The main aim in a contest is to score an Ippon (Full-Point).
This can be done in a number of ways - by one contestant:
• throwing the other largely onto their back, with considerable force and speed
• controlling the other on their back (a hold-down) for 25 seconds
• (seniors only) obtaining a submission whilst applying pressure to their opponent's elbow (an arm-lock)
• (seniors only) obtaining a submission whilst applying pressure to their opponent's neck (a strangle (sides of the neck) or choke (throat))

Lesser scores can be obtained for either a throw lacking any of the elements necessary for Ippon or a hold-down for less than 25 seconds.

Penalties will be given for infringements of the rules.
A Shido (Note) for minor infringements - such as avoiding or 'non-standard' gripping (both hands gripped the same side of the jacket, gripping the trousers, etc); lack of attacking or 'false' attacks (an action which gives the impression of an throwing attempt, but shows no intent to throw).
A Hansoku (Disqualification) for major infringements - such as actions endangering the contestant's own or opponent's neck or spine; or actions against the Spirit of Judo.
Each contestant is given one minor infringement 'free warning', before any further penalties are shown on their opponent's score.
Each contestant may get 3 minor infringements before the 4th results in Disqualification.

The Competition Area is divided into 2 zones – the outer Safety Area and the inner Contest Area. These will be in two different coloured Tatami (Mats).
The contest will be fought within the Contest Area, with all throwing actions being allowed to continue as long as either contestant had some part of their body in contact with the Contest Area when the action started.
All actions on the ground may continue whilst either contestant is in contact with the Contest Area.

Before each contest, the contestants must Rei (Bow) when stepping onto the Competition Area, (optionally) before they enter the Contest Area and to each other when in the centre of the Contest Area, before the Referee calls Hajime (Begin).

During the contest, contestants are permitted to change from the standing position to ground-work after attempting to throw (whether a score is given or not) to continue to score an Ippon from the ground (hold-down, arm-lock, strangle or choke). If there is insufficient progress in the attempt, the Referee will announce Matte (Stop), then recommence the contest from the standing position.

The contest shall end when one contestant scores Ippon or the time allotted expires. If Ippon has not been scored, the winner shall be indicated based on one Waza-ari prevailing over any number of Yukos or one Yuko prevailing over no score. If both contestants'' scores are equal, Hikiwake (Draw) shall be announced.

The scoreboard(s) shall show Ippon as 100; Waza-Ari as 10 and Yuko as 1.

Referee Calls and Signals

		Hajime (Begin) and Soremade (End) – No signal Matte (Stop) – When the Referee needs to temporarily stop the contest (eg. if both contestants leave the Contest Area, are injured, warrant a penalty, need to adjust their Judogi (Judo Suit) or there is no progress during ground-work).
		Ippon (Full Point) – As described previously. Waza-Ari (Near-Point) – When a throw is partially lacking in one of the elements for Ippon, or a hold-down is maintained for 20 seconds or more, but less than 25.
		Waza-Ari Awasette Ippon (Near-Point, 2 equal a Full-Point) – When a contestant gains a second Waza-Ari. Yuko – When a contestant is thrown on their side, or a hold-down is maintained for 15 seconds or more, but less than 20.
		Osaekomi (Holding) – When one contestant is being held and controlled by their opponent, with their back or one or both shoulders in contact with the Tatami. Toketa (Holding Broken) – When the contestant being held succeeds in either trapping one or both of their opponent's legs, or no longer has their back or one or both shoulders in contact with the Tatami
				Penalty 'Tidy Up' Winner Hikiwake (Draw)

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