CONTESTANT UNIFORM / PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
1. Contestants must wear a WJTF / USAT / WTF uniform (Do-bok) in good condition. Patches, logos, team names, country names, athlete names and stripes are allowed on the uniform. WJMF retains the right to make an athlete change their uniform top or pants if it is found to be derogatory or inflammatory in any way.
(USAT requires a white uniform only, but WJMF will allow other colors for our contestants.)
2. NO tape will be allowed on ANY part of the uniform.
3. Contestants are NOT allowed to wear any kind of metallic articles or hard objects, such as rings, eyeglasses (including prescribed safety eyeglasses or eye goggles), necklaces, watches, bracelets, earrings, etc. Wearing of any other items on the head other than the head protector shall not be permitted.
4. GLOVES are mandatory sparring equipment for 14-17 year old and Senior Black Belts. They are optional for all other contestants.
5. While sparring, male contestants shall wear an approved trunk protector, headgear (white, red or blue), groin guard (cup), forearm protector, shin-instep protectors and a mouth guard before entering the contest area. The groin, forearm and shin-instep protectors must be worn inside the Taekwondo uniform.
6. While sparring, female contestants shall wear an approved trunk protector, headgear (white, red or blue), forearm protector, shin-instep protectors and a mouth guard before entering the contest area. Women’s groin guards and breast guards are optional. The forearm, shin-instep, groin and breast guard protectors must be worn inside the Taekwondo uniform.
POOM SAE (FORM) PROCEDURES AND RULES
1. When called, the contestant shall enter the contest area.
2. After contestants are called, the judges shall inspect the contestants’ Do-boks to ensure compliance.
3. Etiquette of contest
a. The contestants shall enter the ring at the head judge’s command of Sun-soo-ryp-jang. The contestants shall face the judges table make a standing bow at the head judge’s command of Cha-ryuht (attention) and Kyung-nae (bow).
b. Each match shall begin with the declaration of Choon-bi (ready) and Sei-jak (start) by the head judge.
c. Each match shall end with the completion of each contestant’s form and the declaration of Bah-ro (return), then Shi-oh (rest) by the head judge.
d. After the end of each match, the contestants shall face the judges table and make a standing bow at the head judge’s command of Cha-ryuht (attention) and Kyung-nae (bow).
e. Contestants shall remain standing in position until the head judge’s declaration of the decision. As the winner is being determined, the contestants will turn around at the head judge’s command of Dwi ro dorah (turn / about face).
f. The head judge shall declare the winner of each match by raising his/her own hand to the winner’s side.
g. Contestants shall remain sitting by the ring until all Poom demonstrations have been completed. Contestants will then be called into the ring for the head judge’s declaration of placement (first, second, third).
h. The head judge shall declare each place by raising his/her own hand above the appropriate contestant(s).
i. After contestants’ places have been awarded, all contestants shall face the judges table make a standing bow at the head judge’s command of Cha-ryuht (attention) and Kyung-nae (bow). The head judge will then dismiss the contestants with a command of Sun-soo-Tae-jang. The contestants shall take two steps backwards while facing the judges, then turn and leave the contest area.
1. Contestants must wear a WJTF / USAT / WTF uniform (Do-bok) in good condition. Patches, logos, team names, country names, athlete names and stripes are allowed on the uniform. WJMF retains the right to make an athlete change their uniform top or pants if it is found to be derogatory or inflammatory in any way.(USAT requires a white uniform only, but WJMF will allow other colors for our contestants.) 2. NO tape will be allowed on ANY part of the uniform.3. Contestants are NOT allowed to wear any kind of metallic articles or hard objects, such as rings, eyeglasses (including prescribed safety eyeglasses or eye goggles), necklaces, watches, bracelets, earrings, etc. Wearing of any other items on the head other than the head protector shall not be permitted.4. GLOVES are mandatory sparring equipment for 14-17 year old and Senior Black Belts. They are optional for all other contestants.5. While sparring, male contestants shall wear an approved trunk protector, headgear (white, red or blue), groin guard (cup), forearm protector, shin-instep protectors and a mouth guard before entering the contest area. The groin, forearm and shin-instep protectors must be worn inside the Taekwondo uniform.6. While sparring, female contestants shall wear an approved trunk protector, headgear (white, red or blue), forearm protector, shin-instep protectors and a mouth guard before entering the contest area. Women’s groin guards and breast guards are optional. The forearm, shin-instep, groin and breast guard protectors must be worn inside the Taekwondo uniform. 1. When called, the contestant shall enter the contest area.2. After contestants are called, the judges shall inspect the contestants’ Do-boks to ensure compliance.3. Etiquette of contest a. The contestants shall enter the ring at the head judge’s command of Sun-soo-ryp-jang. The contestants shall face the judges table make a standing bow at the head judge’s command of Cha-ryuht (attention) and Kyung-nae (bow). b. Each match shall begin with the declaration of Choon-bi (ready) and Sei-jak (start) by the head judge. c. Each match shall end with the completion of each contestant’s form and the declaration of Bah-ro (return), then Shi-oh (rest) by the head judge. d. After the end of each match, the contestants shall face the judges table and make a standing bow at the head judge’s command of Cha-ryuht (attention) and Kyung-nae (bow). e. Contestants shall remain standing in position until the head judge’s declaration of the decision. As the winner is being determined, the contestants will turn around at the head judge’s command of Dwi ro dorah (turn / about face). f. The head judge shall declare the winner of each match by raising his/her own hand to the winner’s side. g. Contestants shall remain sitting by the ring until all Poom demonstrations have been completed. Contestants will then be called into the ring for the head judge’s declaration of placement (first, second, third). h. The head judge shall declare each place by raising his/her own hand above the appropriate contestant(s). i. After contestants’ places have been awarded, all contestants shall face the judges table make a standing bow at the head judge’s command of Cha-ryuht (attention) and Kyung-nae (bow). The head judge will then dismiss the contestants with a command of Sun-soo-Tae-jang. The contestants shall take two steps backwards while facing the judges, then turn and leave the contest area.
4. Scoring
a. Each contestants begins their form with ten (10) points. One-half point (.5) is deducted for every error made during the form. The maximum score for any contestant shall be 9.50 points and the minimum score shall be 7.00 points.
b. Each judge assesses all contestants based on accuracy, focus, speed, power, balance and presentation. Particular attention should be paid to the contestant’s eyes (focus), stances (accuracy and balance), kihap (power and presentation), and
start-to-finish point (accuracy). For the last example, a contestant’s starting and finishing points for a form should be no more than one step difference (i.e. they should virtually start and finish at the same spot with no more than a 2-3 foot difference).
c. Each judge selects the best contestant. In the case of Black Belt competition, scores will be shown visibly using hand paddles. Contestants should not view the scores, but Coaches and spectators will.
d. In case of a tie, the head judge can ask the contestants to repeat their Poom (form) for judging again, OR the head judge can make a ruling after discussion with the other judge(s).
KYOK-PA (BREAKING) PROCEDURES AND RULES
1. When called, the contestant shall enter the contest area.
2. After the contestant is called, the judges shall inspect the contestant’s Do-boks and boards to ensure compliance.
3. To make the board breaking contest fair, the same size and weight boards will be available for purchase by each contestant. The head judge will determine whether each contestant’s boards are appropriate for the match.
4. Etiquette of contest
a. The contestants shall face the judges table make a standing bow at the head judge’s command of Cha-ryuht (attention) and Kyung-nae (bow).
b. Each contestant will be asked by the head judge to explain the break(s) he or she will be attempting, including technique(s) used, number of boards for each technique and position of the board(s) relative to the contestant’s body (e.g. torso level, face level, over head). the contestant will have 60 seconds to set up all the breaks. Contestant must provide his or her own board holders.
c. After the end of their demonstration, the contestant shall face the judges table and make a standing bow at the head judge’s command of Cha-ryuht (attention) and Kyung-nae (bow).
d. Contestants shall remain sitting by the ring until all demonstrations have been completed. Contestants will then be called into the ring for the head judge’s declaration of placement (first, second, third).
e. The head judge shall declare each place by
raising his/her own hand above the appropriate contestant(s).
5. Scoring
a. Contestants can demonstrate up to five stations, using one technique per station.
b. Each station may use up to three boards.
c. Contestants have only three attempts to complete the break at each station, and must complete each station before continuing to the next.
d. Contestants cannot jump off of a chair or other prop (e.g. person) to perform their technique(s). Jumping over people or props is allowed but they cannot be used to gain height.
e. Point system:
1. Boards: 1 board = 1 point, 2 boards = 2 points, 3 boards = 3.5 points
2.Attempts for Successful Break: first attempt = 3.5 points, second attempt = 2 points, third attempt = 1 point
3. Techniques: basic kick or hand = 1 point, back kick = 2 points, spinning hook kick = 3.5 points
4. Motions: no jump = 0 points, jumping body level = 1 point, jumping face level = 2 points, jumping over head = 3 points; Spin: +2 points for a 360 degree spin
5. Chairs/People: 1 point per chair or person jumped over; for ages 7-11 contestants should ONLY jump PEOPLE; further contestants should only jump people who are roughly the same size as the contestant (i.e. a 14 year old shouldn’t jump a bunch of 6 year olds).
6. Bonus points for difficult techniques: at the Judges’ discretion, additional points can be added for especially difficult techniques. ALL bonus points should be discussed by the Judges prior to awarding them. Some examples include: 1 point for a hand break from fingertip distance or a kick break over the head that requires great flexibility; 2 points for techniques requiring more focus/training like blindfolded 360-degree kicks like tornado kick, spinning hook kick or jump back kick; 3.5 points for even more difficult techniques like 540-degree spinning hook kick.
f. In the event of a tie, the following priority will determine the winner of a match: 1 – Technique, 2 – Motion, 3 – Boards, 4 – Attempts
KYORUGI (SPARRING) PROCEDURES AND RULES
1. When called, the contestant and one certified coach shall enter the contest area.
2. After contestants are called, the referee shall inspect the contestants’ Do-boks and protective equipment to ensure compliance.
3. Round durations
a. All belts, ages 3-6 = 1 round, 60 seconds
b. All belts, ages 7-10 = 2 rounds, 60 seconds each, 20 seconds rest
c. All belts, ages 11+ = 2 rounds, 90 seconds each, 30 seconds rest
d. Grand Championship playoff = 2 rounds, 120 seconds each, 30 second rest
4. Additional match for contestants losing in first round
a. During the elimination rounds of the tournament, the losing contestants of the first round matches will be asked if they wish to participate in another one round match against each other (using appropriate round duration from above).
b. The Referee should ask both contestants and/or their coaches if they wish to fight in this second match. If both contestants want to, then the match will take place.
c. Both contestants will receive a third place award regardless of the outcome of this second match.
5. Etiquette of contest
a. The contestants shall face each other and make a standing bow at the referee’s command of Cha-ryuht (attention) and Kyung-nae (bow).
b. Each round shall begin with the declaration of Choon-bi (ready) and Sei-jak (start) by the referee.
c. Each round shall end with the declaration of Keu-man (stop) by the referee.
d. After the end of the last round, the contestants shall face each other and make a standing bow at the referee’s command of Cha-ryuht (attention) and Kyung-nae (bow). Contestants shall remain standing in position until the referee’s declaration of the decision.
e. The referee shall declare the winner by raising his/her own hand to the winner’s side.
f. The contestants shall shake hands after the winner is declared, then shake the hand of their
opponent’s coach (if a coach is present).
6. Permitted techniques
a. Fist – Delivering techniques using the front parts of the forefinger and middle finger of the tightly clenched fist.
b. Foot – Delivering techniques by using any part of the foot below the ankle bone.
7. Permitted scoring areas
a. Trunk – Attack by fist or foot techniques on the areas covered by the trunk protector are permitted. Attack to the spine, however, is NOT permitted.
b. Face – The face is a permitted area for foot techniques ONLY. The whole part of the face above the collarbone, including both ears is the permitted area. Attack to the back of the head is NOT permitted.
c.FULL face contact is allowed only in the Black Belts Juniors (14-17 year old), Men’s (18-29 year old) and Women’s (18-29 year old) divisions.
d.LIGHT face contact is allowed in the Black Belt Seniors (30+ year old) division.
e.NO face contact is allowed in any other divisions.
8. Scoring
Points shall be awarded when permitted techniques are delivered accurately and powerfully to the permitted scoring areas of the body.
Trunk
a. Trunk punch or kick (e.g. middle roundhouse, standing back kick) = 1 point
b. Trunk 360 turn roundhouse kick, jump turn back kick = 2 points
Face
a. High kicks (e.g. roundhouse, sidekick, hook kick, back kick, axe kick, jump axe kick) = 2 points
b. 360 turn high attack(360 turn roundhouse kick, jump turn back kick, jumping wheel kick) - 3 pt
c. Body/high attack knockdown – 4 pt
(when it is considered as a pushing kick and the opponent falls down, it does not count as any point)
*For ages 8-13 there will be an International division open to Black Belts ONLY, and light head contact will be allowed. However, the following techniques to the head will NOT be allowed for this age group: Back kick(Reverse Back Kick), jumping back kick, Whe- chuk(Reverse Hook Kick) or jumping Whe-chuk. Use of these disallowed techniques will result in a penalty (5 point, 1 point or disqualification – dependent on the severity of the contact).
Special
a. Knockdown or stunned (e.g. wind knocked out) from trunk or high attack = additional 1 point; in this situation, if the attack is considered to be a push and the opponent falls down, it does not count as any points.
b. Knockdown where the referee feels he or she has to count to determine if a technical knockout (TKO) has occurred = 4 points (total); in this situation, regardless of the type of attack, the successful attacker should receive four points. NOTE: if the technique was one of the two attacks described in the “Scoring > Face > TKO” section above, then it is a TKO and points are irrelevant.
c. Invalidating points – When a contestant scores through the use of a prohibited act, the point(s) scored shall be annulled. In this situation, the referee must indicate the invalidation of the point(s) by hand signal and declare the appropriate penalty.
2. Prohibited acts – warning penalty (Kyong go)
a. Crossing the ring’s boundary line
When both feet of a contestant cross the ring’s boundary line, a Kyong go may be declared.
b. Evading by turning back to the opponent
When a contestant turns his/her back to avoid an opponent’s attack, or avoiding by bending down to waist level or crouching.
c. Falling down
When a contestant intentionally falls down. If a contestant falls down due to an opponent’s prohibited act, the penalty shall not be given to the fallen contestant; the penalty shall be given to the opponent who committed the prohibited act. In the case of a contestant accidentally falling down, a penalty shall be given for repeated acts. No penalty shall be given for unintentional falling down during the exchange of techniques.
d. Avoiding the match
When a contestant avoids the match with no intention to
attack; the contestant who is more defensive and steps back more frequently will be given a penalty. However, the
referee must be alert to distinguish intentional avoidance from tactical defense, and the penalty shall not be given for actions made for tactical defense.
e. Grabbing, holding or pushing the opponent
When a contestant grabs any part of the opponent’s body, uniform, or protective equipment with the hands. It also
includes the act of grabbing the foot or leg, or hooking either one on top of the forearm. Holding includes pressing the opponent’s shoulder with the hand or arm, or hooking the opponent’s body with the arm to hinder the opponent’s motion. If, during the competition the arm passes beyond the opponent’s shoulder or armpit for the above-mentioned purpose, a penalty may be declared. Pushing includes displacing the opponent’s balance for the purpose of gaining an advantage in attacking, pushing to hinder the opponent’s normal execution of techniques, and pushing with the palm, elbow, shoulder, trunk or head.
f. Attacking below the waist
When an intentional attack is made on any part of the body below the waist. However, when impact below the waist is caused by the recipient of the blow or occurs in the normal course of an exchange of techniques, no penalty shall be given.
g. Head butting or attacking with the knee
When an intentional head butt or attack with the knee occurs, a penalty shall be given. However, when impact is caused by the recipient of the blow or accidentally occurs in the normal course of an exchange of techniques, no penalty shall be given.
h. Hitting the face with the hand
When a contestant hits an opponent’s face unintentionally with the hand, wrist, arm or elbow, a penalty shall be given. However, unavoidable contact due to an opponent’s carelessness – such as excessively lowering the head or carelessly turning the body – shall not be punished.
I. Pretending injury
When a contestant exaggerates injury or indicates pain in a body part not subjected to a blow for the purpose of demonstrating the opponent’s action as a violation or for the purpose of elapsing match time.
j. Misconduct by contesting or coach
When a contestant or coach displays physical actions or attitudes which cannot be accepted from a contestant or
coach as Taekwondo practitioners. These actions can include interfering with the progress of the contest, severely criticizing the referee’s decision or match officiating using an irregular method, physical or verbal
behavior insulting the opposing contestant or coach, loud or excessive coaching, any other unnecessary or undesirable act with regard to the contest, or any behavior regarding the contest which is not acceptable socially (e.g. cursing or gestures meaning same).
3. Prohibited acts – severe penalty (Gam jeum)
a. Attacking an opponent after break (Kal yeo) or stop (Keu man) is declared
This action is not in accordance with the spirit of Taekwondo. This shall be penalized regardless of the degree of impact. A penalty may also be given if a contestant pretends to attack an opponent after Kal yeo or Keu man.
b. Attacking a fallen opponent
This action is not in accordance with the spirit of Taekwondo. This shall be penalized regardless of the degree of impact.
c. Throwing down the opponent by grabbing, holding or pushing
If a contestant’s grabbing, holding or pushing motion results in his/her opponent being thrown down, a more severe penalty is warranted. See Section 7 for details of what constitutes grabbing, holding or pushing an opponent.
d. Intentionally attacking the opponent’s face
When a contestant hits an opponent’s face intentionally with the hand, wrist, arm or elbow, a severe penalty shall be given. This is especially warranted when the starting point of the attack was over the shoulder, or if the attack was made using an upward motion.
e. Interrupting the progress of the match
This includes more extreme behavior on the part of the contestant or coach with the purpose of interfering with the progress of the match. It also includes a coach or contestant protesting in an illegal way and interrupting the progress of the match or subsequent matches. Finally, this also includes violent or extreme remarks made toward the referee, judges or other tournament officials.
4. Decisions (declaring a winner)
a. Score – The referee shall declare a winner based on contestants’ scoring. Point gap and point ceiling are not currently used for WJTF tournaments.
b. Knockout – The referee shall declare this result when a contestant has been knocked down by a legal technique and cannot demonstrate the will to resume the contest by the count of ten (Yeo dul). In obvious circumstances, this result may be declared before ten seconds have elapsed (e.g. an unconscious contestant).
c. Referee stops contest – If it is the judgment of the referee that a contestant cannot continue, even after a one minute recovery period, or when a contestant disregards the referee’s command to continue, the referee shall declare the contest stopped and the other contestant the winner.
d. Withdrawal – If an opponent withdraws from
the match due to injury, failure to respond to the call to begin the match, or when the coach throws a towel into the court to signify forfeiture of the match.
e. Referee’s punitive declaration – The referee shall declare this result when a contestant has accumulated a total of four minus (-4) points, or when it is the judgment of the referee that a contestant or coach has engaged in extremely inappropriate behavior not consistent with the spirit of Taekwondo and fair competition.
SPECIAL SPARRING PROCEDURES
1. Knockdown
When a contestant is knocked down as the result of the opponent’s legitimate attack and does not get quickly back up to his or her feet, the referee shall take the following measures:
a. The referee shall keep the attacker away from the downed contestant by declaration of break (Kal yeo).
b. The referee shall count aloud and visibly to the knocked down contestant from one (Ha nah) up to ten (Yeol) at one-second intervals, showing the count using his/her hands to indicate the passage of time.
c. If the downed contestant stands during the referee’s count and desires to continue the match, the
referee shall continue to count up to eight (Yeo dul) for recovery of the contestant. The referee shall then determine if the contestant is recovered and, if so, continue the contest by declaring continue (Kye sok).
d. When a contestant cannot demonstrate the will to resume the match by the count of eight (Yeo dul), the referee shall continue to count to ten (Yeol) and then announce the other contestant the winner by knockout.
e. If both contestants are knocked down, the referee shall continue counting as long as one of the contestants has not sufficiently recovered. If both contestants fail to recover by the count of ten (Yeol), the winner shall be decided based upon the match score before the knock down occurred.
2. Injury / suspending match
When a contestant is to be stopped due to the injury of one or both contestants, the referee shall take the following measures:
a. The referee shall suspend the contest by declaration of break (Kal yeo).
b. The referee shall suspend time keeping by announcing suspend (Kye shi).
c. The referee shall allow the contestant(s) to receive first aid for up to one minute.
d. If a contestant is injured by an illegal hit and cannot physically continue fighting (e.g., broken bone, a lot of blood), then the head judge should ask the coach and contestant if they want to continue:
e. If they want to continue and the head judge determines that the contestant can do so safely, then the head judge should give the other contestant a Gam jeum penalty and continue the match.
f.If the coach, contestant or the head judge determines the injured contestant cannot continue, then the injured contestant wins this match and will receive second place overall, BUT is not allowed to continue fighting in the next (final) match for first place. The winner of the other match will receive first place automatically. Both losers of the two matches receive third place.
g. If a contestant is injured by an illegal hit, BUT the head judge feels that the contestant can continue fighting, then the head judge should take the following action:
h. In the case of a first round match, if the contestant or the coach still does not want to continue, then the match is declared a draw. The injured contestant will receive a second place award, and the uninjured contestant will advance to the final match for first (and second) place. Note in this case, there will be TWO second place contestants.
i. In the case of a FINAL match (i.e. for first place), then at the end of the one minute recovery, the head judge should ask the coach and contestant again about continuing. If the coach or the contestant still say the contestant can’t continue, then explain that the contestant will be considered TKO and be out of the match. The uninjured contestant is penalized with a Kyong go and also declared the WINNER by TKO.
j. If both contestants are injured and unable to continue the match after one minute, the winner shall be decided based upon the match score before the injuries occurred. However, if the injuries are the result of a severe (Gam jeum) penalty by one contestant, that person shall be the loser. Also, if the injuries are the result of severe (Gam jeum) penalties by both contestants, then both contestants shall lose.
COACHES’ CHALLENGE RULES
1. Each participating school will be issued one (1) challenge card to the Head Coach or Master.
2. Contestants and parents (unless they are also the Head Coach or Master) cannot use this card.
3. Challenge cards can only be used to dispute the outcome of one (1) contest for the entire tournament. Meaning that once a challenge card is used, you do not get it back to use again.
4. When a contest is challenged, the ring’s Head Judge will ask the Board of Arbitration members to come to the ring to judge a one-round playoff between the contestants of the disputed match.
5. If a contest is challenged, all Coaches and contestants of the contest shall behave in a respectful manner. If a Coach or contestant does not, he or she may be penalized as the Board of Arbitration sees fit, up to and including being asked to leave the tournament.
6. Possible outcomes of a challenge:
a. The challenging contestant wins. The challenger will then advance normally as the winner of the contest.
NOTE: if the losing contestant’s Head Coach or Master still has a challenge card it can be used to force another one-round playoff.
b. The challenging contestant loses. If the challenger loses the one-round playoff, he or she will drop two places in the final standing for the ring. For example, if the contest was for 1st and 2nd place, and the challenger loses, then the challenger will receive 4th place (which means he or she will receive no medal).
