ZKU begins referees panel appointments
THE Zimbabwe Karate Union have expressed satisfaction with the response they are getting from their affiliates on the appointment of a referees panel to ensure they are in line with the World Karate Federation standards.
At least 18 semi-contact styles are registered with the ZKU and each one of them is expected to submit two technical officials to be members of the panel.
“The Zimbabwe Karate Union is introducing a referees panel in line with WKF standards which consider referees as a fundamental part of karate as a competition sport.
“Consequently, we shall require each style to submit names of at least two technical officials who shall be members of the referees panel, which shall fall under the auspices of the technical director. The officials must have been graded to at least shodan (first dan black belt),” read part of a memo ZKU sent out to its members last week.
The local karate motherbody had set last Friday as the deadline for all submissions but have since extended after other styles asked for more time.
ZKU president, Joe Rugwete, said in the past training for the officials was not well co-ordinated but with the introduction the referees panel they are looking at changing the way they do business.
“Previously we used to say those that could afford to go for training would go on their own, so it was more like a volunteer arrangement. Whereas this time we are making it compulsory that each style should give us referees because where will we get the referees if they don’t come from our members?
“So it was not very well co-ordinated previously. So we want to ensure that we correct some of the mistakes that we used to make.
“The response has been brilliant. Remember we had said we are targeting two people per style, some are giving us more than that. More than half of the styles have responded. For now we have got about 30 that have confirmed,” said Rugwete.
Rugwete said this will go a long way in ensuring that athletes are also up to date with new rules and regulations as lack of a proper set up has previously disadvantaged local fighters at regional and international tournaments.
“What’s happening is because the rules are constantly being changed at international level, we have actually come across certain instances where our athletes are actually getting disqualified just because they are not aware of the rules.
“So if we are going to have a referees’ panel it is going to be constantly up to date with the new rules and as we hold our national championships, provincial championships the athletes would know about these rules as well.
“We have secured a WKF referee who will come to train these people. He is the chief referee for the AUSC Region Five…We will probably give it a month after the lifting of the lockdown. Those that are successful will get national certification and going further no one can participate in our tournaments without that certification,” said Rugwete.
ZKU will facilitate local, regional, continental and international courses for those selected into the panel unlike in the past where individuals made their own arrangements.