Penalties in judo: the impact of shido on match durations and results

Abstract

The effects of penalties on match outcomes were investigated in this study. Data were obtained from a total of 5039 matches that included men, women, and all weight categories during the latest two world championships and eight different grand prix tournaments. The effects of shido on losing and factors affecting these penalties were determined with a binary logistic regression analysis. Receiving a shido during the match increased the possibility of losing (Odds ratio (OR)= 1.14). The possibility of defeat of the athletes who received the second shido was higher compared to those who did not (OR= 2.13). The possibility of penalisation with both first shido (OR= 1.86) and second shido (OR= 2.76) of defeated athletes was higher than winners. Each 1-minute increase in match duration increased possibility of receiving a shido (OR= 2.10, for first shido; OR= 1.87 for second shido). Despite current rule changes that aimed to decrease direct effects of penalties on match outcomes to create positive judo, receiving a shido was found to still significantly affect competitors’ techniques and tactics during the match and indirectly affect the match outcomes. Therefore, it is suggested that coaches and especially heavyweight athletes should evaluate the effects of shido on match tactics.