JudoScotland has today opened nominations for the annual Community Awards, focusing on celebrating the incredible efforts of the judo community both on and off the mat.
Following an incredible summer for Scottish sport, this year’s awards aim to celebrate and recognise the outstanding contributions made by clubs, coaches, volunteers, technical officials and referees across the Scottish judo community.
Last year, we renamed our Lifetime Contribution Award in honour of Dr George Kerr CBE, 10th Dan, recognising his exceptional contribution to judo and his status as Scotland’s only 10th Dan. To preserve the prestige and significance of this award, we have taken the decision to present it on a biennial basis, rather than annually, with the next nomination opening for this in 2027.
New for this year, and following the lead of British Judo, we are introducing the Humble Warrior Award. This award recognises an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to their community by using judo as a force for positive change, helping to tackle social inequalities and create opportunities for others.
This year the awards programme will feature eight categories, recognising excellence and dedication at all levels of the sport. Nominees should exemplify the values of judo through their actions, demonstrating integrity, respect and a strong commitment to the principles of ‘Three Steps Safe’.
The award categories are as follows:
Humble Warrior awarded to a person or group who has made a significant contribution to the development of judo over the past year, with a strong focus on community impact and educational leadership.
Nominees should reflect the vision of Jigoro Kano by promoting the judo values and using judo as a tool for personal growth, inclusion, and the betterment of society.
Club of the Year will be awarded to a club that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the development, delivery and growth of judo within its community. This award recognises clubs that provide high-quality opportunities for participation, support the progression of judoka at all levels, and make a positive contribution to the wider judo community. The award also acknowledges a club’s commitment to the values of JudoScotland, recognising those that consistently provide safe, welcoming and inclusive environments through their dedication to Three Steps Safe. To be eligible, clubs must be affiliated to JudoScotland and have achieved, or be actively working towards, accreditation.
Club Coach of the Year celebrates a coach who has made a remarkable impact by fostering the growth of judoka, expanding access to Judo opportunities, and significantly increasing participation within their community. To be eligible, coaches must appear on the JudoScotland coach register.
Disability Coach of the Year recognises an outstanding coach working with people with disabilities. This coach will have provided inclusive opportunities by actively removing barriers to participation and taking time to deliver judo sessions to meet participants’ needs, to help them develop their skills, build confidence and resilience, and develop a positive attitude towards sport and physical activity. To be eligible, coaches must appear on the JudoScotland coach register.
Player Development Coach of the Year will be presented to a coach who has made an outstanding contribution to long-term athlete development aligned with the JudoScotland Player Development Framework. To be eligible, coaches must appear on the JudoScotland coach register.
Player Development Coach of the Year will be presented to a coach who has made an outstanding contribution to long-term athlete development aligned with the JudoScotland Player Development Framework. To be eligible, coaches must appear on the JudoScotland coach register.
Volunteer of the Year recognises a volunteer in a non-coaching role who has made an outstanding contribution to their club and the wider judo community. From club helpers and event volunteers to Club Welfare Officers and committee members, these individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes to help clubs thrive, creating opportunities for others to enjoy and succeed in judo.
Technical Official/Referee of the Year will be presented to a Technical Official/Referee who has made a significant contribution to the sport through their hard work and dedication and has delivered a high level of performance both on and off the mat.
Young Person of the Year recognises an outstanding young person (aged 16-24) who goes above and beyond to be a role model to young people and is a positive representative of the judo community.
The award nomination period will close at noon on Wednesday 30th September 2026. The award winners will be announced at the JudoScotland AGM on Sunday 1st of November 2026, following a selection process by a judging panel.