• Taekwondo matches should be contested by competitors of the same sex and in the same

classified weight category.

• The competition area is a mat that measures 8 metres squared.
• Taekwondo matches are contested over 3 x 2 minute rounds with a rest of 1
minute between rounds.
• Each fighter attempts to knockout their opponent or score points by landing
blows on their opponent’s torso or head. Kicks are allowed to both to the torso and head, whilst
punches are only allowed to the body. Below the waist is not a permitted target.
• If a fighter and their coach think that a point has been missed or that a mistake
has been made, they can make a protest. A video replay is then looked at by judges and a decision
is made.
• Fighters can lose points by the way of penalties. These can be incurred by actions
such as:
◦ Punching to the face
◦ Attacking with the knee
◦ Attacking below the waist
◦ Stepping out of the ring with both feet
◦ Turning your back on your opponent
◦ Pushing, holding or grabbing your opponent
◦ Feigning injury
• The match is won by the fighter who knocks their opponent out or who has the
greater number of points at the end of the three rounds.
• If the match is a draw, a golden point round is fought, with the fighter landing the
first scoring point being declared the winner.