Would you like a free pass to the Stanford Open and a complimentary spectator's pass? Would you like to see the action closeup? Would you like a chic Stanford Taekwondo polo shirt? If you are a red or black belt and would like to volunteer to participate as a judge or a center referee read on.

If you have never volunteered before or are an old hand, whether you want to judge poomsae or sparring, you are invited to join the tournament team. Besides learning or brushing up on USAT regulations and gaining insights into best practices for judging poomsae and sparring, you will be trained in the use of state-of-the-art, electronic, wireless scoring gear provided by Impact Measurement Inc. Practice what you learn in an intense session dedicated solely to improving your skills.

For volunteering you'll receive a special recognition souvenir and complimentary shared accommodation at our official tournament hotel. During the tournament you'll also receive a complimentary lunch and unlimited access to our concession stand. Afterward, revel with other special guests at our invitation-only banquet. Don't miss this opportunity.

What we ask of you: Attend our Referee Seminar at Stanford's ACSR Studio on Saturday, May 20 (10 AM to 2 PM), and the Referee Refresher at Stanford's Maples Pavilion on Friday, June 2 (7 to 9 PM) if you have judging experience, and then help out during the tournament on Saturday, June 3. That's it. Please contact our Vincent Lo (vlo at cs dot stanford dot edu) if you have any questions or wish to volunteer.

Important Documents:

• Essential Referee Knowledge
• USAT Competition Rules

Last updated: 04-Apr-2006

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I wear for the training?
A: Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes with non-marking soles such as tennis shoes or TKD shoes. If you would like to spar, then please bring full gear. Also, you must have signed a liability waiver before you will be allowed to spar.

Q: What do I need to know about the electronic scoring handgear?
A: Check that the red light is illuminated (indicating strong battery). The handgrip marked Blue goes in your right hand; Red goes in your left hand. We will use differential scoring. For a scoring technique, pull the trigger with your index finger for a body shot, and push the side button with your thumb for a head shot.

Q: How do I score a double technique? Will the scoring system eliminate "phantom" points?
A: In one version, the scoring software utilizes a buffer to register incoming points from the 4 sets of handset. The Tournament Director sets the duration of this buffer (currently set to 1.0 second similar to national tournaments). In order to score both points on a double technique (such as a double roundhouse), the judge must wait at least 1.0 second after her first press of a button on the handset before she presses the same button again. This lock-out buffer eliminates phantom points.

In another version, the scoring software opens up multiple windows on separate instances of a judge's press of a button, and a judge can therefore repeatedly press a button as quickly as she can as needed. It is therefore of utmost importance to find out before you sit in a judge's chair which version of the scoring software is being used on the day of the tournament.

Q: What equipment should I bring if I intend to spar at the training seminar?
A: The mandatory equipment comprises:

• Standard white, V-neck taekwondo uniform (black trim for black belts only) in good condition.
• White USAT or WTF chest protector with red and blue scoring zones.
• Foam shin protector and instep pad (white only), and forearm protector (white only).
• Groin protection (required for males), worn under uniform.
• Foam USAT or WTF head protector (white only).
• Clear or white mouth guard.

Q: What should I wear for the tournament?
A: Please wear dark trousers (such as slacks) and shoes with non-marking soles such as, preferably, TKD shoes or tennis shoes. You will need to check in at the volunteer desk and receive your Referee/Judge polo shirt for the event.

Q: Can I compete in poomsae and/or sparring and still volunteer as a judge or center referee?
A: Yes. Let Vincent Lo (vlo at cs dot stanford dot edu) know your requirements and we will schedule around those.

Q: Do I need to be USAT certified?
A: USAT certification is a plus but is not required.

Q: I hold a black belt in a style other than WTF. Can I still participate?
A: Yes. The most important requirement is that you know the rules and are competent in acting as a judge or referee.

Q: Is there an age limit in order to participate?
A: Participants should be at least 16 years old (if a black belt) otherwise at least 18 years old (red belt). Referee and judge roles are decided on the basis of abilities, knowledge, and skills.

Q: I am a very experienced referee and would happily help out at the tournament. Due to my experience do I still need to attend the referee training seminar?
A: Professor Thackrey noted that even among the world's top referees and officials there are difficulties and controversies with the new Taekwondo competition rules. "The most capable and experienced referees seek more training, not less. We will do our utmost to make the required referee training sessions worth the while of even the most senior in attendance."