NEW WAKO RULES

- New concept
- Significant changes

WAKO IF Board meeting,

Saturday, August 22nd, 2020

Prepared by Romeo Desa, WAKO Technical Director

WAKO Rules Committee
Committee First Name Second Name Nation

Chairman/President Roy Baker Ireland

WAKO IF Athletes Committee Kian Golpira Germany
WAKO IF Athletes Committee Zsolt Moradi Hungary
WAKO Ring Committee Yury Lakhtikov Estonia
WAKO Ring Committee Sami Savo Finland
Organising Committee Romeo Desa Croatia
Organising Committee Srdjan Bugarcic Serbia
Technical Committee Istvan Kiraly Hungary
Coaching Committee Daimi Aikin Norway
Coaching Committee Dave Heffernan Ireland
Medical Committee Gianlorenzo Daniele Italy
WAKO Tatami Eleftheria Panagopoulou Greece
WAKO Tatami Kim Kristofferson Norway
Technical Director Ring Vadim Ukraintsev Russia
The Founding principles are:
 Clarity

 Simplicity

 Consistency

 Alignment

 Understanding

 Safety
After more than a year of discussion within involved WAKO IF Committees,
coordinators Srdjan Bugarcic and Romeo Desa have collected more than 1000
pages of various comments, opinions and proposals for changes and
corrections.

Subsequently, the coordinators began drafting a new proposal of WAKO Rules.

On this occasion, the basic principles that were applied were:
- new concept of rules (put all common things in general rules, do not repeat
provisions, introduce chapters of definition and chapter of procedures,
separate chapters for disciplines)
- uniform vocabulary in all parts of the rules, so kickboxer is used everywhere,
not athlete, participant, competitor, he / she, etc.
- avoid to use names and terms from other sports when defining equipment,
techniques and other details
- as much as possible uniformity of rules across disciplines
- as much as possible correct the rules to be understandable for everyone -
even viewers who are unfamiliar with kickboxing, rules should be simple and
understandable as much as possible
- proposals for new medical rules are included in this revision of the rules
 After the last proposal was drafted, the committee chairmen were
informed twice about the proposal, and a written proposal was sent to
them.
 After that, we again received a whole series of changes and requests for
amendments.
 The Coordinators met again and included in the draft rules everything that
was agreed between the committees.
 Still, several issues remained, which were ultimately determined by a vote
from the committee chairman.
 At the WAKO IF Board meeting on April 25th, the proposal of NEW WAKO
RULES were discussed and a decision was postponed. After that, the
members of the WAKO IF Board sent their remarks, which were finally
agreed and included in the new rules.
What finally is accepted :
• as much as possible, we combined and merged the provisions and put everything in common
into the GENERAL RULES or into the general rules tatami and ring. We maximally tried not to
repeat the s and regulations.
• that's why we reorganized the rules and introduced DEFINITIONS in the general rules - for
equipment and officials and lot of others and special part – PROCEDURES with several standard
procedures.
• it is accepted that age categories are determined by year of birth and NOT by date of birth.
• accepted that the discipline K1 Rules is called K1 STYLE. It is very clumsy and incomprehensible to
say and write that the fight is in K1 Rules Rules.
• in the text, we distinguish between Referee as a person and CENTRAL REFEREE as a duty
• as much as possible harmonization the referee and judge practice in the ring and on the tatami,
and therefore it is accepted that competitors in the ring and on tatami be equally cautioned
and punished,
• the CENTRAL REFEREE ON TATAMI has the opportunity to make his own decision, and not as it is
now that the central referee on the tatami must consult with every decision with to all the judges.
Central referee is responsible for safety and for respecting rules, judges are responsible for
scoring. In point fighting central referee will decide with majority and in light and kick light he can
decide by himself
• The Central referee in tatami-disciplines must use medical gloves and must change them after
every fight in which blood has occurred.
• in the procedures it is accepted changing the REGISTRATION PROCEDURE - in short - registrations
are open up to 7 days before the competition and are visible and anyone can change
whatever they want before time expired, after that there are no changes except cancellation
• all necessary FORMS AND DOCUMENTS are defined and an examples are given in the appendix
• All international competitions must follow WAKO rules completely. Competitions at national
level can adapt organizational part of rules to national regulations, but the rules of fighting
disciplines must be fully respected.
• All WAKO International competitions A/B/C Class must apply with the event application and
be pre-approved to be included in the WAKO Calendar.
• Prior to inclusion in the WAKO Calendar, the promoter must submit a request for consent to
organize an international kickboxing competition. The application form is in appendix 31
• Consent must be requested for all WAKO international competitions A/B/C Class and
Continental Championships. (World championships are approved according to a special
procedure)
• Continental championships and A class international tournaments must be requested minimum
one year before, other tournaments minimum 6 month before.
• The organizer of the competition is obliged to submit an invitation brochure and a poster for
verification and approval to the WAKO Organizing Committee before the announcement in
the WAKO Calendar and on the official website of WAKO.
• All international competitions must apply the SportData system of registration and processing
of results. Only participants with SportID can register for international competitions.
• International competitions not approved by the WAKO Organizing Committee cannot be
included in the WAKO Calendar.
• National federations may not organize international competitions that are not approved and
verified by the WAKO Organizing Committee, and any national federations are not allowed to
participate in such competitions.
• National federation may be sanctioned for non-compliance with this decision (organization
and/or participation in not-approved competitions).
• International Seminars (Cross border) (athlete, referee, coach and medical-anti-
doping) organized outside of the competition must be approved, verified and
included in the WAKO Calendar.
• Seminar’s programs must be aligned with the WAKO Educational program and
WAKO Rules.
• The organizer of the seminar is obliged to announce the seminar in a timely manner,
and to get verification and approval from the concerned committee (athlete,
coach, referee or medical-antidoping) to hold a seminar.
• Prior to inclusion seminar in the WAKO Calendar, the promoter must submit a request
for consent to organize an international kickboxing seminar. The application form is in
appendix 32
• In order for the seminar organizer to get approval for the seminar from the
committee, organizer must first submit the invitation letter, the poster, the seminar’s
program, the name and surname of the seminar leader and speakers and who will
be the seminar’s participants.
• The chairman of the committee (athlete, coach, referee or medical-antidoping) will
give his consent for the seminar after the consent of the members of the committee,
as soon as possible if the previous conditions are met and if the seminar is organized
in accordance with the WAKO Rules.
Other significant changes of rules:
• RANKING CRITERIA for SEEDING - the basis will be the points earned at the World and
Continental Championships and World Cups in the last two years. Kickboxer with the highest
score is number 1, next number 2, etc
• It is accepted two types of disqualifications - TECHNICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DISQUALIFICATION -
after technical disqualification the kickboxer retains what he has achieved until this moment
(result, medal), but after behavioural disqualification kickboxer lost result and has no right to medal
• Warnings and disqualification are provided for coaches if they interfere with the work of the
central referee, stop the fight and enter the fighting area
• It is not allowed to fight without a coach. If they are removed by the referee, they must be
replaced in two minutes.
• In the CHILDREN (CH) category, it is accepted to add two the smallest weight categories
• The category of BEGINNERS is clearly defined and can be included in world cups (in a
separate tournaments and competitions other than world, continental and national
championships
• After consultation with a doctor, the referee may give a warning and penalize a fighter who
ABUSES MEDICAL TIME
• Better definitions made a more significant differences between Musical forms and Creative forms
• The CENTRAL REFEREE ON THE TATAMI (LC and KL) makes the decisions by himself and he will
consult other judges only when he has not seen or when he has doubts. Just like the central
referee in the ring. Among other things, it is very important to shorten unnecessary extensions
and discussions to agree on decisions, and when we introduce that tatami fights take place
on the podium, it will not be possible for judges to confirm the exits.
• Coach is kickboxing expert who is educated and appropriately licensed for the sport of kickboxing. To
participate in World and Continental championships and World cups, coach have to be licensed by WAKO IF.
To participate in other international and national championships and kickboxing tournaments coach have to
be licensed by national federation according national law and rules.
• Coach is obliged to bring to the fighting area (ring or tatami): towel, plastic bottle of water to be used for
drinking and mouth wash only. No other type of water bottle is permitted at fighting area (tatami or ring) for
use by the kickboxers or coaches (glass bottle is forbidden).
• It is not allowed to carry bags or backpack, but it is allowed to carry a small document bag around the waist
• The coach must remain seated at all times on the chair provided and must not interfere or disrupt with the
smooth running of the fight by gesture or deed. It’s strictly prohibited to put arms on the platform, to stand up or
enter the fighting are, including even the stairs, during the fight.
• If the coach notices a material mistake of the Central Referee, an mistake in measuring time or recording points
and results, the coach has the right to stand up and show to the Central Referee a T sign with his palms (Time)
and request the break of the fight and correction of the material mistake. The coach has the right to request a
break and correction of a material mistake 2 (TWO) times in one fight. The coach has no right to request a
change in the Central referee's or Judge's decision which is not a material mistake. If the coach complains or
comment to the Central referee's or Judges decision he will be warned.
• The Central referee after two verbal warnings has right to disqualified from the fight the coach who does not
obey his orders following a majority decision of the judges and supervisor.
• In case that disqualified coach continues with violation of rules, act aggressive towards officials, other coaches,
kickboxers or spectators, Chief referee has right to disqualified him for all fighting day of competition. In such a
case, the Chief referee must initiate disciplinary procedure.
• In case that coach disqualification is for whole day or the entire tournament, Chief referee of this fighting area
must inform against coach to the WAKO HQ in written form, and the office must carry out the procedure in
accordance with the applicable regulations. Disciplinary committee will prosecute such a case.
• To ensure gender equality, we separated categories of TEAM FIGHTS (3 male kickboxers and 3 female
kickboxers) were introduced in point fighting in team fights
• HAND AND FOOT WRAPS of 2.5 to 5 m are allowed, bandages can be used on hands and feet. ANKLE SUPPORT is
mandatory when foot wraps are used
• In K1 Style THROWING TECHNIQUES are not allowed except foot sweep technique (ankle level only, from outside
to inside and vice versa). It is allowed to hold opponent’s neck with one or both hands in order to attack him
with the knee immediately. Only one knee is allowed during one single attack if the kickboxer hold opponent's
neck or shoulders with one or both hands
• GROINN PROTECTOR is mandatory for all female competitors in all age categories
• It is accepted the proposal of the Ring Referee Committee introducing ONE CAUTION, ONE WERBAL WARNING
and 4 OFFICIAL WARNINGS (2nd official warning mean 1st minus point, 3rd official warning mean 2nd minus point,
4th official warning mean 3rd minus point which is direct disqualification. Intention of this regulation is to reduce
the impact of referees' decisions on the final result of the fight – penalties are equal on the tatami and in the ring
• MAXIMUM TIME FOR MEDICAL STOP in one fight is 2 minutes for each kickboxer in all disciplines
• KD and KO and COUNTING IN TATAMI DISCIPLINES has been introduced to protect a fighter who has suffered a
severe strike. Those who dealt too much and uncontrolled strike that led to knock down will be penalized with -
point, but knocked out kickboxer can't participate in next fights
• In ring disciplines, it is NOT accepted proposal that PARTIALLY DEVIATED PUNCHES be scored, and it is NOT
accepted that KICK IN HEAD be scored as 2 points
• The CENTRAL REFEREE MUST NOT ASSIST any unconscious or semi-conscious fighter lying on the floor, after knock
down. All he has to do is keep him on the floor until the doctor arrives. Removing the mouth guard or turning
kickboxer to a lateral position is dangerous. Request from Chairman of WAKO Medical committee
• The rules for each discipline are reduced to the maximum so that the provisions are not repeated.
• Everything is put in one book, there are tables of contents for the whole book and tables of contents for each
chapter for better transparency and easier retrieval
• If the kickboxer is late or not ready for the fight, but on time before the two minutes finished, the Central
referee will start the fight with “official warning” to the kickboxer.
• In PF the Central Referee and two judges with their position in the triangle ensure that at least two of
them clearly see the performance of the technique in the fight.
• Competitors in point fighting – belts are optional and should indicating their grade, but competitors in
light contact and kick light no belts indicating grade are allowed.
Clarification about exit in tatami disciplines:
• If a Kickboxer leaves the area (EXIT) without being pushed, kicked or knocked out by his opponent it will
be seen as a "Voluntary Exit" and will receive a warning and one minus point from the Central referee.
After leaving the area for the fourth time - 4th minus point, the kickboxer will be disqualified.
• Warnings (minus points) for leaving the area will be kept as a separate issue from warnings for other
offences. From the first warning will receive one minus point.
• If the kickboxer fights on the edge of Tatami, the Central referee must not stop the fight to prevent the
kickboxers from the exit.
• Stepping out (EXIT) means stepping outside the line, even with only one foot.
• Stepping on the line should not be considered as stepping out. The whole the foot must be outside the
designated area.
• If the kickboxer is pushed out by the other kickboxer, or if he went outside the line as a result of a hit or
kick, it is not classed as a voluntary exit.
• If a kickboxer is pushed, kicked or knocked out of the tatami, the Central referee must decide if it was
with excessive force, if so – a warning should be given to the attacker, if not – a warning for an exit
(minus point) should be given to the kickboxer stepping outside and kickboxers should start from the
center of the tatami.
• In point fighting central referee will decide with majority and in light and kick light he can decide by
himself
NEW CONCEPT
Chapter 1. - General rules
• Definition of kickboxing sport

Definitions
• Participants in kickboxing sports
• Competitions
• Equipment and clothes

Procedures
• Registration procedure
• Accommodation booking procedure
• Accreditation procedure
• Weigh-in procedure
• Medical check procedure
• Drawing procedure
• Disqualification procedure
• Procedure of prompting the protest
• Change of referee's decision
procedure
• Opening ceremony procedure
• Awarding ceremony procedure
• Official report procedure
• Rules changes procedure
Committees
• Tournament Committee
• Coaches Committee
• Medical, health and anti-
doping committee
• Technical Committee
General provisions
• Unsportsmanlike behaviour
• Participation of WAKO
members in other dissident
organizations
• Rule changes
• Special notes
Chapter 2. - Tatami rules - general
• Disciplines
• Fighting area
• Weight categories
• Rounds
• Equipment and clothes
• Officials
• Decisions
• Awarding of points
• Hand Signals
• Knock down (KD) and knock out (KO)
• Open scoring electronic system

Chapter 3. - Point fighting rules

• Definition
• Equipment and clothes in point fighting
• Legal target areas
• Legal techniques
• Illegal techniques
(prohibited techniques and behaviour)
• Awarding of points
• Referees and Judges
• Grand Champ
• Team competition
Chapter 4. - Light contact rules
• Definition
• Safety equipment and clothes
• Legal target areas
• Legal techniques
• Illegal techniques
(prohibited techniques and behaviour)

Chapter 5. -Kick light rules

• Definition
• Safety equipment and uniforms
• Legal target areas
• Legal techniques
• Illegal target areas
(prohibited techniques and behaviour)
• Awarding points
(Using Electronic Scoring System)

Chapter 6. - Form rules

• Form rules - general
• Musical form rules
• Creative form rules
Chapter 7. - Ring rules - general
• Disciplines
• Competitors in ring disciplines
• Fighting area
• Ring
• Accessories of the ringside
• Weight categories
• Younger juniors (YJ)
• Older juniors (OJ)
• Seniors (S)
• Rounds
• Medical time
• Equipment and clothes
• Kickboxers in full contact
• Kickboxers in low kick
• Kickboxers in K Style
• Officials
• Chief referee of the Ring
• Central referee
• Judges
• Number of officials per ring
• Decisions
• Victory by points (P)
• Victory by abandonment (AB)
• Victory by stoppage (RSC, RSC-H)
• Victory by knock out (KO)
• Victory by technical knockout (TKO)
• Victory by disqualification (DISQ)
• Victory by walk over (WO)
• Special situations
• Changing a decision
• Awarding of points
• Concerning strikes
• Concerning offences
• Awarding points
• Penalty
• Knock down (KD) and knock out
(KO) (On the floor)
• Procedure after KO, RSC, RSC-H,
Injury
• Procedure after injuries in general
• Open Scoring Electronic System
Chapter 8. - Full contact rules
• Definition
• Safety equipment and clothes
• Legal target areas
• Legal techniques
• Illegal techniques
• Number of kicks per round

Chapter 9. - Low kick rules

• Definition
• Safety equipment and clothes
• Legal target areas
• Legal techniques
• Illegal techniques

Chapter 10. - K1 Style rules

• Definition
• Safety equipment and clothes
• Legal target areas
• Legal techniques
• Illegal techniques
Appendix
• Point fighting clothes
• Light contact clothes
• Kick light clothes
• Full contact clothes
• Low kick / K1 Style clothes.
• Muslim female kickboxer clothes
• Point fighting gloves
• Kickboxing gloves
• Breast protector
• Shin guard PF, LC, KL, FC
• Shin guard LK, K1
• Foot protection
• Ring design
• Tatami floor layout
• Each round result form
• Protest form
• Accreditation cards - examples
• Medical certificate
• Medical questionnaire
• Dentist-orthodontist approval
• Non-pregnancy declaration
• Liability waiver
• Parental & Legal Guardian Consent
• Referee's Code of Conduct
• Referee and official’s uniforms
• Central referee's hand signals
Proposal of new WAKO Rules are
accepted by the WAKO IF Board, the
Rules will enter into force on January
1st 2021 and be in force for at least 2
years.
Those two years should be the period
of application of the rules and of
collecting proposals for amendments
based on experience in applying
these rules in this period.

Coordinators Romeo Desa and

Srdjan Bugarcic would be in charge
of collecting and agreeing
additional new proposals.

If you have any questions or clarifications, do not hesitate to contact the

coordinators. Send your questions and suggestions to the e-mail address:
technical.director@wako.sport
Thank
you