What happens if a junior hits their head or is strangled unconscious?

These rules apply to every athlete, of every age and grade, in competitions and gradings. Athletes can't choose to continue "at their own risk".

Unconsciousness
If the refereeing team (by majority), an event medic or the referee in charge decides an athlete lost consciousness for any length of time, however briefly and for any reason, including a strangle, the athlete can't compete for the rest of the event. If the referees are unsure, the referee in charge decides.

Suspected head injury
The referee stops the contest and refers the athlete to the medical team. Judges can ask the referee to stop if they spot something.

• Safe to continue: the contest can resume. If the athlete couldn't continue at the time (kiken-gachi), they can only compete in later contests.
• Not safe to continue: the athlete is withdrawn from the event.
• Unclear, or advised not to continue: the athlete can't continue in the event.
• Medical attention refused when a head injury is suspected: the athlete can't continue in the event.