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Kumite Competition
General
Both individual and team matches (defined as a competitive fight between two opponents) are run on a knock-out basis. All matches are decided according to “Shobu Ippon”, in which participants try to score one full point (Ippon) or two half points (Waza-aris) before their opponent within the permitted time.
The criteria for deciding the winner of an individual match, in order of application, are as follows:
1. The first person to reach Ippon
2. The person who has the greater score at the time-up signal
3. Hantei (winner by judge’s decision)
4. Encho-Sen (winner according to 1, 2 or 3 in order, after extra time)
5. Hansoku, Shikkaku or Kiken given against an opponent
Match Duration
The duration of a match shall be 2 minutes of effective fighting time.
Where Hantei is called for in an individual match and the decision of the referee panel deems the bout to be a draw (Hikiwake), an extension of the bout (Encho-Sen) will take place.
Match Extension (Encho-Sen)
The extension will be decided on a first to score basis (sudden death) or if a penalty is awarded against one of the competitors.
If no competitor has scored and no penalties have been levied by the end of the extended period, the referee panel must make a decision on the winner based on the entire fighting period (standard time and the extension period).
If the decision of the referee panel deems the bout to be a draw, another extension of the bout will take place as described above. This continues until a winner is found.
Team Specific Rules
The number of persons comprising a team is 3.
Before a team competes in a competition round, a team representative must provide to the official table, the names of all team members and the order in which those team members will present.
Once the official table has received the list of team members and the order they are to fight in, no changes can be made.
However, should that team compete in another round of the same competition, the fighting order can be changed for that subsequent round.
The winning team shall be decided based on the outcomes of the individual matches.
The criteria for deciding the winning team, in order of application, are as follows:
1. The number of wins
2. The number of ippons and waza- aris (total score) for each team
3. The number of penalties (“Chui”) against each team
4. Extra matches
Scoring
General
The following scores can be awarded:
- Ippon (one full point)
- Waza-ari (one half point)
The scoring areas are limited to the following:
- Head
- Neck (senior competition only)
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Sides
- Back (excluding shoulders)
An effective technique delivered at the same time that the end of the bout is signalled by the timekeeper is considered valid.
A technique, even if effective, delivered after an order by the referee to suspend or stop the bout shall not be scored and may result in a penalty being imposed on the offender.
No technique, even if effective, will be scored if it is delivered when the two contestants are outside the competition area.
If the competitors leave the competition area and one of the competitors has delivered an effective technique while still inside the competition area and before the referee calls to stop the bout, the technique will be scored.
Awarding a Score
A score is awarded when a scoring technique is performed to a scoring area and it fulfils all of the following criteria:
- Good form (a technique with probable effectiveness within the framework of traditional Karate concepts)
- Correct attitude (a non-malicious sense of performing within the framework of traditional Karate concepts)
- Strong vigor (power, speed and controlled delivery of technique with the purpose of succeeding)
- Zanshin (a continued state of awareness and commitment).
- Proper timing (carrying out a technique at the optimal moment in time to achieve the greatest result)
- Correct distance
Ippon
An Ippon may be awarded when the following criteria are met:
- When delivered to a scoring area at the same time as an opponent begins to attack.
- When delivered to a scoring area immediately as the opponent is unbalanced or thrown by the attacker.
- When a combination of successive and effective techniques (each of which merit a score in their own right), are delivered to the scoring area(s).
- When the opponent loses their fighting spirit and turns away from the attacker.
- When delivered to a scoring area on the opponent that is clearly undefended.
Waza-Ari
A Waza-ari is awarded for a technique almost comparable and only slightly deficient to the standard required to score an Ippon. A referee should always look for the full requirements for an Ippon in the first instance and only award a Waza-ari in the second instance.
Definitions of Criteria
Good form refers to a technique having the characteristics conferring probable effectiveness within the framework of traditional Karate concepts.
Sporting attitude is a component of good form and refers to a non-malicious attitude of great concentration obvious during delivery of the scoring technique.
Vigorous application defines the power and speed of the technique and the palpable will for it to succeed.
Zanshin is the state of continued commitment in which the competitor maintains total concentration, observation, and awareness of the opponent’s potentiality to counter-attack. The competitor does not turn their face away during delivery of the technique, and remains facing the opponent afterwards.
Good timing means delivering a technique when it will have the greatest potential effect.
Correct distance means delivering a completed technique sufficiently close to a scoring area in order for it to be considered a score. A punch or kick that comes somewhere between skin touch and 5 centimetres from the head or neck may be said to have the correct distance. In junior competition (as determined by the referee panel), this distance is extended to 10 centimetres. In junior categories, all techniques must be completed within the range of 10cm from and, at most, very light skin touch to the target. In all categories, the scoring distance for jodan-level kicks is increased to up to 10 centimetres away from the target.
Clarification Points
General
- Techniques which land below the belt will not score.
- In senior competition only, the neck is a permitted target area. However, absolutely no contact to the neck is permitted. A score may be awarded for a properly controlled technique to the neck which does not touch.
- Open handed techniques to the face are forbidden.
- If two contestants hit each other at the exact same time, the scoring criterion of “good timing” has, by definition, not been met, and the correct judgment is to not award a point.
- If a contestant scores with more than one consecutive technique before the bout has been stopped, the contestant will be awarded the successful scoring technique of the higher point value, regardless of the sequence in which the techniques scored.
Throwing and Sweeping Techniques
Throwing and sweeping techniques are divided into two types:
(1) The established “conventional” karate leg sweeping techniques where the opponent is swept off balance or thrown without being grabbed first. These techniques are permitted.
(2) Throws where the opponent is grabbed or held as the throw is executed. In this case, the pivotal point of the throw must not be above the thrower’s belt level and the opponent must be held onto throughout, so that a safe landing can be made. Over the shoulder throws such are expressly forbidden, as are so-called “sacrifice” throws such as tomoe nage, sumi gaeshi etc. It is also forbidden to grab the opponent below the waist and lift and throw them or to reach down to pull the legs from under them. If a contestant is injured as a result of a throwing technique, the referee panel will make a decision regarding any penalty that may apply.
After a sweep occurs, the competitors have two seconds in which to attempt a scoring technique.
When a contestant is thrown according to the rules, or is otherwise knocked off balance and is scored upon by the opponent within two seconds, that score will be an ippon.
Required Equipment
1. Whistles – one per Head Judge
2. Red and white flags – a pair for each Judge
3. A stopwatch
4. A bell
5. A score sheet indicating scored points and various warnings
6. Red bands of cloth/red belts to differentiate the competitors – the dimensions of this red band of cloth worn around the waist should not hinder the match in any way
7. Coloured tape to prepare the court
Kata Competition
General
Kata competitors will be expected to perform both compulsory and free selection (kata of their choice) kata during the competition.
The Chief Referee, who will sit at the perimeter of the competition area facing the contestant(s), will determine which kata the competitor must perform.
All competitors are expected to know up to and including the highest mandatory kata that was required for their last grading (their current belt).
Kata competition will be run on either a flag-based elimination system or points based system (depending on the number of competitors) for early rounds. The semi- final and final rounds are always run on a points based system.
The team kata competition consists of teams of three persons.
Assessment of Kata Performance
Kata must be performed with competence and must demonstrate an understanding of the traditional principles it contains. In assessing the performance of a kata, the following will be examined:
- A realistic demonstration of the kata applications.
- Understanding of the techniques being used.
- Good timing, rhythm, speed, balance, and focus of power (kime).
- Correct and proper use of breathing.
- Correct focus of attention and concentration.
- Correct stances with proper tension in the legs, and feet flat on the floor. Proper tension in the abdomen.
- Correct positioning of the centre of gravity throughout the kata.
- Correct form of the style being demonstrated.
A contestant who varies the fundamentals of the kata, who comes to a halt during the performance of the kata, or who performs a kata different from that announced will have significant penalty applied to their score or standing in relation to their opponent.
In team kata competition, synchronisation of the team members is an important assessment criterion. Synchronisation should be achieved without the use of any external cues (the use of which will be penalised).
Prohibited Behaviour
General
All competitors must perform all techniques with control and good form.
Trained adult competitors can absorb relatively powerful blows on muscled areas such as the abdomen, but the fact remains that the head, neck, groin and joints are particularly susceptible to injury.
Particular care must be exercised in junior categories with regard to force and control.
Category 1 Infringements
- Techniques which make excessive contact, having regard to the scoring area attacked, and techniques which make contact with the throat.
- Attacks to the arms or legs, groin, joints, or instep.
- Attacks to the face with open hand techniques.
- Dangerous throwing techniques.
Category 2 Infringements
- Feigning, or exaggerating injury.
- Exit from the competition area (Jogai*) not caused by the opponent.
- Self-endangerment by indulging in behaviour which exposes the competitor to the potential for injury by the opponent, or failing to take adequate measures for self-protection (Muobi).
- Avoiding combat as a means of preventing the opponent having the opportunity to score.
- Passivity – not attempting to engage in combat.
- Clinching, wrestling, pushing, seizing or standing chest to chest, without attempting a throw or other technique.
- Techniques which, by their nature, cannot be controlled for the safety of the opponent
- Dangerous and uncontrolled attacks.
- Simulated attacks with the head, knees, or elbows.
- Talking to or goading the opponent
- Failing to obey the orders of the Chief Referee
- Discourteous behaviour towards any officials
- Other breaches of the rules, as determined by the Chief Referee.
*Jogai refers to the situation where a competitor’s foot, or any other part of their body, touches the floor outside of the match area. An exception to this is when the contestant is physically pushed or thrown from the area by the opponent.
**It is important to understand that “Avoiding Combat” refers to a situation where a competitor attempts to prevent the opponent having the opportunity to score by using time-wasting behaviour. The contestant who constantly retreats without effective counter, who holds, clinches, or exits the area rather than allow the opponent an opportunity to score must be warned or penalised.
Any competitor who does not compete with due regard for their fellow competitors will not be tolerated and may be disqualified. The decision of the Chief Referee in this regard is final.
Warnings and Penalties
Warnings
Atenai: Private Warning, this is imposed for the first minor infraction of the Rules and carries no penalty.
Keikoku: is normally imposed where another competitor’s potential for winning is deemed to be slightly diminished by the opponent’s foul.
Chui: Official Warning, this is imposed for a more serious infraction of the rules for which Keikoku has already been given, or for an infraction of the rules that does not warrant a penalty.
Penalties
There are two degrees of penalty: Hansoku and Skikkaku, both resulting in the competitor being disqualified (from the bout and tournament respectively).
Hansoku: Disqualification (penalty) imposed for a serious infraction of the rules for which Keikoku or Chui may have already been given, or for a very serious infraction of the rules such as failing to obey the commands of the referee, for bringing the honour and prestige of karate-do into disrepute or when a contestant becomes over- excited and the Referee considers them to be a danger to their opponent.
In addition, it is sufficient if the coach or non-combatant members of the contestants’ delegation behave in such a way as to harm the prestige and honour of karate-do.
Shikkaku: Disqualification (penalty) from the entire competition. This may be imposed for malicious acts, for failing to obey the commands of the referee, for bringing the honour and prestige of karate-do into disrepute or when other acts are considered to violate the rules and the spirit of the tournament.
In addition, it is sufficient if the coach or non-combatant members of the contestants’ delegation behave in such a way as to harm the prestige and honour of karate-do.
Other Notes about Warnings and Penalties
Once a warning is given, repeats of that category of infraction must be accompanied by an increase in the severity of warning and penalty imposed. It is not, for example, possible to give a warning or penalty for excessive contact then give another warning of the same degree for a second instance of excessive contact.
Competition Specific Information
Definitions
For the purposes of this competition, the following definitions apply:
Junior Category refers to all categories consisting of competitors from 10th to 8th
Kyu inclusive.
Intermediate Category refers to all categories consisting of competitors from 7th
to 4th Kyu inclusive.
Senior Category refers to categories consisting of competitors from grades 3rd Kyu and above.
Competitors must compete in the category of their highest belt ever earned in karate. If a competitor is a higher belt in one form of karate and a white belt in another, they must compete in the higher-level category. Failure to do so will result in disqualification of that club. They will be ineligible to win the cup.
At 3rd Kyu and above, students should have developed the control required to practice karate techniques in a more controlled manner, which minimises the risk of injury.
Note: These categories are subject to change based on numbers on the day.
Contribution of Referees from Colleges
All colleges with students taking part in this competition (other than in exceptional circumstances) must contribute at least one experienced referee to the referee panel to ensure that there is a sufficient number of referees to run an efficient competition and also to ensure that there is a broad representation from across the different colleges in relation to decision making. If there is difficulty with providing such a person, this should be discussed with the UCD Organising Committee in advance. The UCD Organising Committee can be contacted at the email address: ucdkarate@gmail.com
Referee, Coach and Captain Briefing Meeting
A briefing meeting will be held on the morning of the competition. This meeting will be led by the Chief Referee (Competition) (from the host college) who will brief the referees, coaches and club captains on the format of the competition. At this meeting, any positions that may not be contained within this document can be discussed. It is important that all colleges are represented at this meeting.
Coaches
- Coaches may appeal, protest or ask questions only of the arbiter and of no other official.
- Coaches may not interfere with the refeeres conducting of the match or the progress of the tournament.
Presentation of Competitors
General
- Contestants shall wear a clean white karate-gi. A plain and clean white t-shirt may be work under the karate-gi.
- In kumite matches and kata events that use the flag system of scoring, one of the contestants shall, for identification purposes, fasten a red or white ribbon around their own grade belt.
- Contestants shall keep their finger and toe-nails short and their hair secured appropriately, so as to prevent injury to self or others.
- No jewellery of any sort is permitted.
- No footwear or socks can be worn on the tatami (competition area).
- Competitors are not permitted to wear bandages or supports, except with the prior approval of the referee.
- Metallic braces must be approved by the referee and will be used at the contestant’s own risk.
- Spectacles are not permitted in kumite. Soft contact lenses may be worn, at the competitor’s own risk.
Protective Equipment
- Mitts are MANDATORY for kumite competition.
- A gum-shield is MANDATORY for kumite competition. Should a contestant attempt to compete without a gum shield, he or she will be disqualified.
- Groin protectors are highly recommended in men’s kumite. Chest protectors are highly recommended in ladies kumite. Shin and in-step protectors are NOT permitted in kumite.
Powers and Duties
Chief Referee (Competition)
The Chief Referee (Competition) is the highest authority for the entire competition. The Chief Referee holds the final decision regarding the rules to apply in the case of any dispute. The decision of the Chief Referee (Competition) is final.
Chief Referee (Category)
Each competition will have a Chief Referee who:
- Delegates and appoints any other referees, corner judges and table judges prior to a competition and supervises the performance of these personnel.
- Conducts matches, including announcing start, suspend and stop points.
- Awards points.
- Levies warnings, penalties or other appropriate disciplinary action (for example, dismissal or suspension of a contestant or team from a match).
- Calls for a decision (Hantei).
- Obtains and acts upon the opinion(s) of the other referees / judges, where they deem this appropriate.
- Announces the decision(s) of the panel of referees / judges.
- Announces the result of a competition.
- Brings to appropriate notice any injury or illness of a competitor.
- Can stop a competition and replace any of the officials with a substitute.
- Is responsible for seeing that the match is conducted according to the Contest Rules.
- Provides support to a referee who requires assistance with decisions.
- Has authority over the competition area, as well as the immediate perimeter.
Kumite Referee(s)
The Kumite Referee:
- Assists the Chief Referee for the particular category they are involved in.
- Indicates when they believe a point should be awarded.
- Indicates when they believe a warning or penalty should be levied.
- Indicates their decision when requested for same by the Chief Referee.
- Explains to the Chief Referee, when required, the grounds on which they have made their decision.
- Seeks support from the Chief Referee should they require assistance with a decision.
- Brings to appropriate notice any injury or illness of a competitor, should they notice the same before the Chief Referee.
Kata Judge(s)
The Kata Judge:
- Assists the Chief Referee for the particular category they are involved in.
- Signals their judgement by means of a flag, whistle or both.
- Explains to the Chief Referee, when required, the grounds on which they have made their decision.
- Seeks support from the Chief Referee should they require assistance with a decision.
- Brings to appropriate notice any injury or illness of a competitor, should they notice the same before the Chief Referee.
Over-all Scoring System for awarding of the Cup
Points System for Awarding of the Cup and Title
The intention of the competition is to promote varsity level karate and encourage participation of clubs of all sizes. As such the award system is structured to award the best overall team, rather than the largest contingent.
Each competing varsity team will be awarded points for their top seven medal placements. Scoring 5 points for Gold, 3 points for Silver and 1 point for Bronze medals. Team events will be scored for the institution not the individual. The team with the top overall score will be awarded the All Ireland Karate Intervarsities title and trophy.
In the Case of a draw
Should two or more teams score the same number of points under the above system, the outcome will be decided by awarding points for the tied teams top eight medal placements.
If teams are still tied the outcome will be decided by awarding points for the tied teams top nine medal placements.
Should there still be a draw for first place after these re-counts, the captain of each team may nominate a champion from their team to compete in a sudden death kumite match under the 1 Point Match or Ippon Shobu rules. The winner of this match will be awarded 5 points on behalf of their team. Thus, breaking the tie.
Awarding of the Cup and Title and Organization of the Following Year’s Event
Once all the events have been completed, the points will be calculated based on the specified scoring system outlined above. The winning team will be awarded the trophy and title by the Master Judge and Director of Operations.
The winning team is responsible for ensuring that their win is engraved on the trophy prior to the following year’s competition.
The winning team is the host of the following year’s competition as a general rule, however this is at the winning team’s discretion and they may reserve the right to offer the competition hosting duties to another University or College.
A secondary prize is to be given to the club with the highest score while also having fewer than 5 people in attendance. Scoring will be as described above.
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