ITF Taekwon-Do Rules

GENERAL

Article 1. PURPOSE

The purpose of these rules is to elevate the quality of Taekwon-Do by scoring every aspect and to provide an equal opportunity for all participants to show the ultimate of their abilities in friendly competition with one another.

Article 2. OFFICIALS

The Juries, Referees and Judges, will be selected from the roles of certified Umpires where possible.

Article 3. Duties

The T.C. will be in charge of organizing and running this Authentic Taekwon-Do I.T.F. Tournament. The members of this Committee must be present in the area during all events.

Jury will normally consist of a senior Umpire who will be seated in place of honour, in front.
Referee will be in the square to control the match.
Judges for patterns will be seated in a line facing the competition. Judges for sparring will be seated at the four corners of the square. They will give points in accordance with their judgement.
Timekeepers will be seated at ringside to check and indicate the beginning, end and continuation of each match.
Recorder will be seated at ringside to keep match records

Article 4. COMPETITORS

Competitors will compete in the divisions laid down the following rules. Competitors must be the appropriate age on the date of weigh in (e.g. age 17 for juniors on the date of the weigh in). Competitors must be healthy.

Article 5. DRESS

Officials will wear the dress requirements as laid down in the Umpires rules.
Drinking of alcoholic beverages or smoking while wearing the dobok is prohibited

Article 6. SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE WEAR

All the safety equipment must be approved by the T.C. Competitors should have in possession of 2 pairs of safety equipments: one red and one blue. Hand pads must have the fingers and thumb covered and the palm open (material to be, for example, PU or leather).

Obligatory protection: 1. Hand and Feet 2. Groin guard (must be inside of Dobok trousers) 3. Mouth guards Optional safety equipment: 1. Shin Protector 2. Forearm protector 3. Female Breast protector (must be inside of the Dobok) 4. Head Guard

Article 7. MEDICAL ATTENTION

All tournaments must have qualified First Aid personnel in attendance. Their recommendations, with regard to competitors' further participation, following injury, must be adhered to.

Article 8. INJURY LIABILITY AND INSURANCE – COMPETITORS

All competitors must sign a tournament entry form and have full Insurance coverage for all eventualities.

Article 9. INSURANCE - FOR EVENT

All hosts must ensure that the event booked has all the necessary public liability insurance which are all required to host such events.

Article 10. SQUARE

Square size will be 9x9 meters for sparring with and extra surface of one meter on all sides. When the square is elevated the extra surface must be at least 2 meters greater than the size of the square.

Article 11. COMPETITORS NUMBER PER CLUB

Individual

The number of individual competitors who may enter each item is unlimited from each club unless it will be indicated in another way. These competitors may be a team member or not, as chosen by the trainer for that club.

Team

Male Team Sparring will consist of 5 competitors and 1 in reserve. 5 must compete in Patterns, 5 in Power Technique and 5 in Special Technique; all Team can consist of different competitors, up to a maximum 21 (6+5+5+5). The coach will specify his team prior to the division commencing. The under 14s team will consist of 3 competitors (1 in reserve for sparring).

Female Team Sparring will consist of 5 competitors and 1 in reserve. 5 must compete in Patterns, 3 in Power Technique and 3 in Special Technique; all Team can consist of different competitors, up to a maximum 17 (6+5+3+3). The coach will specify his team prior to the division commencing. The under 14s team will consist of 3 competitors (1 in reserve for sparring).

Article 12. RESULT RECORDING

All tournaments will have several forms of visual display of results for the benefit or participants and audience. Results should generally be shown as often as possible so as to enable the competitors to follow the Course of the event whilst it is in progress.

Article 13. DELEGATES

A delegate of the individual or team may be any person authorised by their club. A delegate registers the competitors, submits the documents, lodges complaints and co-operates with the other officials at the competition.

Article 14: DIVISION OF COMPETITION

Only Gold medals will count towards the Overall Team Winner. Only points gained in Team events will count for Overall Team Winner. However, in the event of two or more teams having the same number of Gold medals then the Silver and the Bronze medals will count in determining the Overall Team Winner. In the event that this also results in a tie then the Teams will be awarded with the same trophies. N.B.: Medals which count toward the OVERALL TEAM CHAMPION cannot be won without at least 4 teams for the event.

Article 15. OFFICIAL TERMINOLOGY

CHA RYOT - attention
KYONG - bow
JUN BI - ready
SHIJAK - begin
HAECHYO - separate
GAESOK - continue
GOMAN - end
JU UI - warning
GAM JUM - deducting points
SIL KYUK - disqualification
HONG - red
CHONG - blue
JUNG JI - time stop

Article 16. WEIGHT CHECK

Checking the weight of competitors will not be earlier than 24 hours and not later than one hour before competition.

Article 17. DRAW FOR ORDER OF COMPETING

Competitors and Teams are drawn publicly. Medals which count towards the overall trophies cannot be won without at least 4 competitors or teams for the event. None of the competitors or teams can win 2 rounds one after another without competing unless it is due to the withdrawal of their opponent due to previous injury. Bye will be decided at the draw. After the drawing of the competitors or team numbers is completed, then registration will be closed.

Article 18. ANNOUNCEMENTS

It will be announced in which square an event will take place and it is the responsibility of the competitor/team to be close to the square so that they may compete without delay when called upon to do so. The individual/team will be called and they must go to the side of the square complete with any equipment (such as safety equipment) which they require. Should they not come forward immediately then the, name will be called for a second time. Should the individual/team still not come forward to the square then they will be disqualified.

Article 19. EQUIPMENT CHECK

The Referee will check to ensure that doboks, equipment, etc.. are of an officially approved type and that they are not defective. Should any item(s) not be satisfactory then they must be changed and the competitor/team has a maximum of 3 minutes in which to do so following which he/they will be disqualified and the match points awarded to the opponent where appropriate.

Article 20. COURTESY

Competitors must at all times bow to the Jury and also to each other at the beginning and end of each performance/match.

Section I

Patterns

Article 21. DIVISIONS / PATTERNS

The competitors will be from all levels up to and including 6^th Degree.

Article 22. PATTERN - INDIVIDUAL

The pyramid system of elimination will be used. Competitors will compete 1 to 1 and will perform simultaneously 1 Optional Pattern and 1 Designated Pattern. The Judges will choose the better one to go forward to the next round.

Article 23.

INDIVIDUAL

The two allocated competitors will perform their optional pattern first followed by a designated pattern.

Note: The tournament Committee reserves the right to amalgamate the 5th and 6th Degree’s sections.

i. When 3 or more judges give a decision in favour of one competitor then that competitor is the winner.
ii. When 3 judges give a draw and 2 judges give a decision in favour of one competitor then that competitor is the winner.
iii. When 2 judges give a decision in favour of one competitor and 1 judge gives for the other and 2 judges give a draw, then the competitor with 2 judges in favour is the winner.
iv. When 2 judges give a decision in favour of one competitor and the other 2 judges give a decision in favour for the other, and 1 judge gives a draw, then another designated Pattern must be performed, until the winner is decided.

Article 24. ELIMINATION - JUNIOR AND SENIOR – TEAM

The pyramid system of elimination will be used. Designated patterns draw will take place whilst both teams are on the mat. A coin will be tossed to decide which team goes first. The first team will perform 2 patterns and the second team will do likewise. The judges will choose the better one to go forward to the next round.

Article 25. PERFORMANCE AND DECISIONS – TEAM

Each Team (5 competitors) must perform together 1 designated and 1 optional Pattern. The designated Pattern and optional Pattern being any from CHON-JI to GE-BAEK. They may line up in any format they choose and team members may perform movements individually, or together, as they choose, but it must be seen to be teamwork., for example: one member may not perform moves of the Pattern on his own without the others following in unison.

In team matches the following decisions will apply

i. When 3 or more judges give a decision in favour of one team then that team is the winner.
ii. When 3 judges give a draw and 2 judges give a decision in favour of one team then that team is the winner.
iii. When 2 judges give a decision in favour of one team and 1 judge gives for the other and 2 judges give a draw, then the team with 2 judges in favour is the winner.
iv. When 2 judges give a decision in favour of 1 team and the other 2 judges give a decision in favour for the other, and 1 judge gives a draw, then another designated Pattern must be performed, until the winner is decided.

Article 26. OFFICIALS FOR PATTERN DIVISION

1 Jury President, 2 Jury Members, 5 Referees, 1 Recorder, one of the Referees will give the commands.

Section II

SPARRING

Article 27. AGE CATEGORIES

The age categories will be:

Under 14
Age 15 to 17
Age 18 to 35
Age 36 and over

Article 28. DIVISION / SPARRING

Competitors can be from 1^st Gup to 6th Degree
Male and Female Groups
Weights

Article 29. DURATION OF BOUTS

For 18+ years old each individual bout will be 2 rounds of 2 minutes duration with a one minute break between rounds. Finals will be 2 rounds of 2 minutes duration with a one minute break between rounds.

Each team bout will be 1 round of 2 minutes.

For <17 years old each individual bout will be 2 rounds of 1.5 minutes duration with a one minute break between rounds. Finals will be 2 rounds of 1.5 minutes duration with a one minute break between rounds.

Each team bout will be 1 round of 1.5 minutes.

In individual matches the following decisions will apply:

When 3 or 4 corner referees give a decision in favour of one competitor then that competitor is the winner.
When 3 or 4 corner referees say that it is a draw then a further one minute round will take place. If this results in a further draw then the first scored point will decide who is the winner.
When 2 corner referees give a decision in favour of one competitor (2 for one competitor + 1 for the other + 1 given it as a draw or 2 for one competitor + 2 giving it as a draw) then that competitor is the winner.
When 2 corner referees give a decision in favour of one competitor and the other 2 corner referees give a decision in favour of the other competitor then a one minute extension will follow. If at this time it results in a further draw then the first scored point will decide who is the winner.
When 3 corner referees give a decision in favour of one competitor in case of the first scored point bout then that competitor is the winner.

In team matches the following decisions will apply:

When 3 or 4 corner referees give a decision in favour of one competitor then that competitor is the winner and 2 points will be added to the team score.
When 3 or 4 corner referees decide that it is a draw then 1 point will be added to each team score.
When 2 corner referees give a decision in favour of one competitor (2 for one competitor + 1 for the other + 1 given it as a draw or 2 giving it as a draw) then that competitor who got the decision of the 2 corner referees is the winner and 2 points will be added to the team score.
When 2 corner referees give a decision in favour of one competitor and the other 2 corner referees give a decision in favour of the other competitor then the result will be a draw and 1 point will be added to each team score.
When all 5 bouts are finished and the result is a draw then each coach will select one competitor to spar an extra bout. The team whose competitor wins this bout will be the winner. If at this time it results in a further draw then the first scored point will decide who is the winner.
When 3 corner referees give a decision in favour of one competitor in case of the first scored point bout then that competitor is the winner.

Article 30. TARGET AREA

A. Head and neck area at the front and sides but not at the back.
B. Trunk of the body from neck to navel vertically and from a line drawn from the armpit vertically down to the waist on each side (that is frontal area only excluding the back).

Article 31. POINT AWARDS

A. One (1) point will be awarded for: Hand attack directed to mid or high section, hand attack while in air (both feet must be off the ground) directed to mid section, foot attack directed to mid section.
B. Two (2) points will be awarded for: Foot attack directed to high section, hand attack while in air (both feet must be off the ground) directed to high section, jumping or flying kick directed to mid section.
C. Three (3) points will be awarded for: Jumping or flying kick directed to high section.

Article 32. SCORING PROCEDURE

In competition a technique is valid when:

It is executed correctly
It is dynamic, that is to say it is delivered with strength, purpose, rapidity and precision
It is controlled on the target
Defender must maintain complete balance

Article 33. DISQUALIFICATION

Misconduct against officials or ignoring instructions
Heavy contact.
Committing 3 fouls.
Any competitor suspected of being under influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs.

Article 34. FOULS

One point will be deducted for the following offences:

Loss of temper
Insulting an opponent in any way
Biting/scratching/clawing
Attacking with the knee, elbow or forehead
Attacking a fallen opponent
Contact
The sum of 3 warnings automatically means deducting 1 point.

Article 35. WARNINGS

Warnings will be assigned for the following offences:

Attack to an illegal target
Stepping completely out of the ring (both feet)
Falling down, whether intentional or not (this means any part of the body, other than the feet, touching the ground)
Holding/grabbing/pushing
Sweeping
Faking a blow, pretending to be injured to gain an advantage
Intentionally avoiding sparring
Pretending to have scored a point by raising the arm

N.B.: If an athlete is pushed out of the ring with intent (without undergoing a technique) then he will not receive a warning.

Article 36. INJURY

When a competitor is injured, the Centre Referee must stop the match and call the Doctor/First Aid. The Doctor must diagnose, treat the wounds and decide about the match continuation.
When a contender cannot fight on because of Doctor's decision:
He is the winner if his opponent is responsible;
He is the loser if his opponent is not responsible.
An injured competitor that is unfit to fight, according to the Doctor's decision, cannot fight again during the event.
A competitor that refuses to accept the Doctor's decision will be disqualified.
If two competitors injure themselves at the same time and both are unfit to fight according to the Doctor's decision, the winner is the contender that has more score points at that moment. If the competitors are even, the Jury President will decide about the bout.

Article 37. BOUT PROCEDURE - INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM

INDIVIDUAL

The bout will commence with the competitors on the start positions each with a red or blue marker to differentiate between them. At the command of the Centre Referee the competitors bow in turn to the Jury table and then to each other. The Centre Referee will then start the Sparring with the command "SHI-JAK" and the competitors continue to spar until the Referee issues the command "HAECHYO". At this point the competitors cease to spar and remain where they are until restarted. On completion of time the timekeeper will signal audibly to warn the Centre Referee, but the bout only ends on the final comment "GOMAN" by the Centre Referee. The reverse for bowing will ensure and the result will be declared. In a draw situation warnings and/or minus points are not carried forward. If a competitor leaves the square they must re-start 1 metre inside the square.

TEAM

Bout procedure will be as individual. A coin will be tossed. The winner of the toss decides which team send its first competitor into the ring . The teams must then alternate.

Article 38. TIMING

On the first "SHI-JAK" (Start) command from the Centre Referee the timekeeper starts the clock and this continues until full time unless the Centre Referee calls for a "time out" by saying "Goman". At this time the timekeeper stops the clock until the next "Gae-sok" (Continue) command is given.

Article 39. OFFICIALS FOR SPARRING COMPETITION

1 Jury President, 2 Jury Members, 1 Centre Referee, 4 Corner Referees, 1 Timekeeper and 1 Recorder.

Section III

POWER BREAKING

Article 40. DIVISIONS

Male and Female Groups.

It is compulsory for each competitor to attempt each item listed, for his/her group.
JUNIOR (age 15 to 17) AND SENIOR MALE

Ap-joomuk jirugi – Fore Fist Punch
Sonkal Taerigi – Knife Hand Strike
Yopcha Jirugi - Side Kick
Dollyo Chagi - Turning Kick
Bandae Dollyo Chagi – Reverse Turning Kick

JUNIOR (age 15 to 17) AND SENIOR FEMALE

Sonkal Taerigi - Knife Hand Strike
Yopcha Jirugi - Side Kick
Dollyo Chagi – Turning Kick

Article 41. PROCEDURE - INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM

INDIVIDUAL - ONE COMPETITOR ONE EVENT.

Article 42. PROCEDURE INDIVIDUAL AND TEAMS

The T.C can decide a technique and the quantity of the pieces of wood for the initial classification (i.e. qualifying round) for the individual competitor but there will be no qualifying round in the team breaking.

It is permitted to break using step or slide. It is not permitted to jump. This means 1 foot must keep contact with the floor at all times. For Sonkal Taerigi the strike can be executed in two ways, inward or outwards.

Protocol

Execution: for each item the competitors will have only one attempt to break. At the command from the Umpire the competitor will adopt a ready position and will try to break in one continuous movement, must return to finish with ready position again.

For each item the Tournament Adjudication Committee will set a standard.
A wooden board (30x30x1.5 thick), or the plastic equivalent, or a machine designed for the specific test will be used.
Referees may disallow an attempt for failure to maintain the following:
i.) Correct balance and posture throughout technique.
ii.) Correct attacking tool in the correct manner.
Referees must examine each board before each attempt.
Each broken/separated board will count as 3 points and each cracked/bent board will count as 2 points.
The winners will be the competitors with the highest scores after having attempted all items listed for their group. In the event of a tie the Jury President will select by drawing one item to be the "Tie-breaker". He will decide how many boards are to be used. The tied competitors will then carry on until the places are decided.

JUNIOR AND OR SENIOR - TEAM

Male five (5) competitors.
Female three (3) competitors will perform items as indicated.

Article 43. OFFICIALS FOR POWER BREAKING

1 Jury President, 2 Referees and 1 Recorder will supervise each attempt.

TOURNAMENT RULES

SECTION IV - SPECIAL TECHNIQUE

Article 44. MALE AND FEMALE GROUPS

It is compulsory for each competitor to attempt each item listed for his/her group.

JUNIOR AND SENIOR MALE

Twimyo Nopi Ap Cha Busigi - Fying side Kick
Twimyo Nomo Yop Cha Jirugi - Flying Front Kick
Twio Dolmyo Yop Cha Jirugi - Flying Back Kick
Twimyo Dollyo Chagi - Flying Turning Kick
Twimyo Bandae Dollyo Chagi – Flying Reverse Turning Kick

FEMALE

Twimyo Nopi Ap Cha Busigi - Flying Side Kick
Twimyo Nomo Yop Cha Jirugi – Flying Front Kick
Twimyo Dollyo Chagi – Flying Turning Kick

Article 45. PROCEDURE - INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM