The 2009 British Championships will be held at iceSheffield, Sheffield 10th – 11th October 2009.

As you will be aware the British Championships entry process has reverted back to selection via Area Trials, including the Home Countries.

It should also be noted that despite earlier communication to the contrary, the 16, 17 and 18 year olds (‘D band’) has been reinstated into the iceSheffield event due to overwhelming support by the BJA membership for it to be included.

Area Trials will be the only selection criteria for the event. The top four players in each weight and age band will be eligible to enter. All qualifying competitors will be given an entry form at their Area Trials for them to complete on the day and hand to a representative from the Area, who will then return all entries along with the result sheet to the BJA.

It is strongly recommended by the BJA that all competitors take a copy of their passport or birth certificate and payment method to their Area Trials, and complete their British Championships entry form on the day, if they qualify.

Entries into the British Championships will not be accepted unless they are received with proof of eligibility and payment. Under no circumstances will the BJA accept an entry form or either of the above from the individuals, club or Area after the closing date of 28th September 2009.

The completion of the entry form and entry fee is the responsibility of the competitor.

The BJA Areas/Home Countries have no obligation to fund any player attending the British Championships. The player must also have been a member of their said Area for a minimum of 90 days (from 5th July 2009) and hold a valid BJA licence.

BJC & AJA competitors must compete in the Area Trials that the location of the club specified on their licence sits in, for example, if a player resides in Sheffield but trains at Cedars Judo Club in Leicestershire the player should compete in the Midland’s Area Trial event. There are no exceptions to this rule. Please note this will be checked by the Area at the registration of their event.

On completion of an Area Trials, the results will be sent direct to the BJA. These will be cross referenced with the entries received and the BJA database (to confirm a players Area) before any player is entered into the event.

Area Trials are the final and only selection criteria for the British Championships. If a player misses their Trials through injury or illness (doctors note required), and a place is available, they will be allowed to enter following approval from the BJA Area and the BJA Performance Directorate via the ‘Wild Card’ process. Please note however they cannot take the place that somebody else has qualified. ‘Wild Card’ applications must be received by Monday 28th September 2009.

‘Wild Card’ applications must be made by the individual and received by the BJA by Monday 28th September 2009. The BJA Performance Directorate will decide whether a player should receive a ‘Wild Card’ and the player will be informed in writing by Monday 5th October 2009. If a player is refused a ‘Wild Card’ they will be informed of the reason in writing, however there is not an appeal process. Circumstances under which a ‘Wild Card’ might be issued include international duty and injury to a previous national champion, or a squad member with exceptional personal circumstances.

‘Wild Card’ applications should be addressed to, Karen Roberts, British Judo Performance Institute, Dartford Judo Club, Cotton Lane, Dartford, DA2 6PD or alternatively emailed to karenroberts@britishjudo.org.uk.

2009 British Championships - Important Notes 

• 12/13 year olds ‘B band’ event is renamed as British Championships for Pre Cadet Boys OR Girls

• 14 & 15 year olds ‘C band’ event is renamed as British Championships for Cadet Boys and Girls

• 16, 17 & 18 years olds ‘D band’ event is renamed as British Championships for Junior Men and Women

• Shimewaza is permitted and Kansetzu-Waza is NOT permitted in the Cadet (14 & 15 year olds) Boys and Girls event. (AMENDED)

• Golden Score will be two minutes in all events and weight categories.

• Competitors MUST enter the British Championships in the weight category, which qualification was gained. Players will not be permitted to change their weight category at registration; they will be withdrawn from the event if they fail to make their entered weight.

• If a weight category has three or fewer players then that category will be withdrawn. The players of the withdrawn category will be offered the opportunity to compete in the weight category above. If the heavy weight category is withdrawn, the entered players will not be able to compete. The BJA cannot be held responsible for any financial loss of the players entered, however entry fees will be refunded. Once the closing date has past the organisers will endeavour to contact all players that maybe affected by a weight category being withdrawn from the event.

• All finals and medal presentations will be held at the end of competition on both days.

• Under no circumstances will entries, proof of eligibility or payments for entry be accepted after the closing deadline 28th September 2009.

Please find below 2009 British Championship event information:

Saturday

British Championships for Pre Cadet Boys (12/13 year olds)

British Championships for Cadet Boys and Girls (14/15 year olds) Amended information

Sunday

British Championships for Pre Cadet Girls (12/13 year olds)

British Championships for Junior Men and Women (16/17/18 year olds)

Any question please contact the BJA Events Team at events@britishjudo.org.uk.