The USJF has appointed Diba Mani as Chair of its Referee Development and Certification Committee. Dr. Mani is an IJF-A referee and graduate of the IJF Academy Undergraduate Judo Instructor program. She is an Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology at the University of Florida’s College of Health & Human Performance, motivated to fulfill the committee’s mission of recruiting, educating, and supporting judo referees. Her efforts will include fostering improved relationships among coaches, athletes, parents/guardians, and referees, data collection and analysis of referee culture, and expanding referee development through an updated online course, in-person practical clinics, and testing opportunities at tournaments through the implementation of a team of trained referees based across the nation.
