Ne Waza Competition Rules 1
Ne Waza Competition Rules Two competitors must fight against each other in a sportsmanlike competition. The objective of the fight is to win by submission through a lock or choke or by scores! A match is composed of: floor techniques, control, and improvement of positions (pass the guard, sweeps,), hold-downs, locks and strangulations on the ground. Further restrictions, rules, guidelines, adaptions in organisation, format and protocol for different event formats, special weight or age categories and different levels of combat capability (belt categories) are appended. All references in this document to the term he should be understood as he or she. SECTION 1 COMPETITION AREA (Field of Play FOP) The Field of play must be set up by following the additional regulations listed in the affiliated document. 1. For all International (Continental Level Championships and IJF World Ranking events) level events organized in Canada, the IJF mat combat surface regulations apply. 2. The recommended size of the competition area is 8m x 8m with a three (3) meter outside safety zone and four (4) meters between adjacent combat areas. 3. At a minimum size of the competition area is 7m x 7m with a three meter outside safety zone and four (4) meters between adjacent combat areas. 4. For competition involving children U16 and younger, the combat area may be reduced to 6m X 6m. The safety zone remains three (3) meters all around, and three (3) meters between adjacent combat areas. 5. For competition of children U14 and younger, the minimum combat area may be reduced to 5m X 5m. The safety zone around is three (3) meters, and three (3) meters between adjacent combat areas. 6. The safety zone may be reduced to one (1) meter providing that the rules are adapted to make the event safe - for Ne Waza competitions. Dress Code SECTION 2 COACHES 1. For events under the IJF jurisdiction the dress code will be as per the IJF rules; 2. For events under Judo Canada and Provincial/Territorial Association jurisdiction coaches are required to adhere to the following dress code: long pants, shoes, shirt/tshirt/golf or polo shirts, no hat. 3. For all other events coaches must be dressed appropriately. 2
Coaching Certification. 1. At Provincial level events, the minimum recommended level for a head coach is certified Instructor. Assistant coaches are recommended to be at minimum trained Assistants. SECTION 3 COMPETITION UNIFORM AND PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS White and a Blue judogi: 1. At all events in Ontario, the choice of one- or two-colour judogi is at the discretion of the Organizing Committees of events. The gi top should reach the athlete s thigh and the sleeves should come to the athlete s wrist when the arm is extended straight parallel to the ground. GI pants should reach no more than 5 cm above the tibial malleolus (ankle bone). Wearing pants of any kind under the GI pants is prohibited. Athletes should use a durable, 4- to 5-cm-wide belt colored according to the athlete s rank. The belt should be worn over the top, wrap around the waist twice, and be tied using a double knot tight enough to hold the gi top closed. Once tied in a double knot, each end of the belt should hang 20 to 30 cm in length. Gi lapel width: 5.0 cm Gi lapel thickness: 1.3 cm Gi sleeve opening at full extension: 7.0 cm The use of joint protectors (knee, elbow braces, etc.) that increase body volume to the point of making it harder for an opponent to grip the gi are also forbidden 2. If one-colour judogi is the preferred option, it must be white. 3. In case of competitors in U21 and Senior divisions, if the referee on the mat determines (sokuteiki measurements), that the judogi does not meet the size standards and the competitor is asked to change it, the coach of the competitor will be expelled from the coaching chair Judogi & T-shirts: 1. All judoka entering the tournament must have an immediate access to spare judogi. 2. All female judoka entering the tournament must also have an immediate access to a spare white T-shirt. 3. Long hair must be tied up with a soft hair-band (containing no metal or hard plastic parts) in such a way so as to not interfere with an opponent s gripping of the lapel. 3
SECTION 4 WEIGHT AND AGE CATEGORIES AND TIME The weight and age categories are set according to the Judo Canada Sanctioning policy. An open weight category can be implemented in the competition. The match time will depend on the age and belt category as set out in the Judo Canada Sanctioning policy. Between two matches a recovery time equal to the length of the regular match time must be given. In the finals the athletes shall have a recovery time of equal to double the match time. SECTION 5 REFEREES The Central referee is the highest authority in a match. The referee s ruling on the result of each match is incontestable. Except that the ruling on the result of a match may only be changed under the following circumstances: a. If the score on the board has been misread; b. If the athlete declared winner submitted his/her opponent using an illegal technique previously unnoticed by the referee. c. If the athlete has been disqualified erroneously for using a legitimate technique. In this case, if the match was interrupted and the athlete disqualified prior to the athlete under attack tapping out, the match shall be restarted at the center of the match area. In the event that the athlete under attack should tap out prior to the interruption and disqualification, the athlete performing the technique shall be declared the winner. d. If the referee commits a ruling error in applying the rules set forth in this rule book. A ruling error does not encompass subjective interpretations the referee makes in awarding points, or penalties. If no video replay is available, to overturn the outcome of a match, the following conditions should be observed: i. The referee can consult the event s director of refereeing, but the final decision as to whether to overturn or not overturn a result is the referee s to make; ii. The director of refereeing should consult the event s center table regarding how the bracket has progressed and may only authorize the overturning of a result if the bracket has not progressed to the next stage. e. In the event that video replay is available, if deemed necessary, Judo Ontario will use two additional referees with access to video replay for the correction of award points, or penalties on the scoreboard. i. The correction of any points, or penalties originally awarded by the central referee will only happen in the event of agreement between the two additional referees with access to the video replay. ii. After the two referee s with access to the video replay, have reached an agreement on how to correctly adjust the current score, they will communicate the decision via the radio system. 4
iii. The central referee cannot contest the decision reached by the two referee s with access to the video replay. Subjective interpretations by the referee on the awarding of points, or penalties are final and not subject to change. It is the referee s duty to intervene in a match when he deems it necessary. It is the referee s duty to make sure the athletes fulfill their obligations to compete within the match area. It is the duty of referees overseeing under-12-years-old-division matches to protect the athlete s spinal column by positioning themselves behind the child when lifted of the ground by the opponent, as in the case of a closed guard. The central referee must stay within the match area to conduct the match and decide the scores and penalties. When a CARE system is not being used, the referee team is allowed to work with two corner referees (sitting on chairs on opposite corners of the mat) and can overrule a decision of the central referee using a Majority of Three rule. a. Should there be a consensus between the corner referees and the central referee, the corner referees shall remain seated in the chairs at the corners of the match area. b. Should there be a conflict of opinion with the central referee, the corner referees should signal for points, or penalty points to be awarded or subtracted, using gestures predefined in this rule book. c. If the referee decides to disqualify an athlete due to committing a severe foul, or the athlete s accumulation of three penalties (serious foul or lack of combativeness). The referee must confirm with the table judges or corner judges before awarding the match. d. When a match ends with a draw in points, and penalties, the central referee will place the two athletes in their starting position (one to his left and one to his right). The referee will consult with the table judges and come to a consensus as to who is the victor, and then return to the centre of the mat and award the match. In the cases of matches held with corner judges, the central referee and the two corner judges will each hold a white and blue flag. The referee will take two steps back and make a gesture by holding the flags at arm s length in front of him, the side referees will do the same. After the side referees are ready, the central referee will take a step forward with his right leg and calls Hantei. After he or she does so, all three referees simultaneously raise either their white or blue flag in the air. This will signify the athlete each referee believes to be the winner. The central referee will then declare the winner chosen by a majority of the referees. SECTION 6 SECRETARIAT The secretariat is placed opposite the position of the Central Referee at the beginning of the fight. The secretariat shall be composed of the scorekeepers controlling a scoreboard and match timers. 5
SECTION 7 COURSE OF THE MATCH Referee calls the competitors inside the mat Fighters will bow in standing position to enter the match area. The fighters will move towards the center of the fighting area and kneel down at a two meter distance. The fighters will then bow in that position. The fighters will then move to an up on one knee high kneeling stance at one metre distance. The fighter in white is at the right side of the Referee. The match will begin on the ground when the Referee announces HAJIME. When 2/3 of the athletes bodies are outside the fighting area in a non-stabilized position on the ground, the referee should stop the match and restart the two athletes in a high-knee position at the centre of the fighting area. At the end of the match, the referee announces the winner and orders the fighters to bow to each other (while on their knees) at a two metre distance. The fighters then get back up and do a standing bow at the edge of the fighting area to exit. The contestants can control and change between the different positions, but they must be active. Any movement that goes beyond the fighting area should be stopped. The athletes will be returned to the centre of the fighting area in the same position they began the fight. When one athlete takes his opponent to the safety area while trying to stabilize a scoring position, the referee shall wait, whenever possible, for an athlete to stabilize the position for 3 seconds before stopping the fight. If this happens, the referee will give the points and then restart the fight in the centre of the fighting area in the same position. Further referee signs to conduct the fight Direct the athlete to re-adjust the gi by crossing the arms. Direct the athlete to readjust the belt by imitating the move of tying the knot. Caution athletes to remain within the combat area pointing downwards at waist height tightening the knot circle movements with the finger pointed upward. 6
SECTION 8 APPLICATION OF HAJIME AND MATE a. The referee shall announce HAJIME to start and to restart the match after MATE or SONO MAMA b. The referee shall announce SONO MAMA or MATE to stop the match temporarily. In the event the referee announces SONO MAMA, the contestants are not allowed to move anymore. If the referee announces MATE the fighters shall return to the center of the fight area. If both contestants left the fighting area completely in an easy recognizable position to bring them back to the middle of the fighting area and restart in the same position. Any other time the referee finds it necessary. (E.g. to reset the Gi or to deliver judgments, suspected danger or injuries) If both contestants left the fighting area completely in a not recognizable position. The referee will restart the match in the middle of the fighting area. If one or both contestants are injured, unconscious or sick. In case of submission (a contestant taps, shows other sings, screams or if the contestants can t tap by himself during a strangulation or a lock). When the fight ends, the referee will announce SORE MADE. 7
SECTION 9 SCORE AND POINTS Activities causing a progress to a possible submission hold will be awarded by scores. Defending actions cannot be scored! Points Ippon 20 points Strangulation (Shime waza) Arm locks (Kansetsu waza) Osae-komi Ippon 7 points Osae-komi 20 seconds Waza-ari 2 points 1) Pass the guard or osae-komi 3 seconds to 19 seconds 2) Back mount 3) Back control 4) Sweep 5) Uke escapes out of bounds from Shime/Kansetsu waza Waza-ari (2 points) shall be awarded by the central referee of a match whenever an athlete stabilizes a pointable position for 3 (three) seconds. Points will be awarded by the referee, therefore he shows the score of Ippon or waza-ari by an arm signal. If there is a question of who scored the points the referee will point towards the starting position of the fighter who should be awarded the points. Athletes shall be awarded points when they progress through a number of point-scoring positions, as long as the three-second positional control from the final point-scoring position is a continuation of the positional control from the point-scoring positions from earlier in the sequence. In this case, the referee shall count only 3 (three) seconds of control at the end of the sequence before signalling the points be scored (e.g., guard pass followed by Back Control Mount counts for 2 waza-aris 4 [four] points) Athletes who arrive at a point-scoring position while caught in a submission hold shall only be awarded points once they have freed themselves from the attack and stabilized the position for 3 (three) seconds. When one athlete comes to point-scoring positions but only gets out of the submission hold without staying in these positions, he will not receive any points for those positions. An athlete who reaches one or multiple point-scoring positions, but is under attack from a submission hold by his opponent, shall not be awarded points if he does not escape the attack by the end of the match. Matches should unfold as a progression of positions of technical control that ultimately result in a submission hold. Therefore athletes who voluntarily relinquish a position, in 8
order to again score points using the same position for which points have already been awarded, shall not be awarded points upon achieving the position anew. Points shall be awarded by the central referee of a match whenever an athlete stabilizes a position for 3 (three) seconds. Ippon Waza-ari Ippon Osae-komi B.2 BACK MOUNT When the athlete is on top, clear of the guard and half-guard, sitting on the opponent s back and with two knees or one foot and one knee on the ground, facing the opponent s head Control of the torso is only considered if the knees are under the shoulder line. 9
C. GUARD POSITION AND PASSING GUARD Passing guard happens when the athlete in top position manages to surmount the legs of the opponent in bottom position (pass guard or half-guard) and maintain side-control or northsouth position over him for 3 (three) seconds. Guard is defined by the use of one or more legs to block the opponent from reaching side-control or north-south position over the athlete on bottom. To pass the guard of the opponent and continue with a control technique for 3 seconds. To pass the guard of the opponent with no following control technique or reach the half guard with good control (face to face). D. SWEEPS Any turn from the guard position into any top position followed by a 3 second control will be counted as a sweep and will be rewarded with 2 points. No points will be awarded for sweeps that start and end in a 50/50 guard situation. To change the position from guard into the back of the opponent (on top) with 3 seconds of control and hold the opponent in bottom position (at least one knee on the floor) will be regarded as sweep as well. 10
E. Osae-komi Osaekomi will be called when a fighter has control of their opponent on their back in a controlled Osaekomi position and uke doesn t have their legs wrapped completely around them. If Osaekomi is held for 20 seconds then the Referee will signal Ippon Osaekomi and 7 points will be scored. The fighters will restart in the centre in a kneeling position. If Osaekomi is held for at least 3 seconds and less than 20 seconds then waza-ari (2 points) will be awarded. 11
Not Osaekomi F. SUBMISSIONS - LOCKS AND STRANGULATIONS If applicable, these rules will respect the age and belts division: a. All strangulations are allowed, except with bare hands or fingers around the neck. b. All locks on elbow are allowed. During submission hold: a. When an athlete taps twice with his hand on the opponent, ground, or himself/herself in a clear and apparent manner. b. When the athlete taps the ground twice with his foot, when arms are trapped by opponent. c. When the athlete verbally withdraws, requesting the match be stopped. d. When the athlete screams or emits noise expressing pain while trapped in a submission hold. e. The athlete shall be declared to have lost the match upon losing consciousness due to a legal hold applied by the opponent or due to an accident not stemming from an illegal manoeuvre by the opponent. The fight will be stopped and the executing athlete will be declared as winner. The referee raises the corresponding arm high above the head, with palm facing forward signaling ippon. When an athlete has a submission hold in place in the safety area, the referee should not interrupt the match. When the proper defensive counter for a submission hold results in exiting the match area, the referee shall signal waza-ari 2 (two) points be awarded to the athlete applying the submission hold. (Without a proper defensive move it will be a disqualification). When the fight exits the fighting area due to the movement of an athlete attacking a submission in hold, the referee will not mark two points after stopping the fight. The referee should stop the match and restart the match at the centre of the match area with the athletes on their knees. 12
SECTION 10 PENALTIES AND FORBIDDEN ACTS This paragraph only contains the forbidden acts and restrictions of the highest level and for adult athletes. It is essential to observe the corresponding guidelines. Penalties will be given in three steps 1 st Penalty 2 nd Penalty: 2 Points for opponent 3 rd Penalty: disqualification (Requires agreement of table or corner judges.) The referee announces shido and shows the appropriate gesture: When announcing a shido, if neither athlete has a submission hold, the referee should stop the fight and replace the athletes in their respective starting position, punish the infractor and restart the fight. When announcing a foul, if one of the athletes has a submission hold and the opponent committed the infraction, the referee shall apply the penalty to the infractor without stopping the fight. If the infractor is the athlete that is applying the submission hold then mate will be announced and the athletes will be brought back to the centre in a high knee position and then the penality will be announced. 10.1 Serious foul (Light forbidden acts) will be punished by shido. The following actions count as minor forbidden acts: Passivity/ Stalling: a. Passivity/ stalling (Lack of combativeness) is defined by one athlete clearly not pursuing positional progression in a match and also when an athlete impedes his opponent from carrying out said progression. The referee shall count out 20 (twenty) consecutive seconds prior to giving this shido. 13
b. Leaving the mat or pushing without technical attack the opponent outside the mat. c. When both athletes pull guard at the same time, the referee will start a 20 second countdown. If at end of this 20 second countdown, even if the athletes are moving, one of the athletes does not reach the top position, does not have a submission in hold, or is not imminently completing a point scoring move, the referee will stop the fight and give a penalty to both athletes. In this situation, the referee will restart the fight on their knees. d. When the athlete breaks the grip of the opponent pulling guard and does not return to the combat. e. When both athletes simultaneously demonstrate a lack of combativeness (stalling) in any position in a match. f. To escape from the fight on the ground, stand up and does not return to combat. It should be noted that athletes are allowed to stand up to pass the guard but they must return to the fight immediately within 2 seconds otherwise they shall be penalized with a passivity/stalling penalty. g. Passivity is not declared when an athlete is defending his from an opponent s attacks from mount, back-control, side-control or north - south positions. h. Will not be considered lack of combativeness when an athlete is in mount or back position, as long as the characteristics of the technical position are respected. When an athlete grabs the inside of the opponent s Gi top or pants, when he steps inside the Gi jacket and when an athlete passes a hand through the inside of the opponent s Gi to grip the external part of the Gi. To put the hand into the face of the opponent.(fig -1) Use of the belt for all techniques when the belt is NOT tied up. Delay of the fight by not being ready to fight when showing up the mat or taking too much time to set Gi and belt. (Wrong uniform, wearing items not allowed, remove belt or open Gi without referee s permission, when an athlete takes more than 20 seconds to tie his/her belts during a match stoppage.) Placing the foot deliberately in the belt (fig-2) Placing the foot deliberately inside the collar without grip of the same side (fig-3) Talking or verbal comments (without medical/safety reasons) Exits the match area to prevent the opponent from completing a sweep 14
10.2 The following actions count as a severe foul (major forbidden act) and will be punished by Disqualification : The first time a contestant makes a severe foul he will be punished by Disqualification. To apply any actions with the obvious intention to injure the opponent! To leave the contest area deliberately in danger of submission (not a correct move for escape) To make any locks attacking the spinal column without a choke (Pulling from the underneath position is not considered as Neck lock) To make any leg, ankle, knee, shoulder, finger or toe locks. To slam the opponent on the mat, while he is in a guard position or on the back control. To apply punches or kicks, to bite the opponent or to apply any other action that is against the ethics and fairness or if a contestant shows reckless or unsportsmanlike behaviour (any time in the tournament), the referee crew of the tatami or the appeal committee unanimously decide that the competitor should be expelled from the rest of the tournament. They will inform the head-referee of their decision and then ask the responsible official of the tournament to make the official announcement. The expelled contestant loses all matches 15
he had already won, including the medals. Further legal actions against the competitor or the sending federation can be applied. To push the fingers into the eyes of the opponent. When an athlete strangles his or her opponent, with bare hands (not using the gi and with one or both hands around the opponent s neck or applies pressure to the opponent s windpipe using the thumb) or blocks the passage of air to his opponent s nose or mouth using his hands. When an athlete intentionally attempts to get his or her opponent disqualified by reacting in a way that places his opponent in an illegal position. To use any slippery or enhancing substances or creams (medication) which can affect the opponent. When an athlete is unable to exchange the GI for a new one within a period of time stipulated by the referee. Disciplinary Fouls When an athlete directs profane language or obscene gestures at his/her opponent, the center table, table officials, referee or public. When an athlete exhibits hostile behavior towards an opponent, referee or any other member of the organizing committee or public. When an athlete bites, pulls hair, strikes or applies pressure to the genitals or eyes, or intentionally uses a traumatic blow of any kind (such as punches, elbows, knees, head butts, kicks, etc.). When an athlete exhibits offensive or disrespectful behavior towards an opponent or the public through words or gestures during a match or in celebrating victory. When one or both of the athlete s disregard the seriousness of the competition by performing actions simulating or faking combat. Disobey the referees order Exit the competition area after the fight before announcing of the winner. LATERAL ATTACKS TO THE KNEE (KNEE RIPPING) Knee ripping is characterized by when one of the athletes places his thigh behind the leg of his opponent and passes his calf on top of the opponent s body above the knee, placing his foot beyond the vertical midline of the opponent s body and applying pressure on his opponents knee from the outside, true inside, while keeping the foot of the leg at risk stuck between his hip and armpit. It is not necessary for one of the athletes to hold the foot of his opponent in order for the foot to be considered caught or stuck. For purposes of this rule, when one athlete is standing and bearing their weight on foot of the same leg as the knee in danger, the foot will be considered caught or stuck. 16
SEVERE FOUL - HEAVY FORBIDDEN ACT (Sanctioned with Disqualification ) Serious laterally attacks affecting the knee (crossing the leg from outside in locking situation or with strong pressure) When the athlete executes the movement in the characteristics mentioned below, with their foot crossing the vertical midline of the opponent s body. When either of the athletes have a submission hold, it will be considered a severe foul for the athlete crossing his foot in the characteristics mentioned below. Table Technical Fouls- Illegal Moves - Illegal Moves 4-12years of age 13-15 years of age U18/U21/Seniors 17
SECTION 11 SETTLEMENT OF THE MATCH a. Submission: A competitor may win the match before the end of the fighting time, if one of the contestants applies a lock or strangulation that make the opponent tap or the referee has to stop the match. This is called a submission. b. If a competitor accumulates a point total of 20 points c. After the fighting time has expired the contestant who has the most points at the end of the match will be the winner. d. If the score is equal in total points the penalties decide for the winner. e. If the score is equal both in total points, and penalties, there will be a decision of all referees. 18
f. In the event of both athletes suffering accidental injury in a semi-final or final match where the score is tied at the moment of the accident and neither athlete is able to continue in the contest, the result shall be determined by random pick. g. If one competitor received 3 shido s. He will be disqualified. SECTION 12 WALK-OVER AND WITHDRAWL a. The decision win by walk-over shall be given by the Referee to any contestant whose opponent doesn t appear for his match after has been called for 3 times at one-minute intervals. b. The decision win by withdrawal shall be given by the Referee to the contestant whose opponent withdraws from the competition during the match. SECTION 13 INJURIES, ILLNESS AND ACCIDENT In every case when a match is stopped because of injury on either or both contestants, the Referee may permit maximum time of 2 minutes to the injured contestant(s) for the rest. The total rest per contestant in each match shall be 2 minutes. The injury-time starts on command of the Referee. When an athlete presents bleeding that cannot be contained after being treated by the doctor on 2 (two) occasions, to which each athlete has the right for each injury and should be provided upon the referee s request. a. If one of the contestants is unable to continue, the Referee will make a decision after the following clauses: 1. When the cause of the injury is attributed to the injured contestant, the injured contestant shall loose the match. 2. When it is impossible to attribute the cause of the injury to either contestant, the injured contestant shall lose the match. 3. When the injury is caused due to illegal action by the uninjured contestant, he shall by disqualified and lose the match. b. When one contestant is taken ill during the contest and he is unable to continue, he shall lose the contest. c. The official doctor is to decide whether the injured contestant may continue or not. d. If a contestant loses consciousness or if they blackout, the fight must be stopped and the contestant will be expelled from the rest of this tournament day. e. When one of the athletes alleges to be suffering from cramps, the opponent shall be declared winner of the match. f. When an athlete vomits or loses control of basic bodily functions, with involuntary urination or bowel incontinence. 19
SECTION 14 HYGIENE Nails must be trimmed and short Long hair must be tied up In case of skin presenting some injury, rash or some disease, doctor must be informed, and he has the final say if the athlete can participate or not in the competition. Out of match s area, the athletes must use footwear. Gi must be clean and dry, having no odor. SECTION 16 DEFINITIONS Sono mama: Stop action/freeze Sore Made: Time is up/fight is over Hajime: Begin/start fighting again Mate: stop fighting Shido: penalty Waza-ari small scoring technique 2 points Ippon Osaekomi Hold down for 20 seconds -7 points Ippon - 20 points match is over Hansoku make - disqualification 20