BLACK BELTS FOR CHRIST

TOURNAMENT RULES

CODE OF CONDUCT

CODE OF CONDUCT: COMPETITORS

All competitors will also be held to the Highest Standard of Excellence. There will be Zero Tolerance for Unsafe or Un-sportsmanlike Behavior. This includes any disrespectful gestures or behavior while performing or attending.

CODE OF CONDUCT: SPECTATOR/INSTRUCTOR/COACH/OTHER PARTICIPANT

Negative Coaching will not be allowed at anytime

No person may step into a ring unless his or her student or child is injured or invited by the Chief Referee.

No acts of vulgarity, profanity, violence or extreme outward displays of anger will be tolerated.

Only authorized individuals may be in the competition area.

Violators may be treated with disqualification from the division in which the person is competing and/or disqualification from the current and/or any future event. Violations may also include expulsion from the event.

Our primary goal is to provide a Safe, Fair and Motivating Environment in which a competitor can test their skills. It is through our example of excellence that we can achieve our goal.

 UNIFORM

Competitors are required to wear the uniform/gi of their school or club while competing. Competitors are also required to wear their appropriate belt to signify their proper rank. Uniforms must be clean and un-torn.

AGE

Competitors must compete in divisions based on the age they will be on June 1st of the competition year.

EXPERIENCE LEVELS

Since there are many differing ways of rank promotion according to the style of martial arts, there are two factors used when separating competitors into experience levels, years of training and belt color. In the event of a rank question, to ensure the safety and fairness of all competitors, the years of training takes preference over belt color. Beginner & Intermediate athletes may compete in those specified divisions for a maximum of one (1) calendar year each. Advanced Students a maximum of two (2) years. Students must compete at the Experience Level they will be on September 30. BLACK BELTS FOR CHRIST reserves the right to move competitors into their proper division at anytime.

Once a student competes at a new Experience Level by their choosing or by the guidelines provided, they cannot compete again at the lower level. Exception: If a student is asked to compete at a higher level due to a shortage of competitors, the student is allowed to go back to their original level. Points do not follow division changes.

Competitors with a Black Belt in any style are required to compete in the Black Belt division even if they have started a new style of martial arts. Black Belt takes precedent over any other rank in competition.

BEGINNER: One (1) year or less continuous training (white, yellow, orange, gold or equivalent belt or sash).

INTERMEDIATE: One (1) - two (2) years of continuous training (green, blue, purple or equivalent belt or sash).

ADVANCED: Over two (2) year’s continuous training (red, brown or equivalent belt or sash).

BLACK BELT: Determined solely on Belt Color.

FORMS COMPETITION

Defined as a performance of a pre-arranged series/pattern of movements that demonstrate the applicability of the movement, effective technique and poise.

FORMS: DIVISIONS

Age - Experience - Male/Female

6 & Under - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Together

7 & 8 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Together

9 & 10 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Together

11 & 12 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Together

13 & 14 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Together

15 & 16 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Together

17 & 18 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Together

FORMS: RING PROCEDURES

There will be one (1) Center Referee and two (2) Side Judges in each ring.

Order of performance will be determined by using a computer database random sort function, with the exception of the BBFC Invitational, where the top three (3) competitors in each division, based on total points, will compete last.

Each competitor will be expected to perform with competence and demonstrate a clear understanding of the principals his/her form contains. The first three (3) competitors will all perform before any scores are given. The Center Referee  will call them back up for their scores. Afterward, the Center Referee will call for each competitor’s score following each competitor’s performance. For scoring, the Center Referee will call JUDGES, SCORE!” The Center Referee and the Side Judges will then all present their scores at the same time. The three (3) Officials’ scores will be added together for the competitors total score. The division will proceed in this manner until all competitors have performed and been given scores. The competitor having the highest score will be declared the winner.

FORMS: CRITERIA FOR DECISIONS – HARD STYLES

Basics – Speed, power, focus, balance, kia, breathing – 25% of score

Perfection of Techniques – Stances, kicks, hand techniques – 25% of score

Degree of Difficulty – Stances, kicks, hand techniques, pattern of form – 25% of score

Spirit – Attitude, poise, conveyance of application (bunkai) – 25% of score

FORMS: CRITERIA FOR DECISIONS – SOFT STYLES

Basics – Speed, power, fluidity, focus, balance, breathing – 25% of score

Perfection of Techniques – Kicks, hand techniques, stances – 25% of score

Degree of Difficulty – Kicks, hand techniques, stances, pattern of form – 25% of score

Spirit – Attitude, poise, conveyance of application (bunkai) – 25% of score

FORMS: DISALLOWED TECHNIQUES

No Acrobatic movements will be allowed. Forms should uniformly demonstrate unwavering concentration, understanding of the techniques and present a realistic, rather than theatrical demonstration of movements.

FORMS: SCORING

Beginner/Intermediate – 7.50 - 8.00

Advanced – 8.50 - 9.00

Black Belt – 9.50 - 10.00

FORMS: MANDATORY DEDUCTIONS FROM THE POINT TOTAL

Acrobatic or theatrical movements – 1.00 point

Restart Form – Every competitor is entitled to one “restart” of their form upon request. Unless the restart is no fault of the competitor, (i.e. a slip, an interruption in the ring, etc.), a  mandatory penalty of a half point will be deducted from the competitors final score. This allowance is for all ranks with the exception of Black Belt.

FORMS: TIES

First Tie – In the case of a tie for 1st through 5th places, all tying competitors must perform again with the same or different form. The highest score will place ahead of the other(s), etc.

Second Tie – A second tie between two (2) or more of the same competitors will be broken by the officials pointing to his/her choice (“show-of-hands”) at one call. If three (3) or more competitors are tied and the show-of-hands does not provide a clear winner (i.e. each official points to a different competitor), then competitors may be called up two at a time for a show-of-hands, eliminating one competitor each time, until there is a clear winner for the highest contested place, and so on for each contested place.

NOTE: The scores given for tie-breaking performances are relative only to break ties and will have no effect upon over-all placement.

WEAPONS COMPETITION

The Divisions and Rules for Weapons Competition are the same as for Forms Competition with the following modifications/additions:

The control and manipulation of the weapon is the primary goal of Weapons Competition. More dynamic movement is allowed in Weapons Competition.

WEAPONS: ACCEPTABLE WEAPONS

Bo Staff – Bo can be made of wood or fiberglass (depending on the type of bo used within the competitors given style). Length must be no shorter than one (1) fist width from the top of the competitor’s head when measured from the floor.

Bokken   Bokken must obviously be made of wood with the optional use of the tsuba. Smaller children may use the child’s size of the standard bokken.

Eku – Must be made of wood and have a length no shorter than one (1) fist width from the top of the competitor’s head when measured from the floor.

Escrima/Kali – Sticks must be made of wood. Length is variable. Two (2) may be used.

Kama – Handle should be made of wood and the blade should be unsharpened. Two (2) Kamas may be used. No lanyards or cords are permitted.

Naginata   Must be made of wood with a non-sharp metallic blade. Total length must be no shorter than the top of the competitor’s head when measured from the floor.

Nunchaku – One pair consists of two (2) wood handles connected by a cord, suggested length 12”. Two pairs may be used.

Sai – Must be made of steel or other heavy metal. When grasped, the tip should reach the tip of the competitor’s elbow.

Spear – Must be made of wood with a metallic tip. Spear may be flexible. Total length must be no shorter than the top of the competitor’s head when measured from the floor.

Sword – Blade must be made of non-sharpenable metallic alloy. Blade length may vary from 18” to 29”.

Tonfa – Must be made of wood and have a length, when grasped by the handle, to reach the competitor’s elbow. Two (2) Tonfa are to be used.

Training Weapons made of Foam – are allowed, but result in a deduction. (See Mandatory Deductions.)

The Center Referee should examine each weapon prior to the competition to ensure safety, authenticity, construction & materials. Any weapon which is deemed unsafe or unfair may be excluded. Competitors will be given 5 Minutes to present a different weapon if their weapon is excluded.

WEAPONS: CRITERIA FOR DECISION

Basics – Speed, power, focus, balance, kia, breathing as applied to use of the weapon – 25% of score

Perfection of Techniques – Weapons, stances, kicks, hand techniques – 25% of score

Degree of Difficulty – Weapons, stances, kicks, hand techniques, pattern of form – 25% of score

Spirit – Attitude, poise, conveyance of application (bunkai) – 25% of score

WEAPONS: DISALLOWED TECHNIQUES

Any technique that endangers another competitor, a spectator or an official will result in disqualification, at the discretion of the Center Referee.

WEAPONS: MANDATORY DEDUCTIONS FROM THE POINT TOTAL

Loss of Control of the Weapon(s) – .50 point

Touching of the Floor with the Weapon(s) – .50 point

Dropping of the Weapons(s) – 1.00 point

Use of Training Weapons made of Foam – 1.00 point deduction

 

SPARRING COMPETITION

Point Sparring is defined as an event involving two (2) individuals engaged in a simulated fighting match. The object of which is to score a specified number of points on your opponent first to win the match -OR- to have scored more points than your opponent by the end of the match. The match is stopped every time an opponent scores and is restarted after each call. The time runs continuously unless the Center Referee calls for time to be stopped to resolve situations that might become time consuming (adjustment of a competitor’s safety equipment, injury to a competitor, clarification of judges calls, etc.)    

Competitors are to wear specified gear (i.e. head, hands, feet, mouth guard), and are to kick or punch towards Legal Target Areas of their opponent. Points are scored when a Legal Target Area is hit with a Legal Technique. Techniques must have room for extension and must be retracted a minimum of 3 inches from the target. No contact is allowed to certain areas, but may be scored upon in specified cases (i.e. the face), if a technique is within 2-3 inches, with the same parameters of extension & retraction.

SPARRING: DIVISIONS

Age - Experience Level - Male/Female

6 & Under - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female separate

7 & 8 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Separate

9 & 10 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Separate

11 & 12 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Separate

13 & 14 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Separate

15 & 16 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Separate

17 & 18 - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt - Male & Female Separate

SPARRING: SAFETY EQUIPMENT

MALES All male competitors must wear groin protection and a mouth guard, in addition to hand, feet, and head gear. A chest/rib protector is recommended but not required.

FEMALES – All female competitors must use a mouth guard in addition to hand, feet, and head gear. A chest/rib protector is recommended but not required.

SPARRING: RING PROCEDURES

There will be one (1) Center Referee and two (2) Corner Judges in each ring. The Center Referee will position himself/herself in the center of the ring and the Corner Judges will line up on the ring corners, diagonally opposite each other.

Matches shall proceed in following manner until first through fourth place is determined:

Once competitors have entered the ring and positioned on the Ready Lines, the Center Referee will check to determine that both competitors have the proper safety equipment and it is in proper condition. The Center Referee will also insert a red ribbon in the belt of the competitor on their right and indicate to the scorekeeper the name of the red competitor. The Center Referee will then call “BOW” and use the proper hand signal for the competitors to bow to each other.

The Center Referee then calls “READY”. Finally the Center Referee calls “FIGHT!” to begin the match.

The competitors will then attempt to score points on their opponent’s Legal Target Areas, without causing harm to their opponent and while defending their own.

The Center Referee and the Corner Judges may move around the ring to get properly positioned to see the match. When a Corner Referee sees a point or penalty they yell “CALL!. When a point or penalty is to be called, The Center Referee yells, “STOP!” to stop the action. The Center Referee and the Corner Judges will then all stand at attention with hands at their sides .The Center Referee will yell “JUDGES CALL!” The Center Referee and the Corner Judges will then use the proper hand signals to indicate their calls all at the same time. The Center Referee will then tell the competitors and scorekeepers the result - point, penalty or no call.

The match will continue in this manner until 2 minutes are clocked or a 5 point spread has been achieved by one of the competitors or a disqualification occurs. If the Center Referee has a concern, he/she may call for a conference with the Corner Judges. If a Corner Judge has a concern during the match, he/she may request a conference with the Center Referee. The division will continue in this manner until all places have been determined.

BYES

Byes will be determined at the beginning of the sparring event by comparing the competitor’s weight, size, and height. The bye should be awarded to the competitor who is at a disadvantage according to these parameters.

All matches are single disqualification with the use of byes to determine order of competition. The only exception to this rule regards an event where only 3 competitors are sparring in one age/rank division. In this case, the 2nd and 3rd place fighters will spar each other to determine 2nd place.

 

 

BBFC SPARRING: RULES

Legal Techniques Allowable techniques include all Kicks, Punches, Back-fists, Knife-hands, and Ridge-hands. All other techniques are illegal. Eye contact with (focus to) the target area must be made along with the actual technique contact.

Illegal Techniques – All techniques that are not Legal Techniques. Includes, but is not limited to, head butts, hair pulls, biting, scratching, spear hands, palm heel strikes, all open hand techniques (other than knife hands and ridge hands), blind techniques, elbow strikes, knee strikes, throws, takedowns, sweeps and jumping-on, punching or kicking a downed opponent.

Legal Target Areas

NO CONTACT AREAS – The Face (not covered by head gear). defined as the area from the top of the eyebrows to the chin. Face shields are an exception to this rule.

LIGHT CONTACT AREAS – The Forehead, Sides and Back of the Head (on the areas protected by the competitors head gear.) A controlled technique that is stopped 2 - 3 inches from the target area, with the ability to have made unchallenged contact, may be scored

MODERATE CONTACT AREAS – The Front Upper Body and Side Body (torso - above the belt)

No Target, No Contact Areas:

THE CROWN (top of head) Defined as the area at the top of the headgear. (No “pawing” is allowed or valid for a point.)

THE BACK No contact is allowed to the back, nor is the back valid for points. The back is defined as the area above the belt to the top of the neck (bottom of the back, of the head gear.)

AREAS BELOW THE BELT – No contact with the groin or knees are allowed. No area below the belt is valid for points. All techniques to the body must be made above the belt.

SPARRING: VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Center Referee

STARTING A MATCH / STOPPING A MATCH: “BOW, READY FIGHT!” / “STOP! BOW”

UPON SEEING A POINT/INFRACTION: “STOP!”

Corner Judge

UPON SEEING A POINT/INFRACTION: “CALL!”

SPARRING: HAND SIGNALS CENTER REFEREE AND CORNER JUDGES

NO CALL: Both hands cross in front in a downward position.

POINT CALL: Hand held up on the side of the person scoring the point.

INFRACTION (Illegal Technique/Excessive Contact/Dropping to the Floor to Avoid Contact): Hand pointed in the ring down towards the foot of the offender.

BOUNDARY INFRACTION: Hand pointed outside the ring on the side of the offender.

DISQUALIFICATION: Hand pointed in the ring down towards the foot of the offender in a circling motion.

SPARRING: COACHING

A coach includes but is not limited to:

Ø      a recognized instructor or assistant instructor from a participating school

Ø      a parent

Ø      a guardians

Ø      other relatives of a competitor.

All Coaches must adhere to The BLACK BELTS FOR CHRIST Code of Conduct.

No Negative Coaching is allowed. Rule infractions will result in the coach’s competing athlete being penalized to and including revocation of the coach’s Coaching Credential and possible expulsion from the event.

COACHING ZONES

Coaches are allowed in the competition area, a minimum of two (2) ft from the ring. When their competing athlete is in the ring, one (1) coach will be allowed to sit on the side of the ring in a designated seat and must conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner in accordance with rules and regulations.

SPARRING: INFRACTIONS – WARNINGS AND PENALTIES

1st time – Verbal Warning

2nd - 4th time – (1) Point will be awarded to the opponent each time.

Illegal Technique/Contact Infraction – This category encompasses the following infractions: Face Contact; Excessive contact to any Legal Target Areas; Contact to any NO Contact Areas; Blind Techniques; Illegal Techniques.

(1) Point will be awarded to the opponent

Un-sportsmanlike Behavior – Defined as any act considered to be a physical display of disrespect to an official, other competitor or spectator. This includes, but is not limited to, Profanity; Vulgarity; Obscene gestures, Throwing of equipment; Speaking in a loud or disrespectful manner. This results in one or all of the following:

Warning to the competitor; (1) Point awarded to the opponent; Disqualification of the competitor from the match; and/or Disqualification from the tournament.

Negative Coaching – Defined as using any overaggressive or foul language, and/or vulgar  gestures committed by an instructor, coach, parent, friend or other interested party of a competitor. This includes any one stepping inside the Coaching Zone without authorization from the Center Referee or other BLACK BELTS FOR CHRIST Official. This results in one or all of the following:

Warning to the competitor; Point awarded to the opponent; Disqualification of the competitor; and/or Expulsion of the interested party from the event.

AWARD PRESENTATION

All awards shall be presented in the rings immediately following the end of the division.

For Forms and Weapons Divisions, all 5th place trophies will be awarded first. Competitors will be called from 4th up through 1st place after all 5th place have been awarded.

When the awards have been given out, they will be asked by the Center Referee to line up. The Center Referee will then yell “Bow!” The competitors will then be asked to turn and face the spectators. The Center Referee will then yell “Bow!. The Score-sheets are then immediately turned in to the Head Table.

BBFC BOARD BREAKING RULES

TECHNIQUES:

Competitors will perform breaks in 3 rounds.

Each round will use specific techniques.

Single disqualification; a competitor proceeds to next round with each successive break.

One strike per target!

ROUND 1 Techniques; Strikes = Palm Strike, Hammer Fist, Knife Hand (Karate Chop)

ROUND 2 Techniques; Kicks = Front. Side, Back (Mule Kick)

ROUND 3 Techniques; Creative = Kicks Only (Black Belts may add elbow/forearm strikes

STATIONS:

The competitor will be required to set up 3 stations.

A station may be free standing, set on stands, or held by assistants. Competitor will be responsible for all materials required to set up their stations.

TIME LIMITS:

Competitor will have a maximum of 3 minutes to set-up, break, and clean up the area.

MATERIALS:

Purchase of Materials: Competitors must provide their own materials. 10X8 Wood boards only!

Inspection of Materials: Judges/BBFC reserve the right to inspect any materials that are to be used for breaking.

Removal of Materials: All breaking materials must be removed from the competition area by competitors and put into the dumpsters provided by BBFC after completion of each performance.

Competitors must provide their own materials. Judges/BBFC reserve the right to inspect any materials that are to be used for breaking. All breaking materials must be removed from the competition area by competitors and put into the dumpsters provided by BBFC after completion of each performance.

DIVISIONS:

The board breaking divisions will follow the format of other BBFC events and will be broken down by age.

All competitors must be 9 years or older

COMPETITOR READINESS

A competitor must be ready to compete, as determined by the judges, as soon as that competitor’s name is called in the ring.

SAFETY:

The safety of the competitor and the audience comes first, NO EXCEPTIONS!

The safety of the competitor is very important and we request that the instructor of the competitor approve all breaks. If the break is deemed to be unsafe by the Judges/BBFC, we reserve the right to restrict the break. No material may leave the ring as a result of breaking unless planned for beforehand, to ensure that no other competitor, spectator, or Judge will be struck or put in danger by material as a result of a break. If this occurs, the Judges have the right to disqualify the competitor if they feel that the safety of others was compromised. Also, the break cannot cause damage to the facility or surrounding fixtures.

WEIGHT CATEGORIES HAVE NOT BEEN INTRODUCED FOR COMPETITORS OVER 11YRS OLD

Starting 2006 there will be 3 weight classes: David (Lightweight), Samson (Middleweight), Goliath (Heavy) for all competitors over the age of 11 yrs old.

 GENERAL BBFC GRAPPLING RULES

 

DAVID

 

SAMSON

 

GOLIATH

 

AGE

 

(Light)

 

(Middle)

 

(Heavyweight)

 

6 & Under

 

35 lbs & Under

 

35 -45 lbs

 

46 lbs +

 

7 – 8

 

45 lbs & Under

 

46 -60 lbs

 

61 lbs +

 

9 - 10

 

55 lbs & Under

 

56 -70 lbs

 

71 lbs +

 

11 - 12

 

75 lbs & Under

 

76 - 90 lbs

 

91 lbs +

 

13 - 14

 

100 lbs & Under

 

101 - 120 lbs

 

121 lbs +

 

15 - 16

 

135 lbs & Under

 

136 -- 155 lbs

 

156 lbs +

 

17 - 18

 

170lbs & Under

 

171 - 185 lbs

 

186 lbs +

 

The main referee has final authority over all conditions and persons within the ring.

The main referee will be assisted by two corner judges; each with a red/white flag for determining points when witnessed.

The main referee will determine the order of competition and call up the competitors by match. After the referee as positioned them and verified that everything is in order, he will signal the bout to begin by raising his right arm and saying "fight".

The scoring moves will be marked by the scorekeeper upon the main referees call. If there is a tie the main referee will call “Next Point Wins” and allow the match to go on for one more point, the winner wins the match There is to be no tying in any situation or condition. It is up to the main referee to determine the winner of the fight, his decision being final.

The central referee is the unquestionable final authority inside the ring; it is up to him to control the bout and determine the possibility of disqualification of the athletes. No-one will be given the authority to change his decision.

The scorekeeper is responsible for keeping the score. No one else but the referee can influence or change his notes.

During the fight the scorekeeper is strictly forbidden to talk to or be talked to by any one, who ever it may be, except for the main referee.

During the bout the central referee will be constantly directing the fighters to the center of the ring. If he notices that the fighters are getting too close to the edge of the mat, he will conduct the fight to the center, putting one hand on either fighter and saying "STOP!". The fighters will not be allowed to move until the continuation of the fight. The same will happen when the fighters have up to 2/3 of their bodies out of the fighting area, the referee will pull them to the middle, holding the same position they were in.

When one of the fighters or both fall completely out of the ring, the referee will restart the bout at center of the fighting area, raising his right arm and energetically saying "fight!"

The referee will not permit the interference of coaches, teachers, directors, or parents inside the ring. Coaching is allowed from outside the ring, however BBFC rules against negative coaching will be adhered to. It is the center referees discretion to determine if a competitor is disqualified because of these persons actions.

Locks and chokes are not allowed (immediate disqualification). BBFC BJJ events are positional grappling events.

Slamming (take your adversary into the air and dropping him onto the ground when in the guard will not be allowed (immediate disqualification.).

IMPORTANT: Any situation that might occur that is not specified in these rules will be decided by the main referee.

UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT

A standard martial arts gi is allowed but a Judo or Jiu-jitsu gi is preferred. The uniform must be a full sleeve uniform.

It is forbidden to begin the bout with a ripped, torn, unsown or a dirty uniform.

All competitors must use a mouth guard.

The use of shoes, ear protectors or other protectors that might get in the way of the proper functioning of the fight will not be allowed.

LEGAL TECHNIQUES

The valid moves are those which seek to neutralize, immobilize, as well as knocking down one’s opponent by take-down.

ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES

BBFC Grappling events are positional only (not submission), the application of chokes, ankle/knee locks, arm bars, etc is not allowed.

Illegal moves also include: biting, hair pulling, sticking fingers in the eyes or nose of one’s opponent, striking the opponents genitalia, finger twisting, and any other move that gains unfair advantage with use of one’s fists, feet, elbows or head. Victory will not be granted at any cost; adherence to the BBFC code of conduct will be maintained at all times.

AREA OF COMPETITION

The grappling ring will be a padded area consisting of Judo or Jiujitsu quality mats. The ring will be manned by a mat referee and 2 corner judges, each with point scoring flags used to signal a point earned. Additional personnel will include a timekeeper and a scorekeeper. The center judge has the authority to admonish any unethical conduct on behalf of the coaches, teachers, referees, or other assistants that might interfere in the progress of the event.

MATCH CONCLUSIONS

There is never a draw. Bouts will be decided by:

POINTS

GIVING UP (SUBMISSION)

DISQUALIFICATION

POSITIONING

Positions are achieved through proper technique.

An athlete gains victory by scoring more position points than his opponent.

3 Techniques for which an athlete will be awarded points:

1. CLEAN TAKE DOWN (1 point)

Any kind of controlled knocking down of the opponent or being taken down on his back side is allowed. If the athlete is thrown to the ground and does not land on his back, the thrower must pin him to the ground in the same position for at least 3 seconds to gain the points of the take down.

Note: The take down that lands out side of the fighting area and on to the security area will be valid as long as the athlete starts the movement with both feet in the fighting area while making the take down.

2. SIDE CONTROLS (2 points)

SIDE MOUNT: Is when the athlete that is above his adversary or in between his legs, moves to his opponent’s side, establishing a perpendicular position over his adversary’s trunk, dominating him and leaving him no space to move or to escape the position—if even he is on his side, back, or facing down.

REVERSE GUARD: Is when the athlete grabs his adversary’s back, taking hold of his neck and rapping his legs around his opponent’s waist, with his heels leaning on the inner side of his opponent’s thighs, not allowing him to leave the position.4 POINTS. NOTE; the points will not be awarded if both heels are not properly positioned on the inner part of the adversary’s thighs.

REVERSAL/ESCAPES -Reversals and escapes include the application of techniques that reverse, counter, or escape an opponents technique. These include sweeps. A sweep is when the athlete that is underneath has his opponent in his guard (in between his leg) or the half guard (having one of his adversary’s legs between his) and is able to get on top of his adversary by inverting his position

3. THE MOUNT (4 points)

The mount is when the athlete sits on his opponent’s torso; the opponent can be lying on his stomach, side or back. The one mounted can be on top of one of his opponent’s arms but never on both. It will also be considered a mount if he has one knee and one foot on the ground.

NOTE; no points will be awarded if his feet or knees are on his opponent’s leg. Also if an athlete applies a triangle while in the guard and in so doing lands mounted on his opponent, it will be considered a sweep not a mount.

Note: If the athlete scores points for a position, abandons his position, then voluntarily returns to it soon after, he will not score again for the same position.

SUBMISSION (GIVING UP)

Submission occurs when a technique forces an opponent into admitting defeat.

Any competitor can tap out at any time for any reason.

A competitor signals a tap out by:

1) tapping with the palm against his opponent or the floor in a visible manner

2) tapping with his feet on the ground (if he is unable to use his hands)

3) requesting verbally to the referee that the fight be stopped (if he can neither tap with his hands or his feet)

4) requesting that the fight be ended if the athlete gets injured or feel physically incapable or unprepared

Also:

5-)a coach of one of the athlete may request that the fight be ended either by directing himself to the referee or by throwing the towel into the ring for any reason

6-)the referee may end the fight when one of the athletes is or incapable to continue. If this occurs, the victory will be given to the opponent as long as the injury was not caused intentionally by conduct worthy of disqualification.

DISQUALIFICATION

THE  FOLLOWING(DISCIPLINARY) FOULS WILL LEAD TO IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION BY THE REFEREE.

A) the use of foul language, cursing, or other immoral acts of disrespect towards the referee or any of the assisting public.

B) biting, hair pulling, putting fingers into the eyes or nose of one’s opponent, intentionally seeking to injure genitalia or the use of fists, feet, knees, elbows, or heads with the intention to hurt or gain unfair advantage.

C) apply any kind of ankle lock or knee lock that might twist the knee or ankle joint.

D) Slamming (take your adversary into the air and dropping him onto the ground when in the guard will not be allowed (immediate disqualification).

PENALTIES

THE FOLLOWING (TECHNICAL) FOULS WILL LEAD TO PENALTIES BY THE REFEREE.

A-) The athlete will only be allowed to kneel after having taken hold of his opponents uniform.

B-) When either of the athletes run to one of the extremities of the ring to avoid combat, or while ground fighting flee by crawling or rolling out of the ring or by standing up avoiding engaging or purposely stepping out of the ring to gain time.

C-) When the athlete avoids engaging by taking off his uniform or by allowing it to be taken off with the intention of stopping the fight to allow himself rest or to avoid the attacks of his opponent.

D-) When the athlete inserts his fingers inside the sleeves or pants, or with both his hands on his opponent’s belt.

E-) When the athlete stalls the fight, holding his adversary, not seeking to engage or gain submissions when in the guard, on top, or on the bottom. Holding the opponent, standing up, or any position where designed to stall. Noticing this the referee will request that 30 seconds be marked. At the end of the 30 seconds the athlete not having changed his position or shown visible signs of engagement, the same will lose 2 points and both athletes will return to their feet at neutral positions. The same will happen on the 2nd offence, with the possibility of disqualification on the 3rd offence

F-) A penalty with immediate loss of 2 points occurs when an athlete runs from the ring in order to avoid a sweep that the referee considers would be completed, or when the athlete flees the ring in order to avoid a lock that has not yet been completed.

On the first offence the offender will be given a verbal warning.

On the second offence the offender’s opponent will be given two points.

On the third offence the referee may disqualify the athlete for any further fouls.