International Sumo Federation Regulations
on Refereeing
Chapter I The Judges
Article 1 The judges of sumo matches shall be certified
judges, selected by the Organizing Committee of the
International Sumo Federation.
Article 2 1. A team of judges shall consist of a head
judge, a gyoji (referee), and four judges, making a total of
six judges.
2. The head judge shall take full responsibility for all
decisions made pertaining to a match.
3. The gyoji assumes control of the match from the time the
athletes enter the dohyo (ring) to the end of the match when
they exit the dohyo.
4. The responsibilities of the judges are to assist the head
judge and to ensure that there are no errors in the decision.
5. The judge in the shomen (front) shall also function as the
timekeeper.
Article 3 The manager of judges is responsible for
executing all matters pertaining to general affairs in
judging including assignment of judges and referees.
Article 4. The dressing of the judges is as follows:
(1) The head judge and judges shall wear suits, white shirts
and ties. (If the International Sumo Federation designates a
particular jacket, pants, or a tie, they shall be worn.)
(2) The gyoji shall wear white pants, white shirt and a black
bow tie.
Article 5. When the head judge deems a judge or a referee
to be unqualified he shall report the individual to the
Competition Committee. The Committee shall evaluate the
individual and come to a decision which will be announced by
the Committee's chairman.
Chapter 2 Refereeing Rules
Article 6 1. The gyoji shall start a match by calling out
"Hakkeyoi" the moment after each athlete
simultaneously places his hands on the dohyo and takes a
breath.
2. The hands of the athletes shall be placed behind the
shikirisen (starting lines).
3. When an athlete jumps off without waiting for the call,
the gyoji shall call out "Matta (Wait.)" and re-do
the tachiai (initial charge).
