In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the referee plays a crucial role in overseeing each match, ensuring rules are followed and fairness is maintained. Though they might not be grappling or engaging in takedowns during tournaments, their role receives the best seat in the house. They guide competitors, mediate moves, and decide when to halt or start the action.
If you also think a referee’s role is interesting, you are in for great news. We often get asked, “How did I become a NAGA referee?” NAGA works with some of the most skilled referees, and many of them join our apprentice program to help new people kick off their journey to becoming a referee. We hope this article will shed light on this topic and interest you in joining our referee team.
What is a BJJ Referee?
When you think of a referee, you might picture someone calling the shots—whistle in hand, no gloves, yet fully in control. In any professional tournament or sports competition, referees hold one of the most crucial roles, with a front-row seat to every action, from novice kids testing their skills to seasoned black belts. There’s a unique satisfaction in guiding new competitors and raising the hand of a newly crowned champion.
Referees in BJJ tournaments often come with impressive athletic backgrounds and are highly respected figures. Ever wonder how they command each match with such confidence and precision? They control outcomes, track points, time violations, and keep competitors in line—making the role both demanding and requiring years of experience. Many were once champions or seasoned competitors themselves, returning to the mats as officials to dedicate their expertise to the sport they love.
Key Roles of a BJJ Referee
A BJJ referee’s role requires an in-depth understanding of every technique and maneuver, as they interpret each move and attack on the mat. Their responsibilities extend beyond whistles and gestures—they bridge the action for spectators, making precise calls that ensure matches are won through skill and fairness. Here’s a breakdown of key roles a BJJ referee undertakes:
- Enforcing the Rules: The BJJ referee manages the match. Referees maintain fair play between the competitors and the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the match by following the official rules.
- Referee Signals and Calls: Signaling players to start or stop requires authority. Referees use hand gestures and signals that allow spectators to understand what is happening with the match and ensure fair decisions. BJJ referees keep athletes and spectators informed on scores and match progress using specific hand signals and coded gestures, ensuring clarity and enforcing rules with accuracy as follows:
- Points given
- Advantages in Gi
- Disqualification
- Winner
- Start/end of match
- Timeout (injury, rules violation, out of bounds)
- Rules Violation
- Identifying points being awarded and the winner: Throughout the match, referees count the points and advantages earned by the competitors. They must tally them continuously, never missing a score, and they make sure to announce the correct winner at the end of the match.
- Looking out for the safety of competitors: BJJ referees maintain vigilance to prevent serious harm. They observantly watch out for signs of distress or injury, ensuring the safety of the competitors.
Apprentice Program: Training for NAGA BJJ Referee
At NAGA, we provide a referee apprentice program to train our referees and make them experts at refereeing NAGA grappling tournaments. This program trains referees to master both Gi and No-Gi rules, manage operations (including bracketing), and uphold professionalism with competitors, coaches, and fans alike.
While many referees may have prior experience with other organizations, we require all candidates to complete our program to become proficient in the specific NAGA protocols and standards. Some of the activities an apprentice will complete:
- Work an event as an apprentice referee (with a certified referee)
- You will have a certified referee oversee and train you on how to run a scoreboard, how to use Smoothcomp to check competitors in, and how to run a match
- The certified referee makes sure all calls made by the apprentice are accurate.
- Categories of NAGA Tournament (You learn in all categories during your training: Gi/No Gi & Youth/Adults).
Who Can be NAGA referees?
Referees must have at least a purple belt before being certified. Then, they need to undergo training and certification as professional referees.
Frequently Asked Questions About NAGA Referees
We often get many questions about how to become a NAGA BJJ referee. We answer some of the most frequently asked here:
Are NAGA Referees Paid?
Yes, our referees are well-paid, and pay goes up based on experience. Referees progress at different rates, with some apprentices moving quickly into full referee roles and gaining the skills and confidence needed to officiate effectively at NAGA events.
Are Travel Expenses Paid for?
Yes! NAGA referees are travel-paid (flights, hotel, and transportation to and from the event).
Can both Men and Women be BJJ referees?
Absolutely, yes! Gender doesn’t matter; skill and knowledge do. Qualified male and female referees bring expertise and inclusivity to BJJ.
Are There Challenges of BJJ Referees?
Like all humans, referees make mistakes. All our referees go through an apprentice program, and those new to the job have an experienced referee watching to ensure every call is made as accurately as possible.
What is it like to be part of the BJJ Community?
As you become part of an incredible team of referees, you will learn more about the people coming to these events and form bonds with people from all levels in the community, from staff to competitors to fellow officials, all of which deepen your understanding of and refereeing in the sport.
Conclusion
From guiding young beginners to judging elite black belts, NAGA referees enjoy front-row seats to incredible matches. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact in the BJJ community, we invite you to apply to join our dedicated team. At the North American Grappling Association, our referees are at the heart of every match, committed to excellence on and off the mat. Begin your journey as a NAGA referee by completing our application—we’re excited to welcome you to our team.
