Funded Coach Criteria

The International Judo Federation (IJF) uses a complex World Ranking List (WRL) and Olympic Ranking List (ORL) to determine international standings and Olympic qualification. (WRL: https://www.ijf.org/wrl?category=all ORL: https://www.ijf.org/wrl_olympic?category=all)

The first tier of events that make up the WRL and ORL include Continental Opens, designed as a lower-level international event with no limits to the number of entries per weight division. IJF Grand Prix and Grand Slam events constitute higher overall point totals as these events are of substantially higher levels of intensity, quality, and international participation. The IJF Masters and World Championships are the final tier of events on the IJF World Tour, garnering the highest point totals and competition.

Athlete eligibility for the different levels is clear and publicly available to all here.

While the requirements listed below carry weight in the selection process of team coaches, they do not guarantee a USA Judo coaching appointment. The needs of the athletes on a given team are always the top priority when selecting coaching staff.

• Current USA Judo member, in good standing.
• Current USA Judo international coach certification.
• Current necessary certifications including, but not limited to: background screen, Safesport training and concussion training.
• Hold the rank of Nidan or higher.
• Head coach of a Judo club; or written recommendation from the Judo club’s head coach.
• Currently coaching elite athletes consistently at levels that correspond with the level of judokas you seek to Coach (i.e., Infantile, Cadet, IJF Jr, Visually Impaired, and Senior level).
• Participate in/USA Judo Regional and National training camps and/or clinics.
• Have exceptional knowledge of IJF rules, policies & procedures and competitor athletes on the World Tour If applicable, the same for International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) rules.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Ability to successfully lead delegations of athletes through the creation of mutual respect, accountability and communication styles that bring out the best in the athletes under their supervision.

• Documentation of a successful win-loss record at national events and/or evidence of athlete development and progression.
• Coach/produced Grand Prix, Grand Slam, World or Olympic Medalists.
• Coach/produced Pan American, World or Olympic Team member(s).
• Coach/produced any other international medalist, i.e., IJF Cup events.
• Recently retired Senior World or Olympic Team athletes actively participating as coaches and clinicians.
• Coach produced Senior/Junior National elite rostered athletes.
• Have exceptional knowledge of national and international athletes.
• Working and traveling internationally with elite athletes regularly.
• Working with elite athletes in between trips.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to successfully manage a delegation in stressful times and chaos as well as routine instances.
• Strong crisis management and ability to think on feet to solve unexpected challenges.

• New Coaches should start at the appropriate level, i.e.: lower-level junior or senior international events to develop coaching skills and master administrative procedures, (accreditation, room assignments, finding water and food sources, and setting training schedules.)
• Self-fund participation in international events, initially as an observer, to gain experience.
• Personal coaches for individual athletes at international events should be engaged with the team.
• Assist the head coach as necessary to facilitate understanding of administrative duties necessary at IJF events.
• Coaches being considered and/or representing USA Judo are prohibited from engaging in social media posts that disparage or harm USA Judo or its partners. Failure to abide by this policy may prevent individuals from receiving coaching assignments.

USA Judo has the right to modify these and all terms and selection processes of coaches to lead and manage elite athletes/teams travelling domestically and abroad to provide the best resources possible in supporting sustained competitive excellence by USA Judo athletes.