General Rules

• Competitors must have weighed in on the day of their competition by 8:30 am.
• Weight divisions will be determined according to registration, and every effort will be made to fairly match competitors according to age, weight and rank.
• Standard USTU (modified WTF) sparring rules will apply, including differential scoring in appropriate divisions.
• Consolation Round in most divisions will guarantee two matches minimum per competitor.
• The match numbering system will apply. Competitors must arrive at the ring with their coach three matches prior to their match number. Match numbers will be posted at the rings and in the warm-up area. Competitors who are not present at the time of their match may be disqualified.

Mandatory Equipment for Sparring (all ages):

• Standard white, V-neck taekwondo uniform (black trim for black belts only) in good condition.
• White USTU or WTF chest protector with red and blue scoring zones.
• Foam shin protector and instep pad (white only), and forearm protector (white only).
• Groin protection (required for males), worn under uniform.
• Foam USTU or WTF head protector (white, red or blue only).
• Mouth guard.

Poomse/Forms Rules:

The only poomse accepted are the Taegeuk and Palgwe series for color belts, and Koryo, Keumgang, Taebaek, Pyungwon, Sipjin, Jitae, Cheonkwon, Hansoo, and Ilyo for black belts. These are all recognized by USTU and WTF. The poomse must match the rank.

Belt Poomse (Taegeuk or Palgwe) Yellow Il-Jang (1) or Ee-Jang (2) Green Sam-Jang (3) or Sa-Jang (4) Blue Oh-Jang (5) or Yook-Jang (6) Red Chil-Jang (7) or Pal-Jang (8)

Black Belt Dan Poomse 1st Koryo 2nd Keumgang 3rd Taebaek 4th Pyungwon 5th Sipjin

Scoring/Contact Rules:

Kyoroogi divisions will be as follows: Yellow/Green, Blue/Red and Black

Age	Belt	Contact	Rounds	Duration	Break
Juniors: 6-11	All belts	No head contact	2	90 sec	30 sec
Juniors: 12-13	All belts	Light head contact	2	90 sec	30 sec
Juniors: 14-17	Color belts	Light head contact	2	90 sec	30 sec
Juniors: 14-17	Black belts	Full head contact	2	90 sec	30 sec
Adults: 18-34	Color belts	Full head contact	2	2 min	1 min
Adults: 18-34	Black belts	Full head contact	3	2 min	1 min
Exec: 35+	Color belts	Light head contact	2	2 min	1 min
Exec: 35+	Black belts	Light head contact	2	2 min	1 min

Points

Area	Valid Scoring Technique	Knockdown
Body	1 point	+1 point
Head (light head contact rules)	1 point	Point is invalid if knockdown occurs and a penalty will be assessed
Head (full head contact rules)	2 points	+1 point

Coaches

The Stanford Taekwondo Spring Open will be issuing one Coaching Pass to every competitor at the time of check-in. Each competitor will be allowed one coach. Coaches/Instructors will have access to the competition floor only while accompanying a competitor three matches prior to the competitor’s match and must present the pass at that time. Coaches/Athletes must leave the competition floor immediately after their match. Disruptive and/or disrespectful behavior on the part of the coach may result in disqualification of the competitor and/or expulsion from the tournament.