors with a judge on either side facing inward at 45 degree angles. This formation allows the judges to see each other during their conversations while allowing the referee to remain in visual contact with both contestants and each judge.

During the brief discussion, the referee invites the opinions of the judges, one at a time. A judge who visually or verbally dominates the conversation is infringing on the referee's domain. Judges should not speak to each other. The referee should never approach an individual judge for a discussion and must never hold a discussion with only one judge. Doing so would lessen the integrity and unity of the team.