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Judging Rules

The translation is based on the original Japanese text. In the case of any discrepancies the original Japanese supercedes the English translation.

Article 1: General Guidelines
  • Judges will determine the outcome of a match based on technical elements and not be influenced by matters like how well-known a competitor is, a competitor's group affiliation, or rank.
  • These rules are intended to facilitate a very precise karate that overcomes the shortcomings of the point system (techniques of minimal power and skill, etc) and takes advanatge of its merits, while making the best use of a true knock-out system. In cases where a decision is in doubt, in recognition of this objective, it is desired that the judges make a decision based on each system's merits.
Article 2: Formation
  • There will be one chief judge and two assistant judges. The chief judge is alotted two points and the assistant judges are alotted one point each.
Article 3: Decisions
  • Decisions regarding winning and losing are determined based on the difference of two points in total points given by the chief judge and the assistant judges.
Article 4: Authority
  • In an actual match, when there is no point difference between competitors, the chief judge will hold a match extension. However, when it is deemed that continuation of the match is unsafe due to difference in ability of the competitors being considered too great or in cases of injury, the chief judge can call for a decision from the assistant judges and award a victory by decision ("hanteikatchi"). Such decisions will not be made readily.
  • The decision regarding "well-fought match", as referenced in Match Rule 1, Provision 4, is made by the chief judge. Under these circumstances, the chief judge may call the assistant judges and consult with them to get their perspective. Also, the chief judge may ask for the advice of the head referee before rendering a decision.
  • For each match beginning with the quarterfinals, during a match extension, the assistant judges must raise one flag or the other (indicating which competitor the judge deems the victor). If the assistant judges are consulted regarding the possibility of another extension, they may explain the basis of their opinion on the matter.
  • The chief judge may issue an instructional warning for slight fouls and for actions that may not be strictly deemed fouls, but which create concerns for safety. Instructional warnings are not considered in determining the outcome of a match.
  • The chief judge can issue a warning ("chui") in the following situations:
    1. When, in spite of an instructional warning, a similar action is repeated
    2. When the damage inflicted from an unintentional foul is light
    3. When the degree of severity of the foul is light
  • When the chief judge has determined that their is a loss of fighting spirit or behavior unworthy of a martial artist ("budoka"), he may stop the match immediately and declare a match forfeiture.
Article 5: Judges Actions
  • Even if a "point" is signaled, if, before the chief judge can step in to separate the competitors, when a subsequent knock-down occurs as a result of continued offensive and defensive techniques, a "full point" ("ippon") will take precendence over the earlier "point" signal. In such a case where a point has been signaled, though, the judge must signal the competitors to stop ("yame") and step in to separate them as promptly as possible based on the flow of the match.
  • When the chief judge has accepted a "point", the type of technique will be indicated, and a point will be declared.
    Example: "Red, upper roundhouse kick, one point"
    The assistant judges will also motion to indicate the type of technique.
  • When the chief judge issues the match's final decision, after indicating the grounds for the decision, he will take a step forward, and pronounce the winner.
    Example:
    • "Upper roundhouse kick full-point. Full-point win - Red"
    • "Red - 2 points, White - 1 point. Winner by point advantage - Red"
    • "White - 1 (vote), Red - 1 (vote), Chief Judge - Red. Winner by decision - Red"
  • When the chief judge feels certain that a point was achieved as the result of a technique, the chief judge may prompt the assistant judges for a judgement. The assistant judges must then answer by clearly motioning whether they accept the point as valid.
  • When assistant judges raise a flag indicating a point, and the chief judge negates that assessment, the chief judge must indicate that action.
    Example:
    • "Light/weak, not acknowledged"
    • "Blocked. Not acknowledged."
Article 6: Standard Judges' Actions
  • Assistant judges hold red and white flags and while judging the match, will shift their positions as needed for improved viewing. When a flag is waved, they sound their whistles.
  • In the case of a full-point victory ("ippon kachi"), the flag representing the winner is raised straight overhead.
  • In the case of a "point", the flag representing the competitor who landed the technique is pointed at the competitor.
  • In the case of a "near-point" that is not acknowledged as a point, both flags are crossed, below, waving. The whistle will not sound. An assistant judge may retract one's own point declaration. In such cases, the assistant judge must immediately make the "not acknowledged" motion.
  • In the case of a foul, the competitor who committed the foul will be pointed out with a waving flag. The chief judge is responsible for deciding whether an intructional warning, a warning, or a point deduction will be charged.
  • In the case of an out-of-bounds call, the flag representing the responsible competitor is slanted downward, waving.
  • When a judgement cannot be made due to a poor viewing angle, etc, both flags are crossed in front of the face, creating the "unobserved" signal. The whistle is not sounded.
  • In the case of mutual blows ("aiuchi"), flags are crossed in front of the chest, waving together. In this case, the points from both competitors cancel each other out, and no points are added. Whistles will not sound.(
Article 7: Formal Objections and Deliberations
  • Competitors may not lodge objections against judges' decisions under any circumstances.
  • In the case of a worthy, well-fought match in which the outcome was deemed a draw, once that decision has been conferred, the deliberation committee members can propose immediate deliberations. These deliberations will not be employed without good reason.
  • When the need for a match extension has been recognized, the head referee may consult with deliberation committee members on the matter.
  • As a result of deliberations, if deemed appropriate, the deliberation committee chair can recommend a match extension to the head referee.
  • Upon obtaining the recommendation of the deliberation committee chair, the head referee can order the chief judge to hold a match extension.
Article 8: Final Authority
  • The final authority regarding interpretation of rules and regulations rests with the head referee.
  • When questions are raised due to shortcomings in the rules and regulations, or due to other issues, the head referee will decide these matters.