Referees

What makes a good one

Refereeing is an art that takes many years of practice and training to achieve. To excel at refereeing, one must develop a "feel for the match" so he or she may participate both mentally and spiritually in the development of the match.  

A sound mind and body are necessary for optimal performance. Intense concentration is required to make immediate, accurate evaluations and decisions. Consistency is paramount. This high level of performance must be maintained from the first match of the day until through the last match of the day.

The referee is a current or former competitor or school owner who has very seriously studied and practiced Taekwondo for years. The transition to refereeing is a natural progression in the life of a competitor, providing the opportunity to achieve the principles of Taekwondo that were once provided by being a competitor. The pressures of refereeing bring back their competitive spirit. However, the pressures of refereeing are not self imposed, but evolve from the event, the competitors, spectators, and the critical eye of high ranking officials. These feelings must be controlled and put aside so the mind is clear of extraneous thoughts and feelings.