As part of her journey supported by the Women in Sport programme and the IJA Referee Commission, Sarah O’Gara recently officiated at the Venray International Judo Tournament 2025, one of Europe’s largest youth judo events.
Held in the Netherlands, the tournament celebrated its 50th anniversary with over 1,500 competitors across U10s to Seniors, and Sarah was among a select team of international referees across eight tatami areas.
Sarah’s report highlights both the technical depth of the tournament and her growth in confidence and decision-making under international conditions. Her feedback from top-level referees was overwhelmingly positive, including praise from IJF International Referee Lisa Rivers.
From working under new rule interpretations to receiving guidance on mat positioning and assertiveness in calls, Sarah continues to represent Irish Judo with professionalism and determination.
“Overall it was a great competition and the feedback I received was positive, encouraging me to continue to get exposure to competitions at this level to build my confidence and experience.” – Sarah O’Gara
Her progress marks a proud milestone in the IJA’s ongoing support for Women in Sport, and we look forward to seeing her continue on the path to international accreditation.
📖 Read her full referee report here.
