The new rules that refs & competitors should be aware of
A few new rules have been introduced, as well as clarifications of some existing ones. Here’ what you need to know...
Kata
- You may restart your kata (have a second go) in all divisions except the Senior Opens and Senior Team. If you make a mistake, the correct etiquette is to stop. Turn to the head judge and ask permission to restart.
- Except for the very largest venues, all kata will be performed in rings that are 6 metres square. The starting line is 2 metres in from the edge.
Kumite
- In all individual divisions, each bout of kumite will run for 2 minutes. In most divisions, this means that you now have an extra 30 seconds in which to fight. The time warning whistle will be blown 30 seconds from the end of time.
Team rounds still last for 1 minute each.
- Points may be scored on competitors who fall, as well as are swept to the floor. A few extra moments is to be allowed in order to allow competitors to score.
You cannot score from the floor if you fall over (poor posture!). All you can do is to defend against an opponent scoring against you.
- Stepping out of the ring is not a defence against a competitor scoring. Scores are issued based upon when the referee calls Yamae. Thus if you unsportingly step out of the ring, expecting your opponent’s attacks to be disallowed (which was always a rather risky tactic), if the referee does not call yamae before your opponent delivers a scorable technique, the technique will stand and he will be scored.
By the same token, the referee cannot issue both a score and a jogai penalty in the same exchange
- Reckless behaviour (uncontrolled or dangerous attacks warranting a mubobi penalty) carry an automatic disqualification for a second infraction (subject to the senior referee’s consent), even if the first infraction was only a warning.
- Surging vigorously forwards is not automatically a mubobi.
- Chest protectors for women are optional (but highly recommended).
- With kicks, only the lower half of the leg (the shin) needs to be retracted to show good form.
- When kicking, the other foot must be on the floor.
- Do not score a technique where a competitor drops either hand below the hips after scoring as this lacks zanshin (awareness/readiness) and good form.
- You should use Japanese only for 3rd kyu and above divisions.
- You may pause a bout at any time to allow an injured competitor more time to compose him/herself – not just immediately after the contact that brought about the injury.
- For children under 12, only speak in English.
- It is perfectly acceptable to show appreciation for children’s techniques; “Good kick” etc. You may also offer encouragement.
- It is permissible to offer brief (non-tactical) coaching to children; “Don’t forget to kiai”, “You need to be a bit closer”, etc.
| Introduction |
| Referee & judge levels |
| Competition Area Overview Kata Kumite |
| Powers & Duties Chief Referee Referee Judge Arbitrator Score keeper Time keeper Kumite time-keeping summary |
| Tournament Kata Important points Competitor's guide Scoring kata Tied scores Scoring sheet Criteria Score ranges |
| Tournament kumite Starting, suspending & ending matches Scoring Penalties |
| Injuries & accidents |
| Dress requirements Competitors Officials |
| Tournament terminology |
| Referee hand signals |
| New Rules |
| Printable version |