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RULES AND REGULATIONS

OFFICIAL AMATEUR RULES


6th EDITION January 2011

  • Introduction
  • These rules and regulations are based on the rules and regulations as applied internationally. Interpretation of the rules and regulations will be dealt with at the official's training sessions and seminars. For more detail see www.wakoweb.com
  • Authority
  • The regulations as contained in this document constitute the official rules of SAAKA and must govern all sanctioned events. SAAKA is the official amateur kickboxing block of Martial Arts & Games Committee ( MA & GC ) who is directly responsible to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee ( SASCOC ). The rules and regulations are also based on the International WAKO rules.
  • Rule 1: Sanctioning
  • Sanctioning for an amateur kickboxing event must be obtained by SAAKA chairperson in writing should it not appear on the activity calendar for that specific year. Activities on the year calendar for the specific year are sanctioned.
  • Rule 2: Modes/Styles of Competition
  • (Kickboxing is sub-devided into two main categories: Tatami Sport and Ring Sport.)
    - 2.1 Semi contact / point fighting. The first fighter to make firm controlled contact wins the point. The referee awards the point after which the bout continues. Tatami Sport.
    - 2.2 Light contact / continuous fighting. Fighters make firm controlled contact but the bout is not stopped after each point scored. The referee controls the fight and it is scored by at least two side judges. Tatami Sport.
    - 2.3 Kick Light. Similiar to light contact including low kicks. Tatami Sport.
    - 2.4 Full contact. All blows must be applied with excessive power above the waist line / belt. The referee controls the fight and it is scored by at least three judges. Ring Sport.
    - 2.5 Low kicks. Similar to full contact during which the thighs may also be kicked. Ring Sport.
    - 2.6 K1 Rule. Similar to full contact and low kick with the added advantage of attacking the full length of the leg, using the knee, clinching for 5 seconds and spinning back hand. Ring Sport.
    - 2.7 Forms. Only weapons and free style creative forms with music. No traditional forms. Tatami Sport.
  • Rule 3: Semi Contact
  • - 3.1 Full powered strikes are not permitted. All techniques must be used with `reasonable` power. Techniques that simply touch, brush or pushes an opponent must not be scored.
    - 3.2 To score with a strike the strike must pass the opponents defence clearly and make contact with the target area.
    - 3.3 Acceptable punches are direct, ridge and back hand. ( Back and ridge hand only to the head )
    - 3.4 Each successful punch counts as one ( 1 ) point.
    - 3.5 Each successful kick to the body counts as one ( 1 ) point and a jump kick two ( 2 ) points.
    - 3.6 Each successful kick to the head counts as two ( 2 ) points and a jump kick three ( 3 ) points.
    - 3.7 A successful sweep throwing the opponent to the ground counts as one ( 1 ) point. The foot sweep must be from boot to boot with any leg. The sweeper must stay standing.
    - 3.8 When scoring, a fighter must maintain his / her balance and focus ( your eyes must be focused on the target area ).
    - 3.9 When the difference reaches ten (
    - 10 ) points before time out the fight stops.
    - 3.10 You will be warned when leaving the fighting area deliberately and after three exists you will be disqualified. In order to have an exit one foot must be out of the fighting area. With the first exist no penalty ( warn the fighter ); the second exit will be an official warning; the third exit one ( 1 ) point awarded to the opponent and the forth exit disqualification.
    - 3.11 Warnings for other infringements work as follows; 1st infringement speak to the fighter; 2nd infringement give an official warning ( indicate the warning to the judges and table ); 3rd infringement the fighter looses a score point ( not just a clicker point ) 4th infringement disqualification. The nature of each infringement is not warned separately.
    - 3.12 Should the fight end as a draw an extra minute is added. Should extra time end in a draw, first to score wins.
    - 3.13 A fighter who deliberately uses a foul technique with bad intent can be disqualified immediately without a warning.
    - 3.14 Heel hook kicks and axe kicks using one`s heel is not allowed. When applying these kicks one must use the pad of your foot.
    - 3.15 You are not allowed to strike the opponent or block with your shin.
    - 3.16 When using the mirror system both referees must see the point scored. More than two referees majority rules.
    - 3.17 When both fighters score simultaneously points are awarded to both fighters.
    - 3.18 Semi contact is done on a padded Tatami of at least 6 x 6 meter fighting space and a one meter shoulder.
    - 3.19 There are no knock downs. Should a fighter be in a bad physical condition and goes down from a legal strike the medical official must inspect where after the referee in consultation with the judges will make a final decision.
    - 3.20 Should a fighter bleed excessively and the bleeding cannot be stopped after the second attempt the bout will be stopped. The medical official will be consulted should a fighter bleed. The referee and the judges will consult one another on who wins the bout. Should the strike that caused the bleeding have been illegal the striker will loose the bout. In all other instances the bleeder looses the bout.
    - 3.21 Legal Target Areas.
    - Head = Face; Side; Back and Forehead.
    - Torso = Front and Side.
    - Leg = Foot sweeps, kicker to kicker.
  • Rule 4: Light Contact and Kick Light
  • - 4.1 Full powered strikes are not permitted. All techniques must be used with `reasonable` power. Techniques that simply touch, brush or pushes the opponent must not be scored.
    - 4.2 Each successful kick to the body and punch to the body and head counts as one ( 1 ) point.
    - 4.3 Each successful jump kick to the body counts as two ( 2 ) points.
    - 4.4 Each successful kick to the head counts as two ( 2 ) points and a jump kick three ( 3 ) points.
    - 4.5 Foot sweeps are similar as in semi contact.
    - 4.6 Each fighter must use his / her feet as often as he / she uses his / her hands. If not the referee must warn the fighter who is not kickboxing.
    - 4.7 Light contact is executed by means of running time by side judges.
    - 4.8 Each judge scores each round separately by means of a counter device. It is then transferred to the 10 - 8 must system. The fighter with the most points wins.
    - 4.9 Punches are delivered with the front part of the fist or back hand strike. No ridge hand strike or rabbit punching is allowed.
    - 4.10 A 6 x 6 meter padded Tatami must be used to fight on.
    - 4.11 Once excessive contact is used the referee must act immediately and not wait for the opponent to retaliate.
    - 4.112 The warning system works similar to that of Semi Contact.
    - 4.13 Fighters who do not defend themselves must be warned.
    - 4.14 The purpose of light contact is to execute one`s techniques continuously under control and use all the defensive mechanisms to your advantage.
    - 4.15 Should a fighter bleed excessively the same procedure as in Semi Contact will be followed.
    - 4.16 There are no knock downs. Should a fighter be in a bad physical condition and be knocked down the same procedure as in Semi Contact will be followed.
    - 4.17 Only boxing gloves with the thumb attachment may be used. No Semi gloves or dipped foam equipment may be used. Boxing equipment purchased at the normal shops / chain stores are not allowed.
    - 4.18 In – fighting may be allowed according to the referees discretion.
    - 4.19 Should the bout end in a draw the following criteria must be taken into consideration as to decide upon a winner = better last round = more active = more kicks = better defence = better style = better techniques = better conditioning = better movement . An extra round can be added after a decision must be made.
    - 4. 20 Kick Light. All the above rule apply with the added benifit of kicking the thigh above the knee.
    - 4. 21 Legal Target Areas. - Head = Face; Side and Forehead. - Torso = Front and Side. - Leg = Foot sweeps, kicker to kicker. For Kick Light kicks to the thigh.
    - 4. 22 Awarding Points. Each judge adds the clicker points per round and converts it to the 1 / 8 must system as follows;
    - Equal points = 10 – 10
    - 1 – 7 point difference = 10 – 9
    - 8 and higher point difference = 10 – 8
  • Rule 5: Full Contact
  • - 5.1 Each technique must be done with full power. Light contact techniques do not count and must not be scored by the judges.
    - 5.2 Each fighter must deliver a minimum of six ( 6 ) kicks that must have the intention to make contact per round. Should he / she fail, the outstanding kicks will be added to the next round. Should the kicks still be outstanding after the next round a point will be deducted for that round. You can loose the bout due to the lack of kicks.
    - 5.3 All kicks must be above the waist line and must make contact with the bridge or soul of the foot. You are not allowed to block a kick with your shin.
    - 5.4 Foot sweeps are similar to semi and light contact.
    - 5.5 All punches must make contact with the front part of the glove. Back hand strikes are allowed. The spinning back hand is not allowed.
    - 5.6 Scoring similar to light contact.
    - 5.7 The warning system is similar to semi and light contact for any illegal activity.
    - 5.8 Should the fighter receive a standing eight count the round is not lost. The opponent delivering the technique receives the clicker points for that specific technique.
    - 5.9 A knock - out ( KO ) ends the fight. Should a fighter be KO`d he / she may no longer participate in the tournament no matter what style.
    - 5.10 All bouts must take place in a boxing ring. The fighting area is 6 x 6 meters.
    - 5.11 Only two coaches are allowed seated at the ring. No coaches are allowed on the apron of the ring during the bout. During intervals only one coach is allowed in the ring. No other supporters are allowed at the ring.
    - 5.12 While the decision is delivered after the bout no coaches or supporters are allowed in the ring.
    - 5.13 Should one fighter not defend himself / herself effectively or be to strong for the other fighter a standing eight count will be given and should the fighter still not be able to defend himself there after the bout will be stopped. Should a fighter receive three standing eight counts throughout the duration of the fight he / she will loose the bout.
    - 5.14 Should a fighter bleed excessively the same procedure as with Semi and Light Contact will be followed.
    - 5.15 Once an opponent has been knocked the counting will only start once the standing fighter is in the neutral corner. Should the fighter leave the neutral corner the counting will stop.
    - 5.16 Any fighter sent to the neutral corner may not be coached or lean on the ropes while waiting for the referees instructions.
    - 5.17 Should a fighter have been KO`d during the event he / she may no longer compete at the same event in any other mode of fighting. The fighter may not compete in any competition or spar at the gym for at least thirty days. Should a fighter be KO`d there after again it is suggested that he / she not do any fighting or sparring for at least three months. The instructor of the KO`d fighter must ensure that the fighter go for a medical check - up after being KO`d. The instructor of the fighter must insist that the doctor indicates the recuperation period and whether he / she may continue doing Ring Sport. Should the doctor`s recuperation period be longer than our suggested period it must be obeyed. Should a fighter be KO`d on a regular basis he / she will be stopped from doing Ring Sport.
    - 5.18 No fighter may be saved by the bell / gong. The time keeper may not ring the bell / gong while the referee is counting should the round be over. The time keeper must wait until the referee has completed the count and says `fight`. Counting will continue although a towel is thrown in.
    - 5.19 Using the ropes to add power to your techniques are not allowed.
    - 5. 20 Should the fight end in a draw the Light Contact procedure will be followed.
    - 5. 21 All techniques count one ( 1 ) point.
    - 5. 22 Legal Target Areas. Similar to light contact.
    - 5. 23 Awarding Points. Similar to light contact.
    - 5. 24 The fighter must be in possession of a SAAKA Fighters Licence to compete.
  • Rule 6: Low Kicks
  • - 6.1 The rules of fighting are similar to full contact. You may however use your shin to kick with.
    - 6.2 Kicks are also allowed on the inside and outside of the thigh. Direction of the kicks must be from the sides.
    - 6.3 No kicks on or below the knees are allowed.
    - 6.4 Foot sweep similar as in full contact.
    - 6.5 You are allowed to block and kick with your shin.
    - 6.6 The fighter must be in possession of a SAAKA Fighters Licence to compete.
  • RULE 7: K1 Rule Fighting
  • - 7.1 The rules of fighting are similar to full and low kick fighting. You may use your shin to kick with.
    - 7.2 Kicks are permitted on the thigh and below the knee. You may not attack the knee.
    - 7.3 The spinning back hand is allowed. The back of the hand must be used and no other part of the hand or arm may be used.
    - 7.4 Overthrowing the opponent with wrestling or judo techniques are not allowed.
    - 7.5 Holding the leg instantly after a kick to execute a technique is allowed. Only one strike may be delivered.
    - 7.6 Clinching using both hands to execute the knee strike is allowed for five seconds. Should you clinch without executing the technique the referee will call `break`. The five seconds will be executed according to the referees discretion.
    - 7.7 You are allowed to strike the opponent with the knee on the thigh body and head.
    - 7.8 No elbow strikes are allowed.
    - 7.9 The fighter must be in possession of a SAAKA Fighters Licence to compete.
  • Rule 8: Forms
  • - 8.1 Musical weapons, musical empty hand and self defence creative forms can be done at competitions.
    - 8.2 It must not be a copy of a traditional form. It must be a self developed form.
    - 8.3 You will not be selected for provincial or national colours based upon forms only. Kickboxing is a fighting art.
    - 8.4 It may not be longer than ninety seconds or shorter than sixty seconds.
    - 8.5 No dance moves are allowed.
    - 8.6 Only two gymnastic moves are allowed. Should gymnastic moves be combined with a martial art technique in the move more gymnastic moves are allowed.
    - 8.7 When doing a weapon’s form only martial art weapons that have been declared safe by the judges may be used.
    - 8.8 A minimum of three judges with at least a 2nd degree black belt must be used.
    - 8.9 Music must be well choreographed to the martial art movements.
    - 8.10 No theatrical costumes may be worn.
    - 8.11 Scores will range between 7.0 and 10 and scores may be given to one decimal; eg 8.5
    - 8.12 Should a weapon be dropped or placed on the ground it will be deemed as a lack of control and a mandatory 7.0 will be awarded by all judges.
    - 8.13 Should there be a tie the competitors will be asked to do a different form and should one of them not have one the first form can be repeated with a penalty of 0.5.
    - 8.14 All forms must be performed on a padded area.
    - 8.15 Judges will be looking for the following; Expertise; Precision; Degree of difficulty; Effect; Balance, Strength ; Focus; Practicality and Fluency.
    - 8.16 No less than three self defence sequences and more than five sequences will be allowed.
    - 8.17 Each Self Defence sequence is done slowly and then there after at realistic speed.
  • Rule 9: Legal Techniques
  • 9.1 Punches = jab, straight, lunge, hook, back hand and upper cut. Ridge hand in semi contact only. Spinning back hand in K1 only.
    - 9.2 Kicks = Front, Round house, hook, axe, back, side thrust and spinning back kick.
    - 9.3 Foot sweep = Contact must be boot to boot.
  • Rule 10: Illegal Techniques / Fouls and bad attitude
  • - 10.1 The following activities will not be tolerated:
    - 10.1.1 Spitting, biting or the use of abusive language.
    - 10.1.2 Head butts.
    - 10.1.3 Jabbing the eye with the thumb of the glove.
    - 10.1.4 Striking the groin, spine or throat.
    - 10.1.5 Hitting with the open glove or wrist. Rabbit punching.
    - 10.1.6 Kicking directly on the knee.
    - 10.1.7 Attacking on the break or after the bell has sounded.
    - 10.1.8 Taking the opponent to the floor in any unauthorized manner.
    - 10.1.9 Striking a downed opponent.
    - 10.1.10 Not obeying the referee or back chatting.
    - 10.1.11 Purposely going down without being hit.
    - 10.1.12 Any unsportsmanlike conduct which may injure an opponent or place the sport in ill repute.
    - 10.2 Purposely avoiding to fight once ahead on points.
    - 10.3 Holding onto the ropes while striking.
    - 10.4 Endangering oneself by running into the opponents attacks / defence.
    - 10.5 Abusive language or unsportsmanlike conduct by the coach of the fighter.
    - 10.6 Should the fighter’s coach, friends or family make themselves guilty of the above the fighter will be disadvantaged by means of official warnings or disqualification.
    - 10.7 Should a fighter, coach or family member continuously be found to engage in negative activities during competitions the fighter will be suspended from the association. Suspensions will be issued by the chairperson of the association in writing.
    - 10.8 To host competitions and allow fighters to compete without or with inferior / tattered equipment will also be deemed illegal.
    - 10.9 Greasing the body ( applying Vaseline ) is not allowed.
  • Rule 11: Duration of rounds
  • The duration of rounds will be determined by the nature of the competition and the time available to complete the competition. Seniors (19 to 45 years old), will generaly be 3x2 min rounds for Ring Sport and 2x2 min rounds for Tatami Sport. Juniors (16 to 18 years old), will generaly be 3x2 min rounds for Ring Sport and 2x2 min rounds for Tatami Sport Cadedts (10 to 15 years old), will generaly be 2x2 min rounds for Ring Sport and 1.5x2 min rounds for Tatami Sport. Veterans, duration of rounds similiar to seniors.
    - 11.1 Ring Sport fight nights will be according to the WAKO rules.
    - 11.2 Should the duration be changed all participants involved must be notified before the competition begins.
    - 11.3 The WAKO rules will be used for international events.
  • Rule 12: Result Types
  • - 12.1 Unanimous decision; when all judges decide upon the same winner.
    - 12.2 Split decision; when judges disagree on the winner.
    - 12.3 Draw decision; when equal scores are given to both fighters.
    - 12.4 In case of a draw apply decision as per fighting style. In semi contact the first to score concept will be used should there still be a draw after the extra time.
    - 12.5 KO = When the fighter has been knocked out and could not recover within 10 counts.
    - 12.6 TKO = When a fighter can no longer continue due to a technical reason.
    - 12.7 Abandonment ( AB ) = When a fighter gives up or not return to continue fighting after the rest.
    - 12.8 Referee stops contest ( RSC ) A referee stops the bout due to a fighter not being able to defend him / herself, excessive bleeding or for a reason relating to one of the rules not being met.
  • Rule 13: Fighters Equipment
  • - 13.1 For Semi Contact the following equipment must be worn; Head guard (open face and padded top); Semi Contact Gloves; Mouth guard; Groin protector ( must be strapped to body ); Shin guards; Foot protectors ( foot and toes must be closed excepting the bottom of the foot ); Long trousers; T-Shirt or Gi jacket. Ladies 13 years and older or whose breast have developed must wear breast protectors.
    - 13.2 Light Contact; similar as in semi contact, except for the gloves which must be boxing gloves. For Kick low short pants must be worn.
    - 13.3 For Full Contact; similar as in light contact. Males wear no top and female fighters wear a crop top / T - Shirt.
    - 13.4 For Low Kick; similar as in full contact except for the change of pants which must be a kick-boxing short, and no kickers. Instead of kickers you where a shin with an instep.
    - 13.5 K1 Rule; Similar to Low Kicks.
    - 13.6 No one will be allowed to participate with tattered or incorrect equipment. Gloves must be made of closed cell foam / a moulded inner and thumb attachment. Equipment purchased at chain stores / shops do not comply with these regulations. Consult your instructor for advice.
    - 13.7 Should equipment be inferior you will not be allowed to participate.
    - 13.8 Participants weighing 60kg and over must wear 10 oz gloves. All seniors doing a full contact mode must wear 10 oz gloves made of leather.
    - 13.9 All participants must compete in kick-boxing dress and all T-Shirts must be tucked in. Groin guard and shin pads must be under the pants. Should you wear a Gi you must wear your belt.
    - 13.10 Hand Wrap must be used for all styles of fighting excepting semi contact . The hand wrap may not be longer than 2.5 meter in length and 50 mm wide.
    - 13.11 Should a fighter enter the fighting area without the proper equipment or incorrectly dressed / equipped he / she will be given 60 seconds to change and once the bout begins a point will be deducted from that fighter. You can be disqualified should your equipment be incorrect. Should the same fighter do it a second time at the same competition he / she will be disqualified immediately.
    - 13.12 Dipped foam equipment may not be used for kickboxing.
    - 13.13 Semi Contact Gloves must be moulded according to the Top Ten format.
    - 13.14 ONLY SANCTIONED EQUIPMENT MAY BE USED AT COMPETITIONS!
  • Rule 14: Medical
  • - 14.1 All competitions must be supported by a medical official.
    - 14.2 All competitions hosting Ring Style modes must have a well qualified medical official at the ring for the duration of each bout. A fully equipped ambulance must also be at the venue, not just on standby.
    - 14.3 Events hosting Ring Style and Light / Semi contact modes simultaneously must have separate medical officials. At least one medical official for every third Tatami and one for the ring.
    - 14.4 All Ring Style fighters must undergo a medical before participating and the indemnity must be signed by the medical official doing the medical check.
    - 14.5 Should the participant be found medically unfit to participate by the medical official the competition organizer, instructor or parent may not over rule the decision.
    - 14.6 An indemnity must be completed by each fighter and parents must complete an indemnity for a minor. No fighter may participate without completing an indemnity.
    - 14.7 All Ring Style fighters must do an annual medical check-up and receive a positive medical clearance to do Ring Style fighting. Each Ring Style fighter must have a doctors letter indicating that the fighter may do Kickboxing. This letter must be avaliable at every tournament and must be shown at the medical. Should the fighter not have the letter the fighter may not participate. The instructor must ensure that the fighter has the letter at the tournament.
  • Rule 15: Referee's Conduct
  • - 15.1 A referee must be objective at all times.
    - 15.2 The referee must ensure that fighters are properly dressed and equipped before competing.
    - 15.3 The commands given during the bout must be clear.
    - 15.4 The referee must not push fighters around.
    - 15.5 The referee must stay clear from the fighters but close enough to be of assistance.
    - 15.6 Before a bout starts he / she must ensure that the main table and judges are ready.
    - 15.7 Confirm uncertainties with the main table before making a decision.
    - 15.8 The safety of the fighter always comes first.
    - 15.9 The referee must be neatly dressed.
    - 15.10 Medical gloves must be worn.
    - 15.11 The referee may not over rule the decision of the ring medical official.
    - 15.12 Should a fighter loose his / her mouth guard the referee must stop the fight and have it replace.
    - 15.13 Ensure that fighters compete and not stand in the ring watching one another.
    - 15.14 Should a fighter be dazed or bleeding excessively the referee must stop the bout and let the medical official do a check-up.
    - 15.15 The referee must know the rules of the mode being participated in.
  • Rule 16: Officials
  • - 16.1 Officials involved in managing a bout depending upon the mode / style are the following: 16.1.1 Score keeper. 16.1.2 Time keeper. 16.1.3 Official in charge. 16.1.4 Medical assistant. 16.1.5 Judges, who are placed at the side of the ring / floor to score the bout. 16.1.6 An official to do the draw sheet. 16.1.7 The referee who will manage the bout.
  • Rule 17: Classification of Fighters
  • - 17.1 Amateur; A person who competes for the sake of the sport and is not contractually binded for the bout.
    - 17.2 Super -amateur; An A-class amateur who competes for a belt. There are more rounds in a bout and seniors compete without a head guard. This is also used as a stepping stone to professional. These fighters can receive financial incentives.
    - 17.3 Professional; A fighter who competes for money and must be on a higher capability level than the two above. This fighter is also contracted to fight.
    - 17.4 Once a fighter has decided to turn professional after the year probation he / she is no longer an amateur and should he / she want to return to amateur status an application in writing must be sent to the chairperson of SAAKA. Each situation will be dealt with on its own merits.
  • Rule 18: Weight Divisions
  • - 18.1 Senior men Ring Style Fighting = -51; -54; -57; -60; -63.5; 67; -71; -75; -81; -86; -91; 91 +
    - 18.2 Senior men Semi and Light contact = -57; -63 -69; -74; -79; -84; -89; 94; 94 +
    - 18.3 Senior woman Ring Style Fighting = -48; -52; -56; -60; -65; -70; 70 +
    - 18.4 Senior woman Semi and Light contact = -50; -55; -60; -65; -70; 70 +
    - 18.5 All junior Boys modes = 28; - 32; - 37; - 42 ; - 47 ; - 52; - 57; - 63; - 69; - 74; - 79; - 84; - 89; - 94 and 94 kg and over.
    - 18.6 All junior Girls modes = -28; - 32; - 37; - 42 ; - 46 ; - 50; - 55; - 60; - 65; +65 kg and over.
    - 18.7 Veteran men = -63; -74; -84; -94; -and +94
    - 18.8 Veteran Woman = -55; -65 and + 65
    - 18.9 Weight divisions can be adapted with the permission of the chairperson SAAKA depending upon the nature of the competition. This will only be allowed when catch weight divisions are formed or semi contact team events. No Ring Style fighters accept for the + divisions may be more than 5 kg apart.
    - 18.10 Catch weight divisions are formed should there not be enough fighters in a division. -18.11 Open weight categories ( the plus ( + ) divisions ) may be more than 5 kg apart.
    - 18.12 The weigh-in will take place the night before the competition or one hour before the competition begins.
    - 18.13 Should we attend an international event where the weight divisions differ to ours or where ages are used in conjunction with the weights we will adapt our team selection accordingly.
  • Rule 19: Banned Substances
  • - 19.1 No fighter is allowed to use any banned substance which is generally accepted as a banned substance within the sporting world.
    - 19.2 Any fighter using any such substance will be acted against and can lead to permanent expulsion.
  • Rule 20: Categories of Fighters
  • - 20.1 Juniors are competitors 16 to 18 years old at the time of competing.
    - 20.2 Seniors are competitors 19 years old to 45 years old at the time of competing.
    - 20.3 Veterans Men are competitors 41 to 50 years old and women are competitors 36 to 40 years old at the time of competing.
    - 20.4 No competitor may do any Ring Style Fighting once he / she has reached the age of 45 years old.
    - 20.5 Younger Cadets are competitors 10 to 12 years old.
    - 20.6 Older Cadets are competitors 13 to 15 years old.
    - 20.7 In South Africa we do allow competitiors to compete from as young as 8 years old.
    - 20.8 The weight of the fighter will determine in which category he / she will compete. The reason for this is that we are a contact sport and the weight category may not acceed a prescibed amount of kilograms. Juniors and Seniors may not fight one another unless the junior was granted special permission by the Chairperson to do so.
  • Rule 21: Competition Equipment
  • - 21.1 A boxing ring for all Ring Style Fighting. Specifications similar to AIBA ( Association International De Box Amateur ).
    - 21.2 A Padded Tatami for all Semi and Light contact modes. The padding of the Tatami must be condensed sponge of at least 2 cm thick and the fighting area must be 6 x 6 meter.
    - 21.3 Two clickers for every judge.
    - 21.4 Every Tatami must have its own stop watch, score board, table for officials, 6 chairs, bean bag, pens, score cards, stapler, calculator, a toilet role and a bin to put the completed score cards in. Ensure that the table has a table cloth over. A red and blue belt / ribbon.
    - 21.5 The following must be at the ring = 7 tables, a gong, two stop watches, a whistle, score cards, table cloths, medical gloves, pens, stapler, calculator, two chairs per table, ring stoles, a toilet role, stairs and a bin at each fighters corner and the main table.
    - 21.6 A PA system for the competition and a smaller one for the ring.
    - 21.7 Score boards for forms. It must be at least A4 size.
    - 21.8 The Tatami for forms must be at least 8 x 8 meter in size.
    - 21.9 Ensure that the premises in which the competition is being held is in - doors and large enough for the nature of the competition.
    - 21.10 Should you present an out door event ensure that the fighters and officials are protected from any format of bad weather ( eg. Rain, wind, excessive heat etc )

Conclusion

Any person presenting an event must ensure that the safety of the fighter always comes first ( eg. Wearing the correct equipment, fights are stopped should their be a miss match, tatamis / rings are padded, sufficient medical support etc ). Remember, we are busy with a contact sport. We must also not change the nature of our game because our safety procedures are not in place. Most of all abide by the rules and enjoy it..

Pat Carney


CHAIRPERSON SA AMATEUR KICK-BOXING
 


Send mail to pat@kickboxer.co.za