COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS

SPORT MARTIAL ARTS EVENTS
COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS

SECTION 1 - GENERAL

• PURPOSE
• APPLICATION
• OFFICIALS
• COMPETITORS AND EVENTS
• DRESS REQUIREMENTS
• SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE GEAR
• INJURY LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
• RESULT RECORDING
• DELEGATES
• COACHES
• AWARDS
• OFFICIAL TERMINOLOGY
• DIVISION OF COMPETITOR
• DRAW FOR ORDER OF COMPETING
• WEIGHT CHECK
• EQUIPMENT CHECK
• COURTESY

 

 

SECTION 2 - PATTERNS

2.1       OFFICIALS

2.2       DIVISIONS

2.3       PERMITTED PATTERNS

2.4       PATTERN SCORING

2.5       PENALTIES

2.6       FORMAT INDIVIDUAL PATTERNS

2.7       FORMAT TEAM PATTERNS

2.8       FORMAT PRE-PATTERN DIVISIONS

2.9       SCORES ARE EQUAL - DRAW

 

 

SECTION 3 - SPARRING

3.1       OFFICIALS POINT-STOP

3.2       OFFICIALS LIGHT CONTINUOUS

3.3       DIVISIONS

3.4       DURATIONS OF ROUNDS

3.5       TARGET AREA

3.6       POINT AWARDS

3.7       LIGHT CONTACT SCORING PROCEDURE

3.8       FOULS/WARNINGS

3.9       MINUS POINTS

3.10     DISQUALIFICATION

3.11     INJURY

3.12     BOUT PROCEDURE

3.13     TIMING

3.14     ROUND ROBIN’S & BYE’s

3.15     POSITIONS OF REFEREES

 

 

SECTION 4 - DISPUTE PROCEDURE

4.1       PROTEST

4.2       PROTEST PROCEDURE

4.3       DECISION

SECTION 5 - INTERNATIONAL TEAMS

5.1 NUMBER OF COMPETITORS

5.2 TEAM DIVISIONS

5.3 SUBSTITUTIONS

5.4 FORMAT TEAM PATTERNS

5.5 FORMAT TEAM SPARRING

 

  

 

SECTION 1 – GENERAL

 

• PURPOSE

The purpose of these rules is to provide an equal opportunity to all participants within the competition. To ensure that fairness, safe participation and the correct etiquette is maintained throughout the event.

 

• APPLICATION

These rules are to be applied throughout the competition and apply to all competitors and officials

 

• OFFICIALS

The Tournament Committee, Referees, Judges, Time-Keeper and Scorer will be selected prior to the event and all will receive the appropriate training.

 

• COMPETITORS AND EVENTS

The ITS Pan-European Championships 2017 is not an “open” event. All ITS Groups are invited and encouraged to participate in the event. UTA Competitors have been invited and will participate in the event. Other participants will require the approval of the ITS President, Master John Swift prior to taking part.

 

• DRESS REQUIREMENTS

All Referees and Judges must wear the following clothing:

• White long-sleeved shirt or blouse
• Official “association” tie
• Black Trousers
• Black Socks
• Black Shoes
• Referees may wear white or black training shoes whilst active on a ring

 

Time-Keepers and Scorers must wear the following clothing:

• White long-sleeved shirt or blouse
• Black Trousers
• Black Socks
• Black Shoes

 

Competitors must wear the following clothing:

• Full Taekwon-Do Do-bok (corresponding to individual’s club, group or national squad)
• Note; T-Shirt and trousers are not considered a Do-Bok and are not permitted
• Appropriate Belt for the participant’s grade

 

International Teams must wear the following clothing:

• Full Taekwon-Do Do-Bok corresponding to International Team Uniform
• Black Belt or coloured belt relevant to national colours.

 

 

 

 

• SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE GEAR

All competitors participating in sparring must wear the following protective

equipment:

• Head Guard
• Sparring Gloves (with fingers enclosed)
• Sparring Boots
• Gum-Shield
• Groin-Guard (for all male competitors aged 16yrs and above)
• Shin Guards (optional)
• Chest protector (optional for female competitors)
• Body Armour is not permitted unless agreed by the Tournament Committee and only for medical reasons
• Groin guards, shin guards or chest protectors must be worn inside the Do-Bok

 

If a competitor is unable to fulfil the safety equipment requirements they will be asked to sign a disclaimer / waiver agreeing to take all responsibility of risks and injury to themselves as well as others

 

• INJURY LIABILITY AND INSURANCE

All competitors must have a full membership and must sign a participant’s entry form declaring themselves fit and able to participate.

 

• RESULT RECORDING

All results must be recorded on the relevant ring sheet and must be collated by the official designated responsible for this duty

 

• DELEGATES

Every participating group or club should assign a delegate (usually the chief instructor) who is responsible for collating the participant’s entry forms and submit the relevant details. The delegate is also responsible for pursuing any complaints on behalf of the disgruntled participant.

 

• COACHES

We will have an allocated area for competitors and separate area for spectators and coaches, only competitors and referees will be allowed mat-side.

Note 1 - the coach is there to provide advice and support to the participant between rounds, not during, so that the bout or match is won on the merit and abilities of the competitor rather than the coach.

Note 2 - a competitor can be and will be disqualified due to inappropriate conduct of their coach or instructor.

 

• AWARDS

There will be a gold, silver and two bronze medals for each individual division.

 

There will be gold, silver and one bronze place for international teams

 

 

  

• OFFICIAL TERMINOLOGY

The following Korean terminology will be used by referees:

 

Charyot:           Attention

Kyong-ye:         Bow

Chun-Bi            Ready

Shi-jak              Start

Haechyo           Separate/end                            All other instructions will be given in English.

 

 

• DIVISION OF COMPETITOR

Competitors will enter the relevant division based on their age and grade at the time

of the event.

 

All details in terms of weight and height must be entered accurately. It is not acceptable to guess heights or weights. Officials may spot check any competitor’s details if they are not satisfied that they are in the correct division. Anyone found to have provided incorrect information may be disqualified.

 

• DRAW FOR ORDER OF COMPETING

All divisions will be arranged prior to the event. Every effort will be made to ensure that competitors from the same club/group to not face each other in the first round of any division where possible.

 

• WEIGHT CHECK

Competitors may be checked for weight at any point during the competition.

 

• EQUIPMENT CHECK

Equipment will be checked by the main referee during the first round of sparring competition. Competitors must present themselves when called, wearing all the appropriate safety equipment. Failure to appear and present equipment within a reasonable timescale may result in disqualification.

 

• COURTESY

All referees and officials should be addressed as “Sir”, “Ma’am” or “Miss” (regardless of grade) when spoken to by competitors.

 

In sparring competition, competitors should bow when entering the ring area.

 

When instructed to do so competitors should in this order:

• Bow to main referee
• Bow to the official’s table
• Bow to each other

 

In patterns competition, competitors should bow when entering the ring area. On being dismissed by officials, competitors should bow and walk away from the officials by facing them (it is considered disrespectful to turn your back towards the officials)

 

At no point should any competitor argue with a referee or show any form of blatant disagreement of a referee’s decision. This may be considered as disrespectful conduct and may result in the disqualification of the competitor. 

 

 

SECTION 2 - PATTERNS

 

2.1       OFFICIALS

The main referee will lead the patterns division. They will establish the pattern

performed and will pass on all verbal instructions to the competitor and other judges.

 

There will be either 2 or 4 additional judges to the main referee making a judging panel of 3 or 5 officials.

 

There will also be one additional ring official who will collate all scores and introduce competitors in accordance with the pre-arranged running order.

 

Officials must be of an equal or higher grade then the competitor and they must have a full awareness of the pattern performed. If an official does not know the pattern they must declare this to the main referee prior to the pattern being performed. It may be the case that the competitor will be instructed to perform a different pattern.

 

Officials must not discuss the performance of the competitor until after the scores have been displayed.

 

Officials must prepare for patterns competition and ensure that their patterns knowledge is good for the event.

 

2.2       DIVISIONS

The pattern divisions will be as per the designated division sheet. Divisions will be allocated dependent on age and grade.

 

2.3       PERMITTED PATTERNS

In individual patterns, competitors are permitted to perform a pattern for their current grade or one grade below theirs. See the category list. For example -

 

White belt - 10th Kup ... Saju Jirugi (4 Directional Punching 1)

Yellow Stripe - 9th Kup ... Saju Jirugi or Chon Ji

Yellow belt  - 8th Kup ... Chon Ji or Dan Gun

Green Stripe - 7th Kup ... Dan Gun or Do San

Green belt - 6th Kup ... Do San or Won Hyo

Blue Stripe - 5th Kup ... Won Hyo or Yul Gok

Blue Belt - 4th Kup ... Yul Gok or Joong Gun

Red Stripe – 3rd Kup ... Joong Gun or Toi Gye

Red Belt – 2nd Kup ... Toi Gye or Hwa Rang

Black Stripe – 1st Kup ... Hwa Rang or Choong Moo

Black - 1st Degree ... Kwang Gae, Po Eun or Gae Baek

Black – 2nd Degree ... Ko Dang, Eui Am or Choong Jang

Black – 3rd Degree ... Sam Il, Choi Yong or Yoo Sin

Black – 4th Degree ... Yon Gae, Ul Ji or Moon Moo

Black – 5th Degree or Higher ... So San, Se Jong or Tong Il

 

The belt colour and degree represent the rank you will be on the day of the event 

 

Competitors are not permitted to perform a pattern, higher than their current grade

but note that in team patterns, competitors may perform any Taekwon-do pattern.

 

2.4       PATTERN SCORING

Patterns are scored from 8.5 lowest to 9.5 highest score.

Considerations in pattern scoring are as follow:

            * If a competitor does not complete the pattern then they must score 8.5 lowest score

* An individual wrong move will result in a deduction of score dependent on the severity of    the mistake

* If there are sufficient mistakes for the judge to decide that the pattern has been performed incorrectly and no longer constitutes the original pattern then they must score 8.5 lowest score

* It is accepted that there are slight differences in style from competitors from different groups due to their teachings. Due to this judges must look for a level of consistency in the competitor’s pattern which would suggest that they have performed it as they have been taught.

* Despite the differences in styles, power, posture, sharpness of technique, stances should all be judged accordingly. This should not change due to style. Movement timing should be consistent throughout the performance.

* Judges must also keep their standards consistent throughout the division, not adjust their scoring standards based on results shown by their fellow judges.

* General rule is that a score should be set, given the correct movements performed with good technique and power. Points should be deducted for incorrect moves, or shortcomings in technique, power and general performance.

 

In the instance whereby the patterns format is that of two competitors performing the pattern at the same time, all of the above should be considered when deciding which competitor has performed the best pattern. Judges are not permitted to call a “draw” in this format and must decide on a winner of the match.

 

Team Patterns:

            * All of the above should be considered.

            * The patterns should be synchronised, with obvious breaks if planned.

* Whilst teams may march onto the area, the quality of the march will not be counted in the score awarded by the judge

* Additional points will be granted for the difficulty of the breaks performed if performed correctly.

 

2.5       PENALTIES

*Penalties will be given for Incorrect technique performed (including stances)

*Obviously poor positioning of techniques (including kicks)

*Lack of power or commitment to technique

* Inconsistency of timing

*Up to 3 restart’s for forgetting a pattern but deducting 0.2 for each restart

*Competitor pattern etiquette and demeanour – up to 0.2 can be deducted at the official’s discretion, examples include tidiness (belt tied correctly & clean pressed dobok), attitude and respect when approaching the table and centre of the area

 

 

2.6       FORMAT INDIVIDUAL PATTERNS

Participants will be called onto the mats as per the running order and will be scored on an individual pattern by the judges. Once all competitors have been scored, then the scores will be collated and the medals awarded.

 

 

2.7       FORMAT TEAM PATTERNS

Teams will be introduced and patterns performed as per the running order.

Scores and awards will be awarded following the completion of all patterns.

 

 

2.8       FORMAT PRE-PATTERN DIVISIONS

Pre-Pattern divisions are for students performing a basic training programme. They are only for students aged under 8 years and will consist of basic techniques, stances or Saju Jirugi/Makgi one move at a time.

 

Students will perform the agreed techniques to the commands of the main referee.

 

 

2.9       SCORES ARE EQUAL - DRAW

If after the completion of all patterns 2 or more competitors/teams have equal scores in either 1st, 2nd or 3rd places they will be asked to perform the same pattern again –

• If there are 2 competitors/teams a show of hands will decide the winner, it will be on a call of 3, 2, 1 then ‘show’, majority wins, note officials cannot award a draw
• If there are 3 or more officials will simply be re-scored to decide final places.

 

 

  

SECTION 3 - SPARRING

 

3.1       OFFICIALS POINT-STOP

For “Point-Stop” sparring there will be one main referee, a “Shadow” referee and a corner judge on the ring area. There will also be a time-keeper and a scorer located at the Official’s Table.

 

3.2       OFFICIALS LIGHT CONTINUOUS

In Light Continuous Sparring there will be a main referee, and 4 corner judges. There will also be a time-keeper and a scorer located at the Official’s Table.

 

3.3       DIVISIONS

Divisions will be as per the divisions sheet. They will be separated dependent on age, grade and height for junior competitors and age, grade and weight for adult competitors.

 

3.4       DURATIONS OF ROUNDS

Rounds will 1.5 minutes long. In the event of a draw, an additional 30 seconds will be allocated. If there is another draw then competitors will proceed to “Sudden Death” with the first point scored wins

 

3.5       TARGET AREA

Target areas are the front/side of the body and front/side of the head. Only the front section of the top of the head is a scoring area, not the rear of the head (crown area).

 

• POINT AWARDS

One point is awarded for any hand technique to the head or body

Two points are awarded for any kick to the body

Three points are awarded for a kick to the head.

 

No additional points are awarded for jumping or spinning techniques.

 

Techniques must be executed correctly and with purpose (for example, simply sticking an arm out would not be considered a scoring punch)

 

In “Point-Stop” sparring, points only be awarded if seen by two of the three judges. The main referee can award points without the back-up of another judge but only if he/she is absolutely certain that the point was scored.

 

• LIGHT CONTINUOUS SCORING PROCEDURE

 “clickers” will be used.

Officials should count the scores as the match takes place and on conclusion of the match show which competitor has scored the most by the raising of their hand if the scores are tied both hands are raised and crossed.

 

  

 

• FOULS/WARNINGS

The match should be stopped and warnings issued for the following fouls:

            * Travelling (stepping out of the ring with both feet)

            * Loss of Balance (Falling over or any part of the body other than feet touching the floor)

            * Intentionally Avoiding Sparring

            * Low Kicking (any kick below belt height)

            * Illegal Target (striking a non-scoring area)

            * Pushing

            * Grabbing or holding

 

• MINUS POINTS

The competitor will lose one point for the following fouls:

• Heavy Contact
• Illegal Technique (such as spinning back-fist or swinging punch)
• Sweeping
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct

 

The accumulation of any three warnings will also result in minus one point. Note, warnings stay on so each additional warning will result in a one point deduction

 

• DISQUALIFICATION

A competitor may be disqualified for any of the following:

            * Misconduct against officials or ignoring instructions

            * Uncontrolled or Excessive Contact

            * Receiving minus 3 points, given directly by the main referee

            * Loss of Temper

            * Insulting an opponent/coach or official

            * Any unsportsmanlike conduct deemed severe

* Being negatively responsible for the opponent being unable to continue through intentional     injury or loss of consciousness

* Biting, Scratching, use of elbow or knee

 

3.11     INJURY

If a competitor is injured then medical assistance must be requested. If a competitor is unable to return to action within a reasonable time-scale (5 minutes) then they may be removed from the competition. Consideration should be given with respect to the actions of the opponent and if they merit disqualification at this time.

 

• BOUT PROCEDURE

* Individuals will move to the ready position.

* They will bow to the referee, the officials table and each other

* The referee will start the match by shouting “Si-Jak”

* The match will continue until stopped by the referee

 

 

 

3.13     TIMING

From the start of the match the time-keeper will start the clock. This will continue

unless instructed to stop by the main referee.

Each sparring bout is 1 minute 30 seconds in length, subject to injury stoppages or

similar.

If the bout is equal at the end of the 1 min 30 secs period, one over time round of 30 seconds will be applied.

If scores are still equal at the end of the 30 seconds overtime the bout will move into 1st person to score wins, this score has to be agreed by all 3 referees to carry and decide the bout result

 

 

3.14     ROUND ROBIN’S & BYE’s

In the event of a sparring category having an odd number of competitors, officials will –

 

• For 3 in a category – run a round robin where everyone will fight each other once, the category will be decided by the competitor who wins the most rounds but if everyone wins 1 then it will be decided by the person who has scored the most points forward.

In the event of this still not deciding a winner it will be decided by who conceded the least

• For odd numbers for example 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 etc – select 2 competitors at random to fight for the last place in the next round, loser is out

 

 

3.15     POSITIONS OF REFEREES

• Centre / Chief Referee – starts and stops the bout and will follow the movement of the competitors from a clear, safe distance
• Shadow Referee – will move as the centre referee does but from the opposite side, sometimes refereed to ‘mirroring’ to allow sighting from both sides
• 3rd Referee – will active move along 2 predetermined edges of the mats to maximise focus and view on competitors, the 3rd referee will not be on the area so a clear space should be made available around the edge to allow for free unobstructed movement

 

 

 

 

SECTION 4 - DISPUTE PROCEDURE

 

4.1       PROTEST

Protests can only be made by the coach or delegate for the respective group and only when there is a clear violation of the rules. Protests regarding minor matters such as points not awarded as they were missed by referees will not be entertained.

 

4.2       PROTEST PROCEDURE

A live protest can be made at the time by a participant’s coach if it is felt that the issue must be addressed at the time. All other complaints or protests must be made by the groups “Delegate” who will raise the issue with the Tournament Committee.

 

4.3       DECISION

On reaching a decision following a protest then all parties must be informed and the decision actioned.

 

 

 

 

  

SECTION 5 - INTERNATIONAL TEAMS

 

5.1 NUMBER OF COMPETITORS

Each International Team will consist of a squad of up to 8 competitors which must compete throughout both disciplines; patterns & sparring. The actual team events consist of 5 person with the addition 3 allowing for injury, illness and so on.

 

5.2 TEAM DIVISIONS

International Teams will compete in the following divisions;

1. 11 years and under, male
2. 11 years and under, female
3. 12, 13 and 14 years, male
4. 12, 13 and 14 years, female
5. 15, 16 and 17 years, male
6. 15, 16 and 17 years female
7. 18-39yrs, male
8. 18-39yrs, female
9. 40yrs and above, male
10. 40yrs and above, female

 

5.3 SUBSTITUTIONS

The International Squads will consist of 8 persons which will compete in 5 person teams over 3 disciplines.

The team coach may substitute as many persons as they like between disciplines, however once a team has started an event, they may only substitute one person per round (unless injury requires a person to withdraw from the event).

 

Note that if a competitor is disqualified then they are removed from that particular discipline, however may compete in other disciplines.

 

5.4 FORMAT TEAM PATTERNS

Each 5 person team will compete in Team Patterns. The team will perform a synchronised team pattern which will be scored from 8.5 – 9.5. Patterns will be judged as per section 2.4

 

5.5 FORMAT TEAM SPARRING

Each Team will compete in 5 person competition based on “Point-Stop” sparring rules as per section 3.6. The winner will be the team with the most cumulative points. A “coin toss” will decide which team presents the first competitor.

 

In the event of a draw, both teams will present one competitor for an additional match.

 

6.1 CONCEPT CATEGORIES

As a method of inclusion there maybe additional categories at our events, we refer to them as 'concept' sections, for simplicity in explanation please see the video links below - 

6.2 Sports Swords - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CnaxXeRmog&t=42s 

6.3 Tag Chasing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18gh-4nev6M&t=1s 

6.4 Baton Battle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=431sKCGh5vw&t=19s