General Rules
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Uniform 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 & Safety Rules
All competitors must have the following mandatory gear to compete in the Sparring Division:
- Headgear: Open-face headgear protecting the front, back, and sides of the head with no external damage.
- Hand Gear (Gloves): Must cover the knuckles and the back of the hand.
- Allowed Styles: Traditional dipped-foam gloves (such as Macho gloves) or closed-finger gloves are both welcome.
- Gear Condition: Must be in good condition with no tears, no cracks, no broken foam, and no tape repairs.
- Prohibited Styles: No boxing gloves, MMA gloves, or any gloves that expose the fingers.
- Fingernails & Glove Restrictions: Please check your fighters' fingernails before staging. All competitors must keep their fingernails trimmed. If a competitor has long nails, they CANNOT wear open-palm or Macho gloves—they must wear closed gloves to prevent accidental scratches.
- Glove Weight Limits:
- Adults: Maximum 10 oz
- Teens: Maximum 8 oz
- Kids: Maximum 6 oz
- Foot Gear: Must cover the feet, toes, and heel with no external damage. No instep-only guards allowed.
- Mouthpiece: Single or double mouthguard mandatory.
- Groin Cup: Mandatory for all male competitors.
- Shin Guards: Optional.
Maintaining Balanced Competition: As a traditional Taekwon-Do tournament, we strictly do NOT allow face shields or chest protectors for any competitor. We enforce this so every match remains fair and balanced—when fighters wear heavy body shields or face cages, they lose their sense of impact control and hit too hard.
If a student has a heart condition, a medical issue, or is uncomfortable with light contact, sparring is not the right fit for them. We encourage instructors and parents to enter those students in Patterns or Board Breaking so they can still enjoy competing.
Equipment Inspections & Forfeiture: Any suspicious or damaged equipment recognized by Official Umpires will be subject to inspection. If a competitor arrives at the ring with missing, damaged, or unapproved gear, they will have 5 minutes to get the correct equipment. If 5 minutes pass without proper gear, the competitor will forfeit the match (with no refund) and their opponent will be declared the winner.
This is a professional tournament, and rules must be strictly followed at all times.
Patterns
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 only one degree lower. (per competitor)
- 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.
Team Patterns competitions are open tournaments following similar rules to Individual Patterns, with some key differences.
- Teams consist of 3 to 5 competitors of the same age range, regardless of gender and rank.
- Each team performs one optional pattern.
- Judging criteria include Power, Balance, and Technique, as with Individual Patterns. However, for Team Patterns, judges will also assess Teamwork, Choreography and Difficulty.
- Performances must not include acrobatics or weapons.
- Teams must line up at the edge of the ring facing the umpires before and after their performance. Entrance and exit are not part of the choreographed routine and will not be scored.
- Team members may perform individually or in unison, but the overall performance must demonstrate teamwork.
- The fundamental structure of the chosen pattern must be maintained. Fast and slow movements within the pattern must be performed as prescribed.
- The team must perform the pattern that corresponds to the lowest belt in the group, even if there is a Black Belt in the Group.
Note: In the event of a Tie a second pattern will be designated by the judges.
Here’s a breakdown of the scoring system with improved clarity and organization:
Scoring System
Each team begins with a set number of points for each level. Deductions are applied for mistakes, with the final score for each level calculated by subtracting the total deductions from the starting points.
Level 1: Technique and Balance
- Starting Points: 5
- Deduction per Mistake: 0.2 points
- Example: 4 mistakes = -0.8 point deduction. Final score: 4.2 points.
Level 2: Teamwork, Choreography, Difficulty
- Starting Points: 4
- Deduction Overall: 0.5 points
- Example: 2 mistakes = -1 point deduction. Final score: 3 points.
Level 2: and Power
- Starting Points: 1
- Deduction Overall: 0.5 points
- Example: 1 mistake = -0.5 point deduction. Final score: 0.5 points.
Sparring Rules
The sparring will be a continuous point system where a 2-competitor elimination system will be used. Majority Rule: For a point to be awarded, a minimum of three of the four judges must agree on the point and who scored it. If two judges vote for red, two for blue, or if two vote for red and two are neutral, the point is not awarded to either competitor and the fight will simply continue.
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
- High Section – Head:
- At the front, sides, and top of the head, but not at the back.
- Excluding the neck.
- Mid-Section – Trunk of the body:
- From shoulder to navel vertically
- 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 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.
- Misconduct against officials or ignoring instructions.
- Uncontrolled or excessive contact, that may or may not cause bleeding.
- 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.
- 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.
Board Breaking
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
- Enter the ring and bow to the judges
- Select your boards. Competitors up to 12 years old are allowed to have their coach to assist with:
- 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.)
- Placement of the boards
- Height of the board. After the height of the board is selected it cannot be changed.
- 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.
- The competitor can measure only once (touching the board is permitted) and when it is ready, the competitor should obtain a Guarding Block stance.
- From that moment the competitor has only 5 seconds to initiate the breaking.
- The technique needs to fully go through the boards, even if the competitor breaks, cracks or split the boards but don’t pass the other boards, this will not be counted as a break. There are No Half Points.
- 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).
- The competitor can move to the Second Round (kick) even if there is no break on the First Round (hand).
- If the target area is completely missed, a second chance will be given to the competitor.
- After the two rounds are completed, the total will be added to declare the winner.
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
| ROUNDS | TECHNIQUE | BOARDS COUNT |
|---|---|---|
| First Round | Hand Technique | 1 board (minimum) |
| Second Round | Kick Technique | 2 boards (minimum) |
| Tiebreaker Round | Hand Technique Kick Technique | 3 boards (minimum) |
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. Teams will be awarded a 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
Team board breaking has the following rules:
- Each team must consist of two (2) or three (3) competitors.
- All team members will use hand and foot techniques, following the steps outlined in the Board Breaking section.
- In the event of a tie, each team will select one member to perform a tie-breaking technique. The boards and the specific technique will be randomly chosen by the judges’ table. Both selected members will perform the same technique.
- If a second tie occurs, both teams will be awarded first (1st) place.
Power Breaking
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
- Enter the ring and bow to the judges.
- The number of boards will be set based on Technique and Gender
- The technique will be assigned to the competitor
- ADJUST – Verbally indicate the height of the board holder (Do Not Touch the Boards or the Machine)
- 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.
- EXECUTE – Break the boards making a Guarding Block immediately after break.
RULES
- 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.
- A total of one (1) minute is allowed to set the correct height for the power breaking.
- Each attempt must include one (1) prejudgment of distance followed by the attempt to break the boards.
- 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.
- After the execution of the technique, each board will be examined before each attempt.
- Each separated board will count as three (3) points and each bent board will count as one (1) point.
- 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.
- 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.
| TECHNIQUES | AGE/GENDER/RANK | BOARDS HAND | BOARDS FOOT |
|---|---|---|---|
| - Frontfist Punch - Knife Hand Strike - Turning Kick - Back Side Kick - Side Kick | Male 18 and older Black Belt | 1 board | 2 boards |
| - Elbow Strike - Knife Hand Strike - Turning Kick - Back Side Kick - Side Kick | Female 18 and older Black Belt | 1 board | 2 boards |