Rules for Disqualification and Ejection

Automatic Disqualification

1. A competitor will be automatically disqualified if they receive three warnings or penalties during a match.

2. Penalties are issued for the following infractions:

   • Illegal Attacks: Striking an unarmed opponent or continuing to attack after a "break" has been called.

   • Illegal Techniques: Sweeping, punching, kicking, or striking with the butt of a weapon.

   • Target Areas: Striking any area designated as illegal by the tournament board.

   • Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Using profanity, disobeying officials, disrupting the competition, intentionally moving out of bounds, or throwing equipment.

Scoring and Decisions

1. Majority Rule: All penalties and disqualifications must be decided by a majority vote of the judging panel.

2. Minor Infractions: Accumulating three minor infractions will result in one point being awarded to the opponent.

1. Safety Equipment Required: Hand gear (must be more than a cloth glove), foot gear (both Karate and Tae Kwon Do styles are accepted), and headgear (must cover the sides and forehead). A full face mask is required. All males must wear a groin cup.

   • a. See: Equipment page.

2. Coaching: Coaching of any kind is prohibited while a competitor is on the sparring lines or actively sparring. Violations may result in penalties as determined by tournament officials. Any attempt to interact with the judges or stop a match will result in the removal of the spectator and the potential penalization or disqualification of the competitor.

3. Warnings should be given at the tournament's open, and penalty points should be given upon the first breaking of the rules. Disqualification should only come from an egregious action. The judges should vote on penalties and disqualifications.

4. No contact with the groin for any reason in any division.

5. Target areas are the top of the head, the side of the head, the forehead, and the torso.

6. The top of the head and the forehead are “no point” areas for ages 10 years and younger.

7. No-point areas are the legs, the back, and the arms.

8. The fight should continue until a judge calls for a “break.”

9. “Cat’s Paws” will never be counted as a point; the hand must be appropriately positioned to score. If you have questions regarding what is considered a “cat’s paw,” ask your Center Judge.

10. Stepping out of the ring to intentionally avoid or stop a fight is not permitted. Repeated occurrences in which both feet leave the ring may result in penalty points.

1. Each competitor must provide their own weapon if they participate in padded weapons or weapon forms.

2. Padded weapons must be no longer than 36 inches from tip to tip.

3. If participating in breaking, each competitor must provide their own boards.

4. If participating in self-defense, each competitor is to provide their own demonstration partner.

5. A mouthguard is required for all grappling competitors.

6. Groin protection is not required but is strongly recommended for all grappling competitors.

The following gear is required for ALL sparring: * Headgear: Must be a wraparound style helmet comprised of either dipped foam or leather-encased foam that protects the side and top of the head.

• Face Shield: Must be either a composite plastic or a metal cage preventing contact with the facial structure or eyes.

Gloves Must be padded with formed, curled fingers. The following are acceptable:

• Dipped foam gloves with complete finger coverage.

• Boxing-style gloves.

• WKF Karate gloves with one elastic strap over the palm and two over the fingers.

Foot Gear; The following are acceptable: * Dipped foam sparring boots with full foot and ankle coverage.

• Cloth shin guards with insteps—made from foam and NOT hard plastic.

• Muay Thai style—synthetic leather over foam (covers shin and instep).

• Groin protection is required for males and highly suggested for females.

• Although not required, chest protection is permitted at the competitor’s or their guardian’s discretion.

1. Scoring: All judges will score from a range of 1–10.

2. There is no time limit for the demonstration.

3. Competitors are responsible for bringing their own demo partners.

4. Competitors are responsible for bringing their own demo tools if needed.

1. There are NO time limits on forms.

2. Scores shall range from 1 to 10. Judges must base their scores solely on what they observe and use their best judgment.

3. Judges’ scores should be totaled and averaged to determine the final score.

4. Ties will be resolved by blind decision. Competitors will turn their backs while judges indicate their choice by pointing to the left or right.

5. Scoring Standards: Judges should score on the confidence and intensity of the competitor’s form, keeping in mind that each style has different focuses and standards.

6. Weapons: Judges may take the time to inspect ANY weapon used in competition. 

1. Scoring: All judges will score from a range of 1–10.

2. There is no time limit on the demonstration.

3. Competitors are responsible for bringing their own boards and board holders.

4. Competition is based on breaking efficacy and accuracy; this is not a “test of strength.”

1. All General Sparring Rules apply.

2. There is no time limit.

3. The winner is only chosen when ALL 3 judges agree that one point was achieved.

1. All General Sparring Rules apply.

2. Two-minute time limit.

3. One point is issued for a legitimate score when two out of three judges agree.

4. Two points are awarded for a kick to the head.

5. The first competitor to score 5 points, or whoever has the most at the end of two minutes, is the winner.

6. Ties should be broken by sudden death under Ippon rules (ALL judges must agree on the winner of the final point).

1. There will be 3 rounds, 40 seconds each.

2. Competitors will spar continuously until the 40 seconds are up.

3. At the end of each round, judges will determine and call the winner of the round. Judges may confer before making their decision.

4. The winner is the competitor who wins 2 out of the 3 rounds.

5. If one competitor wins 2 rounds back-to-back, the match is over and the 3rd round will not be conducted. This is done in the interest of time.

1. The first fighter to 10 points, or the most points after 2 minutes, wins.

2. All strikes MUST be controlled and precise.

3. Scoring:

   1. a. Head: 3 pts

   2. b. Torso (between collarbone and hip): 2 pts

   3. c. Arm (shoulder to wrist) / Leg (hip to ankle): 1 pt

   4. d. If a contestant loses their weapon: 1 pt awarded to opponent.

4. Two hands must be on your weapon at all times.

5. A new round starts after each point is scored.

6. Illegal targets include the spine, back of the head, groin, throat, and hands.

7. Safety gear is required, including a headguard with a face shield, mouthguard, and groin cup.

8. Homemade padded weapons are not allowed.

9. 
   

1. 2-minute rounds.

2. In the event of a tie at the end of the round, sudden death takes effect.

3. A throw or takedown equals 2 pts (no Ippon victories).

4. A reversal of position equals 1 pt.

5. A submission (opponent taps) is victory.

6. The competitor with the most points at the end of the round will be declared the winner.

7. In the event of a tie at the end of 2 minutes, sudden death takes effect (no Ippon victory).

8. No chokes using the hands or poking to the neck.

9. Leg-locking techniques below the waist are LEGAL at all levels.

10. Lower ranks and skill levels are permitted to perform STRAIGHT TECHNIQUES ONLY (e.g., calf cutter, Achilles cutter, knee bar).

11. Advanced ranks and skill levels are PERMITTED to use twisting locks below the waist (e.g., heel hooks).