USA-NKF Kumite Rules 2008

Member

United States Olympic Committee

USA NATIONAL KARATE-DO FEDERATION

RULES OF

KUMITE

COMPETITION

Rev. MAY 2008

MAY 2008 -1-

CONTENTS

I. USA-NKF RULES OF KUMITE COMPETITION 2

II. KUMITE RULES 4

Article 1: Kumite competition Area 4

Article 2: Official Dress 5

Article 3: Organization of Kumite Competitions 8

Article 4: The Referee Panel 9

Article 5: Duration of a Bout 9

Article 6. Scoring 10

Article 7: Criteria for Decision 13

Article 8: Prohibited Behavior 14

Article 9: Penalties 17

Article 10: Injuries and Accidents in Competition 19

Article 11: Official Protest 20

Article 12: Powers and Duties 21

Article 13: Starting, Suspending, and Ending of Matches 24

Article 14: Modifications 26

Appendix 1: The Terminology 27

Appendix 2: Referee's Gestures and Announcements 30

Appendix 3: Judge's Flag Signals 39

Appendix 4: Scorekeeper's Marks 42

Appendix 5: Operational Guidelines for Referees and Judges 43

Appendix 6: Layout of the Kumite Competition Area 46

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I. USA-NKF RULES FOR KUMITE COMPETITION

The rules of Kumite competition for all tournaments, matches, and competitions sanctioned by the

USA National Karate-do Federation (USA-NKF) shall be as stated herein. These rules shall be used in all

sanctioned competitions, without modification or amendment except as allowed by these rules. These

rules are based upon the rules adopted by the World Karate Federation for use in international

competition. In any competition utilized to select junior or adult competitors for the United States

National Karate Team, the international rules without modification shall be used to conduct all such team

selection divisions. These rules, or any part thereof, may be modified or amended by the USA-NKF at

any time.

Whenever a specific rule is in conflict with a more general rule, the specific rule takes precedence.

Exceptions to these rules may be made only with the prior approval of the Referee Committee of the

USA-NKF for special circumstances attendant to a particular event, tournament, match or competition. A

written request for exception should be submitted no less than ten days prior to the date of the event.

Kumite competition shall be divided into appropriate categories or divisions based upon age, gender,

weight and experience.

An "adult" competitor shall be any athlete who is eighteen years of age or older.

A "junior" competitor shall be any athlete under the age of eighteen years for all Kumite (sparring)

competition.

The USA-NKF may elect to offer optional divisions for adult male and female athletes who are over

the age of thirty-five years.

The number of divisions that may be established, and the age categories thereof, shall be determined

and set at the discretion of the USA-NKF according to interest and the number of competitors who may

elect to compete in such divisions. The USA-NKF reserves the right to create categories or division for

physically or mentally challenged competitors, consistent with their abilities and training.

The experience categories for competition in Kumite shall be as follows:

Beginner 0 - 1 year of training

Novice 1 - 2 years of training

Intermediate 2 - 3 years of training

Advanced 3+ years of training

However. a contestant with the rank of brown belt or above may not compete in the Beginner or

Novice category; and a black belt may compete only in the Advanced category.

Once a competitor has declared a particular category, then the competitor shall be deemed to be at

that level of experience for all purposes. For example, an athlete may not compete in a "beginner" Kata

division and also enter an "advanced" Kumite division. An athlete may elect to declare a higher

experience category than may be appropriate due to experience, but may not thereafter compete in a lower

category in the same or future competition(s). For example, an athlete with two years of experience may

elect to compete in an "advanced" Kata division, but may not thereafter compete in "intermediate"

Kumite divisions

An adult athlete who elects to compete in any "over-age-35" division shall be deemed to be in such a

division for all purposes in that competition. For example, a competitor may not compete in an "over-35"

advanced Kata division and also compete in an "adult" advanced Kumite division.

No competitor may compete in a division designated for members of the opposite sex.

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Age categories for USA-NKF adult team selection for international competitions are:

18 years and older Kumite

16 years and older Kata

Age categories for International Divisions:

14 - 15 years old Junior Cadet

16 - 17 years old Cadet

18 - 20 years old Junior

18 years and older Senior

These rules shall apply to all entrants, officials, administrators, and other personnel for all

competitions sanctioned by the USA-NKF.

The USA-NKF may authorize additional special rules as needed for a particular event, tournament,

match, or competition, or may promulgate unique or novel rules to meet unusual circumstances.

However, such special rules shall not conflict with the rules of the USA-NKF and must be approved by

the Tournament Director and the Chief Referee for the event. All such special rules must be in a written

form and be made available to competitors before the start of competition.

In the event that these rules are broken, then the USA-NKF, by and through its duly authorized

representatives, may impose one or more of the following sanctions: verbal reprimand, written warning,

monetary fine, disqualification or suspension. All such disciplinary sanctions imposed shall be subject to

review according to the Bylaws of this Federation but shall be effective immediately upon imposition.

Any athlete who is disqualified for violation of any regulations of prohibited substances or drugs shall

forfeit any titles or honors awarded and shall promptly return any medal or other awards. Examples of

prohibited behaviors that would merit the imposition of sanctions include making a false or fraudulent

statement regarding age or experience, entering under an assumed name, grossly un-sportsmanlike

conduct, theft, or any other act contrary to the recognized principles of karate-do.

All tournament entries shall be in writing on the official entry form and accompanied by the

appropriate entry fees, photographs and any required identification or proof of citizenship. No person

shall be allowed to participate or compete in any sanctioned USA-NKF event unless such person has

completed and signed the appropriate entry form, injury waiver and release of liability.

Unless otherwise prohibited by these rules, an athlete who is eligible may compete in more than one

event or division provided that the appropriate fees are paid. In the event that entry fees are paid by

check, draft or credit card that is subsequently dishonored, rejected or returned, the person who tendered

such payment shall be charged a reasonable handling fee of not less than $25.00 plus all costs of

collection thereof, including a reasonable attorney's fee.

ALL PERSONS WHO ELECT TO COMPETE IN ANY EVENT AUTHORIZED UNDER THESE

RULES AND SANCTIONED BY THE USA-NKF DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK, RECOGNIZING

THAT KARATE COMPETITION NECESSARILY INVOLVES SOME RISK OF SERIOUS,

PERMANENT PHYSICAL INJURY OR DEATH. NO LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS, INJURY OF

ANY KIND, OR DEATH, SHALL ATTACH TO THE USA-NKF OR ANY OF ITS OFFICERS,

DIRECTORS, MEMBERS OR EMPLOYEES FOR ANY CAUSE OR REASON ARISING OUT OF,

OR SUSTAINED IN, ANY COMPETITION CONDUCTED HEREUNDER, INCLUDING

NEGLIGENCE OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE.

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II. KUMITE RULES

ARTICLE 1: KUMITE COMPETITION AREA

1.1. The competition area must be flat and devoid of hazard.

1.2. The competition area must be a matted square in all Team Trials competitions for selection

of competitors for a United States National Team; for other tournaments or events the use

of mats is optional.

1.3. The area shall be a matted square with sides of eight meters (measured from the outside),

with an additional two meters on all sides as a safety area. Where mats are not used, the

competition area may be defined by marking the boundaries with colored tape of

appropriate thickness. The area may be elevated to a height of up to one meter above floor

level. The elevated platform should measure at least twelve meters to a side in order to

include both the competition and safety area.

1.4. A line one-half meter long must be drawn two meters from the center of the competition

area for positioning the Referee. Such lines may be laid down with colored tape of

appropriate thickness.

1.5. Two parallel lines, each one meter long and at right angles to the Referee's line, must be

drawn at a distance of one and one half meters from the center of the competition area for

positioning the competitors. Such lines may be laid down with colored tape of appropriate

thickness.

1.6. A line must be drawn one meter on the inside of the competition area. The area enclosed

by this line may be a different color, or the line itself may be broken. Such lines may be

laid down with colored tape of appropriate thickness.

1.7. The Judges shall be seated in the safety area, one directly facing the Referee, and one

behind each of the fighters, and one meter towards the Referee. Each shall be equipped

with a red and blue flag.

1.8. The Arbitrator shall be seated be seated just outside the safety area, behind and to the left

of the Referee. The Arbitrator shall be equipped with a flag and a whistle.

1.9. The terms and abbreviations as detailed in Appendix 4 shall be used by all scorekeepers

and Arbitrators for recording the progress, points and penalties in any match conducted

according to these rules.

EXPLANATION:

1. There must be no advertising signs, signboards, walls, pillars or other physical obstructions

within one meter of the outer perimeter of the competition area.

2. The mats used at any Team Trials competition must be substantially similar to those mats

used in sanctioned international competition and should be non-slip where they contact the

floor proper, but have a low coefficient of friction on the upper surface. They should not be

as thick as "Judo" mats, since these impede karate movement. The Referee must ensure that

mat modules do not move apart during the competition, since gaps constitute a hazard and

may cause injuries.

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3. The Coach shall be assigned a specific place by the Referee Committee in conjunction with

the Tournament Organizing Officials. This area shall be close to the competition area and

the Coach allowed a free and uninterrupted access to contestants between bouts. To assist

the contestants, a visible scoreboard must be employed that can be viewed by Coaches and

contestants.

ARTICLE 2: OFFICIAL DRESS

2.1.1. All officials, contestants and their coaches must wear the official uniform as herein

defined.

2.1.2. The Referee Committee may disbar any official or competitor who does not comply with

this regulation. In cases of a minor deviation from the official uniform, the Referee

Committee may allow participation of the official or competitor, provided that the

deviation does not distract from the dignity of the competition or prejudice any other

official or competitor.

2.2.0. REFEREES

2.2.1. Referees and Judges must wear the official uniform designated by the Referee

Committee. This uniform must be worn at and during all tournament and courses. No

person shall officiate in any competition wearing a gi or any part thereof.

2.2.2. The official uniform for Referees and Judges shall be as follows:

A single breasted navy-blue blazer bearing two silver buttons and USA-NKF patch.

A white shirt with short sleeves.

An official tie worn without tiepin.

Plain light gray trousers without cuffs.

Un-patterned dark blue or black socks and black slip on shoes for use on the match area.

Female Referees and Judges may wear a hairclip.

2.3.0. CONTESTANTS

2.3.1. All contestants must wear a white unmarked Karate gi without stripes or piping. At the

USA-NKF National Championships, USA-NKF Junior Olympics, and at any United

States Team Trials competitions, only the USA-NKF patch or emblem may be worn.

This must be on the left breast of the jacket and shall not exceed an overall size of ten

centimeters square (100mm by 100mm). Only the original manufacturer's labels may be

displayed on the gi and in the normally accepted locations (i.e. bottom right corner of the

gi jacket and waist position on the trousers).

For all other tournaments and competitions, a contestant may wear a single patch or

emblem identifying their respective Karate organization, school or system on the left

breast pocket of the jacket. Such patch or emblem shall not exceed an overall size of ten

centimeters square, and shall not be of a design or symbol that is offensive to the dignity

of the match, un-sportsmanlike, or contrary to the principles of Karate-do.

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In addition, an identifying number issued by the Tournament Organizing Committee may

be worn on the back, sleeve or breast area of the gi jacket, as established by the

Organizing Committee.

One contestant must wear a red belt and the other a blue belt. The red and blue belts

must be around five centimeters wide and of a length sufficient to allow fifteen

centimeters free on each side of the knot and not extend below the knees.

2.3.2. Notwithstanding paragraph 2.3.1 above, with the prior written approval of the USA-NKF

the Tournament Organizing Committee may authorize the display of special labels or

trademarks of approved sponsors.

2.3.3. The gi jacket, when tightened around the waist with the belt, must be of minimum length

that covers the hips, but must not be more than three-quarters thigh length. Female

competitors may wear a plain white T-shirt or leotard beneath the karate jacket. Male

contestants may not wear any shirt of any kind or color underneath the gi jacket without

the prior consent of the Referee Committee.

2.3.4. The maximum length of the gi jacket sleeves must be no longer than the bend of the wrist

and no shorter than halfway down the forearm. Jacket sleeves may not be rolled up either

on the outside or inside of the sleeve.

2.3.5. The gi trousers must be long enough to cover at least two thirds of the shin, must not

reach below the ankle bone, and may not be rolled up either on the outside or inside of

the leg.

2.3.6. Contestants must keep their hair clean and cut to a length that does not obstruct smooth

bout conduct or present a safety hazard to competitors. Hachimaki (head band) of any

kind shall not be allowed. Should the Referee consider any contestant's hair too long

and/or unclean, the Referee may disqualify the contestant from the bout. In Kumite

matches hair slides ("scrunchies") are prohibited, as are metal hair grips ("barrettes"). In

Kata a discreet hair clip is permitted. Ribbons and other decorations are prohibited.

2.3.7. Contestants must have short fingernails and must not wear jewelry or other objects that

might injure their opponents. The use of orthodontic appliances or braces must be

approved by the Referee and the Official Doctor. The contestant accepts full

responsibility for any injury.

2.3.8. Approved fist pads are compulsory in all divisions. At the USA-NKF National

Championships, USA-NKF Junior Olympics, and at any United States Team Trials

competitions, USA-NKF-approved fist pads must be worn; however, in team trial and

international divisions WKF-approved fist pads are also permitted. Competitors shall

supply one pair of fist pads in red, and one pair in blue.

2.3.9. Gum shields are compulsory in all divisions.

2.3.10. Groin protectors are compulsory in all divisions for male competitors, including

international and team trial divisions.

2.3.11. Approved shin pads and instep protectors are compulsory in all divisions. WKFapproved

red and blue shin pads and instep protectors are required in all international

and team trial divisions. In all other divisions this equipment may be of either the USANKF-

approved or WKF-approved type.

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2.3.12. Glasses are forbidden (soft contact lenses may be worn at the contestant's own

discretion). In all divisions, except International and Team Trial Kumite divisions, an

athlete may elect to wear shatter-proof, athletic safety goggles of an approved design.

2.3.13. a) Women may wear authorized protective equipment for the chest area. However, in

international and team trial divisions women must wear protective equipment for the

chest, which equipment must be WKF-approved.

b) Male and female competitors age 13 years and younger also may wear authorized

protective equipment for the chest area.

2.3.14. Any protective equipment must meet USA-NKF specifications and be of a USA-NKF

approved design, except where WKF-approved equipment is permitted or required.

2.3.15. The use of bandages, padding, or supports because of injury must be approved by the

Referee on the advice of the official Doctor. No braces that include any metallic parts

shall be used. No tape shall be applied in more than a single layer on the hands or feet

of any competitor, as this creates an unfair advantage and increases the risk of injury to

an opponent. The Referee may disqualify any competitor who attempts to compete with

excessive taping of the hands or feet.

2.3.16. In all divisions except advanced and international and team-trial divisions, a competitor

may elect to use a soft foam head protector, provided that such protector is a solid color

and of an approved design that does not impede the ability of the athlete to score or be

scored upon.

2.4.0. COACHES

2.4.1. The coach shall at all times during the tournament wear a tracksuit and display official

identification.

EXPLANATION

1. The contestant must wear a single belt. This shall be red for "Aka" and blue for "Ao." Belts

of grade should not be worn during the bout.

2. Red or blue protective mitts (fist-pads) approved by the USA-NKF, with an uncovered thumb

must be worn. The padding must not be capable of displacement.

3. The design of any mitts must be approved by the USA-NKF Board of Directors on the

recommendation of the Medical Committee and the Referee Committee, except where WKFapproved

mitts are required or permitted.

4. Gum shields (mouth guards) must be properly fitted by a dentist.

5. Groin protectors using a removable plastic cup slipped into a jockstrap shall not be

permitted, and persons found wearing them shall be penalized.

6. There may well be a religious basis for the wearing of certain items such as turbans or

amulets. Persons wishing, by virtue of their religion, to wear what would otherwise be

construed as unauthorized clothing must notify the Referee Committee in advance of a

tournament. The Referee Committee shall examine each application on its merit. No

accommodation shall be made for people who neglect to notify the Referee Committee in

advance and expect to be allowed to participate in violation of these rules.

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7. If a contestant comes into the match area inappropriately dressed, he/she shall not be

immediately disqualified; instead, the competitor shall be given one minute to remedy

matters.

8. If the Referee Committee agrees, refereeing officials may be allowed to remove their blazers.

9. The wearing of unauthorized clothing or equipment is forbidden.

ARTICLE 3: ORGANIZATION OF KUMITE COMPETITIONS

3.1. A karate tournament may comprise Kumite competition and/or Kata competition, including

Kobudo divisions. The Kumite competition may be further divided into the team match

and the individual match. The individual match may be further divided into weight

divisions and open category. Weight divisions are divided ultimately into bouts. The term

"bout" also describes the individual Kumite competitions between opposing pairs of team

members.

3.2. No contestant may be replaced by another in an individual match.

3.3. Individual contestants or teams that do not present themselves when called shall be

disqualified (Kiken) from that category.

3.4. Male teams comprise seven members with five competing in a round. Female teams

comprise four members with three competing in a round.

3.5. The contestants are all members of a team. There are no fixed reserves.

3.6. Before each match a team representative must hand into the official table an official form

defining the names and fighting order of the competing team members. The fighting order

may be changed for each round, but once notified it may not be changed.

3.7. A team shall be disqualified if any of its members or its coach changes the team's

composition without submitting the written fighting order.

3.8. In the first round of a team match, a team shall be allowed to participate only when it

presents the prescribed number of competitors.

3.9. Individual contestants or teams that do not arrive at the competition venue before the

tournament is declared open shall be disqualified from participation in that tournament.

EXPLANATION:

1. A "round" is a discrete stage in a competition leading to the eventual identification of

finalists. In a Kumite competition, a round eliminates fifty percent of contestants within it,

counting byes as contestants. In this context, the round may apply equally to a stage in either

primary elimination or repechage. In a matrix, or "round robin" competition, a round allows

all contestants in a pool to fight once.

2. The use of contestant's names causes problems of pronunciation and identification.

Tournament numbers should be allotted and used.

3. When lining up before a match, a team shall present the actual fighters. The unused

fighter(s) and the Coach shall not be included and shall sit in an area set aside for them.

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4. In order to compete, male teams must present at least three competitors, and female teams

must present at least two competitors. A team with less than the required number of

competitors shall forfeit the match (Kiken).

5. The fighting order form must be presented by the Coach or a nominated contestant from the

team. If the Coach hands in the form, he must be clearly identifiable as such; otherwise the

form may be rejected. The list must include the name of the country, club, the belt color

allotted to the team for that match and the fighting order of the team members. Both the

fighter's names and their tournament numbers must be listed and the form signed by the

Coach or nominated person.

6. If through an error in charting the wrong contestants compete, then regardless of the outcome

that bout/match shall be declared null and void. To reduce such errors the winner of each

bout/match must confirm victory with the control table before leaving the area.

ARTICLE 4: THE REFEREE PANEL

4.1. The Referee Panel for each match shall consist of one Referee (Shushin), three Judges

(Fukushin), and one Arbitrator (Kansa).

4.2. In addition, for the purpose of facilitating the operation of matches, several timekeepers,

caller-announcers, and record-keepers shall be appointed.

EXPLANATION:

1. At the start of a Kumite match, on the outside edge of the official match area facing towards

the center of the mat, starting from the left, stand Judge number 1, Judge number 2, the

Referee, the Arbitrator and Judge number 3.

2. After the formal exchange of bows by the contestants and Referee Panel, the Referee takes a

step back and the Judges turn inward and all bow together.

3. When changing the entire referee panel the departing officials take one step forward, turn

around and face the incoming panel. They bow to each other on the command of the

incoming Referee and in one line (facing in the same direction) leave the competition area.

4. When individual Judges change, the incoming Judge goes to the outgoing Judge, they bow

together and change positions.

ARTICLE 5: DURATION OF A BOUT

5.1. Duration of the kumite bout shall be two minutes for ages 14 and over, and one and a half

minutes for ages 13 and under, except in the following divisions: In adult international and

team trial divisions the kumite bout shall be three minutes for men and two minutes for

women.

Time keeping shall be by "stop time" (see Rule 5.2); however, in any beginner, novice or

intermediate division, the Referee Committee may determine that "running time" be used.

5.2. The timing of the bout starts when the Referee gives the signal to start, and stops each time

the Referee calls "Yame."

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5.3. The timekeeper shall give signals by a clearly audible gong or buzzer indicating "30

seconds to go" or "time up." The "time up" signal marks the end of the bout.

ARTICLE 6: SCORING

6.1. Scores are as follows:

a) Sanbon - Three points

b) Nihon - Two points

c) Ippon - One point

6.2. A score is awarded when a technique is performed according to the following criteria to a

scoring area:

a) Good form

b) Sporting attitude

c) Vigorous application

d) Awareness (Zanshin)

e) Good timing

f) Correct distance

6.3. Sanbon is awarded for:

a) Jodan kicks.

b) Throwing or leg sweeping the opponent to the mat followed by a scoring technique.

6.4. Nihon is awarded for:

a) Chudan kicks.

b) Punches on the back, including back of the head and back of the neck.

c) Combination hand techniques, the individual components of which score in their own

right

d) Permissibly unbalancing the opponent and scoring.

6.5. Ippon is awarded for:

a) Chudan or jodan-zuki

b) Uchi

6.6. Attacks are limited to the following areas:

a) Head

b) Face

c) Neck

d) Abdomen

e) Chest

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f) Back

g) Side

6.7. A victory over an opponent who has been given a Hansoku or Shikkaku shall be worth

Kachi. If a contestant is absent or is withdrawn, the opponent shall be credited with a win

by Kiken.

6.8. An effective technique delivered at the same time that the end of the bout is signaled is

considered valid. A technique, even if effective, delivered after an order to suspend or stop

the bout shall not be scored and may result in a penalty being imposed on the offender.

6.9. No technique, even if technically correct, shall be scored if it is delivered when the two

contestants are outside the competition area. However, if one of the contestants delivers

an effective technique while still inside the competition area and before the referee calls

"Yame," the technique shall be scored.

6.10. Simultaneous, effective scoring techniques delivered by both contestants, the one on the

other (Aiuchi), shall not score.

EXPLANATION:

1. In order to score, a technique must be applied to a scoring area as defined in paragraph 6.6

above. The technique must be appropriately controlled with regard to the area being

attacked and must satisfy all six scoring criteria in paragraph 6.2 above.

2. For reasons of safety, throws where the opponent is thrown without being held onto, or

thrown dangerously, or where the pivot point is above hip level, are prohibited and shall

incur a warning or penalty. Exceptions are conventional karate leg sweeping techniques

Vocabulary Technical Criteria

Sanbon (3 points) 1. Jodan kicks. Jodan being defined as the face, head, and neck.

is awarded for

2. Any scoring technique which is delivered after legally throwing, leg

sweeping or taking the opponent down to the mat.

Nihon (2 points) 1. Chudan kicks. Chudan being defined as the abdomen, chest, back,

is awarded for and sides.

2. Punches delivered to the opponent's back, including the back of the

head and neck.

3. Combinations of punching and striking (tsuki and uchi) the individual

components of which each score in their own right, delivered to any

of the scoring areas.

4. Permissibly unbalancing the opponent and scoring.

Ippon (1 point) 1. Any punch (tsuki) delivered to any of the seven scoring areas

is awarded for excluding the back and back of the head and neck.

2. Any strike (uchi) delivered to any of the seven scoring areas.

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that do not require the opponent to be held while executing the sweep, such as ashi-barai,

kouchi-gari, kani waza, etc.

After a throw has been executed the referee shall allow the contestant two to three seconds

in which to attempt a scoring technique.

3. When a contestant slips, falls or loses balance as a result of their own action and is scored

upon by the opponent, the score shall be given as if the contestant had been standing

upright.

4. A technique with good form is said to have characteristics conferring probable effectiveness

within the framework of traditional karate concepts.

5. Sporting attitude is a component of good form and refers to a non-malicious attitude of

great concentration obvious during delivery of the scoring technique.

6. Vigorous application defines the power and speed of the technique and the palpable will for

it to succeed.

7. Awareness (zanshin) is that criteria most often missed when a score is assessed. It is the

state of continued commitment in which the contestant maintains total concentration,

observation, and awareness of the opponent's potential to counter-attack. The contestant

does not turn his/her face away during delivery of the technique, and remains facing the

opponent afterwards.

8. Good timing means delivering a technique when it will have the greatest potential effect.

9. Correct distance similarly means delivering a technique at the precise distance where it will

have the greatest potential effect. If a technique is delivered on an opponent who is rapidly

moving away, the potential effect of that blow is reduced.

10. Distance also relates to the point at which the completed technique comes to rest on or near

the target. To score a technique must have the potential to penetrate deep into the target, so

straight-arm punches are seen as having a low potential in this respect and must be

evaluated accordingly. A punch or kick that comes somewhere between skin touch and 2-5

centimeters (.78 inches - 1.95 inches) from the face, may be said to have correct distance.

However, jodan punches that come within a reasonable distance of the target and that the

opponent makes no attempt to block or avoid shall be scored, provided the technique meets

the other criteria.

11. A worthless technique is a worthless technique - regardless of where and how it is delivered.

A technique that is badly deficient in good form, or lacking in power, shall score nothing.

12. Combination attacks are those sequences of techniques that each individually merit at least

an Ippon, occurring in rapid succession.

13. Techniques that land below the belt may score, as long as they are above the pubic bone.

14. The neck is a target area and so is the throat. However, no contact to the throat is

permitted, although a score may be awarded for a properly controlled technique that does

not touch.

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15. A technique that lands on the shoulder blades may score. The non-scoring part of the

shoulder is the junction of the upper bone of the arm with the shoulder blades and

collarbone.

16. The time-up bell signals the end of scoring possibilities in that bout, even though the Referee

may inadvertently not halt the bout immediately. However, the time-up bell does not mean

that penalties cannot be imposed. Penalties can be imposed by the Refereeing Panel up to

the point where the contestants leave that area after the bout's conclusion. Penalties can be

imposed after that, but then only by the Referee Committee.

17. True Aiuchis are rare. Not only must two techniques land simultaneously but both must be

valid scoring techniques, each with good form, etc. Two techniques may well land

simultaneously but seldom are both, if indeed either, effective scores. The Referee must not

dismiss as Aiuchi a situation where only one of the simultaneous pair is actually a score.

This is not Aiuchi.

ARTICLE 7: CRITERIA FOR DECISION

7.0. The result of a bout is determined by the first contestant to obtain eight points or, at timeup,

having the highest number of points, or by obtaining a decision (Hantei), or by

Hansoku, Shikkaku or Kiken imposed against a contestant.

In Team Trial and International Divisions the result of a bout is determined by a contestant

obtaining a clear lead of eight points or, at time-up, having the highest number of points, or

by obtaining a decision (Hantei), or by Hansoku, Shikkaku or Kiken imposed against a

contestant.

7.1. When a bout ends with equal scores, or no scores, the Referee shall announce a tie

(Hikiwake) and the start of Encho-sen if applicable.

7.2. In individual bouts, if there is a tie, an extension not exceeding one minute shall be fought

(Encho-sen). An Encho-sen is an extension of the bout, and all penalties and warnings

issued still apply. The first competitor to obtain an award shall be declared the winner. In

the event that neither competitor is awarded a score during the Encho-sen, the decision

shall be made by a final vote of the Referee and three Judges (Hantei). A decision in favor

of one or the other competitor is obligatory and is taken on the basis of the following:

a) The attitude, fighting spirit and strength demonstrated by the contestants.

b) The superiority of tactics and techniques displayed.

c) Which of the contestants has initiated the majority of the action.

7.3. In team competition, there shall be no extension (Encho-sen) in the event of drawn bouts

except as stated in paragraph 7.5.

7.4. The winning team is the one with the most bout victories. Should the two teams have the

same number of bout victories, then the winning team shall be the one with the most

points, taking both winning and losing bouts into account.

7.5. If the two teams have the same number of bout victories and points, then a deciding bout

shall be held. The team representatives must be nominated within one minute of the

announcement of this bout. In the event of a continuing tie, there shall be an extension

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(Encho-sen) not exceeding one minute. The first competitor to obtain a score wins. In the

event that there is no score, the decision shall be made by vote (Hantei).

7.6. In male team matches, a team that obtains a lead of three bout victories shall be declared

the winner at that point, or in the case of female teams, a lead of two bout victories.

EXPLANATION:

1. When deciding the outcome of a bout by vote (Hantei), the referee shall move to the match

area perimeter and call "Hantei," followed by a two-tone blast of the referee's whistle. The

Judges shall indicate their opinions by means of their flags, and the Referee shall at the same

time indicate his/her own vote by raising an arm on the side of the Referee's preferred

contestant. The Referee shall give a short blast of the whistle, return to the original position

and announce the majority decision.

2. In the event of a tied Encho-sen, the Referee shall resolve the tie by use of the referee's

"casting vote." On returning to the original position, the Referee shall place one arm across

his/her chest and raise a bent arm on the side of the preferred choice to show that the Referee

is using the casting vote. The Referee shall then indicate the winner in the normal way.

ARTICLE 8: PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR

8.0. There are two categories of prohibited behavior, Category 1 and Category 2.

8.1. Category 1.

1. Techniques that make excessive contact, having regard to the scoring area attacked.

2. Techniques that make contact with the throat.

3. Attacks to the arms, legs, groin, joints, or instep.

4. Attacks to the face with open hand techniques (e.g. teisho or nukite).

5. Dangerous or forbidden throwing techniques.

8.2. Category 2.

1. Feigning or exaggerating injury.

2. Repeated exits (Jogai) from the competition area.

3. Self-endangerment by indulging in behavior that exposes the contestant to injury by

the opponent, or failing to take adequate measures for self-protection (Mubobi).

4. Avoiding combat as a means of preventing the opponent having the opportunity to

score.

5. Clinching, wrestling, pushing, or seizing, without attempting a striking technique.

6. Techniques that by their nature cannot be controlled for the safety of the opponent,

and dangerous and uncontrolled attacks, whether they land or not.

7. Attacks with the head, knees, or elbows.

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8. Talking to or goading the opponent, failing to obey the orders of the Referee,

discourteous behavior towards the Refereeing Officials, or other breaches of etiquette.

EXPLANATION:

1. Traditional karate techniques delivered with full power can cause extremely serious injury,

even death. Karate competition is a sport; for that reason some of the most dangerous techniques

are prohibited and all techniques must be controlled. Trained competitors can absorb

relatively powerful blows on muscled areas such as the abdomen, but the fact remains that the

head, face, neck, groin and joints are particularly susceptible to injury. Therefore, any technique

that results in injury must be penalized, unless caused by the recipient. The contestants

must perform all techniques with control and good form. If they cannot, then regardless

of the technique misused, a warning or penalty must be imposed.

2. FACE CONTACT.

(A) Adults (Age 18 and over)

Non-injurious, light, controlled "touch" contact to the face, head and neck (but not to

the throat) with hand and foot techniques is allowed. Where contact is deemed by the

Referee to be too strong, the offender must be warned or penalized.

(B) Youth Age 17 and Under

All hand techniques to the head, face and neck must have absolute control. Should the

glove touch the target (Jodan), the Referee Panel shall not award a score. Kicking

techniques to the head, face and neck are allowed to make a slight "skin touch" only. In

the case of techniques that make contact considered to be more than a "glove" or "skin"

touch, the Referee Panel shall give a warning or penalty. Any technique to the head,

face, or neck that causes injury, no matter how slight, shall be warned or penalized

unless caused by the recipient.

3. The throat is a particularly vulnerable area and even the slightest contact should be warned

or penalized, unless it is the recipient's own fault.

4. Open hand techniques to the face are forbidden due to the danger to the contestant's sight.

The two open hand techniques referred to in Category 1 are merely examples of the class of

prohibited techniques.

The face is defined as an area that begins one centimeter above the eyebrows, extending down

and including the temples, narrowing from the cheekbones, and finishing just under the chin.

5. Foot sweeps that land high on the leg can cause knee injury. The Referee must assess the

validity of any sweep-attack to the leg; an ineffectual but painful attack of this sort should be

immediately penalized.

6. Throwing techniques are divided into two types:

1) The established "conventional" Karate leg sweeping techniques such as ashi-barai,

kouchi-gari, etc., where the opponent is swept off-balance or thrown without being

grabbed first; and

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2) Those throws requiring that the opponent be grabbed or held as the throw is executed.

The pivotal point of the throw must not be above the hip, and the opponent must be held

onto throughout so that a safe landing can be made. Over the shoulder throws such as

seio-nage, kata-garuma, etc., are expressly forbidden, as are so called "sacrifice"

throws such as tomoe-nage, sumi-gaeshi, etc. If an opponent is injured as a result of a

throwing technique, the Referee Panel shall decide whether a penalty is called for.

7. When assessing the contact force used, the Referee must take all circumstances into account.

Did the opponent exacerbate the impact of an otherwise controlled technique by an

injudicious movement? This is the reason most often given for scoring what would otherwise

appear to be excessive contact, but it must not be used as a justification for a bad assessment.

The Referee must also consider the effects of a marked disparity in size between contestants -

which occurs in team matches and open weight division bouts.

8. The Referee must constantly observe the injured contestant. A short delay in giving a

judgment allows injury symptoms such as a nosebleed to develop. Observation will also

reveal any efforts by the contestant to aggravate slight injury for tactical advantage.

Examples of this are blowing violently through an injured nose or rubbing the face roughly.

9. Pre-existing injury can produce symptoms out of proportion to the degree of contact used,

and referees must take this into account when considering penalties for seemingly excessive

contact. For example, what appears to be a relatively light contact could result in a

competitor being unable to continue due to the cumulative effect of injury sustained in an

earlier bout. Before the start of a match or bout, the Match Area Controller must examine the

medical cards and ensure that the contestants are fit to fight. The Referee must be informed if

a contestant has been treated for an injury.

10. Contestants who over-react to light contact in an effort to have the Referee penalize their

opponent, such as holding the face and staggering about, or falling unnecessarily, shall be

immediately warned or penalized.

11. Feigning of an injury that does not exist is a serious infraction of the rules. Shikkaku shall

be imposed on the contestant feigning injury (e.g., when such things as collapse and rolling

about on the floor are not supported by evidence of commensurate injury as reported by a

neutral doctor). Exaggerating an injury that does exist is less serious. A warning or

penalty should be imposed for exaggerating injury.

12. Competitors who receive Shikkaku for feigning injury shall be taken from the competition

area and put directly into the hands of the USA-NKF Medical Committee, who shall carry

out an immediate examination of the competitor. The Medical Committee shall submit its

report before the end of the Championship, for the consideration of the Referee Committee.

Competitors who feign injury shall be subject to the strongest penalties, up to and including

suspension for life for repeated offenses.

13 Jogai relates to a situation where a contestant's foot, or any part of the body, touches the

floor outside the match area. An exception is when the contestant is physically propelled,

pushed, thrown or swept from the match area by the opponent.

14. The point at which "Yame" is called is helpful in determining if Jogai has occurred.

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a) If Aka delivers a successful technique and then exits immediately afterwards, "Yame"

should occur at the instant of score and the exit therefore occurs outside of bout time

and may not be penalized.

b) If Aka's attempt to score is unsuccessful, "Yame" shall not be called and the exit shall

be recorded.

c) If Ao exits just after Aka scores with a successful attack, then "Yame" will occur

immediately on the score and Ao's exit shall not be recorded.

d) If Ao exits, or has exited as Aka's score is made (with Aka remaining within the area),

then both Aka's score shall be awarded and Ao's jogai penalty shall be imposed.

15. Movements that waste time include pointless circling, where one or both contestants do not

engage in combat. It is expected that they will initially test each other, but within a short

time deliberate and effective attack and counters should occur. If for any reason this does

not happen after a reasonable interval, the referee must stop the bout and caution the

offenders.

16. The contestant who constantly retreats without effective counter, who clinches

unnecessarily, or who deliberately exits the match area rather than allow the opponent an

opportunity to score must be warned or penalized. This often occurs during the closing

seconds of a bout. If the offense occurs with ten second or more of the bout time remaining

the referee shall warn the offender. If there has been a previous Category 2 offense or

offenses this shall result in a penalty being imposed.

However, if there is less than ten seconds to go, the referee shall penalize the offender with

Keikoku and award an Ippon to the opponent. If there has been a previous Category 2

offense or offenses, the contestant shall receive the next penalty up on the penalty scale. But

the referee must ensure that the contestant is not retreating because the opponent is acting

in a reckless or dangerous manner, in which case the attacker should be warned or

penalized.

17. Penalties for Mubobi can be assessed only when contact occurs. Should the offender sustain

an injury and the fault is considered to be the recipient's, the Referee shall issue a Category

2 warning or penalty and may decline to give a penalty to the opponent.

18. Any discourteous behavior from a member of an official delegation can earn the

disqualification of a competitor, the entire team or delegation from the tournament.

ARTICLE 9: PENALTIES

Warning: May be imposed for attendant minor infractions or the first instance of a minor

(Chukoku) infraction.

Keikoku: This is a penalty in which Ippon (one point) is added to the opponents score.

Keikoku is imposed for minor infractions for which a warning has previously

been given in that bout, or for infractions not sufficiently serious to merit

Hansoku-Chui.

Hansoku-chui: This is a penalty in which Nihon (two points) is added to the opponent's score.

Hansoku-Chui is usually imposed for infractions for which a Keikoku has

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previously been given in that bout although it may be imposed directly for

serious infringements that do not merit Hansoku.

Hansoku: This is imposed following a very serious infraction or when a Hansoku-Chui

has already been given. It results in the disqualification of the contestant. In

team matches the fouled competitor's score shall be set at eight points, and the

offender's score shall be zero.

Shikkaku: This is a disqualification from the actual tournament, competition, or match. In

order to define the limit of Shikkaku, the Referee Committee must be

consulted. Shikkaku may be invoked when a contestant fails to obey the

orders of the referee, acts maliciously, or commits an act that harms the

prestige and honor of Karate-do, or when other actions are considered to

violate the rules and spirit of the tournament. In team matches the fouled

competitor's score shall be set at eight points, and the offender's score shall be

zero.

EXPLANATION:

1. Category 1 and Category 2 penalties do not cross-cumulate.

2. A penalty can be directly imposed for a rules infraction but, once given, repeats of that

category of infraction must be accompanied by an increase in severity of penalty imposed. It

is not, for example, permissible to give a warning or penalty for excessive contact then give

another warning (Chukoku) for a second instance of excessive contact.

3. When through various infractions the penalties incurred and points awarded in any one bout

equal 8 points (or in international divisions a lead of 8 points), then the offender shall be

declared the loser and the winner announced as "Aka/Ao No Kachi."

4. Warnings (Chukoku) are given where there has been a minor infraction of the rules but the

contestant's potential for winning is not diminished (in the opinion of the Referee Panel) by

the opponent's foul.

5. A Keikoku may be imposed directly, without first giving a warning. Keikoku is normally

imposed where the contestant's potential for winning is slightly diminished (in the opinion of

the Referee Panel) by the opponent's foul.

6. A Hansoku-Chui may be imposed directly, or following a warning, or Keikoku, and is used

where the contestant's potential for winning has been seriously reduced (in the opinion of the

Referee Panel) by the opponent's foul.

7. A Hansoku is imposed for cumulative penalties but can also be imposed directly for serious

rules infractions. It is used when the contestant's potential for winning has been reduced

virtually to zero (in the opinion of the Referee Panel) by the opponent's foul.

8. Any competitor who receives Hansoku for causing injury and who has in the opinion of the

Referee Panel and Match Area Controller, acted recklessly or dangerously, or who is

considered not to have the requisite control skills necessary for that particular experience

category, shall be reported to the Referee Committee. The Referee Committee shall decide if

that competitor shall be suspended from the rest of that competition and/or subsequent

competitions.

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9. A Shikkaku can be directly imposed without warnings of any kind. The contestant need have

done nothing to merit it - it is sufficient if the coach or non-combatant members of the

contestant's delegation behave in such a way as to harm the prestige and honor of Karate-do.

If the Referee believes that a contestant has acted maliciously, regardless of whether or not

actual physical injury has been caused, Shikkaku and not Hansoku is the correct penalty. The

referee panel must agree unanimously in order for a Shikkaku to be given. Once given, the

referee shall write a report of the circumstances that warranted the Shikkaku. The referee

panel shall sign the report and it shall be submitted to the Referee Committee.

10. A public announcement of Shikkaku must be made.

ARTICLE 10: INJURIES AND ACCIDENTS IN COMPETITION

10.1. Kiken or forfeiture is the decision given when a contestant or contestants fail to present

themselves when called, are unable to continue, abandon the bout, or are withdrawn on the

order of the Referee. The grounds for abandonment may include injury not ascribable to

the opponent's actions.

10.2. If two contestants injure each other, or are suffering from the effects of previously incurred

injury, and are declared by the tournament doctor to be unable to continue, the bout is

awarded to the contestant who has amassed the most points.

In individual matches, if the point score is equal, then a vote (Hantei) shall decide the

outcome of the bout. In team matches, the referee shall announce a tie. (Hikiwake)

10.3. An injured contestant who has been declared unfit to fight by the tournament doctor may

not fight again in that competition.

10.4. An injured contestant who wins a bout through disqualification due to injury is not allowed

to fight again in the competition without permission from the tournament doctor. If he is

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