IJF new rules

Here is a summary of the new rules introduced by the IJF which are being trialled at international competition for the next four years. These rules will not filter down to 'lesser' competitions until they are approved after trial, but it is worth noting them as they will effect you in the future.

The most worrying ones for me are the total ban on a gripping/blocking below the waist with hands, effectively removing several throws, and the inability to break the opponents grip with two hands.  This also applies to the bear hug notation, does this mean that ura-nage will be banned?

It is difficult to see why these rules are necessary, although I'm sure those people in power would give justification, but why are we narrowing the sport down even more, by continually removing throws and techniques. Surely we should always be looking forward and expanding our knowledge and range of techniques.

My personal favourite is the one which states Judoka should not shake hands before the contest.  What is that about!  Theres nothing like promoting the spirit of Judo........

1. No time limit on Golden score (aka overtime period). A match does not end until one of the contestants scores or gets a shido (penalty).
2. Old school ippon: Give the ippon score only to throws that result in “real impact”. Meaning, bring back the old school ippon.
3. No running from the pin or submission: Once the pin or “effective” submission starts inbounds and both contestant go out of bounds, the pin and submission attempt is allowed to continue!
4. Shidos don’t lead to points: It’s still 4 shidos for disqualification, but now getting 1, 2, or 3 shidos does not give your opponent points. Shidos are used only as tie breakers.
5. Shorter pin: Pin duration reduced from 25 seconds down to 20 seconds. (10 seconds for yuko, 15 seconds for waza-ari).
6. Penalized with Shido:
   -Breaking the grip with 2 hands.
   -Cross gripping should be followed by an immediate attack. Same rule as for the belt gripping and one
   side gripping.
   The referees should strictly penalize the contestants who do not engage in a quick Kumikata grip or who
   try not to be gripped by the opponent.
   -To hug the opponent for a throw. (Bear hug).
7. Penalized with Hansoku-make:
   All attacks or blocking with one or two hands or with one or two arms below the belt in Tachi-waza.
8. The bow:
   When entering the tatami area, fighters should walk to the entrance of the contest area at the same time
   and bow to each other into the contest area.
   The contestants must not shake hands BEFORE the start of the contest.