Rules
REGULATIONS AND RULES OF
JIU-JITSU
Jiu-jitsu is the most
ancient martial art and is the most complete art of self defence.
Its origin being quite
controversial, it was
first attributed to
other styles of
jiu-jitsu, making
a competitive side where
the athlete demonstrates his physical & psychological conditions,
techniques,
and abilities with the
objective of rendering his opponent into submission.
The valid moves are those
which seek to neutralize, immobilize, strangle and apply any kind of pressure
on
the twisting joints, as
well as knocking down ones opponent by take-down. But there are non-valid moves
which are considered
illegal: biting, hair pulling, sticking fingers in the eyes or nose of ones
opponent,
striking the opponents
genitalia, finger twisting, and any other move that gains unfair advantage with
use of
ones fists, feet, elbows
or head. Moreover, competitions are the lifeline of the sport; it is the most
important
aspect for all those
directly or indirectly involved. .However, victory will not be granted at any
cost; fair-play
must be the main
guideline).
Ethical behavior is what
gives the sport credibility and security, which are indispensable
factors to our sport.
Only through this we have developed the sport in
spectacular sport.
Therefore, because we hope to be part of the greatest show on earth,
the Olympics, we must
stay focused on jiu-jitsu as a viable modern sport.
These regulations are the
sports charter. They contain the rules for those involved:
athletes, coaches,
teachers, directors, and even the assisting public. Because of this, we
have the responsibility
to fulfill and achieve the following regulations, and only by doing so
we will be able to reach
our goal of making Jiu-jitsu an Olympic sport.
ARTICLE 1 - AREA OF
COMPETITION
The stage on which the
competition takes place will be composed of 2 or more fighting
areas, surrounded by all
the supporting assistants, referees, time keepers, inspectors,
security personnel and a
disciplinary department appointed by the coordinators, with the
power to discipline any
unethical conduct of coaches, teachers, referees, or other
assistants that might
interfere in the progress of the event.
FIGHTING AREAS: Each area
(ring) must be composed of a minimum of 6m x 6m fighting area
with a 1m x 1m attached
border. The border and fighting area must be of different colors.
ARTICLE 2 – EQUIPMENTS
THE DIRECTING TABLE: The
table that coordinates and directs the tasks and positions at the
competition, is the one
at which the announcer controller of the event and the competent authority; it
will be
placed in front of each
ring will remain. Parallel to the directing table are chairs for the referees
and a notetaker,
(only they may occupy
these chairs). Besides the referees chairs is a chair occupied by the inspector
of the refereeing. It is
the inspector’s duty to make sure that the refereeing runs smoothly, as well as
to
inspect the credentials
of the competing athletes.
Chairs, banners and tables:
Are to be placed
strategically to the side of the competition area for the best
assessment of each match.
Score Sheets:
For each area of
competition there is a visible score sheet for random view of the
referee, score keepers’
and officials.
Stopwatches:
Are mandatory for keeping
track of the duration of the matches and the reserve time.
ARTICLE 3 - REFEREEING
The mat referee is the
highest authority on the mat and has the authority to disqualify competitors
during
the match. No one can
overturn his decision. In special cases the NZFBJJ can review and overturn a
referees decision if the
decision is unjust. The referee is assisted by the time keeper in the matches.
In
cases where a referee
shows himself incapable to continue refereeing because of obvious mistakes, the
inspector of the event
has the authority to replace him.
During the match the
central referee is to always be directing the competitor to the center of the
ring. In the event that
the competitors move out of bounds during the match, the referee will call
"Stop" and at
the same time the referee will do the gesture according to the command, and the
competitors must hold
their position without movement. The same occurrence will happen when
2/3 of the competitors
body is outside the boundary. The referee may be assisted by the
timekeeper in moving the
athletes back to the center of the ring. In case the referee and the
timekeeper are unable to
move the athletes back to the center of the ring, the athletes will be
asked to walk back to the
center and continue from the same position.
The referee will not
allow interference from outsiders during the match. Medical team or
nurse will be allowed on
the mat at the referee’s discretion.
During the match, the
referee or persons at the scoring table are not allowed to
converse with the
competitors, this will be strictly enforced.
Expiration of time will
be determined by the timekeeper during the match. The timekeeper
will notify the central
referee immediately with an auditory and visual signal.
After the table gives the
signal whistle, that the match is over, the referee can give an
advantage point to the
combatant for attempting a submission or for attempting to establish
a dominant position without
maintaining for the required time, except for take-downs
because athletes don't
need to establish a dominant position to award points.
The judge’s table will
actualize the referees gestures on a score sheet.
Notes taken are the
responsibility of the scorekeepers. Notes may not be altered and must
read exactly what the
central referee dictates and cannot be altered.
Important: Any and every
situation that cannot be determined by the manual will be
left up to the referees
discretion.
Position and function of
the Referee Central
The central referee is to
remain in the area of combat. Directing the combat determines
the results, certifying
the correct decisions in registering placement.
The central referee is to
give the first athlete on the mat a green and yellow belt for identification
and
keep him on the right
side, in case the athletes kimonos are the same colors. The other athlete must
remain on the left side,
and after the compliments, the referee will start the fight by saying
"Fight".
The throwing techniques
of the competitors, by order of the central referee, will be noted on the score
sheet or on the official
score papers by the scorekeeper with only the corresponding points. In case of
a draw in points and
advantages the scorekeeper will indicate by ppointing
both hands out
straight. Then, the
central referee will analyze who was the fighter with the better performance -
in accordance with the
rules which award the victory to the fighter determined to be most
aggressive in pursuing
the victory during the fight. There will be no draws in any case. The
central referee will
decide who is the winner and his decision is absolute.
The central referee will
oversee that everything is correct; for example: the ring, equipment,
Gi, hygiene, officials,
etc. before starting the fight.
The referee must certify
that neither the public, photographers or anyone else is in any
position that could
interfere with, risk or harm the competitors.
Fight wear checker
The Fight wear checker
verifies before the fight that the competitor’s nails are trimmed, the gi is
correctly fitted by the
official NZFBJJ measurement and assures that the color and the state of
the belt is appropriate
for the competitor. Also for No Gi the clothing must
be suitable.
ARTICLE 4 - 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 athlete’s color and the score of three points.
Front mount, back mount
and back grab
The referee will raise
his hand indicating the scoring athlete’s 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
competitor 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
shoulder.
For the interruption of
the fight
The referee opens his
arms together on a horizontal plane level with the shoulder.
For interruption of time
during 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 an awarded
point
The referee lifts the arm
that he gave the point with and waves his hand.
ARTICLE 5 - 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
Also:
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 "ok" or
“stop”, will be the same
as if he taps.
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.
Disqualification
SERIOUS FOULS ARE THOSE
THAT LEAD TO IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION BY THE REFEREE.
1.The use of foul
language, cursing, or other immoral acts of disrespect towards the
referee or any of the
assisting public.
2.Biting, hair pulling,
putting fingers into the eyes or nose of ones 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.
3.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.
4.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 cannot change within the
set time, he will be
immediately disqualified.
5.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.
6.When the athlete breaks
any rule of the article 6
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.
1.The athlete will only
be allowed to kneel after having taken hold of his opponent’s kimono.
2.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.
3.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.
4.When the athlete
inserts his fingers inside the sleeves or pants, or with both his
hands on his opponents
belt.
5. 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 30 seconds be marked. At the
end
of the 30 seconds if the
athlete hasnt changed his position or shown visible
signs of engagement, the
same will lose 2 points
and both athletes will return to their feet at neutral positions. The same will
happen on the 2nd offence,
with the possibility of disqualification on the 3rd offence
6.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 down, 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 during the
match by putting the positions and negative points on the adversary.
Important
The athlete cannot score
new points when he is in a position where he received 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 guillotine 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.
A-) TAKE
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 bottom position 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.
B-) PASSING THE GUARD: Is when the athlete
that is above his adversary or in between his legs, moves
to his opponents 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,
back,
or facing down. 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.
C-) 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.
D-) 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)
E-) THE BACK GRAB: Is when the athlete
grabs his adversary’s back, taking hold of his
neck and wrapping his
legs around his opponents waist, with his heels leaning on the inner
side of his opponents
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’. It
will also be considered a back grab if the athlete has the leg over one
arm of the opponent but
never over both arms, in this case no points will be awarded.
F-) 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’ 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.
2 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 attempts the classic stalling on the cross side or north
south position without
seeking ways to submit
As soon as the referee
perceives that a competitor is stalling, the referee will begin a 30 second
countdown and
simultaneously warn the athlete. At the end of the thirty seconds the referee
will
punish the athlete,
giving his opponent an advantage if the athlete keeps stalling, the referee
will
give another penalty
restarting the fight standing up, and he will award 2 points to other athlete.
V- 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 during an attempted
throw will also result in
an advantage.
During closed guard (when
the athlete on the bottom has his legs wrapped around his
opponents waist):
A-) 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.
B-) 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 dominated 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 during 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.
ARTICLE 6 - RESTRICTIONS
In all categories the
central referee has the authority 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. Competitors
attempting a cervical
lock will be immediately disqualified with no prior warnings.
Athletes under 16 years
are not allowed to compete in the open weight category.
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 children’s divisions
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.
U8 YEARS
NO SUBMISSIONS ALLOWED
FROM U10 YEARS THROUGH
U14 YEARS
OMA PLATA
SLAM FROM THE GUARD
BICEPS LOCK
WRIST LOCK
TRIANGLE PULLING THE HEAD
FOOT LOCK (ANY KIND)
KNEE LOCK, LEG LOCK
CERVICAL LOCK (ANY KIND)
FRONTAL NECK CRANK
CALF LOCK
SCISSORS TAKEDOWN
HEEL HOOK
U16 YEARS THROUGH U17
YEARS AND ADULT WHITE BELT
SLAM FROM THE GUARD
BICEPS LOCK
WRIST LOCK
TRIANGLE PULLING THE HEAD
MATA LEAO WITH FOOT
KNEE LOCK, LEG LOCK
CERVICAL LOCK (WITHOUT
CHOKES)
FRONTAL NECK CRANK
CALF LOCK
SCISSORS TAKEDOWN
HEEL HOOK
ADULT BLUE BELT THROUGH
PURPLE BELT
MATE LEAO WITH FOOT
SLAM FROM THE GUARD
BICEPS LOCK
KNEE LOCK, LEG LOCK
CERVICAL LOCK (WITHOUT
CHOKES)
FRONTAL NECK CRANK
CALF LOCK
SCISSORS TAKEDOWN
HEEL HOOK
ADULT BROWN AND BLACK
BELT
SLAM FROM THE GUARD
CERVICAL LOCK (WITHOUT CHOKES)
SCISSORS TAKEDOWN
HEEL HOOK
ARTICLE7 - HYGIENE
A. The kimono must be washed
and dried with no unpleasant odors.
A. Toe and fingernails must
be cut short and clean.
A. People with long hair
must keep their hair from interfering with there opponent or
them self during the
match.
A. Athletes are not
permitted to paint their hair with spray and may be disqualified by
the referee by doing so.
ARTICLE 8 - KIMONO
COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED
TO USE KIMONOS UNDER THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATIONS
A. Constructed of cotton or
similar material and in good condition. The material may
not be excessively thick
or hard to the point where it will obstruct the opponent.
A. Colours may be black, white or
blue, no combined colors (white kimono with blue pants, etc.)
A. The jacket is to be of
sufficient length down to the thighs, sleeves must reach the
wrist with arms extended
in front of the body. The sleeve should follow the official
measures according to
NZFBJJ. From the shoulder to the wrist.
A. Belt width 4-5cm, with colour corresponding to rank tied around the waist with a
double knot , tight
enough to secure the kimono closed.
A. Athletes are not
permitted to compete with torn kimonos, sleeves or pants that are not of
proper length or with
t-shirts underneath the kimono (except in the female divisions).
Competitors must abide by
the hygiene and kimono specifications in order to compete,
otherwise the opponent
will be considered the winner.
ARTICLE 9 - FIGHT
DURATION CHAMPIONSHIP TIMES:
JUNIOR U5 through U7 Years 2MIN
U8 through U10 Years 3MIN
U11 through U15 Years
4MIN
U16 through U17 Years
5MIN
ADULT (18-29)
A. WHITE 5MIN
B. BLUE 6MIN
C. PURPLE 7MIN
D. BROWN 8MIN
E. BLACK 10MIN
MASTER (30-35)
A. WHITE/BLUE 5MIN
B. PURPLE 6MIN
C. BROWN 6MIN
D. BLACK 6MIN
SENIOR (over 35 according
to the tournament)
A. WHITE/BLUE 5MIN
B. PURPLE 5MIN
C. BROWN 5MIN
D. BLACK 5MIN
ARTICLE 10- Awarded
points according to the athletes classification
a-) First place: 9 points
b-) Second place: 3
points
c-) Third place: 1 point
ARTICLE 11- When there is
a tie situation between teams in a tournament
a-) Larger number of gold
medals
b-) Larger number of
silver medals
c-) Higher rank champion
d-) Heavier champion
ARTICLE 12- DIRECTION AND
DECISION
1. 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
competition will warrant disqualification of the competitor.
2. In case the two athletes
are accidentally injured and unable to continue during the
final match the result
will be :
A. If points or advantages
are confirmed they will determine the winner.
B. 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
judgment will be equal to
that if standing.
4. For the final matches
there will be a maximum of twice the rest period for the athletes.
5. For the final match the
competitors will be allowed two opportunities to make weight.
6. 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.
7)In case the athlete is
attempting to pass the guard and attempts a foot lock without success
with the adversary
sitting up, the competitor on top will receive 2 points after he defends the
attack and keeps the
position 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.
