Taekwondo Kyorugi Competition Rules

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• Competition Area
• Indication of positions
• Contestant Uniform and Competition Equipment
• Weight Categories
• Duration of Contest
• Points
• Scoring and Publication
• Prohibited acts and Penalties
• Gam-Jeom
• Golden Points and Decision of Superiority

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Competition Area

The Contest Area shall have a flat surface without any obstructing projections, and be covered with an elastic and not slippery mat. The ContestArea may also be installed on a platform 0.6-1m high from the base, if necessary. The outer part of the Outer Line shall be inclined at a gradient of less than 30 degrees, for the safety of the contestants. One of the following shapes can be used for Contest Area:

• Square Shape

  The Competition Area is comprised of a Contest Area and a Safety Area. The square-shape Contest Area shall be 8m x 8m including 60 cm boundary line. Surrounding the contest area, approximately equidistant on all sides, shall be the Safety Area. The size of Competition Area (which envelopes the Contest Area and the Safety Area) shall be no smaller than 10m x 10m and no larger than 12m x 12m. If the Competition Area is on a platform, the Safety Area can be increased as needed to ensure the safety of contestants. The Contest Area and the Safety Area may be different colors, as specified in the relevant competition’s Operational Manual.

• Octagonal Shape

  The Competition Area is comprised of a Contest Area and a Safety Area. The Competition Area shall be square shaped and the size shall be no smaller than 10mx10m and no larger than 12m x 12m. At the center of the Competition Areas shall be the octagonal-shape Contest Area. The Contest Areas shall measure approximately 8m in diameter, and each side of the octagon shall have a length of approximately 3.3m. Between the outer line of the Competition area and the boundary line of the Contest area is the Safety Area. The Contest Area and the Safety Area may be different colors, as specified in the relevant competition’s Operational Manual.

Indication of positions

• The outer line of the Contest Area shall be called the Boundary Line(s) and the outer line of the Competition Area shall be called the Outer Line(s).
• The front outer line adjacent to the Recorder’s Desk shall be called Outer Line #1, and Clockwise from Outer Line #1, the other lines shall be called OuterLines #2, #3, and #4. The Boundary Line adjacent to the Outer Line #1 shall be called Boundary Line #1 and clockwise from Boundary Line #1, the other lines shall be called Boundary Lines #2, #3, and #4. In case of Octagonal Shape Contest Area, The Boundary Line adjacent to the Outer Line #1 shall be called Boundary Line #1 and clockwise from Boundary Line #1, the other lines shall be called Boundary Lines #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8.
• Positions of Referee and Contestants at the beginning and end of the Match: The position of the Contestants shall be at the two opposing points, 1m from the center point of the Contest Area parallel to Outer Line #1. The Referee shall be positioned at a point 1.5m from the center of the Contest Area toward the Outer Line #3.
• Positions of Judges: The position of the 1stJudgeshall be located at a point in minimum 2 m from the corner of the BoundaryLine#2. The position of the 2nd Judge shall be located at a point in minimum2 m outward from the center of the BoundaryLine#5. The position of the 3rdJudge shall be located at a point in minimum2 m from the corner of the BoundaryLine#8. In case of two Judges setting the position of the 1st Judge shall be located at a point in minimum 3 m from the outer line #1 on the left of the mat and the 2nd Judge shall be located at a point in minimum 3m from of the outer line #3 on the right. The positions of Judges may be altered to facilitate media, broadcasting and/or sports presentation.
• Position of Recorder & IVR: Position of Recorder & IVR shall be located at a point 2m from the Outer Line #1. Position of Recorder may be altered to accommodate the environment of the venue and requirements from media broadcasting and/or sports presentation.
• Positions of Coaches: The position of the Coaches shall be marked at a point in minimum2 m or more from the center point of the Outer Line of each contestant’s side. Position of the coaches may be altered to accommodate the environment of the venue and requirements from media broadcasting and/or sports presentation.
• Position of Inspection desk: The position of the Inspection Desk shall be near the entrance of the Competition Area for the inspection of the contestants’ protective equipment.

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Contestant Uniform and Competition Equipment

• At the competitions enlisted in the WT Event Calendar, dobok or competition uniform and all competition equipment such as but not limited to mats, PSS, IVR and protective equipment must be those ones approved by the WT.
  • Specifications of dobok or competition uniform,protective equipment, and all other equipment shall be set forth separately.
• A contestant shall wear a WT-approved dobok or competition uniform, trunk PSS, head PSS, groin guard, forearm guards, shin guards, gloves, sensing socks (in the case of using PSS) and be equipped with a mouth guard before entering the Field of Play. Head pass must be firmly tucked under left arms when entering into competition area. Head pss shall be put on the head following instructions of the referee before the start of the contest.
• In case of wearing dobok, the forearm and shin guards shall be worn beneath garment. In case of wearing competition uniform, the forearm and shin guards shall be worn in the garmentor beneath garment. The groin guards shall be worn beneath garment for both cases.
• The contestant shall bring the WT-approved protective equipment, as well as gloves and the mouth guard, for his/her personal use. Wearing any item on the head other than the head psss hall not be permitted. The head protector for cadet athletes may be equipped with face shield. Any religious item shall be worn beneath the head pss and inside the dobok or competition uniform and shall not cause harm or obstruct the opposing contestant.

• Responsibilities of the organizing committee for competition equipment

  The Organizing Committee of WT-promoted championships shall be responsible for preparing the following WT-recognized equipment for the use at the championships at its own expenses for all related materials, equipment and the related technicians for installation and operation.

  • Trunk PSS and Head PSS-related items and equipment the choice of the PSS company shall be decided by the WT(For World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, conventional head protector with face shield shall be used)
  • Mats
  • Other protective equipment as reserve (Sensing socks, gloves, shin guards, forearm guards, groin guards and dobok or competition uniforms)
  • Instant Video Replay (IVR) system and its related equipment, including but not limited to cameras (minimum 3 cameras per court and minimum 4 cameras, including one overhead camera for the semifinals and final); When broadcasting is available, the broadcast feed must be made available at the Video Replay desk for review purpose. 4D replay system maybe used for all championships G-12 grade and above for IVR.
  • Jumbo screen (for display of competition progress match tree, athlete profile. etc) inside the Field of Play (FOP)
  • Spectator scoreboards (for display of instant video replay screen; minimum 12)
  • Scoreboards at the court (for display of scoring; minimum 4 per court)
  • Real Time Display System (RTDS) at athlete calling area and warm-up area
  • Real Time Referee Calling System (RTRCS) at referee lounge or waiting area.
  • TV screen for showing competitions in live at referee lounge
  • Metal detector at the inspection desk(minimum 2)
  • Other competition equipment not prescribed in this article, if any, shall be described in competition’s Operational Manual of the WT.
• The Organizing Committee of WT-promoted championships shall be responsible for preparing the following equipment and materials, etc.at the training venue at its own expenses.
  • Trunk PSS and Head PSS-related items and equipment
  • Mats
  • Stationary Bicycle
  • Running Machine
  • Emergency equipment (refer to medical code for detailed information)
  • Ice in the baskets
  • Refrigerators
  • Bottled water
• It is the responsibility of the Organizing Committee to obtain approval of the WT on the number of the equipment to be prepared.

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World Weight categories are divided into men’s and women’s divisions, and classified into as follows.

Olympic Weight categoriesare classified as follows.

Duration of Contest

• The duration of the contest shall be three rounds of two minutes each, with a one-minute rest period between rounds. In case of a tie score after the completion of the 3rdround, a 4th round of one minute will be conducted as the Golden round, after a one-minute rest period following the 3rd round.
• In the best of three (3) system, the duration of the contest shall be three rounds of two minutes each with a one-minute rest period between rounds. However, a 4th round of one minute will not be conducted as the Golden round. In case of a tie score for corresponding round, the round winner shall be decided by the "Golden Points and Decision of Superiority".
• In the World Cup Team Championships, the duration of the contest shall be three rounds of four (4) minutes of 1st round, five (5) minutes of 2nd and 3rd round with a one (1) minute rest period between rounds.The 1stround shall be conducted based on traditional team match format for one (1) minute per contest and the 2nd and the 3rd round shall be conducted for five (5) minutes based on tag-team match format.
• The duration of each round may be adjusted to 1 minute x 3 rounds, 1 minute 30 seconds x 3 rounds, 2 minutes x 2 rounds or 5 minute x 1 round (with 1 time out for 30 seconds to each contestant) upon the decision of the Technical Delegate for the pertinent championships.

POINTS

Scoring Areas

• Trunk: The blue or red colored area of the trunk protector
• Head: The entire head above the bottom line of the head protector

Criteria for valid point(s):

• 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 tothe 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. These PSS determinations shall not be subject to Instant Video Replay except for head kicks.
• 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 recalibrate the valid level of impact.

The valid points areas follows.

• One (1) point for a valid punch to the trunk protector
• Two (2) points for a valid kickto the trunk protector
• Four (4) points for a valid turning kick to the trunk protector
• Three (3) points for a valid kick to the head
• Five (5) points for a valid turning kick to the head
• One (1) point awarded for every one “Gam-jeom” given to the opponent contestant

Match score shall be the sum of points of the three rounds.

• In the best of three (3) system, match score shall be the sum of the number of round won of the three rounds.

Invalidation of point(s):When a contestant records points following prohibited act(s):

• If prohibited act is followed by point(s), the referee shall declare the penalty for the prohibited act and invalidate the point(s).

Scoring and Publication

• Scoring of valid point(s) shall be determined primarily using the electronic scoring system installed in Protector and Scoring Systems (PSS). Points awarded for punching techniques and additional points awarded for turning kicks shall be scored by judges using manual scoring devices. If PSS (Protector & Scoring System) is not used, all scoring shall be determined by judges using manual scoring devices
• If head PSS is not employed with trunk PSS, scoring for kicking techniques to the head shall be made by judges using the manual scoring devices.
• The additional point given for a turning kick shall be invalidated if the turning kick was not scored as a valid point(s) by PSS.
• Under a three (3) corner judge setting, two or more judges shall be needed to confirm valid scoring.
• Under a two (2) corner judges setting, two judges shall be needed to confirm valid scoring.
• If a referee perceives a contestant to be staggering, astrong impact to the head, kick to the eye(s), bleeding or knocked down by a kick to the head, and so begins counting, but the attack was not scored by the head PSS, the referee or coach must request IVR to make the decision for awarding or not awarding points after the count.

Prohibited acts and Penalties

• Penalties shall be declared by the referee.
• Prohibited acts which described in article 14 shall be penalized with “Gam-jeom” by referee.
• A “Gam-jeom” shall be counted as one (1)point for the opposing contestant.
• Prohibited acts
  The following acts shall be classified as prohibited acts, and “Gam-jeom” shall be declared.
  • Crossing the Boundary Line
  • Falling down
  • Avoiding or delaying the match
  • Grabbing or pushing the opponent
  • The following are considered prohibited acts:
    • Lifting the leg to block
    • Kicking the opponent’s leg to impede the opponent’s kicking attack
    • Kick was aiming to below the waist
    • Lifting the leg above waist for kicking in the air for four(4) timesor more
    • Lifting a leg or kicking in the air for more than three (3) seconds to impede opponent’s potential attacking movements
  • Kicking below the waist
  • Attacking the opponent after "Kal-yeo"
  • Hitting the opponent’s head with the hand
  • Butting or attacking with the knee
  • Attacking the fallen opponent
  • Attacking trunk PSS with the side or bottom of the foot in clinch position
  • Attacking back of head PSS in clinch position
  • Following Misconducts of contestant or coach
    • 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
  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 anddeclare 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 contestantor coach hasattemptedto manipulate the sensitivity of PSS sensor(s) and/or inappropriately alter the PSS so as to affectits performance,the contestantshall bedisqualified.
• When a contestant receives ten (10) “Gam-jeom”, the referee shall declare the contestant loser by referee’s punitive declaration (PUN)
  In the best of three (3) system, when a contestant receives five(5) “ Gam-jeom” in a round,theopponent will be declared the winnerof that round.
  “Gam-jeom” shall be counted in the total score of the three rounds.

Gam-Jeom

• Crossing the Boundary Line:
  A “Gam-jeom” shall be declared when one footof a contestant crosses the Boundary Line. No “Gam-jeom” will be declared if a contestant crosses the boundary line as a result of a prohibited act by the opposing contestant.
• Falling down:
  “Gam-jeom” shall be declaredfor falling down. However,ifa 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. Ifboth contestants fallas a result of incidental collision, or in case a contestant who received a point with turning kick falls down, no penalty shall be given.
• Avoiding or delayingthe match:
  
  • This act involves stalling with no intention of attacking. A contestant who continuously displays a non-engaging style shall be given a “Gam-jeom”. Ifboth contestants remain inactive after three(3) seconds, the center referee will signal the “Fight” command. A “Gam-jeom” will be declared: On both contestants if there is no activity from them three (3)seconds after the command was given; or on the contestant who moved backwards from the original position three (3)seconds after the command was given.
  • Turning the back and move away to avoid the opponent’s attack should be punished as it expresses the lack of a 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.
  • Retreating from the technical engagement only to avoid the opponent’s attack and to run out the clock, “Gam-jeom”shall be given to the passive contestant.
  • Pretending injury means exaggerating injury or indicating pain in a body part not subjected to a blow for the purpose of demonstrating the opponent’s actions as a violation, and also exaggerating pain for the purpose of elapsing the match time. In this case, the referee shall give a “Gam-jeom” however referee may request IVR for clarification before declaration of “Gam-jeom” for pretending injury.
  • “Gam-jeom” shall also be given to the athlete who asks the referee to stop the contest in order to adjust the position/fit of protective equipment.
• Grabbingor 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 let or hooking the leg with forearm. For poshing, it is permitted as a quick impact and a contestant must disengage from opponent after one push. The flowing acts shall be penalized.
    • Pushing the opponent with prolonged or continuous contact
    • Pushing the opponent out of the boundary line
    • Pushing the opponent in a way that prevents kicking motion or any normal execution of attacking movementb
  • 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. Gam-jeom will be given to the contestant who is grabbing, holding or crossing the arms to opponent’s body in clinch position
• 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.
• Attacking below the waist:
  This action applies to an attack on any part below the waist. When an attack below the waist is caused by the recipient in the course of an exchange of techniques, no penalty will be given. This article also applies to strong kicking or stamping actions to any part of the thigh, knee or shin for the purpose of interfering with the opponent’s technique.
• Attacking the opponent after “Kal-yeo”:
  
  • Attacking afterKal-yeorequires that the attack resultsin actual contact to the opponent’s body.
  • If the attacking motion started before theKal-yeo,the attack shall not be penalized.
  • In Instant Video Replay, the timing of Kal-yeoshall be defined as the moment that the referee’s Kal-yeo hand signal was completed (with fully extended arm); and the start the attack shall be defined as the moment that the attacking foot is fully off the floor.
  • If an attack afterKal-yeo did not land on the opponent’s body but appeared deliberate and malicious the referee may penalize the behavior with a “Gam-jeom”
• Hitting theopponent’s headwith the hand:
  This article includes hitting the opponent’s head with the hand (fist), wrist, arm, or elbow. However, unavoidable actions due to the opponent’s carelessness such as excessively lowering the head or carelessly turning the body cannot be punished by this article.
• Butting or attacking with the knee:
  This article relates to an intentional butting or attacking with the knee when in close proximity to the opponent. However, contact with the knee that happens in the following situations cannot be punished by this article.
  • When the opponent rushes in abruptlyat the moment a kick is being executed.
  • Inadvertently, or as the result of a discrepancy in distance in attacking.
• Attacking the fallen opponent:
  This action is extremely dangerous due to the high probability of injury to the opponent. The danger arises from the following:
  • The fallen opponent is in an immediate defenseless state
  • The impact of any technique which strikes a fallen contestant will be greater due to the contestant’s position. These types of aggressive actions toward a fallen opponent are not in accordance with the spirit of taekwondo and as such are not appropriate to taekwondo competition. In this regard, penalties should be given for intentionally attacking the fallen opponent regardless of the degree of impact

When misconduct is committed by a contestant or a coach during a rest period, past the five (5) seconds of the round conclusion, the referee can immediately declare the “Gam-jeom” and the “Gam-jeom” shall be recorded to the upcoming round. However, “Gam-jeom” shall be recorded to the previous round if the action happened within five (5) seconds of the round conclusion.

Golden Points and Decision of Superiority

• In the event the winner cannot be decided after 3 rounds, a 4thround(golden round)will be conductedin one-minuteround.
• In case of a contest advances to a golden round, all scoresawarded during the first three (3) rounds shall be void.
• The first contestant scores two (2) or more points or whose opponent receives two “Gam-jeoms” in the golden round shall be declared the winner.
• In the event that neither contestant has scored two (2) points after the completion of the golden round, the winner shall be decided by superiority based the following criteria:
  • The contestant who received a point by a punch in the golden round
  • If none of the contestant received a point by a punch or both contestants received a point by a punch each in the golden round, the contestant who achieveda highernumber of hits registered by the PSS during the golden round.
  • If number of hits registered by the PSS is tied, the contestant who won more rounds in first three rounds
  • If number of round won is tied, the contestant who received less numbers of a “Gam-jeom”during all four rounds
  • If the three above criteria are the same, the referee and judges shall determine superiority based on the content of the golden round. If the superiority decision is tied among the referee and judges, the referee shall decide the winner.
• In the best of three (3) system, in case of tie score for corresponding round, the round winner shall be decided by superiority based on following criteria:
  • Most points scored by turning or spinning kick.
  • If the technical score is the same, the contestant who has more scored in the order of a higher value techniques as follows (Head, Trunk, Punch, Gam-Jeom).
  • If the high value points are same, the contestant who received higher number of hits registered by the PSS.
  • If the three above criteria are the same, the referee and judges shall determine superiority.
    • In case of two (2) corner judges, winner shall be decided by referee and two(2) judges
    • In case of three (3) corner judges, winner shall be decided by three (3) judges except referee.