general tournament rules

©USK Karate Academy 2015. All Rights Reserved.

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General Tournament Rules:

1. A correct and proper uniform is required to participate. All patches and trim must be

correct. Uniform should be cleaned and pressed.

2. Gup Members will be judged on a 7 point scale.

a. 7.1 – 7.3: Below Average

b. 7.4 – 7.6: Average

c. 7.7 – 7.9: Above Average

3. Dan Members will be judged on an 8 point scale.

a. 8.1 – 8.3: Below Average

b. 8.4 – 8.6: Average

c. 8.7 – 8.9: Above Average

Entering and Exiting the Ring

When your name is called by the score keeper, you stand up, say yes sir/ma’am.

Make your way to the top of the ring using the least obtrusive path to do so. Stand at

attention waiting for the center referee to acknowledge you.

Entering for Forms and Breaking Competition:

o When the center referee tells you to enter the ring for forms and breaking, run

forward towards the seated referees, stop about two feet in front of them, bow,

and then stand in jhoon bee. The center referee will ask for your full name and

the name of your form or break. Follow the center referee’s directions and wait

until the center referee tells you to begin.

o Once your performance is complete, you hold your last position. You will then be

directed to line up in front of the judges like at the beginning. Each person will

receive scores while standing at attention. To exit, bow simultaneously to the

center referee, run backwards to the top edge of the ring, simultaneously cheer

“Tang Soo!” Face your fellow competitor, shake hands and say thank you. Then

you make it back to your seated spot using the lease obtrusive path to do so.


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Entering for Sparring Competition:

o When the center referee tells you to enter the ring for sparring, run forward to

the center of the ring, stay on either side of the center referee.

o To exit, move quickly to the top edge of the ring, keeping your front facing the

center referee. At the top edge of the ring simultaneously cheer “Tang Soo!”

Face your fellow competitor, shake hands and say thank you. Then make your

way back to your seated spot using the least obtrusive path to do so.

Forms Competition

Choosing a Form

All competitors must choose a form they have previously learned in class. The form can

be within one rank promotion of the competitor’s current rank.

Competitors ages 3 to 6 perform a Warrior Walk. This is a compilation of techniques the

competitor has learned. They may perform any technique in any order they choose.

And each performance may vary. They are required to start at the edge of the ring and

“walk” or move forward towards the judges while performing the techniques. The

Warrior Walk is complete once they have made it, or “walked” to the area specified by

the judges.

Judging for Forms

All competitors begin with a 7.9 or 8.9 score in relation to their rank. During their

presentation and form performance, the judges will automatically deduct points and

add points to arrive at the final score.

Warrior Walks are subject to the same judging guidelines as forms.

The following areas are responsible for the addition or subtraction of points (but not

limited to):

o Presentation of entering the ring, your name, form, uniform, sportsman like

conduct

o Spatial awareness


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o Breathing

o Line of sight

o Stances

o Use of hip

o Body lines

o Proper sequence of forms

o Posture

o Attitude/Spirit

o Personal touch/beauty added to form

Before presenting the scores for each competitor, the center referee may ask for the

competitor’s name once more. Or they may say, “Scoring for the person on my right.”

This is to make sure the scores go to the correct competitor.

Intentional contact and poor sportsmanlike conduct between competitors are grounds

for automatic disqualification and ejection from competition.

Tie Scores

In the event of a tie, the scorekeeper will drop the highest score from each of the

competitors that are engaged in the tie. If there is still a tie, the competitors will be

asked to perform again. They can choose the same form or a different form they have

learned as long as the different form meets the criteria stated before.

Warrior Walk- in the event of a tie, where the hi and low score is dropped but a tie still

remains, each competitor will perform another warrior walk to break the tie.

The tie breaker score should be written in a blank space on the scoring sheet next to the

competitor’s name. Do not erase the original scores.

The loser of the tie breaker will place lower than the winner of the tie breaker.

o For example: In a tie for second place, the winner gets second place and the

loser will place third.

o In a tie for third place, the winner gets third place and the loser of the tie

breaker does not place.


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Making Mistakes During a Form Presentation: What to do and the Deduction of

Points

Sequence Errors

o The competitor can fix the error immediately during the presentation, if they

realize that a mistake was made.

o If the competitor realizes that they made a mistake after the full completion of

their form presentation- complete the form’s jhoon bee, then make a bow to the

center referee, and then stand in jhoon bee.

o A tenth of a point (.10) will be deducted from a competitor’s overall score for

each sequence error made during the presentation.

o This does not apply to Warrior Walk.

Starting Over

o In both Gup and Dan competition, competitors may request to start their form

over from the beginning when they have made a mistake or if they have

forgotten a part of their presentation. In this case, stand at attention, raise your

hand and wait for the center referee to acknowledge you. Simply ask, “May I

start again sir/ma’am?”

o Each competitor may start over a maximum of 1 time.

o Two tenths of a point (.20) will be deducted from a competitor’s overall score for

starting over. When a competitor starts over a second time, they will be given

an automatic score of 7.0 or 8.0 relative to their rank. Receiving a score of 7.0 or

8.0 (relative to rank) is a disqualification.

o Competitors ages 3 to 6 years old may start over 1 time. They will receive two

tenths of a point (.20) deduction from their overall score. If the competitor

needs to start over a second time, they will be given an automatic score of 7.0.

Receiving a score of 7.0 is a disqualification.


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Sparring Competition

Competitors that are Eligible to Free Spar

All competitors ages 7 and up are eligible to free spar.

Exceptions can be made for competitors that train regularly in classes of older children.

For example a 6 year old that trains regularly in classes with 7-9 year olds, may free

spar.

Competitors ages 3-6 are eligible to participate in “belt sparring”.

Required Sparring Gear

Proper protective gear (foam dipped) is required for all competitors.

o Females: Headgear, hand gear, foot gear, and mouth guard

o Males: Headgear, hand gear, foot gear, mouth guard, jock strap and protective

cup

Males will be asked to knock on their cups before sparring competition

o Competitors ages 3 to 6 years old: Headgear and mouth guard only for belt

sparring

If all pieces of the required gear are not present and in good working condition, then the

competitor will not be admitted to participate.

o For example- headgear must be properly secured using the chin strap. If the

strap is missing, the competitor may not be admitted to spar.

Other pieces of protective gear may be worn in addition to the required gear stated

above. For example, shin guards or forearm pads may be worn under the uniform.

The Length of the Sparring Matches

Belt sparring matches are 1 minute. White, orange, and green belt sparring matches are

1 minute. Red belt sparring matches are 1 min 30 seconds. Dan level sparring matches

are 2 minutes.

o Time only stops if the center referee instructs the timekeeper to stop time.

Center referee must also instruct the timekeeper to restart the time.


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o If there is a tie at the end of the match, competitors will spar until a point is

scored, no time limit, called “sudden point”. The first point scored wins the

match.

o If there is a 5-point spread between competitors, the match will end, regardless

of time remaining.

Opening and Closing the Match (different from entering/exiting the ring)

Both competitors face the center referee and bow simultaneously. Then, face your

competitor and bow simultaneously. Stand in Jhoon Bee.

The center referee will call sparring position for the competitors, check distance, and

ask for readiness from judges, scorekeeper and timekeeper, and then the center referee

will begin the match.

Follow all of the center referees instructions carefully.

Only stop sparring when the center referee says stop. Do not stop sparring if a corner

judge says “point”.

When the center referee calls “Stop”, cease all sparring and quickly make your way to

your side and stand in jhoon bee. Wait for the center referee’s directions.

The winner of the match will be announced at the match’s completion.

To close the match, face your partner and simultaneously bow. Then face the center

referee and simultaneously bow. Then the winner will be announced.

Judging for Sparring

There are two judging sets: a 3 judge set and a 5 judge set. Simple majority rules apply.

o 3 Judge Set- used for Gup and Dan competition

2 judges are required to confirm any call.

o 5 Judge Set- used for the Master level Competition and Grand Champion

matches

3 judges are required to confirm any call.


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Point Calling

A red flag (held in the left hand) straight up is a point call for red.

A white flag (held in the right hand) straight up is a point call for white.

A no point (flag sticks crossed into an X in front of the judge’s chest) is called if you are

not awarding a point to red or white.

Multiple point calls are distinguished by the use of the judge’s fingers pointed out and

away from the raised flagstick.

o Hand in a closed fist around flag stick is a 1 point call.

o 2 fingers pointed out from flag stick is a 2 point call.

o 3 fingers pointed out from the flag stick is a 3 point call.

Competitors may not pursue each other if they have stepped outside of the ring with

both feet. Competitors may not pursue each other if one of them has fallen to the

ground.

3 Foot Rule:

o Points can be scored ONLY if there are at least three (3) feet belonging to the

competitors inside of the ring. To clarify, if a competitor has stepped out of the

ring with one foot, but the other foot is fully inside of the ring AND the second

competitor has both feet fully inside the ring – points can be scored because

there are 3 FEET inside the ring.

o Points cannot be scored when both feet belonging to a competitor are outside of

the ring or if a single foot of both competitors is outside of the ring. This would

mean there are only 2 feet inside the ring – not enough to score.

Multiple Point Calls: in the event that the judges call points but for different amounts,

majority rules apply. For example: (R will denote point for Red, W will denote point for

White. The number will denote how points are being called.)

o R1, R2, R3= 2 points for Red because two out of three judges agree that there is

at least 2 points that should be awarded.

o W2, W1, W1= 1 point for White because two out of three judges agree that there

is at least 1 point that should be awarded.


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o R3, R3, R2= 3 points for Red because two out of three judges agree that there is

at least 3 points that should be awarded.

Belt Sparring Points:

o When a belt is pulled off a competitor during a belt sparing match, a point has

been scored.

o There will be a “judge’s call” to officially determine who scored the point.

o In the event that belts appear to have been pulled simultaneously, the “judge’s

call” will determine if any belt was pulled first for a point.

o Competitors cannot score a point simultaneously. If it cannot be determined

which side was pulled first, then a call of “no point” shall be given.

o Competitors may not hold their belts to prevent them from being pulled. They

may block a competitor’s attempts to pull them.

o Competitors may not spar on their knees.

Point Scale:

Ground techniques = 1 point

o Examples: Front Kick, Middle Punch, Inside to Outside Kick, Peet Cha Gi (reverse

roundhouse kick)

Delivery of a controlled sweep or take down technique followed by a clean attack, using

either the hand or foot with good form and balance = 1 point

o This is ONLY permitted at the red belt level and Dan level.

Jump Kicks = 2 points

o Both feet of the person performing the technique must be above their own belt

level (when in sparring position) during the jumping kick

o Examples: Jump Front Kick, Flying Side Kick, Jump Roundhouse Kick

Spinning Kicks = 2 Points

o Examples: Back Kick, Spinning Inside to Outside Kick, Spinning Hook Kick

Side Step and Immediate Counter Attack = 2 points

Jump Spinning Kicks = 3 points


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o Both feet of the person performing the technique must be above their own belt

level (when in sparring position) during the jump spinning kick.

If the jump is not high enough, the technique will be given 2 points for a

spinning kick.

o Examples: Jump Spinning Inside to Outside Kick, Jump Back Kick, Jump Spinning

Outside to Inside Kick

Contact Calls and Making Contact During Free Sparring Matches

Contact rules

o Children: Any attack that touches the body is considered contact.

Children are not permitted to make any contact, except for incidental

contact caused by blocking.

o Teens/Adults/Dans:

Light touching to the body by controlled techniques is allowed. This

includes the legal targets to the face.

Contact shall not be called when a block/defensive measure makes

contact with an attack. Unless it is seen as unsportsmanlike in its

intention by the center referee.

Any redness, swelling, or bleeding that is caused by an attack is

considered excessive contact and calls for an immediate disqualification

from the match.

Attacks that cause an immediate reaction such as knocking the wind out

of someone or someone’s head jolting backwards are considered

excessive contact and calls for an immediate disqualification from the

match.

A contact call is made by tapping the sticks twice in front of your body and then holding

out the flag color of the competitor that made contact. Use the flag color of the

competitor that made contact to tap.


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For example- if Red makes contact with White- the red flag stick will tap

the white flag stick twice and then the red flag would be held out in the

appropriate position.

Contact with Point- if contact is made and there is also a point scored, tap

the sticks and hold the flag stick up.

Contact with No Point- if contact is made and no points are scored, tap

the sticks and hold the flag out parallel to the floor.

Contact and Disqualification- if there is excessive contact made (as noted

above) and the judges have met to agree upon disqualification - each

judge will appropriately tap the sticks, and point the flag stick ,of the

competitor being disqualified, at a 45 degree angle towards the floor.

This call must be made unanimously and simultaneously. This call is a

standalone call and is not used in conjunction with warning calls.

When the center referee looks at you for your call, tap the sticks again to

make sure the center referee acknowledges your call for contact.

How to get a contact warning:

o If a competitor makes contact (as stated above) for the first time, and the

majority of judges confirm the contact, the competitor will receive a warning.

The center referee will instruct the scorekeeper to give a warning on the

score board. This is denoted by a “W” written below the appropriate

competitor’s score.

Judges must see the contact in order to confirm it. A judge cannot call

contact if they have only heard a noise and thought it could have been

contact. Clashing and accidental contact does not qualify as contact.

Accidental contact examples: bumping into each other, trying to

score simultaneously and the techniques make contact, etc.

o If a competitor makes contact for a second time and the judges confirm it, the

competitor will be disqualified from the match.


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o If any contact creates redness, swelling, or bleeding, it is an automatic

disqualification from the match, regardless of warnings.

o Intentional contact and poor sportsmanlike conduct between competitors are

grounds for automatic disqualification and ejection from competition.

Distance to Score and Target Areas

Distance needed to score a point:

o Children Gup Members: Should be within approximately 18 inches from the

target area to score.

o Adults and Dan Members: May be within an inch of the target area and/or touch

uniform, helmet, or the other competitor as long as the attack does not cause

redness, swelling, bleeding , knock the wind out of a person, or seriously jolt the

body or knock them to the floor.

Target Areas to score a point:

o Face, side of the head (ear, temple, jaw) and Torso are acceptable areas.

o Legs, arms, any other area below the belt, the top of the head, and the back of

the body are not target areas. These areas are dangerous and must be avoided.

Belt Sparring All competitors ages 3 to 6 years old will compete in belt sparring.

The “point belts” that get pulled are actually cut pieces of a white belt with red tape on

each end.

The “point belts” must be tucked into the competitor’s belt on other side of the belt

knot. (not on the side of competitor’s body)

A point is counted when a competitor pulls the belt of their fellow competitor.

Only one belt can be pulled off at a time.

Only one point can be scored at a time.

There will be two assistances present for the main purpose of replacing the “point belts”

at the appropriate times during the belt sparring matches.

Once a competitor has pulled a belt i.e. scored a point, the center referee will stop the

match and instruct the competitors to come back to the original starting position (like in


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tradition sparring matches). Then the two assistances will move into the center of the

ring and replace the belts simultaneously. During which time the center referee will also

be calling for the “judge’s call”. Once the point has been established and the belts

returned to the competitors, the center referee will continue the match.

All belt sparring matches are one minute in length.

o Time only stops if the center referee instructs the timekeeper to stop time.

o If there is a tie at the end of the match, competitors will spar until a point is

scored. This is called “Sudden Point”.

o The first point scored wins the match.

o If there is a 5-point spread between competitors, the match will end regardless

of time remaining.

Breaking Competition

Board Size and Stations Allowed Board size is determined by age, not rank.

o Ages 3 – 6: ¼ Inch Balsa Board

o Ages 7– 14: ½ Inch Balsa Board

o Ages 15 – 17: 1 Inch Balsa Board

o Ages 18+: 10 Inch Pine Board

o Concrete bricks/ slabs are not allowed

Stations Allowed

o White, yellow, and orange belts may break boards using 1 station.

o Green may break boards using 2 stations.

o Red Belts may break boards using 3 stations.

o Dan members may break boards using 4 stations.

o A station is any position where the competitor will perform a breaking technique

with or without the assistance of holders.


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Stacking

o Stacking refers to setting 2 or more boards on top of each other for a single

break.

o Competitors may stack boards at any station(s) they choose. They may stack as

many boards as they want, reasonably within their skill level, age, and rank. If

under the age of 18 and stacking, it is assumed that the parent or guardian is

aware of this and has allowed their child to do so.

Scoring for Breaking

All competitors will start with a 7.9 or 8.9 in relation to their rank. During their

presentation and board breaking performance, the judges will deduct and add points

appropriately.

The following areas are responsible for the addition or subtraction of points. (but not

limited to):

o Presentation entering the ring, announcing the break, set up, and preparation

o Boards breaking on the first attempt

o Creativity of the break

o Overall fluidity of the breaking performance

o Technique/Integrity

o Line of sight

o Ki Hap

o Demonstration of self confidence

o Multiple boards

o Efficient and correct set up

o Difficulty of techniques

o Transitions between breaks

o Balance before and after each break


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In the event of a tie in breaking, the hi and low score will be dropped. If a tie remains,

the competitors will be asked to perform only a single breaking technique to showcase

their skill and break the tie.

Timekeepers and Scorekeepers

Timekeepers and scorekeepers have very important jobs that require them to stay focused on

the center referee, follow directions carefully, operate a calculator, operate a stopwatch, speak

loudly and clearly, read, and write legibly.

During Forms and Breaking Competition the Scorekeeper will:

Follow the center referee’s instructions carefully.

Organize paperwork.

Write in the ring number, center referee’s name, and any other information that is

needed or missing.

Stand and introduce the start of an event before calling the first two competitors.

o For example, “Forms Competition for white belts ages 6-8 years old”.

Stand and call the names of the competitors two at a time, loudly and clearly. You may

also call “on deck” if appropriate.

o For example, “Jenn Brown, Bob Smith. On deck are Hans Solo and Obi Won”.

Write the scores for each competitor as it is called out by the timekeeper. Each score is

written in the column appropriately marked “1”, “2”, “3”, etc.

Calculate each competitors score before the end of the event. Identify ties, and the first,

second, and third place winners.

o Ties: In the case of a tie, drop the highest score for each of the tied competitors.

Then choose the winner based on the median score of the remaining two scores.

If there is no clear winner, the center referee will have the competitors present

again for a new set of scores.

o DO NOT erase the original scores.


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o In the blank spaces provided on the sheet, write in the names of the tied

competitors and record their second set of scores. Winning placement will be

identified using the second set of scores.

The second set of scores cannot be related to any other competitor’s

scores that are not engaged in the tie.

For example: Let’s say Bob and Jane are tied for third place. And in their

second set of scores, Bob wins, but Jane’s second set of scores are lower

than Jimmy’s (another competitor that did not place). Jane still gets third

place because her second set of scores were only meant to break the tie

to establish second and third place. Her original score is still higher than

Jimmy’s.

Write the names of the competitors who placed in the spaces provided on the score

sheet.

During Sparring Competition, the Scorekeeper will:


Organize paperwork. If you are unsure about using the sparring bracket, seek assistance

before the sparring competition begins.

Write in the ring number, center referee’s name, and any other information that is

needed or missing.

Stand and introduce the start of an event before calling the first two competitors.

o For example, “Sparring Competition for red belts ages 6-8 years old”.

Stand and call the names of the competitors two at a time, loudly and clearly. You may

also call “on deck” if appropriate.

o For example, “Jenn Brown, Bob Smith. On deck are Hans Solo and Obi Won

Kenobi”.

Once competitors have entered the ring, the center referee will identify the “red” side.

Mark the ‘R’ next to that person’s name. This helps to ensure points are given to the

correct competitor. And the correct competitor is advanced forward.


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Once a winner is identified, move their name to the next appropriate space in the

bracket.

Call the next two competitors and “on deck” competitors.

Continue to do the previous 3 steps until a first, second, and third place winner is

identified.

The losers of the semifinal matches will spar to identify the third place winner.

During the sparring match the Scorekeeper will hold the scoring board (white erase

board). The center referee must be able to see this board with the scores written on it

at all times during the match.

During the match write a hash mark under the appropriate color’s column (Red or

White) to award a point once the center referee has made eye contact with you and

identified who gets the point.

In the event of a warning, write a “W” at the bottom of the appropriate color’s column.

Keep a close eye on the points given and names of the competitors to make sure it

aligns properly.

When a winner is identified, refer back to the paperwork and previous steps to make

sure the correct competitor advances.

If you need assistance with paperwork ask before the event begins, or in between

matches.

During Forms and Breaking Competition the Timekeeper will:


Assist the scorekeeper as needed. For example, the scorekeeper may ask you to call the

competitors’ names aloud or help with calculations.

When scores are presented by the judges:

o Stand and read the scores loudly for the scorekeeper and spectators.

o Confirm with the score keeper that he/she heard the scores, written them, and is

ready to move on.

During Sparring Competition the Timekeeper will:


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Assist the scorekeeper as needed. For example, the scorekeeper may ask you to call the

competitors’ names aloud or help with calculations.

Keep time for each match using a stopwatch.

o The center referee will confirm with you the amount of time allowed per match.

This will happen before each sparring match by making eye contact with you and

then saying something like “2 minutes on the clock”.

o When the center referee begins the sparring match you will start the clock. The

center referee may also say “start time”. Either way the clock must begin once

the competitors begin the match and the center referee has moved out from

between the competitors.

o Keep the clock running. Do not stop the clock for points. It is ONLY appropriate

to stop time (pause the stopwatch) when the center referee makes eye contact

and says “stop time”.

o When there is 10 seconds left in the match stand up. This is an important signal

to the center referee that time is about to be complete.

o When time is finished yell “TIME” loudly. The center referee must be able hear

you. This is very important for safety and for the fairness in the length of each

match.

Repeat these steps for each sparring match.

general tournament rules

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