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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

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ARTICLEI:DEFINITIONS

TheUnitedStatesFightLeagueisdedicatedtofosteringSafeandaffordablelocal,nationalandinternationalcompetitionopportunitiesforPankration.TheUSFLshallbegovernedbyaexecutiveboardandutilizetechnicaladviseandrecommendationsbyfourindependentcommittees.TheUSFLshallreporttoandadheretoguidelinesassetbytheathleticorboxingcommissionofjurisdiction.Theexecutiveboardshallholdanannualmeetingforimplementationofrulebookmodificationsasrecommendedbythefourcommitteesorathletic/boxingcommissionandreportanymodificationstotheathleticorboxingcommissionofjurisdiction.

I. PromoterscommitteeII. MedicaladvisorycommitteeIII. Referee/OfficialscommitteeIV. Parentaladvisorycommittee

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.• Strikesmustbefocusedanddeliveredinacontrolledmannerensuringproperplacement.• Matchesarewonbyscoreorbyproperlyappliedsubmissiontechnique.

ARTICLEII:ILLEGALTECHNIQUESANDFOULSSection1:FoulsforalllevelsofPankration

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A. StrikingRelatedFouls1.Strikestotheface,head,backandspine.

2.Anystriketothekneejoint;front,rearorside.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.

9.AllTwistinglegsubmissions.

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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.17.Flagrantdisregardofthereferee’sinstructions.

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18.Timidity.

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

Section2:CommonnamesofIllegaltechniquesinPankration*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

AGEMATRIXCONTAININGADDITIONALILLEGALTECHNIQUES

Age Group Length of round Added legal techniques based on age

Junior: ages 16 to 17 2 or 4 minute period Knee Strikes & 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, & D’arce Choke 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.• 3rdaccidentalviolationwilldisqualify.

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• Thematchwillberestartedintheneutralpositionifthefoulwascommittedonthegroundunlessthefouledathletewasinanadvantageousposition.

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

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

willbedeclaredthevictor.• Iftheboutendinginjurywascausedbynofaultofeitherfighter,theuninjuredathletewill

bedeclaredthewinner.A“Nofault”injuryisdefinedasaninjurythatdoesnotinvolvethecontestitselforaninjurywherebothathletesareequallyatfault.

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.• Athletesorcoacheswhoflagrantlyviolaterulesofsafetyorsportsmanshipmaybeplaceon

suspensionbytheUSFLpromoter,refereeorparentaladvisorycommittee.• Athletesplacedonconductrelatedsuspensionshave10daystoappealtooneoftheUSFL

committees.• InjuredathletesshallbeplacedonautomaticmedicalsuspensioninconcurrencewithUSFL

medicalpolicy(articleXI,Section5). ARTICLEIII:SCORINGOFGRAPPLINGTECHNIQUES

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Section1:Takedown(2points)ATakedownoccurswhenagrapplerhasatleast3supportingpointsonthemat.Supportingpointsare:Feet/Foot;Knee(s);hands;forearm(s);head;buttocks;lowerback;upperback/shoulder(s).Thetopgrapplermustsettleinaweightedandcontrolledtoppositionfor3secondstoreceivethetakedownpoint(s).Atakedownthatresultsinacontrolledbackmountpositionisconsideredatakedownevenifthegrapplerisnotontop.Additionaltakedownpointscannotbescoredunlessonegrapplerreestablishestheneutralstandingpositionfor3secondsorifthematchisrestartedintheneutralstandingposition.

Section2:Pushout(1Point)

• Thisruleiswaivedifmatchisconductedinsideacageorring. Section3:AttemptedSubmission(2points)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:Visiblecontactwithshockordisplacementofthebodymustbeobservedtoawardbodystrikingpoints.Strikesmustbeexecutedingoodformwithtorque,distanceandfollowthrough.2points–BodyKickorCombinationofpunches

1point-Punch,KneeorLegKick0points

• AnystrikenotwitnessedbytheReferee.• Anystrikewhichispartiallyblockedbeforelandingtoatargetarea.• Anybodystrikelackingclearcontactand/ordisplacementtotheopponent’sbody.

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• Anystrikingtechniqueinwhichthestrikerfallstothemat.• Aclashofstrikeswhenthereisnoclearadvantagetoeithercompetitor.• Strikesinexcessof3fromaclinchedposition.(Maybegroundsforastallingcall)

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

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

1point:ApunchorkneestrikeAmaximumof3strikingpointsmaybeearnedwithinanyGuardpositionorcombinationofGuardpositions. 0points(Maybegroundsforastallingcall)

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

actualscoringtechniqueandscorenopoints.Section3:Stalling(1point)StallingisatechnicalpenaltybutcannotbeusedfordisqualificationoraTechnicalsubmission.Competitorsmustconstantlyattempttoimprovetheirpositionandearnpointsbypositionalcontrol,strikesandsubmissionattempt.Theburdenofactionisappliedtothecompetitorwhoinitiatedthepositioncausinginactivity.

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

match(scorepoints).• Holdingaclosedguardwithnoseriousattempttoscorewithsubmissionorreversal

attempts.• Layingorremainingstaticinsidetheguardwithnoseriousattempttopass,submitorscore

strikingpoints.• Executingexcessivenon-scoringstrikesonthegroundwithoutchangeofposition.• Executingexcessivenon-scoringstrikesinastandupclinch.• Defendingasubmissionorscoringattemptisnotconsideredpassivity.• Ingeneral15secondsofinaction(afterawarning)isconsideredpassivitybeforethepoint

isawarded.• Refereeswillawardtheopponent1pointforeachoccurrenceofpassivityandrestarttothe

neutralpositionunlessthepassivefighterwasinadisadvantagedcontrolledposition.

ARTICLEV:CHALLENGE

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Section1:Challenges• Judgmentalcallsbytherefereecannotbeoverturned.Coachesmaychallengetechnical

errorssuchasregulatoryviolationsormisidentifiedfoulsandmisidentifiedpoints.• Inopenscoringbouts,coachesmaystatetheirchallengeduringaboutbystandingnextto

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

• ChallengesthatoccuraftertheboutmustbedoneviawrittenpetitiontotheUSFLReferee,PromoterorParentaladvisoryCommittee.Thischallengemustbeduetoamisidentifiedfoul,missedcallofafoulorregulatoryoversightthatdirectlyaffectedtheoutcomeofthematch.Alicensedcoachmustbeusedtochallengetheoutcomeofaboutortechnicalerrorinit’sofficiating.

• AUSFLboardmemberwilldetermineifthechallengeispermittedwithintherulesandacommitteeofofficialswillvoteonthechallenge.Iftheoutcomeofboutischangedtheopposingcoachwillbenotifiedandhaveanopportunitytoappealunderthesameprotocolsasthechallenge.

• VideoreplaysarenottheresponsibilityoftheUSFL.• Unjustified,excessiveorneedlesschallengesmaybepenalizedandeffecttheabilityto

challengeinthefuture.• PetitionforachangeofrulesmustbebroughttotheCoaches,ParentsorPromoters

Committee.

ARTICLEVI:OPERATIONOFMATCHES

Section1:Weighin• Weighinwillbeconductedpriortocompetition.• WeighinmustbesupervisedbyaUSFLrefereeorofficial.• Allcompetitorsmusthavesimilarandfairaccesstoweighinregardstotimeand

equipment.• Weighinshouldbeconductedapproximately3hourspriortoeventstarttodiscourage

weightcutting.• CertainTournamentsmayhavedaypriorweighintoaccommodatethedemandsfor

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

penaltywillbeheldagainsttheoverweightathleteaslongastheweightdifferentialdoesnotexceedthemaximumlimits.Inteamevents,theteamoftheoverweightathletemayalsoreceiveapreagreedpointpenalty.

Section2:HealthandSafetycheck

Allcompetitorswillbeexaminedforcontagiousskinconditions,trimmednailsandopenwoundspriortocompetition.

Section3:RulesBriefingAllcompetitorsand/orcoachesmustattendarulesbriefingpriortocompetition.

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Section4:AllowablefluidsOnlywatermaybeconsumedduringthebout.Excessiveamountsofwaterbeingdiscardedinthecompetitionareacouldbepenalizedorsubjecttodisqualification.

Section5:Greasecheck

Priortotheboutrefereesorofficialsshallcheckforbodygrease,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

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.

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• 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.*ShowsrequirerashguardortightfittingT-shirt.

• Clothingwithgripingmaterialisnotallowed.• “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.

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1. Aprotectivewrapisoptionalandusedtosupportthewristandthumbbutnotcovertheknuckles.OneinchSurgeonstapemustbeusedwith4wrapsaroundthewristandtwicearoundthethumb.

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/hygieneoffighterPersonalhygiene,lengthofheadhair,lengthoffacialhair,oranyotheraspectsofpersonalappearanceshouldnotpresentahazardtothesafetyofthecontestantortheiropponent,orinterferewiththesupervisionorconductoftheevent.

ARTICLEVIII:DIVISIONS

Section1:Divisions

• Agesabove11yearsoldwillbegenderseparate.Oldergirlsmaypetitiontocompeteinmixedgenderdivisions.AllStarshowdivisionsshallpromotegenderseparateatallages.

• Thetournamentdirectorreservestherighttomodifydivisionswithintheallowableparameterstoensurecompetition.

Section2:Skilllevels

• Someeventsmayallowbeginner,intermediateandadvanced/opendivisions.• AllCompetitorsmaypetitiontomoveuponeskilllevel,agegrouporoneweightdivision

uponapprovalofUSFLaslongathemoveiswithinmaximumageandweightclasslimits. Section3:WeightClassesWeightClassesareeitherfixedorformedbytheMadisonsystem.Weightcuttingisnotpermitted.

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

considerationforolderagegroups.Waiversofweightcannotexceedtheparametersofnexthighercategory.

• Athletesunderage10yrshaveamaximum5lbweightdifferentialregardlessofweight.B.FixedWeightClasses–Usedforshowsandlargersignificanttournaments.

USFLAgeandWeightDivisions:a.Athletesmaypetitiontogoupinagegroupbutarestilllimitedtowithinthetwoyearagedifferentialunlessawaiverpermitsthe3yearexception.b.AthletesmaypetitiontogoupinweightclassbutlimitedtothemaximumallowableweightdifferentialsasintheMadisonsystem.c.Agegroups–Definedastheageofparticipantonthedayofcompetition.d.WeightGroup–Listedweightdesignatesmaximumweightallowedpercategory

• 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.

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Section4:Lengthofbouts• Tournamentsshallgenerallyconsistofoneroundperbout.Rookie,NoviceandSchoolboy/

Girlsagegroupscompeteinone3minuteperiodwhileCadetandJunioragegroupscompeteinone4minuteperiod.

• Showsshallgenerallyconsistofthree2minuteperiodswitha1minuterestperiodbetweenrounds.

• Amaximumof5roundsmaybefoughtinasingledaytournamentorshow.• Athletesmustbeaffordedaminimumof15minutesbetweenbouts.

ARTICLEIX:COMPETITIONAREASection1:TypeofCompetitionareas

• WrestlingMat• 5RopeBoxingring• MMAcage

Section2:SpecificationsofCompetitionarea• AUSFLofficialwillphysicallyinspectthesurface,enclosureandsurroundingareatoensure

standardsandspecificationsofsafetyaremet.Allbuildingsandstructuresmustcomplywithlocalandstatehealthandsafetycode.

ARTICLEX:REFEREESANDOFFICIALSSection1:ObjectiveToidentifyspecificrequirementsandclassificationsofreferees,andtostandardizeconductandattireofUSFLRefereesduringanUSFL-SanctionedEvent.TheUSFLhasdevelopedadetailedrefereemanualwhichshallgoverntheoperationandconductofallofficials.ArefereerefresherclinicshallbeconductedpriortoeachUSFLsanctionedevent.Personswhohavefelonycriminalconvictionsareprohibitedfromrefereeing.Section2:AttireAllRefereesshallwearthefollowingattireduringanevent:

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

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Section3:SkillsandAbilitiesClassificationClassificationoftherefereeconcurswiththelevelofrulesallowedtoofficiate.Ex.ClassA,B&CrefereemayallofficiateClass“C”orotherGrapplingonlymatches.AminimumofoneclassBofficialmustbeonthemattorefereeClassBevents.

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:ObjectiveTheUnitedStatesFightLeagueconsidersthesafetyofit’scompetitorsasoftheutmostimportance.Inconcertwithouruniquerulesetandhighlyqualifiedreferees,whichprotectathleteswhiletheycompete,thefollowingmedicalpolicyservestoensurethattheirphysicalconditionisacceptabletoenablethemtoparticipateinthesportofPankrationandtoprovideahighqualityofcareshouldaninjuryoccurduringanevent.

Section2:RequiredMedicalSupport Requiresaphysicianandapprovedfirstresponderambulance(orasrequiredbylawof jurisdiction)tobepresentduringevent.

Section3:MedicalStaffDuties*Provideproofofcurrentlicensureasanapprovedfirstresponder.*VerifythatallcompetitorsareincompliancewiththeAnnualPhysicalExaminationrequirement.*ConductpreboutmedicalscreeningspriortostartofeventandeitherapproveparticipationofeachathleteoradviseUSFLifmedicallyunfittoparticipate.*Conductpostboutscreeningsaftereachbouttoincludemultibouttournaments.*Carryallequipmentnecessarytoprovideforbasiclifesupportlevelassessmentofinjuredcompetitors,splintingoffracturesandjointinjuries,applicationofcold/icetherapy,dressingofwounds,cervicalspineimmobilizationandcardiopulmonaryresuscitation.*Remainatcompetitionarea(s),easilyaccessibleandreadytorespondthroughouttheentiredurationoftheevent.(Ringside,CageSideorMatside).*Providehighqualitymedicalcaretoinjuredcompetitorsduringtheevent

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*Determinetheneedforandappropriateleveloffollow-upcaredependingontheseverityofanyparticularinjuryandcommunicatewithparents/guardiansofcompetitorsand/orlocalemergencymedicalservices.*Familiarizethemselveswithlocalemergencymedicalprotocolsandlocationsofnearbyemergencyhospitalsandclosestlevel1traumacenter.*Keeparunningandaccuraterecordofallinjuriesthatoccurduringtheeventandsubmitacompletedpost-eventinjuryreporttoUSFLofficialsattheconclusionoftheevent.Section4:Annual&Pre-EventScreeningLicensedathletesshallberequiredtocompleteanannualsportsphysical. Section5:ReportingofInjuriesThoroughandaccuratereportingofinjuriesisofparamountimportanceinordertobothdemonstratethesafetyofthesportandprovidedatausedtokeepitsafeforyouthcompetitorsonacontinuingbasis.Thefollowingreportingprocedurewillensurethesehighstandards:

*Qualifiedmedicalpersonnelwillkeepacontinualrecordofallinjuriesrequiringtreatmentduringthecourseofcompetition

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

• Name,ageandgymaffiliationofcompetitor.• Name,relationshipandphonenumberofparentorguardian.• DescriptionofInjury:Adetaileddescriptionofthecompetitor’scondition.• MechanismofInjury:Howtheinjuryhappened,includingspecifictechniqueused,if

possible.• CareRenderedbymedicalpersonneltotreatinjury.• Follow-Upcareeitherrecommendedorinitiatedbasedonseverityofinjury.

MedicalOfficialdeterminesmedicalsuspensionperiod.Minimumsuspensionperiodsaslistedbelow.

• Anathletechokedunconsciousshallbeplacedonautomatic30daysmedicalsuspension.• Anathletewhoreceivesaboneorjointinjuryshallbeplacedonautomatic60daymedical

suspension.Mustobtainadoctorsletterofclearancetoresumecompetitionsprior.• Anathletewhoreceivesaconcussionshallbeplacedonautomatic90daymedical

suspension.• Anathletewhoreceivestwoconcussionswithina6monthperiodshallbeplacedonan

automatic6monthmedicalsuspension.• Anathletewhoreceivesthreeconcussionswithina1yearperiodshallbeplacedonan

automatic1yearmedicalsuspension.Mustobtainadoctorsletterofclearancetoresumecompetitionsaftersuspensionexpires.

SpecialAthleticcommissionReportingRequirements:

1. USFLshallmaintainaninjurylogthatshallbemadeavailabletotheCommissionuponrequest.

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

ARTICLEXII:PROMOTERS/PROMOTIONOFEVENTSSection1: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. 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.

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• 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. Completeanannualsportsphysicaladministeredbyaphysician.

• 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

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.

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Lastupdate2/07/2018

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

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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.§503.TournamentorEliminationFormatContests–SelectionofOpponents.Inanytournamentoreliminationformatcontest,thecommissionshalldeterminetheinitialopponentsinthefirstroundofthetournamentbydrawingnamesattheweigh-in.§510.WeightsandClasses.USFL,ArticleVIIIsections3.(Additionalweightsforyoungeragegroups)MALES• Flyweight..................................................................through125lbs.• Bantamweight..........................................................125.1–135lbs.

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• 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.Iftherefereedeterminesthattheinjuredfighterwasresponsibleforhisowninjury,therefereewillnotpenalizehisopponentinanymanner.Inthiscase,iftherefereeorringphysiciandeterminesthattheinjuredfighterisunabletocontinue,hewillloseby"technicalknockout".Iftherefereedeterminesthatnofaultwasattributabletoeitherfighter,therefereeshallallowtheinjuredfighter5minutestorecover.If,attheendoftherecoveryperiod,therefereeortheringsidephysiciandeterminesthattheinjuredfightercannotcontinue,theboutwillbedecidedonthescorecardsifamajorityoftheroundshavebeencompleted(includingtheroundinwhichtheinjuryoccurred)or,ifamajorityoftheroundshavenotbeencompleted,theboutwillbecalledatechnicaldraw.§517.IntentionalFouling.(a)Inthecaseofanintentionalfoul,therefereemayinterrupttheboutforthepurposeofallowingtheinjuredfightertimetorecover.Amaximumoffive(5)minutesofrecoverytimewillbepermitted.

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(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.(16)Clawing,pinchingortwistingthefleshorgrabbingtheclavicle.(17)Pullingorholdinguniformbelowhipline.(18)Holdingropesorfence.(19)Smalljointmanipulation(e.g.twistingoffingersortoes).(20)Groinattacks.(21)Fishhooks.(22)Biting.(b)Foulsinkickboxing.Thefollowingtacticsarefoulsinkickboxingandareforbidden.Useofthesetacticsshallresultinawarningandlossofpointsasdeterminedbythereferee.(1)Armbars.

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(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.Thehorizontalropesshallbetiedtogetherbyverticalropesnotlessthan1/4inchindiameter.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.

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§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.(f)Performademonstrationofcompetenceinjudgingbyjudgingatleast50martialartsorkickboxingcontestsasverifiedbyarepresentativeofthecommission.(g)TheserequirementsmaybewaivedforanyapplicantwhoislicensedorapprovedasarefereebytheProfessionalKickboxingAssociationortheWorldKickboxingAssociation.(h)Inordertorenewareferee'slicense,arefereeshallcomplywithsubsections(b)and(c)inadditiontoanyotherrequirementsforrenewalsetforthinthelawortheseregulations.§544.Manager'sApplication.Allcoacheswillbelicensedaftercompletingwrittenexamandbackgroundcheck.Mangersandsecondsareconsideredcoaches.

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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.