WKF is believed to be looking to overhaul its Referees Commission ©WKF

The World Karate Federation’s (WKF) judging body is poised to undergo an overhaul in a bid to improve officiating at top competitions.

Nearly 300 referees from 98 countries are understood to have met with WKF President Antonio Espinós to discuss plans.

Espinós is believed to have headed the video conference organised by Javier Escalante, chairman of the federation’s Referee Commission.

According to WKF, the meeting aimed to inform officials of the "restructuring of the referee organisation" as well as discussing the "upcoming development plans for the WKF judging team."

It is understood the reorganisation of the Referee Commission and a new coach education programme were top of the agenda.

Nearly 300 referees are understood to have taken part in the video conference headed by WKF President Antonio Espinós ©WKF
Nearly 300 referees are understood to have taken part in the video conference headed by WKF President Antonio Espinós ©WKF

The prospective competition schedule for 2020 and 2021, the Para-karate rules and updates of the referee micro-site on WKF's official website are also believed to have been discussed.

As part of the plans to improve the body, WKF claim "a new ranking of referees" is currently under review.

"In order to ensure that athletes can show their best on the tatami, we also need to make sure that referees and officials find their best conditions to officiate at their best possible level," said Espinós.

"While we are very pleased to see the outstanding level of refereeing at our events, we need to offer referees the tools to continue improving.

"In this way, we will guarantee that the best referees judge our top competitions, and also that our values of fairness, integrity and honour continue being safeguarded."