AAU Karate
Referees' Education/Certification

The AAU administers the foremost national referee licensing program in the country. Rigorous certification standard set by the AAU ensure the highest caliber of AAU Karate tournaments recognized by practitioners throughout the country. Officials must be certified by the National Referees' Council and awarded a rank to officiate any AAU-sponsored Karate event.

Official's Certification Requirements

Article 1 - Purpose and Function
It is the aim of the Amateur Athletic Union National Karate Committee to maintain the highest standards of officiating in order to promote fairness and good sportsmanship at karate competitions and tournaments.

All AAU officials shall maintain current AAU membership and possess proof thereof.

Class R Official
Senior Referees who have demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and proficiency, instruct at Officials' clinics and officiate at international competitions.

Requirements
1. Minimum rank San-dan (third degree)
2. Minimum age thirty (30)
3. National Class J Official for a minimum of three (3) years
4. Proficiency & understanding of National and International Kumite rules as demonstrated in previous tournaments
5. Proficiency & understanding of kata, jumite and kobudo as demonstrated before the National Referees' Council
6. Perform and analyze a minimum of two (2) kata from mandatory list (One from own style and the other from a different style)
7. Pass official written test
8. Meet all requirements from class J through O
9. Certification to Class R by National Executive Committee
10. License will be valid for two years

Class J Official
Referees, judges or arbitrates at the National Level

Requirements
1. Proficiency in understanding refereeing terminology in two or more languages (Japanese/English)
2. Meet all requirements for a minimum of one year
3. Class O Official for a minimum of one year
4. Certification to Class J by National Executive Committee
5. Minimum rank second degree black belt
6. Minimum age twenty-one (21)
7. Proficiency & understanding of National and International Kumite rules as demonstrated befoe the National Referees' Council
8. Pass official written test
9. License will be valid for two (2) years

Class O Official
Judges or arbitrates at the National Level

Requirements
1. Proficiency and pass evaluation in officiating as a referee, judge and arbitrator as demonstrated in tournaments and practice matches.
2. Understanding and pass evaluation of the operation and organization of national championship
3. Participated at one AAU National Karate Championship as a table volunteer
4. Certification to Class ) by National Council of Referees
5. Minimum rank Sho-Dan (frst degree black belt)
6. Minimum age eighteen (18)
7. Pass official written test
8. Attendance at Officials' clinic, lecture and workshop
9. License will be valid for one (1) year
 

For more info, contact Jennifer Miles at 407-828-3704, jennifer@aausports.org