PAL Shotokan Karate Tournament 2016 Rulebook

Transcription

1 PAL Shotokan Karate Tournament 2016 Rulebook Contents General Competitor Rules & Responsibilities... 3 PAL Registration & Uniform... 3 The Ring (for all events and divisions)... 3 Required and Recommended Safety Equipment... 4 The following is a list of important and required features of... 4 OFFICIALS... 5 Timekeeper... 5 Scorekeeper... 5 Referee... 5 Corner Judges/Referees... 5 Added Powers of the Referee... 6 Changing of Officials... 6 Calls an official may make... 6 The Manner in which Judges Call their Score... 6 POINT SPARRING (KUMITE) RULES... 7 Order of Competition... 7 Kumite Procedure... 7 How Points are Awarded... 8 What a Point Is... 8 Length of Match, Point Values and Winner Determination... 8 Round Robin Tie Breaking Determination... 9 Legal Target Areas... 9 Illegal Target Areas... 9 Non-Target Areas... 9 Legal Techniques... 9 Illegal Techniques...10 Sweeps, Takedowns, Grabs, and Ground Fighting...10 Touch Contact Defined...10 Green Belt and Above Rule...11 Blue Belt and Below Rule...11 Page 1 of 19

2 Excessive Contact...11 Methods of Penalizing/Warnings and Penalties...11 Other Penalty Rules...12 Causes of Penalizing...12 Disqualification...13 Forfeiture...13 Out-of-Bounds...13 Non-Competing Penalty...13 Wrong Division...14 Coaching...14 FAIRNESS RULE...14 KATA/FORMS/KIHON RULES (Both Individual and Team)...14 Late Entries and Order of Performance...14 Eligible Katas...14 Starting a Kata Over (Individual Kata Only)...15 Individual Kata Procedure...15 Group Kata Procedure...15 Kihon Procedure...16 Kihon Techniques to be Performed...16 Scoring of Individual Kata, Group Kata & Kihon...17 Guidelines for Scoring...17 Tie Score Procedures...18 TOURNAMENT GRAND CHAMPION DETERMINATION...18 Notes: 1. The term PAL means the Police Activity League. 2. Referee = Center Referee = Center Judge (terms have the same meaning for kumite). 3. Judge = Corner Judge (terms have the same meaning for kumite). 4. Only decisions by the tournament s designated Head Judge will supersede the center referee s judgement. 5. In non-sparring competition, references to the judge may be any of the judges for that ring. However, the ring judge or center judge for the particular ring has final say on all matters and can only be superseded by the tournament s designated Head Judge. Page 2 of 19

3 General Competitor Rules & Responsibilities 1. Each competitor can enter: 1) 1 individual kata event 2) Up to two group kata events (with at least 1 different group kata member) 3) 1 kumite event 4) 1 kihon event (only white or yellow belt, 9 th or 8 th kyu ranks) 2. Competitors may fight up to the next higher division level if their division only consists of the 1 competitor. He/she will still be awarded a gold medal for their original division. Fighting up is required to be eligible for the Tournament Grand Champion, if this happens to occur. 3. It is the competitor's responsibility to know the rules, be ready for competition and at the appropriate ring when called to do so. 4. Each competitor must present him/herself to the center referee/judge suitably attired and physically prepared to compete. 5. Jewelry or any object which the center referee/judge feels might endanger either competitor cannot be worn. 6. Finger and toe nails must be properly cut or covered to eliminate any possible chance of injury to an opponent. 7. If he/she is not suitably attired or not physically prepared to compete as deemed by the center referee/judge, the competitor can be disqualified from competition if not rectified in a reasonable amount of time deemed by the center referee/judge. 8. If the competitor is not at his/her ring to compete when competition begins, he/she will be subject to forfeiture of the match/competition. 9. If a competitor leaves a ring after the competition begins and is not present when his/her name is called to compete, his/her name will be called three (3) times at ringside. If he/she is still not present to compete on the third call, he/she will be subject to forfeiture of the match. 10. All events may be divided into separate divisions based on gender, belt color or age. 11. All decisions by the center referees/judges and the tournament designated Head Judge are final and cannot be contested by any means, including any documentation either written or electronic. PAL Registration & Uniform 1. Each competitor must be a currently registered student with the PAL to compete. Please see your Sensei to assure you are registered for the current session as of the date of the Tournament. There will be registration forms available at the main tournament table in case there is any question as to status. 2. All competitors must wear a gi (karate uniform) deemed acceptable by the referee and it must be in a good state of repair. Any shirts worn under the gi should be white in color. The appropriate color belt representing the competitor s true rank must be worn in competition. 3. No shoes (bottom of foot coverings) of any type are allowed in the sparring division. The Ring (for all events and divisions) 1. The size of the fighting and kata/form rings shall be approximately 16' x 16' minimum with borders of each ring clearly marked. Page 3 of 19

4 2. Sparring lines should be marked approximately six feet apart in the center of each ring. The center of the ring should be clearly marked as well. 3. Each ring should be posted with a ring number at the scoring table visible to competitors, officials and personnel. Required and Recommended Safety Equipment 1. PAL approved head gear, hand and foot pads/instep pads (covering the top of the foot), mouthpieces and groin cups (for male competitors only) are mandatory for all competitors in all sparring divisions. Chest protectors and face masks are optional as long as they are deemed safe to both competitors by the center referee. 2. If a competitor s equipment is deemed inadequate or unsafe by the referee, such equipment will not be allowed in competition and may result in the forfeiture by the competitor. 3. The competitor may use equipment provided by the tournament staff if their equipment is deemed inadequate/unsafe or is unavailable. 4. Competitors must have their own mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is required in all sparring divisions with no exceptions. Competitors without a mouthpiece will forfeit the match. 5. Bandages, padding, supports (non-metallic) are permitted if deemed safe by the center referee. Excessive taping of the hands (more than 1 layer) is not permitted. 6. Glasses or shatter proof safety goggles may be worn if deemed safe by the center referee and are secured to the head. The following is a list of important and required features of PAL Karate approved safety equipment. 1. Hand Pads - a soft padded, surface must cover the fingers, wrist and any striking surface of the hand. The striking areas such as the ridge of the hand (ridge hand) side of the hand (chop, hammer fist), back of the fist (back fist), and knuckles (punch) must be covered with a soft padded surface. 2. Foot/Leg Pads - A soft padded surface must cover the instep of the foot/leg. They may additionally cover the sides, toes, ankle and back of the heel of the foot as well as the shin. 3. Head Gear - The front (forehead), top, sides and back of the head must be covered by a soft padded surface. 4. Mouthpiece - A properly-fitted mouthpiece is required. 5. Groin Cups Required for all male competitors in the sparring division. 6. Insufficiently-padded gloves, foot and head gear will not be allowed. 7. 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. 8. Equipment with heavy or too many seams on the striking surfaces is not permitted. 9. The approval or denial of the equipment is ultimately determined by the tournament's designated head judge. 10. Shin, elbow, rib and knee protection may also be worn if deemed adequate by the referee and safe to all sparring competitors. Page 4 of 19

5 OFFICIALS Timekeeper 1. The timekeeper is the appointed helper to keep time. 2. He/she will start and stop time at the command of the center referee and will inform the center referee when the two (2) minutes for sparring have expired. 3. In sparring, the timekeeper does not start or stop a match. His/her only duty is to keep time for the center referee. Scorekeeper 1. The scorekeeper is the appointed helper to keep score. 2. He/she will write down the scores from each judge and run the necessary calculations. 3. The scorekeeper should check his/her addition a second time (calculators should be used). 4. In sparring, the scorekeeper will write down points and other pertinent data and flip score cards at the command of the center referee. 5. The scorekeeper should inform the center referee when a fighter gets the appropriate number of points to automatically win. 6. It is the scorekeeper's duty to listen very closely to the center referee and keep score as the referee commands. 7. Any discrepancy or confusion of the score rests in the hands of the center referee, not the scorekeeper. 8. The center referee will make the final score decision and signoff on the final scoring sheet. Referee 1. The center referees will be determined by the tournament committee (not by highest rank) and they will be thoroughly versed on the specific rules in this rulebook as well as the separate judging guidelines booklet. 2. He/she is in complete charge of the ring and the match. 3. He/she promotes the safety of the competitors, enforces the rules and ensures fair play. 4. To this end, he/she starts and stops the match, awards points, makes penalty decisions, administrates the voting of the other judges, communicates clearly with the scorekeeper and timekeeper and announces the winner of each match. 5. The referee shall announce in a loud, clear voice all official decisions, and shall indicate - with voice and gesture - the competitor affected by the official decision. 6. Only a decision by the tournament s designated Head Judge shall over-rule a center referee s decisions. 1. The judges call points as they see them. Corner Judges/Referees 2. They may be consulted by the center referee to help in determining penalties or warnings, although the referee alone has the power to issue them. Page 5 of 19

6 3. They may be asked to vote on disqualification or forfeiture rulings (not a requirement). 4. It is the majority vote of the judges and referee that determines a scoring point. Added Powers of the 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 safety-related penalty points without a majority decision. 4. Can overrule a majority call only to issue a warning or penalty point. 5. Has power to cause a competitor to forfeit the match due to safety violations. 6. Has power to issue time-outs. A competitor can ask for a time-out but it is the determination of the referee to issue one. 7. Only a decision by the tournament s designated Head Judge shall overrule a center referee s decisions. Changing of Officials 1. A sparring official can be changed at any time during a division once a match has stopped. 2. A kata/form judge cannot be removed until the division he/she is judging is completed. Calls an official may make 1. When the center referee believes there has been a significant exchange of technique, sees a point, observes a possible penalty or infraction, or when a corner judge calls for a halt, he/she shall call out the word, Yame, Halt or "Stop" in a clear loud voice. 2. When a corner judge sees a point or other possible infraction he/she should yell out the word, Yame, Halt or "Stop" in a loud, clear voice to let the referee know he/she has a call. The center referee shall then do the same to assure action has ceased. 3. The referee shall then return the competitors to their starting marks and address the judges by saying "Judges Call" 4. All judges and the center referee cast their vote simultaneously. The Manner in which Judges Call their Score Point is scored - If flags are used, a judge raises the appropriate color flag and in the direction (side of ring) of the competitor who he/she feels scored the point. If no flags are used, the judge will raise his/her arm in the direction (side of ring) of the competitor. No Point scored - A judge crosses his/her flags or wrists at waist level to indicate that he/she believes no point was scored. No-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. 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. Penalty - The judge waves the flag color of the offending competitor in a circular motion. Page 6 of 19

7 If no flags are being used, the judge waves hand in a circular motion and in the direction (side of ring) of the offending competitor. The center referee then makes a determination by the majority vote but may over-rule such a determination. Out - The center referee calls stop when he/she sees a competitor go out of bounds or a corner judge calls for a halt. At the Judges Call, if a judge believes the competitor was out of bounds, he/she points the appropriate color flag for the competitor who went out down to the floor and toward the direction of the ring boundary. If no flags, he/she points the appropriate hand at the ring boundary line nearest them. If a judge believes a point was scored by the non-offending competitor, they should, instead of indicating out-of-bounds, indicate the point scored by raising the appropriate flag. Late Call - All officials should make their calls at the same time. If, in the opinion of the center referee, a corner judge is making a late call intentionally, the referee can disqualify the call. Noise not allowing the judges to hear the referee and the honest mistake of raising the wrong flag color should be taken into consideration. Number of Officials For Kumite, there must be one referee and four judges. When a shortage of judges exists, non-black-belt ranked (brown belts) staff may be used for up to 2 corner judges, but they must have undergone tournament sanctioned training and only provided the match is for competitors of below brown belt rank. POINT SPARRING (KUMITE) RULES Order of Competition 1. Once the final call for competitors of a division has been made at ringside, the center referee and ring personnel will collect the competitor s cards, tickets, or other proof of entry. 2. The order on the bracket sheet may have already been randomly drawn prior to the start of competition and/or prior to the tournament date for logistical reasons. 3. If the order has not been pre-determined, the competitor s cards are mixed thoroughly and byes - if needed - are drawn. The rest of the cards will be drawn randomly and the competitors' names will be written on the sparring bracket sheet in order drawn. 4. Where cards are not available, each competitor will be assigned a sequential number by the scorekeeper on the entry sheet. The center referee will then randomly call out numbers having no knowledge of the numbers assigned to competitors. This will determine the byes if needed first. Then the remaining will be entered on the sparring bracket sheet in order as spoken by the center referee. Kumite Procedure 1. The competitor will enter the ring at the center of the side of the ring. Red competitor on the red side and white competitor on the white side. Bow before entering. 2. Come to the red/white (red side and white side) line near the center of the ring, stand in Hachi- Dachi. 3. When asked, tell the center referee your name. 4. When told, bow to the center referee. 5. When told, bow to the opponent. 6. Assume a fighting stance. Page 7 of 19

8 7. Throughout the match, listen to the referee for commands to start and stop fighting and for instructions on where you should be in the ring. 8. The referee will say Hajime or Begin to begin the match. 9. When you hear Yame, Hold or Stop, immediately stop fighting. 10. Always return to your starting line when told to do so by the referee and when points are to possibly be awarded. 11. When the match is over, bow to the opponent and the center referee when told to do so. 12. Shake your opponents hand then walk backwards to the edge of the ring. Bow then exit the ring. How Points are Awarded 1. Scoring points are awarded by a majority vote of the judges. 2. The majority of judges do not have to agree on the same technique being scored, only that a point was scored. What a Point Is 1. A point is a controlled legal sport karate technique scored by a competitor in-bounds that strikes or nearly strikes an opponent with the allowable amount of focused touch contact or focused control to legal target areas. 2. The point is also governed by the amount of contact or contact restriction within the confines of Green Belt and Above Rules or Blue Belt and Below Rules, see appropriate section for further information on these 2 rules. Length of Match, Point Values and Winner Determination 1. The total points to win a match before time expiry is 3 points. Each Judges Call point awarded is equal to 1 point. Each penalty point awarded is equal to 1 point. 2. A kumite match shall last a total of two 2 minutes running time, unless a competitor earns enough points to be declared the winner before the two 2 minutes are up. 3. Running time means that the clock continues to run during point calls, etc., unless the referee calls for a time out. 4. During unusually long point calls, equipment adjustments, rule clarification, etc., the referee shall stop the time. 5. The competitor with the most points at the end of the round will be declared the winner. 6. If at the end of 2 minutes the match is tied, the match will continue into a sudden victory overtime period of 2 minutes. 7. During the overtime, the first competitor to score a point is declared the winner of the full kumite match between those two competitors. 8. A match cannot end in a tie. There must always be 1 winner only. Up to 2 overtime extensions will be conducted. If in the event, the match is still tied. A majority vote of the 5 referees will determine the winner in the same fashion as the Judges Call. All judges must vote for one competitor, either red or white indicated by a flag or arm in the direction of the winning competitor. No abstaining is allowed by the referees/judges. Page 8 of 19

9 Round Robin Tie Breaking Determination 1. In the event where a Round Robin - 3 competitor kumite division results in a 3 way tie (each competitor has 1 win and 1 loss), the tie must be broken. 2. The total points scored of all kumite fights in the division will be used to determine ranking. Highest total points scored awarded 1 st, 2 nd highest awarded 2 nd and lowest awarded 3 rd. 3. In the event that a 3 way or 2 way tie then still exists; At the discretion of the tournament appointed Head Judge, if he/she determines there is ample time, a round robin rematch or 2 way rematch (when there is a 2 way tie) can take place either as a full regulation fight or as a sudden death match format. 4. In the event a 3 way tie still exists and a full regulation rematch format was conducted, the total points scored procedure from Step Two above will be repeated. 5. If the above actions still result in a 2 or 3 way tie, a vote will take place among the referees/judges to determine the winner. For 3 way ties, if no competitor receives 3 votes, a runoff vote will take place among the top 2 vote receiving competitors after the initial vote is undertaken. All 5 referee/judges that administered the division must vote and are not allowed to abstain. 6. In the event of unforeseen circumstances (example might be where a referee or judge had to leave for example) and it is deemed unfair by the tournament designated Head Judge; he/she may adopt any necessary procedures to determine a tie breaking decision. Legal Target Areas 1. Entire head with exception of the crown (top) 2. Face (no touch target) 3. Ribs 4. Chest 5. Abdomen/stomach 6. Sides of the back and kidneys (lower sides of the back) Illegal Target Areas 1. Spine and back of neck 2. Throat, sides of neck 3. Groin and knees 4. Any attacks to these areas could result in a warning, penalty points, forfeiture or disqualification. Non-Target Areas 1. Hips, shoulders, buttocks, arms, legs and feet are all non-target areas. 2. Points cannot be scored to non-target areas. 3. If it is deemed that a competitor is actually attacking these areas intentionally, warning and/or penalty points may be awarded. Legal Techniques 1. Legal techniques are all controlled sport karate techniques, except those listed as illegal. Page 9 of 19

10 2. 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 point karate. Illegal Techniques 1. Head butts 2. Hair pulls 3. Bites 4. Scratches 5. Elbows 6. Knees 7. Eye attacks of any kind 8. Take downs (except those deemed accidental such as leg jam up, feet become crossed) 9. Sweeps (except those deemed accidental such as leg jam up, feet become crossed) 10. Ground fighting (except a follow through punch where competitors accidently fall to the ground) 11. Any stomps or kicks to the head or body of a downed opponent 12. Slapping 13. Grabbing for more than two seconds 14. Uncontrolled blind techniques 15. Any uncontrolled dangerous techniques that are deemed unsafe in sport karate by the referees Sweeps, Takedowns, Grabs, and Ground Fighting 1. A competitor may grab the uniform top of his/her opponent in an attempt to score. He/she may grip the uniform top (top only) for two seconds, after which time he/she must release the uniform. 2. A kick may be trapped or grabbed for two seconds for purposes of executing a counterattack to an upright opponent. 3. A fighter is down when any part of the body, other than the feet is touching the floor. The referee will halt the match upon a competitor being down. 4. Sweeps/takedowns of an accidental nature (deemed by the referees, such as legs becoming jammed up, feet become crossed, kick is briefly scooped) can be followed immediately by a punch by either the standing or falling competitor and a point awarded. This action must be taken while the act of falling is occurring or immediately following contact with the floor, not as an after reaction to an opponent falling. 5. Deliberately dropping to the floor to avoid or evade fighting is not legal and a warning or penalty point may be awarded. Touch Contact Defined No Touch Target a target to which attacks can be legally thrown and points scored but no contact is allowed. Light Touch Contact means there is no penetration or serious visible movement of the opponent as a result of the technique. Light touch may be made to all legal target areas except for the face (notouch target). All Head contact must be of a Light Touch Contact nature only. To clarify, the head can have some movement when touched, as long as it is not a sharp jerking motion or any movement deemed Page 10 of 19

11 unsafe by the judge/referee. Reminder, no contact is allowed with the crown of the head (illegal target) or with the face (no-touch target). Moderate Touch Contact means slight penetration or slight target movement that is not a sharp jerking motion with follow through or any movement deemed unsafe by the judge/referee. Moderate touch may be made to all legal target areas except the head and face. Green Belt and Above Rule 1. An effort by the competitors must be made to make contact with the opponent to score a point. 2. However, if in the judge/referee s discretion, in cases where no actual contact was made but a clean unblocked strike occurs, a point may be awarded. 3. Strikes toward the face (no touch target) should Not be closer than 3 inches, but must be no further than 5 inches in the judge/referee s judgement. Blue Belt and Below Rule 1. For a competitor to score a point, the movement must come close to the target but does not have to make actual contact. Within 3 inches as a general rule, but this is subject to the judge/referee s judgement. 2. However, contact can be made as long as it is of a light or moderate touch nature to the appropriate target area as previously described. 3. Incidental contact to the legal head targets are allowed provided it is of a Light Touch nature only. 4. Strikes toward the face (no touch target) should Not be closer than 3 inches. Excessive Contact 1. Excessive Contact is made when an opponent strikes with force in excess of what is allowed to score a point. 2. Though it is largely a judgment call, indications that contact has been excessive may be accessed by the following reactions: a. Visible snapping back or sharp visible movement in a sideways motion, of a competitor's head from the force of a blow. b. A knockdown of an opponent. c. Recklessly charging into a technique. d. The appearance of swelling or bleeding incurred from contact by the competitor. e. Bleeding or other obvious external injury may in itself be grounds for excessive contact if it is considered the fault of a competitor. Bleeding, however, does not necessarily imply excessive contact. f. The distortion or injury of the body from the force of a blow to the body. Methods of Penalizing/Warnings and Penalties 1. There are 2 categories of warnings prior to penalty points being awarded: Safety Related and Non-Safety Related. a. An example of a Safety Related penalty is an excessive contact call. Page 11 of 19

12 b. An example of a Non-Safety Related penalty is stepping out of bounds. 2. One and only one warning for each category of violation is allowed without penalty for breaking the rules. 3. After the first warning for Safety-Related violation is given, a penalty point is awarded to the opponent. A subsequent violation will result in disqualification and the winner by default will be awarded three points for the match. 4. If the result of the first Safety Related rules infraction is considered by the center 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. Any subsequent Safety-Related violation will result in disqualification and the winner by default will be awarded three points for the match. 5. After the first warning for a Non-Safety-Related violation is given, a penalty point is awarded to the opponent for each subsequent Non-Safety-Related violation. 6. A penalty point can determine the winner of a match. 7. If, over the course of their kumite event, a competitor accumulates a total of 5 Safety-Related violations (resulting in warnings, penalty points or forfeiture of the match) he/she will be disqualified from the entire kumite event. 8. A competitor may be disqualified from the event or forfeit the match, even for only 1 infraction provided their action was egregious and not in keeping with the proper attitude of a karateka competitor. This penalty action would be initiated by the center referee and confirmed by a majority vote of the 5 referees/judges. The tournament s designated Head Judge should be notified if such a vote is to be undertaken. Other Penalty Rules 1. A competitor cannot be penalized and still receive a point on the same call. 2. A penalty always overrules a point by the same competitor. 3. 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 penalized (i.e., ducking into a knee, butting heads, etc.). 4. In the event a fighter is unable to continue because of a no-fault foul, his/her opponent will be declared the winner even if he/she is not ahead at the time of the foul. 5. If a competitor s injury was deemed the responsibility of his/her opponent, the opponent then forfeits the match, only if the injured person cannot continue. 6. If a competitor scores a point and immediately proceeds to break the rules, even if it was after the point technique, the warning for breaking the rules voids the point (a competitor cannot receive a point and a warning on the same call). Depending on the rule broken by the competitor, a point may be awarded to the opponent. Causes of Penalizing This is a partial list of possible causes of penalizing and may be used as a guideline to follow. Safety Related: 1. Attacking illegal and non-target areas. 2. Using illegal techniques. Page 12 of 19

13 3. Continuing after being ordered to stop. 4. Blind, negligent or reckless attacks. 5. Uncontrolled techniques. 6. Excessive contact. Non-Safety Related: 7. Running out of the ring or falling to the floor to avoid fighting. 8. Excessive stalling or not being prepared or ready when it is time to compete. 9. Any unsportsmanlike behavior from the competitor or his/her coaches, friends, etc. may result in a penalty. Coaching and cheering is permitted as long as it is deemed safe and of a positive nature without deference to either of the competitors. Harassment is strictly forbidden. The center referee has final say on these matters. 10. Any abusive behavior from the competitor or his/her coach, teammates, family, friends, etc., such that the referee feels it affects the outcome of the match or the performance of the officials or other competitors. Disqualification 1. Disqualification of a competitor requires a majority vote by all ring officials. When a competitor is disqualified, they are disqualified from that entire event. 2. When a competitor is disqualified, it is proper to notify the tournament's designated Head Judge. Forfeiture 1. A competitor who bows out forfeits the match. If so, all awards and points for the match are forfeited. An exception to this rule is if the competitor bows out due to a substantiated injury verified by the center referee. 2. If a competitor's injury was deemed the responsibility of his/her opponent, the opponent then forfeits the match, only if the injured party cannot continue. Out-of-Bounds 1. 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. 2. Stepping out-of-bounds does not immediately stop the match. 3. An out-of-bounds competitor may be scored on by his/her opponent so long as the in-bounds competitor has at least one foot in bounds and the referee has not signaled to stop. 4. In the event of a jumping technique, the attacking competitor must land with one foot in-bounds in order to score. Non-Competing Penalty 1. If, in the majority opinion of the judges and the referee, it is considered that competitors are not making obvious attempts to fight in the true spirit of competition, one or both competitors may forfeit the match and all awards and points (if awarded) are forfeited. Page 13 of 19

14 Wrong Division 1. 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 the form or fighting division and all awards and points ( if awarded ) are forfeited. Coaching 1. Never, at any time, can coaches, friends, team members, etc., enter the ring without the referee's permission (only the officials and competitors are normally allowed in a ring). 2. No abusive, violent, unsportsmanlike or overzealous coaching allowed. 3. A coach cannot ask for a time out (only a competitor may ask for a time out). 4. A coach can never, at any time, interfere with the proper running of the ring or the decisions of the judges. 5. Penalties for any of the above coaching infractions are issued by the referee. 6. Coaching of any nature may be explicitly disallowed at the center referee s discretion if he/she deems it to be conducted in an unsportsmanlike behavior. Coaching and cheering must be conducted as to allow the competitors to feel safe and be of a positive nature without deference to either of the competitors. Harassment is strictly forbidden. The center referee has final say on these matters. FAIRNESS RULE 1. If a question arises that is not covered by this rule book, the tournament s designated head judge, may at his/her discretion, overrule, modify or change a delineated rule if he/she believes that enforcing such a rule would result in an inherent unfair outcome to a competitor ("Fairness Rule"). 2. However, the tournament s designated head judge should overrule, modify or change a delineated rule only in extreme cases. KATA/FORMS/KIHON RULES (Both Individual and Team) Late Entries and Order of Performance 1. Once the division is organized and the first competitor or team begins, there will be no additional entries. 2. If a competitor or team is not present or comes late but the first competitor/team has not started, he/she can compete but must compete first and immediately. 3. The order of the performance will be by random draw, shuffling of cards, computer selection, numbers, etc. 4. Switching the order of performance numbers is not allowed between competitors/teams. Eligible Katas 1. All Shotokan Karate Style katas of the Taikyoku, Heian, Tekki, or black belt forms may be performed. Page 14 of 19

15 2. Non Shotokan kata forms are not permitted. 3. Competitors are strongly encouraged to perform katas commensurate with their rank. A good guideline range is 1 above and 1 below the kata required to obtain their current rank. Falling outside this guideline may result in a lower overall score. Starting a Kata Over (Individual Kata Only) 1. A competitor may ask the judges to repeat or start the kata over due to a memory lapse or any other reason due to his/her own actions. The judges may also ask the competitor if they wish to start again if there was an obvious issue. The judges must inform the competitor that there is a 0.30 deduction per judge from each judge s total. 2. The judges will first score the competitor on their scoring sheet as though there was not a doover. Then they will deduct 0.3 from the original score to arrive at an adjusted score. This will be the score held up on the placard. This must be noted on the score sheet in the appropriate field. 3. A competitor can only start over 1 time. If a competitor does not finish on the second try, he/she will be judged on the portion completed of the second try. The first attempt will have no bearing on the judge s assessment. 4. If a competitor has to start over for reasons other than his/her own actions, he/she may start over without penalty. A majority decision of the three judges will determine if the instance was due to an outside influence. Individual Kata Procedure 1. The competitor will enter the ring at the center of the end opposite the judges, bow prior to entering. 2. Come to the center of the ring, stand in hachi-dachi and bow to the judges. 3. The judges will ask for your name. Clearly and loudly state your name. 4. The judges will ask what kata you will be performing. Clearly and loudly state the kata name. 5. The judges will say You may begin when ready. Perform the kata to the best of your ability. 6. After completing your kata, go back to hachi-dachi and bow to the judges. Await scoring and dismissal by the judges. 7. Walk backwards until you are back at the entrance point at the edge of the ring. Bow then exit the ring. Group Kata Procedure 1. The 3 team members will enter the ring at the center of the end opposite the judges. They will stand in a manner of 1 in the center, one to his/her left and one to his/her right. Bow prior to entering. 2. The 3 team members should walk in unison to the center area of the ring. Then the center should take 1 step forward, while in unison the side members take 1 step back. Stand in hachidachi and in unison bow to the judges. 3. The judges will ask for your names. Clearly and loudly state your names beginning with the center member, then the one to their right, then the one to their left. Page 15 of 19

16 4. The judges will ask what kata you will be performing. The center member will clearly and loudly state the kata name. 5. The judges will say You may begin when ready. Perform the kata to the best of your ability. 6. After completing your kata, go back to hachi-dachi and bow to the judges. Wait in place for scoring and/or dismissal by the judges. 7. Walk backwards until you are back at the entrance point at the edge of the ring. Bow then exit the ring. Kihon Procedure 1. The competitors (up to 3 at a time) will enter the ring at the center of the end opposite the judges, bow prior to entering. 2. Come to the center of the ring, stand in hachi-dachi and bow to the judges. 3. The judges will ask for your names. Clearly and loudly state your name one at a time. 4. The judges will ask you to perform various techniques (see below). Perform them to the best of your ability. 5. After completing your movements, the judge will indicate to go back to hachi-dachi. Await scoring and dismissal by the judges. 6. Bow to the judges, then walk backwards until you are back at the entrance point at the edge of the ring. Bow then exit the ring. Kihon Techniques to be Performed 1. One of the judges will call out the exact commands below, beginning with Hachi-Dachi. 2. Fall into Kiba-Dachi on my command. Move. 3. Put out your left hand in a punch on my command, Move. Punching to my count 1,2,3,4. 4. Put out your left hand in an overhead block on my command, Move. Overhead block to my count 1,2,3,4. 5. Put out your left hand in an inside block on my command, Move. Inside block to my count 1,2,3,4. 6. (Competitors should still have the left hand out in their inside block position at this point). Outside block to my count 1,2,3,4. 7. Put out your left hand in a downward block on my command, Move. Downward block to my count 1,2,3,4. 8. Hachi-Dachi. 9. Stepping forward to Zenkutsu-Dachi/forward stance with the left foot and executing a downward block on my command, Move. 10. Step forward oi-tsuki/thrust punch to my count... 1, Step backward oi-tsuki/thrust punch to my count 1, Hachi-Dachi 13. Stepping forward to Sho-Zenkutsu-Dachi/high forward stance with the left foot and executing a downward block on my command, Move. 14. Put your hands up to fighting position in order to do front snap kicks. Page 16 of 19

17 15. Stepping forward and front snap kick with the back foot on my count 1, Stepping backward and front snap kick with the front/lead leg to my count. Make sure to take 1 full step back after the kick... 1, Hachi-Dachi (White belts end here) 18. Move to Kokutsu-Dachi/back stance to your left side with your left foot and executing a knife hand strike with your hands on my command, Move. 19. Shifting in place, from side to side with a knife hand strike to my count... 1,2,3, Hachi-Dachi Scoring of Individual Kata, Group Kata & Kihon 1. The judges will each score in the range of 5.00 through for all events (kata, group kata, kihon). Scores are given to the hundredths (5.13, 8.25, 9.07, etc.). 2. The first three competitors/teams must perform before any scores are given. 3. Kihon will be performed in groups of three throughout the entire event. 4. For Kihon, when there are only 4 competitors in a division, they should perform in 2 groups of two to prevent 1 student from performing alone. Scores for all 4 competitors should be withheld to the end. Also, in the case where a larger division will produce 1 competitor alone, the final 2 groups should be split into 2 groups of 2 versus 1 group of 3 and 1 competitor alone. 5. The head ring judge has the ability to adjust the groupings to conform to the rules. This may happen in cases where additions, deletions or absenteeism occurs that deviates from the original division structure. Guidelines for Scoring 0.00 Score recorded for no-show or refusal to compete 5.00 Competitor enters the ring but then refuses to compete, is disqualified for conduct, etc Less than 25% of the form is completed Entire form is completed, but many techniques are missed. Lack of positive attitude. Frequent pauses to think about the next move Good performance completes form, mostly accurate, good attitude and visualization Technical excellence combined with excellent spirit Theoretical perfect score Additionally, in an effort to prevent ties, judging will be done in a manner where the relative ranking of competitors is considered within the above framework. If the judging guidelines are followed, there should never be two or three competitors tied with identical scores, for example, Competitor A 9.00, 9.00, 9.00; Competitor B 9.00, 9.00, Page 17 of 19

18 Tie Score Procedures In the event of a tie score between two or more competitors, ties will be broken using the below method. 1. The competitor receiving the majority of votes is the winner. A vote is defined as the highest score given by a judge among those that are tied. If still tied, proceed to tie breaker number 2. Example Judge 1 Judge 2 Judge 3 Competitor A Competitor B Competitor B Wins 2. Drop the High scores. Highest total wins. If still tied, proceed to tie breaker number Drop the Low scores from number 2. Highest total wins. If still tied, proceed to tie breaker number The judges will be asked to vote for the winner. If two competitors are still tied, this will resolve the tie. All judges must vote. Score keeper calls up the two competitors, and scorekeeper calls for a vote for Competitor A or Competitor B. The competitor receiving two of the three judges votes wins. TOURNAMENT GRAND CHAMPION DETERMINATION 1. There will be a male and female Tournament Grand Champion Award (TGC). 2. The TGCs must have a minimum rank of Blue Belt (6 th Kyu Rank). 3. The TGCs had to have participated in all 3 main events (Kumite, Kata, Group Kata). 4. The TGCs had to have exhibited proper sportsmanship and behavior at the entire tournament s proceedings. 5. The TGCs had to have actually fought in obtaining their Kumite medal that is counted toward inclusion. The competitor cannot have been awarded the kumite medal via a one person division or forfeiture without fighting in a 2 person division. 6. In such cases where a competitor is in a 1 person division or wins their medal via forfeiture, they will be offered the opportunity to fight up to a higher division in order to win a medal for TGC inclusion. 7. A competitor will not be eligible for the TGC award if they forfeit any kumite match for safetyrelated violations. 8. Only Kumite and Single Kata medals will count towards the awarding of the TGCs in the below hierarchy manner, highest to lowest. KUMITE KATA 1) Gold Gold 2) Gold Silver 3) Silver Gold 4) Gold Bronze 5) Silver Silver 6) Bronze Gold 7) Silver Bronze 8) Bronze Silver 9) Bronze Bronze Page 18 of 19

19 9. The male and female competitor each with the highest hierarchy of medals will be awarded the TGC. 10. Due to the likelihood of ties for TGC, the below criteria will apply in the following order until the tie is broken. 1) Number of kumite matches won. The highest wins the TGC. 2) Least total kumite points awarded to their opponents. Total the points awarded to their opponents for all the kumite matches that the TGC candidate took part in. The one with the least points total wins the TGC. 3) Number of competitors defeated in individual kata division. Count the number of competitors that were ranked after the candidate s placement. The one with the highest count wins the TGC. 4) If a tie still remains, voting among the remaining judges/referees of black belt rank shall narrow the tied number down to 2 via successive rounds of dropping the lowest vote getter. Then the majority vote of the final 2 candidates will determine the TGC. Page 19 of 19