TMAA All Arts Tournament Rules 2023
RULES for TAG SPARRING 5-9Yrs :
This is a form of play sparring to prepare and introduce novice student to the art of sparring. It should be approached as a game. Of course the accepted idea of playing games is to win in the spirit of friendship.
Principle: All participating will be novices to sparring. Matching competitors shall be relatively free. All should enjoy the experience in preparing them for sparring in the future.
Aim: To score more points than your opponent. This is determined by continuous fighting with cornered judges maintaining a record of scores. Match: A match is played between two players. The organisers of the event shall set the conditions for matching contestants against each other. Effort will be made to match same size, age and any other factors that may be relevant. However if numbers are small categories may have a wider variation in size, age etc… and ultimately the matches shall be at the sole discretion of the organisers. Anyone not satisfied with the matching should simply withdraw prior to competing. Match Option (1) The first to strike the target area a specified number of times, example first to score three times, or Match Option (2) A set period of time, the highest score within, for example 30 seconds wins.
Scoring: The target area is the upper arm, between the elbow and the shoulder. Only the palm side of the hand can be used to score and must land on the target area to gain a score. Legs cannot be used to strike or block, only hands can be used. ONLY strikes that judges clearly see have landed on the target areas are counted.
Excessive force is not allowed, touch is sufficient but must be sufficient for the Judges/Referee to identify that the strike landed on target. One successful strike to the target area equals one point. Continuous bout method does not stop when a point is scored. The cornered judges shall record their scores. The bout continues until the prescribed number of points has been achieved or time is called. At which time the Head Judge shall signal to the Referee to stop the bout and call for corned judges to announce their decision, the bout shall be awarded accordingly.
Round Robin (group) method – 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, zero points for loss. If a draw is recorded and no further action needed. Elimination bout, if the result is a draw, then a second action is needed. This may be either an extension of time, or sudden death (first to score wins). Method decided by organisers.
Conduct of Bout: The conduct of the bout shall be under the control of the Referee under the watch and cooperation of the Head Judge. The Head Judges decision is final. The Corner Judges shall be responsible for recording scores if a continuous scoring bout. ONLY strikes that are clearly seen to have landed on the target areas count as a score. The Referee shall start and stop the bout as they see fit. At the start the Referee shall instruct the competitors to bow to the Head Judges, turn to each other and bow. Then give commands to “guard” and “fight”. To stop the bout the Referee shall call “stop”. Competitors must follow the instructions and calls of the Referee. The Head Judge shall maintain records of the Judges awards and announce the winner. The Head Judge shall assist the Referee by advising of any infringements that they see.
The Scorekeeper, or Head Judge, shall keep score of penalties and awards. A penalty can be issued by the Referee or at the instruction of the Head Judge for any infringement of the rules or conduct of the competitor. If a competitor receives 6 penalty points in a bout they shall be disqualified. When awarding a penalty the referee shall announce if they are awarding a 1 or 2 point penalty. The referee might in the first instance issue private warnings (cautions) without issue of a penalty for minor offences prior to issuing a penalty.
During the bout if there is no action from either side the Referee shall signal for one side to attack. They must do so within 5 seconds or receive a 1 point penalty. At which point the referee shall then signal for the other side to attack within 5 seconds and so on.
Prohibited Techniques: Simple, only palm strikes to the target area are allowed. Any other strikes may incur a penalty at the sole discretion of the Referee and or Head Judge. Excessive force shall warrant a penalty. Hitting to the head or face shall constitute a penalty. Referee may decide to only warn the competitor, but if the action(s) continue penalties will be awarded. If a contestant steps outside of the area with any part of their foot the referee shall stop the match and 2 point shall be awarded to the other side. This shall be announced by the referee.
Uniform: All participants shall be dressed in the appropriate uniform of their style. The uniform must be clean and hygienic. Equipment: No safety equipment is deemed necessary as this is playing tag. If however a gum shield and or protective goggles are wanted, they are permitted.
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Multi Discipline Light Contact Sparring (Head Contact) 13+ Yrs
Simplified referee commands given in English:
BOW To Head Judge and to each other.
GUARD Prepare, so referee see they are ready.
FIGHT The round starts and fighting begins.
STOP Fighters cease fighting but continue to guard.
Rule 1 - Valid Target Areas
1.1 The face, top and sides of the head.
1.2 The front and sides of the trunk.
1.3 The sides and backs of the legs.
Rule 2 - Prohibited Techniques
2.1. The following techniques are strictly prohibited:-
2.1.1 Striking to the rear of the head and neck.
2.1.2 Direct attacks to joints, spine and neck.
2.1.3 Upper cut to chin
2.1.4 Head butt, elbow and knee strikes
2.1.5 Throws - Any throw, however a takedown that is part of a catch and sweep techniques is acceptable.
2.1.6 Head/neck clinching.
2.1.7 Choke or strangle techniques.
2.1.8 Grappling for more than 3 seconds.
2.1.9 Grappling or wrestling on the mat.
2.1.10 Arm locks and similar joint-locking techniques.
2.1.11 Biting, scratching, hair pulling, spitting etc...
2.1 12 Pushing the opponent for more than 1 meter, a push must be a single action.
2.1.13 Time wasting.
2.1.14 Holding an opponent’s head while striking an opponents’ head.
2.2. Uncontrolled techniques
2.3. Excessive force will lead to private or public warnings, repeated use of excessive force, may result in disqualification. The determination as to how much force was used in any attack shall be the responsibility of the Referee and the Head Judge. For older students the level may be increased within safe limits.
Rule 3 - Prohibited Areas of Attack The following parts of the body are prohibited to any type of attack.
3.1 Neck
3.2 Back of the head.
3.3 The eyes and throat.
3.4 The groin.
3.5 The back (spine).
3.6 The knees, elbows and all other joints.
Rule 4 - Scoring Criteria
4.1 2 POINTS will be awarded when:-
a] Kicks delivered to scoring areas above the belt/waist (front and sides of trunk, plus top and sides of head).
b] An opponent retreats or is forced out of the fight area either by retreating. AWARDED BY REFEREE.
c] Pushing an opponent out of the fight area while remaining standing inside the area. AWARDED BY REFEREE
d] When a ‘Full Penalty’ is given against a competitor, points will be added to the other competitor. AWARDED BY REFEREE
4.2 1 POINT will be awarded when:-
a] Executing an effective punch or back fist to a permissible part of the body (front and sides of trunk, face, top and sides of head).
b] Executing an effective kick to the leg (unless the leg is raised off the ground and, in which case it is considered to be used as a checking/blocking technique against the attack and no score is given).
c] When a ‘Minor Penalty’ is given against a competitor, one point will be added to the other competitor. AWARDED BY REFEREE.
d] A clean safe takedown while remaining standing (leg sweeping technique) including sweeping whirlwind technique. where the attacker’s body may touch the ground. In all circumstances the attacker must remain inside the fight area. AWARDED BY REFEREE
4.3 NO SCORE will be awarded when:-
a] For simultaneous scores.
b] Striking prohibited areas.
c] Any technique that does not land clearly or cleanly.
d] Both competitors fall out of (or leave) the fight area.
e] Executing an effective takedown after holding an opponent for more than 3 seconds.
f] When an opponent is holding you for more than 3 seconds and you execute an effective leg sweep.
g] Jumping side kick or falling whirlwind kick where the body lands on the floor as part of the technique.
h] Executing an effective attack from outside the area.
SUMMARY – SCORE GUIDE for JUDGES:-
ONLY STRIKES THAT ARE CLEARLY SEEN TO LAND CAN BE SCORED BY A JUDGE.
2 POINTS will be awarded when:-
Kicks delivered to scoring areas above the belt/waist (front and sides of trunk, plus top and sides of head).
Stepping/forced outside the area. AWARDED BY REFEREE
‘Full Penalty’, 2 points will be added to the other competitor. AWARDED BY REFEREE
1 POINT will be awarded when:-
Punch or back fist to scoring areas (front and sides of trunk, face, top and sides of head).
Kick to a leg (unless the leg is raised off the ground).
Sweep takedown while remaining standing AWARDED BY REFEREE
‘Minor Penalty’, one point will be added to the other competitor. AWARDED BY REFEREE
NO SCORE will be awarded when:-
For simultaneous scores.
Striking prohibited areas.
Any technique that does not land clearly or cleanly.
Both competitors fall out of (or leave) the fight area.
Executing an effective takedown after holding an opponent for more than 3 seconds.
Holding and hitting an opponent.
When holding an opponent for more than 3 seconds and you execute an effective leg sweep.
Jumping side kick or falling whirlwind kick where the body lands on the floor as part of the technique.
Executing an effective attack from outside the area.
Equipment Required for Light Contact Sparring
Head gear
Mouth guard
Groin guard
Foot protectors and/or leather/PUC shin guards (TMAA has a few pairs for students who do not have their own)
Closed gloves
Body protection: Optional but recommended for under 13years. Optional for over 13's.
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Multi Discipline Light Contact Sparring (No Head Contact) 7-12yrs
The same rules as the previous division with no head contact and only one point awarded to your opponent, if forced out of the ring.
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Multi Discipline Routines/Patterns/Kata/Weapons All Ages
The following figures are a guide for marking open hand and weapons performances.
Scoring range: <4 trying / 4+ made effort / 5+ standard / 6+ shows development / 7+ good / 8+ very good / 9+ excellent
ALL MOVEMENT SHOULD DEMONSTRATE INTENT AS A MARTIAL MOVEMENT.
The meaning of intent is: a blocking movement should show that it had sufficient power and movement to be an effective block; likewise with attacking moves, they should demonstrate they would have the desired effect against an target.
A panel of judges shall mark each performance, one by one. The average score will be recorded and used to determine the winner(s). If the group of competitors is greater than 8 the top two scores only may be required to perform again to play off for first and second place. If 8 or less competitors, the judges scores will be as recorded.
Performances are marked out of 10.
ACCURACY and SHARPNESS of MOVEMENT 5 points
Sequence of the routine (if known by judge)
Movement
Hands
Body
Technique
Stances
Interpretation of each movement, demonstrating the intent of the move
POWER 2 points
Ability to execute each move with power without losing sharpness and balance
Ability to direct strikes at correct target points with correct focus
Ability to jump high when necessary
Ability to stretch and bend if required by movement
Ability to relax or tense the body at the right time
Concentration of power at focal point of movement.
SPEED 2 points
Degree of speed
Agility
Co-ordination
SPIRIT 1 point
Eyes/Head focused: Faults include; wandering, looking at the floor etc…)
Manners: includes confidence, nervous, elegant, politeness, etiquette, etc…
Discipline; whether acting according to the rules and teachings of their respective art.
Concentration.
Sportsperson ship
Appearance - uniform clean, neat and tidy.
Awareness
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Rules for Shadow Boxing/Freestyle Routines/Patterns/Kata All Ages
Competitors, will come up 2 at a time and demonstrate all techniques they know in a free style routine, for a predetermined period of time.
The divisions will be run as a knock out competition, with the winner going through to the next round and the loser being eliminated.
This will continue until we have determined our medalists.
Divisions will be determined by grade/experience and depending on numbers of entries by age.
Scoring:
Judges will determine the winners by assessing the following;
Power
Balance
Technical difficulty of techniques
Appropriate height/targeting of techniques
Variety of techniques & activity
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Flying Side Kick & Flying Front Snap Kick 8+ yrs
Divisions will be determined by height and depending on the number of entries, potentially by age.
Flying side kick competitors will execute the technique over an obstacle and strike a target.
Flying front snap kick competitors, will strike a target.
Medalists will be determined by the height of the target struck.
The correct technique must be used.
The competitor must land their technique, falling to the ground will result in disqualification.
Competitors will not be required to begin or end their technique with a guarding block.
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Power Kick & Power Punch 5-9 Yrs
Power kick will require the competitor to execute a round house/turning kick to a target held between hip & shoulder height.
Power punch will require the competitor to strike a target with a straight cross technique. The competitor can determine the height of the target.
Targets will be held by a ring marshal.
Medalists will be determined by the distance the target travels forward from the line of execution.
Targets will be marked where they first land, not where they roll to.
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Awarding the Overall TMAA All Arts Champion
For each division entered, competitors will earn the following points.
Gold 3 Points
Silver 2 Points
Bronze 1 Point
The individual with the greatest total number of points at the end of the day will be awarded the title of all arts champion.
In the event of a tie the competitors will compete in a tie breaker event.
Junior students may who can enter less events and have a lower level of skill, will have an overall junior champion awarded.