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Lion Bushido Karate Tournament Rules 2009
The sport of tournament point karate and form competition has come of age. The sports
athletes have advanced to such tremendous skill and artistic levels that the difference
between winning and losing is usually determined by a fraction of a second or 1/100th of
a point. Therefore, in such a highly competitive sport, it is essential that everyone knows
and understands the rules of the game.
We welcome all organizations and independents, large and small, to use the LBKT Rule
Book. This rule book may be used for an annual tournament or a series of tournaments
through the year where contestants may accrue points toward qualifying for a grand
championship. We encourage you to take part in the solution of unified tournament rules
and we welcome your suggestions, thoughts and ideas.
How To Use This LBKT Rule Book
If you decide to use these rules, it is suggested that you list on your tournament literature
that you have chosen to use the LBKT Rule Book for your tournament. There is no cost
or obligation to using this set of rules
The final section of the LBKT Rule Book is on judging. This section is designed to give
an overview of kata / form, and sparring judging.
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Table of Contents
Competitor ……………………………………………….………….
Delay of Time Penalty ………………………………………..
Proof of Age Rule ………………………………………….....
Age Rule ……………………………………………………...
Uniform ……………………………………………………….
Responsibilities ……………………………………………….
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5
Required & Recommended Safety Equipment …………………... 5
Officials ……………………………………………………………… 6
Timekeeper …………………………………………………… 6
Scorekeeper …………………………………………………… 6
Centre Referee ………………………………………………... 6
Added Powers of the Centre Referee …………………………. 6
Corner Referees ………………………………………………. 7
Calls Corner Referees May Make …………………………….. 7
Late Call ………………………………………………………. 7
Protests and Clarification ……………………………………... 8
Changing of Officials …………………………………………. 8
The Ring ……………………………………………………………... 8
Late Entries …………………………………………………… 8
Illustrations of Hand Signals ………………………………………. 9
Sport Karate Point Sparring Rules ………………………………... 10
Order of Competition ………………………………………….10
Length of Match ……………………………………………….10
Point Values and Winner Determination ……………………... 10
How Points Are Awarded …………………………………….. 10
What a Point Is ……………………………………………… 10
Legal Target Areas …………………………………………….11
Illegal Target Areas ……………………………………………11
Non- Target Areas ……………………………………………. 11
Legal Techniques ……………………………………………...11
Illegal Techniques ……………………………………………..11
Sweeps, Takedowns, Grabs and Ground Fighting …………….11-12
Touch Contact Defined ………………………………………..12
Methods of Penalising ………………………………………………. 13
Warnings and Penalties ………………………………………. 13
Other Penalty Rules …………………………………………... 13
Causes for Penalising ………………………………………….13-14
Disqualification ………………………………………………. 14
Out-of-Bounds ………………………………………………... 14
Non-Competing Penalty ……………………………………… 14
Wrong Division ………………………………………………. 14
Coaching ……………………………………………………… 14
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Additional Rules for Continuous Sparring ……………………….. 15
Legal Target Areas …………………………………………….. 15
Officials …………………………………………………………15
Conduct of bout …….………………………………………….. 16
Scoring ……………..………………………………………….. 17
Penalties…………. ……………………………………………...17-18
Determination of the winner …………………………………… 18
Drawn bout …………………………………………………….. 18
Time out and protests ………………………………………….. 18
Sports Karate Form Rules ………………………………………… 19
Competitor …………………………………………………… 19
Late Entries and Order of Performance ………………………. 19
Time Limit ……………………………………………………. 19
The Use of Music ……………………………………………...19
Competition Ring Size ………………………………………...19
Starting a Form Over …………………………………………. 19-20
External Aids …………………………………………………. 20
Scoring of Forms ……………………………………………....20
Ties …………………………………………………………….20
Judging ………………………………..…………………………….. 21
Sparring ………………………………………………………..21
Do’s and Don’ts of point calling ……………………………. 21
Decisions to be made on each point call ………………………21
Forms …………………………………………………………. 22
Judging categories….…………………………………………. 22
Execution………………...……………………………………. 22
Elements of Execution .………………………………………. 22
Presentation…………………………………………………….22
Elements of Presentation……………………………………….22
Difficulty……………………………………………………….22
Elements of Difficulty ..………………………………………. 22
The Use of Gymnastic Movements…………………………….23
Optional Rules………………………………………………….24-25
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Competitor
Each competitor must present him/herself to the referee suitably attired and physically
prepared to compete. Jewellery or any object that the referee feels might endanger either
competitor cannot be worn. Finger and toenails must be properly cut or covered to
eliminate any possible chance of injury to an opponent. It is the competitor’s duty to be
ready to compete when called upon to do so. If he/she is not suitably attired or physically
prepared to compete as deemed by the centre referee, the competitor may be penalised
for delay of time.
Delay of Time Penalty
Sparring: If a competitor does not present him/herself suitably attired to compete, an
automatic warning will be issued to the competitor. A penalty point will be issued for
each minute the competitor is not properly ready to compete. Upon receiving 3 penalty
points, the offending competitor will be disqualified. Unless he/she is competing in
another ring at the same time in which case their representative must inform the center
referee or ring manager.
Forms: If a competitor is not properly prepared or suitably attired for form competition,
0.10 points will be deducted from their final score. For each full minute the competitor is
not ready to compete, an additional 0.10 point will be deducted from their final score. If
the competitor is still not ready to compete after 3 minutes have expired, he/she will be
automatically disqualified. Unless he/she is competing in another ring at the same time in
which case their representative must inform the center referee or ring manager.
Proof of Age Rule
All competitors must have proof of age. If there is a legitimate reason to question a
competitor’s age, he/she must present a birth certificate, driver’s license, or other
acceptable documents to prove his/her age. If proof of age cannot be presented, and the
competitor wins a division his/her trophy will be held until proof of age is furnished.
Proof of age must be furnished within seven days of the tournament date. Failing to do
so, the competitor will be disqualified. The placing will be adjusted and trophies will be
redistributed.
Age Rule
The age of the competitor is taken to be whatever their age is, on the date of the
tournament. (Their chronological age.)
17 year olds may compete in the 18 year & over ‘Open’ divisions but must be at least 1st
Dan Black Belt or higher.
Uniform
All competitors must wear complete martial arts uniform, (top and bottom). This may be
karate, kung fu, tae kwon do, kickboxing etc. This must be in a good state of repair. A
competitor with offensive words or artwork on the uniform may be denied the privilege
of participation. The appropriate colour belt or sash must be worn in competition.
Form Uniforms: T-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts are allowed in form if they are part of
a competitor’s official school or if they list the schools name or logo on the uniform top.
Uniforms in the form division are allowed more liberties because form is not one-on-one
competition where the uniform could cause a decisive disadvantage or advantage to a
competitor. Shoes may be worn in form competition if they do not damage or mark the
competition floor. Only martial arts shoes will be permitted.
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Responsibilities
It is the competitor’s responsibility to know the rules and to be ready for competition
when called to do so. He/she must be suitably attired, and at the appropriate ring when
competition begins. If a competitor is missing, three calls will be made for that
competitor to report to ring side. The announcements (calls) will be made one minute
apart, after 3 minutes the competitor will be disqualified.
If a competitor leaves a ring after the ring competition has begun and is not present when
his/her name is called to compete, he /she is given 3 minutes, after which he/she will be
disqualified. Unless he/she is competing in another ring at the same time in which case
they or their representative must inform the center referee or ring manager.
Required and Recommended Safety Equipment
Approved head gear, hand and foot pads, mouthpieces and groin cups (for male
competitors only) are mandatory for all competitors in all sparring divisions Because of
the many brands and styles of martial arts equipment on the market today and more
coming out each year, space prohibits listing all the brands which are considered safe.
Approved equipment means that each competitor’s equipment will be checked to see if it
is safe for use. If it is deemed unsafe, he/she will be asked to change the equipment
before he/she can compete. The following is a list of important and required features of
approved safety equipment.
Required
Hand Mitts - A soft padded surface must cover the knuckles and any striking surface of
the hand.
Shin and Instep pads – A soft padding must cover the top of the foot and shins.
Head Gear - The front, sides and back of the head must be covered by a soft padded
surface.
Mouthguard – Must be properly fitted or at least of a comfortable fit.
Groin Guards –Male competitors must use properly fitted groin guards that are not
likely to shift out of place. It may be worn inside or outside their uniform pant.
Recommended
Elbow, rib, knee, and breast protectors (female competitors only) are recommended for
additional safety to all sparring competitors.
Disallowed
Insufficiently - padded gloves, foot and head-gear will not be allowed. Equipment must
be in a good state of repair and must be free of heavy taping, tears or any other repairs
that may cause injury. The tournaments head rules arbitrator ultimately determines the
approval, or denial, of the equipment.
Boxing gloves and other contact sports equipment such as bag-mitts are not allowed in
karate tournaments.
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Officials
Timekeeper
The timekeeper is the official to keep time. He/she will start and stop the clock at the
command of the centre referee and will inform centre referee when the two (2) minutes
for sparring or the three (3) minutes for form/kata have expired. In sparring, the
timekeeper does not start or stop the match. His/her only duty is to keep time for the
centre referee.
Scorekeeper
The scorekeeper is the appointed official to keep score.
In forms/kata, he/she will write down the form scores from each judge, eliminate the high
and low scores (if 5 or more judges are being used) and add the remaining scores to
attain a total score. The scorekeeper should check his/her addition a second time
(calculators should be used.)
In sparring, the scorekeeper will write down or flip scorecards, at the command of the
centre referee. The scorekeeper should inform the centre referee when a fighter gets the
appropriate number of points to automatically win. It is the scorekeeper’s duty to listen
very closely to the centre referee and keep score as the referee commands. Any
discrepancy or confusion of the scores rests in the hands of the centre referee, not the
scorekeeper. The centre referee will make the final score decision.
Center Referee
The referee should be the most experienced official in the ring and be thoroughly
conversant with the rules. He/she is in complete charge of the ring and the match. He/she
promotes the safety of the competitors, enforces the rules and ensures fair play. To this
end, he/she starts and stops the match, awards points, makes penalty decisions (using a
majority rule), administrates the voting of the other judges, communicates clearly with
the scorekeeper and timekeeper, and announces the winner of each match. The referee
shall announce in a loud, clear voice all official decisions, and shall indicate - with voice
and gestures - the competitor affected by the official decision.
Added Powers of the Center Referee
1. Match starts and ends only with his/her command (not the command of the
timekeeper)
2. Has final decision on any disputes on score.
3. Has the power to issue warnings and award penalty points without a majority
decision.
4. Can overrule a majority call only to issue a warning or penalty point.
5. Automatically has power to disqualify a competitor who receives three (3) penalty
points (otherwise, there must be a majority vote to disqualify).
6. Has power to issue time-outs. A competitor can ask for a time-out, but it is up to the
discretion of the referee to issue one.
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Corner Referees
The corner referee call points as they see them. The corner referee may also remind the
center referee of prior warnings given to a competitor. They will be conducted by the
centre referee to vote on disqualifications.
It is the majority vote of all 3 referees that determines a scoring point.
Calls Corner Referees May Make
When the referee believes there has been a significant exchange of technique, or when
signalled to do so by a corner judge, he/she shall call out the word, “Stop!” in a loud
voice. The referee shall then return the competitors to their starting marks and address the
judges by saying, “Judges, Call!” All judges and the centre referee cast their votes
simultaneously in the following manner:
1. Point is scored - the judges / referees will raise there right hand for the competitor on
the right side, and the left hand for the competitor on the left side.
2. No point scored - A judge crosses his/her flags or wrists at waist level to indicate that
he/she believes no point was scored.
3. Could Not See - the judge holds his/her hand over his/her eyes indicating that he/she
could not see whether a point was scored or not.
4. Clash - With or without flags, a judge makes a motion as though he/she is hitting both
fists together. This means both competitors scored at the same time, therefore no
point will be awarded.
5. Penalty / Infringement - the judge waves a flag colour of the offending competitor in a
circular motion. If no flags are being used, the judge holds the corresponding hand in
a fist, to indicate a penalty.
6. Out of Bounds - The centre referee calls stop when he/she sees a competitor go out of
bounds. If a judge believes the competitor was out-of- bounds, he/she taps the flag on
the floor that represents the competitor who went out of bounds. If no flags, he/she
points a hand at the edge of the ring nearest them.
7. Disqualification - A disqualification vote is taken separately from any other vote.
When a disqualification vote is called for, the centre referee will say “Judges Call for
disqualification!” All 3 referee & judges will then hold out the corresponding hand in
a fist, to indicate the competitor he/she thinks should be disqualified. If he/she does
not believe there should be a disqualification, he/she does not hold up a flag or raise a
fist.
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When a corner judge sees a point he/she should, in a loud clear voice, shout out the
word “Call!” to let the center referee know that he/she has seen a successful
technique or infringement.
Late Call
All 3 referee & judges should make their calls simultaneously. If, in the opinion of the
centre referee, a corner judge is making a late call, the referee must disqualify the call
(noise not allowing the judges to hear the referee and the honest mistake of raising the
wrong hand should be taken into consideration).
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Protest and Clarification
All protests shall be made in an orderly, proper, and polite manner, maintaining ones
sportsmanship at all time.
If a competitor has a protest or clarification query about anything, he/she should file the
protest with the referee. The competitor can ask for a ‘Time Out’ (to hold time / stop the
clock) to protest or ask the center referee for clarification on a point. The referee will
endeavour to clarify the point or satisfy the competitor with an explanation. If this cannot
be settled at the ring with the center referee and ring manager, the referee will summon
the arbitrator to the ring to render a decision on the protest. All protests must be filed
immediately. No protest is allowed after competition has resumed. The arbitrators’
decision is final and argument will not be entered into.
Changing of Officials
A sparring official can be changed at any time during a division once a match has
stopped. A form judge cannot be removed until the division he/she is judging is
completed.
The Ring
The size of the sparring and form ring is 6mx6m.
Additionally, each ring should be posted with a ring number visible to competitors,
officials, and medical personnel from across the floor.
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Late Entries
It is the responsibility of the competitors to be registered, and at his/her ring prior to the
time his/her sparring division starts. Once the first sparring match has started in his/her
division, no other competitor(s) can enter or register for that division.
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Illustrations of Hand Signals for Sparring Divisions Refereeing
Technique was blocked
Too Far – Not Close Enough
No Score or Neutral Position
Infringement, Penalty or Disqualification
Paying a Technique
Did Not See
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Sport Karate Point Sparring Rules
Order of Competition
Competitors should not be matched against other competitors from their own club in the
first round, numbers permitting.
Length of Match
An elimination match shall have a running time of 1 ½ (1) minute for under 18 year olds,
two (2) minutes for 18 years old and over, unless a competitor earns enough points to be
declared the winner before the time is up. Running time means that the clock continues to
run during point calls, etc., unless the referee calls for a time out. During unusually long
point calls, equipment adjustments, rule clarifications, etc., the referee shall stop the
clock.
If at the end of running time the match is tied, the match will continue into sudden
victory overtime period. The first competitor to score a point is declared the winner.
Point Values and Winner Determination
All legal hand or foot techniques that score are awarded one point. All penalty points
awarded will be of 1 point value. The winner is determined by:
The first competitor who earns 5 points automatically wins.
The competitor who earns a 3 points advantage (3 point lead) automatically wins.
If no one scores 5 points or a 3 points advantage by the end of the two minutes, the
competitor who is ahead on points wins.
How Points Are Awarded
Scoring points are awarded by a majority vote of the judges. The majority of judges do
not have to agree on the same technique being scored, only that a point was scored. The
only agreement to be made is that the point that scored was a legal technique. To score a
point, it takes a majority of judges to see the point. See Penalty points for additional
information on receiving points and scoring points at the same time.
What is a Point
A point is a controlled legal sport karate technique scored by a competitor in bounds that
strikes an opponent with the allowable amount of focused non-contact control to a legal
target area.
Criteria that officials use when deciding if a point was scored are:
1. Was it a legitimate and legal sport karate technique?
2. Was it delivered with the required focused control to a legal target area?
3. Was the competitor who scored in-bounds?
4. Had the match been stopped by the referee?
5. Was the competitor who scored the point in control and well balanced?
6. Was the technique delivered with an amount of “controlled force” that would have
incapacitated the opponent, at least momentarily, if the technique had not been
controlled?
(For more information, see “Judging” section).
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Legal Target Areas: Entire head and face, ribs, abdomen, collarbone, and kidneys.
Illegal Target Areas: Spine, entire neck, groin, and knees, are all illegal target areas.
Any attacks to these areas could result in a warning and/or penalty points. Continued
attacks to these areas will result in disqualification.
Non-Target Areas: Hips, shoulders, buttocks, arms, and legs are all non-target areas.
Points cannot be scored to non-target areas. If it is deemed that a competitor is actually
attacking these areas, a warning and/or a penalty point may be awarded.
Legal Techniques: Legal techniques are all controlled sport karate techniques, except
those listed as illegal. When determining the legality of a technique, the official considers
if the technique is a legitimate, controlled sport karate technique that adheres to all other
rules governing sport karate.
Illegal Techniques: Head butts, hair pull, bites, scratches, open handed strikes, elbows,
knees, eye attacks of any kind, any stomps or kicks to the head of a downed opponent,
slapping, grabbing for more than one second, uncontrolled blind techniques, any
uncontrolled throws takedowns or sweeps, and any other uncontrolled dangerous
techniques that are deemed unsafe in sport karate. Also spinning circular kicks, ie.
Spinning heel kick, spinning hook kick and spinning crescent kick.
(For more information on legal and illegal techniques, see “Judging” section).
Sweeps, Takedowns, Grabs, and Ground Fighting: Sweeps, to take down or
unbalance an opponent, can only be executed to the back of the front leg at mid-calf or
below. These described sweeps are legal if the sweep is only to force the opponent off
balance so as to execute a technique to the unbalanced or downed opponent. It is
important to note that sweeps do not make it legal to kick the legs. A sweep must be
deemed a proper sweep, and not a kick, to be legal. A sweep on it’s own has no point
value. It must be followed up with a legitimate technique within 3 seconds, after which
the referee will stop the encounter to allow the downed competitor to rise to his/her feet
and restart.
Judo throws, such as over the hip and shoulder-throws, are not allowed. If a sweep or
takedown is recklessly executed, without control, it will be judged illegal and the fighter
may be warned or penalised. A point is given when the legal sweep or takedown is
effectively and legally followed up. Only a hand technique or a carefully controlled kick
or stomp to the body will be allowed on a downed opponent. One foot must be on the
ground throughout the stomp or kick. Never, under any circumstances, may a competitor
stomp or kick to the head of a downed opponent.
The downed competitor may however deliver a kick or strike to his/her opponents’ legal
target areas.
A competitor may grab the uniform top of his/her opponent in an attempt to destabilise
and score. He/she may grip the uniform top for not more than one second, after which
time he/she must release the uniform. Likewise, the uniform pants may be grabbed. A
kick may be trapped or grabbed for one second for purposes of executing a counterattack
to an upright or downed opponent.
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If the uniform of any competitor does not have sleeves then he/she is not allowed to grab
his/her opponents’ uniform sleeve. This same rule extends to grabbing pants if ones’ own
uniform is shorts.
Grabs to push down an opponents’ guard creating an opening to execute a technique are
allowed. A competitor may use his/her hand or feet to push down their opponents’ arm
(guard). If impact is made to the guard/arm then it is deemed a contact strike or a contact
kick to a non-target area and will be treated as an infringement.
Ground fighting is legal. Once a competitor is on the floor, he/she has 3 seconds to
score. The referee will call “Stop!” after 3 seconds. Either competitor may score in the
allotted 3 seconds. A deliberate drop to the floor must be followed up with an attempt to
score. Deliberately dropping to the floor to avoid or evade fighting is illegal. A fighter is
down when any part of the body, other than the feet, is touching the floor.
Touch Contact Defined
Light touch is allowed only in the 18 years and over Black Belt and 35 years and over
Black Belt divisions point sparring and continuous sparring divisions.
Light Touch contact means there is no penetration beyond the uniform to the body or
visible movement of the opponent as a result of the technique. Light touch may be made
to all legal target areas except to the head and face.
Touch Contact Requirements: Allowed only for adult Black Belt divisions.
No touch contact is allowed for less than 18 years old. 10th Kyu though to and
including Open divisions
No face, head or head gear touch contact is allowed in any division under Black Belt
division (youth or adult), but points may be made by delivering a well focused controlled
non-contact technique to the face or head gear. The higher the age and rank division, the
closer the technique should be.
Excessive Contact is made when an opponent strikes, or kicks with force in excess of
what are necessary to score a point. Though it is largely a judgment call, indications that
contact has been excessive may be assessed by the following reactions:
• Visible snapping back of a competitor’s head from the force of a blow.
• A knockdown of an opponent (not recklessly charging into a technique or occurring in
instances where the fallen party either fell, slipped, or was off balance).
• A knockout of an opponent.
• The appearance of severe swelling or bleeding. (Bleeding or other obvious external
injury may in itself be grounds for excessive contact if it is considered the fault of the
competitor executing the technique. Bleeding however, does not necessarily imply
excessive contact).
• The distortion or injury of the body from the force of a blow to the body.
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Methods of Penalising
Warning and Penalties
One and only one warning is allowed without penalty for breaking the rules. After the
first warning is given, a penalty point is awarded to the opponent on each and every
violation of the rules. If a competitor receives four warnings (giving 3 penalty points to
his/her opponent) in any one match, he/she is automatically disqualified and his/her
opponent is declared the winner. If the result on the first infraction is considered by the
referee to be severe enough he/she can omit the first warning and issue a penalty point
automatically. In doing so, the referee is omitting any first warning to the offending
competitor. A penalty point can determine the winner of a match.
Other Penalty Rules
1. A competitor cannot be penalised and still received a point on the same call. A
penalty always overrules a point by the same competitor.
2. A competitor can receive a point because his/her opponent was penalised and at the
same time receive a point for scoring. (Example: Competitor “A” receives two (2)
points because he/she scored with a kick to competitor “B” and at the same time
competitor “B” hits competitor “A” with excessive contact, therefore receiving a
penalty).
3. If, in the opinion of the referee or medical personal, a competitor is unable to
continue because of an injury caused by an illegal attack executed by his/her
opponent, the offending competitor shall be automatically disqualified.
4. If a competitor is injured and it is considered that he/she is responsible for his/her
own injury, or no fault can be associated with the injury, the opponent will not be
penalised (i.e., ducking into a knee, butting heads, etc.) In the event a fighter is
unable to continue because of a no-fault injury, his/her opponent will be declared the
winner even if he/she is not ahead on points at the time of the injury.
5. If a competitor scores a point and immediately proceeds to break the rules, even if it
was after the successful technique, the warning for breaking the rules voids the point
(a competitor cannot receive a point and a warning on the same call).
Causes for Penalising
This is a partial list of possible causes for penalising and may be used as a guideline to
follow:
1. Using illegal techniques.
2. Attacking illegal and non-target areas.
3. Continuing after being ordered to stop (fighting after break).
4. Running out of the ring to avoid fighting.
5. Falling to the floor to avoid fighting.
6. Excessive stalling.
7. Blind, negligent or reckless attacks.
8. Uncontrolled techniques.
9. Excessive contact.
10. Any unsportsmanlike behaviour from the competitor or his/her coaches, club mates,
friends, etc.
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11. Any abusive behaviour from the competitor or his/her coach, team-mates, club mates,
family, friends, etc., such that the referee feels it affects the outcome of the match or
the performance of the officials or other competitors.
12. Not being prepared or ready when it is time to compete.
Disqualification
Disqualification of a competitor requires a majority vote by all officials, except when a
competitor is automatically disqualified when he/she receives three penalties. When a
competitor is disqualified, it is proper to notify the tournaments rules arbitrator.
Out-of-Bounds
A competitor is out-of-bounds as soon as he/she does not have at least one foot touching
inside or on the boundary line. Stepping out-of-bounds does not immediately stop the
match. The referee is the only one who can stop the match. An out-of-bounds competitor
may be scored on by his/her opponent so long as the within bounds competitor has at
least one foot within bounds and the referee has not signalled to stop. In the event of a
jumping technique, the attacking competitor must land with at least one foot within
bounds in order to score.
Non-Competing Penalty
If, in the majority opinion of the judges and the referee, it is considered that competitors
are not making an obvious attempt to fight in the true spirit of competition, both
competitors will be disqualified.
Wrong Division
If any competitor competes in a division he/she is not qualified for, because of age,
gender, or rank he/she will be disqualified from that kata/form or sparring division.
Coaching
Coaching is a luxury that most competitors do not have access to. Therefore, it
sometimes can become an unfair advantage over a competitor who does not have a
coach. Rules are made and enforced so no one competitor has an advantage or
disadvantage over another competitor. Once the competitors enter the ring, the rules
make the contest as equal and as fair as possible for both competitors. Therefore, the
following rules on coaching apply:
Never, at any time, is a coach, family member friend, team member, etc. allowed to enter
the ring area without the referees permission. Only the officials, competitors and medical
personnel are allowed into a ring and its’ immediate surrounds.
No abusive, violent, unsportsmanlike or overzealous cheering allowed.
No cheering or congratulating a competitor for a successful technique before the point is
actually awarded by the referees.
No coaching even from beyond the barriers.
A coach cannot ask for a time out (only a competitor may ask for a time out).
A coach can never, at any time, interfere with the proper running of the ring or the
decisions of the judges.
The referee issues penalties for any of the above coaching infractions.
Caution: Do not be the cause for having your competitor disqualified.
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Additional Rules for Continuous Sparring
Continuous sparring divisions are conducted in a ring as per a normal points sparring
division.
Legal target areas
Legal and illegal target areas are the same as stated previously for points sparring with
the following exception;
•
•
•
Non-contact leg kicks only to the outside of the upper leg (thigh) are allowed.
Kicks to the knee and lower leg are disallowed.
Foot sweeps to the inside and outside of the opponent’s front leg are allowed but
only between the mid calf and the ankle.
Officials
Continuous sparring divisions are officiated by;
•
One referee
The referee is responsible for running the bout. He/she must check to
make sure all officials and competitors are ready for the bout to begin.
The referee has the power to start and stop the bout at any time, has the
authority to issue penalties and is responsible for calling the winner at the
conclusion of the bout. The referee always faces the officials at the official
table.
•
Three judges
The judges sit at the periphery of the ring, one in front of the official table and
one at each corner of the mats furthest away from the table. The judges are
responsible for observing the bout and at the end, awarding scores to each
competitor in accordance with the scoring criteria. When awarding points at the
end of the bout, the judges will not take into account any penalty points scored
against either competitor.
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If there are limited officials, the referee can act as the third judge.
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Scorekeeper
The scorekeeper sits at the official table. During the bout, he/she is
responsible for flipping over cards to indicate how many penalty points
each competitor has tallied. At the end of the bout he/she tallies the scores
of the judges, deducts penalty points, then informs the referee of the
winner.
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Timekeeper
The timekeeper keeps time for the bout of a length of 2 minutes for 18’s
and over and 1 minute for all other divisions under 18yrs old. The time
begins when the referee calls start and ends at the expiry of the 2 minutes /
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I minute OR if a competitor is disqualified or cannot continue due to
injury. During the bout, time can only be stopped when the referee calls
for a time out. If the referee is pre-occupied, for example, attending to an
injured competitor and fails to call for a time out, it is reasonable that a
judge may call for the time out.
The timekeeper will shout out ‘Time!’ at the end of 2 or 1 minute and the
referee will stop the bout.
Conduct of the bout
The referee will call the names of the next two competitors and they will move to their
respective sides of the ring. After the competitors have been bowed in, the referee will
call ‘Start!’ and the competitors will spar for the designated time.
The referee can stop and start the bout at his / her discretion. Reasons for stopping
include:
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Moving competitors back into the ring
Issuing a penalty point
To prevent or stop due to injury
Other reasons may include a time-out to allow a competitor to refasten their
protective equipment.
It is expected that the referee try and let the bout flow as smoothly as possible and keep
the number of stoppages to a minimum. Therefore, during the bout, the referee should
keep talking to the competitors to keep the bout running smoothly. For example, warning
them to move towards the centre of the ring if they are close to the boundary or advising
them that they should watch their distancing to avoid contact. In this way, the referee can
prevent potential stoppages and injuries.
When the timekeeper calls time, the referee will stop the bout, give the judges
appropriate time to decide on their scoring then call ‘judges call’, at which point the
judges will show their score to the scorekeeper. The scorekeeper will advise the referee
of the scores (taking into account penalties) who will then award the winner. The winner
then advances to the next round.
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Scoring
Judges will evaluate the bout and each competitor’s skill according to;
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Effectiveness and choice of techniques
Control
Blocking and maneuvering
Movement around the ring
Willingness to engage a contest
The judges must take into account each sequence within the bout and determine who was
most proficient. Just because a competitor executed twice as many techniques, does not
mean that they should score higher if the techniques were not effective or controlled.
At the end of the bout, the judges will score each competitor with a 10, 9 or 8. (10 being
highest score) and show the scorekeeper when advised.
A typical score for a bout where one competitor is judged the winner is 10-9. A walkover
is signified by 10-8 and a draw at 10-10. The judges must try to find a winner and only
award a draw if absolutely necessary. Most scores should be judged at 10-9.
Penalties
The referee can call penalties at his/her discretion. Verbal warnings can be given during
the bout, but for official warnings, the referee must call stop, bring the competitors back
to the centre of the ring and call an official warning against the offending competitor.
If a minor infringement is noted, the referee will hold out a yellow card in the direction
of the competitor and state what infringement is being called. The scorekeeper will issue
the competitor one penalty point and flip over the score-cards to signify the infringement.
If a major infringement is noted, the referee will hold out a red card in the direction of the
competitor and state what infringement is being called. The scorekeeper will issue the
competitor two penalty points and flip over the score-cards to signify the infringement.
It is at the referee’s discretion to issue a yellow or red card and this decision must be
respected.
A minor infringement should be called if appropriate, for example;
• Contact to the other competitor
• Deliberately exiting the ring during the bout
• Continual evasion from the contest
• Unsafe conduct, for example, engaging a contest without holding up a guard
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A major infringement should only be called if warranted, for example;
• Deliberate or excessive contact with intent
• Disrespect for the other competitor and officials
• Other violations as previously discussed.
A competitor must be disqualified once 4 penalty points have been awarded against
him/her. If a violation is severe enough, a competitor can be disqualified immediately,
again at the referee’s discretion. A referee can call for a time out to consult with the
tournament’s arbitrator, if this situation arises.
Determination of the winner
At the conclusion of the bout, the scores for each competitor are tallied and penalty
points from that bout subtracted. The winner is the competitor that has the highest
number of points after taking penalty points into account.
Drawn bout
If a draw arises, the competitors will spar for another 1 minute. All penalties and points
are reset to zero, that is, the competitors are judged without regard to the previous 2 or 1
minutes. At the end of the 1 minute extension, a new set of points are awarded and tallied
and the winner declared.
Time out and protests
A competitor can request a ‘time out’ during the bout and it is up to the referee whether
to grant this.
The referee must grant the ‘time out’ if the competitor has a query or is injured and
indicate to the timekeeper to hold time.
If a competitor requests to protest, they must inform the referee during the bout or
approach the respective ring manager before a winner is declared for that current round.
Protests cannot be made once a new round has begun.
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Sport Karate Kata / Form Rules
Competitor
All competitors must present themselves suitably attired and ready to compete. They may
be divided into separate divisions based on gender, belt rank, and age. Individual
tournament promoters will determine how many different form and sparring divisions a
competitor may enter. To enter an adult form division, a competitor must be 18 years or
older. A competitor must enter the division corresponding to his/her age, sex and rank.
Late Entries and Order of Performance
It is the responsibility of the competitor to be at the ring prior to the time that the
form/kata division starts. Once the division is organised and the first competitor begins,
there may be additional entries. If a competitor comes late and the first competitor has
started, he/she may compete, but must compete at the earliest convenient time. No other
late entries will be taken after the last competitor has performed their kata/form.
The order of performance may be by random draw, shuffling of cards, computer
selection, numbers, etc.
Time Limit
A competitor must be ready to compete when called upon to do so. All form competitors
have a maximum of three 3 minutes to present themselves and perform their routine. The
time starts once a competitor enters the ring. If the judge feels the competitor is stalling
before he/she enters the ring, the judge can call for the timekeeper to start the clock. A
competitor whose form exceeds the 3 minute time limit will be disqualified.
The Use of Music
Music is not permitted in any of the kata/form divisions. (It is allowed only in
Demonstration events and musical kata / forms.)
Competition Ring Size
All competitors should be prepared to perform routines within a 6m x 6m ring. If more
space is available which does not restrict any other rings, spectators, judges, etc., more
space to perform a routine may be allowed by the promoter. But it should be noted that
additional space is a privilege and a competitor cannot automatically assume it will be
made available. Allowing more space will be the exception, not the rule.
Starting a Form Over
If a competitor starts his/her form over because of a memory lapse or any other reason
due to his/her own negligence, he/she may perform the form again. The judges will score
that competitor as though there was not a mistake, but the scorekeeper will deduct 0.50
from the competitors’ total score. A competitor can only start over one (1) time. If a
competitor does not finish on the second try, he/she will be disqualified. If a competitor
has to start over not due to his/her own negligence, he/she may start over without
penalising. It is important that the referee discuss the penalising procedure with the
judges and scorekeeper. When a competitor starts over, the clock is reset and starts over
as well.
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External Aids
No external aids such as props, weapons, music, etc., can be used in any kata/forms
division.
Scoring of Form
Black Belt Divisions: The officials will each score forms in the range of 7.00 to 9.00.
Average forms will be scored from 8.00 to 8.25. The best competitors in the division will
receive scores from 8.26 to 9.00.
All other divisions including Open divisions will have a score range of 6.00 to 8.00
Average forms will be scored from 7.00 to 7.25 The best competitors in the division will
receive 7.26 to 8.00
Judges must allow themselves ‘room to move’ with scoring between competitors.
Ties
Competitors tied for 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th place must perform again to break the tie(s). The
competitors can perform the same form or another form in the tiebreaker. Judges must
regard the tiebreaker as a totally separate division, scoring the appropriate average (for
that division) or +05 above average for the better of the two competitors. Example;
(black belt division) either 8.00 or 8.05
Example; (under black belt divisions) either 7.00 or 7.05
This is merely to break the tie.
Second Chance:
In a division of more than 6 competitors, the first competitor to present their Kata / Form
may be given a second chance to improve on their earlier performance. The competitor
must first be advised if they are or are not already amongst the first 4 places. If they are
already placed, they must not be told what place.
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Judging
Sparring
Do’s and Don’ts of Point Calling
1. Know and understand the rules in their entirety - Only by knowing the rules can you
make the split second decisions that are required in karate point sparring judging.
2. Make all decisions quickly and decisively in a confident manner - You must be able
to stand with conviction on each and every one of your calls.
3. Call only what you see clearly, not what you heard or thought you saw.
4. Give each match your full, focused attention - Don’t let yourself be distracted or
influenced into making a call by outside forces (i.e., other judges, fans, coaches, etc.).
5. Stay out of the way of the competitors so as not to interfere with the match.
Point Definition: A point is a controlled, legal sport karate technique scored by a
competitor in-bounds which strikes an opponent with the allowable amount of focused
touch contact (allowed only in adult black belt divisions) or focused control to a legal
target area.
Control: Holding back in reserve the amount of force that, if not restrained or pulled
short of full contact, could have incapacitated or inflicted serious damage to an opponent.
Focused Touch: Light (see rule book definition on touch contact).
Focused Control: No contact is allowed, but the technique must be focused close enough
to the target area.
Decisions to be made on each point call
1. Was it a legal, legitimate sport karate technique?
2. Was it focused to a legal target area?
3. Did it have the required legal touch control (allowed only in adult black belt
divisions), or focused control in the execution of the techniques?
4. Was the competitor under control with proper balance in the execution of the
technique?
5. Was the competitor who scored in-bounds?
6. Had the match been stopped before the technique scored?
7. Was it a clash (each competitor scoring at the same time)?
8. Were there any rules violations immediately following the scoring technique (i.e., a
competitor cannot receive a point and a penalty on the same call)?
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9. Was the match over before the point was scored?
Calls That Can be Made: See “Calls an Official May Make”.
Forms
Judging Categories: Each form is judged on execution of techniques, presentation and
difficulty.
Execution: The act or process of performing (executing) the techniques of the form. The
execution stage of judging is the most critical and should weigh the most in the judge’s
final score.
Elements of Execution: balance, power speed, stability, proper technique formation,
coordination, flexibility, stamina, timing, etc.
Presentation: the image or impression that the competitor as reflected in his/her
performance of the form. The presentation stage is the second most important or critical
and should weigh accordingly in the judge’s final score.
Elements of the Presentation: Confidence, poise, determination, commitment, imagery,
respect, sportsmanship, realism, concentration, spirit, showmanship, appearance,
imagination, etc.
Difficulty: the complexity and intricacy of the form. The difficulty category is almost the
least critical of the three judging categories, but could become the deciding factor of
winning or losing if a judge feels that two competitors are equally as good in the
execution and presentation categories. Value should never be awarded for difficult
techniques performed poorly. Difficulty alone, without proper execution, should always
be downgraded. Difficult techniques executed with proper precision must always be
upgraded.
Elements of Difficulty: Complexity of techniques, flexibility, balance, versatility of
techniques, stamina, length, ambidexterity, etc.
When judging form competitors, you are actually comparing the competitors in the
division against each other to arrive at the best 3 or 4. This requires extreme attentiveness
and memory of details to make an accurate judging decision.
To help you better arrive at a correct decision, the following procedures are
recommended:
Use your pad to write down the competitors’ first name when he/she is called up. After
he/she completes his/her kata/form write your scores beside the name. Do not tear off the
page from your pad. Hold the pad above your shoulder so the officials behind you can
record it. (In divisions with large number of competitors, it becomes difficult to
remember each score that you have awarded. Remembering each score becomes more
difficult when using the hundredths scoring range. Additionally, writing down your
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scores solves any disputes that could arise if the scorekeeper inadvertently wrote down a
judge’s score incorrectly.)
The Use of Gymnastic Movements: it is important to keep in mind when judging form
and weapon divisions that we are judging technical skill as they relate to the value of
martial arts. Using gymnastic movements may or may not have an inherent value to the
martial arts. It is the judge’s decision as to what value the gymnastic movements are to
the form and the martial arts. If a competitor performs a sub-par gymnastic movement,
the movement should be scored down. If the gymnastic movement is performed well, but
is not of value to the martial arts, the move may be ignored. If the gymnastic movement
has an inherent value to the martial arts as perceived by the judges, it should be scored as
any other technique (i.e., execution, difficulty, presentation).
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OPTIONAL RULES
1.
Legal Age Rule: The contestant’s legal age is their chronological age. Except 17
year old 1st Dan Black Belts, who may compete in 18 yr & Over ‘Open’ divisions.
A competitor may only compete in that division designated by his/her
chronological age.
2.
T-Shirts:
It is the option of the promoter and tournament organization
whether form and sparring contestants may wear t-shirts.
3.
Required & Recommended Safety Equipment: All safety equipment
requirements, with the exception that only foam dipped hand & foot pads are
allowed.
4.
Powers of the Referee: Warning & penalty points are determined by a majority
decision of the judges without exception. A centre referee cannot over rule a
majority call of the officials.
5.
Required Judges / Referees: In the under black belt and black belt divisions, 3
judges / referees may be used in both kata / form and sparring.
8. Point Values: All legal hand or foot techniques that score are awarded 1 point.
All legal foot techniques are awarded two points.
Winner Determination
Option 1 - The contestant who earns three (3) points first is the winner.
Option 2 - The contestant who earns a five (5) point advantage (five point spread)
automatically wins.
Options3 - The contestant who earns a three (3) point advantage (three point
spread) automatically wins.
9. Legal Target Areas: The groin may be a legal target area at the discretion of the
promoter and/or the tournament’s governing body. If the groin is a legal target
area, the promoter should note on their tournament flyer that it is being declared a
legal target. In this case only light touch contact should be allowed to the groin.
10. The legs; may be a legal target area at the discretion of the tournament promoter
and the tournaments governing body. If it is made a target area then it can be so
only above the knee and only to the outside of the leg.
11.
Light Touch Contact:
Option 1 - No face, head or head-gear touch contact is allowed in any youth
division (17 years and under)
Option 2 - Light touch contact is allowed to face, head and head-gear in all adult
divisions.
Option 3 - Light touch contact is allowed to face, head and head-gear in all
divisions.
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Option 4 - Light touch contact is allowed to face, head and head-gear in all adult
‘Open’ divisions.
Option 5 - Light head-gear touch (not face) contact is allowed in all divisions.
Option 6 - Light head-gear touch (not face) contact is allowed in all adult divisions.
Option 7 - Light head-gear touch (not face) contact is allowed in all 4th Kyu to 1st
Kyu divisions.
11.
Form Contestants: It is the option of the tournament promoter and/or the local,
regional or state organizations policies as to how many different form divisions a
competitor may enter.
12.
Form Contestants: It is the option of the tournament promoter and/or the local,
regional or state organizations policies whether a youth (17 years and under) can
enter an adult (18 years and over) form division.
13.
Starting a Form Over: Because state, regional and local tournaments are great
training grounds for all competitors, it is the decision of these tournaments whether
a form contestant can start their form over more than once due to memory lapse or
any other reason due to their own negligence.
14.
Scoring of Form & Ties: The officials shall each award scores on the basis of 10.0
as the highest score (a perfect routine), 8.5 as the mean avenge score, and 7.0 as a
low score. Using tenths intervals allows officials 30 actual decimal points to use in
scoring, avoiding the possibility of several ties.
15.
Scoring of Form & Ties: If 5 or more judges are being used; the highest and
lowest scores should always be eliminated before totalling the final scores. If less
than 5 officials are being used, all scores must be totalled.
16.
Form Ties: In case of form ties, when 5 judges are being used; the high and low
scores can be added back in to determine the split.
19.
Out of Bounds:
Option 1 - When any part of your body touches or exceeds the boundary line.
Option 2 - When one foot is outside the boundary lines.
Option 3 - When both feet are outside the boundary lines.