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Youth Rulebook United States Fight League

Table of Contents:

• ARTICLE I: DEFINITIONS

• ARTICLE II: FOULS AND ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES

• ARTICLE III: SCORING OF GRAPPLING TECHNIQUES

• ARTICLE IV: SCORING OF STRIKING TECHNIQUES

• ARTICLE V: CHALLENGES

• ARTICLE VI: OPERATION OF MATCHES

• ARTICLE VII: UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

• ARTICLE VIII: DIVISIONS

• ARTICLE IX: COMPETITION AREA

• ARTICLE X: REFEREES AND OFFICIALS

• ARTICLE XI: MEDICAL SCREENING AND SUPPORT

• ARTICLE XII: PROMOTERS/ PROMOTION OF EVENTS

• ARTICLE XIII: ALTERNATIVE RULE SETS

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ARTICLEI:DEFINITIONS

TheUnitedStatesFightLeagueisdedicatedtofosteringSafeandaffordablelocal,nationalandinternationalcompetitionopportunitiesforYouthPankration.TheUSFLshallbegovernedbyanexecutiveboardandutilizetechnicaladviceandrecommendationsbyindependentcommittees.TheUSFLshallreporttoandadheretoguidelinesassetbytheathleticorboxingcommissionofjurisdiction.Theexecutiveboardshallholdanannualmeetingforimplementationofrulebookmodificationsasrecommendedbythefivecommitteesorathletic/boxingcommissionandreportanymodificationstotheathleticorboxingcommissionofjurisdiction.

I. PromoterscommitteeII. MedicaladvisorycommitteeIII. Referee/OfficialscommitteeIV. ParentaladvisorycommitteeV. SpecialAdvisoryCommittee

Athletic/BoxingCommission–Astaterunorganizationresponsibletosetguidelinesintheregulationofprofessionalandamateurboxing,kickboxing,MuayThai,MixedMartialArtsandothercombativesportslistedundertheirjurisdiction.Somestatecommissionsmaydelegatesanctioningauthoritytoanon-governmentorganizationbuttheauthoritytoregulateultimatelyfallsonthecommission.Stateregulationsofthejurisdictionofeventwillsupersedearticleswithinthisrulebookandpromotersshallallowstateofficialswithcredentialstherighttoenterwithoutcharge.

ContestantsmaybereferencedasGrapplers,Wrestlers,Fighters,CompetitorsorAthletes

Officialsmaybereferencedasreferees,judgesandinspectors.

Tournament–Isacompetitor-basedcompetition.Athletesgenerallyparticipatebypayingaregistrationfeeandareplacedinanappropriateage,weightandskilllevel.Tournamentsaretypicallyfundedbyparticipationfee.

Show–(Alsoknowasa“DualMeet”)Isaspectator-basedcompetitionwhereathletesareselectedinprearrangedmatchupsandcompetebeforeaspectatoraudience.Showsaregenerallyfundedbyspectatorfee.GeneralRules

• Takedowns,GroundControl,SubmissionsandBodyStrikesareallowed.Strikesabovethecollarboneandothervitalpointsareprohibited.

• Techniquesmustbeexecutedwithnoillintentandmatchescannotbewonbyknockout,brutalityorwithdeliberateintenttocauseinjury.

• Potentiallydangerousstrikes,takedownsandsubmissionsareprohibited.• Submissionsmustbeexecutedwithappliedpressure,allowingtimetosubmitbeforeinjury.• Strikesmustbefocusedanddeliveredinacontrolled/restrainedmannerensuringproper

placement.• Matchesarewonbyscoreorbyproperlyappliedsubmissiontechnique.

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ARTICLEII:ILLEGALTECHNIQUESANDFOULS

Section1:FoulsforalllevelsofPankration

A. StrikingRelatedFouls1.Strikestotheface,head,backandspine.

2.Anystriketothekneejoint;especiallyfrontal.3.Kicksorstrikesdirectedtotheshins.

4.Elboworforearmstrikesofanykind.5.AllStrikeswiththenon-glovedportionofthehandasidefromhammerfist.

6.Buttingwiththehead.

7.HeelkickstotheKidneyoranyotherpartofthebodyfromthebottom.8.Kickingthebodyofadownedopponent.9.Stompingofagroundedfighterandupkicksfromthegroundedfighter.

10.Groundedkneesarepermittedonlywhenexecutedwithonekneetouchingthegroundandonehandonopponent.

11.Allstrikingtechniquesmustbecontrolledandfocused.

B.GrapplingRelatedFouls

1.Takedownsandthrowsdesignedorintendedtocauseinjury.

2.Intentionalslammingwhenperformingatakedownordefendingasubmission.3.Spikingtheopponenttothefloorontotheheadorneck.4.FlyingScissorsstyletakedowns.*Connectiontoopponentandgroundisnot“flying”.5.BackSplashingtoescapeasubmission.6.SmalljointManipulation.7.Clawing,Pinching,Twistingthefleshorgrabbingtheclavicle,neckortrachea.8.NeckCranks.

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9.AllTwistinglegsubmissions.

10.Spinelocksortwisters.11.BicepandCalfSlicers.12.StraightGuillotines

13.Allsubmissionsmustbeexecutedwithappliedpressurenot“cranked”,toallowreasonabletimetosubmitpriortoinjury.

C.OtherFouls1.Holdingopponent’sshortsorgloves.

2.Theuseofabusivelanguageorunsportsmanlikeconductinthefightingarena.3.Bitingorspittingatanopponent.

4.Hairpulling.

5.Fish-Hooking.

6.Groinattacksofanykind.

7.Intentionalplacingfingerortoeintoanyorificeorintoanycutorlacerationofyouropponent.

8.Eyegouging.

9.Attackinganopponentaftertheroundhasendedorwhenrefereehaltsthematch.10.Maliciouslycausinginjurytoanopponentorexploitinganinjury.11.Attackinganopponentonorduringthebreak.

12.Attackinganopponentwhoisunderthecareofthereferee.13.Throwinganopponentoutofthefightingarea.

14.Executingexcessivenon-scoringtechniques.

15.AnyUnreasonableconductofanykindthatmaycausesaninjurytoopponentoranyofficials.16.Interferencefromacorner.

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17.Flagrantdisregardofthereferee’sinstructions.18.Timidity.

19.Holdingorgrabbingthefenceorropes.20.Weightcuttingisnotpermitted.21.Athletesmaysubjecttotestingforbannedperformanceenhancingdrugs.

Section2:CommonnamesofIllegaltechniquesinPankration(ClassArules)*Additionaltechniquesnotlistedbelowmayalsobeillegal,viewSection1foradetailedlistingofillegalmaneuvers.

SUBMISSIONSTRIKINGWEAPONSTAKEDOWNSHeelHook ElbowStrike SuplextoheadToeHoldinside&outside ForearmStrike SaltotoheadHardreapingofknee HeadButt PiledriverCrucifix OpenhandSlap SpikingtoheadPeruvianNeckTiew/oarm Spearhand BulldoggingCanopener Ridgehand Headlock(withoutarm)Twister PalmHeel FlyingScissorsW/OConnectStraightGuillotine Knifehand BodySlamEzekielw/bentneck Fingerpoke WristlockthrowMountGuillotinew/arch Stomp ElbowlockthrowBicepSlicer UpKick ShottokneeCalfSlicer Haymaker FootballTackle

AGEMATRIX

Age Group Length of round Added legal techniques based on age

Junior: ages 16 to 17 2 or 4 minute period Knee Strikes & Straight Leg Submissions Cadet: ages: 14 & 15 2 or 4 minute period Standing or Jumping Submissions

Schoolboy: ages 12 & 13 2 or 3 minute period Arm in Guillotine, Anaconda, Peruvian Necktie Novice: ages: 10 & 11 2 or 3 minute period Ground Striking

Rookie: age 8 & 9 2 or 3 minute period Allmultiroundboutshave2minuterounds

Catchageboutsdefertoyoungeragegrouprulesofprohibitedtechniques*SeeArticleVIIIforadditionalinformationonagegroupsandlengthofbouts

Section3:PenaltiesfromFouls

• 1staccidentalfoul/violationwillresultin1pointforthefouledcompetitor.• 2ndaccidentalviolationswillresultina1additionalpointforthefouledcompetitor.

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• 3rdaccidentalviolationwilldisqualify.• Thematchwillberestartedintheneutralpositionifthefoulwascommittedontheground

unlessthefouledathletewasinanadvantageousposition.• Maliciousorintentionalfoulsmayresultinimmediatedisqualificationonfirstoffense.• Injuriescausedthe“fouled”fighter’snegligencewillnotbechargedtotheexecuter.Ifthe

injuryendsthebout,the“fouled”fighterwilllosebyinjurydefault. • Ifaboutendinginjuryisduetoafoul,eitherunintentionalorintentional,thefouledfighter

willbedeclaredthevictor.• Iftheboutendinginjurywascausedbynofaultofeitherfighter,theuninjuredathletewill

bedeclaredthewinnerviainjurydefault.A“nofault”injuryisdefinedasaninjurythatdoesnotinvolvethecontestitselforaninjurywheretheinjuredathletewasatfault,orequallyatfault.

Section4:TreatmentofInjuries• Upto5minutesofinjury/recoverytimeisallottedtotheathletehurtbyanillegalstrikeor

technique.• Bloodtimeistreatedthesameasinjurytimewithbouthaltedupondetectionofblood.A

maximumof5minutesperboutisallottedtostopbleeding.• Athleteshurtbyalegaltechniqueshouldbeaffordedashortrecoveryperiodandnotbe

“finishedoff”whileinjured.Refereesshouldhalttheboutandconductashortevaluationtodetermineiftheathleteisfittocontinue.Themedicalofficialmaybesummonedtohelpintheevaluation.

• Refereemayhaltthematchatanytimetoensurethesafetyofaparticipantandseekmedicalconsultationiftheathleteshowsanysignsofinjury.

• Onlyeventmedicalstaffshalltreatinjuries.Therefereeshouldstaywithandprotectinjuredathletesuntilrelievedbymedicalstaff.

• Medicalstaffshalldetermineiftheinjuredathleteisabletocontinue.• Medicalevaluationortreatmentdoesnotcounttowardsinjuryorbloodtime.

Section5:Penaltiesrelatedtoconduct

• Exampleincludefailuretofollowrulesofthematchordisrespectfulconduct.• Licensedcoachesarefullyresponsiblefortheconductoftheircorner.• 1stOffense=YellowCardandWarning.• 2ndOffense=Yellowcardwithpointdeduction.• 3rdOffense=Redcardanddisqualification.

Section6:Suspensions

• USFLSuspensionformsshallbeprovidedtoallpromoters,coachesandstaff.• Athletesinjuredintrainingand/orcompetitionmaybeplacedonamedicalsuspensionby

theexaminingmedicalofficial.• Athletesorcoacheswhoflagrantlyviolaterulesofsafetyorsportsmanshipmaybeplaced

onsuspensionbytheUSFLoradvisorycommittee.• InjuredathletesshallbeplacedonautomaticmedicalsuspensioninconcurrencewithUSFL

medicalpolicy(articleXI,Section5).• Therefereesandleadofficialhavetheauthoritytoyelloworredcardalllicensees,both

withinthecompetitionareaandvenueingeneral.Redcardsuspensionscanbeforeitheraparticularboutorentireevent.

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• Petitionstosuspendalicenseforanextendedperiodoftimemustbemadeinwritingandwithin7daysofincident.Areviewboardshallreviewalldocumentationatitsearliestconvivence.

• Licenseesplacedonconductrelatedsuspensionshave10daystoappealtooneoftheUSFLcommittees.

ARTICLEIII:SCORINGOFGRAPPLINGTECHNIQUES

Section1:Takedown(2points)ATakedownoccurswhenagrapplerhasatleast3supportingpointsonthemat.Supportingpointsare:Feet/Foot;Knee(s);hands;forearm(s);head;buttocks;lowerback;upperback/shoulder(s).Thetopgrapplermustsettleinaweightedandcontrolledtoppositionfor3secondstoreceivethetakedownpoint(s).Atakedownthatresultsinacontrolledbackmountpositionisconsideredatakedownevenifthegrapplerisnotontop.Additionaltakedownpointscannotbescoredunlessonegrapplerreestablishestheneutralstandingpositionorifthematchisrestartedintheneutralstandingposition.

Section2:Pushout(1Point)

• Thisruleiswaivedifmatchisconductedinsideacageorring. Section3:AttemptedSubmission(2points)

• Mustbeahighpercentagesubmissionorrecognizedbyofficials,placeopponentindangerand/orshutdownalloffensive/scoringcapabilitiesforaminimumof3seconds.

Section4:GroundControl(2,3or4points)EachGroundControlPositionmaybescoredonlyonceaddinguptoamaximumof9pointsunlessthecontrolledgrapplerreestablishesaneutralpositionwithafullguard,reversalorneutralstandingposition.

• SideControl(2points)• FullMount(3points)• BackMount(4points)

Section5:Re-StartPositions(Bothgrapplersmustbefullyoutsidethemarkedboundariestobeconsideredoutofbounds)

• NeutralPosition• GuardRestartPosition:• MountPositionRestart• SideControlRestartPosition:• BackControlRestartPosition:• AttemptedSubmissionRestart:Matcheswillnotberestartedinasubmissionifthe

grapplersgooutofboundsduetoanaturalprogressionduringanattemptedsubmissionattempt.

• Elevatingopponentfullyabovehipsisconsideredaneffectiveescapeofattemptedsubmissionorguard.Refereeshouldbreaktheholdtopreventanunintentionalslam.

ARTICLEIV:SCORINGOFSTRIKINGTECHNIQUES Section1:Stand-upstrikingtechniques:

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Visiblecontactwithshockordisplacementofthebodymustbeobservedtoawardbodystrikingpoints.Strikesmustbeexecutedingoodformwithtorque,distanceandfollowthrough.2points–BodyKick

1point-Punch,KneeorLegKick0points

• AnystrikenotwitnessedbytheReferee.• Anystrikewhichispartiallyblockedbeforelandingtoatargetarea.• Anybodystrikelackingclearcontactand/ordisplacementtotheopponent’sbody.• Anystrikingtechniqueinwhichthestrikerfallstothemat.• Aclashofstrikeswhenthereisnoclearadvantagetoeithercompetitor.• Unrestrained,sloppyorwildstrikes.

Section2:Groundcontrolstrikingtechniques• Strikermustbeintopposition;“SideMount”,“ReverseSideMount”,“ScarfHold”,

“North/South”,“KneeonBelly”,BackMountorinsideany“Guard”positiontoearngroundstrikingpoints.

1point:ApunchorkneestrikeAmaximumof3scoringstrikescanbeexecutedpergroundposition.Onlytorsostrikesmayscore.

• Eachstrikeisscoredindividuallybutwithamaximumof3strikesallowedtoscore.• Adjustingfromsidecontroltokneeonbellyoroppositesideconstitutesagroundcontrol

adjustmentallowing3“new”strikestobeearnedperpositionaladjustment.• Allstrikeswithintheguardoranyguardvariationareconsideredthesamepositionandare

notconsideredanewadjustmentforscoring.• Allstrikesfromthemountpositionoranyvariationareconsideredthesamepositionand

arenotconsideredanewadjustmentforscoring.• Allstrikesfromtheback-mountpositionoranyvariationareconsideredthesameposition

andarenotconsideredanewadjustmentforscoring.• Standingoveragroundedopponentoranyvariationareconsideredthesamepositionand

arenotconsideredanewadjustmentforscoring.Strikermusthavesomeformofbodyconnectiontogroundedathletetoensurestrikesarecontrolled.

• Excessiveornon-scoringgroundstrikesmaybeconsideredstallingforrestartorpunitivepurposes.

0points(Maybegroundsforastallingcall)

• Excessof3strikestoadownedopponentfromthesamepositionofcontrol.• Strikingwithoutpositionofcontrol.• Punchesfroma“Clinched”ornon-uprightposturewhileontheground.• PunchingorKneestolegalareasofthelegs.• Legskickstoadownedopponentwithcontrolofalimbareallowedonlyasasetupforan

actualscoringtechniqueandscorenopoints.Section3:Stalling(1point)StallingisatechnicalpenaltybutcannotbeusedfordisqualificationoraTechnicalsubmission.Competitorsmustconstantlyattempttoimprovetheirpositionandearnpointsbypositional

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control,strikesandsubmissionattempt.Theburdenofactionisappliedtothecompetitorwhoinitiatedthepositioncausinginactivity.

Someexamplesofpassivity:• Refusingtogroundgrappleafterexecutingatakedown.• Avoidingtakedownby“buttscooting”.• Continuouslybackingupwithoutanyoffensivetechniques.• Holdingamount,sidecontrolorbackcontrolpositionwithoutattemptingtoadvancethe

match(scorepoints).• Holdingaclosedguardwithnoseriousattempttoscorewithsubmissionorreversal

attempts.• Layingorremainingstaticinsidetheguardwithnoseriousattempttopass,submitorscore

strikingpoints.• Executingexcessivenon-scoringstrikesonthegroundwithoutchangeofposition.• Defendingasubmissionorscoringattemptisnotconsideredpassivity.• Ingeneral15secondsofinaction(toincludewarning)isconsideredpassivitybeforethe

pointisawarded.• Refereeswillawardtheopponent1pointforeachoccurrenceofpassivityandrestarttothe

neutralpositionunlessthepassivefighterwasinadisadvantagedcontrolledposition.

ARTICLEV:CHALLENGESection1:Challenges

• Judgmentalcallsbytherefereecannotbeoverturned.• Achallengemustbeduetoamisapplicationofrulessuchasamisidentifiedfoul,missedcall

ofafoulorregulatoryoversightthatdirectlyaffectedtheoutcomeofthematch.• Challengesmustbewithinthespiritoftherulesandcompetitionandnotusedtoexploita

voidintherules.• Alicensedcoachmustbeusedtosubmitachallenge.• Inopenscoringbouts,coachesmaystatetheirchallengeduringaboutbystandingnextto

thescoretableorbythrowingtheprovided“Challengeblock”intothecompetitionarea.TheRefereewillstopthematchduringanappropriatetimetoaddressthechallenge.Coaches,athletesandspectatorsmaynotspeaktorefereesduringthematchorriskpointdeductionsandremovalfromthecompetitionarea.Thisisnotpermittedinclosedscoring.

• ChallengesthatoccuraftertheboutmustbedoneviawrittenpetitiontotheUSFLoradvisoryCommittee.

• AUSFLboardmemberwilldetermineifthechallengeispermittedwithintherulesandacommitteeofofficialswillvoteonthechallenge.Iftheoutcomeofboutischangedtheopposingcoachwillbenotifiedandhaveanopportunitytoappealunderthesameprotocolsasthechallenge.

• VideoreplaysarenottheresponsibilityoftheUSFL.• Unjustified,excessiveorneedlesschallengesmaybepenalizedandeffecttheabilityto

challengeinthefuture.• PetitionforachangeofrulesmustbebroughttotheoneoftheUSFLCommittee.

ARTICLEVI:OPERATIONOFMATCHES

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Section1:Weighin• Weighinwillbeconductedpriortocompetition.• WeighinmustbesupervisedbyaUSFLrefereeorofficial.• Allcompetitorsmusthavesimilarandfairaccesstoweighinregardtotimeand

equipment.• Weighinshouldbeconductedapproximately3hourspriortoeventstarttodiscourage

weightcutting.• CertainTournamentsmayhavedaypriorweighintoaccommodatethedemandsfor

pairing.• Weightcuttinganduseofsaunaisprohibited.• A½poundweightallowancecanbegrantedtocompensateforundergarments.• Incaseswhereoneathleteisslightlyabovetheagreedweightlimit,a2pointperpound

penaltywillbeheldagainsttheoverweightathleteaslongastheweightdifferentialdoesnotexceedthemaximumlimits.Inteamevents,theteamoftheoverweightathletemayalsoreceiveapreagreedpointpenalty.

Section2:HealthandSafetycheck

Allcompetitorswillbeexaminedforcontagiousskinconditions,trimmednailsandopenwoundspriortocompetition.

Section3:RulesBriefingAllcompetitorsand/orcoachesmustattendarulebriefingpriortocompetition.

Section4:AllowablefluidsOnlywatermaybeconsumedduringthebout.Excessiveamountsofwaterbeingdiscardedinthecompetitionareacouldbepenalizedorsubjecttodisqualification.

Section5:Grease,gearandnailcheck

Priortotheboutrefereesorofficialsshallcheckforlongnails,bodygrease,gels,balms,lotions,oilorothersubstancesappliedtothehair,face,orbody.

Section5:Otherprohibiteditems• Hairclips(Softbandsmaybeusedtotiehair)• Jewelryinpiercingsorbodyjewelry• Makeup

Section6:AnkleBands• Oncecalledtothecompetitionarea,competitorswillputontheirdesignatedcolorankle

band.• Bandsmaybewornonarmifshinguardsgetintheway.• Coloredrashguard,T-Shirt,fightshortsandgloves• Tapeonglovesorprotectivegearshouldbeusedinlieuofbandsinshows.

Section7:MethodsofScoring A.OpenViewScoring–Scoreisvisibleasmatchprogress B.ClosedScoring–Scoreisannouncedafterbout

Section8:Restartonfeet

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Theboutmayberestartedinthestandingneutralpositionintheeventofastalemateorwhenbothcompetitorsareonthegroundforanexcessof15secondswithnoadditionaladvantageimminent.Pointsmaybeawardedinconjunctionwiththerulesofpassivity.Centerrefereemaylooktosiderefereesforconformationofstalling.

Section9:TimeKeeping

• Timestartswhentherefereestartsthematchandhaltseachtimethematchisstopped.• Thetimekeeperwillgiveanaudibleandphysicalsignalwhentimeexpires.• Therefereeistheonlyonewhomaycallatimeoutduringabout.• Inmultiroundeventsthetimekeepershallgivea10secondwarningpriortotheendofthe

roundandrestperiod.Section10:DeterminingtheWinneroftheMatch

• Competitorwhocausesopponenttosubmitbytappingorbyverbalannouncement.Note:ANYsoundscomingfromopponentinasubmissionmaybegroundsforcallingamatch.Thisisajudgmentcallbytherefereeandnotsubjecttoappeal.

• Disqualification• Refereestopsboutforsafetyofparticipantoruponproperlyappliedsubmission.• 20Pointadvantageisconsideredatechnicalsuperiorityandcanendthematchatreferee’s

discretion.(20pointsperroundifmultipleperiods)Technicalpenaltypointsdonotcount.• Insingleroundbouts,atwoorlesspointadvantagecanbeconsideredatie(inopenscored

bouts)andsendthematchintoovertime.Followingtheovertimeperiod,thehighestscoringathletewillbedeclaredthewinner.

• Overtime-Theovertimeperiodscorewillbeaddedtotheactualendofregulationscoretodeterminewinnerofthematch.Asuddendeathgrapplingperiodwillfollowifthescorestillremainsatruetie.

Section11:TeamScoring:• Teammatchscoringconsistsof6pointsforaSubmission/Stoppage/Forfeit;5pointsfora

technicalsubmission(20pointadvantage);4pointsforamajordecision(8-19pointadvantage);and3pointsforadecision(1to7pointadvantage)

• Twoformulasmaybeusedtodeterminetopteamsintournamentformats.1. Cumulativeformat.a. Eachindividualwinearnsateampoint.ByesdonotscorebutawinafteraByecountsdouble.

MorepointsareearnedinChampionshiprounds.Submissions=MaxPts.;followedbyTechnicalSubmission(20pointadvantage);MajorDecision(8pointadvantage);andRegularDecision(lessthan3pointadvantage).

2. TopthreePlacers.a. 1stplace=6Pts.;2ndplace=3Pts.;and3rdplace=2Pts

ARTICLEVII:UNIFORMSANDEQUIPMENT

Section1:Attire• CompetitorsmaycompeteinBoardshorts,FightShorts,RashGuard,tightfittingT-Shirt,or

barechest*.Allcompetitorsareencouragedtoweartraditionalrashguardandgrapplingstyleshorts.*Showsrequirerashguardortight-fittingT-shirt.

• Clothingwithgripingmaterialisnotallowed.

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• “Sliders”orpaddingispermittedundershorts.• Allclothingmustbecleanandingoodrepair.Buttons,zippers,metalorsharpobjectsare

notallowedonclothing.ShortsmayhavepocketsaslongasVelcro.• WrestlingshoesareallowedinClassCrulesonly.• ItisSTRONGLYrecommendedthatathleteshaveandusebothredandbluerashguardsor

competitionT-Shirts.

Section2:ProtectiveGear• Allcompetitorsmustcompetewithamouthpiece.Qualitydoublemouthpieceishighly

recommended.Asecondmouthpieceisstronglyrecommendedincaseofaloss.• Malecompetitorsmustwearacup.• Femalecompetitorsmaywearachestguard.• Approvedgloves,shinguardsandheadgear.• USFLshallhavealistingofallapprovedgloves,shinguardsandheadgear.Venders,users

andmanufacturesofgearnotincludedmaysubmitasampletotheUSFLforapproval.• Glovesandothersafetygearwillbeinspectedpriortoenteringthecompetitionarea• Otherprotectivegearsuchaskneepads,elbowpads,forearmguardsareoptionaland

subjecttoapprovalbyofficials.

Section3:Tapingofhands:One form of protective wrapping is required for all athletes. 1. Aprotectivewrapisoptionalandusedtosupportthewristandthumbbutnotcoverthe

knuckles.One-inchSurgeonstapemustbeusedwith4wrapsaroundthewristandtwicearoundthethumb.

2. Commercialbagwrapsmaybeused.Wrapsmaybecutdowntofitsmallerhands.3. IndustryapprovedtapingisrequiredforJunior(16&17yrs)agegroupathletes.

• Useonlysoftsurgicalgauzeandtrainers/surgeonsadhesivetape.Thegauzeshallbenomorethan2incheswideandshallnotexceed20yardsinlength.Thetapeshallbenomorethan11/2inchwideandshallnotexceed10yardsinlength.DuetothesmallsizeofMMAglovesandthesmallsizeofayouth’shands,usegauzeandtapesparingly.Theseparametersaremaximumamounts.Lesscanalwaysbeused.

• Tapemustbeatleast1inchbehindtheknuckleswhenthehandisclenchedinafist.• Theonlythingthatmaygoontheknucklesisapadthatismadefromtheallottedlengthofgauze.Whencreatingthepadbemindfulofthesizeoftheglovesothatthehandcanstillfitwithoutcompromisingcirculation.

• Stripsoftapemaybeplacedbetweenthefingersandmustlaybetweentheknucklesbutnotextendingontotheactualknucklebone.

• Tapemayneverbeplacedovertheknuckles.• Theuseofanywaterorotherliquidonanypartofthehandwrapisprohibited.• Itisprohibitedtostackgauzeandtape.(i.e.,youmaynotlayergauzethentapethengauzethentape,etc.)

• Nothingmaybeplacedunderneaththegauze.*Beawarethatiftheyouthhassmalldevelopinghands,thewrapdoesnothavetogobetweenthefingers.Therestoftheaboverulesapply.Section4:Appearance/hygieneoffighter

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Personalhygiene,lengthofheadhair,lengthoffacialhair,oranyotheraspectsofpersonalappearanceshouldnotpresentahazardtothesafetyofthecontestantortheiropponentorinterferewiththesupervisionorconductoftheevent.

ARTICLEVIII:DIVISIONS

Section1:Divisions

• Agesabove11yearsoldwillbegenderseparate.Oldergirlsmaypetitiontocompeteinmixedgenderdivisions.Showdivisionsshallpromotegenderseparateatallages.

• Thetournamentdirectorreservestherighttomodifydivisionswithintheallowableparameterstoensurecompetition.

Section2:Skilllevels

• Someeventsmayallowbeginner,intermediateandadvanced/opendivisions.• AllCompetitorsmaypetitiontomoveuponeskilllevel,agegrouporoneweightdivision

uponapprovalofUSFLaslongthethemoveiswithinmaximumageandweightclasslimits. Section3:WeightClassesWeightClassesareeitherfixedorformedbytheMadisonsystem.Weightcuttingisnotpermitted.

A.MadisonSystemweightclasses-Weightanddivisionsareformedafterweighinginwiththelightestcompetitorsbracketedwiththemaximumageandweightlimitsandendingwiththeheaviestcompetitors.Thisisthepreferredmethodtoconductlocaltournamentsandreducesthechanceofsolecompetitorsinageandweightgroups.MaximumAllowableWeightSpread:• Under50lbs:5lbsmaxdifferential• 50to90lbs:7lbsmaxdifferential• 90to140lbs:10lbsmaxdifferential• 140to170lbs:15lbsmaxdifferential• 170to220lbs:20lbsmaxdifferential• Weightgroupshaveanallowableagespreadof2years.• Certainwaiverstoincreaseparametersinageorweightmaybeconsidered.More

considerationforolderagegroups.Waiversofweightcannotexceedtheparametersofnexthighercategory.

• Athletesunderage10yrshaveamaximum5lbweightdifferentialregardlessofweight.B.FixedWeightClasses–Usedforshowsandlargersignificanttournaments.

USFLAgeandWeightDivisions:a.Athletesmaypetitiontogoupinagegroupbutarestilllimitedtowithinthetwo-yearagedifferentialunlessawaiverpermitsthe3yearexception.b.AthletesmaypetitiontogoupinweightclassbutlimitedtothemaximumallowableweightdifferentialsasintheMadisonsystem.c.Agegroups–Definedastheageofparticipantonthedayofcompetition.d.WeightGroup–Listedweightdesignatesmaximumweightallowedpercategory

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• Rookieboys&girls-8&9yrs 45lbs,50lbs,55lbs,60lbs,65lbs,70lbs,75lbs….• Noviceboys&girls–10&11yrs

60lbs,65lbs,70lbs,75lbs,80lbs,85lbs,90lbs,95lbs,100lbs…• Schoolboy–12&13yrs

75lbs,80lbs,85lbs,90lbs,100lbs,110lbs,120lbs,130lbs,140lbs,155lbs…• Schoolgirl–12&13yrs 70lbs,75lbs,80lbs,85lbs,90lbs,100lbs,110lbs,120lbs….• Cadetboys–14&15yrs

90lbs,100lbs,110lbs,120lbs,130lbs,140lbs,155lbs,170lbs,185lbs…• Cadetgirls–14&15yrs 90lbs,100lbs,110lbs,120lbs,130lbs,140lbs…• JuniorBoys–16-17yrs

115lbs,125lbs,135lbs,145lbs,155lbs,170lbs,185lbs,205lbs,220lbs&265lbs• Juniorgirls–16-17yrs

105lbs,115lbs,125lbs,135lbs,145lbs,160lbs…A½poundallowanceispermittedtocompensateforundergarments,whichmustbeworn.

***Girlsmustpetitionforawaivertoparticipateinmixedgenderboutsafterage11.***Athletesmaypetitiontogoupinageorweightclassbutmuststillfitwithinthemaximumlimits.Section4:Lengthofbouts

• Tournamentsshallgenerallyconsistofoneroundperbout.Rookie,NoviceandSchoolboy/Girlsagegroupscompeteinone3-minuteperiodwhileCadetandJunioragegroupscompeteinone4minuteperiod.

• Showsshallgenerallyconsistofthree2-minuteperiodswitha1-minuterestperiodbetweenrounds.

• Amaximumof5roundsmaybefoughtinasingledaytournamentorshow.• Athletesmustbeaffordedaminimumof15minutesbetweenbouts.

ARTICLEIX:COMPETITIONAREA

Section1:TypeofCompetitionareas

• WrestlingMat• 5RopeBoxingring• MMAcage

Section2:SpecificationsofCompetitionarea• AUSFLofficialwillphysicallyinspectthesurface,enclosureandsurroundingareatoensure

standardsandspecificationsofsafetyaremet.Allbuildingsandstructuresmustcomplywithlocalandstatehealthandsafetycode.

ARTICLEX:REFEREESANDOFFICIALS

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Section1:ObjectiveToidentifyspecificrequirementsandclassificationsofreferees,andtostandardizeconductandattireofUSFLRefereesduringanUSFL-SanctionedEvent.TheUSFLhasdevelopedadetailedrefereemanualwhichshallgoverntheoperationandconductofallofficials.ArefereerefresherclinicshallbeconductedpriortoeachUSFLsanctionedevent.Personswhohavecertaincriminalconvictionsareprohibitedfromrefereeing.SeeUSFLbackgroundandwaiverpolicy.Section2:AttireAllRefereesshallwearthefollowingattireduringanevent:

• BlackKhakis• Blacksocks• Blacksneakersorshoeswithoutaheel.• Belt• USFLPoloShirt• RedandBlueWristBands• YellowandRedCards• CleanShavenorGroomedappearance

Section3:SkillsandAbilitiesClassificationItisarecommendedpracticethattheUSFLutilizeformallytrainedRefereesforClassAboutsbutalsoprovidearefereetrainingprogressionutilizingClassBandCrulesfornew(Non-ABCapprovedcourse)referees

Section4:Protocols

A.Verbal:Duringthecourseofrefereeingamatch,thereareseveralreasonswhytherefereemustcommunicatewiththefighters,coaches,and/orcrowd.B.Visual:Duringthecourseofamatch,thereareseveralhandsignalsthatmustbegiventodirectcoaches,otherreferees,andaudiencetowardtheguidancebeingprovided.C.Dealingwithfouls:Itisthereferee'sdiscretionastowhethertolabelthefoul"intentional"or"unintentional".

ARTICLEXI:MEDICALSCREENINGSANDSUPPORT

Section1:ObjectiveTheUnitedStatesFightLeagueconsidersthesafetyofitscompetitorsasoftheutmostimportance.Inconcertwithouruniquerulesetandhighlyqualifiedreferees,whichprotectathleteswhiletheycompete,thefollowingmedicalpolicyservestoensurethattheirphysicalconditionisacceptableto

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enablethemtoparticipateinthesportofPankrationandtoprovideahighqualityofcareshouldaninjuryoccurduringanevent.

Section2:RequiredMedicalSupport Requiresaphysicianandapprovedfirstresponderambulance(orasrequiredbylawof jurisdiction)tobepresentduringevent.

Section3:MedicalStaffDuties*Provideproofofcurrentlicensureasanapprovedfirstresponder.*VerifythatallcompetitorsareincompliancewiththeAnnualPhysicalExaminationrequirement.*ConductpreboutmedicalscreeningspriortostartofeventandeitherapproveparticipationofeachathleteoradviseUSFLifmedicallyunfittoparticipate.*Conductpostboutscreeningsaftereachbouttoincludemultibouttournaments.*Carryallequipmentnecessarytoprovideforbasiclifesupportlevelassessmentofinjuredcompetitors,splintingoffracturesandjointinjuries,applicationofcold/icetherapy,dressingofwounds,cervicalspineimmobilizationandcardiopulmonaryresuscitation.*Remainatcompetitionarea(s),easilyaccessibleandreadytorespondthroughouttheentiredurationoftheevent.(Ringside,CageSideorMatside).*Providehighqualitymedicalcaretoinjuredcompetitorsduringtheevent*Determinetheneedforandappropriateleveloffollow-upcaredependingontheseverityofanyparticularinjuryandcommunicatewithparents/guardiansofcompetitorsand/orlocalemergencymedicalservices.*Familiarizethemselveswithlocalemergencymedicalprotocolsandlocationsofnearbyemergencyhospitalsandclosestlevel1traumacenter.*Keeparunningandaccuraterecordofallinjuriesthatoccurduringtheeventandsubmitacompletedpost-eventinjuryreporttoUSFLofficialsattheconclusionoftheevent.Section4:Annual&Pre-EventScreeningLicensedathletesshallberequiredtocompleteanannualsportphysical. Section5:ReportingofInjuriesThoroughandaccuratereportingofinjuriesisofparamountimportanceinordertobothdemonstratethesafetyofthesportandprovidedatausedtokeepitsafeforyouthcompetitorsonacontinuingbasis.Thefollowingreportingprocedurewillensurethesehighstandards:

*Qualifiedmedicalpersonnelwillkeepacontinualrecordofallinjuriesrequiringtreatmentduringthecourseofcompetition

• Attheconclusionoftheevent,beforeleavingthevenue,theywillsubmitacompletedUSFLPost-EventInjuryReportFormtothehighest-rankingUSFLofficialattheevent.Theinformationincludedontheformshallconsistofthefollowing:

• Name,ageandgymaffiliationofcompetitor.• Name,relationshipandphonenumberofparentorguardian.• DescriptionofInjury:Adetaileddescriptionofthecompetitor’scondition.

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• MechanismofInjury:Howtheinjuryhappened,includingspecifictechniqueused,ifpossible.

• CareRenderedbymedicalpersonneltotreatinjury.• Follow-Upcareeitherrecommendedorinitiatedbasedonseverityofinjury.

MedicalOfficialdeterminesmedicalsuspensionperiod.Minimumsuspensionperiodsaslistedbelow.

• Anathletechokedunconsciousshallbeplacedonautomatic30daysmedicalsuspension.• Anathletewhoreceivesaboneorjointinjuryshallbeplacedonautomatic60daymedical

suspension.Mustobtainadoctorsletterofclearancetoresumecompetitionsprior.• Anathletewhoreceivesaconcussionshallbeplacedonautomatic90daymedical

suspension.• Anathletewhoreceivestwoconcussionswithina6monthperiodshallbeplacedonan

automatic6monthmedicalsuspension.• Anathletewhoreceivesthreeconcussionswithina1yearperiodshallbeplacedonan

automatic1yearmedicalsuspension.Mustobtainadoctorsletterofclearancetoresumecompetitionsaftersuspensionexpires.

SpecialAthleticcommissionReportingRequirements:

1. USFLshallmaintainaninjurylogthatshallbemadeavailabletotheCommissionuponrequest.

2. USFLshallreportsignificantinjuries,meaninginjuriesthatrequireorshouldrequireemergencymedicaltreatmentoccurringatamateureventstotheCommission’sExecutiveOfficeror,intheExecutiveOfficer’sabsence,theAssistantExecutiveOfficerwithintwo(2)hoursoftheoccurrence.

ARTICLEXII:PROMOTERS/PROMOTIONOFEVENTS

Section1:Whoarepromoters

• Promoters host Pankration Shows and Tournaments as either “stand alone” events or joined with other authorized MMA, Boxing, Kickboxing or Muay Thai event.

• Promoters must complete required training by the USFL in code of conduct, promoter requirements & responsibilities, and matchmaking.

• A criminal background check is also required, and persons convicted of certain crimes are not permitted to be promoters.

• The USFL does not promote shows but may retain the rites to conduct National Championship/ World Team Trials or tournaments of national or international significance.

• All requests for media coverage must be approved by the USFL. • All advertisements and programs for USFL events must contain the USFL logo.

Section2:BookinganEventPromoters requesting a date for an event will have 10 days to secure a certificate of liability insurance including the USFL as additionally insured. A Head official will be assigned to work with the promoter to ensure all the requirements and regulations are understood in preparing for the event. Promoters contract approved medical personal and pay a per diem fee directly to officials.

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Section3:StaffingResponsibilities1. Security: An adult representative of the host site will be available at all times to provide the following: 2. Assistant for weigh-in. 3. Staging area personnel. 4. Announcer or MC, DJ or Band if used. Section4:MedicalRequirementsRequires promoter secure and directly pay the medical officials and first responders. Section5:InsuranceRequirements• $1,000,000 event liability insurance policy also covering the USFL. • All Athletes must be covered under a minimum of $25,000 secondary medical policy with a maximum

of $500 deductible. The participant can be made responsible for deductable. The USFL provides the required secondary medical coverage to all licensed youth athletes at no charge to the promoter.

Section6:RefereeandInspectorFeesThe promoter shall pay referee and inspectors a per diem fee in advance of the show. Shows may have minimum per diem fee regardless of quantity of matches. • Promoters are expected to accommodate USFL staff and referees if travel in excess of 3 hours is

required. Section7:Media All requests for media coverage must be approved by the USFL. Section8:ServicesProvidedbyUSFL• Use of athlete database • Approval of matchmaking • Recording of results and suspensions • Assignment of officials Section9:LicensingofAthletes• Licensing is open to all athletes regardless of style, school or affiliation. • Athletes must purchase a USFL License • The license will be issued when:

1. The applicant and parent sign the USFL code of conduct. 2. Provide a copy of birth certificate or passport showing proof of age. 3. Completeanannualsportphysical.

• The license will carry a USFL secondary medical insurance valid for all USFL sanctioned events. • Licensed athletes will be entered in the USFL Athlete database under their appropriate age and

weight group and if applicable ranked within their division. Suspended licensees will be prevented from registering and participating in all USFL events while under suspension.

Section10:USFLReportingResponsibilities• Once a promoter secures an event, the USFL will be the responsible party to notify the athletic/

boxing commission of jurisdiction for that sanctioned event. • The USFL will be responsible to report rule violations arising from the promoter or the USFL itself to

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the athletic/ boxing commission of jurisdiction and appear upon request to address questions of the commission.

• The USFL shall maintain documentation of injuries, suspensions, challenges and complaints along with dispositions resolving such challenges and complaints and upon request share with athletic/ boxing commission of jurisdiction.

ARTICLE XIII: ALTERNATIVE RULE SETS

Section 1: C RULES (Exhibition) Class B and C rules contain “less” and no additional techniques than standard Class A rules. Participants may elect to participate in more restrictive bouts which would be considered exhibitions under the USFL. • CLASS C RULES (Exhibition). • In addition to techniques limitations of Class A, all striking techniques are prohibited. • Class C athletes are not required to be licensed under the USFL, however coaches must be USFL

licensed. • The attending doctor must clear the participant of a Class C bout to compete in any subsequent Class

A or B bout on same event date. • Class C bouts will not count towards ranking or record of athlete or team. • Promoters who choose to hold grappling exhibitions outside these rules would be permitted to do so

either before or after regular USFL bouts as to not give the appearance of USFL approval or oversight.

Section 2: CLASS B RULES (Exhibition) • Class B Rules also contain strikes but with additional technique limitations as compared to Class A; as

agreed upon by coaches. • Class A participants (standard USFL Rules) may be permitted to compete in additional periods of

competition under Class B rules if the Class A bout was ended due to a quick submission, however subsequent rounds would preclude further submissions. The result of the Class A bout will stand regardless of the outcome of the Class B bout.

• The total periods of competition for both contests (Class A & B) may not exceed the maximum allowable rounds of Class A. The attending doctor must clear the participant before any additional bouts or rounds.

• Class B rules must permit for 15 seconds of ground grappling or until a grappler obtains an additional scoring position, whichever comes first, as to not take on the appearance of Kickboxing or continuous sparring competitions.

• Class B athletes are subject to same licensing and medical standards as Class A in California and other “regulated jurisdictions”.

• Class B Coaches must be USFL licensed.

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Lastupdate12/19/2019

Personaluseofthismaterial,includingonehardcopyreproduction,ispermitted.Permissiontoreprint,republishand/ordistributethismaterialinwholeorinpartforanyotherpurposesmustbeobtainedfromtheUnitedStatesFightLeague.Forinformationonobtainingpermissione-mail:jon@fightleague.org

AttachmentAUSFLexceptionsarenotedinredfont.

CALIFORNIASTATEATHLETICCOMMISSIONRulesApplicabletoAmateurFullContact

MartialArtsandKickboxing§702.ProfessionalFull-ContactMartialArtsAndKickboxingRulesApply.TheProfessionalFull-ContactMartialArtsandKickboxingRules(Chapter2ofthisdivision.)shallapplytoamateurfull-contactmartialartsandkickboxing,unlessaclubororganizationobtainsawaiveroftheapplicablelawsandrulesunderSection18646ofthecodeorunlesstheyareclearlyinconsistentwiththerulescontainedinthischapter.ApplicableRules§500.Citation.Therulesinthissubchaptershallbecitedandreferredtoasthe"ProfessionalFull-ContactMartialArtsandKickboxingRules."§501.ApplicabilityofRules;Definitions.Therulesinthissubchaptershallapplytoprofessionalfull-contactmartialartsandkickboxingcontestsormatches.Forpurposesofthischapter,theterm"kickboxing"hasthemeaninggiveninSection18627(b)ofthecodeandtheterm"martialarts"meansunarmedfull-contactmartialarts,otherthankickboxing,whichpermittheuseofamixoftechniquesfromdifferentdisciplines,includingbutnotlimitedtotheuseofchokeholds,jointmanipulationandgrapplingtechniques.§502.CertainBoxingRulesNotApplicable.(a)unlessotherwisespecifiedinthischapter,alloftheprofessionalboxingrulesapplytomartialartscontestsormatchesexceptthefollowing:Sections242,298,306,309through313,322,337,338,339,349through351,357,and400through416.(b)Unlessotherwisespecifiedinthischapter,alloftheprofessionalboxingrulesapplytokickboxingcontestsormatchesexceptthefollowing:Sections242,298,306,309through313,322,337,338,339,357,and400through416.

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§503.TournamentorEliminationFormatContests–SelectionofOpponents.Inanytournamentoreliminationformatcontest,thecommissionshalldeterminetheinitialopponentsinthefirstroundofthetournamentbydrawingnamesattheweigh-in.§510.WeightsandClasses.USFL,ArticleVIIIsections3.(Additionalweightsforyoungeragegroups)MALES• Flyweight..................................................................through125lbs.• Bantamweight..........................................................125.1–135lbs.• Featherweight..........................................................135.1–145lbs.• Lightweight...............................................................145.1–155lbs.• Welterweight............................................................155.1–170lbs.• Middleweight............................................................170.1–185lbs.• LightHeavyweight....................................................185.1–205lbs.• Heavyweight.............................................................205.1–265lbs.• SuperHeavyweight....................................................265.1lbs.andoverFEMALES• Lightweight...............................................................through125lbs.• Middleweight............................................................125.1–135lbs.• Light-Heavyweight....................................................135.1–150lbs.• Heavyweight.............................................................150.1–175lbs.• SuperHeavyweight.....................................................175.1lbs.andover§512.Rounds;Number;Length;RestPeriod.(a)Non-titlekickboxingboutsshallnotexceed10rounds,eachroundnottoexceed3minutes,witharestperiodofnotlessthanoneminutenormorethan2minutes,asspecifiedbythesanctioningbody.Exceptwiththeapprovalofthecommission,pursuanttoSection18748ofthecode,titleboutsshallnotexceedthemaximumlengthornumberofroundsspecifiedinthissubsectionandinnoeventshalltherestperiodbetweenroundsbelessthanoneminute.(b)Non-titlemartialartsboutsotherthankickboxingshallnotexceed5rounds,eachroundnottoexceed5minutes,witharestperiodofnotlessthanoneminutenormorethan2minutes,asspecifiedbythesanctioningbody.Exceptwiththeapprovalofthecommission,pursuanttoSection18748ofthecode,titleboutsshallnotexceedthemaximumlengthornumberofroundsspecifiedinthissubsectionandinnoeventshalltherestperiodbetweenroundsbelessthanoneminute.§513.Fighter'sEquipment.(a)Theringcostumeforeachfighteronaprogramshallbeapprovedbythecommissionandshallincludetwopairsoftrunksandacustom-madeindividuallyfittedmouthpiece.Commissionstaffshallnotapproveringcostumesthataresosimilarastopossiblycauseconfusionastotheidentityofthecontenders.(b)Afighterwhoisparticipatinginakickboxingcontestmay,athisorheroption,usepaddedfootgearand/orshinprotectors.Shoesmaynotbeworneitherinmartialartscontestsorinkickboxingcontests.(c)Inadditiontotheitemsdescribedinsubsection(a),thecostumeforeachmalefightershallincludeafoul-proofgroinprotector.(d)Inadditiontotheitemsdescribedinsubsection(a),thecostumeforeachfemalefightershallincludeabodyshirt.§514.Gloves..(a)Fightersinkickboxingcontestsinallweightsuptoandincludingheavyweightclassshallwearnolessthaneight-ouncegloves.Inheavierclasses,fightersshallwearnolessthanten-ouncegloves.Whentwocontestantsdifferinweightclasses,thecontestantsshallweartheglovesrequiredforthehigherweightclassification.(b)Afighterinmartialartscontestshallwearglovesthathavenopaddinginthepalmorfingertipareandthatareappropriateinweightforthefighter'shandsize.(c)Allglovesmustbeapprovedbythecommission.(d)Noglovesshallberequiredforthosemartialartsdisciplinesthatprohibitstrikingorpunching.§515.TimeBetweenBouts.USFLSectionVIIIsection4(Tournamentsconsistingof3minute/1roundboutshavea15minrestperiodwithathletesreceivingamedalscreeningaftereachboutandpriortothenext.)Unlesswrittenapprovalisobtainedfromthecommission,afighterwhohascompetedinaboutortournamentformateventanywhereintheworldshallnotbeallowedtocompeteinthisstateuntilsevendayshaveelapsedfromthedateofthatboutorevent.Thislimitationshallnotbeconstruedtoprohibitafighterfromcompetinginatournamentformateventthatrequiresthefightertorestaminimumof30minutesbetweenbouts.Inatournamentformatevent,afightershallbeexaminedbyaphysicianbeforeeachbout.§516.MethodofScoringwhenthereisanInjuryNotResultingfromaFoul.

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Iftherefereedeterminesthattheinjuredfighterwasresponsibleforhisowninjury,therefereewillnotpenalizehisopponentinanymanner.Inthiscase,iftherefereeorringphysiciandeterminesthattheinjuredfighterisunabletocontinue,hewillloseby"technicalknockout".Iftherefereedeterminesthatnofaultwasattributabletoeitherfighter,therefereeshallallowtheinjuredfighter5minutestorecover.If,attheendoftherecoveryperiod,therefereeortheringsidephysiciandeterminesthattheinjuredfightercannotcontinue,theboutwillbedecidedonthescorecardsifamajorityoftheroundshavebeencompleted(includingtheroundinwhichtheinjuryoccurred)or,ifamajorityoftheroundshavenotbeencompleted,theboutwillbecalledatechnicaldraw.§517.IntentionalFouling.(a)Inthecaseofanintentionalfoul,therefereemayinterrupttheboutforthepurposeofallowingtheinjuredfightertimetorecover.Amaximumoffive(5)minutesofrecoverytimewillbepermitted.(b)Iftheinjuredfighteristhereafterunabletocontinue,theoffendingfightershallbedisqualified,hisorherpursemaybewithheld,andheorshemaybesubjecttosuspension.Dispositionofthepurseandthepenaltytobeimposeduponthefightershallbedeterminedbyactionofthecommissionorthecommission'srepresentative.§518.UnintentionalFouling.USFLArticleIIsection3.(Allfoulsareaccountableevenifunintentional)(a)Whenaboutisinterruptedduetoaninjurycausedbyanunintentionalfoul,thereferee,inconsultationwiththeringsidephysician,shalldeterminewhetherthefighterwhohasbeenfouledcancontinueornot.Iftherefereesees,orifafterconsultationwiththejudges,determinesthatafighterisunintentionallyfouledandifthefighter'schanceofwinninghasnotbeenseriouslyjeopardizedasaresultofafoul,therefereemayordertheboutcontinuedafterareasonableinterval,nottoexceed5minutes.(b)Iftherefereeand/ortheringsidephysiciandeterminesthattheboutmaynotcontinuebecauseofaninjurysufferedastheresultofanunintentionalfoulorbecauseofaninjuryinflictedbyanunintentionalfoulwhichlaterbecomesaggravatedbyfairblows,theboutshallbedeclaredadraw,ifaccordingtothescorecards,theboutwasdeterminedtobeadrawatthetimethefouloccurred.If,accordingtothescorecards,thefightercommittingthefoulwaswinningpriortothefoul,theboutshallbedeclaredatechnicaldraw.If,accordingtothescorecards,thefighterbeingfouledwaswinningpriortothefoul,thenthatfightershallbedeclaredthewinner.(c)Whenanunintentionalfoulcausesthebouttobeinterruptedforthepurposeofallowingtheinjuredfightertimetorecover,therefereeshallpenalizethefighterguiltyofthefouloneormorepoints.§519.SuspectedFouls.Ifaninjuryoccursduetoasuspectedfoulthattherefereewasunabletosee,therefereemay,inhissolediscretion,conferwiththejudgestodeterminewherethefoulmaybeplaced.Hemayconsiderany,allornoneoftheopinionsexpressedinmakinghisdetermination.Therefereemay,inhissolediscretion,askforareplay,iftelevisionequipmentisavailable,ofthetechniqueinquestionbeforerenderinghisdecision.§520.MethodofJudgingUSFLArticleIII&IV(Pankrationscoringsystemtoencouragetechniqueoverpunishment)Refereesandjudgesshallscoreallcontestsanddeterminethewinnerthroughtheuseoftheten-pointmustsystem.Inthissystem,thewinnerofeachroundreceivestenpointsandtheopponentaproportionatelylessnumber.Iftheroundiseven,eachfighterreceivestenpoints.Nofractionofpointsmaybegiven.Attheterminationofthecontestortheterminationofeachround,asdeterminedbythecommission'srepresentativepresentattheevent,thecardsofthejudgesshallbepickedupbytherefereeanddeliveredtothecommissionrepresentativeassignedtocheckthetotals.Themajorityopinionshallbeconclusiveandifthereisnomajoritythenthedecisionshallbeadraw.Whenthecommissionrepresentativehascompletedverifyingthescore,theringannouncershallbeinformedofthedecisionandshallannouncethedecision.§522.Fouls.(a)Foulsinkickboxingandmartialarts.Thefollowingtacticsarefoulsinbothkickboxingandmartialartsandareforbidden.Useofthesetacticsshallresultinawarningandlossofpointsasdeterminedbythereferee.(1)Headbutts.(2)Strikingdownwardusingpointoftheelbow.(3)Openhandattackstotheeyesorthroatoreyegouging.(4)Strikingatthatpartofthebodyoverthekidneyorspineorchoppingorstrikingthebackoftheneckorhead.(5)Spitting,or,inthereferee'sdiscretion,slapping.(6)Theuseofabusivelanguageinthering.(7)Anyunsportsmanliketrickoractionthatcausesanyinjurytoanopponentorreferee.(8)Attackingonthebreak.(9)Attackingafterthebellorgonghassoundedendingtheround,orwhentheopponentisoutofthering.(10)Intentionallypushing,shovingorwrestlinganopponentoutoftheringwithanypartofthebody.(11)Linearkickstothefrontorsideoftheknees.(12)Continuousdroppingofmouthpiece.(13)Intentionalevasionofcontact.(14)Hairpulling.(15)Attackingorobstructingthetrachea.

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(16)Clawing,pinchingortwistingthefleshorgrabbingtheclavicle.(17)Pullingorholdinguniformbelowhipline.(18)Holdingropesorfence.(19)Smalljointmanipulation(e.g.twistingoffingersortoes).(20)Groinattacks.(21)Fishhooks.(22)Biting.(b)Foulsinkickboxing.Thefollowingtacticsarefoulsinkickboxingandareforbidden.Useofthesetacticsshallresultinawarningandlossofpointsasdeterminedbythereferee.(1)Armbars.(2)Grabbingorholdingontoanopponent'slegorfoot,andgrabbingorholdingontoanyotherpartofthebody.(3)Punchingorkickingacontestantwhenheorsheisdown.Acontestantisdownwhenanypartofhisorherbody,otherthanhisorherfeet,touchthefloor.Hisorheropponentmaycontinuetoattackuntilthecontestanthastouchedthefloorwithanypartofthebodyotherthanthefeet.(4)LegChecking.(Extendingthelegtocheckanopponent'slegortopreventhimfromkicking.).(5)Purposelygoingdownwithoutbeinghit.(6)Anyuseofthrowsoranytakedowns.(7)Holdingandhitting.(8)Hittingorslappingwithanopenglove.(9)Palmheelstrikestothefrontoftheface(usingtheheelofthepalmofthehandtodeliverablowtotheface).(c)Foulsinmartialarts(non-kickboxing).Inanymartialartscontestotherthankickboxing,thefollowingtacticsarefoulsandareforbidden.Useofthesetacticsshallresultinawarningandlossofpointsasdeterminedbythereferee.(1)Kickingtheheadofacontestantwhenheorsheisdown.(2)Spiking(purposelydrivinganopponentstraighttotheringflooronhisheadorneckfromanuprightandverticalposition).(3)Usingkneestotheheadofanopponentwhoisnotstanding.(4)Puttingafingerintoanyorificeorintoanycutorlacerationofanopponent.(5)Stompinganopponentwhentheopponentisdown.(d)Inadditiontoorinlieuoflosingpoints,anycontestantguiltyofanyofthefoultacticslistedinthissectionthatareapplicabletothecontestant'ssportmaybedisqualified,hisorherpursemaybewithheldfrompayment,andthecontestantmaybesuspended.Dispositionofthepurseandthepenaltytobeimposeduponthecontestantshallbedeterminedbyactionofthecommission.§523.Ring.ArticleIX.(AlsoincludesaWrestlingmat)(a)Forkickboxingcontests,theringorfightingareashalleithermeettherequirementsofRules310through312,inclusive,orshallmeettherequirementsofthissection;exceptthatsubsection(d)(1)permittingacontesttobeheldinaringenclosedbyafenceshallnotapplytokickboxingcontestsandthecommissionshallnotpermitakickboxingcontesttobeheldinaringenclosedbyafence.Forallothertypesofmartialartsbouts,theringorfightingareashalleithermeettherequirementssetforthbelowinthissectionorshallbeheldinaringthatmeetstherequirementssetforthinRules310through312,inclusive.(b)Theringorfightingareashallbenosmallerthan20'by20'andnolargerthan32'by32'.Aringenclosedbyropesshallbesquare.Theringfloororfloorofthefightingareaenclosedbyropesshallextendatleast20inchesbeyondtheropes.Theringfloororfloorofthefightingareashallbepaddedinamannerapprovedbythecommission,consistentwiththerequirementsofsection18724ofthecode.Paddingshallextendbeyondtheringorfightingareaandovertheedgeoftheplatform.Theringorfightingareashallhaveacanvascoveringorsimilarmaterial,tightlystretchedandlacedtotheringplatform.Vinylorotherplasticrubberizedcoveringwillnotbepermitted.Thereshallnotbeanyobstructionorobject,includingbutnotlimitedtoatriangularborder,onanypartoftheringfloor.(c)Theringplatformshallnotbemorethanfourfeetabovethefloorofthebuilding.Aringenclosedbyropesshallhavethreesetsofsuitablestepsorramps,oneforusebyeachofthefightersandoneforusebytheofficials.Aringenclosedbyafenceshallhavetwosetsofsuitablestepsorrampsforusebythefightersandtheofficials.Ringsidetablesshallbenohigherthanringplatformlevel.Ringpostsforaringenclosedbyropesshallbeofmetal,notlessthan3"normorethan6"indiameter,extendingfromthefloorofthebuildingtoamaximumheightof6"abovethehighesthorizontalropeabovetheringfloor.Ringpostsforaringenclosedbyropesshallbeseparatedfromtheringropesbyatleast18inches.Thepostsforaringenclosedbyafenceshallextendfromthefloortothetopofthefightingareaandshallbenolessthan66"andnomorethan78"abovethefloorofthefightingarea.Allpostsshallbeproperlypaddedinamannerapprovedbythecommission.(d)Theringshallbeenclosedbyeitherofthefollowing:(1)Afencemadeofsuchmaterialaswillnotallowafightertofalloutorbreakthroughitontothefloororspectators,includingbutnotlimitedtovinyl-coatedchainlink.However,theenclosureshallnotobstructorlimitthesupervisionandregulationoftheboutbytheofficialsorcommissionrepresentatives.Allmetalpartsshallbecoveredandpaddedinamannerapprovedbythecommissionandshallnotbeabrasivetothefighters.(2)Fivehorizontalropesnotlessthan1inchindiameterandwrappedinsoftmaterial.Thelowestropetobenotlessthan5inchesnormorethan8inchesabovethefloor.Thesecondropetobenotlessthan8inchesnormorethan12inchesabovethelowestrope.Thetopthreeropestobespacedequaldistanceapartandnotlessthan12inchesnormorethan14inchesfromeachother.Thelowestropeshallhaveappliedarounditapaddingofathicknessofnotlessthan1/2inch.Thehorizontalropesshallbetiedtogetherbyverticalropesnot

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lessthan1/4inchindiameter.Ifaringislessthan24'by24',thereshallbetwo(2)verticalropes,spacedequaldistanceapart,oneachsideofthering.Ifaringis24'by24'orgreater,thereshallbethree(3)verticalropes,spacedequaldistanceapart,oneachsideofthering.Thelowestportionofeachverticalrope,betweenthelowesthorizontalropeandsecondrope,shallhaveappliedaroundthemapaddingofathicknessofnotlessthan1/4inch.§524.Sanitation.Thepromoteroftheeventisresponsibleforensuringthatacceptablesanitarystandardsaremetwithrespecttodressingrooms,waterbottles,towelsorotherequipment.Physiciansandcommissionrepresentativesshallspecificallycheckateveryeventforviolationsoftheserules.Theringshallbeswept,dry-mopped,orotherwiseadequatelycleanedbeforetheeventandpriortoeachfight.§530.CommunicationofCountingForKnockdowns--Kickboxing.Assoonasafighterinakickboxingcontesthasbeenknockeddown,theofficialtimekeepershallbegincallingthecount(from1to10)whiletherefereedirectstheopponenttoaneutralcorner.Aftertherefereehasdirectedtheopponenttoaneutralcorner,heshallreturntothefallenfighterandshallcountoverhim,pickingupthecountfromthetimekeeper.§531.StandingEight-Count--Kickboxing.Therefereemay,athisdiscretion,administeraneight-counttoacontestantinakickboxingcontestwhoisintroublebutwhoisstillstanding.Heshalldirecttheopponenttoaneutralcorner,thenbegincountingfrom1to8,examiningthecontestantintroubleashecounts.If,aftercompletingthestandingeight-count,therefereedeterminesthatthecontestantisnotabletocontinue,heshallstopthecontestanddeclaretheopponentthewinnerbytechnicalknockout.§533.ChampionshipMatchesandExhibitions.(a)Recognizingthatdifferentformsofmartialartsexist,notwithstandinganyruleinthisdivisiontothecontrary,thecommissionmay,initsdiscretion,authorizealternaterulesorprovisionsfromtimetotimeforfullcontactmartialartsexhibitionssolongasthesafetyandwelfareofthecontestantsandthepublicarenotjeopardized.§541.Promoter'sLicense.USFLArticleXIISection1.(USFLdoesnotcollectpercentageofticketsales.)Inordertobeissuedapromoter'slicense,anapplicantshallmeetallthefollowingrequirements:(a)Theapplicant,oratleastoneprincipaloftheapplicantiftheapplicantisacorporationorpartnership,shallmeettherequirementsforlicensureasamatchmaker,orinthealternativesubmitevidencethatthepromoteremploysalicensedmatchmaker.(b)Provideevidencethatthepromoterwillhavecompletecontroloverthesaleoftickets,collectionoftickets,countingoftickets,andpreparationofrevenuereports,andsupervisionovertheboxofficeemployees,tickettakersandushersandsecurityforeacheventpromoted.Inthealternativeapromotermaysubmitforreviewbythecommissionanagreementbetweenthepromoterandthefacilityinwhicheventswillbeconductedrelatingtothesaleandaccountingofticketsandrevenues,preparationofrequiredreports,thesupervisionofboxofficeemployees,tickettakersandushers,andsecurityofeachevent.(c)ProvideevidencethatthefacilityorfacilitiesinwhicheventswillbeheldmeetstateandlocalfireandsafetyrequirementsandhavedressingroomsandfacilitieswhichmeettherequirementsofRules292,293and294.(d)PassawrittenexaminationadministeredbythecommissiononthefundamentalsofmartialartsandkickboxingandCalifornialawandregulationsrelatingtomartialartsandkickboxing.§542.Matchmaker'sLicense.Inordertobelicensedasamatchmaker,anapplicantshallpassawrittenexaminationadministeredbythecommissiononCalifornialawandregulationsrelatingtomartialartsandkickboxing,andshallhavebeeninvolvedinmatchmakinginatleastfive(5)amateurevents.Theexaminationmaybewaivediftheapplicantpossessesacurrentandvalidlicenseasamatchmakerinanotherstateorcountryandhasnotbeensubjecttoanydisciplinaryaction.§543.Referee'sLicense.USFLArticleXSection3(AllowsforaUSFLPankrationrefereecoursewithpriorofficiatingingrapplingorwrestlingrequired)Inordertobelicensedasareferee,anapplicantshallmeetallthefollowingrequirements:(a)Havetwoyearsofdocumentedexperiencerefereeingmartialartsorkickboxingmatcheswithaminimumof100matcheswithaminimumof100matchesrefereed.Itisnotnecessarythatthisexperiencebeobtainedbyrefereeingprofessionalcontests.(b)Befoundafterexaminationbyalicensedphysiciantobephysicallyandmentallyfittorefereeamartialartscontestandtohaveuncorrectedvisualacuityofatleast20/100inbotheyes.WeightshallbeproportionatetoheightinaccordancewiththestandardsoftheAmericanMedicalAssociationineffectatthetimeoftheeffectivedateofthisregulation.(c)Beingoodphysicalconditionwiththespeedandreflexesintheringnecessaryfortheprotectionofthefighters.(d)Passawrittenexaminationadministeredbythecommissiononthefundamentalsofmartialartsandkickboxing,refereeingandjudgingmartialartsmatchesandcontests,andCalifornialawandregulationsrelatingtomartialartsandkickboxing.(e)Performademonstrationofcompetencybyperformingasarefereeinamartialartsmatchbeforearepresentativeofthecommissionandtwolicensedreferees.Theapplicantshalldemonstrateknowledgeofrefereeingtechniquesandtheabilitytomanageandcontrolamartialartsmatch.

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(f)Performademonstrationofcompetenceinjudgingbyjudgingatleast50martialartsorkickboxingcontestsasverifiedbyarepresentativeofthecommission.(g)TheserequirementsmaybewaivedforanyapplicantwhoislicensedorapprovedasarefereebytheProfessionalKickboxingAssociationortheWorldKickboxingAssociation.(h)Inordertorenewareferee'slicense,arefereeshallcomplywithsubsections(b)and(c)inadditiontoanyotherrequirementsforrenewalsetforthinthelawortheseregulations.§544.Manager'sApplication.Allcoacheswillbelicensedaftercompletingwrittenexamandbackgroundcheck.Mangersandsecondsareconsideredcoaches.Inordertobeissuedamanager'slicense,anapplicantshallpassawrittenexaminationadministeredbythecommissiononthefundamentalsofmartialartsandkickboxingandCalifornialawandregulationsrelatingtomartialartsandkickboxing.Theexaminationmaybewaivediftheapplicantpossessesacurrentandvalidlicenseasamartialartsandkickboxingmanagerinanotherstateorcountryandhasnotbeensubjecttoanydisciplinaryaction.§545.Second'sLicense.Inordertobeissuedasecond'slicense,anapplicantshallmeetallthefollowingrequirements:(a)PassawrittenexaminationadministeredbythecommissiononthefundamentalsofmartialartsandkickboxingandCalifornialawsandregulationsrelatingtomartialartsandkickboxing.(b)Performademonstrationofcompetencybydemonstratingthedutiesofasecondbeforearepresentativeofthecommission.(c)Theexaminationanddemonstrationofcompetencymaybewaivediftheapplicantpossessesacurrentandvalidlicenseasamartialartsandkickboxingsecondinanotherstateorcountryandhasnotbeensubjecttoanydisciplinaryaction.§546.ProfessionalMartialArtsFighter'sLicense-HIV/HBVTesting.(Exceptionforyouthamateurathletes)(a)AsusedinSection18712(a)ofthecode:(1)Thephrase"within30dayspriortothedateofapplication"meansthatthebloodtestwillbeacceptedforlicensurepurposesfor30daysfromthedateofthetestreport.(2)Thephrase"documentaryevidencesatisfactorytothecommission"meanstheoriginaloracopyofthetestreportonletterheadofthelaboratory,accompaniedbytheapplicant'sdeclarationunderpenaltyofperjurythatthereportrepresentstheapplicant'sHIV/HBVtestresults.(b)ThetestsdescribedinSection18712ofthecodeshallbereferredtocollectivelyasthe"HIV/HBVtests."§705.ClassesofAmateurContestants.(a)NoviceClass.Anycontestantwhohasparticipatedinthreeorlessfull-contactmartialartsorkickboxingcontestsapprovedbythecommissionmaybeintheNoviceClass.(b)OpenClass.AnycontestantwhohasparticipatedinmorethanthreefullcontactmartialartsorkickboxingcontestsapprovedbythecommissionshallbeintheOpenClass.§710.Contestants'Equipment.USFLArticleVIISection2(ApprovedUSFLyouthgear)InadditiontothatequipmentrequiredinSection513oftheseregulations,everycontestantshallwearallofthefollowingduringacontestormatch:(a)Atleastten(10)ouncegloves;(b)IfthecontestantisintheNoviceclass,headgearthatisapprovedbytheAmateurBoxingFederationoranequivalentorganization.(c)Paddedshinguardsthatextendfromtheankleorinsteptothetopoftheshin,andasafetybootthatcoversthetoes.MMAstyleshinguardsareusedwhichcovershinandinstep.§711.Headgear;Under18. USFLArticleVIISection2(ApprovedUSFLyouthgear)InadditiontothatequipmentrequiredinSection513and710oftheseregulations,everycontestantintheOpenClasswhoisunder18yearsofagemaywearaheadgearthatisapprovedbytheAmateurBoxingFederationoranequivalentorganizationduringacontestormatch.§720.NumberofRounds.(a)ThemaximumnumberofroundsallowedforanycontestantintheNoviceClassshallnotexceedthreetwo-minuteroundswithaone-minuterestperiodbetweenrounds.(b)ThemaximumnumberofroundsallowedforanycontestantintheOpenClassshallnotexceedfivetwo-minuteroundswithaone-minuterestperiodbetweenrounds.§723.Kicks;NoviceClass.BetweencontestantsintheNoviceClass,theonlykicksallowedaretotheoutsideofthelegsorbootandkickstotheupperbody.Allotherkicksshallbeconsideredafoul.

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