August 2026 Referee Update

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by Secretary of the Referee Committee, Diane Martin

The 2026 National Championships in Spokane had 83 officials across the US participate. Thank you to all our dedicated officials for their support of USA Karate and their excellent teamwork as judges and referees. Overall, the event ran smoothly, and athletes, coaches, volunteers, and officials were able to enjoy dinner and rest up for the next day.

The referee course as well as the referee briefing on Wednesday, July 15, was well attended and provided great information on the application of the rules and examples. A very practical and well-received kata-specific guideline session was conducted by senior and national coaches. There was also an overview provided on the Para-Kihon, which made its debut at these National Championships. Congratulations to those officials that tested and received new or upgraded licenses.

Noticeable improvements were observed at this National Championship. Standards and officiating were improved and were commented on by senior officials, athletes, coaches, and spectators. As Brody Burns, Director of Sport, stated, “The quality and consistency of officiating as well as the attitude and willingness to work with coaches and colleagues stood out.”

Our officials worked well together overall, led by Fariba Madani, Chief Referee, and supported by members of the Referee Committee, Tatami Managers, and Assistants. We appreciate the referees that mentored officials throughout the event. Thank you to the members of the elite and non-elite appeals jury. Special shout-out to all of the USA Karate leadership, staff, and volunteers that worked tirelessly before, during, and after the event.


Nationals
USA Karate

Congratulations to Senthil Thiyagarajan for being ranked 2025 Top-Ranked Official of the Year, Jorge Caro for achieving International Official of the Year, and Keith Smith for being named USA Karate National Official of the Year.


Ntl.
USA Karate

Our regional program continued to add new members to the USA Karate referee corps, with 103 new officials added in the 2nd quarter. There have been 177 new officials awarded licenses YTD (1st and 2nd quarters) in 2026.

Twenty-one officials will be heading to the Pan American Cadet & Junior Championships in Costa Rica later this month. 15 of the officials will be testing for new or upgraded licenses at the event. Wishing all our officials, athletes, coaches, and staff a successful championship!