RULE BOOK

GENERAL COMPETITION GUIDELINES

COMPETITION FORMAT MANUAL
Contents
Section 1 - Refereeing

Section 2 - Score / Points

Section 3 - Fouls & Prohibited Acts

3.1 Minor Fouls
3.2 Major Foul

Section 4 - Settlement of match

Section 5 - Injuries, Illness and Accidents

Section 6 - Uniform/Further Requirements

Section 7 - Field of Play (FOP)

Section 8 - Coaches
SECTION 1
REFEREEING
1.1 Authority of Referee

1.1.1 The referee is the highest authority in a match.

1.1.2 The referee’s ruling on the result of each match is incontestable.

1.1.3 The ruling on the result of a match may only be changed under the following
circumstances:
If the score on the board has been misread.

If the athlete declared winner submitted his opponent using an illegal hold.

If the athlete has been disqualified erroneously for using a legitimate hold. In this
case,

If the match was interrupted and the athlete disqualified due to the error, the
match shall be restarted at the centre of the match area and the attacking athlete
shall be awarded two points.

1.1.4 If the referee commits a ruling error during a match. To overturn the
outcome of a match, the following conditions should be observed:
The referee can consult the event’s director of refereeing, but the final decision
as to whether to overturn or not overturn a result is the referee’s to make.
The director of refereeing should consult the event’s centre table regarding how
the bracket has progressed and may only authorize the overturning of a result if
the bracket has not progressed to the next stage

1.2 Referee’s Duties

1.2.1 It is the referee’s duty to stop the match when he/she deems it necessary.

1.2.2 It is the referee’s duty to make sure the athlete’s full their obligation to
compete within the match area.

1.2.3 While standing, one of the athletes steps into the safety area (unless a
takedown attempt has already been initiated), or when 2/3 of the athletes’ bodies
are outside the combat area during not-yet-stabilized ground fighting, the referee
shall interrupt the match and stand both athletes up in the centre of the combat
area.
Points or advantages will be assessed for counting up until the safety area and any
movements performed outside the safety area will not be eligible for counting.
1.2.4 It is their duty of overseeing under-12-years-old-division matches to protect
the athlete’s spinal column by positioning themselves behind the child when lifted
off the ground by the opponent, as in the case of a triangle choke or closed guard.

1.2.5 The ‘mat referee’ shall always remain in the main mat area while conducting
a match. He initially decides regarding scores and penalties, but may also request
the advice of a side referee’.

1.2.6 One ‘side referee’ can assist the mat referee and shall be situated outside
the safety area on a chair. In the case of a final match, two ‘side referees’ will be
present, situated in the opposite corners
of the mat. Use of video system and intercom is possible. In this case, the action
can be analysed by the Head of Referees, and he will advise the MR.

1.2.7 The ‘Side referees’ reserve the right to overrule the decision of a ‘mat
referee’ and integrate with the mat referee in the following ways:
Should there be an agreement between the ‘side referees’ and the ‘mat referee’,
the ‘side referees’ shall remain seated in the chairs at the corners of the match
area.

Should there be a conflict of opinion with the ‘mat referee’, the ‘side referees
should stand up and signal for points, advantages or penalties awarded to be
subtracted, using gestures shown in this rule book.

If the referee decides to disqualify an athlete due to the athlete’s accumulation off
our penalties (serious foul or lack of combativeness), the referee will make the
serious penalty gesture before stopping the fight.

If at least one of the side referees repeats the gesture, the referee’s decision is
confirmed and he or she is authorized to stop thought.

If the referee decides to disqualify an athlete due to the athlete committing a

severe foul, he will make the gesture before stopping the fight. If at least one of
the ‘side referees repeats the gesture, the referee’s decision is confirmed and he
or she is authorized to stop the fight.
When a match ends in a draw, the ‘mat referee’ will place the two athletes in their
starting position. The referee will take two steps back and make a gesture for the
side referees to stand up.
After the side referees are standing, the ‘mat referee’ will take a step forward with
his right leg, the side referees then will raise either their right or left arm in the air.
This will signify the athlete each referee believes to be the winner. The ‘mat
referee’ will then declare the winner chosen by a majority of the referees.

1.2.8 When employing video refereeing, the system will be as follows: the ‘mat
referee’ has the option at any point to pause the match and signal for a video to be
displayed to give him an additional point of reference in outstanding or previously
made decisions.
In addition, when using a video system, the two side referees will both be situated
in the video replay area. If both side referees agree that a decision should be
changed, one of them will contact the mat referee with their decision by radio and
he will signal the new points as appropriate.

1.2.9 When using Instant Video replay, all contest can use one (1), two (2) or three
(3) referees assigned to each contest mat with one (1) on-mat referee and one (1)
or two (2) mat side referees, these referees will be interconnected through
Wireless Radio Communication system. Mat side referee will oversee the matches
and only intervene if necessary.
All appeals related to the technical sides will be responsibilities of Referee
Coordination for each match area.

1.2.10 An IPad will be introduced to each match area, in which any error or
changes to be made during the course of the fight, the coordinator will be allowed
to analyse and change if the error can be proved.
1.3 REFEREEING GESTURES

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: Command

athletes to the match area

GESTURES:
Arms raised to shoulder height at 90-
degree angle with palms of hands facing
inwards, motioning by extending arms
and returning to the initial position

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES:
Start of match.

GESTURE: Arm extended forward and

then lowered to point vertically toward
the ground.

VERBAL COMMAND: FIGHT! (fahyt)

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: Interruption

of the fight, stopwatch and time out.

GESTURE: Arms open and raised at

shoulder height.

VERBAL COMMAND: STOP! (stop)

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES:
Disqualification.

GESTURE: Arms over head with forearms

crossed and fists clenched, followed by
arm corresponding with disqualified
athlete pointing to athlete’s belt.

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: Instruct athlete

to remain within match area.

GESTURE: After pointing to the athlete

with arms extended towards his/her
waist, hand at shoulder height with finger
points upwards making a circular motion.

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: Instruct athlete

to stand up.

GESTURE: Indicate with extended arm

the athlete who must stand up, followed
by raising arm to shoulder height.
MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: Instructing the
athlete to return to the ground (into the
position appointed by the referee)

GESTURE: Indicating the athlete, with

arm extended, followed by arm pointing
toward ground.

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: Advantage.

GESTURE: Arm corresponding with

athlete to be awarded advantage point
extending parallel to mat with hand open
and palm facing downwards.

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES:
2 (two) points: takedown, sweep, and
knee on belly.

GESTURE: Hand of arm corresponding

with athlete to be awarded points raised
and pointer and middle fingers extended.
MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: 3 (three)
points: guard pass.

GESTURE: Hand of arm corresponding

with athlete to be awarded points raised
and pointer, middle, and ring fingers
extended.

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: 4 (four) points:

Mount and back control.

GESTURE: Hand of arm corresponding

with athlete to be awarded points raised
and pointer, middle, ring, and pinkie
fingers extended.

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: Point

deduction.

GESTURE: Arm corresponding with

athlete to be deducted points at shoulder
height with palm open.
MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES:
Announcement of match result.

GESTURE: Arm of winning athlete raised

while facing judges’ table and the arm of
losing athlete held downwards.

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: Direct athlete

to re-adjust GI.

GESTURE: Arms crossed downwards at

waist height, extending arm to indicate
athlete’s belt.
MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: When an
athlete grabs the opponent’s sleeves or
pant legs with one or more fingers placed
inside the garment.

GESTURE: One hand placed on top of the

opposite arm, holding the wristband.

MATCH CIRCUMSTANCES: When a

change in point, advantage or penalty-
count has been communicated to the
central referee by the referee(s) with
access to video replay.

GESTURE: Touch the ear with the

fingertips twice, pausing between
touches.
SECTION 2
REFEREEING
2.1 Point Scoring

The athlete with the most points shall be declared the winner when the match
has reached regulation time or in the event of the match being stopped due to
both athletes suffering injuries.

2.1.1 Points shall be awarded by the central referee of a match whenever an

athlete stabilizes a position for 3 (three) seconds.

2.1.2 When an athlete deliberately exits the match area to prevent the opponent
from completing a sweep or a takedown the referee will signal two points be
awarded to the opponent and one penalty point be added to the score of the
athlete who exited the match area.

2.1.3 Athletes who arrive at a point-scoring position while caught in a submission

hold shall only be awarded points once they have freed themselves from the
attack and stabilized the position for 3 (three) seconds.

2.1.4 When an athlete reaches a point-scoring position while caught in a

submission hold and then escapes the submission hold without maintaining his
position, he will not receive an advantage.

2.1.5 An athlete who reaches one or multiple point-scoring positions, but is under
attack from a submission hold by his/ her opponent throughout, shall be awarded
with a single advantage point if he/she does not escape the attack by the end of
the match.

2.1.6 Athletes shall be awarded cumulative points when they progress through a
number of point-scoring positions, as long as the three-second positional control
from the final point-scoring position is a continuation of the positional control
from the point-scoring positions from earlier in the sequence. In this case, the
referee shall count only 3 (three) seconds of control at the end of the sequence
before signalling the points scored
(e.g., Guard pass followed by mount shall add up 7 points (3+4).

2.1.7 When both athletes pull guard at the same time, the athlete who achieves
top position first is awarded an advantage point.
2.2 Point Scoring Position

02 points 03 points 04 points

Takedown Mount
Sweep Guard passing Back mount
Knee on belly Back control

- Takedowns ( 2 points)

2.2.1 When one of the athletes, starting

the movement with two feet on the
ground, causes the opponent to land on
his/ her back, sideways or seated,
establishing top position for 3 (three)
seconds.

2.2.2 When an athlete forces his/her

opponent to the ground on all fours or
belly-down, points shall only be awarded
once the athlete performing the
takedown controls the opponent’s back
without the requirement of placing
hooks and keeping at least one of the
opponent’s knees on the ground for 3
(three) second.
 2.2.3 When an athlete has a grip on his
opponent’s pants and the opponent pulls
open guard, the athlete with the grip on
the pants shall be awarded two points for
the takedown if he stabilizes the top
position on the ground for 3 (three)
seconds.

2.2.4 If an athlete has a grip on the opponent’s pants and the opponent pulls
closed guard and remains suspended in the air, the athlete will have to put the
opponent’s back on the ground within 3 (three) seconds and stabilize the top
position for 3 (three) seconds to be awarded with takedown points.

2.2.5 Athletes who initiate a takedown movement after the opponent has pulled
guard shall not be awarded the two points or advantage point relating to the
move.

2.2.6 If an athlete forces his opponent to the ground in the outlying safety area,
the athlete performing the takedown should have both feet within the fighting
area when the movement begins. In this case, if the athletes land in a stabilized
position, the referee will give two points.
2.2.7 When the opponent has one or two knees on the ground, the athlete
performing the takedown will only be awarded points if he/she is standing at the
moment the takedown is initiated.

2.2.8 When the athlete forces his opponent to the ground using a single or
double-leg takedown and the opponent lands seated and successfully applies
counter-takedown (another takedown), only the athlete performing the counter-
takedown shall be awarded the score.

2.2.9 No score for take-down:

• Athletes who, in defending a sweep, return their opponent back-down or
sideways on the ground shall not be awarded the takedown-related two
points or advantage point.
• Athletes defending standing back-control, where the opponent has one or two
hooks in place and does not have one foot on the mat, shall not be awarded
the takedown-related two points or advantage point, even after he/she
stabilizes the position for 3 (three) seconds.
 2.2.10 Athletes who arrive at a point-scoring position while caught in a
submission hold shall only be awarded points once they have freed themselves
from the attack and stabilized the position for 3 (three) seconds.

2.2.11 Should an athlete achieve point-scoring positions while caught in a

submission hold but only escapes the hold once no longer in the point-scoring
position, will not be awarded points or advantages for those positions.

2.2.12 The 3-second stabilization count for one or several point-scoring positions
will be interrupted, when the opponent lock in a submission hold during the
count. When this happens, the athlete will be awarded an advantage for each of
the point-scoring positions achieved, regardless of whether the opponent is no
longer in the positions once the hold has been escaped from or regulation time
has ended.

2.2.13 An athlete who reaches one or more positions (cumulative points) but is
being attacked with a submission hold by his/her opponent, shall only be awarded
one advantage point if he/she does not escape the attack prior to the end of the
match.

2.2.14 An athlete who takes the opponent down in order to defend a standing
back-take, where the opponent has both hooks in place, or one hook in place and
neither foot on the ground, will not be awarded the two points or advantage for
the takedown. Even after the position has been stabilized for three seconds.

2.2.15 While in any position starting from guard, where the athletes remain on
their feet for 3 seconds, the combat shall then be considered standing combat.
Note: In order to start the 3-second countdown, one of the athletes must have
two feet on the ground and the opponent at least one foot on the ground without
the knee of the opposite leg touching the mat.

2.3 Guard Pass (3 Points)

→ When the athlete in top position manages to surmount the legs of the
opponent in bottom position (a guard pass) and is then able to maintain side-
control or north-south position over him for 3 (three) seconds he is awarded
three (3) points
 2.3.1 Guard is defined as the use of one or more legs to block the opponent from
reaching side- control or north-south position over the athlete on bottom.

2.3.2 Half-guard is the guard where the athlete on bottom is lying on his/her back
or side and has one of the top-positioned athlete’s legs trapped, blocking him/her
from achieving side- or north-south control over the bottom-positioned athlete
for 3 (three) seconds.

2.3.3 The position of the top athlete’s legs determines whether it is half-guard or
reverse half-guard, according to the following examples:

Example 1: In half-guard with his right

leg trapped, his left leg is positioned
alongside the right leg of the opponent
playing guard.

Example 2: In reverse half-guard with his

right leg trapped, his left leg is positioned
alongside the left leg of the athlete
playing guard.
2.3.4 If while attacking from top position, such as an arm bar, for example, the
athlete ends up on bottom and does not use his/her legs to prevent the opponent
from reaching side-control, no points or advantages shall be awarded for the
guard pass, according to the definition of guard.

2.3.5 Should an athlete passes his opponent’s guard but fails to secure the
position or end the passing sequence in his opponent’s half-guard (with good
upper body control) the ‘mat referee’ shall award an advantage point.

2.4 Knee on Belly (2 Points)

• When an athlete in the top position places a knee on the stomach, chest or
ribs of his opponent (who is lying on his back or the side) with his other leg
extended for three (3) seconds shall be awarded two points.

• When an athlete in the top position places a knee on the stomach, chest or
ribs of his opponent but has his other knee on the ground he shall be awarded
an advantage.
2.5 Mount and Back Mount (4 Points)

• When the athlete is on top, clear of the half-guard, sitting on the opponent’s
torso and with two knees or one foot and one knee on the ground, facing the
opponent’s head and with up to one arm trapped under his/her leg – and thus
remains for 3 (three) seconds.

• When the athlete has one of the opponent’s arms trapped under his/her leg,
he/she shall only be awarded points for the mount if the leg trapping the arm
does not extend beyond the opponent’s shoulder.

• When the athlete lands on top with a triangle fastened around the opponent
on bottom, no points shall be awarded for the mount.

• In the case of the mount, when there is a transition straight from back mount
to mount or vice-versa —for being distinct positions— athletes shall be
awarded four points for the first mount and another four points for the
subsequent mount, so long as the three-second stabilization period was
achieved in each position.

POINTS AWARDED:
2.6 Back Control (4 Points)

• When the athlete takes control of the opponent’s back, placing his/her heels
between the opponent’s thighs without crossing his/her legs and in a position
to trap up to one of the opponent’s arms without trapping the arm above the
shoulder line – and thus remains for 3 (three) seconds.

ADVANTAGES:
2.7 Sweep (2 Points)

2.7.1 Any movement from the guard position into a top position followed by a
three (3) second control period will be counted as a sweep with the athlete
initially playing guard being awarded 2 points.

2.7.2 Moving from the guard, to the back of an opponent (on top) with
subsequent control for three seconds (ensuring at least one of the opponent’s
knees stays on the floor) will be regarded as a sweep.

• No advantages will be awarded for sweeps that start in a 50/50 guard

situation.
2.8 Advantages

2.8.1 An advantage point is counted when an athlete achieves a point-scoring

position requiring 3 (three) seconds of control but is unable to maintain control
for the entire duration.

For example, the referee should award an advantage where an athlete’s attempt
to pass his opponent’s guard was complete but he failed to maintain a three (3)
second control position afterwards.

2.8.2 An advantage point may be awarded by the referee even after a match has
run its course but before announcing the result.

2.8.3 The athlete shall be awarded an advantage-point when he/she attempts a

submission hold where the opponent is in real danger of submitting. Again, it is
the referee’s duty to assess how close the submission hold came to fruition.

2.8.4 The referee may only award an advantage point when there is no longer a
chance of the athlete reaching a point-scoring position.

A- Advantage from takedown

• When an athlete achieves a takedown and his/her opponent lands back-

down, sideways or in a sitting position on the ground without stabilizing the
position for 3 (three) seconds.

• When an athlete applies a takedown or series of takedowns and the

opponent returns to their feet before stabilization is achieved on the ground.
The advantage shall only be awarded when there is no longer a possibility of
completing the takedown attempt.

B- Advantage from Guard Pass

• When the athlete passing guard stacks the opponent, or allows the opponent
to roll back his/herself, controlling the opponent’s back in four-point-kneeling
position and maintaining at least one knee on the ground, without needing to
place hooks.

• When starting from guard (or from pulling guard) the athlete .achieves half-
guard control over the opponent, but does not solidify the pass in the ensuing
sequence.
C- Advantage from knee on belly.

• When an athlete places a knee on his/her opponent’s belly but only places
the knee and not foot of his/her other leg on the ground.

D- Advantage from the Mount

• When the athlete on top and free of guard or half-guard tries to sit on the
opponent’s torso and keeps two knees or one foot and one knee on the
ground while facing the opponent’s head but with both the opponent’s arms
trapped under his/her legs.

E- Advantage from Back Control

• When an athlete mounts his/her opponent’s back but crosses his/her legs,
fastens a figure-four around the waist or only places one heel between the
opponent’s thighs.

F- Advantage from Sweep.

• When the athlete unbalances the opponent through a sweep attempt and
reaches top position, but is unable to stabilize the position for 3 seconds.

2.9 Specific cases whereby advantages are no longer awarded.

2.9.1 The half-guard position shall not count as an advantage for the athlete on
top if he/she completes the guard pass sequence.

2.9.2 The half-guard position shall not count for an advantage for the athlete on
top if it did not originate from a guard pass attempt.

2.9.3 No advantages will be awarded for sweeps that start and end in a 50/50
guard situation.

2.9.4 No advantage shall be awarded when an athlete attempting a single-leg

takedown traps the opponent’s leg and drags the opponent to outside the combat
area, obliging the referee to interrupt the combat.

2.9.5 No advantage shall be awarded when an athlete attempting to complete a

sweep movement leads the opponent to fall outside the match area without ever
landing on top at any moment during the movement.
SECTION 3
FOULS
Fouls are disciplinary or technical infractions addressed in the rules that are
committed by athletes before, during or after a match.

3.1 Disciplinary Fouls

3.1.1 When an athlete directs profane language or obscene gestures at his/her

opponent, the centre table, table officials, referee or public, prior to, before or
after a match.

3.1.2 When an athlete exhibits offensive or disrespectful behaviour towards an

opponent or the public through words or gestures during a match or in
celebrating victory

3.1.3 When the athlete exhibits attitudes considered incompatible with the
competition environment, or commits any other misconduct or depict, even if it is
carried out prior to or following the match.

3.2 Minor Fouls

3.2.1 Lack of combativeness is defined by one athlete clearly not pursuing

positional progression
in a match and also when an athlete solely attempts to impede his opponent from
carrying out said progression.

3.2.2 When the referee notices that one or both athlete (s) is (are) not trying to
progress in the fight whilst standing for 10 seconds, the referee will stop the
match and sign a penalty for one or both athletes, followed by the verbal
command “ACTION”.

In case of stalling on the ground, the referee will point to the athlete, say
“ACTION”. and start to count 10 seconds. If, at the end of the 10 seconds, the
athlete has not moved, the referee will indicate the gesture for a penalty point.

3.2.3 When both athletes pull guard at the same time, the referee will start a 20
second countdown. If, at the end of this 20 second countdown, even if the
athletes are moving, one of the athletes has not reached the top position, does
not have a submission in hold, or is not imminently completing a point scoring
move, the referee will stop the fight and give a penalty to both athletes. In this
situation, the referee will restart the combat in standing position.
3.2.4 When the athlete breaks the grip of an opponent pulling guard and does not
attempt to engage in combat on the ground.

3.2.5 When both athletes simultaneously demonstrate a lack of combativeness

(stalling) in any position in a match.

3.2.6 When an athlete grabs the inside of the sleeve of the opponent’s GI top or
pants.

3.2.7 When he/she steps inside the GI jacket.

3.2.8 When an athlete places a hand or foot on his/her opponent’s face.

3.2.9 When an athlete on foot grabs and maintains his/her hand on the
opponent’s belt, preventing the opponent from completing a takedown
movement and without attempting an attack of any kind.

3.2.10 It will not be considered a lack of combativeness when an athlete is in

mount or back position, as long as the characteristics of the technical position are
respected.

3.2.11 For No-GI Jiu-Jitsu , when an athlete grabs hold of his/her uniform or that
of his/her opponent in any way.

3.2.12 When athlete go to the ground without establishing a grip.

3.2.13 When an athlete uses his/her own belt or the opponent’s belt to assist in a
choke or any other circumstance in a match while the belt is untied.

3.2.14 When athlete places the foot deliberately inside the belt.

3.2.15 When athlete places the foot deliberately inside the collar/GI top.

3.2.16 In the white belt division and under 15-year-old divisions, it is prohibited
for an athlete to jump into closed guard, or attempt any flying submission, while
his opponent is standing. When this movement occurs, the referee will stop the
match and restart with both athletes standing in the centre of them at.

3.2.17 To exit the match area deliberately, preventing the opponent from
completing a sweep or a takedown.

3.2.18 To exit the competition area after the fight before announcement of
winner.
3.2.19 When an athlete takes more than 20 seconds to re-adjust their(his/her)
uniform, they shall be penalized in a consecutive manner (20 seconds for GI top
and belt, 20 seconds for identification belt, and 20 seconds for tying the
drawstring of the pants, when necessary).

3.2.20 When an athlete requests a video replay. The only person allowed to
request a video replay it is the Mat Referee or the side referee.

3.2.21 When an athlete during a match or celebrating victory before being

announced as the winner exhibits attitudes not appropriate for the competition
environment, but does not qualify as a disciplinary penalty.
Ex: Gestures or exercises meant to suggest physical superiority, dances or
attitudes meant to ridicule within a sporting context.

3.3 Major Fouls

3.3.1 When athlete applies any actions with the obvious intention to injure the
opponent

3.3.2 When athlete leaves the contest area deliberately when in danger of being
submitted.

3.3.3 When athlete makes any locks attacking the spinal column without a choke
(pulling from the bottom position is not considered an attack on the neck).

3.3.4 When athlete slam the opponent on the mat, while he is in a guard position
or maintaining back control.

3.3.5 The suplex movement that will deliberately project or force the opponent’s
head or neck into the ground.

3.3.6 When an athlete communicates with someone, orally or through gestures,

in a manner that contradicts a decision-made by the referee.

3.3.7 When athlete applies punches or kicks.

3.3.8 When athlete bites the opponent or to apply any other action that is against
the ethics and fairness or if a contestant shows reckless or unsportsmanlike
behaviour.

3.3.9 When athlete applies locks to fingers or toes.

3.3.10 To apply leg locks which employ the use of torsion actions such as heel
hooks which twist the ankle and knee dangerously.

3.3.11 To push fingers into the eyes of the opponent.

3.3.12 To use any slippery substances or creams (medication) which can affect
the opponent’s ability to perform.

3.3.13 When an athlete is unable to exchange the GI for a new one within a
period stipulated by the referee.

3.3.14 When the athlete who is defending a single leg takedown, while the
athlete attacking has his head outside his opponents body, intentionally projects
his attacker to the ground, by grabbing his opponents belt, to make him hit the
floor with the head.

3.3.15 When being attacked by a submission hold an athlete commits a penalty

that obliges the referee to interrupt the match.

3.3.16 When an athlete applies a hold prohibited for his/her respective division,
as indicated in the following table.*
20. Knee Reaping

Knee reaping is characterized by when one of the athletes places his thigh behind
the leg of his opponent and passes his calf on top of the opponent’s body above
the knee, placing his foot beyond the vertical midline of the opponent’s body and
applying pressure on his opponents knee from the outside, true inside, while
keeping the foot of the leg at risk stuck between his hip and armpit.

It is not necessary for one of the athletes

to hold the foot of his opponent in order
for the foot to be considered caught or
stuck.

For purposes of this rule, when one

athlete is standing and bearing their
weight on foot of the same leg as the
knee in danger, the foot will be
considered caught or stuck.

3.4 Major Fouls

3.4.1 Punishable by automatic ‘Disqualification’

Serious lateral attacks affecting the knee (crossing the leg from the outside of the
opponent's upper quadriceps towards the inside).

3.4.2 When the athlete executes the movement in the aforementioned

description, with the offending athlete’s foot crossing the vertical midline of his
opponent's body.

3.4.3 When either of the athletes have a submission hold, it will be considered a
severe foul for he athletes crossing his foot in the characteristics mentioned
below.
Penalties

Minor Fouls:
Technical penalty: Disqualification from the match at the moment of the
infraction.
Disciplinary penalty: Disqualification from the match and competition at the
moment of the infraction.

Major Fouls:
The referee shall follow the steps bellow

1st penalty
2nd penalty plus advantage to the opponent
3rd penalty plus two points to the opponent
4th penalty will be disqualification

*In situations whereby both athletes are penalized for lack of combativeness
resulting in a third penalty for each, the match shall be restarted standing.
SECTION 4
SETTLEMENT OF THE MATCH
4.1 Submission:

4.1.1 A competitor may win the match before the end of the fighting time, if one
of the contestants applies a lock or strangulation that makes the opponent tap or
the MR stop the match. This is called a submission.

4.1.2 After the match time has expired the contestant who has the most points at
the end of the contest will be the winner.

4.1.3 If the competitors have equal points at the end of the match, the contestant
who achieved the most advantages wins the match.

4.1.4 If the score is equal both in total points and advantages, the contestant with
the fewest penalties wins the match.

4.1.5 If the score is equal both in total points, in number of advantages and
penalties, there will be a decision made by the referee (if one) or all of the
referees (if three referees)

4.1.6 Should both athletes accidentally be injured in a tournament semi-final,

with the score tied at the moment of the accident and neither athlete fit to
continue in the match, the other semi-final will be promoted to the status of final.
In this case, the injured athletes will be awarded third place.

4.2 Walk-Over and Withdrawal

4.2.1 The decision ‘win by walk-over’ shall be given by the MR to any contestant
whose opponent doesn’t appear for his match after he has been called 3 times
over at least 3 minutes.

4.2.2 The decision ‘win by withdrawal’ shall be given by the MR to the contestant
whose opponent withdraws from the competition during the match.

4.3 Random Pick

• In the event of both athletes suffering accidental injury in a final match where
the score is tied at the moment of the accident and neither athlete is able to
continue in the contest, the result shall be determined by random pick.
SECTION 5
INJURY, ILLNESS AND ACCIDENT
5.1 In every case when a match is stopped because of injury to either or both
contestants, the MR may permit a maximum time of 2 minutes to the injured
contestant(s) for rest. The total rest per contestant in each match shall be 2
minutes.

5.2 When an athlete presents bleeding that cannot be contained after being
treated by the doctor on 2 (two) occasions. Each athlete has this right for each
injury and should be provided upon the referee’s request.

5.3 If one of the contestants is unable to continue, the MR will make a decision
after considering the following:

5.3.1 When the cause of the injury is attributed to the injured contestant, the
injured contestant shall lose the match.

5.3.2 When the injury is caused by one athlete due to a prohibited action, he
shall be disqualified and lose the match.

5.3.3 When one contestant is taken ill during the contest and he is unable to
continue, he shall lose the contest.

5.4 The official doctor is to decide whether the injured contestant may continue
or not.

5.5 If a contestant loses consciousness or if they black out, the fight must be
stopped. If the loss of consciousness is due to trauma, then the contestant will not
be allowed to compete for the remainder of the day.

5.6 When one of the athletes alleges to be suffering from muscular cramps, the
opponent shall be declared the winner of the match.

5.7 When an athlete vomits or loses control of basic bodily functions, with
involuntary urination or bowel incontinence, during the fight.
SECTION 6
UNIFORMS/FURTHER REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Uniform:

• The athlete must be sure to follow the regulations for competition dress code
and personal requirements as listed in this document.

• If a competitor does not stand by these rules, he will not be allowed to start
the match. Once a competitor has been notified that his presentation does
not fit to the specified requirements, there will be an opportunity to go and
change it within a per-defined time frame.

• The competitor shall wear a GI that must fit its size and must allow a proper
grip according to the rules.

6.1.1 Competitors must wear elasticated undergarments. In the female divisions,

it is mandatory for the use of a stretchy or elasticated one-piece suit (leotard) that
hugs the body beneath the GI; it can be short or long sleeved.

6.1.2 It is also permitted for athletes to use a one-piece swim garment (bathing
suit) or gymnastic top.
In the male divisions, a stretchy or elastic shirt is optional. No cotton or synthetic
(polyester) T-shirts, are allowed.

6.1.3 The athlete (male and female) not wearing undergarments will be
disqualified from the match.

6.1.5 In the female divisions, the athlete will be permitted to cover their heads.
The Head Cover must follow these requirements:
• Must be fixed and made with elastic fabric (or have elastics at the borders).
• Be made without any kind of plastic or hard materials.
• Be made with no strings of any kind.
• Be clear of any inscription or logo.
• Must be totally black, white, black and white, and/or the color of the rank (belt)
to which the athlete belongs.
• Also permitted as part of the female uniform is a single-piece head cover, which
should be made of elastic and cover the neck, ears and completely cover the hair,
similar to the head cover of a wet suit, and be entirely black, white, black and
white, and/or the color of the rank (belt) to which the athlete belongs.
6.1.6 The event’s organizers may demand that athletes have two GIs of different
colours (one royal blue and the other white), in order to distinguish between the
two athletes in a match.

6.1.7 Patches may only be affixed in authorized regions of the GI, as illustrated
below. They must be properly seamed. All patches unseamed or in unauthorized
regions of the GI will be removed by the inspectors.

6.1.8 Permitted: a GI brand tag in the front lower part of the pants (according to
illustration). The tag must be made of a thin fabric (not embroidered) and be at
most 36cm2.

6.1.9 Athletes are allowed to weigh in without knee or elbow braces, but they
must wear them at the time of the GI inspection.

6.1.10 Use of any foot gear, head gear, hair pins, jewellery, cups (genital
protectors), or any other protector of hard material that may cause harm to an
opponent or the athlete himself is forbidden.

6.1.11 The use of joint protectors (knee, elbow braces, etc.) that increase body
volume to the point of making it harder for an opponent to grip the GI are also
forbidden.

6.2 No-GI Jiu Jitsu Uniform

6.2.1 Both genders must wear a shirt of elastic material (skin tight) long enough to
cover the torso all the way to the waistband of the shorts, colored black, white, or
black and white, and with at least 10% of the rank color (belt) to which the athlete
belongs. Shirts 100% the color of the athlete’s rank (belt) are also permitted.
* For black belts a small red area will be tolerated.

6.2.2 Board shorts colored black, white, black and white, and/or the color of the
rank (belt) to which the athlete belongs, without pockets or with the pockets
stitched completely shut, without buttons, zippers or any form of plastic or metal
that could present a risk to the opponent, long enough to cover at least halfway
down the thigh (no more than 15 cm from the knee), and no longer than the
knee.

6.2.3 Also permitted are compression shorts made of elastic material (skin tight)
worn beneath the shorts, in the colors black, white, black and white, and/or the
color of the rank (belt) to which the athlete belongs.
6.3 FURTHER REQUIREMENTS

6.3.1 Each athlete shall only have one opportunity to step on the official weighing
scales at each event.

6.3.2 The maximum weight for male divisions is 110 kg with GI and 98 Kg ‘no-gi’
and for female divisions is 90 Kg with gi and 88 Kg ‘no-gi’. A fighter should not
exceed this weight on the weigh-in day. There are no higher weight divisions.

6.3.3 An athlete proven to be a black belt in judo, have experience in freestyle or

Greco-Roman wrestling or to have fought MMA as professional or amateur, shall
not be allowed to enter any tournament as a white belt.

6.4 HYGIENE

• The competitors are not allowed to wear anything that may injure or
endanger anybody.
• Long hair must be tied up with a soft hair-band. The hijab (Muslim hair cover)
is allowed.
• Nails must be trimmed and short.
• Outside the match area, athletes must wear footwear.
• Gis must be clean and dry, having no odor.
SECTION 7
7.1 COMPETITION AREA (FIELD OF PLAY- FOP)
• The Field of play must be set up by following the additional regulations listed
in the affiliated document.

• The competition area must be covered by mats, which the “fighting area”
should be one color, and the “safety area” should be a different color. Both are
called “Match area”.

• The area outside the ‘fighting area’ shall be called the ‘safety area’.

7.2 SCORE TABLE

• The score- table is placed opposite the position of the MR at the beginning of
the fight.

• The score-table shall be composed of one scorekeeper responsible for the

operation of the electronic scoreboard.

7.3 CATEGORIES AND TIME

7.1 The categories are set according to the organization code.

7.2 The match duration is determined according to the category.
7.3 Between two matches, a recovery time of one full, regular match duration
must be given. Before the finals, an athlete can claim double the match duration
time for recovery.
SECTION 8
COACHES

Only one (1) coach per athlete is allowed in the match area due to the
competition format.

8.1 The coach stays at the border of the contest area during the match, and may
assist one of the contestants.

8.2 A coach is a role model, and as such his behaviour must reflect the martial arts
code of ethics and personal conduct.

8.3 The coach must be dressed properly (complete tracksuit or smart dress).
During the eliminations the track suit of the team is acceptable. In certain events,
a special dress code may be established.

8.4 If the coach exhibits offensive behaviour towards the athletes, the referee, the
audience or anyone else, the ‘mat referee’ (MR) may decide to dismiss him from
the area reserved to the officials (FOP) for the remaining duration of them match.

8.5 If the offensive behaviour continues, the referees of the match may decide to
dismiss him from the official tournament grounds. The organizer/host reserves
the right to ban anyone it deems ‘troublesome’ from the venue.

8.6 8.6 When the coaches are inside the fighting area they cannot speak to the
referee, either insinuate the points. They are only allowed to speak to their
athlete.