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Kickboxing GB

Membership · Referees

Become a Kickboxing GB Referee

Referees and judges play an essential role in ensuring kickboxing competitions are safe, fair and professionally delivered.

Whether you are taking your first steps into officiating or looking to develop towards national and international competition, Kickboxing GB provides a structured education and development pathway.

Our approach combines rules knowledge, practical experience, assessment and ongoing support, giving officials the opportunity to develop their skills and progress based on demonstrated competence.

Start Level 1 Tatami Referee CourseStart Level 1 Ringsport Referee CourseReferee Management Portal

Your Referee Education Journey

Becoming an effective referee involves more than knowing the rules. Officials must understand how to apply them consistently, make decisions under pressure and manage the competitive environment fairly and professionally.

Level 1 Tatami Referee — Academic Course

Understanding the Rules

The Level 1 Tatami Referee Course establishes the candidate's understanding of the rules, responsibilities, procedures and fundamental principles of officiating. The course provides the theoretical foundation required before progressing into practical referee development.

Key content

  • WAKO Tatami rules
  • Point Fighting
  • Light Contact
  • Kick Light
  • Referee and judge responsibilities
  • Competition procedures
  • Fundamental officiating principles
  • Knowledge assessments

The Level 1 Tatami Referee Course is an academic foundation. Successful completion does not, by itself, qualify a candidate to officiate independently.

Start Level 1 Tatami Referee Course

Level 2 Tatami Referee — Practical Course

Applying the Rules

The Level 2 Tatami Referee Course develops the skills required to operate effectively as a Tatami referee or judge within a live competitive environment.

Knowing the rules is essential. Applying them consistently, confidently and fairly while managing fighters, coaches, fellow officials and the pressures of competition requires a broader skill set.

  1. 1Practical application of rules
  2. 2Referee and judge positioning
  3. 3Decision-making
  4. 4Communication
  5. 5Professional presentation
  6. 6Teamwork between officials
  7. 7Fighter and coach management
  8. 8Accountability
  9. 9Situational awareness
  10. 10Maintaining control under pressure

Candidates leave the course with a clearer understanding not simply of what decision to make, but how to operate effectively as an official.

View Practical Courses

Level 1 Ringsport Referee — Academic Course

Understanding the Ring Rules

The free Level 1 Ringsport Referee Course covers the WAKO ring rules for Full Contact, Low Kick and K1 Style: the ring and officials, equipment, legal and illegal techniques, scoring, warnings and penalties, knock-downs and head-injury procedures. Like the Tatami course, it is an academic foundation and does not, by itself, qualify a candidate to officiate.

Start Level 1 Ringsport Referee Course

Training, Assessment and Accreditation

Education develops knowledge and practical skills. Assessment establishes whether a candidate has demonstrated the required competence. Accreditation confirms their recognised qualification and grade. Attending a course does not by itself confer a grade.

Domestic Referee Grades

Kickboxing GB operates a domestic grading pathway designed to recognise developing competence, experience and responsibility.

Progression is based on demonstrated performance, practical experience and assessment rather than attendance alone.

CC GradeFoundation Referee

Entry-level domestic officiating.

Expected competencies

  • Understand and apply the rules across Tatami fighting disciplines
  • Perform judging duties consistently
  • Demonstrate appropriate professional conduct
  • Communicate effectively with fellow officials
  • Develop experience under the guidance of senior officials
BB GradeDeveloping Referee

An experienced official able to undertake greater responsibility.

Expected competencies

  • Demonstrate consistent and reliable judging
  • Apply the rules confidently across Tatami disciplines
  • Undertake centre referee duties when required and appropriately assessed
  • Manage routine competition situations
  • Communicate effectively with fighters, coaches and fellow officials
  • Demonstrate sound judgement and decision-making
AA GradeSenior Domestic Referee

An experienced official capable of managing a competition area.

Expected competencies

  • Demonstrate advanced rules knowledge and consistent application
  • Manage a Tatami fighting area effectively
  • Confidently perform centre referee responsibilities
  • Demonstrate proficiency with Sportdata
  • Work effectively with table officials
  • Manage coach and fighter interactions professionally
  • Support and mentor developing officials
  • Demonstrate leadership and accountability

Grade descriptions outline the expected competencies. Formal grading and promotion remain subject to the applicable KBGB assessment and approval process. These grades describe the Tatami pathway; Ringsports and Forms officiating are not automatically covered.

Your Development Pathway

Kickboxing GB is developing a transparent, evidence-led progression framework. Officials should understand the experience expected at each grade, how their performance is assessed and what evidence supports progression.

  1. 1Level 1 Tatami Referee
  2. 2Level 2 Tatami Referee
  3. 3C Grade
  4. 4B Grade
  5. 5A Grade
  6. 6International Consideration
Experience and Progression Requirements

Proposed guidance — pending formal KBGB approval

  • C Grade: normally at least one year of experience and six competitions before consideration for promotion.
  • B Grade: normally at least one further year and six competitions before consideration for A Grade.
  • A Grade: continued national-level experience, competition-area leadership and evidence of consistent performance before international consideration.
  • International consideration: subject to relevant KBGB selection procedures and WAKO requirements.

Progression may take longer depending on an individual's opportunities, experience and demonstrated competence.

Meeting minimum experience requirements does not guarantee promotion. Progression depends on demonstrated competence, recorded assessments and formal approval.

Continuous Assessment

Development should be supported through:

  • Practical observation at sanctioned competitions
  • Assessment by appropriately appointed senior officials
  • Constructive individual feedback
  • Evidence of rules knowledge and decision-making
  • Records of competition attendance
  • Practical and behavioural competency assessments
  • Development objectives and subsequent reviews

Assessment can take place throughout the competition calendar, not only at the National Championships.

International Refereeing

Experienced A Grade officials who demonstrate the required standards may be considered for international development opportunities.

International selection, licensing and progression are subject to the relevant WAKO requirements and approval processes. Domestic A Grade status does not automatically confer an international qualification.

Courses and Practical Experience

Referee development continues beyond the classroom. Practical experience at sanctioned competitions, supported by experienced officials, is essential to building confidence and competence.

This includes Level 2 Tatami Referee practical courses, referee development workshops, sanctioned competition opportunities, and refresher and continuing development opportunities.

Upcoming referee courses

No referee courses are currently scheduled. New dates will be published on the events calendar — or email referee@kickboxinggb.com to register your interest.

Course fees and booking details are confirmed by the organiser for each course.

View Upcoming Courses

Manage Your Referee Development

The Kickboxing GB Referee Management Portal supports the administration and development of our officials, helping maintain accurate records of qualifications, experience and participation.

  • Register as an official
  • View your personal details and current grade
  • View referee courses and events
  • Tell us which events — and which days — you plan to attend
  • See courses attended and competitions officiated
  • Administrators maintain the register, grades and verified attendance

Planned: assessment and development records will be added to the portal in future.

Open Referee Management Portal

You will be asked to sign in or create a free account first.

The Kickboxing GB Referees Council

The Referees Council supports the development of officiating standards across Kickboxing GB. It reports into the Performance Directorate.

Its work includes referee education, development pathways, assessment standards, supporting event organisers and creating opportunities for officials to progress.

  • Chris Collymore

    Director of Referees (Chair)

  • Gordon Mitchell

    Director for Welfare and Governance

  • Jacey Cashman

    Technical Director (Events)

  • Peter Markland

    Senior Referee Tatami

  • Geoff Aldridge

    Senior Referee Ringsports

  • Nathan Salmon

    Forms Representative

Referee enquiries: referee@kickboxinggb.com