WKF Kumite Competition Rules 2024 PDF

WORLD KARATE FEDERATION KUMITE COMPETITION RULES Valid from 1.1.202 4 Rules Version 2024.00 1 CONTENT INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................................3 ARTICLE 1: KUMITE COMPETITION AREA...................................................................................3 ARTICLE 2: AT TIRE AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.................................................................5 ARTICLE 3: ORGANISATION OF KUMITE COMPETITIONS......................................................9 ARTICLE 4: THE REFEREE PANEL..................................................................................................17 ARTICLE 5: DURATION OF BOUT.................................................................................................19 ARTICLE 6: KIKEN – FAILURE TO AP PEAR AT THE TATAMI..................................................20 ARTICLE 7: STARTING, SUSPENDIN G AND EN DING O F MATCHES....................................21 ARTICLE 8: SCORING.......................................................................................................................23 ARTICLE 9: PROHIBITED BEHAVIOUR........................................................................................25 ARTICLE 10: WARNINGS & PENALTIES.........................................................................................26 ARTICLE 11: INJUR IES AND ACCIDEN TS IN COMPETITION...................................................30 ARTICLE 12: CRITERIA FOR DECISION..........................................................................................32 ARTICLE 13: OFFICIAL PROTEST.....................................................................................................36 ARTICLE 14: VIDEO REVIEW REQUEST.........................................................................................39 ARTICLE 15: POWERS AND DUT IES OF OFFICIALS...................................................................41 ARTICLE 16: ELIG IBILITY TO COMPETE........................................................................................44 ARTICLE 17: ADOPTATION OF THESE RULES T0 EVENTS OUTSIDE THE WKF OFFICIAL EVENT PROGRAMME..............................................................................................................................46 ARTICLE 18: ISSUES NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED BY THE RULES.......................................47 APPENDIX 1: THE TERMINOLOGY.........................................................................................................48 APPENDIX 2: GESTURES AND FLAG SIGNALS..............................................................................49 APPENDIX 3: CATEGORIES, AGE & WEIGHT DIV ISIONS...........................................................54 APPENDIX 4: OFFICIAL PROTEST FORM........................................................................................55 APPENDIX 5: TWO JUDGE SYSTEM (APPLICABLE TO YOUTH LEAGUE ONLY)....................56 APPENDIX 6: SUMMARY TABLE OF W INNING CRITERIA AN D TIE RESOLUTION..............59 Rules Version 2024.00 2 INTRODUCTION The purpose of the Kumite Rules is to provide standardized rules for all levels of Championships promoted or recognized by the World Karate Federation (WKF), WKF Continental Federations and WKF Member National Federations. The Competition Rules are intended to ensure that all matters related to competitions are conducted in a safe, fair, and orderly manner. ARTICLE 1: KUMITE COMPETITION AREA 1.1 The competition area will be a WKF Approved matted square, with sides of eight metres (measured from the outside) with the mats in the outer one-meter area in another colour, marking the boundary. 1.2 In addition, there will be a further 2 metres matted safety area on all sides of the competition area. This may be reduced to 1.5 metres to accommodate number of Tatami where the sports hall has insufficient space for 2 metres. 1.3 There must be no advertisements, signs, walls, pillars etc. within one metre of the safety area's outer perimeter. 1.4 Where monitors or displays are placed between the competition areas these must be placed far enough from the competition areas to allow a safety area of 1.5 metres between competition areas on all sides. (The monitors must be placed minimum 1.5 metres from the outside of the red warning areas). Rules Version 2024.00 3 1.5 Two mats are inverted with the red (or otherwise coloured) side turned up in one metre distance from the mat centre to form a boundary between the Competitors. When starting or resuming combat the Competitors will be standing front and centre on the mat facing each other. 1.6 The Referee (SHUSHIN) will be standing centred between the two mats facing the Competitors at a distance of two metres from the boundary of the competition area. 1.7 Each Judge (FUKUSHIN) will be seated at the corners on the Tatami in the safety area. The Referee may move around the entire Tatami, including the safety area where the Judges are seated. Each Judge will be equipped with a red and a blue flag or electronic signal device. 1.8 The Match Supervisor (KANSA) will be seated at the official table. He/she will be equipped with a whistle. 1.9 The Score Supervisor will be seated at the official score table besides the score/timekeeper, and where video is deployed, so will the Video Review Supervisors. 1.10 Coaches will be seated outside the safety area, on their respective sides of the Tatami towards the official table. In cases where the configuration of Tatami makes it impractical to place the Coaches facing the official table, they may instead be placed on each side of the official table. If in such cases video review is used, Coach supervisors must be deployed. 1.11 Where the Tatami area is elevated, the Coaches will be placed outside the elevated area behind their respective Competitors. Rules Version 2024.00 4 ARTICLE 2: AT TIRE AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 2.1 Referees and Judges 2.1.1 The official uniform will be as follows: a) A single-breasted navy-blue blazer (colour code 19-4023 TPX). b) Plain light-grey trousers without turn-ups (colour code 18-0201 TPX). c) A white shirt with short sleeves. d) Plain dark blue or black socks and black slip-on shoes for use on the match area. e) An official tie, worn without tiepin. f) A black whistle with a discreet white cord for the whistle. 2.1.2 The following additions to attire are allowed: a) A plain wedding band. b) Voluntary religious headwear approved by the WKF. c) A hairclip and discreet earrings. d) Hair must be worn off the shoulders and make-up must be discreet. e) Heels of more than 4 cm may not be worn with the uniform. It is strictly forbidden for officials to wear smart-watches and make use of private electronic devices within the field of play. 2.1.3 Referees and Judges must wear the official uniform at all tournaments, briefings, and courses. 2.1.4 For multisport events where a cross-sport uniform is provided for Referees at the cost of the LOC with the feel & look of the specific event, the official uniform for Referees might be substituted by that common uniform, provided that it is requested in writing to the WKF by the event organiser and formally approved by the WKF. 2.1.5 If the Chief Referee agrees, refereeing officials may be allowed to remove their blazers. 2.1.6 The Referee Commission or Chief Referee may refuse the participation of any official who does not comply with this regulation. 2.2 Competitors 2.2.1 Competitors must wear a WKF approved white Karategi without piping or personal embroidery other than specifically allowed by the WKF EC and specified in the bulletin for the competition: a) For all official WKF events (World Championships and Karate 1 - Premier League, Series A and Youth League), the Karategi must have embroidered brands on the shoulders in respectively red or blue according to the draw. This applies equally to individuals and teams. There is no WKF requirement for the Team members wearing the same brand of Karategi. b) Only the original manufacturer’s labels may be displayed on the Karategi. Rules Version 2024.00 5 c) The national emblem or flag of the country will be worn on the left breast of the jacket and may not exceed an overall size of 12cm by 8cm. d) In addition, identification issued by the Organising Committee will be worn on the back. Rules Version 2024.00 6 e) Competitors or Teams must wear a WKF Approved red belt (AKA) or blue belt (AO) as allocated by the draw, without any personal embroideries or advertising or markings other than the customary label from the manufacturer. Belts of grade cannot be worn during the bout. f) The red and blue belts must be around five centimetres wide and of a length sufficient to allow fifteen centimetres free on each side of the knot but not longer than three- quarters thigh length. g) The jacket, when tightened around the waist with the belt, must be of a minimum length that covers the hips, but must not be more than three-quarters thigh length. h) Female Competitors can wear a plain white T-shirt beneath the Karate jacket. i) Jackets without ties cannot be used. The jacket ties holding the jacket in place must be tied at the beginning of the bout. If they are torn off during the bout, the Competitor is not required to change the jacket. j) The maximum length of the jacket sleeves must be no longer than the bend of the wrist and no shorter than halfway down the forearm. k) Jacket sleeves cannot be rolled up. l) The trousers must be long enough to cover at least two thirds of the shin and must not reach below the anklebone. Trouser legs cannot be rolled up. 2.2.2 The WKF Executive Committee can authorise the display of special labels or trademarks (BRAND LOGOS) of approved sponsors. 2.2.3 Competitors must keep their hair clean and cut to a length that does not obstruct smooth bout conduct. Hachimaki (headband) will not be allowed. 2.2.4 Hair slides are prohibited, as are metal hairgrips. Ribbons, beads and other decorations are prohibited. One or two discreet rubber bands on a single ponytail is permitted. 2.2.5 Competitors may use voluntary religious headwear approved by the WKF: A black plain fabric head scarf covering the hair, but not the neck or throat area. 2.2.6 Competitors must have short fingernails and must not wear metallic or other objects, which might injure their opponents. The use of metallic teeth braces must be approved by the Referee and the Tournament Doctor. The Competitor accepts full responsibility for any injury. 2.2.7 The following protective equipment is compulsory: a) WKF approved mitts, one Competitor wearing red and the other wearing blue. b) Gum shield. c) WKF approved body protector (respectively male and female design as applicable) d) WKF approved shin pads, one Competitor wearing red and the other wearing blue. e) WKF approved foot protection, one Competitor wearing red and the other wearing blue. f) WKF approved groin guards for male Competitors. In addition, for Competitors under 14 years of age the use of WKF approved WKF Helmet and External Chest Protector is compulsory. 2.2.8 Glasses are forbidden. Soft contact lenses can be worn at the Competitor's own risk. 2.2.9 The wearing of any unauthorised apparel, clothing or equipment is forbidden. Rules Version 2024.00 7 2.2.10 It is the duty of the Match Supervisor to ensure, before each match or bout, that the Competitors are wearing the approved equipment. All protective equipment must be WKF Approved. 2.2.11 In the case of Continental Federations, they will limit themselves to providers and brands already approved for WKF. National Federation must also accept all WKF approved equipment for all local, regional or national competitions. 2.2.12 The use of bandages, padding, or supports because of injury, must be approved by the Referee and done or approved by the Tournament Doctor. 2.2.13 In case that deformities or amputations that do not allow for safe and secure fitting of the protective equipment or could represent a risk to the athlete or their opponents, competitive Kumite will not be permitted. In any doubt, the Referees should ask the doctor for the decision. 2.2.14 Competitors that appear at the competition area with unauthorized equipment or irregular Karategi will be given two minutes to correct the attire, and the Coach based on the report from the Chief Referee may have his/her coaching license suspended for a period of up to 6 months starting the date after the applicable tournament unless the equipment and attire has been checked beforehand by a WKF Controller. 2.3 Coaches 2.3.1 Coaches must at all times during the tournament, wear the official tracksuit of their National Federation, wear shoes, and display their official identification. The exception is bouts/matches for medals in official WKF events, where male Coaches are required to wear a dark suit, shoes covering the feet, shirt and tie. Female Coaches may choose to wear a dress, pantsuit ,or a combination of jacket and skirt in dark colours and shoes. Sandals, or any other open-toe shoes, are prohibited. 2.3.2 In addition the following additions to attire are allowed: a) A plain wedding band. b) Voluntary religiously mandated headwear approved by the WKF. 2.3.3 The Chief Referee can allow Coaches to use the federations official Team t-shirt or a plain coloured t-shirt without writing or logos instead of the track suit jacket. Rules Version 2024.00 8 ARTICLE 3: ORGANISATION OF KUMITE COMPETITIONS 3.1 Definitions 3.1.1 A “bout” refers to an individual bout between two Competitors. 3.1.2 A “match” is the total of all bouts between the members of two Teams 3.1.3 The term “group” is here used about the Competitors participating in one of the eight or more groups in the Round-robin phase for individual competition or the group of five Teams participating in round-robin Team competition. 3.1.4 The term “pool” is used for each of the two halves of the total number of Competitors in a category forming the two paths of advancement towards competing for the medals. 3.2 Weigh-in procedure 3.2.1 Rehearsal weighing Competitors shall be allowed to check their weight on the official weigh-in scales (that will be used for the official weigh-in) from one hour before the official weigh-in commences. There is no limit to the numbers of times each Competitor may check his weight during the time of the unofficial weigh-in. 3.2.2 Official weighing: a) Place: The weight control will take place always in only one place. The possibilities to host this control are the competition venue, the official hotel or the village (To be announced for each event). Organizers must provide separate rooms for men and women. b) Scales: If the official scale shows a higher weight than the scale provided for test weighing the Competitor can demand to be weighed again applying the weight shown on the test scale as the official result of the weigh-in. The host NF should provide enough calibrated electronic scales (at least 4 units) showing only one decimal place, e.g. 51.9 Kg, 104.6 kg. The scale should be placed on a solid floor that is not carpeted. c) Time: Weigh-in must take place at the latest the day before the day of competition for the category, unless specified otherwise for a specific competition. The official weigh-in time for WKF events will be duly announced on the bulletin. For any other events this information will be distributed in advance through the OC communication channels. It is the responsibility of the Competitor to be aware of this information. A Competitor that does not turn up for the weigh- in period or fails to weigh within the prescribed limits for the category in which the Competitor is registered, will be disqualified (KIKEN). d) Tolerance: The tolerances admitted are 0.2 kg for all male categories and 0.5 kg for all female categories. The same tolerance applies to both the upper and lower limits of a weight class. Rules Version 2024.00 9 e) Procedure: A minimum of two WKF officials are required at the weigh-in for each gender. One to check the accreditation/passport of the Competitor and one to record the exact weight on the official weigh-in list. An additional six staff members (official/volunteers) supplied by the host NF should also be available to control the flow of Competitors. Twelve chairs must be supplied. To protect the privacy of the Competitors, officials as well as the staff members supervising the weigh-in, must be of the same gender as the Competitors. 1. The official weigh-in will be done category by category and Competitor by Competitor. 2. All Coaches and other Team delegates must leave the weigh-in room before the start of the official weigh-in. 3. The Competitor is allowed to stand on the scales only once during the official weigh-in period. 4. Each Competitor shall bring to the weigh-in their accreditation card issued for the event and shall present it to the official, who will verify the identity of the Competitor. 5. The official then invites the Competitor to stand on the scales. 6. The Competitor shall weigh-in wearing only underclothing (men/boys – underpants, women/girls – underpants and bra). Any socks or additional complements must be removed. 7. The official supervising the weigh-in shall note and record the Competitor’s weight in kilograms (accurate to one decimal point of a kilogram). 8. The Competitor steps off the scales. NOTE: Photography or filming is not permitted in the weigh-in area. This includes the use of mobile phones and all other devices. 3.3 Seeding 3.3.1 For WKF World Individual Championships - Phase 2, and Karate 1 - Premier League, the four highest ranked Competitors present at the competition are seeded by their respective ranking in the WKF World Ranking as per the day before the competition. 3.3.2 For World Senior Team Championships the 3 medallist Teams (gold, silver and bronze) plus the loser of the bronze from the previous World Senior Team Championships will be seeded. [Transition note: For the first Team World Championship following the event in Budapest 2023, the seeded Teams will be both bronze medal winners instead of one bronze winner and the loser of the bronze final – as Budapest is the last World Team Championships with two bronze medals.] 3.4 Competition formats 3.4.1 Karate kumite competition take the forms of individual competition divided by gender, age groups, and weight categories and/or Team competition divided by gender without weight categories, and can be organised in several formats: a) Elimination system with repechage for individuals or Teams. (Used unless otherwise specified for the competition). Rules Version 2024.00 10 b) Round-robin in groups followed by Elimination for individuals or Teams. Used for individual Premier League competitions and the Senior Kumite World Championships for both individuals and Teams). c) Two-pool Round-robin system (used for multisport games). 3.4.2 The Elimination system with repechage will be applied unless otherwise is pre-determined for a specific competition or series of tournaments. 3.4.3 For individual competition in Premier League, the Senior Individual World Championships and the World Team Championships the Round-robin system followed by Elimination is applied. 3.4.4 For multisport games, such as continental games, Olympic Games, or other multisport events, the format of competition will be determined for each event depending on modalities included and restriction in participation. The format used is normally a two-pool system where the winners of the pools go to the final. 3.5 Composition of kumite Teams 3.5.1 Matches in kumite for male Teams consist of 5 bouts. The Team must present 5 participants for the initial match. To participate in Round-robin competition the Team must also have 2 additional back-up Competitor registered for possible participation in subsequent bouts and may also have a third optional back-up Competitor - bringing the maximum size of the Team to 8 Competitors. For any elimination matches, the Team must always have minimum 3 participants in order to compete. 3.5.2 Matches in kumite for female Teams consist of 3 bouts. The Team must present 3 participants for the initial match. To participate in Round-robin competition the Team must also have 1 additional back-up Competitor registered for possible participation in subsequent bouts and may also have a second optional back-up Competitor - bringing the maximum size of the Team to 5 Competitors. For any elimination match, the Team must always have minimum 2 participants in order to compete. 3.5.3 In Team kumite competition the Team may change which of the Team members should participate for each match. For a tie-break bout, the Team may submit a single name as they would normally do for a new round. 3.5.4 During Round-robin competition the Team must complete all bouts in order to remain in the competition. If it does not, all bouts and matches will be voided and no victory points and scoring points will be counted. Likewise, all victory points and scoring points earned by other Teams in meeting the Team eliminated will be voided. Rules Version 2024.00 11 3.5.5 In second match of an Elimination tournament, and in the Elimination phase following Round- robin, male Teams can never present less than 3 Competitors for a match and female Teams can never present less than 2. Rules Version 2024.00 12 3.6 Fighting order for Teams 3.6.1 Before each match, a Team representative must hand to the official table, an official form defining the names and fighting order of the competing Team members. 3.6.2 The fighting order form can be presented by the Coach or a nominated Competitor from the Team. If the Coach hands in the form, he/she must be clearly identifiable as such; otherwise, it can be rejected. The list must include the name of the country, the belt colour allocated to the Team for that match and the fighting order of the Team members. Both the Competitors’ names and their tournament numbers must be included, and the form must be signed by the Coach or a nominated person. 3.6.3 Coaches must present their accreditation together with that of their Competitor or Team to the Coach Supervisor or Kansa Assistant. The Coach must sit in the chair provided and must not interfere with the smooth running of the bout by word or deed. 3.6.4 When lining up before a match, a Team will present the actual fighters for that round. The unused fighter(s) and the Coach will not be included and shall sit in an area set aside for them. 3.6.5 The participants can be selected for each round from the full Team. Their fighting order can be changed for each round provided the new fighting order is notified before the round, but once notified; it cannot be changed until that round is completed. 3.6.6 The Team will be disqualified (SHIKKAKU) if any of its members or its Coach changes the Team's composition or fighting order without written notification prior to the round. 3.6.7 If, through an error in charting, the wrong Competitors compete, then regardless of the outcome, that bout/match is declared null and void. To reduce such errors the Score Supervisor must confirm the winning Competitor/Team with the software technician immediately after the bout/match. 3.6.8 In Team matches where an individual loses on account of receiving KIKEN, HANSOKU or SHIKKAKU, any score for the disqualified Competitor will be set to zero, and a score of 8-0 (counted as YUKO) will be recorded for that bout in favour of the other Team. 3.7 Round-robin, Individual Competition 3.7.1 In Individual World Championships – Phase 2 and Premier League competition the 32 participants are divided in 8 groups of 4 Competitors, or less. The winner of each of the eight groups go on to regular quarterfinals, semi-finals and final. The losers to the finalists in the quarter- and semi-finals compete for the bronze medals. Rules Version 2024.00 13 3.7.2 According to the number of Competitors (32 or less) the allocation to groups will be as per the following table: Number of Competitors/Groups Competitors per group Notes 8 Groups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Participation: 24-32 Competitors Seed ► 3 2 4 1 32 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 31 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 30 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 29 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 3 28 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 The first of each Group qualify. 27 4 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 26 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 25 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 24 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 6 Groups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Participation:18-23 Competitors Seed ► 3 2 4 1 23 4 4 4 4 4 3 22 4 4 3 4 4 3 21 4 3 3 4 4 3 The first of each Group and the two Best runner-ups qualify. 20 4 3 3 4 3 3 19 4 3 3 3 3 3 18 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 Groups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Participation: 17 Competitors Seed ► 3 2 4 1 17 3 4 4 3 The first of each Group and the best three runner-ups qualify. 3 4 Groups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Participation: 12-16 Competitors Seed ► 3 2 4 1 16 4 4 4 4 15 4 4 4 3 14 4 3 4 3 The first and runner-up of each Group. 13 3 3 4 3 12 3 3 3 3 3 Groups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Participation: 9-11 Competitors Seed ► 3 2 1 11 4 4 3 The first and runner-up of each Group, as well as the best two number 10 4 3 3 threes qualify. 9 3 3 3 2 Groups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Participation: 6-8 Competitors Seed ► 2 1 8 4 4 The first and runner-up of each Group, will compete directly in the 7 4 3 semifinals. 6 3 3 1 Group 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Participation: 3-5 Competitors Seed ► 1 5 5 Final between first and runner-up of the Group, and only one bronze 4 4 medal bout. 3 3 3.7.3 Should an individual be disqualified, or for other reason not complete all bouts in the Round- robin the scores of completed or current bouts will be declared nil (results nullified), and its Victory points forfeited unless it is the last bout of the Round-robin Elimination, in which case all the previous results and points remain unchanged. 3.7.4 The winner and runners-up of each group is determined by the most won victory points by counting wins as three points each, a draw where points are scored as 1 point – and a draw with no points scored, or a loss, as zero. 3.7.5 The winners of the semi-finals will then go on the final where they compete for gold and silver. 3.7.6 Those who have lost to the finalists in the quarter finals and semi-finals will compete for the bronze medals (One for group 1-4 and one for group 5-8). Rules Version 2024.00 14 3.8 Phase 1 of the Individual World Championships For Phase 1 of the Individual World Championships, there is no limitation to 32 Competitors per category and, when required, the number of groups will be increased as well as the number of competitors within the same group. Additional rounds of Round-robin will be fought until the number of winners qualified to proceed are 24 or less, after which straight Elimination bouts will determine the 6 winners that will qualify for Phase 2. 3.9 World Teams Championships For the World Senior Teams Championships, the Round-robin system followed by semi-finals and final is applied. 5 Teams are allocated to each group. The winners of each group then compete in semi-finals and final. After the Group Phase, the Group Winners passes to the Semi-Finals where the bout winners head to the Finals and the losers head to the bronze medal match. The winner of the finals receives the gold medal while the loser receives a silver medal. The winner of the bronze match will take bronze while the losing Team is not awarded a medal. [Transition note: For the first Team World Championship following the event in Budapest 2023, the seeded Teams will be both bronze medal winners instead of one bronze winner and the loser of the bronze final – as Budapest is the last World Team Championships with two bronze medals.] 3.10 Multisport Games and competitions with limited participation For competitions with limited number of Competitors a two-pool system is used where the winners of the two pools will meet in the final while nr. 2 in the first pool will meet nr. 3 in the second pool and vice versa to compete for the two bronze medals. 3.11 Variations to competition formats If a variation of the competition format other than described in these rules is to be applied for a particular tournament, this must be clearly announced in the tournament bulletin. 3.12 Coaching 3.12.1 In World Championships, Kumite coaches need to be part of a National Federation delegation and have the required Coach certification level, when acting during the bout of a Competitor. 3.12.2 Exceptionally, in competitions with Video Review and upon prior request of the NF, WKF may authorize a coach from a different delegation to act as a coach for their delegation in the situations herein, provided that they comply with dress code as established in art. 2.3.1, in order to cover the special circumstances arising of the need to have a coach to request Video Review: A NF having registered one (or more) coaches in Kumite categories if the coach(es) cannot attend the event due to visa problems, transport incidences, sudden health issues or any other justified cause, A NF that for budgetary reasons or being part of the WKF development programme does not have funds to include Kumite coach(es) within their delegation, A Refugee athlete, or Rules Version 2024.00 15 A coach being disqualified from competition and as a result the Competitors of his/her NF do not have any Kumite coach. 3.12.3 If a NF is in any of the above-mentioned situations, and only during a World Championships, the OC Chair may authorize (subject to the President’s ratification) to make an exception. Rules Version 2024.00 16 ARTICLE 4: THE REFEREE PANEL 4.1. Composition 4.1.1 The Refereeing Panel for each bout shall consist of one Referee (SHUSHIN), four Judges (FUKUSHIN), and one Match Supervisor (KANSA), a Score Supervisor, and where video review is used, two Video Review Supervisors. 4.1.2 The Referee, Judges, Match Supervisor, Score Supervisor, and Video Review Supervisors of a Kumite bout must not have the nationality or be from the same National Federation of either of the participants or have any other conflict of interest. It remains the duty of any official to self-report on any possible conflict of interest before the bout or match starts. 4.2 Referees and Judges’ deployment and panel allocation 4.2.1 For the eliminatory rounds the RC Secretary will deliver to the software system technician handling the electronic drawing system a list containing the Referees and Judges available per TATAMI. This list is done by the RC Secretary once the Competitors draw is finished and at the end of the Referees Briefing. This list must only contain Referees present at the Briefing and must comply with the above-mentioned criteria. Then for the Referees draw, the software technician will enter the list in the system and 4 Judges, 1 Referee, 1 Match Supervisor (KANSA), and 1 Score Supervisor out of each TATAMI deployment will be randomly allocated as Referee Panel for each bout. 4.2.2 Where video review is used two Video Review Supervisors are allocated in the same manner. 4.2.3 For medal bouts the Tatami Managers will provide the RC Chairman and Secretary with a list containing 8 officials from their own TATAMI after the last bout of the eliminatory rounds is finished. Once the list is approved by the RC Chairman it will be given to the software technician to be entered in the system. The system will then randomly allocate the Referee panel, which will only contain 5 out of the 8 officials from each TATAMI. 4.3 Supporting officials 4.3.1 In addition, for facilitating the operation of bouts/matches, 1 Tatami Manager, 3 Tatami Manager Assistants, and 1 Score/Timekeeper shall be appointed plus 2 Kansa Assistants for checking the Competitor’s equipment and 2 Coach Supervisors in instances where the configuration of TATAMI makes it necessary to see the Coaches requests for video review, or for any other reason deemed necessary by the Chief Referee. 4.3.2 Before the start of each match or bout Kansa Assistants will ensure that Competitors’ equipment and Karategi are in accordance with the WKF rules of competition. In competitions where Kansa Assistant is not required it is KANSA`s responsibility to ensure that the equipment is in accordance with the rules before each bout. 4.4 Formalities and change of judges 4.4.1 At the start of a Kumite match, the Referee stands on the outside edge of the match area. On the Referee’s left stand Judges numbers 1 and 2, and on the right stands Judges numbers 3 and 4. Rules Version 2024.00 17 4.4.2 After the formal exchange of bows by Competitors and the Referee panel, the Referee takes a step back, the Judges turn towards the Referee, and all bow together. All then take up their positions. 4.4.3 When changing the Judges, the departing Officials, except the Match Supervisor, line up, bow together (REI), and then leave the area. 4.4.4 When individual Judges change, the incoming Judge goes to the outgoing Judge, they bow together and change positions. 4.4.5 In Team matches, provided that the entire panel holds the required qualification, the positions of Referee and Judges must be rotated between each bout. If one or more officials do not hold the required qualification as Referee, they will remain as sitting Judges and be omitted from the rotation. 4.5 Procedure for refereeing Kumite with only two corner Judges 4.5.1 For Youth League competitions the use of only two corner Judges is allowed. This procedure is described in APPENDIX 5. Rules Version 2024.00 18 ARTICLE 5: DURATION OF BOUT 5.1 Duration of the Kumite bout is: Senior Male and Female categories: 3 minutes effective time Under 21 Male and Female categories: 3 minutes effective time Cadet and Junior Male and Female categories: 2 minutes effective time Under 14 years 1.5 minutes effective time 5.2 For tournaments without limitation to participation the duration of Elimination bouts may be reduced from 3 minutes to 2 minutes and from 2 minutes to 1.5 minutes, provided that this is announced prior to tournament start in a meeting for both coaches and officials. 5.3 The timing of the bout starts when the Referee gives the signal to start and stops each time the Referee calls “YAME” or at the signal for full time. 5.4 The timekeeper shall give a signal, indicating “15 seconds to go” by one short burst with the buzzer, and “time up” by two short bursts with the buzzer. The “time up” signal marks the end of the bout. 5.5 Competitors are entitled to a rest period between bouts, equal to the standard duration time of the bout. The exception is in the case of change of equipment colour, where this time is extended to five minutes. Rules Version 2024.00 19 ARTICLE 6: KIKEN – FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE TATAMI 6.1 KIKEN is the decision given, when a Competitor or Competitors fail to present themselves when called, are unable to continue, abandon the bout, or are withdrawn on the order of the Tournament Doctor. The grounds for abandonment may include injury not ascribable to the opponent’s actions. 6.2 Individual Competitors or Teams that do not present themselves when called will be disqualified (KIKEN) from that category. In Team matches the score for the bout not taking place will then be set to 8-0 (counted as YUKO) in favour of the other Team. In individual Round-robin the score for the bout will be set to 4-0 (counted as YUKO). 6.3 Points earned as a result of the opponent’s disqualification is always counted as YUKO. 6.4 Disqualification by KIKEN means that the Competitors are disqualified from that category, although it does not affect participation in another category. 6.5 When announcing disqualification by KIKEN the Referee will signal by pointing his/her finger towards the side of the missing Competitor or Team, announcing “AKA/AO KIKEN”, and then “AKA/AO no KACHI” giving the signal for KACHI (win) for the opponent. Rules Version 2024.00 20 ARTICLE 7: STARTING, SUSPENDING AND ENDING OF MATCHES 7.1 The terms and gestures to be used by the Referee and Judges in the operation of a bout/match shall be as specified in APPENDIX 2. 7.2 For each round there will be a bowing ceremony starting with the Referee first having Competitors and officials face the audience and bow SHOMEN NI REI followed by a bow to each other, OTAGAI NI REI. At the end of the bout(s) the bowing ceremony is done in the opposite sequence. 7.3 The Referee and Judges shall take up their prescribed positions and following an exchange of bows between the Competitors who are positioned at the front on their assigned mats nearest their opponent; the Referee will announce “SHOBU HAJIME!” and the bout will commence. 7.4 The Competitors must bow properly to each other at the start and the end of the bout – a quick nod is both discourteous and insufficient. 7.5 The Referee will stop the bout by announcing “YAME”. If necessary, the Referee will order the Competitors to take up their original positions: “MOTO NO ICHI” and return to his/her position. 7.6 In the case of a score to be awarded, the Referee identifies the Competitor (AKA or AO), the area attacked (JODAN or CHUDAN), the technique (TSUKI, UCHI or KERI), and then awards the relevant score (YUKO, WAZA-ARI or IPPON) using the prescribed gesture. The Referee then restarts the bout by calling “TSUZUKETE HAJIME”. 7.7 When a Competitor has established a clear lead of eight points during a bout, the Referee will call “YAME” and order the Competitors back to their starting points and award the applicable score. The winner is then declared and indicated by the Referee raising a hand on the side of the winner and declaring “AO (AKA) NO KACHI”. The bout is ended at this point. 7.8 When time is up, the Competitor who has the most points is declared the winner, indicated by the Referee raising a hand on the side of the winner, and declaring “AO (AKA) NO KACHI”. The bout is ended at this point. 7.9 In the event of a tied score at the end of an inconclusive bout the Referee Panel (the Referee and the four Judges) will decide the bout by HANTEI. The four judges will immediately give the signal after the Referee calls for “HANTEI” when he/she blows the whistle. The Referee will thereafter raise his/her arm and declare the winner; “AO (AKA) NO KACHI”, and if necessary, by this action, break the tie. 7.10 When faced with the following situations, the Referee will call “YAME!” and halt the bout temporarily: a) When either or both Competitors are out of the Competition area, but with exception to allowing a Competitor to immediately score on an opponent that has exited the competition area. b) When the Referee orders the Competitor to adjust the KARATEGI or protective equipment. c) When a Competitor has contravened the rules. Rules Version 2024.00 21 d) When the Referee considers that one or both of the Competitors cannot continue with the bout owing to injuries, illness or other causes. In accordance with the Tournament Doctor’s opinion, the Referee will decide whether the bout should be continued. e) When a Competitor seizes the opponent and does not perform an immediate technique or throw. f) When one or both Competitors fall or are thrown and neither Competitor manages to immediately follow up with a scoring technique. g) When both Competitors seize or clinch with each other without immediately succeeding in executing a throw or a scoring technique or do not respond to WAKARETE. h) When both Competitors stand chest to chest without immediately attempting a throw or other technique and do not respond to WAKARETE. i) When both Competitors are off their feet following a fall or attempted throw and begin to wrestle. j) When a score is indicated by two or more Judges for the same Competitor. k) When, in the opinion of the Referee, there has been a foul committed – or the situation calls for halting the bout for safety reasons. l) When requested to do so by KANSA or the Tatami Manager. m) When a coach, or both coaches, request a video review. n) For any other reason that the Referee deems necessary. 7.11 In the event that a bout starts without the time being recorded and the bout is then halted, and the remaining time is agreed between both coaches, the issue of the duration of the bout can no longer be protested. Rules Version 2024.00 22 ARTICLE 8: SCORING 8.1 A score is awarded to a Competitor when two or more judges indicate a score or when the Video Review Supervisors both agree on a score after a Coach has raised a Video Request. 8.2 Points are scored by a traditional karate technique with the hand or foot executed with control to the scoring area. 8.3 Only the first correctly executed technique of an exchange will score with the exception of an effective combination of techniques in which case the highest scoring technique will count regardless of the sequence of techniques in the combination. 8.4 The scoring areas are the body above the pelvis, up to and including the collarbone (CHUDAN), excluding the shoulders themselves, and the area above the collarbone (JODAN). 8.5 In order to be considered a score the technique must have the potential to be effective if it had not been controlled, and must also fill the criteria of: 1) Good form (Properly executed technique). 2) Sporting attitude (Delivered without intent to cause injury). 3) Vigorous application (Delivery with speed and power). 4) Maintaining awareness of the opponent both during and after execution of the technique (Not turning away or falling down after completing a technique – unless the fall is caused by a foul by the opponent). 5) Good timing (Delivery of the technique at the correct moment). 6) Correct distance (Delivery at a distance where the technique would be effective). 8.6 The following scale is used for awarding of points: YUKO (1 point) is awarded for Tsuki (straight punch) or Uchi (strike) to a scoring area. WAZA-ARI (2 points) is awarded for CHUDAN kicks. IPPON (3 points) is awarded for JODAN kicks or any techniques against an opponent whose any part of the body other than the feet is in contact with the mat with exception of Hiza-Gamae (One knee touching the mat while executing a technique). 8.7 Techniques to the CHUDAN area may be delivered with controlled impact without causing injury to the opponent. A loss of breath by the recipient of a blow does not in itself indicate lack of control. 8.8 Techniques to the JODAN can score when stopped within 5 cm of the target for kicks and 2 cm for hand techniques but may be delivered with light touch (skin touch), without causing impact – with exception to the throat area where no physical contact is allowed. 8.9 For Cadets under 14 years and children, techniques to the JODAN can score when stopped within 10 cm of the target for kicks and 5 cm for hand techniques. 8.10 “Skin touch” is allowed in categories for Competitors 16 years or older (Juniors). For categories 14 to 16 years of age skin touch is allowed for kicks only. Skin touch is defined as touching the target without transferring energy into the head or body. For Competitors under 14 years no skin touch is allowed with Jodan techniques. 8.11 Correctly executed techniques landed at the moment the time runs out are valid. When using electronic judging, points must be signalled within 2 seconds of time expiring. Rules Version 2024.00 23 8.12 A technique is invalid if: a) Executed after the time-up signal or the Referee calling “YAME”. b) Executed upon or after “WAKARETE” before “TSUZUKETE” has been called. c) Executed when the performer is outside the competition area (JOGAI). d) Followed by a foul – with the exception of JOGAI. e) One turns one’s back to the opponent after a technique (lack of awareness). f) It in itself is, or follows, a violation of the rules (such as excessive contact, holding, grabbing etc.). 8.13 A point may be signalled even if the Judge cannot see the actual point of impact if the technique itself is executed correctly and can be observed to obviously not have been obstructed in reaching its target. Rules Version 2024.00 24 ARTICLE 9: PROHIBITED BEHAVIOUR 9.1 Types of prohibited behaviour 9.1.1 The following behaviours are prohibited: 1) Techniques, which make excessive contact, having regard to the scoring area attacked, and techniques which make contact with the throat. 2) Attacks to the arms, legs, groin, joints, or instep. 3) Attacks to the face with open hand techniques. 4) Techniques executed after “WAKARETE” before “TSUZUKETE” has been called. 5) Dangerous or forbidden throwing techniques. 6) Feigning, or exaggerating injury. 7) Exit from the competition area (JOGAI) not caused by the opponent or following a score. 8) Self-endangerment by indulging in behaviour, which exposes the Competitor to injury by the opponent, or failing to take adequate measures for self-protection, (MUBOBI). 9) Avoiding combat as a means of preventing the opponent having the opportunity to score. 10) Passivity – not attempting to engage in combat (Cannot be given after there is less than 15 seconds left of the bout or to someone having a lead by points or SENSHU). 11) Clinching, wrestling, pushing, or standing chest to chest without attempting a scoring technique or takedown. 12) Grabbing the opponent with both hands for any other reasons than executing a takedown upon catching the opponents kicking leg. 13) Grabbing the opponent’s arm or Karategi with one hand without immediately attempting a scoring technique or takedown. 14) Techniques, which by their nature, cannot be controlled for the safety of the opponent and dangerous and uncontrolled attacks. 15) Simulated or actual attacks with the head, knees, or elbows. 16) Talking to, or goading the opponent, failing to obey the orders of the Referee, discourteous behaviour towards the Refereeing officials, or other violations of etiquette. 9.1.2 In addition, a Referee may, based solely on his/her own Judgement, ban from the competition floor any Coach failing to conform to proper conduct, or that in the opinion of the Referee interferes with the orderly conduct of the bout, and postpone the continuation of a bout until the Coach complies. The same authority of the Referee extends to the compliance of other members of the Competitor’s entourage present on the competition floor. 9.1.3 Only the Coach designated for that specific bout is allowed to coach and guide the Competitor from the place allocated to the coach close to the competition area. All other registered and accredited Coaches, or other registered member of the delegation, attending the Championships are not allowed to interfere, coach and/or guide the Competitor during the same bout at the risk of having their accreditation withdrawn. 9.1.4 Instructions and comments from the Coach must not interfere with the proceedings. The Coach may freely speak to the Competitor when the match is halted but must at all times refrain from commenting on judgements. 9.1.5 The Competitor may discreetly signal to the Coach the wish for him/her to request a video review. Rules Version 2024.00 25 ARTICLE 10: WARNINGS & PENALTIES 10.1 Informal Warnings 10.1.1 Informal warnings are used to facilitate the continuity of action without stopping the bout. They are not meant to replace formal warnings when these are appropriate, and the Referee should proceed with formal warnings or penalties as appropriate if the informal warning is not reacted upon by the Competitors. 10.1.2 There are two types of Informal Warnings: TSUZUKETE To urge the Competitors to commence activity by gesturing in for encouraging activity the same way as is customary for making the Competitors stepping on to the TATAMI, combined with the instruction “TSUZUKETE”. WAKARETE To break-up a clinch, using the same gesture as is customary for for breaking up a clinch making the Competitors step back on the TATAMI combined with giving the order “WAKARETE” to temporarily stop the action without stopping the clock. The Competitors must separate – after which the order “TSUZUKETE” is given for resuming action. 10.1.3 When WAKARETE is called when a Competitor is cornered, the Referee must ensure that the other Competitor withdraws sufficiently to disengage before TSUZUKETE is called. 10.1.4 TSUZUKTETE, unless preceded by WAKARETE, is not used if there is less than 15 seconds left of the bout. 10.1.5 An otherwise correctly executed technique will not be given a score if executed at the same time as WAKARETE has been called – but will not be penalized. An uncontrolled technique will be subject to warning or penalty in the normal manner. 10.2 Official Warnings 10.2.1 There are two degrees of official warnings; CHUI and HANSOKU CHUI: CHUI is given, up to three times, for smaller infractions that do not Warning diminish the other Competitor’s chances of winning. HANSOKU CHUI Is given for more serious infractions that reduces the other Warning of Competitor’s chances of winning or to a Competitor for any disqualification in the further infraction if three CHUI has already been given. event of further infractions Rules Version 2024.00 26 10.3 Penalties 10.3.1 There are two kinds of penalties which are two different levels of disqualification: HANSOKU This is the penalty of disqualification following a very serious Disqualification from infraction or when HANSOKU CHUI has already been given. the bout. SHIKKAKU This is a disqualification from the entire tournament Disqualification from including any subsequent category the offender may have the tournament. been registered for. SHIKKAKU may be invoked when a Competitor fails to obey the orders of the Referee, acts maliciously, or commits an act, which harms the prestige and honour of Karate. 10.3.2 In instances where both AKA and AO are disqualified in the same bout by HANSOKU or SHIKKAKU, the opponents scheduled for the next round will win by bye (and no result is announced). 10.3.3 Serious violation of conduct, discipline, or malicious behaviour on or outside the competition area by the Competitor or his entourage may cause further disciplinary action from the WKF Disciplinary Commission or Executive Committee. 10.3.4 When a situation appears to possibly warrant a disqualification the Referee can call one or more of judges for a brief consultation (SHUGO) before announcing any decision. 10.4 Warning and penalty application 10.4.1 Excessive contact: Where contact is considered by the Referee to be too strong, but does not diminish the Competitor’s chances of winning, a warning (CHUI) may be given. 10.4.2 Contact causing injury: Any technique, which results in injury, can unless caused by the recipient cause a warning or penalty. The Competitors 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. 10.4.3 Observation after contact: The Referee must continue to observe the injured Competitor until the bout is resumed and allow adequate time for observation. A short delay in giving a judgement allows injury symptoms such as a nosebleed to develop or reveal any efforts by the Competitor to aggravate slight injury for tactical advantage. 10.4.4 Overreaction to contact: A slight overreaction will receive a CHUI. An obvious display of exaggeration will receive a HANSOKU CHUI. A more serious exaggeration such as staggering around, falling on the floor, standing up and falling down again, and so on, may receive HANSOKU directly. 10.4.5 Feigning an injury: Any instance of feigning an injury, whoever slight, will receive a minimum warning of CHUI while an obvious display of exaggeration will receive a HANSOKU CHUI. A more serious exaggeration such as staggering around, falling on the floor, standing up and falling down again, and so on, will receive SHIKKAKU directly. Any feigning of an injury from a Rules Version 2024.00 27 technique that in fact has been determined by the judges as a point will, as a minimum, result in HANSOKU CHUI. 10.4.6 Contact to the throat: Any contact to the throat, unless received by the recipient’s own fault, must result in a warning or penalty. 10.4.7 Throwing techniques are divided into two types. The established “conventional” karate leg sweeping techniques such as De Ashi Barai, Ko Uchi Gari, etc., where the opponent is swept off-balance or thrown without being grabbed first - and those throws requiring that the opponent be grabbed by one hand or held as the throw is executed. Both are allowed. 10.4.8 The pivotal point of the throw must not be above the thrower’s hip level and the opponent must be held onto throughout, so that a safe landing can be made. Over the shoulder throws are expressly forbidden, as are so-called “sacrifice” throws. 10.4.9 Catching a kick: The only instance where a throw may be performed while holding onto the opponent with both hands is when trapping the opponent’s kicking leg. Holding on with both hands is only permitted when grabbing an opponent’s kicking leg for the purpose of executing a takedown, and then holding on to the opponent’s leg while the other grasping the opponents Karategi or body to break the fall. 10.4.10 Grabbing the legs: It is forbidden to grab the opponent below the waist and lift and throw him/her or to reach down to pull the legs from under him/her. If a Competitor is injured as a result of a throwing technique, the Referee will decide whether a warning or penalty is called for. 10.4.11 One hand grabbing: The Competitor may seize the opponent’s arm or Karategi with one hand for purpose of executing a throw or a direct scoring technique – but may not keep holding on for continuous techniques. 10.4.12 Holding on to break a fall: Holding on to the opponent’s Karategi with one hand is permitted to break a fall. 10.4.13 Exiting the competition area: JOGAI relates to a situation where a Competitor's foot, or any other part of the body, touches the floor outside of the competition area. An exception is when the Competitor is physically pushed or thrown from the area by the opponent or is exiting after having scored. 10.4.14 Self endangerment: A warning or penalty for MUBOBI is given when a Competitor is hit or injured through his or her own fault or negligence. This may be caused by turning their back on the opponent, attacking without regard for the opponent’s counterattack, stopping fighting before the Referee calls “YAME”, dropping the guard or repeated failure or refusal to block the opponent’s attacks. If a Competitor has been asked before the bout starts, and confirms wearing a groin guard, and it later proves that this is not so, the Competitor will receive SHIKKAKU. If the Competitor has not been asked, but it is discovered that the Competitor does not wear a groin guard, the Competitor will be given two (2) minutes to correct the matter and will automatically receive a warning for MUBOBI. Rules Version 2024.00 28 10.4.15 Passivity refers to situations where neither Competitor makes attempts to score, or a single Competitor does not attempt to score despite being behind on points or the opponent has a lead because of SENSHU. Passivity cannot be given during the first or last 15 seconds of a bout. 10.4.16 Avoiding Combat refers to a situation where a Competitor attempts to prevent the opponent having the opportunity to score by using time-wasting behaviour such as constantly retreating without effective counter, holding, clinching, or exiting the competition area rather than allowing the opponent an opportunity to score. Avoiding combat during the last 15 seconds of the bout (ATO SHIBARAKU) will, as a minimum, result in HANSOKU CHUI and loss of SENSHU. 10.4.17 Not following instructions: A Competitor that refuses following the instructions of the Referee or display a loss of temper will automatically receive SHIKKAKU. This penalty may be imposed before, during or after the bout. 10.5. Excessive celebration, political or religious demonstration: Competitors are expected to respect the ceremony of salutations before and after the bout or match. Any excessive celebration, such as falling on one’s knees etc., political or religious expressions, during or immediately after the bout or match, are prohibited and may be subject to a fine equal to the amount determined by the Executive Committee for the protest fee. 10.6 Disqualification of individual Competitors in Team matches 10.6.1 HANSOKU or SHIKKAKU: In Team matches, the offended Competitor’s score will be set at eight points and the offender’s score will be zeroed. 10.7 Disqualification in Round-robin competition. 10.7.1 If a Competitor receives HANSOKU in Round-robin bout, the offender’s score for the bout is set to zero while the opponent’ score is set to the higher of 4 points or points earned by techniques. Points added for victory by HANSOKU are all measured as YUKO. -- 10.7.2 If a Competitor receives KIKEN, or SHIKKAKU, in Round-robin competition all previous bouts are voided from the result unless it is the last scheduled bout for the disqualified Competitor, in which case the result of the bout is recorded in the usual manner without consequence for the results of the previous bouts. Rules Version 2024.00 29 ARTICLE 11: INJURIES AND ACCIDENTS IN COMPETITION 11.1 Competitors declared unfit to fight 11.1.1 An injured Competitor who wins a bout through disqualification due to injury is not allowed to fight again in the competition without permission from the tournament doctor. No such permission can be given to a Competitor that suffered loss of consciousness or otherwise have any symptoms of concussion. 11.1.2 An injured Competitor, permitted to continue, may also win a second bout by disqualification due to injury, but is immediately withdrawn from further Kumite competition in that tournament. 11.2 Procedure for handling injuries 11.2.1 When a Competitor is injured, the Referee shall at once halt the bout and call the doctor by raising his hand and verbally call out “doctor”. 11.2.2 If physically able to do so, the injured Competitor should be directed off the mat for examination and treatment by the doctor. 11.2.3 A Competitor who is injured during a bout in progress and requires medical treatment will be allowed three minutes in which to receive it. The Tatami Manager is responsible for instructing the timekeeper of starting the 3-minute count. If treatment is not completed within the time allowed, the Referee will decide if the Competitor shall be declared unfit to fight, or whether an extension of treatment time shall be given. 11.2.4 10 second rule: Any Competitor who falls, is thrown, or knocked down, and does not fully regain his or her feet within ten seconds, is considered unfit to continue fighting and will be automatically withdrawn from all Kumite events in that tournament. In the event that a Competitor falls, is thrown, or knocked down and does not regain his or her feet immediately, the Referee will stop the match, call the doctor, and at the same time start a verbal count to ten in the English language indicating his count showing a finger for each second. In all cases where the 10 second count has been started the doctor will be asked to examine the Competitor before the bout can resume. For incidents falling under this 10 second rule, the Competitor may be examined on the mat. The Tatami Manager must notify the central table when a Competitor has been stopped from further competition based on the 10-second rule. 11.2.5 The tournament doctor is authorised to give an opinion on the injured Competitor’s fitness for continuation only. The Referee will decide the winner on the basis of HANSOKU, KIKEN, or SHIKKAKU as the case may be. 11.2.6 The Referee must be aware of pre-existing injuries when evaluating to what degree the present state of injury could be subscribed to actions by the opponent. The opponent should not be penalized for any pre-existing condition. 11.2.7 Should a Competitor in Round-robin competition have to withdraw because of injury all previous bouts are voided from the result unless it is the last scheduled bout for the injured Competitor, in which case the result of the bout is recorded in the usual manner without consequence for the results of the previous bouts. Rules Version 2024.00 30 11.3 Injury of both Competitors If two Competitors 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 decided as one normally would do at full time. Rules Version 2024.00 31 ARTICLE 12: CRITERIA FOR DECISION 12.1 General 12.1.1 When two or more Judges signal a score for the same Competitor, the Referee will stop the bout and render the decision accordingly. Should the Referee fail to stop the bout the Match Supervisor will blow his/her whistle. When the Referee decides to halt the bout for any reason, he/she will call “YAME” at the same time using the required hand signal. 12.1.2 In the event that both Competitors have a score signalled by two Judges, both Competitors will be awarded their respective points. 12.1.3 If one Competitor has a score indicated by more than one Judge and the score is different between the Judges, the higher will be applied. The same applies if there are two judges for each Competitor with different scores. 12.1.4 If there is majority, but disagreement, among the Judges for one level of score, the majority opinion will always overrule the principle of applying the highest score. 12.1.5 When explaining the basis for a decision after the bout or match, the Referee Panel may speak to the Tatami Manager, the Chief Referee, or the Appeals Jury. They will explain themselves to no one else. 12.2 Criteria for deciding the winner of a bout 12.2.1 The result of a bout is determined by a Competitor obtaining a clear lead of eight points, at time-up having the highest number of points; at equal score having the first unopposed point advantage (SENSHU); obtaining a decision by HANTEI or; by a HANSOKU, SHIKKAKU, or KIKEN imposed against a Competitor. 12.2.2 By first unopposed score advantage’ (SENSHU) is understood that one Competitor has achieved the first instance of scoring on the opponent without having the opponent also score before the signal. In instances where both Competitors score before the signal, and there is indication of score by two judges for each of the two Competitors, no ‘first unopposed score advantage’ is awarded and both Competitors retain the possibility of SENSHU later in the bout. 12.2.3 In any individual bout, (individual, Round-robin, and Teams) where no superior score has been obtained by either Competitor, or the score is equal without any Competitor having a ‘first unopposed score advantage’ (SENSHU), the decision will be made based on the following criteria in order of application: a) The higher number of IPPON scored in the bout. b) The higher number of WAZA ARI scored in the bout. 12.2.4 Should also the number of IPPON and WAZA ARI be equal, the decision will be by HANTEI, a final majority vote of the four Judges and the Referee, each casting their vote based on their individual judgement of which Competitor displayed superiority of tactics and techniques. In Round-robin and Team bouts HIKIWAKE will be given unless it is an extra bout to decide a match outcome. 12.2.5 Individual elimination bouts cannot be declared a tie, with the exceptions of Team competition, or Round-robin competition, when a bout ends with no scores, equal scores, no Rules Version 2024.00 32 superiority in IPPON or WAZA ARI, and neither Competitor has obtained SENSHU, the Referee will announce a tie (HIKIWAKE). 12.2.6 The only time HANTEI is applied to a bout in Team competition is for an additional bout to break a tie. 12.2.7 When deciding the outcome of a bout by vote (HANTEI) at the end of an inconclusive bout, the Referee will move to the competition area perimeter and call “HANTEI”, followed by a blast of the whistle. The Judges will signal their opinions and the Referee will declare the winner. The Referee will then indicate the winner by hand signal and the order (AKA/AO NO K ACHI), and by this action also resolve any tie. 12.2.8 Should a Competitor that has been awarded SENSHU receive a warning for avoiding combat for the following incidents: JOGAI, running away, clinching, grabbing, wrestling, pushing or standing chest to chest when there is less than 15 seconds left of the bout – the Competitor will automatically forfeit this advantage. The Referee will then first show the type of infraction and type of warning or penalty the Competitor did, then show the sign for SENSHU followed by the sign for annulment (TORIMASEN) and at the same time announcing “AKA/AO SENSHU TORIMASEN”. 12.2.9 If SENSHU is withdrawn when it is less than 15 seconds left of the bout, no further SENSHU can be awarded to either Competitor. 12.2.10 In cases where SENSHU has been awarded, but a successful video request determines that also the other opponent scored, and that a score in fact is not unopposed, the same procedure is used for nullification of SENSHU. 12.2.11 In instances of Elimination competition, where both AKA and AO are disqualified in the same bout by HANSOKU, the opponents scheduled for the next round will win by bye (and no result is announced), unless the double disqualification applies to a medal bout, in which case the winner will be declared based on the scores at the moment of disqualification, SENSHU, or if none of these conditions are present; by direct HANTEI. No medal can be awarded to a Competitor disqualified by SHIKKAKU. 12.3 Determining the winner of a round-robin group and resolving ties in individual competition 12.3.1 The winner of a group in individual round robin-competition, is the Competitor having the most Victory Points gained by 3 points for won bouts and 1 point for draws where points are scored. In cases where there is a tie between two or more Competitors in a group, having the same number of victory Points , the criteria below will be applied in the specified order. This means, if a winner is found after one of the criteria, the following criteria will not have to be applied. 1) Winner of the bout between the Competitors involved in the tie. 2) Higher number of total scores obtained in favour through all bouts. 3) Lower number of total scores got against through all bouts. 4) Higher number of IPPON obtained in favour through all bouts. 5) Lower number of IPPON got against through all bouts. 6) Higher number of WAZA-ARI obtained in favour through all bouts. 7) Lower number of WAZA-ARI got against through all bouts. 8) The highest World Ranking at the date of the competition. Rules Version 2024.00 33 9) Extra bout allowing Hantei. For each pair compared the criteria must be considered from the beginning of the list. 12.3.2 It is possible for a Competitor to be disqualified from a bout (HANSOKU) and continue the competition. In this case, his/her opponent wins that bout by either 4-0 (counted as YUKO) or for any score obtained exceeding 4 points. The results of the previous bouts remain. 12.3.3 If an already qualified Competitor is disqualified for misconduct (SHIKKAKU) at the end of the Round-robin round the following will apply: The quarter final opponent will access the semi-final by bye ("walkover"). The other Competitors will compete in the quarter finals. 12.4 Determining the winner of a Round-robin group and resolving ties, in Team competition 12.4.1 The winner of a group in Team Round-robin competition, is the Team having the most Victory Points gained by 3 points for won matches and 1 point for draws where points are scored. In cases where there is a tie between two or more Teams in a group, having the same number of victory Points , the criteria below will be applied in the specified order. This means, if a winner is found after one of the criteria, the following criteria will not have to be applied. 1) Winner of the match between teams involved in tie. 2) Highest number of bouts won during the entire Round-robin phase. 3) Largest number of points scored during the entire Round-robin phase. 4) Least number of points scored against the Team during entire the Round-robin phase. 5) Largest number of IPPON scored by the Team during the entire Round-robin phase. 6) Least number of IPPON scored against the Team during the entire Round-robin phase. 7) Largest number of Waza-ari scored by the Team during the entire Round-robin phase. 8) Least number of Waza-ari scored against the Team during the entire Round-robin phase. 9) An additional bout between one of the members of each Team – if necessary, decided by Hantei. For each pair compared the criteria must be considered from the beginning of the list. 12.5 Criteria for deciding the winner of a Team match using Elimination 12.5.1 The winning Team is the one with the most bout victories including those won by SENSHU. Should the two Teams have the same number of bout victories, then the winning Team will be the one with the most points, taking both winning and losing bouts into account. 12.5.2 If the two Teams have the same number of bout victories and points, then a deciding bout will be held. Each Team may nominate any one Competitor of their Team for purpose of fighting the extra bout, regardless of if that Competitor already has fought in a previous bout between the two Teams. 12.5.3 If the extra bout does not produce a winner based on superiority on points, nor any of the Competitors receive SENSHU, the extra bout will be decided based on HANTEI according to the same procedure as for individual bouts. The result of the HANTEI for the extra bout will then also determine the result of the Team match. 12.5.4 In Team matches when a Team has won sufficient bout victories or scored sufficient points as to be the established winner, then the match is declared over, and no further bouts will take place, except in Round-robin where all bouts must be fought. Rules Version 2024.00 34 12.5.5 In Team matches, should a Team member be disqualified (HANSOKU or SHIKKAKU), his/her score for that bout, if any, will be zeroed and the opponent’s score will be set at eight points. 12.6 Scorekeeping The Score Supervisor will use the following symbols for registration of points: 3 IPPON Three point score 2 WAZA ARI Two point score 1 YUKO One point score  SENSHU First unopposed point advantage  KACHI Winner  MAKE Loser  HIKIWAKE Draw KK KIKEN Renunciation (absence) 1C CHUI (first instance) 1st warning 2C CHUI (second instance) 2nd warning 3C CHUI (third instance) 3rd warning HC HANSOKU CHUI Warning of disqualification H HANSOKU Disqualification from bout S SHIKKAKU Disqualification from tournament Rules Version 2024.00 35 ARTICLE 13: OFFICIAL PROTEST 13.1 General provisions 13.1.1 No one may protest about a Judgement to the members of the Refereeing Panel. 13.1.2 If a Refereeing procedure appears to contravene the rules, the Competitor’s Coach or his/her official representative are the only ones allowed to make a protest. 13.1.3 The protest will take the form of a written report submitted immediately after the bout in which the protest was generated. The sole exception is when the protest concerns an administrative malfunction. 13.1.4 Any protest concerning application of the rules must not necessarily impede the progression of the competition and the intent to protest must be announced by the Coach or NF representative immediately after the end of the bout. 13.1.5 If the protest involves Competitors in an ongoing category, then the next round that could involve the Competitor must be postponed until the appeal is decided. 13.1.6 The Coach / NF representative will request the official protest from the Tatami Manager and will be expected to have it completed, signed, and delivered to the Tatami Manager with the corresponding fee without delay. 13.1.7 Failure of a Coach / NF representative to deliver a protest in a timely manner can lead to its rejection if such delay, in the opinion of the Appeals Jury, is without reasonable justification and impedes the progression of the competition. 13.1.8 The Tatami Manager will complete any information regarding implicated officials and immediately hand the completed protest form to a representative of the Appeals Jury. The Appeals Jury will without delay review the circumstances leading to the protested decision. Having considered all the facts available, they will produce a report, and shall be empowered to take such action as may be called for. The protest will be reviewed by the Appeals Jury and as part of this review, the Jury will study the evidence available in support of the protest. 13.1.9 The protest may also be directly decided and announced to the Appeals Jury by the RC Chairman or the Chief Referee of the event, in which case no payment of a protest fee will be applicable. 13.1.10 In case of an administrative malfunction during a bout in progress, the Coach can notify the Tatami Manager directly. In turn, the Tatami Manager will notify the Chief Judge. 13.1.11 The protest must give the name and country of the Competitors and the precise details of what is being protested. The information of officials implicated is completed by the Tatami manager. No general claims about overall standards will be accepted as a legitimate protest. The burden of proving the validity of the protest lies with the complainant. The protest must be submitted to a representative of the Appeals Jury by the Tatami Manager. In due course the Jury will review the circumstances leading to the protested decision. Rules Version 2024.00 36 13.1.12 The protester must deposit a Protest Fee as agreed by the WKF EC, and this, together with the protest must be lodged with the Tatami Manager who will turn it over to a representative of the Appeals Jury. 13.1.13 The written protest must be completed, and the protest fee submitted, within 5 minutes after announcing the intent to protest. 13.1.14 The decision of the Appeals Jury is final and may only be overruled by a decision of the Executive Committee upon request of the WKF President. 13.1.15 The Appeals Jury may not impose sanctions or penalties. Their function is to pass judgment on the merit of the protest to start required actions from the RC and OC to take remedial action to rectify any Refereeing procedure found to contravene the rules. 13.2 Composition of the Appeals Jury 13.2.1 The Appeals Jury is comprised of three Senior Referee representatives appointed by the Referee Commission (RC) or the Chief Referee. No two members may be appointed from the same National Federation. They will be numbered from 1 to 3. 13.2.2 The RC will also appoint three additional members with designated numbering from 4 to 6 that automatically will replace any of the originally appointed Appeals Jury members in a conflict-of-interest situation. I.e., where the jury member is of the same nationality, have a family relationship by blood or as an In-Law with any of the parties involved or any other reasonable conflict or potential conflict of interest in the protested incident, including all members of the Refereeing panel involved in the protested incident. 13.3 Appeals Evaluation Process 13.3.1 It is the responsibility of the Tatami Manager receiving the protest to gather the Appeals Jury and deposit the protest sum with WKF for any declined protest. 13.3.2 The Appeals Jury will immediately make such inquiries and investigations, as they consider necessary to validate the merit of the protest. 13.3.3 Where video review is used, the Appeals Jury may request to examine the video recording of the incident before rendering a verdict. 13.3.4 Each of the three members is obliged to give his/her verdict as to the validity of the protest. Abstentions are not acceptable. 13.4 Declined and accepted protests 13.4.1 If a protest is found invalid, the Appeals Jury will appoint one of its members to verbally notify the protester that the protest has been declined, mark the original document with the word “DECLINED”, have it signed by each of the members of the Appeals Jury, and inform the protester of the decision. 13.4.2 If a protest is accepted, the appeals Jury will liaise with the Organizing Commission (OC) and Chief Referee to take such measures as can be practically carried out to remedy the situation including the possibilities of: Rules Version 2024.00 37 Reversing previous judgments that contravene the rules. Voiding results of the affected rounds from the point before the incident. Redoing such bouts that have been affected by the incident. Issuing a recommendation to the RC for any involved Judges evaluated for sanction. 13.4.3 The responsibility rests with the Appeals Jury to exercise restraint and sound judgment in taking actions that will disturb the program of the event in any significant manner. Reversing the process of the Eliminations is a last option to secure a fair outcome. 13.4.4 If the protest is accepted, the Appeals Jury will appoint one of its members who will verbally notify the protester that the protest has been accepted, mark the original document with the word “ACCEPTED”, and have it signed by each of the members of the Appeals Jury, before depositing the protest with the Chief Referee, and returning the protest fee to the protester. 13.5 Incident report 13.5.1 After handling the incident in the above prescribed manner, the Appeals Jury will meet again and elaborate a simple protest incident report, describing their findings and state their reason(s) for accepting or rejecting the protest. 13.5.2 The report should be signed by all three members of the Appeals Jury and submitted to the Chief Referee and the Organizing Commission. Rules Version 2024.00 38 ARTICLE 14: VIDEO REVIEW REQUEST 14.1 In WKF World Championships, Premier League, Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Continental Games, World Games and multisport games of this nature, the use of video review of bouts is required. Use of video review is also recommended for other competitions whenever possible. 14.2 The video review is initiated when a coach raises his/her video review card (manually or by electronic device as applicable) to signal that a score of his/her Competitor was missed by the judges. The request for video review must be raised when there in the opinion of the Coach has been a score. If a Coach pushes the joy stick’s button and then immediately regrets it, the procedure will not be stopped, and the video review will take place accordingly. 14.3 If the Competitor wishes to have the Coach request a video review, or refrain from raise a review, this must be discretely signalled without disturbing the progress of the bout. 14.4 The video review can be requested by the Coach in instances where the Judges awarded a lower score than, in the opinion of the Coach, should be for a higher scoring technique. 14.5 The Video Review Supervisors may only award points if they both agree that the Competitor for whom the request was raised had a valid score, i.e. scoring before or simultaneously with the other Competitor. 14.6 An exception from above sub article is when neither Competitor has been awarded a point by the corner Judges, only one of the Coaches calls a Video review, the other coach has no card or do not wish a video request – in which case only the techniques of the Competitor whom video review is called for will be considered for scoring. 14.7 The last 6 seconds before the bout was stopped for the request will always be evaluated, but additional time can be added as deemed necessary to make the best possible decision. The sequence must be reviewed at normal speed but can in addition be viewed in slow motion or zoom if necessary. The review must always first be done at full speed, although slow motion may subsequently be used to determine details. 14.8 If the video review reveals that the Competitor scored more than once during the exchange reviewed, the highest score should be given. 14.9 If both Coaches requests video review at the same time, the Video Review Supervisors may only award the point to whoever is deemed to score first. The only exception being simultaneous scoring techniques in which case points can be awarded to both Competitors. 14.10 If one coach shows the card for video review and the other coach wants a review of the same instance, the second coach must raise his card before the review starts in order not to lose his right to request video review for that instance. The video review is considered started when the Referee makes the gesture. 14.11 If the request is found valid, a red or blue card, with the number 3 for IPPON, 2 for WAZA ARI or 1 for YUKO is raised. The Referee will then award the score in the usual manner. If the request is found invalid, the coach will lose the right to raise another video request for the remainder of the bout. Rules Version 2024.00 39 14.12 The Video Review Supervisors may not overrule any decision by the corner judges with the exception of SENSHU. 14.13 If the Video Review Supervisors are unable to observe the technique(s) due to camera angle, he/she will signal this by doing the gesture for MINAI and the Coach will retain the card. In the case that of technical problems (electricity, camera, or computer malfunctions etc.) it is not possible to analyse the video and take a decision, the same procedure will apply, and the Coach will retain the card. 14.14 If a Coach requests VR, but in the opinion of the Referee the technique was uncontrolled or too hard, a warning or penalty must be applied, and the Coach will retain the card. 14.15 Once WAKARETE is called by the Referee the Coaches do not have the opportunity to make a video request, unless the technique happened before WAKARETE was called. 14.16 It remains the duty of the Coach to protest if a VR card is not returned whenever the Coach has the right to have the card returned by the Tatami Manager. 14.17 The following table determines the video review cards allowable per phase for WKF events: Rules Version 2024.00 40 ARTICLE 15: POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICIALS 15.1 Chief Referee and the Referee commission 15.1.1 The Chief Referee and the Referee Commission’s powers and duties shall be as follows: 1) To ensure the correct preparation for each given tournament in consultation with the Organising Commission, with regard to competition area arrangement, the provision and deployment of all equipment and necessary facilities, bout/match operation and supervision, safety precautions, etc. 2) To appoint and deploy the Tatami Managers and Tatami Manager Assistants to their respective areas and to act upon and take such action as may be required by the reports of the Tatami Managers. 3) To supervise and co-ordinate the overall performance of the refereeing officials. 4) To nominate substitute officials where such are required. 5) To pass the final Judgement on matters of a technical nature which may arise during a given bout or match and for which there are no stipulations in the rules. 6) To appoint the Appeals Jury for the competition. 15.2 Tatami Managers and Tatami Manager Assistants 15.2.1 The Tatami Managers powers and duties shall be as follows: 1) To delegate, appoint, and supervise the Referees and Judges, for all bouts and matches in areas under their control. 2) To oversee the performance of the Referees and Judges in their areas, and to ensure that the Officials appointed are capable of the tasks allotted them. 3) To supervise that KANSA stops the bout to instruct the Referee regarding a contravention of the Rules of Competition. 4) To prepare a daily, written report, on the performance of each official under their supervision, together with their recommendations, if any, to the Referee Commission. 5) To appoint two Referees with WKF Referee A Qualification to act as Video Review Supervisors. (VRS). 15.3 Referees 15.3.1 The Referee’s powers shall be as follows: 1) The Referee (“SHUSHIN”) shall have the power to conduct bouts/matches including announcing the start, the suspension, and the end of the bout or match. 2) The Referee shall give all commands and make all announcements. 3) To award points based on the decision of the Judges. 4) To stop the bout when an injury, illness or inability of a Competitor to continue is noticed. 5) To stop the bout when it in the Referee’s opinion has been a foul committed, or to ensure the safety of the Competitors. 6) To call FUKUSHIN SHUGO (summoning the judges) when, in the opinion of the Referee is deemed necessary, for giving SHIKKAKU, applying the 10 seconds rule, when the doctor wants to stop the bout, or when directly giving HANSOKU. 7) To indicate

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