How do belts work in junior divisions, and can white belts compete?

At all sanctioned events, white belt judoka of any age group cannot compete (white/yellow counts as white belt). White belts in U8 club events, and in U10 and U12 club events, are limited to Ne-waza only bouts.

Belt divisions for 2026-27:

• U12: yellow belts may compete against orange belts at most, and orange belts against green belts at most.
• U14: Novice is yellow and orange belts (yellow may compete against orange at most). Advanced is green belt and higher.
• U16 and U18: Novice is yellow and orange belts. Advanced is green belt and higher.
• U21: Novice is yellow to green belts. Advanced is blue belt and higher.

Source: Judo Canada Sanctioning Policy & Tournament Standards 2026-2027, sections 6.1 and 7.