Shimpan

Shimpan (Japanese审判, German referee ) form the judges in professional Sumōwettkämpfen. The Shinpan recruited from the ranks of the members of the Japanese Sumōverbands, so are former Sumōkämpfer, mostly former yokozuna or ozeki. They wear traditional formal attire consisting of a black haori and hakama gray. There are a total of 23 Shinpanin, are a top Shinpan ( Shinpan - bucho ) and his two deputies ( Shinpan - fuku - bucho ) at its peak. On a day of struggle more layers are used, which rotate according to an established system.

During a tournament observe five Shinpan sitting around the ring ( Dohyo ), the fights. As long as all Shinpan agree with the decisions of the Gyoji ( referee's ), they remain passive. However, once a Shinpan has doubts about the correctness of a decision, he calls for advice to the referee (mono ii ) by show of hands. This takes place in the ring, and the Gyoji may participate, without having the right to speak themselves. The slow motion technique simplifies the work of the arbitral tribunal, which often must be about events that have happened in a split second today. Two other Shinpan that communicate via an audio link with the top judge, this advice based on video footage that they evaluate in a special room outside the sports hall. After a short discussion the judges confirmed the decision of either Gyoji ( Gunbai -dori ), decides in favor of the opposite side ( Gunbai - sashichigai ) or designate a repetition of the fight ( Torinaoshi ).

Theoretically, the four also seated on the ring edge rikishi who are waiting for their struggle, the right to convene a mono -ii. In practice, however, this happens rarely.

• Sumō