General Rules

New USAT Rules Implemented

The objectives of the new rules and regulations is improve the dynamics of the sport of Taekwondo: to make it more exciting for the spectators, faster moving without a lot of down time and even out the advantage of taller players.

10 Kyong-Go's or 5 Gam-Jeom's will be allowed for each match for both competitors.

When the CR declares Kalyeo, the computer operator will stop time after one second. When the CR declares Kye-sok, the operator will start time immediately.

Shi-gan will only be used in two occasions: a. After an 8 count, the CR can ask for Shi-gan if the player needs to fix his gear or the center referee needs to ask for IVR when no points are scored or b. If the commission doctor asks extra time to finish his fixing up to the player, then the center referee can change the Kye-shi to Shi-gan before it expires the 60 second mark

Lifting a leg to block an incoming kick will be KG'ed; same for lifting the leg and hopping on the other leg for more than 3 seconds; same for lifting leg and doing cut kick action without actual attacking for more than 3 seconds.

Pain is not injury. If a player falls down due to pain, he will be asked firmly and hand signalled to "Stand up" to continue the match. No more Kye-shi unless: a. bloody nose or cuts or b. dislocation of bones or sprained ankles or c. broken bones

Attack after Kalyeo is determined by the "straight arm" hand signal by the center referee. If the player lifts his foot after the straight arm of the CR, he will be punished: a. If his foot touches the opponent body, he will be given Gam-Jeom. b. If his foot does not touch the opponent body, he will be given KyongGo. (Please note it is up to the discretion to give KyongGo).

Attacking a fallen opponent. If the foot hits the opponent when he is down, the kicker will receive a GJ penalty. If the attacker fakes a kick when his opponent is down, he will be punished with a KG.

Falling down: A player will be given a KG for falling down regardless of his intention or repeated actions

Player is punishable by KG for asking referee to pause the match to fix equipment. Center Referee has the discretion to stop the match if he sees equipment needs to be fixed.

For more information, please see the list of USAT Competition Rules.

Mandatory Equipment for Sparring (all ages):

Standard white, V-neck taekwondo uniform (black collar for black belts, white collar for everyone else including red belts) in good condition.

Properly-fitting chest protector with red and blue scoring zones that wraps around and covers the entire back except the spine of the athlete in the valid scoring area. This rule will be strictly enforced for the safety of every competitor.

Foam, cloth, or vinyl shin protector and forearm guard. Forearm guards with hand protectors attached are not allowed.

WTF-approved open-finger gloves are optional for color belt competitors and mandatory for black belts age 15-32.

Junior color belts: Open-toe foot protectors (aka socks) or foam, cloth, or vinyl instep pads, but not both. If instep pads are taped on, they must adhere to the rules published below. Daedo electronic foot sensor socks are not mandatory for junior color belts.

Black belts and Adult color belts: All black belts and adult color belts will be using Daedo sensor hogu scoring systems, so those commpetitors must bring Daedo electronic foot sensor socks. It is highly recommended that competitors purchase them from the Daedo website. There will also be a limited number for sale at the tournament.

Knee pads and elbow pads are optional, but if worn, they must be made of foam, cloth, or vinyl.

Groin protection (required for males), worn under uniform.

Properly-fitting USAT or WTF foam head gear, with no damage or cracks. White, red or blue only.

Clear or white mouth guards must be worn by all competitors.

Head gear, gloves, and foot protectors can be white, red, or blue, and, if not white, must correspond to the color of the chest protector. If both foot protectors and gloves are worn, they must be of the same color (white, red, or blue).

Examples of acceptable and unacceptable chest protectors for color belts:

Acceptable

Unacceptable

All competitors are responsible for adhering to these Athletic Taping and Padding Rules (file in Adobe's PDF format).

Scoring/Contact Rules:

Kyorugi divisions will be formed around these belt levels: Yellow/Green, Blue/Red, and Black. The Tournament Director reserves the right to modify divisions at his discretion. A golden point overtime match will be used to determine the winner in case of a tie score.

** In our attempt to maximize the chances of pairing sparring competitors, we do not have set weight categories for juniors and color belts. It is therefore of the utmost importance for everyone to submit an accurate weight during registration.

Adult Black Belt Weight Categories

Weights are in pounds. The Tournament Director reserves the right to modify divisions at his discretion.

Points