USA Jiu Jitsu Rules & Regulations

HOW TO LOCK THE SCOREBOARD

The score board have these points:

• 4 points – mount, back grab
• 3 points – passing the guard
• 2 points – take downs, sweeps and knee on the belly
• -1, -2...- penalties
• 1, 2, 3..– advantages

Penalties & Advantages

The referee looks first for the points after for the advantages and last thing to do is lock for the penalties. This is the order that you can use for interpreting the scoreboard, if after this cases the fight continus a draw the referee will judge how is the winner.

Referee GESTURES

The central referee will make gestures indicated below, according with the actions:

For all gestures made, the central referee will raise his hand indicating the athlete receiving the score with his armband in accordance with the color of the athlete´s colored gi or indicating belt.

• Take downs, sweeps and knee on the belly: The referee will raise his hand indicating the scoring athlete´s color and the score of two points.
• Passing the guard: The referee will raise his hand indicating the scoring athletes color and the score of three points.
• Front mount, back mount and back grab: The referee will raise his hand indicating the scoring athletes’ color and the score of four points.
• Penalties: The referee will turn his hands one over the other with both fists closed after signaling the color of the penalized compeditor and give an advantage to the other fighter.
• Advantages: The referee signals advantages with arm extended sweeping outward on a horizontal plane level with the sholder.
• For the interuption of the fight: The referee opens his arms together on a horizontal plane level with the sholder.
• For interruption of time durring the fight: The referee puts his hands one above the other forming a "T", signaling the timekeeper to stop the time.
• For disqualification: The referee lifts his arms and crosses them, after that, he points to the disqualified athlete.
• To take off a awarded point:The referee lifts the arm that he gave the point with and waves his hand.
• Stalling:

FIGHTING CONCLUSIONS:

There is never a draw. Bouts will be decided by:

1. SUBMISSION
2. DISQUALIFICATION
3. UNCONSCIOUSNESS
4. POINTS
5. ADVANTAGES

SUBMISSION:

Submission occurs when a technique forces an opponent into admitting defeat by:

1. tapping with the palm against his opponent or the floor in a visible manner
2. tapping with his feet on the ground (if he is unable to use his hands)
3. requesting verbally to the referee that the fight be stopped (if he can neither tap with his hands or his feet)
4. requesting that the fight be ended if the athlete gets injured or feel physically incapable or unprepared
5. the referee may end the fight giving victory to the one that applied the lock if he sees a lock being properly applied and is certain that the Athlete is exposed to serious physical damage.
6. a coach of one of the athletes may request that the fight be ended either by directing himself to the referee or by throwing the towel into the ring for any reason
7. When an athlete is under a submission position and he screams or say "Oww" , will be the same as if he taps.
8. The referee may end the fight when one of the athletes is injured or the doctor’s examination proves he is incapable to continue. If this occurs, the victory will be given to the opponent as long as the injury was not caused intentionally by conduct worthy of disqualification.
9. When the athlete complains of muscle pains such as spasms, will be the same as if he taps.

DISQUALIFICATION

SERIOUS FOULS:

1)SERIOUS FOULS ARE THOSE THAT LEAD TO IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION BY THE REFEREE.

• A-) the use of foul language, cursing, or other immoral acts of disrespect towards the referee or any of the assisting public.
• B-) biting, hair pulling, putting fingers into the eyes or nose of one’s opponent, intentionally seeking to injure genitalia or the use of fists, feet, knees, elbows, or heads with the intention to hurt or gain unfair advantage.
• C-) when the fighter has his kimono ripped during the fight, the referee will give him a set time to change it. If the fighter does not change it in time he will be disqualified.
• D-) The fighter must wear shorts under the pants, keeping in mind the risk that the suit might get torn or unsowed, If this occurs, the athlete will be given a set time determined by the referee to find another pair of pants to wear. If the athlete can not change within the set time, he will be immediately disqualified.
• E-) When an athlete has been submitted to a lock and to avoid tapping out he runs out of the ring, he will be immediately disqualified. In such cases when it is considered a technical foul, not a disciplinary foul, the offender may return to the competition to fight the absolute division or in case of a bracket of three.
• F-) When the athlete breaks any rule of the article

FOULS NOT AS SERIOUS:

PENALTIES:

• On the first offence the offender will be given a verbal warning.
• On the second offence the offender’s opponent will be given an advantage.
• On the third offence the offender’s opponent will be given two points.
• After the third offence the referee may disqualify the athlete for any further fouls.

PENALTIES

A-) The athlete will only be allowed to kneel after having taken hold of his opponents kimono.

B-) When either of the athletes run to one of the extremities of the ring to avoid combat, or while ground fighting flee by crawling or rolling out of the ring or by standing up avoiding engaging or purposely stepping out of the ring to gain time.

C-) When the athlete avoids engaging by taking off his kimono or by allowing it to be taken off with the intention of stopping the fight to allow himself rest or to avoid the attacks of his opponent.

D-) When the athlete inserts his fingers inside the sleeves or pants, or with both his hands on his opponent’s belt.

E-) When the athlete stalls the fight, holding his adversary and, not seeking to engage or gain submissions when in the guard, on top, or on the bottom.

Holding the opponent, standing up, or any position designed to stall.

Noticing this the referee will request that 20 seconds be marked and say “FIGHT”, making the gesture. At the end of the 20 seconds if the athlete hasn’t changed his position or shown visible signs of engagement, the referee say again “LUTE” and make the same gesture, penalising the atlhete and giving an advantage for the other, if he continues stalling the referee will stop the fight saying “PAROU”, and he will penalise the same, giving 2 points for the other, and both athletes will return to their feet at neutral positions. With the possibility of disqualification on the next offence.

F-) NOTE: A penalty with immediate loss of 2 points occurs when an athlete runs from the ring in order to avoid a sweep that the referee considers would be completed, or when the athlete flees the ring in order to avoid a lock that has not yet been completed and not engaging in the article "E" for disqualification.

UNCONSCIOUSNESS

One of the 2 opponents is defeated after losing consciousness by any of the valid moves: strangling, pressuring, or take downs, or accidents in which the adversary has not committed any foul worthy of disqualification.

POINTS:

POSITIVE POINTS

The competition through its nature makes the athletes use their technical abilities attempting to finish or neutralize their opponents. The point is the superior technique displayed durring the match by putting the positions and negative points on the adversary.

IMPORTANT

The athlete cannot have score new points when he is in a position where he recieved points previously, changes position intentionally and returns to the same position.

Example: For knee on the belly and switching sides, there will be no new points awarded.

The fight can be an ascending condition for technique, looking to dominate the adversary, working to finish the opponent.

No points will be marked for the athlete who is attaining a position while in a submission. Points will only be awarded after the submission is completely defended.

Example: When one athlete is mounted on his opponent but is in a guitine the points of the mount will be awarded only when the submission is defended.

The order of the referee

The positions sought technically and which are presented with importance in terms of strategy of the fighter and the finishing technique. If there is no finish the positions established will be translated into points to determine the winner.

Positioning: (Ordered by the referee)Positions are achieved through proper technique,. If there is no submission at the end of a match, the athlete gains victory by scoring more position points than his opponent.

1. TAKE DOWNS: Any kind of knocking down the opponent or being taken down on his back side, 2 points. If the athlete is thrown to the ground and does not land on his back, the thrower must pin him to the ground in the same position for at least 3 seconds to gain the points of the take down.

Observation 1: the take down that lands outside of the fighting area and on to the security area will be valid as long as the athlete that applied it stood with both feet in the fighting area while making the take down.

Observation 2: If the athlete has one of his knees on the ground and is taken down, whoever applied the take down will be awarded 2 points as long as he has both his feet on the ground. If the athlete has both his knees on the ground and is knocked down the standing athlete will have to pass to his side and maintain this position to receive an advantage.

Observation 3: When the athlete attempts the double leg and the opponent sits on the floor and executes a sweep, the athlete who attempted the takedown will not receive points, but the one who executed the sweep will.

Observation 4: When a competitor throws his opponent and ends up in a bottomposition the competitor throwing will receive 2 points and the opponent on top will receive an advantage. If the competitor executing the throw lands in his opponents guard and is swept, both will receive 2 points.

2. PASSING THE GUARD: Is when the athlete that is above his adversary or in between his legs, moves to his opponent’s side, establishing a perpendicular or longitudinal position over his adversary’s trunk, dominating him and leaving him no space to move or to escape the position—if even is on his side or back. 3 points

NOTE: if the athlete that is underneath avoids the move by getting to his knees or standing up, the initiative will not be awarded 3 points but will be awarded an advantage.

3. KNEE ON THE BELLY: When the athlete on top puts his knee on his adversary’s stomach, holding his collar or sleeve and belt with his other leg towards his adversary’s head: 2 POINTS.

OBS: if the athlete that is underneath does not allow his adversary to put his knee down onto his belly and if the one on top does not establish the position completely, it will not be awarded 2 points but an advantage.

4. THE MOUNT: is when the athlete sits on his opponent’s torso; the opponent can be lying on his stomach, side or back. The one mounted can be on top of one of his opponent’s arms, but never on both. It will also be considered a mount if he has one knee and one foot on the ground, 4 POINTS.

OBS: no points will be awarded if his feet or knees are on his opponent’s leg. Also if an athlete applies a triangle while in the guard and in so doing lands mounted on his opponent, it will be considered a sweep, not a mount. (See the Guard)

5. THE BACK GRAB: Is when the athlete grabs his adversary’s back, taking hold of his neck and wrapping his legs around his opponent’s waist, with his heels leaning on the inner side of his opponent’s thighs, not allowing him to leave the position.4 POINTS.

NOTE: the points will not be awarded if both heels are not properly positioned on the inner part of the adversary’s thighs.Also be considerea back if the athlete has the leg over one arm of the will opponent but never over grab both arms, in this case no points will be awarded.

6. THE SWEEP: is when the athlete that is underneath has his opponent in his guard(in between his legs ) or the half guard (having one of his adversary’s legs between his) and is able to get on top of his adversary by inverting his position. 2 POINTS.

Observation 1: it will not be considered a sweep if the move does not begin from inside the guard or half guard.

Observation 2: When the athlete sweeping advances his position to the back of his opponent during the attempted sweep, he is awarded 2 points.

Observation 3: If starting in a guard position, an athlete attempts a sweep and both athletes return to their feet and the competitor attempting the sweep executes a takedown remaining on top, he will be awarded 2 points.

NEGATIVE POINTS: (PENALTIES)

Are penalties given to the athlete after committing a third offence

.i.e. avoiding engaging, staling or not seeking ways to finalize the fight. Stalling: In case the athlete make the classic stalling on the crosside or North South position without seeking ways to submit. Holding the opponent, standing up, or any position designed to stall.

ADVANTAGES:

It is considered an advantage when the athlete attempts but does not complete any of the fundamental moves of the fight; i.e. sweep, take down, submission etc.;

Advantages through takedowns: When there is a visible loss of balance in which the adversary nearly completes the takedown. A visible loss of balance durring an attempted throw will also result in an advantage.

• During closed guard (when the athlete on the bottom has his legs wrapped around his opponent’s waist):
1. The one on top will earn the advantage by being on the offensive, trying to dominate his adversary’s guard (pass the guard). For the referee to consider it an advantage, the athlete that is on top must come close to passing the guard, forcing his adversary to exert energy to regain position e.g. half guard, almost immobilizing, etc.
2. The one underneath will earn the advantage if he almost sweeps his opponent, putting him in a dangerous position, as well as when he attempts a lock that forces his opponent to defend. NOTE: for the sweep attempt to be considered worthy of an advantage the athlete underneath must open his legs.

When there is a tie situation on the scoreboard, it is up to the referee to decide if he will award an advantage, using the following judgments:

• Advantages will be awarded during standing fights or on the ground if the athlete attempts a technique with more aggressiveness and initiative, trying takedowns , other finalizing moves during the fight. Or showing that he dominate the fight most of the time by putting the opponent on the defensive.
• Advantages through takedowns: When there is a visible loss of balance in which the adversary nearly completes the takedown. A visible loss of balance durring an attempted throw will also result in an advantage.
• Advantages will be awarded during ground fighting if the athlete attempts a technique and puts his adversary on the defensive.

RESTRICTIONS

• In all catagories the central referee has the athority to stop a match when either of the competitors is in danger of serious bodily harm as a result of a submission and award the victory to competitor applying the submission.
• Cervical locks or neck cranks are not allowed in any category except for chokes in the juveniles or adult divisions in all belts.
• Athletes under 18 (Juveniles) are only allowed to compete in the open class if they are middle weight or heavier.
• Wrestling shoes or any type of shoes, head gear, shirts under the gi (except for girls) and any kind of protectors that can alter the outcome of the match in any way are not allowed in competition.
• In childrens divisions between 4-15years, when a competitor is executing a triangle and the opponent stands up it is the referees obligation to stand in a position to protect both athletes, specifically to reduce the risk of cervical damage.

FROM AGE 04 THROUGH 12:

• SLAM FROM THE GUARD
• BICEPS LOCK
• WRIST LOCK
• TRIANGLE PULLING THE HEAD
• FOOT LOCKS OF ANY KIND
• KNEE LOCK, LEG LOCK
• CERVICAL LOCK (ANY KIND)
• FRONTAL NECK CRANK
• EZEQUIEL
• CALF LOCK
• OMOPLATA ( SHOULDER LOCK)
• FRONTAL GUILLOTINE
• SCISSORS TAKEDOWN
• HEEL HOOK

FROM THE AGES OF 13 THROUGH 15:

• SLAM FROM THE GUARD
• BICEPS LOCK
• WRIST LOCK
• TRIANGLE PULLING THE HEAD
• FOOT LOCK S(ANY KIND)
• KNEE LOCK, LEG LOCK
• CERVICAL LOCK(ANY KIND)
• FRONTAL NECK CRANK
• EZEKIEL
• CALF LOCK
• SCISSORS TAKEDOWN
• HEEL HOOK

AGES 16 TO 17

• SLAM FROM THE GUARD
• LEG LOCKS
• CERVICAL (only without chokes)
• BICEPS LOCK
• CALF LOCK
• WRIST LOCK
• MATA LEAO WITH FOOT
• SCISSORS TAKEDOWN
• HEEL HOOK

FROM ADULT THROUGH SENIOR (BLUE & PURPLE BELT)

• MATA LEAO WITH FEET
• SLAM FROM THE GUARD
• LEG LOCKS
• CERVICAL(only without chokes)
• BICEPS LOCK
• CALF LOCK
• SCISSORS TAKEDOWN
• HEEL HOOK

FROM ADULT THROUGH SENIOR (BROWN AND BLACKBELT)

• SLAM FROM THE GUARD
• CERVICAL LOCK(only without chokes)
• SCISSORS TAKEDOWN
• HEEL HOOK

HYGIENE

1. The kimono must be washed and dried with no unpleasant odors.
2. Toe and fingernails must be cut short and clean.
3. People with long hair must keep their hair from interfering with their opponent or themself during the match.
4. Athletes are not permitted to paint there hair with spray and may be disquallified by the referee by doing so.

KIMONO

COMPETiTORS ARE REQUIRED TO USE KIMONOS UNDER THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATIONS:

1. Constructed of cotton or similar material and in good condition. The material may not be excessivly thick or hard to the point where it will obstruct the opponent.
2. Colours may be black, white or blue, no combined colors (white kimono with blue pants, etc.)
3. Belt width 4-5cm, with colour corresponding to rank tied around the waist with a double knot , tight enough to secure the kimono closed.
4. Athletes are not permitted to compete with torn kimonos, sleeves or pants that are not of propper length or with t-shirts underneath the kimono (except in the female divisions).
5. Is not allowed to use paint kimonos, except for the teams.

Fight Durations

ADULT: (18 – 29)

1. WHITE- 5MIN
2. BLUE- 6MIN
3. PURPLE -7MIN
4. BROWN- 8MIN
5. BLACK- 10MIN

MASTER:(30-35)

1. BLUE - 5MIN
2. PURPLE - 6MIN
3. BROWN - 6MIN
4. BLACK- 6MIN

SENIOR:(over 35 according to the tournament)

1. BLUE - 5MIN
2. PURPLE - 5MIN
3. BROWN - 5MIN
4. BLACK - 5MIN

Awarded points according to the athletes classification

1. First place: 9 points
2. Second place: 3 points
3. Third place: 1 point

When there is a tie situation between teams in a tournament

1. Larger number of gold medals
2. Larger number of silver medals
3. Higher rank champion
4. Heavier champion

DIRECTION AND DECISION

All those that will be in an official function in the competition such as:

• technicians
• professors
• directors
• time keepers
• or other officials.

Other unofficial people giving instructions from inside the dedicated area of competetion will warrant disqualification of the competitor.

In case the two athletes are accidentally injured and unable to continue during the final match the result will be:

1. If points or advantages are confirmed they will determine the winner.
2. If no points or advantages exist the result will be a draw.
3. If the two athletes stand from a position on the ground in any situation the judgement will be equal to that if standing.

For the final matches there will be a maximum of twice the rest period for the athletes.

For the final match the competitors will be allowed two opportunities to make weight.

In case of only two athletes on the bracket and one of the competitors does not show up for the final match the athlete present will be awarded the win and the competitor not present will not receive a medal or classification.

In case the athlete is attempting to pass the guard and attempts a footlock without success with the adversary sitting up, the competitor on top will receive 2 points after he defends the attack and keeps the positon for at least three seconds. In addition if the competitor attempting the submission, puts the opponent in visible danger he will receive an advantage point.

In case that the atlhetes weitgh with one kimono and change it for the fight they will disqualified, except in case that the referee tell him or her to change the kimono, but it must be mesure again when the referee looks is necessary.

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