Taekwondo America Tournament Rules

Taekwondo America tournament rules are strictly enforced to ensure fairness and safety to all competitors. It is important to remember the Six Tenets and that demonstrating good sporting behavior is much more important than winning trophies.

Forms

One Head Judge and two Corner Judges will score competitors on a scale of 1 to 10. Half points may be awarded. A competitor may ask to perform again, but a 1-point deduction will be taken from each judge. In case of a tie, competitors will perform again and the judges will score a high and low to determine the winner.

Point Sparring

One Head Judge and two Corner Judges will score competitors as follows:

• 1 point for a punch

• 1 point for a kick to the body

• 2 points for a kick to the head

• 1 extra point for a jump kick (both feet must be off the ground upon scoring)

Legal Target Areas

Hand Techniques to the body, above the belt, not including the back or neck. Also to the head on the headgear, not including the face.

Kicking Techniques to the body, above the belt, not including the back or neck. Also to the head, including the face, using good control.

Time Limit

Two minutes continuous time (may be stopped by the Head Judge). The match will be called at a 5-point spread.

Tie Breaker

After a 30-second rest period, the competitors are restarted and the next point wins.

Grounds for a Warning

The following offenses are grounds for a warning:

• running out of the ring

• punching or kicking below the belt

• punching toward the face

• punching or kicking to the back or neck

• excessive contact

• unsportsmanlike conduct

One warning will be given for each offense. For each additional offense, the judges will deduct 1 point. A competitor cannot earn a point and receive a warning at the same time, even if the point occurred before the offense.

Grounds for Disqualification

At the Head Judge's discretion, a competitor may be disqualified for excessive warnings or unsportsmanlike conduct. A competitor may also be disqualified if excessive contact causes an injury of any kind.

Continuous Sparring

Competitors spar for one minute continuous time (may be stopped by Head Judge). The same rules apply as for point sparring.

One-Steps

The first competitor to earn 3 points wins.

Super Kicks

Competitors are lined up two or three at a time and asked to perform basic kicks. They are then scored on a scale from 1 to 10. Half points may be awarded.

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