Olympic Kyorugi
Rules
To visit the official World Taekwondo website and view the full PDF document please visit the following link:
World Taekwondo
Sparring Rules & Interpretation
Overview
Match Duration:
Matches are determined by whoever is the first to win 2 out of 3 possible rounds (2 minutes each with a 1 minute break in between). The score and penalties are reset at the end of each completed round with either the red fighter or blue fighter being declared the victor.
Permitted Techniques:
Fist technique: A straight punching technique using the knuckle part of a tightly clenched fist.
Foot technique: Delivering techniques using any part of the foot below the ankle bone.
Head Kicks: ✓
Head Punches: X
Body Kicks: ✓
Body Punches: ✓
Pushing: ✓
Elbow Strikes: X
Low Kicks: X
Knee Strikes: X
Clinching: ✓
Trips, Throws & Takedowns: X
Permitted Scoring Areas:
Trunk: The blue or red colored area of the trunk protector. Attack by fist and foot techniques on the areas covered by the trunk protector are permitted. However, such attacks shall not be made on the part of the spine.
Head: The entire head above the bottom line of the head protector. Only foot techniques are permitted.
Criteria For Valid Points:
Point(s) shall be awarded when a permitted technique is delivered to the scoring areas of the trunk with a proper level of impact.
Point(s)shall be awarded when a permitted technique is delivered to the scoring areas of the head.
The determination of the validity of the technique, level of impact, and/or valid contact to the scoring area shall be made by the electronic scoring system except fist techniques. PSS determinations regarding strikes to the body protector shall not be subject to Instant Video Replay (IVR), strikes to the helmet however may be.
The WT Technical Committee shall determine the required level of impact and sensitivity of the PSS, using different scales in consideration of weight category, gender, and age groups. In certain circumstances as deemed necessary the Technical Delegate may re-calibrate the valid level of impact.
Scoring:
1 Point: Penalty Committed By Opponent
1 Point: Punch (Body)
2 Points: Kick (Body)
3 Points: Kick (Head)
4 Points: Spinning Kick (Body)
5 Points: Spinning Kick (Head)
Gamjeom 감점 - Penalties:
The center referee shall stop the match and declare a penalty (Gamjeom) on the player who has committed a prohibited act during the match. At this time the opposing player will be rewarded with 1 point. If one person receives a total of 10 penalties they will lose the match by disqualification. Please visit the official WT rules linked above for a much more detailed prohibited acts.
The following actions will result in a penalty:
Crossing the boundary line with one foot
Falling down
Avoiding or delaying the match
Moving backward and/or sideways 3 times without attacking
Refusing to attack for 3 seconds after the referee’s “Fight!” command
Kicking 3 or more times without setting the foot down
Grabbing or pushing the opponent *
Lifting the leg to block, and/or kicking the opponent’s leg to impede the opponent’s kicking attack, or lifting a leg or kicking in the air for more than 3 seconds to impede opponent’s potential attacking movements, or kick was aiming to below the waist **
Kicking below the waist
Attacking the opponent after “Kalyeo” (break)
Hitting the opponent’s head with the hand, elbow or arm
Butting or attacking with the knee
Attacking a fallen opponent
Attacking trunk PSS with the side or bottom of the foot having the knee pointed out in clinch position ***
Attacking the back of the head while in the clinch (Monkey Kick)
Not complying with the referee’s command or decision
Inappropriate protesting behavior to officials’ decisions
Inappropriate attempts to disturb or influence the outcome of the match
Provoking or insulting the opposing contestant or coach
Unaccredited doctor/physicians or other team officials found to be seated in the doctor’s position
Any other severe misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct from a contestant or coach
* Grabbing or pushing the opponent:
This includes grabbing any part of the opponent’s body, uniform or protective equipment with the hands. It also includes the act of grabbing the foot or leg or hooking the leg with the forearm.
For pushing, the following acts shall be penalized:
a) pushing the opponent out of the boundary line
b) pushing the opponent in a way that prevents kicking motion or any normal execution of attacking movement
c) pushing the opponent with any part of the body other than the hands
d) pushing the opponent for a duration longer than 1 second
** Cancelling:
Lifting the leg or cut kick motion shall not be penalized only when it is followed by execution of punching or kicking technique in combination motion.
*** Monkey Kicks:
They’re an exploitation of the PSS and are not in the spirit of the sport.
When a coach or contestant commits excessive misconduct and does not follow the referee’s command the referee may declare a sanction request by raising a yellow card. In this case the Competition Supervisory Board shall investigate the contestant’s and/or coach’s behavior and determine whether a sanction is appropriate.
If a contestant intentionally and repeatedly refuses to comply with the Competition Rules or the referee’s orders, the referee may end the match raising yellow card and declare the opposing contestant the winner.
If the referee at the inspection desk or officials in the Field of Play determines, in consultation with the PSS technician, if necessary, that a contestant or coach has attempted to manipulate the sensitivity of PSS sensor(s) and/or inappropriately alter the PSS so as to affect its performance,the contestant shall be disqualified.
When a contestant receives 5 Gamjeon (penalties), the referee shall declare the contestant loser of that round.
* Point Gap (PTG):
Win round by point gap: In case of 12 points difference between two athletes, the referee shall stop the contest and shall declare the winner by point gap. Win by point gap shall not be applied in semi-finals & finals in senior division by the outline of tournament.
Knock Downs:
This is the situation in which a contestant is knocked to the floor or is staggered or unable to respond adequately to the requirements of the match due to a blow. Even in the absence of these indications, the referee may interpret as a knock down, the situation where, as the result of contact, it would be dangerous to continue or when there is any question about the safety of a contestant.
A Knock Down will result in the referee beginning to count to 8 out loud. When a contestant who has been knocked down cannot demonstrate the will to resume the contest by the count of Yeodeol 여덟 (8), the referee shall announce the other contestant winner by RSC (Referee Stops Contest).
A Knock Down shall be declared, when a legitimate attack is delivered and:
When any part of the body other than the sole of the foot touches the floor due to the force of the opponent’s scoring technique
When a contestant is staggered and shows no intention or ability to continue as a result of the opponent's scoring techniques.
When the referee judges that the contest cannot continue as the result of being struck by a legitimate scoring technique
2022 Rule Change Highlights
Article 5
Weight Categories
Cadet Height categories explanation:
• The cadet will be measured by their heights first.
• Each 3 cm increment will make up the division.
• Each height category will have a maximum weight. Example: 165 -168 cm of male cadet has a maximum weight of 59 kg, but it does not have a minimum weight to restrict the athletes. In another word, a player could be 166 cm weighing 58 kg will be fighting someone of 165 cm weighing 49 kg.
• The maximum weight for male cadet is 80 kg and female cadet is 75 kg.
Article 7
Duration Of Contest
3 rounds (2 minutes each)
1 minute rest period in between rounds.
No Golden Round.
Tie score: each round will be decided according to the Superiority Criteria.
There will be a WINNER for each round.
Article 10
Procedure Of Contest
Best Of 3 System:
Center Referee shall declare the winner of respective round.
CR shall call Keuman and go to the CR starting point of the ring, hold a fist from the chest and extend the arm to the right or left (depending on the winner) to an open hand (fingers closed: knife hand). His/her head will turn to the winner side with the arm straight about 80 to 85 degrees to the body (same height as one’s solar plexus). There will be a match winner for every round.
Article 12
Valid Points
12.2.3
The determination of the validity of the technique, level of impact, and/or valid contact to the scoring area shall be made by the electronic scoring system except fist techniques. These PSS determinations shall not be subject to Instant Video Replay except for head kicks.
CR must count before he/she can ask for IVR (Instant Video Replay) for a head kick. Coach can ask as long as he/she has the quota card. Head kick is the whole head starting from the chin strap to the top of the head including the face.
12.4.1
In the best of three (3) system, match score shall be the sum of the number of round won of the three rounds (PTF).
The match will finish if one player wins two consecutive rounds, so there may not be a
third round. The score could be 2-1 or 2-0. The match may finish before 2 rounds are finished due to RSC (knock out), RSC (CR stops the match for the safety of the player) or WRD by the player or coach.
Explanation 1
Back Kick (Dwi Chagi) is one type of turning kick techniques, the head and shoulder rotation must occur to be considered as a back kick (Dwi Chagi) and awarded technical points.
When contestants kick opponent by the Back Kick (Dwi Chagi), without contestant’s simultaneous rotation of head and shoulder, ‘Back Kick’ (Dwi Chagi) will not be considered turning kick.
When a player turns his/her head during a Back Kick, his/her shoulder will follow suit. He/she does not have to turn all the way to be awarded the technical points. “No turn” is defined as the player’s head and shoulder remain facing the same direction without turning after the kick.
Article 14
Prohibited Acts & Penalties
The following are considered prohibited acts:
a) Lifting the leg to block
b) Kicking the opponent’s leg to impede the opponent’s kicking attack
c) Kick was aiming to below the waist (no Gam Jeom if it is followed by punching or kicking technique in combination motion).
d) Lifting the leg above waist for kicking in the air for (4) four times or more. If there is a hop or slide, the lifted leg must complete the kick with full extension. The player may hop or slide again to do the 2nd and 3rd kicks which are the maximum without GJ. If the 4th kick happens, player will be penalized with GJ and points will be invalidated if scored. If leg is lifted and hop or slide without kicking, GJ will be given immediately.
e) Lifting a leg or kicking in the air for more than three (3) seconds to impede opponent’s potential attacking movements.
14.4.1.11
Attacking trunk PSS with the side or bottom of the foot in clinch position. Animal kicks (Fish Kick, Scorpion Kick, Monkey Kick) will not be tolerated: if there is any touching to opponent, GJ will be given and points will be invalidated. The hand signal is “grabbing”.
14.4.1.12
Attacking back of head PSS in clinch position.
GJ will be given no matter which part of the head is being attacked as the opponent may move his/her head around.
Crescent Kick (An Chagi/Bakkat Chagi) is allowed as long as there is no “grabbing” or “clinching”.
Scorpion Hook Kick (Nakka Chagi) is allowed if there is no “grabbing” or “clinching”.
14.7.1
In the best of three (3) system, when a contestant receives five (5) “Gam-Jeom” in a round, the opponent will be declared the winner of that round.
Note: Center Referee will give the player a warning (holding up 4 fingers) to indicate 4 Gam Jeoms have been given. The fifth one will be “round over” and possibly “match over” depending on the result of the previous round(s).
Falling Down
“Gam-Jeom” shall be declared for falling down. However, if a contestant falls down due to the opponent’s prohibited acts. “Gam-Jeom” penalty shall not be given to the fallen contestant, while a penalty shall be given to the opponent. If both contestants fall as a result of incidental collision or in case a contestant who received points with turning kick falls down, no penalty shall be given.
If both players fall down but Cheong scores the turning back kick, Cheong will not be penalized with GJ while Hong will be penalized with GJ for falling down. In this case, CR will not do the “wave off” sign since GJ will be given to Hong Player.
Avoiding Or Delaying The Match
Turning the back and move away to avoid the opponent’s attack should be punished as it expresses the lack of the spirit of fair play and may cause serious injury. The same penalty should also be given for evading the opponent’s attack by bending below waist level or crouching. “Moving away” will be defined by intentionality. If the player moves forward after a back kick due to the impact of opponent’s rushing in; he/she will not be punished by GJ.
This includes grabbing any part of the opponent’s body, uniform or protective equipment with the hands. It also includes the act of grabbing the foot or leg or hooking the leg with forearm.
For pushing, the following acts shall be penalized:
pushing the opponent out of the boundary line
pushing the opponent in a way that prevents kicking motion or any normal execution of attacking movement
continuous or prolonged pushing (more than one to two seconds is considered GJ)
Clinching:
Contestants should be separated following the referee’s “fight” command in clinch position, and if they fail to do so within three(3) seconds, Gam-Jeom will be given to the passive contestant or to both contestants.
The players must attack within 3 seconds. CR will count out the passage of time: “Three, Two, One” to remind the players to separate.
“Gam-Jeom” will be given to the contestant who is grabbing, holding or crossing the arms to opponent’s body in clinch position.
In most cases, players will separate immediately after the “fight” command to avoid penalty. Players must separate and attack since the “fight” command with double pumping of the fists is a WARNING from the Center Referee.
“Gam-Jeom” will be given to the contestant who is grabbing, holding or crossing the arms to opponent’s body in clinch position.
If one player is pushing with his/her hands while the opponent is pushing back (resisting) with his/her body. The GJ will be given to the opponent since the player is trying to create space to fight by pushing with his/her hands and the opponent is hindering such effort by pushing back with his/her body weight. The opponent will be punished by GJ for “avoiding”.
“Gam-Jeom” will be given to the contestant who is grabbing, holding or crossing the arms to opponent’s body in clinch position.
If one player is pushing with his/her hands while the opponent is grabbing to prevent the player from fighting. The opponent will be punished with a GJ for “grabbing”.
Article 15
Decision Of Superiority
15.5
In the best of three (3) system, in case of a tie score after the completion of a round, the winner shall be decided by superiority based on the following criteria:
15.5.1
If total points are tied, most points scored by turning or spinning kick.
15.5.2
If the technical score is the same as in article 15.5.1, the contestant who has executed the higher value techniques in descending order: Head kick = 3, Body kick = 2, Punch = 1 and GJ from opponent = 0.
15.5.3
If the two above criteria are the same, the winner will be decided by number of registered hits.
15.5.4
Woose Girok (Superiority)
For Woose Girok: the following criteria in descending order:
Aggressive ring management
Number of techniques executed
Technical superiority
Competition manner
For the “3 corner judge system”, only the 3 judges will decide the superiority; Center Referee will be excused from the decision making. For the “2 corner judge system”, the Center Referee and the two judges will decide the winner.
RJ will indicate Woose Girok is necessary by holding up both fists with knuckles facing out on each side of the sternum by the solar plexus.
CR will remain in the center of the ring and declare: “Woose Girok”.
Both CJs will walk to each side of the CR near the boundary line to form a straight line.
CR will announce in a loud voice, “Hana, Dul, Set”.
The CR and the two CJs will use their arms to indicate the decided winner by extending them towards his/her side (right for Cheong and left for Hong) and the heads will turn at the same time.
If there are 3 corner judges, CR will not vote.
The RJ will record the winner on the TA sheet.
The computer operator will display the winner on the monitor.
CR will show by hand signal for the winner of the round.
If this Woose Girok will decide the match winner, CR will announce “Cheung Seung” or “Hong Seung” with the appropriate hand signal.