Judo instructors and officials should be certified and registered by the national governing body to be qualified to teach, and they should be familiar with the latest contest rules. Their teachings should conform to the safety standards emphasized in proper throwing, falling, and holding techniques. An athlete with a history of heart problems should be reported to the instructors or coach. He should have a thorough examination by his physician and have his approval before resuming judo practice. However, a judoist with no previous cardiac problems cannot be identified until he has an attack, which may or may not be fatal.
Brain injuries are generally concussions, contusions, or lacerations.
Skull fractures and certain post injury sequelae are also of serious concern. Experts do not always agree on the definition of concussion. However, there are varying degrees of severity. Unconsciousness does not have to occur, but microscopic changes often exist in the vital areas, particularly in the brain stem. Although severe concussions may have permanent or fatal effects, some concussions are often not considered to be serious.