Referees / Elite Athletes

Referees' Programme
The Referees' Programme provides a blend of theory and practice to allow referees to progress through the various classes to international-level referee.

Please note that the SJJ(NZ) Rules state that for every five competitors representing a club at a tournament, that club must provide at least one SJJ(NZ)-trained referee. Up to nine competitors, therefore, requires one referee; up to 14 competitors requires two referees; and so on.

SJJ(NZ) welcomes all competitors, ex-competitors, parents, supporters and interested people to join the Referees' Programme.
For further information contact: referees@sjjnz.org.nz

Elite Athletes' Programme
Any competitor achieving a top-three ranking on the SJJ(NZ) National Circuit is eligible to join the Elite Athletes' Programme. The programme works along with each athlete's club coach to provide additional knowledge and management in readiness for international competition. Competitors for international representation are selected from those on the programme and are named NZ Black Tops.
For further information contact: elite@sjjnz.org.nz

New Zealand Black Tops
The NZ Black Tops are New Zealand competitors selected for international representation. Selection is performance-based and free from politics; all representatives must have gained top-three rankings on the SJJ(NZ) National Circuit to be eligible for selection.