REMINDER OF PANAMERICAN JUDO UNION MEMBERSHIP AND RANK REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT

ATHLETES AND OFFICIALS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE IMPOSITION OF THE FOLLOWING PANAMERICAN JUDO UNION (PJU) FEES ASSESSED AND COLLECTED BY THE PJU ON ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THIS OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED AND SANCTIONED PJU CIRCUIT EVENT.  THE ASSESSMENT IS A PJU MANDATE PASSED BY THE PJU BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Panamerican Judo Union Membership Requirement:  The Junior US Open has been designated an official Panamerican Judo Union (PJU) Junior Circuit event.  As such, the Panamerican Judo Union requires that all competitors and officials be members of the PJU. For membership requirements, Officials shall include: Coaches, Delegates, Doctors, Physiotherapists, etc., as well as the Federation members who appear in the Team’s Registration form.  This is an annual requirement.

The cost will be:

a. Competitors US $20 (Twenty American Dollars)
b. Officials US $30 (Thirty American Dollars) http://www.usjudo.org/forms

The PJU membership resolution can be read at http://www.usjudo.org/documents/PJUIDCardResolution.doc

PJU Dan Grade (Black Belt) registration requirement:  Because the Junior US Open has been designated an official PJU Junior Circuit event, the PJU requires that all competitors who hold black belt rank, register that rank with the International Judo Federation (IJF) and the PJU. This is a one-time (for each Dan) registration requirement.

The cost of the PJU Dan Grade Recognition as well as the request for application to the IJF level of Dan Grade Recognition will be US $60 (Sixty American dollars). The cost of PJU Recognition for those who already have the IJF Recognition will be US $20 (Twenty American dollars.)

The PJU Dan Grade registration resolution can be read at http://www.usjudo.org/documents/PJUDanResolution.doc

These fees are IN ADDITION to the tournament entry fee and will be collected at the event by officials from the Panamerican Judo Union.

If athletes and officials wish to pay these fees and receive membership and dan grade recognition in advance, forms and instructions can be obtained at USA Judo’s website: http://www.usjudo.org/forms.asp

ELIGIBILITY

Non U.S. Citizens:

Athletes must compete for the country of which they are a citizen and must present a letter from their country’s federation stating that they are a member in good standing and have the Federation’s permission to compete.  Proof of Citizenship must be presented at Tournament Check-in.  Passports are mandatory for all citizens of countries other than the United States.

United States Citizens:

A U.S. Citizen may participate if he or she is a current member in good standing of United States Judo, Inc.  United States citizens must present either a passport or a birth certificate.

Citizens of No Country:

Individuals who are not citizens of any country, but are authorized by the Department of Justice of the United States to remain in the United States, may participate by meeting the criteria listed above for U.S. Citizens.

All Athletes:

All athletes must meet the age and weight requirements.  Proof of age must be shown.  All individuals must also submit all required documents and pay the appropriate entry fee.

U. S. Citizens having questions regarding eligibility should contact; Mr. Jim Hrbek; Chairman, USA Judo’s Junior Development Program via email: judolym@aol.com

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CAMP

Headquarters Hotel:  Fort Lauderdale Grande; 1881 SE 17th St; Ft Lauderdale Florida; Tel: 954866-380-1110; The Hotel package includes: $125.00 plus 11% tax per night includes up to four people; Transportation to and from the tournament venue is not necessary (hotel is across the street on the intercoastal); Party Sunday evening for the hotel guest and participants.

Overflow Hotel:  TO BE ANNOUNCE CHECK EVENT WEBSITE WWW.JUDONATIONALS.NET

Reservations must be made by June 14, 2008. State you are with the Jr US Open Judo Championships.

TOURNAMENT VENUE

The Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center

TRANSPORTATION

Airport-Hotel transportation is free for those that register early.  Refer to registration form elsewhere in this entry package.

Transportation is not needed from headquarters hotel to the tournament.  It is across the street on the intercoastal.

SPECTATOR ADMISSION

$9.00 per person per day. Children under 10 Free.  Two-day passes $15.00.
Current and Former Olympic Team Members and Staff receive free admission and floor passes.
USA Judo Life Members will receive free admission (spectator seating only.)

EARLY REGISTRATION, ENTRY FEES, TOURNAMENT CHECK-IN Early Registration: The official entry form and all other required forms must be fully completed, properly signed, appropriate fees enclosed, and mailed to the address stated on the entry form, postmarked no later than June-08, 2008.

Entry Fee: Entry fee for early-registered contestants is $75.00. Personal Checks, Business Checks, Money Orders, Traveler’s Checks, Certified Checks, Cashier’s Checks only. Checks should be made payable to 2008 Jr. US Open Judo Championships. DO NOT MAIL CASH.

Incomplete Entry Materials: Entries with incomplete or missing information will be considered late entries unless the required material is received before Tournament Check-in. See below for confirmation of registration.

Late Registration: Official entry forms postmarked between June 09, and July 06, 2008, inclusively, will be considered late entries. Late entries must pay an entry fee of $95.00. Absolutely no entries should be mailed after July 06, 2008.  All other entries should be hand carried to the tournament for Friday July 18, 2008 check-in, and will be considered walk-up registrations with an entry fee of $115.00.

Walk-Up Registration: Contestants who have not-registered early, may do so during Tournament Check-in. All forms must be properly completed and signed at that time and the walk-up registration fee of $115.00 will be expected.  Cash, Money Orders, Traveler’s Checks, Certified Checks, Cashier’s Checks ONLY.  Personal or Business Checks will not be accepted for walk-up registration.

ENTRY FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

Tournament Check-In: All Athletes must check-in with tournament officials, in person, at the tournament headquarters during one of the time periods listed in the schedule of events in order to confirm participation and competition categories.  During Tournament Check-in, all late or incomplete registrations will be required to properly complete all forms and pay the appropriate fees.

All required forms must be properly completed and signed and the appropriate entry fees paid regardless of when the player registers. Refer to the checklist of required items listed elsewhere in this flyer.

PHOTO ID

Because of security concerns at the port of Ft. Lauderdale, the convention center is requiring a photo ID for all athletes. Athletes must enclose a passport sized photo for use on the Tournament Identification Card. This photo can be a standard passport photo or a paper print of a digital photo.  Tournament ID cards will be ready at check-in.  Those who do not send a photo will experience delays at Check-in and will be charged a $5.00 fee to have a photo taken.

IMPORTANT - Confirmation of Registration Enclose a stamped, self addressed envelope to be informed whether your registration is complete, or whether any items are missing.  Missing items received before the start of Tournament Check-in, will complete registration. Otherwise, you will be expected to provide the missing materials at check-in and pay the late registration fee of $95.00.

RULES

The Championships will be conducted in accordance with the Contest Rules, Organization Code and Sporting Code of the International Judo Federation, as revised for the 2008 Jr. US Open Judo Championship.  These rules include, but are not limited to draw, weigh-in, length of contests, and competition procedures.

Determination of Weight Category: Athletes are asked to make a preliminary declaration of weight on the entry form or at check-in/registration.  However, in this tournament the athlete’s actual weight at weigh-in will determine the category of competition, i.e. the athlete does not have to “make” the declared weight.

• Shime-waza rule: Shime-waza (choking) allowed in Juvenile A, B, and IJF-Junior categories only.

• Kansetsu-waza rule: Kansetsu-waza (arm locks) allowed in IJF-Junior category only.

• Injury Rule: Decisions as to whether an athlete may continue if injured while on the mat, are to be resolved in accordance with IJF rules; such decisions occurring off the mat or not covered by the IJF rules, are to be made by the coach, the athlete, and the Team Doctor.  If there is not a unanimous opinion among these three individuals, the athlete may not continue (Board-approved October 22, 1998.)

• Match lengths: Bantam, Intermediate 1, 2, and Juvenile A 3 minutes Juvenile B and IJF Junior: 5 minutes

• Judo gi color: Although optional, USA Judo encourages the wearing of a Blue judo gi by the “blue” side competitor. The “white” side competitor must wear a white judo gi.  Competitors are responsible for appearing in the correct color gi.  Under no circumstances shall both competitors be allowed to compete in blue gis, nor will the blue and white competitors be allowed to switch positions. The gi jacket and pants must be the same color; no mixing of colors.  In all matches where the both competitors are wearing white gis, both competitors will remove their grade belts and wear a blue or white belt to identify the contestant’s designated color for the match.

COMPETITORS AND THEIR COACHES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING THEIR OWN BLUE AND WHITE BELTS FOR THIS COMPETITION.  THIS RULE WILL INSURE THAT THE

BELTS FIT PROPERLY.  PLEASE MARK YOUR BELTS WITH YOUR NAME OR CLUB.

Divisions will be posted for coach/player inspection as soon as possible after the close of weighins on each day. 1 hour later, any necessary corrections will be made, the draw will be performed, and brackets, with match numbers will be posted.

Authorized coaches will be given admission onto the venue floor. One coach per contestant.

SEEDING OF ATHLETES, DRAW PROCEDURES, AND SCHEDULING

In the Youth (under 20 Yrs.) category ONLY, the top 4 athletes on the USA Judo IJF Junior National Roster will be seeded, according to the current USA Judo seeding procedures.

The draw will be conducted by approved computer software and will be random with the provision that athletes from the same country will be separated as far apart in the pools as possible.

The Texas Match Scheduling system will be used.  Contestants will receive a card specifying their contest area number and match number.  All contestants are expected to report to their assigned contest area 3 matches prior to their assigned match number

METHOD OF COMPETITION

1 Categories having five (5) Competitors or less: Round Robin Pool (every competitor competes against every other competitor). The order of finish is determined by number of wins, then, if tied, by total points (Ippon=10, Waza-ari=7, Yuko=5, Koka=3, Decision=1). If tied in wins and points, the winner of the head-to-head competition between the two who are still tied determines the winner.  If three or more are still tied in wins and points for any place (first, second, or third), those contestants involved must contest again to determine the order of finish.

2 Categories having six (6) competitors or greater: Modified Double Elimination. Players are divided into two pools, A and B by means of a draw (described above.) Determination of 1st and 2nd place: The "knockout" (single elimination) system is used to produce two finalists, who will compete for 1st & 2nd place. Determination of 3rd - 5th place:  All contestants who were defeated before the semifinals will compete in a consolation bracket (referred to as a loser’s pool).  Athletes will be placed in the losers pool in a way that attempts to keep those who met in the “winners” pool from meeting again, although depending on the size of the division, this will not always be possible.  The losers of the semifinals will fight in the last two remaining players in the loser’s pool. The winners of those two matches (2) will be placed 3^rd, the losers (2) will be placed 5^th.

NOTICE OF POSSIBLE TESTING FOR BANNED SUBSTANCES

For the IJF Junior (born 1989 or later) Categories only, testing, in accordance with procedures of the U.S. Olympic Committee may be conducted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) - the independent testing agency for Olympic sports in the United States.  In the event there is a question concerning whether or not a substance is on the list, you may call the Drug Reference Hotline at 1-800-223-0393. If you prefer, you can send your correspondence and inquiries to: United States Anti-Doping Agency, 1265 Lake Plaza Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80906.  Other useful information can be found by visiting USADA's website: http://www.usantidoping.org/

AWARDS

Six (6) or more competitors: First, Second, and two (2) Third place medals will be awarded. Five (5) or less competitors: First, Second, and one (1) Third place medals will be awarded.

Special cash awards will be presented to the following special awards winners who will be selected from the Youth (under 20) Categories:

1   The Reinaldo Montpellier award for Men.
2   The Phyllis Koiwai award for Women.
3   The Frank Fullerton Most Inspirational Award
4   Raul Guasch Ippon Trophy

COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAM

Athletes that register early will receive a free copy of the commemorative program. For others, don't miss the opportunity to purchase the commemorative program for the PRESTIOUS 20TH YEAR ANNIVERSITY OF THE JUNIOR US OPEN at a discounted price.  Pre-event purchase price is only $3.00; cost will be $5.00 at the event.  This professionally-produced, color program will feature past history of the events, biographies of the top athletes, interesting stories and many other features.

An order form is included elsewhere in this packet.

CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION

Listed below are the age and weight categories of competition.  Please note that each age Category is based solely on the year in which the contestant was born.  The contestant’s actual age on the day of competition is irrelevant.  For each category, a contestant must be born in the appropriate year as defined below.

All Weights listed below are in kilograms.  For each weight division, the weight range will be over the next lower weight and up to and including the weight listed.  Exception: PJU lightweight in the Youth Category (explained below).

Example: Intermediate 2, 34 kg – over 31 kg and up to and including 34 kg.

The Tournament Director reserves the right to make changes in the highest and lowest weight classes in the Juvenile 1 and 2 divisions when it is in the best interest of the contestants to make these changes due to differences in weights.

THERE IS AN OPEN DIVISION IN THE IJF JUNIOR CATEGORY ONLY.  Athletes may compete in their normal weight division and the Open division (submit two entry forms and fees.)

IJF Junior	M	55	60	66	73	81	90	100	+100 Kg	Open
Born 1989 or later (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, etc.)	F	44	48	52	57	63	70	78	+78 Kg	Open
Juvenile B	M	51	55	60	66	73	81	90	+90 Kg
Born 1992-1993	F	40	44	48	52	57	63	70	+70 Kg
Juvenile A	M	36	40	44	48	53	58	64	+64 Kg
Born 1994-1994	F	36	40	44	48	53	58	64	+64 Kg
Intermediate 2	M	28	31	34	38	42	48	53	+53 Kg
Born 1996-1997	F	28	31	34	38	42	48	53	+53 Kg
Intermediate 1	M	26	30	34	38	43	+43	Kg
Born 1998-1999	F	26	30	34	38	43	+43	Kg
Bantam Born 2000 . 2001	M/F	23	27	35	+35	Kg

The IJF-Junior Category and is equivalent to the International Judo Federation Junior-World Category.  This means that there is no lower age limit.  Athletes may enter if they are born in 1989 or later (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, etc.).

Clarifications to IJF Junior (Youth) Category:

1   The Pan American Judo Union (PJU) lightweight divisions, 44kg for women, and 55kg for men, will still be contested for PJU team selection purposes.  Athletes whose weight would normally place them in these PJU divisions may elect to compete in the next higher weight divisions for Team selection purposes.

2   In 2008. for some PJU events, eligibility is restricted to athletes born in 1989, 1990 or 1991 only.  Therefore, athletes who are nationally ranked in the IJF-Junior Category but do not meet the PJU year of birth requirements, will not be eligible for USA team selection in such events.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The following is a general schedule of events.  All dates and days of the week are final.  However, the times listed are approximate and the Organizing Committee reserves the right to change these, if necessary. The final schedule will be provided to delegations, officials, and athletes upon arrival.

Thursday, July 17, 2008 - At Tournament Headquarters

6:30-8:30 PM                         USA Judo level C, D, & E Coach Certification Clinic - Bring Judogi to clinic.

                                               Application for clinic is contained elsewhere in this package.

Friday, July 18, 2008 - At Tournament Headquarters

0930-1500 (9:30 AM - 3:00 PM):     Tournament Check-in. All athletes must check-in with tournament officials, in person, at the tournament

                                                         headquarters hotel to confirm participation and make a final declaration of weight Category.

1200-1600 (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM):    Official Weigh-in for Bantam, Juvenile A and B Categories ONLY.
                                                    Contestants may check weight as many times as desired prior to the start of the official weigh-in.
                                                    During official weigh-in, a contestant is given only one chance on the scale.

1700-1800 (5-6 PM):    Referee meeting

1800-1900 (6-7 PM):    Technical (Coaches) Meeting

Saturday, July 19, 2008 - At Tournament Site

0930 (9:30 AM):                              Eliminations (all matches except medal matches) Bantam, Juvenile A and B

1100-1300 (11 AM -1 PM)              Official Weigh-in for Intermediate 1 & 2 and IJF Junior Categories ONLY.
                                                  Contestants may check weight as many times as desired prior to the start of the official weigh-in.
                                                  During official weigh-in, a contestant is given only one chance on the scale.

1600 (4:00 P.M.)                            Opening Ceremony
                  Medal matches follow Opening Ceremonies
                  Order of matches will be determined after preliminary rounds.
                  Awards

Sunday, July 20, 2008 - At Tournament Site

0930 (9:30 AM) :          Eliminations (all matches except medal matches) Intermediate 1 & 2 and IJF Junior Categories.
Medal matches will occur 1 hour following the end of the eliminations.
Order of matches will be determined after preliminary rounds.
Awards: Following the medal matches.
Closing ceremonies: Following the awards.
Social Function: A party will follow the closing ceremony for athletes, coaches, and officials at no cost.

Monday, July 21 - Wednesday, July 23, 2008 International Training Camp Final Training camp schedule will be provided upon arrival

ATHLETE ENTRY REQUIREMENT CHECKLIST

To assure the requirements for participation in the Championships have been fulfilled, the following forms must be completed and Postmarked by June 08, 2008 at the address printed at the bottom of this page.

q  Official Entry Form and $75.00 Entry Fee ($95 if postmarked between June  09, 2008 and July 06, 2008, inclusively; $115.00 walk-up entry fee; DO NOT mail entries after July 06, 2008)

q  Copy of current USA JUDO membership card.  If membership is not current, circle at the bottom of the entry form “Will bring current membership card to event” or “Will purchase membership at event.”

q  Passport size photo for use on Tournament Identification Card (required by the convention center).  Standard photo or print of digital photo.  If no photo is enclosed, you will experience a delay at check-in and will be charged $5.00 to have a photo taken.

q  Warning, Waiver, Release of Liability and Agreement to Participate

q  Proof of Age: Copy of birth certificate, passport, or USA JUDO membership card having the verification symbol “(V)” printed following the birthdate. A driver’s license is not proof of age!

q  Power of Attorney:  Required for participants under the age of 18 years whose parent/guardian will not be attending the championships.

q  Proof of Black Belt Rank:

Copy of rank certificate, OR,  Certificate Regarding Non-Black Belt Contestants

NOTE:  A copy of your current USA JUDO membership card having the rank verification symbol “(V)” printed following the rank will serve as proof.  In addition, rank cards issued by the USJF or USJA National Offices will serve as proof.

q  Certificate of United States Citizenship and age

q  Hotel Registration Form
q  Biographical Information Form
 

Optional:
 

q  International Training Camp Registration Form

q  Coach Registration Form

q USA Judo Coach Certification Clinic Application Form

q  Intent to attend post-tournament party Form

NOTE: A self-addressed, stamped envelope must be included to receive confirmation of Entry Form received and notification of any missing items.

Forward all forms and fees to:  

Gerry Navarro;16131 N.W. 12 Street; Pembroke Pines, FL  33028-1206
Voice: 954-435-6976 / Fax: 954-435-6976 Email: Gerrynavarro@aol.com
Make checks payable to: 2008 Jr. US Open Judo Championships 2008 Junior US Open Judo Championships – Revision: December 21, 2007 Page 9

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM

16131 N.W. 12 Street; Pembroke Pines, FL   33028