British Judo Launches New Weight Management Guidance for Youth Athletes

British Judo, in collaboration with the Home Nations and Sport Wales, have today launched dedicated guidance regarding weight management for youth athletes, developed over the past 18 months by a dedicated working group.

The guidance will feed directly into the creation of a continuing professional development (CPD) product for coaches, designed to promote safe and effective practices with athletes and parents.

As a sport where competition is structured around weight categories, we recognises that weight management is an important part of athlete development. However, the new guidance makes clear that this should never come at the expense of health, growth, or long-term development for youth athletes.

The framework highlights:

• Encouraging pre-cadet and cadet athletes to compete at their natural weight category.

• The dangers of acute “weight cutting” practices such as rapid dehydration and excessive restriction.

• Age-appropriate recommendations to ensure safe progression through weight categories.

• Clear “do’s and don’ts” to guide athletes, parents, and coaches.

By prioritising safe practice and safeguarding, the new guidance aims to set strong foundations for performance, health, and wellbeing throughout an athlete’s judo journey.

The project represents a joint effort between Home Nation performance staff, British Judo, and Sport Wales, reflecting a shared commitment to athlete-centred practice.

Matt Craythorne, Strength and Conditioning Coach for Sport Wales, said:

“We are really excited about this project and the impact that it can have on a young athlete’s long-term performance, health and experience of judo. Our collaboration with British Judo and the Home Nation coaches and staff has been integral to shaping this work to benefit judoka in the pathway. We look forward to launching the education to support the implementation of the guidance and have more conversations with coaches, parents and athletes about how we can enable them to create a strong foundation for Judo and for life.”

With the guidance now launched, attention will turn to the development of a CPD resource for coaches, ensuring that those working most closely with athletes have the tools and knowledge to support safe and effective weight management practices.

This marks a significant step forward in safeguarding the welfare of judoka while promoting good practice across the pathway.

Download Weight Management Guidance

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