Florin Daniel Lascau, Head Refereeing Director, explains why, "The initiative came from the European Judo Union who asked us if coaches could also participate in these seminars. Our response was immediate and positive.
The work with the coaches is very important. This allows everyone to work hand-in-hand. We can add another layer of understanding to the refereeing. We are part of a single family, as referees, refereeing commission and coaches and we practise the same sport. We therefore have a great responsibility, that of working together for the benefit of our sport and to always make it progress.
The presence of the coaches during the refereeing seminars allows us to better understand how they work with their athletes and for them it is an opportunity to better understand the decisions we make, which are based on refereeing rules which should be known by everyone. By doing this work, we eliminate the grey zones where interpretation can be varied; we harmonise comprehension.
You have to understand that we all come from different backgrounds and that we therefore all have an approach that may differ. It is therefore crucial that at the international level we speak the same language.
Yvonne Snir-Boenisch, head coach of the Austrian team, was the first to join one of our pre-competition seminars, at the Upper Austria Grand Prix. Then there was Francesco Bruyere for Italy and Shani Hershko for Israel. Here in Budapest, Christophe Massina (FRA) was present. His participation was highly valued. By working together, we increase mutual appreciation and understanding. The quality of everyone's arguments was really excellent.
I would like to thank our IJF President Marius Vizer and President Toth of the EJU and Hungarian Judo Association for supporting the initiative. What we started with the European Judo Union will also soon be developed on other continents."
Each refereeing seminar has a format that varies depending on the participants and the organisational conditions. Today the main theme discussed was the differentiation between a false attack and a failed attack. All reflection and discussion was focussed on video analysis, with concrete examples from recent competitions. For Florin Daniel Lascau today's session was therefore particularly productive, "We have clarified situations which allow us to distinguish between negative and positive judo. It is important and the influence of national coaches, of the medical department or the media department all bringing expertise to help us explain to the public, is important so that we can attend a great judo spectacle as will be the case, I am convinced, here in Budapest for the World Judo Masters."
Christophe Massina (FRA), head coach of the French women's team, explained, "We divided up the roles between all the European coaches. Each time, we make sure that one of us is present during the refereeing meetings. We talk about the different situations we see from the point of view of the coach's chair. This gives us a better understanding of the mindset of the referees and the commission, which has access to video replay. We all aim to have the best possible judo. It's very positive.
Today I was very happy to participate. We were in a frank and honest exchange. I believe that there is really a shared will to clarify things, to be constructive, for the judo of today and tomorrow.
I have the feeling that between the referees, the supervisors and us, there are not many differences, everyone can express themselves and put forward their vision of things and then we find a common understanding. We all discuss at the same level.
By meeting my athletes this evening, I will tell them what they can or cannot do. I will also discuss with my colleagues from other countries, through the EJU refereeing commission. It is up to them to transmit information to their athletes."
This co-ordination, in a constantly changing sporting world, is remarkable. Totally respecting the spirit and values of judo, it allows us to envisage a bright future for our sport. With Christophe today and next time another coach, the judo family unites around its motto 'mutual aid and mutual prosperity.' All that remains now, with the draw known and the referees and coaches meetings complete, is to wish good luck to all the participants and for the best to win.