General Documents

Tournament Rules Abridged

This is an abridged version of the Tournament Rules in use within New Zealand. All members competing in tournaments should be familiar with and abide by the following rules.

The purpose of tournaments and these rules is to provide a friendly, safe, and fair environment for contestants to gain experience, improvement of TKD skills, comradeship & fun. With this is mind, it is through friendly rivalry competitors will be self-motivated to strive for the goal of personal improvement and not winning at all costs.

SPARRING

THE IMPORTANT STUFF: 5.10. Touch-contact sparring: “Successfully delivered” means the attack must make light controlled touch to a legal target area. This applies to ALL techniques (including reverse turning kick). “Heavy contact” constitutes a foul offence and disqualification occurs if a foul is awarded three times during the bout. This rule applies to heavy contact to targets during a touch contact competition. Note: If a technique cannot be executed with control (such as a reverse turning kick), then it should not be used by the competitor. Hand and foot techniques must be balanced so that boxing matches are not staged - the referee may warn a competitor for not using sufficient leg techniques and may issue a foul after three such warnings during that bout. 5.11. Warnings Warnings may be issued for the following offences: Attack to an illegal target, i.e. back, throat, eyes, and all areas below the umbilicus. Stepping completely out of the ring i.e. with both feet. Falling down, whether intentional or not i.e. any part of the body, other than the feet, touching the ground. Not using enough correct technique. (previously light contact) Holding, grabbing or pushing. Sweeping. Intentionally avoiding sparring. Pretending Pain Turning the back, except while executing a legitimate technique e.g. back kick. Performing uncontrolled techniques Talking during the bout N.B. One (1) point will be deducted for a mixture of 3 offences or 3 of the same offences in a bout. 5.12. Fouls A foul shall be issued for the following offences: Attacking a competitor who has fallen. Butting, biting, scratching or clawing. Intentionally attacking after the declaration of “BREAK”, “GOMAN” or “HAECHYO” Making insulting remarks or abusive gestures during the progress of the bout. Using the knee, elbow or forearm as an attacking tool. Deliberate heavy contact of attack or defence during a touch-contact contest. 5.13. Deduction of Points One 1 point shall be deducted for: Every three warnings issued, cumulative across rounds. Each foul issued. 5.14 Disqualifications Disqualification of a competitor will occur when: Three fouls are awarded against a competitor during a bout. The opponent is unable to continue due an illegal or excessive attack. The competitor disobeys the Referee. The competitor leaves the ring before the announcement of the result. The competitor does not report to the Ring Marshal when called before a bout. The competitor enters the ring not in approved dress, as described in X5.26X. The competitor fails an eight count NOT due to an illegal or excessive attack. The competitor is unable to continue with the contest or, in the opinion of the referee, is unable to defend themselves adequately. The result will be awarded to the opponent. The competitor is suspected of being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs. The competitor is deemed dangerous to the other competitor and highly likely to cause serious injury. 5.26. Safety Equipment worn by Competitors Competitors must wear (a) Mouth guard (b) Gloves must be of an approved type and must cover from the wrist bone to the top of the fingers. (c) Boots that cover the back-heel. (d) Headgear. (e) Groin guard for males (to be worn inside dobok trousers) (f) Boots and gloves must correspond with the allocated colours of the competitor i.e. red gear if the competitor is designated red. Black can be worn as a substitute to red or blue. Competitors may optionally wear, (a) Chest protector (female only, to be worn inside the dobok) (b) Groin guard for females (to be worn inside dobok trousers) (c) Shin pads (d) Forearm guards. All the above safety equipment must be of an approved type consisting in elastic material with sponge or rubber type padding (at least 1 cm thick) and containing no metal, bone or hard plastic (with the exception of groin and chest protectors) or similar hard material. Additionally, the equipment must not contain zips, lace or stud fasteners. No other protective or safety equipment may be allowed. Bandages are not to be worn unless declared necessary as a preventive measure by the medical person. Competitors must obtain prior approval from the Umpire, Jury or Tournament Arbiter. The competitor, or their club/region, must supply all protective equipment, other than headgear. No jewellery, watches or other accessories may be worn. Hair may be kept in place using a material of a soft elastic nature only, no grips or hair slides are allowed. Glasses are not to be worn unless they are approved sports safety glasses. The Referee will disqualify any competitor who enters the ring at the commencement of a bout, who does not comply with the above rules.

2.8. Entrants who change rank close to a tournament

1. Entrants will fill in the entry form with their rank as at the date of entry.
2. If the entrant is notified of a successful advancement in rank later than seven days before
   the entry closing date, the entrant may specify the lower rank.
3. This is to make fair allowance for postal etc delays in both grading results and the
   submission of tournament entry forms before the close-off date.
4. The entrant will compete as the rank specified on the entry form.
5. The entrant will wear the uniform that matches the rank specified on the entry form.

2.12 Dress for Competitors

Throughout the duration of the competition, the Dobok must be worn (from official opening to official closing). During competition no other articles may be worn other than those specified - i.e. no sweatbands etc. During intervals, clothing such as a tracksuit may be worn over the Dobok. For sparring matches the correct safety equipment as detail in the rules in the sparring section must be worn.

5.4. Duration of bouts

1. Each contest will consist of two (2) rounds of two (2) minutes for individuals. For teams there will be 5 separate rounds of 2 minutes. There will be a break of 30 seconds between rounds.
   
2. Depending on the number of entries per division, the Tournament Organiser may allow all preliminary contests to be one (1) round of two (2) minutes. However when the competition is down to the last four remaining competitors two (2) rounds of two (2) minutes must be run.
3. Medical Person's recommendations with regard to competitors' further participation, following injury, must be adhered to.

5.5. Awarding an individual bouts

In the event of a draw of an individual bout

• If an individual bout is determined as a draw a further 1 minute round (round 3) will take place following a 30 second break.
• If the result after the extra round is a draw, as described above, then a further 1 minute “first point” round (round 4) will take place.
• In a “first point” round the first competitor to score a point, given by 2 or more judges, will be declared the winner.
• If after 1 minute no points have been awarded then as many further 1 minute rounds as necessary shall take place until a winner is found by scoring the first point as described in (7) above..
• All fouls carry over into extra rounds. A competitor committing their third foul for the bout in any of these rounds will be disqualified.
• In a “first point” round if a competitor receives a foul the bout is automatically awarded to their opponent. If the opponent receives 3 warnings in this round they are also awarded the bout.

5.8. Points

(1) 1 POINT will be awarded for a:

• Hand attack directed to mid or high section.
• Hand attack while in the air (both feet must be off the ground) directed to the mid or
  high section.

(2) 2 POINTS will be awarded for a:

• Foot attack directed to the mid section.
• Jumping or flying kick directed to the mid section.

(3) 3 POINTS will be awarded for a:

• Foot attack directed to the high section.
• Jumping or flying kick directed to the high section.

5.9. Attack

Points will be given only for correctly delivered “touch contact” techniques under the following conditions:

• Proper distance.
• Correct posture.
• Appropriate tool to the section.
• Forceful delivery

5.15. Counts

1. Any competitor who, as a result of an attack, is sufficiently effected by that attack that they cannot immediately continue with the bout, will be given a standing eight (8) count.
2. In a touch contact bout, counts will not be called if medical assistance is required. After one minute, the Referee should either disqualify one of the competitors, or in unusual circumstances call a one-bout postponement.
3. If a competitor wishes to continue with the contest, and would be able to defend themselves adequately, but the Referee deems it inadvisable because of, for example, a bleeding nose, the Referee may call a one-bout postponement. This will also be allowed for an occurrence of a pre-existing medical condition, such as asthma. The time remaining is to be recorded, and the bout will continue for that amount of time. If, after one intervening contest, the competitor is unable to continue, they will be disqualified as per section 5.14. (If there is no intervening bout available, a maximum time of five minutes will be waited.)

5.17 Referee

1. The Referee shall be in the ring to control the match.
2. The Referee can, at his or her discretion, physically inspect competitors for correct dress
   and equipment before each match.
3. The Referee shall NOT give pre-bout instruction to all competitors.
4. The Referee shall declare the beginning and end of each contest.
5. The Referee shall issue informal cautions, formal warnings and fouls and any other
   decisions required.
6. The Referee shall ensure that all warnings and deductions of points are called and noted
   by the Judges during continuous bouts.
7. The Referee shall follow and watch competitors closely and when necessary shall declare
   “BREAK” and step between the competitors. The Referee should avoid being in such a
   position as to hinder either competitor’s movement or judges/jury line of sight.
8. The Referee can suspend a contest to seek medical opinion on the condition of a
   competitor. “TIME OUT” will be indicated.
   
9. The Referee will stop a bout if it is felt the competitor can no longer defend themselves
   adequately; the bout will be awarded to the opponent.
10. If a competitor quits during a contest, the Referee shall declare their opponent the winner.
11. Where the Referee is in doubt of the events they may consult with the Judges and Jury
    and form a decision based on such consultation.
12. The Referee shall indicate the winner following the signal of the jury.
13. The Referee shall restart the bout near to where the competitors leave the ring.
14. A system of official commands shall be used as follows.

An Umpire can choose to use either the English or the Korean commands, although Korean is preferable.

(a) Cha Ryot - Attention
(b) Kyong Ye - Bow
(c) Jun Bi - Ready
(d) Shijak - Begin
(e) Haechyo - Separate
(f) Gaesok - Continue
(g) Goman - End
(h) Ju Ui - Warning
(i) Gam Jum - Foul
(j) Sil Kyuk - Disqualification
(k) Hong Sung - Win by red corner
(l) Chong Sung - Win by blue corner
(m) Jung ji - Time Out
(n) Hong - Red
(m) Chong - Blue

5.27. Etiquette

1. It is the participant’s responsibility to be “kitted up” prior to their contest. W
2. When entering the ring each competitor should bow and enter from their designated side
   and face the officials’ table. (Red on Jury's left, Referees right)
3. On the command both competitors will bow to the Jury, then face each other.
4. On the command they bow to each other.
5. Following the Referee’s instructions they will, on command, step back to a free sparring
   ready stance.
6. At the end of the first round the competitors will bow to each other and move directly to
   their “Second” who will tend to them.
7. On being called for the second round each competitor will face each other in the centre of
   the ring and bow.
8. On command, they move back into a free sparring ready stance.
9. On completion of the final round, each competitor will return to their second while the
   results are collated. The competitors shall not remove any equipment except headgear
   and mouthguards.
10. The Referee will call them to the centre of the ring prior to the announcement of the
    results.
11. Following the results each competitor will, on command, bow to each other and then to the
    jury.
12. The competitors will then acknowledge the Referee.
13. Each will then pay their compliments to the other’s “Second” by bowing.
14. On returning to their “Second” they bow prior to leaving the ring (as in the Dojang), pay
    their compliments to their own “Second” and withdraw from the contest area.

PATTERNS

4.2. Procedure Individual

1. The pyramid system of elimination will be used. The competitors will be drawn in the same manner as for sparring and will compete 1 to 1.
2. Each competitor will perform two patterns. The first pattern is an optional pattern chosen by the competitor. The optional pattern must be one of the patterns designated in X4.3X below. The second pattern is designated by the judges and will be any of the patterns as described in X4.3X below and will be drawn at random.
3. These patterns will be performed one after the other and the competitor with the highest combined score moves forward to the next round.
4. In the interests of time, if in the sole opinion of the jury and judges, a particular pattern competition has a very large number of competitors, they may choose to judge only the optional pattern in the earlier rounds. However when the competition is down to four remaining competitors both the optional and designated patterns must be judged in each round.
5. Competitors will be allowed only one (1) attempt at each pattern.

4.3. Designated Patterns Individual

1. The designated pattern will be any pattern from Chon-Ji to the highest pattern for that grade.
2. Where two competitors of unequal rank are drawn to compete against each other, the designated pattern will be any pattern from Chon-Ji to the pattern for the grade of the lower ranked member (e.g. where a green belt is drawn against a blue stripe the designated pattern shall be any from Chon-Ji to Won-Hyo).
3. The designated pattern must be different from the optional pattern where practicable.

 

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

67 Procedure Individual

1. In each event a standard moveable target will be used. The target’s height/length will be set by the tournament arbiter prior to the event.
2. For each item, each competitor will have 1 attempt to hit the target, with only 1 pre- judging (without touching) of the distance allowed. On command from the referee the competitor will adopt a ready posture and attempt to touch the target in one continuous movement, when signalled to do so by the Referee, ending back in a ready stance.
   a. (ready stance ␣ pre-judging ␣ ready stance ␣ hit target ␣ ready stance)
3. After the signal the competitor has 30 seconds to complete that item.
4. Referees may disallow a technique for the following
5. Failure to maintain correct balance and posture throughout the technique
6. Failure to use the correct attacking tool in the correct manner
7. Knocking over any of the hurdles. (50cm high for the overhead kick).
8. Where any part of the competitor other than the foot touches the ground.
9. Referees must examine each target before each attempt.
10. If the item is touched but not moved beyond 45 degrees it will classified as a touch and 2
    points will be awarded. If the item is moved beyond 45 degrees it will count as 3 points.
11. The winners will be the competitors with the highest scores after having attempted all
    items listed for their group.
12. In the event of a tie, the Jury will select (by drawing) one item to be the “tie-breaker”. They
    will decide the target’s height/length. The tied competitors will continue until the places are
    decided.
13. Each target should be 30 x 30 x 2 cm thick. (14) Metal holders should be used to give uniformity for all competitors.

POWER TEST

7.2. Procedure Individual

1. For each item a standard will be set by the tournament arbiter.
2. Each wooden board should be 30 x 30 x 2cm thick or “black” plastic breaker boards can
   be used.
3. In power breaking it is permitted to make one step forward, to slide, skip and/or jump. For
   sonkal (knifehand) the strike may be either inward or outward.
4. For each item, each competitor will have 1 attempt to break only, with 1 prejudging of
   distance allowed. On command from the judge the competitor will adopt an L-stance forearm guarding block and attempt to break, in one continuous movement, ending back in L-stance forearm guarding block. After the command from the judge the competitor has 30 seconds to complete that item.
5. Judges may disallow an attempt for the following:
   
   a) Failure to maintain correct balance and posture throughout the technique.
   b) Failure to use the correct attacking tool in the correct manner
   c)Knocking over any hurdles.
   d) Where any part of the competitor other than the foot touches the ground.
   
   
6. Judges must examine the boards before each attempt. Once a board is used it cannot be used again, even if it is not broken or cracked.
7. Each broken board will count as 2 points and each cracked board will count as 1 point. For plastic boards if the combined separation at both ends of the board is greater than or equals 1 cm it will be counted as a cracked board.
8. The winner being the competitor with the greatest number of points, after attempting all items listed for their group.
9. In the event of a tie at this stage the judges will randomly select one item to be the ' tie- breaker '. They will decide how many boards are to be used. The tied competitors will then carry on until the places are decided.

 

PRE-ARRANGED SPARRING

8.1 Procedure

Procedure
The two (2) participants follow a prepared scenario that enables them to skillfully exhibit a wide variety of techniques without fear of injury. Pre arranged free sparring shall consist of movements as show in the ITF Encyclopedia, Manuals, CD Rom and as taught in the ITF International Instructor Courses.
No protection gear may be worn

Duration of one (1) round: minimum 50 seconds – maximum 60 seconds Teams shall compete one at a time collecting the scores from the five (5) referees The four highest scores will set the 1st, 2nd and two 3rd place winners. In the event of a tie teams will compete once more until the places are decided.

 

DISPUTES

9.1. Procedure

1. The result of a bout can only be appealed by the competitor’s team manager at a National tournament, or Club Instructor at a Regional tournament. All appeals must be lodged with the jury of the relevant ring within fifteen (15) minutes of the completion of the contest. For the avoidance of doubt the 15 minute period shall be deemed to have begun from the time the contest finished as recorded on the official scoring sheets by the jury. All appeals
   ITFNZ Tournaments June 2007 22 must be submitted to the Jury on an approved appeal form. Late appeals will not be accepted.
2. Note: In the absence of a Club Instructor at a Regional tournament the next senior person from the club or an appropriate nominated person responsible for the competitor (subject to the Tournament Organiser's approval) may lodge an appeal.
3. A jury’s decision on an appeal may be further appealed at the National Tournament by the Team Manager (National Tournament) or Club Instructor/Senior (Regional, Age Group, or Interclub Tournament) to the Tournament Arbiter. An appeal to the tournament arbiter must be lodged with the arbiter, in writing and on an official appeal form, within one hour of the jury’s decision being received by the relevant team managers/representatives.
4. Appeals to the Tournament Arbiter will only be considered where cases of serious misjudgement or disregard of the ITFNZ Tournament Rules are apparent in a juror’s decision. Any appeal that is made to the Tournament Arbiter that is frivolous, vexatious, or otherwise without substance may in itself result in the appellant being referred to the Standards and Discipline Subcommittee. Any appeal brought to the Tournament Arbiter must therefore be carefully considered by the appellant.
5. It is the responsibility of managers, coaches or club instructors to ensure that participants under their auspice are conversant with the tournament rules and regulations. Ignorance of these shall not form a basis for any complaint or appeal.
6. The decisions of the Tournament Arbiter are final and no further correspondence will be entered into, either during or after the tournament.