Guest Guidelines

• Courtesy & Respect – Be courteous, respectful, kind and practice good sportsmanship.
• Cleanup – Please remember to pick up your trash, water bottles, paper etc.
• Language – No cursing or inappropriate language is allowed. Competitors can receive point deductions or be disqualified for cursing, using inappropriate language, trash talking and/or poor sportsmanship.
• NO Smoking – The location is a NO SMOKING venue. There is no smoking on venue grounds or parking lots including electronic cigarettes.
• Alcoholic Beverages – Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at the tournament or on the venue grounds.
• No eating inside the Gym – There will be a designated area for eating.
• Competition Area – The competition area includes the competition rings and surrounding space where athletes compete or wait to compete. Only authorized personnel are permitted in this area. Anyone in this area is required to have appropriate credentials.
• Practice & Warmups – The competition area will be available for practice and stretching before the competition begins. All practice and warmups before, during and after the tournament must be conducted in a safe manner. Please be careful and cautious of others around you.
• Injury – In case of an Injury we will have the EMT Rescue Unit on premises.

Coach Behavior

• Coaches are expected to present themselves in a manner that is consistent with the spirit of Taekwon-Do and good sportsmanship.
• Coaches’ attire that is considered offensive or derogatory will not be allowed.
• Is up to the referee to ensure that coaches are representing Taekwon-Do properly.
• Coaches that are in violation of the tournament standards and rules will be asked to leave the
• Coaches must be calmly remaining seated during the match.
• Coaches may not use video cameras, cell phones, earphones, etc. while sitting in a coach’s chair.
• Coaches may calmly direct comments to their own player only (during sparring).
• Comments considered to be too exciting or directed towards the referees which are intended to either influence their decision or protest scores and penalties will result in penalties being issued.
• All Coaches must attend the Official meeting before the tournament.
• Only registered coaches will be allowed on the competition floor. Coaches can be Master, Instructor, Assistant Instructor, or a Registered Black Belt. Coaches are required to upload a picture (only Headshot) to their profile.

Competitors

Is the competitor’s responsibility to be available after their name is called for competition. If the competitor does not report to the ring before the 3 minutes expired, they will be disqualified from the match, making the other competitor the winner of that event.

Dress Code (Dobok) and Gear

Uniform (Dobok)

A Dobok (any color) with a Belt representing their rank should be worn at all times. competitors with only t-shirts will not be allowed to compete. A t-shirt under the dobok is required for female competitors and optional for male competitors.

Sparring Gear

All competitors must have the following mandatory gear to compete in the Sparring Division:

• Foot (covering feet and toes, with no external damage)
• Hand (covering knuckles and fingers, with no external damage)
• Head (protecting the front, back and side of the head, with no external damage)
• Face shields will be allowed ONLY for competitors 9 years old and under.
• Mouthpiece (Single or Double)
• Groin Cup (for boys is mandatory)
• Shin Guards (optional)

This is a professional tournament, and rules should be followed at all times.

The board breaking event is designed for all color belts competitors from ages 10 to adults (18+). This category will be divided by Age, Rank and Gender. Competitors will be awarded a small trophy for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place based on who obtained the maximum number of points.

Each board will award points based on their colors:

Yellow = 1 points
Green = 2 Points
Brown = 4 Points
Black = 5 Points

STEP by STEP

1. Enter the ring and bow to the judges
2. Select your boards. Competitors up to 12 years old are allowed to have their coach to assist with:
   1. Selection of the boards (The number of boards will be chosen by the competitor and the coach. A maximum of 1 minute per selection will be allowed.)
   2. Placement of the boards
   3. Height of the board. After the height of the board is selected it cannot be changed.
   4. After this, the coach needs to withdraw from the ring. The coach is not allowed to explain or show the technique to the competitor while adjusting or placing the boards for the competitor. Competitors will be disqualified if the coach stays in the board ring area.
3. The competitor can measure only once (touching the board is permitted) and when it is ready, the competitor should obtain a Guarding Block stance.
4. From that moment the competitor has only 5 seconds to initiate the breaking.
5. After the competitor executes the technique, only the boards fully broken will be counted.
6. After the technique is executed, the competitor should obtain a Guarding Block stance to indicate the end of the breaking (there will be no disqualification if the competitor forgets to obtain Guarding Block).
7. In order to move to the next Round, all boards need to fully break at least in one technique. If there is no break on any technique, the competitor will not be able to move to the next Round.
8. If the target area is completely missed, a second chance will be given to the competitor.
9. At the end of the last round, the score will be added.

In the event of a tie, an extra 1 round, will be allowed to declare the winner(s). If at the end of the extra round there is still a tie, 2 first places will be awarded.

The competitor must break the board using:

Hand Technique

• Knife Hand Strike
• Reverse Knife Hand Strike

Foot Technique

• Side Kick
• Back Side Kick
• Step Behind Side Kick

Techniques

The power breaking category is designed for Black Belts that are 18 years old and older and to demonstrate power and accuracy. This category will follow the same rules as the International Taekwon-Do Federation but adapted for an Open Tournament. This category will be divided by Age and Gender. Competitors will be awarded cash money for those who obtained the maximum number of points in the finals.

• $100 for First Place
• $50 for Second Place
• $25 for Third Place

STEP by STEP

1. Enter the ring and bow to the judges.
2. The number of boards will be set based on Technique and Gender
3. The technique will be assigned to the competitor
4. ADJUST – Verbally indicate the height of the board holder (Do Not Touch the Boards or the Machine)
5. MEASURE – Make one (1) mandatory measurement for distance. A measure is defined as the extension of any attacking tool towards the boards (without touching the boards). Prepare with a Guarding Block prior to break.
6. EXECUTE – Break the boards making a Guarding Block immediately after break.

RULES

1. In power breaking is permitted to step forward, to slide, skip and or jump. However, the Guarding Block must be adopted before and after each attempt to break the boards or the competitor will confront disqualification.
2. A total of one (1) minute is allowed to set the correct height for the power breaking.
3. Each attempt must include one (1) prejudgment of distance followed by the attempt to break the boards.
4. The breaking will be judged based on Balance, Posture, Technique and Breaking. Failure on any of these categories the competitor will receive zero (0) points.
5. After the execution of the technique, each board will be examined before each attempt.
6. Each separated board will count as three (3) points and each bent board will count as one (1) point.
7. The three (3) highest scores will set 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Only in the event that two competitors tie with the same points, there will be two (2) 3rd place.
8. Competitors that did not score any points at their first attempt during the match will not be allowed to continue the power breaking competition to determine any place and will not receive any medal.

The following techniques and boards will be allowed at the event. Each competitor must make one (1) hand technique and one (1) foot technique from the list, chosen by the center judge.

The patterns or tul’s to be performed are the Chang Hon patterns. We will be using a scoring system that will help run the event smoothly and fairly for everyone participating. Two (2) competitors elimination systems will be used, and patterns will be judged based on the correct Technique, Balance, Power and Overall.

Color Belts

• 2 Competitors elimination system will be used.
• Both competitors will perform their patterns simultaneously appropriated to their degree or one degree lowered.
• Patterns will be judged based on the correct Technique, Balance, Power and Overall.
• If there is a tie, another pattern will be requested from the Center Judge.
• If there is a second tie, the Umpire Jury will decide the winner.

Black Belts

• 2 Competitors Single Elimination system will be used.
• Both competitors will perform their patterns simultaneously appropriated to their degree.
• Black Belt competitors will perform 2 patterns: One (1) Chosen by the competitor and One (1) Designated by the Center Judge.
• The designated pattern will be requested at random by the Center Judge from the remaining patterns appropriate from Chon-Ji up to their degree.
• Patterns will be judged based on the correct Technique, Balance, Power and Overall.
• If there is a tie, the Umpire Jury will decide the winner.

Note: Is normal for the Center Judge to talk with other Judges before voting. This is to discuss the performance of the competitors or request another pattern if some of the judges are not cleared of the winner.

The sparring will be a continuous point system where a 2-competitor elimination system will be used. The competitor with the most points at the end of the round wins. We will be using a scoring system that will help run the event smoothly and fairly for everyone participating.

Color Belts

• One (1) round of one and a half (1-½) minutes continuous sparring will be in effect for ages 12 and under.
• One (1) round of two (2) minutes continuous sparring will be in effect for ages 13 and up.
• If there is a tie, a one (1) minute overtime will be allowed.
• If there is a second tie, a tie breaker will take place for the first competitor to strike a point approved by the judges and center referee.

Black Belts

• This category will use a Single Elimination system.
• One (1) round of two (2) minutes will be in effect for all Black Belts Division.
• Two (2) rounds of two (2) minutes will be in effect for all Black Belts Division with one (1) minute rest, only for Finals.
• In case of a tie, one (1) minute overtime will be allowed.
• If there is a second tie, a tie breaker will take place for the first competitor to strike a point approved by the judges and center referee.

Target Area

1. High Section – Head:
   1. At the front, sides, and top of the head, but not at the back.
   2. Excluding the neck.
2. Mid-Section – Trunk of the body:
   1. From shoulder to navel vertically
   2. From a line drawn from the armpit vertically down to the waist on each side (that is frontal area only, excluding the back).

Target Point Awards

• One (1) point will be awarded for any legal hand attack directed at the mid or high section.
• Two (2) points will be awarded for any legal foot attack directed to mid-section.
• Three (3) points will be awarded for any legal foot attack directed to the high section.

Light Contact Scoring Procedure System

In competition a technique is valid according to a light contact system if:

• Executed correctly.
• Dynamic (i.e., it is delivered with strength, purpose, speed and precision.)
• Controlled on the target.

Minus Points/Fouls

One point will be deducted for the following offenses:

• Heavy contact.
• Attacking a fallen opponent.
• Leg sweeping.
• Holding/grabbing.
• Intentional attack to a target other than mentioned in Target Area
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct *

* To include any action taken by a competitor that shows disrespect, lack of following directions or other unacceptable behaviors towards umpires, officials, or other competitors, including though not limited to: Failure or refusal to follow referee’s directions, intentionally leaving ring/manipulation of time, inappropriate behavior/language….)

Warnings

Warnings will be assigned for the following offenses:

• Pretending to have scored a point by raising one or both arms.
• Stepping completely out of the ring (both feet).
• Falling, whether intentional or not (i.e., any part of the body, other than the feet, touching the ground).
• Faking a blow, pretending to be injured to gain an advantage.
• Intentionally avoiding sparring.
• Adjusting equipment during the bout without the consent of the Center Referee.
• Unintentional attack to a target other than mentioned in Target Area.
• Pushing with either the hands or body.

The sum of three (3) warnings automatically results in the deduction of one (1) point.
If a competitor is pushed out of the ring with intent (without undergoing a technique) then he will not receive a warning. The competitor who pushed shall receive a warning.

Disqualifications

• Misconduct against officials or ignoring instructions.
• Uncontrolled or excessive contact.
• Receiving three (3) minus points/fouls directly given by the Center Referee.
• Being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs.
• Loss of temper.
• Insulting an opponent, coach, and/or official.
• Biting, scratching.
• Attacking with the knee, elbow, or forehead.
• Being negatively responsible for causing a loss of consciousness.

A competitor that insults an opponent, coach or official will be disqualified from the rest of the competition.

Injury

• When a competitor is injured, the Center Referee must stop the match and call the Doctor.
• When a competitor cannot compete anymore because of the injury or the allocated treatment maximum time of 3 minutes, it is the Medic’s decision and according to the decision of the Ring Council (Jury President, Center Referee and Corner referees)
  • He/she is the winner if his/her opponent is responsible.
  • He/she is the loser if his/her opponent is not responsible.
• An injured competitor that is unfit to fight cannot continue for the rest of the day.
• A competitor that refuses to accept the Medic’s and/or the Ring Council decision will be disqualified and taken out of the competition.
• If two competitors injure themselves at the same time and both are unfit to fight according to the Medic’s decision, the winner is the contender that has more scored points at that moment. If the competitors are even, the Ring Council will decide about the bout.
• If a competitor forfeits from any category because doesn’t feel well or is injured, they cannot longer continue on any other event.

A competitor that is negatively responsible for causing a loss of consciousness or causing a concussion in sparring competition may be disqualified. The unconscious or concussed competitor shall not be able to compete again during the whole event, and as such will forfeit any remaining matches or events.