Rules common to all leagues and divisions
Who can Participate
All members and affiliates aged 18 and up.
Match Organization
A Match consists of 2 players of the same sex and of the same Division, 2-4 cornermen, and 1 referee.
A match has three 3-minute rounds, with a 1 minute break between rounds.
In the event of a draw, there is an unlimited-time sudden death round after the last round.
In the event of a player winning 2 rounds in a row, the opposing player will be given the choice to either concede round 3 (giving the winner an extra 5 points) or to play the final round and attempt to prevent the winner getting those points.
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Fight Suspensions
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Rounds are temporarily suspended when
A player gets a point
A player is given a warning (3 warnings = 1 penalty)
A player is given a penalty
A player is injured
Problems or dangers arise on the platform (malfunctioning equipment)
Both players are showing passivity for 8 seconds*
After a temporary suspension, the referee resets the players and continues the round.
Rounds are ended when
One of the players achieves the round objective
Time runs out in the round
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Matches are ended when
One of the players wins the standard rounds or the sudden death round
The referee steps in because one of the players is no longer able to defend themselves intelligently (technical knock-out [TKO])
The referee disqualifies one of the players (3 penalties = disqualification [DQ])
One of the players is knocked out or injured and cannot go on
One of the cornermen throws in the towel
A player concedes the 3rd round
The ref is in charge of the match at all times.
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Attire
Players must remove all jewelery before playing a match.
Player's clothes must be clean.
Players are to wear either a thick cotton uniform without zippers or buttons, or drawstring shorts and a T-Shirt.
Players must be clean and free of makeup, scents or hair products.
Player's fingernails and toenails must be clipped.
Players with healing or open wounds must securely bandage and cover them, and be cleared by a doctor before returning to play.
Players choosing to wear footwear must use soft-soled shoes approved by the referee.
Players must wear any equipment required by their league and division rules. The equipment must be clean, in good working order, and inspected by the referee before the match.*
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Legal Techniques
All martial sport techniques are allowed unless otherwise specified within a league or division.
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Illegal Techniques
Biting, scratching, eye-gouging, fish-hooking (will result in disqualification)
Throwing players onto their heads (will result in disqualification)
Excessive or malicious force (will result in disqualification)
Striking the back of the head, throat, spine or groin (will result in a penalty and a 1 point deduction)
Grabbing the groin (will result in a penalty and a 1 point deduction)
Techniques which are not allowed in the league or division (will result in a warning)
Next up: Sumo League Rules