Official IMAC Rules

JUNE 22 & 23, 2024

GENERAL RULES

            The sport of tournament point karate and forms competition has come of age. These sports athletes have advanced to such tremendous skills and artistic levels that the difference between winning and losing is usually determined by a fraction of a second or 1/100th of a point. Therefore, in such a highly competitive sport, It is essential that everyone knows and understands the rules of the game.

   We invite all organizations and independence large and small to use the IMAC rulebook. We encourage you to take part in this solution of unified tournament rules and we welcome your suggestions thoughts and ideas to make this great opportunity in reality.

FOUL LANGUAGE OR BAD ATTITUDES BY COMPETITOR, COACH, OR TEAM MEMBERS WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION

  • Special Notice: Gear bags, clothes, coolers, etc., left on spectator seats will not be allowed. All gear bags must go under seats or against convention room walls. Any items left on any spectator’s chairs will be removed and sent to staff security.
  • You must always wear shoes when not in the convention center.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult when not in the convention center.
  • Please keep children Under control.

Music is NOT provided for musical divisions. Please bring a battery powered stereo. NO POWER OUTLETS are available for use.

VERIFICATION OF AGE

   All competitors must have proof of age. If there is a legitimate Reason to question of a competitor’s age, he/she must present proof of age i.e. birth certificate, driver’s license, or other acceptable documents to prove his/her age. If proof of age cannot be presented and the Competitor win’s a division his/her awards and rating points (if rating points are awarded) will be held until proof of age is furnished. Proof of age must be furnished within 7 days of the tournament date.

   All IMAC members will have the option of competing in the same division all year long by establishing a legal age for the competition year instead of their chronological age. However, all competitors will always be allowed to compete in the division dictated by their chronological age, but once this decision is made it cannot be reversed for that competition year. A competitor’s legal age is there age on January 1st of the current year.

RANK RULE

   All competitors must compete at the highest belt level they have earned in the martial arts. A competitor can never compete in a division of which he she/has not earned that rank. Once a competitor competes as a black belt he/she must always compete as a black belt.

COMPETITOR RESPONSIBILITY

   Each competitor must present him/herself to the referee suitably attired and physically prepared to compete. Jewelry or any object which the referee Fills might endanger either competitor cannot be worn. Finger and toenails must be properly cut or covered to eliminate any possible chance of injury to an opponent. It is the competitor’s duty to be ready to compete when called upon to do so if he/she is not suitably attired or physically prepared to compete, as deemed by the center referee the competitor may be penalized for delay of time.

   It is the competitor’s responsibility to know the rules and to be ready for competition when called to do so. He/she must be suitably attired and at the appropriate ring when competition begins; 3 calls will be made for competition; first call, a second call, and a final call. If the competitor is not at his/her ring to compete when competition begins, he she will not be allowed to compete. If a competitor leaves the ring after the ring competition begins and is not present when his her name is called to compete (his/her name will be called 3 times at ringside) if he/she is still not present to compete on the 3rd call he/she will be disqualified.

UNIFORMS

 

  • Weapons and Forms:
    • All competitors must wear a complete (top and bottom) traditional or professional sport karate (Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, etc.) uniform in a good state of repair.
    • The appropriate color belt or sash must be worn in competition. (With the exception of Grappling and IMMA)
  • Sparring:
    • All sparring uniforms must have sleeves that reach at least to the middle of the biceps. School T-shirts are ok,
    • The appropriate color belt or sash must be worn in competition (Except for IMMA and Grappling divisions).
  • No sweats, tank tops or unapproved shoes are allowed.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED SAFETY EQUIPMENT

  • EQUIMENT:
    • IMAC approved headgear,
    • hand pads (NO MMA GLOVES IN POINT OR CONTUIUES DIVISIONS)
    • foot pads (must cover toes)
    • mouthpieces,
    • groin cups (for male competitors only)
    • Shin pads and rib/chest guards are highly recommended.
  • The competitor’s equipment will be checked and if it is deemed unsafe or does not fit properly, he/she will be asked to change the equipment before he/she can compete. Insufficiently padded gloves, foot, and head Gear will not be allowed.
  • Equipment must be in a good state of repair and must be free of heavy taping, tears or any other repairs that may cause injury.

 

If a competitor is missing required equipment or the equipment does not meet IMAC requirements, as it is deemed unsafe, prior to their division being called for competition, he/she is subject to the Delay of Time Penalty and may be disqualified, it is the responsibility of the competitors to have the proper equipment. The tournament’s official rules the arbitrators ultimately determine the approval or denial of the equipment.

JUDGES

Our aim is to run an organized and fair event. We hope that you will help us with the officiating duties.

  • All center officials will be IMAC certified and will be responsible for the quality of their corner officials.
  • Junior Black Belts and adult Brown Belts can be used if necessary.
  • Each judge will be picked for his/her experience in judging.
  • Only center referee or arbitrator will settle all judgment calls. After the arbitrator or center judge has made his/her final judgment, and competition resumes, the decision is final.
  • Only a competitor or a coach wearing a wrist band will be allowed to file complaints and must be done in an orderly and respectful manner.
  • We appreciate all volunteers that are helping run the tournament in a smooth, Fair, orderly manner.
  • Any black belt that has not volunteered to officiate at the event will not be allowed to interrupt or arbitrate any division.
  • Black belts that have not volunteered to help officiate will not be allowed to jump in and Judge their students divisions.
  • All Black Belts NOT Judging are required to Purchase a spectator pass or coaches pass.

SPECIALTY DIVISIONS

DEMO TEAM

  • You may do all your tricks, dance moves, gymnastics, acrobatics, etc.
  • In this division. Creativity is important but don’t forget about martial arts techniques.
  • Music is optional.
  • Minimum of 5 people.
  • 7-minute max.

Synchronized forms:

  • 2 to 5 members per team
  • 3-minute time limit
  • weapons in music may be used
  • scoring is based on
    • synchronization
    • martial arts techniques
    • creativity

SELF DEFENSE

  • Center judge has final say as to what is and what is not allowed and any other issues that may arise during competition.
  • Number of techniques:
    • the competitor will be required to demonstrate a minimum of 3 self-defense techniques with a maximum of 6 self-defense techniques.
    • Less than 3 or more than 6 will disqualify the competitor.
  • There are no restrictions as to the nature of attacks defended against except that competitor cannot use a weapon except one that has been disarmed from his attacker.
  • Use of weapons:
    • The competitor may use no object unless it is first disarmed from the attacker.
    • No competitor can use a weapon against the attacker unless:
      • The weapon has been disarmed from an attacker.
      • And the weapon is being used against a weapon.
      • If the attacker attacks with no weapon the disarmed weapon must be dropped and it cannot be used against an attacker.
      • Any weapon used against an unarmed attacker will disqualify the competitor.
      • All weapons must be under control at all times.
      • All weapons will be shown to the center judge before the competition begins.
      • Any weapon that is used without control by the attacker or the competitor will have a minimum deduction of .5 taken off the competitor final score.
    • Time limit attackers:
      • No more than 6 separate attackers can be used.
      • You have a 3-minute time limit
      • Any competitor that runs over 3 minutes will be disqualified your time starts the second your foot enters the ring
    • Judging:
      • Competitors will be judged on the following areas as seen by the judges.
        • Presentation an execution although competitor is not required to demonstrate the defense slow and then fast the judges may score competitors higher if they do this demonstrate the defense in this manner.
        • Periodically, once you defend against an attacker do you leave yourself open for further attacks.
        • Effectiveness, does their defense actually stop the attacker or is it just showboating
        • Traditional, does it conform with martial arts Sciences and the basic understanding of self defense

Breaking

  • All competitors will have 2 temps if needed
  • there is a limit of 6 breaks with a minimum of 3 breaks
  • when a competitor is called up he she will have 4 minutes to set up breaking material, 3 minutes to complete breaking techniques, and 2 minutes to clear the broken material and stands.
  • No glass breaks.
  • Each breaker will be scored after all their material is cleaned up. (A dumpster will be provided)
  • anyone living before completely cleaning their breaking area will be disqualified.
  • all competitors must place their initials on each end of all breaking materials this way we can be sure that no one leaves the material.
  • Competitors, please help other competitors to set up and clean up after each break.
  • scores will be given based:
    • Material broken
    • size of competitor
    • difficulty
    • creativity

ALL WEAPONS AND FORMS DIVISIONS

EXTREME WEAPONS AND FORMS

  • The Extreme Divisions allow the competitor to perform any movements whether they originate from traditional or contemporary martial arts systems or otherwise
  • At least half of the form must originate from martial arts techniques. (This is a judgment call by the Judges.)
  • The competitor must execute at least one technique that involves an inverted move or greater than 360-degree spin.
  • Emphasis is placed on:
    • The quality of execution of techniques and movements;
    • Martial arts skills,
    • Control of weapons.
    • Balance, speed, and power;
    • Degree of difficulty;
    • And showmanship.
    • In addition, only those movements that portray a definite offensive or defensive martial arts purpose, or are included to illustrate extreme flexibility or agility, are allowed.

NOTE – Although one extreme move qualifies a competitor for the extreme divisions, it should be expected that an extreme form or weapon routine with multiple extreme moves of good quality would prevail as the winner, assuming all other criteria is met.

MUSICAL WEAPONS AND FORMS:

  • The Musical Divisions requires an empty hand form or weapons form to meet all the criteria for a Traditional or Creative Form and additionally meet the requirements of the “Divisional Music Rule” below.
  • Music Choreography will be judged as follows:
    • The movements of the form must be accented by and performed in conjunction with specific beats, notes, or words in the music. Simply performing your form to the same rhythm or cadence of a song is not satisfactory.
    • If sound effects are added to the music, the form should not solely be choreographed to the added sound effects.
    • Music and sound effects should appropriately match each other and set the overall mood for each performance.
    • Overall, all music, and sound effects used, must compliment the form, and both the form and music should be judged together and viewed as an overall performance, not simply as a form performed with music playing.

 

Each competitor must provide a battery powered music player of reasonable and non-intrusive size at ringside to play his or her music, and an attendant at the player who must always be present during the performance.

TRADITIONAL WEAPONS AND FORMS:

  • These forms must capture the essence of classic martial arts movements, displaying the traditional techniques, stances, footwork.
  • Emphasis is placed on:
  • Execution of technique.
  • Application of technique.
    • Balance,
    • Speed,
    • Power,
    • Solid stances,
    • And focus.
  • Forms may be unmodified or modified from what a system or school considers to be the original version of the form.
  • Performance of the following movements will result in a downgrade of the form:

(EXCEPTION -Traditional Chinese Techniques.)

  • Movements that involve more than a 360-degree spin;
  • Require the body to be inverted more than parallel to the floor;
  • Front or back flips
  • Cartwheels
  • Front or side leg splits;
  • Any other gymnastic movements or extreme exhibitions of flexibility or agility.

(EXCEPTION – A Forward Roll is a legal Traditional Technique.) 

 

 

CREATIVE WEAPONS AND FORMS:

  • The Creative Division allows forms to include contemporary martial arts techniques.
  • These may be added to a traditional form, or the form may be devised in its entirety by the competitor.
  • A form in the Creative Division must ONLY include techniques which originate from martial arts.
  • Emphasis is placed on:
    • Execution of technique.
    • Application of technique.
    • Balance,
    • Speed,
    • Power,
    • Solid stances,
    • And focus.
  • Forms may be unmodified or modified from what a system or school considers to be the original version of the form.
  • Performance of the following movements will result in a downgrade of the form:

(EXCEPTION – Traditional Chinese Techniques.)

  • Movements that involve more than a 360-degree spin;
  • Require the body to be inverted more than parallel to the floor;
  • Front or back flips
  • Cartwheels
  • Front or side leg splits;
  • Any other gymnastic movements or extreme exhibitions of flexibility or agility.

(EXCEPTION – A Forward Roll is a legal Traditional Technique.) 

ALL SPARRING DIVISIONS

EQUIMENT:

  • IMAC approved headgear,
  • hand pads (NO MMA GLOVES IN POINT OR CONTUIUES DIVISIONS)
  • foot pads (must cover toes)
  • mouthpieces,
  • groin cups (for male competitors only)
  • Shin pads and rib/chest guards are highly recommended, but not required, for additional safety to all sparring competitors in all divisions.
  • The competitor’s equipment will be checked and if it is deemed unsafe or does not fit properly, he/she will be asked to change the equipment before he/she can compete. Insufficiently padded gloves, foot, and head hear will not be allowed.
  • Equipment must be in a good state of repair and must be free of heavy taping, tears or any other repairs that may cause injury.
  • If a competitor is missing required equipment or the equipment does not meet IMAC requirements, as it is deemed unsafe, prior to their division being called for competition, he/she is subject to the Delay of Time Penalty and may be disqualified, it is the responsibility of the competitors to have the proper equipment. The tournament’s official rules arbitrator ultimately determines the approval or denial of the equipment.


Legal target areas:

  • Torso
  • Ribs
  • Kidney
  • Headgear (side and top)
  • Face (NO TOUCH)


Illegal target areas:

  • Joints
  • Neck
  • Throat
  • Spine
  • Legs (front leg to front leg sweeps permitted boot to boot only)
  • Pelvis
  • Back of head
  • Groin (EXCEPTION – West Coast Sparring)

 

Contact:

  • No face touches
  • Light touch to headgear
  • Face shields are considered part of headgear light touch
  • Moderate body touch
  • No touch that endangers a competitor shall be permitted
  • No blind touch (all spinning strikes or kicks must be sighted. i.e. Spinning back knuckle, spinning heal or hook kicks, etc…)

Point sparring and West Coast Point Sparring:

  • All legal hand techniques that score will be awarded one (1) point.
  • All legal kicking techniques that score will be awarded two (2) points.
  • All legal kicks to the groin that score will be awarded one (1) point (West Coast Point Sparring only)
  • Points are awarded by a majority vote of all judges.
  • The majority of judges do not have to agree on the same technique being scored, only that a point was scored.
  • A majority of the judges calling the point must call a two (2)-point kick before two points can be awarded. Otherwise only one point is awarded.
  • A competitor may REQUEST a 10-second time-out once per The time-out must be requested during a pause. The Center Official is the only person who can grant a time-out.
  • One coach is permitted per competitor and shall be wearing a Coaching Pass and remain in the coaching
  • A competitor must have one foot in the ring to The line is part of the ring.
  • A competitor may be scored upon if out of the
  • A competitor who is out of the ring may cause a penalty and be
  • A competitor who is behind may not stall (see non-touch penalties)
  • A time-out shall be called by the Center Official for any injury, equipment problems or discussion with
  • The competitor that receives 5 points first or with the most points at the end of a 2-minute round is the winner.

 

Penalties:

  • Non-touch violations i.e. running, etc…
    • 1st offense = warning
    • 2nd offense = warning
    • Each additional offense = 1 point to competitor
  • Touch violations
    • 1st offense = point to the competitor
    • 2nd offense = disqualification

 

Disqualification:

  • A competitor may be disqualified at any time, without warning for:
    • Flagrant or intentional touch
    • Unsportsmanlike conduct
    • Disrespect to an official
    • Acting in a dangerous manner
    • Unable to protect themselves
    • NOTE: Blood and swelling need not be present for a disqualification and the presence of such is not an automatic disqualification.
  • If a competitor is disqualified for a malicious, dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct, that competitor shall not fight again in that division. Any subsequent matches are forfeited.
  • Continuous Point Sparring
  • Competition should be executed as its name implies, Light Contact Fighting in a Continuous Manner.
  • Under no circumstances should light contact continuous fighting simulate full contact kickboxing.
  • Utilizing well-controlled techniques, ring craftsmanship and combination skills, competitors should attempt to “outscore” rather than “overpower” their opponent.
  • Competitors will fight continuously until the referee’s command to STOP.
  • All techniques must be well controlled.
    • Techniques should not “strike through” or “push through” the target.
    • Striking with excessive contact, or uncontrolled striking of any kind will lead to disqualification.
    • Emphasis must be placed on both punching and kicking techniques.
    • Punching or “boxing” only, for an extended period of time without throwing kicks will downgrade the judge’s evaluation of your performance.
    • Each match is carried out with running time.
    • The center referee and two judges will evaluate the relative effectiveness of each fighter based on the number, quality and variety of scoring strikes, defense and conditioning.
    • Rules violations (whether penalized by the official or not) will downgrade the judge’s evaluation of the offending fighter.
    • The three officials will determine the winner of each match by majority decision.

 

Time and Rounds

  • Junior color belt competitors (17 and below) will contest two (2), 45 second rounds with a 30 second break.
  • Adult competitors and junior black belts will contest two (2), 1-minute rounds with one (1) 30second break.

 

Disqualification:

  • A competitor may be disqualified at any time, without warning for:
    • Flagrant or intentional touch
    • Unsportsmanlike conduct
    • Disrespect to an official
    • Acting in a dangerous manner
    • Unable to protect themselves
    • NOTE: Blood and swelling need not be present for a disqualification and the presence of such is not an automatic disqualification.
  • If a competitor is disqualified for a malicious, dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct, that competitor shall not fight again in that division. Any subsequent matches are forfeited.

 

Judges Scoring System:

  • Every round is separately evaluated by each of the judges according to a positive Criteria that will gain a fighter points and negative criteria that will deduct points.
  • Positive Judges Criteria (That Will Earn a Fighter Credit towards Victory)
    • clean and controlled scoring strikes
    • the demonstration of effective combination striking
    • the effectiveness of the fighters defense
    • the variety of strikes used (hands and feet)
    • excellent physical condition
  • Negative Judges Criteria (That Will Reduce a Fighters Credit towards Victory)
    • Rules Violations whether cautioned or warned by the referee or not
    • Cautions and/or Warning by the referee for rules violations
    • “bulling”, or any effort to overpower an opponent rather than demonstrate superior skill
    • lack of combination striking
    • lack of variety in strikes (hands and feet)
    • poor physical condition

 

Prohibited Techniques and Prohibited Behavior

  • Attack the throat, lower abdomen, kidneys, back, legs, joints, groin and to the back of the head or neck.
  • Attack with the knee, elbow, knife-hand, head-butts, thumb and shoulder or a spinning hand strike or spinning kicks.
  • Turn one’s the back to the opponent, run away, fall down, intentional clinching, blind techniques, wrestling and ducking below opponent’s waist.
  • Attack an opponent who is falling to the floor or is already on the floor, that is, as soon as one hand or knees touches the floor.
  • Leave the ring without any permission.
  • Continue after the command “stop” or “break” or the end of the round has been sounded.
  • Oil the face or body.
  • Striking below the belt, hooking, tripping, and hitting with knees or elbows.
  • Butting with the head, shoulders, forearms and elbows, strangling the opponent, crushing his face with arm or elbow and pushing back the opponent.
  • Hitting with open gloves, with the inside of the gloves or with a wrist.
  • Hitting the opponent’s back, particularly on the nape of his neck, head and kidneys.
  • Lying down, wrestling or not fighting at all.
  • Attacking an opponent who is on the floor on getting up.
  • Clinching without any reason.
  • Hitting while hooking the opponent or pulling the opponent into the blow.
  • Hooking or holding opponent’s arm or putting an arm underneath the arm of the opponent.
  • Suddenly lowering one’s head below opponent’s belt in a way that would be dangerous for the latter.
  • Using artificial means for a passive defense and falling down intentionally, in order to avoid a blow.
  • “Spoiling”. Intentionally preventing your opponent from engaging you by moving around the ring or clinching your opponent in order to cut down on round time.
  • Using insulting and aggressive language during a round.
  • Refusing to withdraw after the order “BREAK”.
  • Trying to land a blow on the opponent immediately after a “BREAK” order and before withdrawing.
  • Assailing or insulting the referee at any time.
  • Exiting the ring during the fighting competition
    • 1st violation or exit – Verbal caution
    • 2nd violation or exit – Official warning
    • 3rd violation or exit – Disqualification

 

Violations of the rules and regulations:

  • will lead to cautions, warnings, and/or disqualification.
  • Officials may warn or penalize a competitor at their discretion depending upon the severity or repetitive nature of the rule’s violation.
  • The Center Official is the arbiter of the rules. If he perceives that a violation has occurred he has the discretion to issue one of the following:
  • A Cautionmay be issued without stopping the action of the fight.
  • An Official Warningis issued by stopping action of the fight. The “Official Warning” indicates that if the referee must stop the match again for the same or a similar infraction the offending athlete will be disqualified.
  • A Disqualification awards the match to the offending fighter’s opponent.
  • The referee has the discretion to use Cautions, Warnings and Disqualification according to the severity of the offense.
  • A fighter does not have to be Cautioned in order to receive an Official Warning. Nor does he have to receive an Official Warning prior to being Disqualified.
  • The following may lead to immediate disqualification:
    • Excessive contact resulting in an injury
    • Repeatedly striking with excessive contact
    • Uncontrolled or malicious attacks
    • Excessive or continuous hitting after “stop” command
    • Extreme unsportsmanlike conduct of a fighter such as insulting the referee or the opponent

 

Injuries:

  • The match should be interrupted if an injury occurs.
  • In the event of injury, time may only be interrupted until the doctor decides on the seriousness of the injury, that is, whether or not the fight can continue or whether it must be stopped.
  • Treatment of the injury can only be done in between rounds or after the match.
  • If the injury needs to be treated, the match must be stopped. In any case, cuts cannot be taped.
  • If the match is stopped due to injury, the officials must decide:
    • Who caused the injury?
    • Whether or not it was intentional.
    • Whether or not it was self-inflicted.
  • If the injury was not intentional and the injured fighter cannot continue fighting immediately, the uninjured fighter is declared the winner.
  • If the injury is due to a violation of the rules, the responsible fighter may be disqualified.
  • If the injury is due to his own fault, the uninjured fighter is declared the winner.

 

The center official has the power to:

  • Stop a fight at any moment if he finds it to be too one-sided.
  • Stop a fight at any moment if one of the fighters has received an unauthorized blow or is wounded, or if he considers a fighter unable to continue.
  • Stop a fight at any moment if he finds the fighters behaving in an “unsportsman-like” manner. In such a case, he must disqualify one fighter.
  • Warn a fighter or stop the bout and give a minus point or warning to a fighter for an offence.
  • Disqualify a coach who has broken the regulations or the fighter himself if his coach fails to obey to his orders.
  • Disqualify, with or without a warning, a fighter who has committed an offence.
  • Interpret the rules if they are applicable or compatible with the fight that is taking place, or, at a special moment, decide on a move which does not appear in the rules.
  • If a fighter breaks the rules but does not necessarily deserve a disqualification, the referee must stop the fight and give a warning to the fighter of a foul.
  • Before the warning, the center official must order the fighter to stop fighting.
  • The warning must be given clearly, so that the fighter understands the reason and cause of the penalty.
  • After having given the warning, the center official orders the fighters to fight again. If a fighter has given three official warnings within the same bout, he is disqualified.
  • A center official may give a caution to a fighter. A caution means a warning given by a center official to a fighter for breaking the rule. In order to do this, he doesn’t need to stop the fight, and may reprimand the fighter during the fight.

IMAC TKD SPARRING RULES

DURATION OF BOUTS AND DECISIONS: 

  • Single elimination.
  • One round of two (2) minutes duration.

 

TARGET AREA

  • Head at the front, sides and top of the head but not at the back.
  • Trunk of the body from shoulder to navel vertically and from a line drawn from the armpit vertically down to the waiston each side (that is frontal area only, excluding the back).

 

POINT AWARDS

  • One (1) point will be awarded for any legal Hand Attack directed to mid or high section.
  • Two (2) points will be awarded for any legal Foot Attack directed to mid-section
  • Three (3) points will be awarded for any legal Foot Attack directed to high section.

 

LIGHT TOUCH SCORING PROCEDURE SYSTEM

  • In competition a technique is valid according to a light touch system and if
    • Executed correctly.
    • Dynamic, that is to say it is delivered with strength, purpose, speed and precision.
    • Controlled on the target.

 

MINUS POINTS/FOULS

  • One point will be deducted for the following offences:
  • Heavy contact
  • Attacking a fallen opponent
  • Leg sweeping.
  • Holding/grabbing.
  • Intentional attack to a target other than mentioned in (Target Area).
  • Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

 

Warnings will be assigned for the following offences:

  • Pretending to have scored a point by raising one or both arms.
  • Stepping completely out of the ring (both feet).
  • Falling down, whether intentional or not (it means any part of the body, other than the feet touching the ground).
  • Faking a blow, pretending to be injured to gain an advantage.
  • Intentionally avoiding sparring.
  • Adjusting equipment during the bout without the consent of the Centre Official.
  • Unintentional attack to a target other then mentioned in (Target Area)
  • Pushing with the hands, shoulders or body.
  • The sum of three (3) warnings automatically means deducting one (1) point.
  • If an athlete is pushed out of the ring with intent (without undergoing a technique) then he will not receive a warning.
  • The athlete who pushed shall receive a warning.

 

DISQUALIFICATION

  • Misconduct against officials or ignoring instructions.
  • Uncontrolled or excessive contact.
  • Receiving three (3) minus points/fouls directly given by the Centre Official.
  • Being under influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs.
  • Loss of temper.
  • Insulting an opponent, coach and or official.
  • Biting, scratching
  • Attacking with the knee, elbow or forehead.
  • Causing a KO.

 

INJURY: When a competitor is injured,

  • the Centre Official must stop the match and call the Medic.
  • At the moment the Medic is in front of the injured competitor, he has a maximum of 3 minutes to treat the wounds and decide about the match and competitor continuation.
  • When a competitor cannot compete anymore because of the Medic’s decision and according to the decision of the Officials he/she is the winner if his/her opponent is responsible
  • he/she is the loser if his/her opponent is not responsible.

 

IMAC APPROVED MANDATORY EQUIPMENT:

  • Safety kicks
  • Gloves
  • Headgear
  • Mouthpiece
  • Cup for males

CONTROLLED SPORT IMMA SPARRING (INTERNATIONAL MIXING OF MARTIAL ARTS)

IMAC SPORT IMMA is a mixing of martial arts SPARRING competition. IMAC Sport IMMA provides competitors with an opportunity to use many of the techniques form different types of martial arts styles. You will be able to use; strikes, kicks, throws, grappling and submissions applied safely with light touch. This will be strictly enforced (no damaging strikes or slams). 

Each match begins with two competitors starting from the stand-up position. Light touch strikes combined with good footwork may be used to control the action, score, or close the gap for a takedown. If the match goes to the ground, grappling, submissions and light touch striking to legal targets come into play. 

  • The goal is to either outscore your opponent with legal, light touch strikes and/or to obtain submissions over your opponent.
  • Accidental knockout will be automatic DQ
  • Foul language or bad attitudes by competitor, coach, or team members will result in disqualification.

 

  • REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
    • IMAC approved headgear,
    • IMAC approved gloves (minimum 7 oz. padded glove for adults).
    • foot pads (must cover toes)
    • mouthpieces
    • groin cups (for male competitors only)
    • Shorts
    • Shirt / Rash guards
    • Knee & elbow pads are not permitted. Neither is strapping of any kind which can cause grip advantage.
    • No “grease” (Vaseline) can be applied to any part of the fighter.
    • No shoes are allowed.
    • If a center official feels these criteria has not been met, he/she will not allow the competitor to participate.
  • LEGAL STRIKES – HANDS:
    • All hand strikes that occur with the padded part of the glove executed in a controlled fashion (light touch only. The strike cannot penetrate or distort the target).
    • Punches are allowed to the body and legs while on the ground. (in 16 & 17 yrs. & adult divisions)
    • Fighters can “push off” opponents.
    • The entire head is a legal, non-touch target while both fighters are standing
    • Strikes to the head are not allowed while on the ground.
    • No elbow strikes are allowed at any time to any part of the body or face.
    • Strikes to the head are not allowed while on the ground.
    • Striking to the kidney area, behind the head or neck is not permitted.
  • LEGAL STRIKES – LEGS, KNEES & FEET:
    • All kicking techniques are allowed with light touch to the front and side of the body above the belt.
    • Light contact roundhouse kicks are allowed to the legs.
    • NO linear kicks are allowed directed to the legs.
    • Light contact knee strikes are allowed to the body and legs in adult divisions only while standing.
    • All low kicks must be minimum 6 inches above the knee and all other kicks, above the waist.
    • No kicking to opponents is allowed once the match goes to ground by either of the competitors.

 

  • CLINCHES & TAKE DOWNS:
    • Any attempt at executing a takedown must be done so with the primary motive to go to ground as quick as possible.
    • Any attempt to walk with the lifted opponent or raise the opponent higher off the ground than is deemed necessary to execute a safe take down will be considered a serious foul with a high probability of immediate disqualification. No exception to this rule will be allowed under any circumstance.
    • No “spearing” or dive tackling is permitted.
    • No scissors takedowns are permitted, unless a hand is first placed on the mat.
    • A taking down of opponent without an attempt to follow up will be met with one and only one caution.
    • If a fighter attempts a takedown and is not immediately successful, the referee may at his discretion “break” the fighters.
    • “Standing Clinches” will be allowed for only a short period, and only if either fighter appears to be scoring effectively in some way.
    • If a fighter is scoring effectively with strikes, and his opponent “walks through” the strikes in order to clinch, the clinching fighter must immediately take his opponent down or the center official will “break” the fighters and restart the action.
    • You may not execute any takedown in a way that damages your opponent either in the way the takedown was executed or by intentionally landing on top of them in a manner to use your body weight to do injury.
    • Hip throws are permitted.
    • All prevention necessary must be taken to not allow your opponent to fall on his or her/head or attempt to drop the opponent on the back of their neck or head as the fall to the ground.
    • You are allowed to pull opponent towards you when going to ground.
    • Competitors have five (5) seconds to take their opponent down once they have grabbed their opponent.
    • Any attempt at executing a takedown must be done so with the primary motive to go to ground as quickly as possible.
    • Once any kind of standing clinch is engaged, each fighter will have up to five seconds (in the center official’s estimation) to take the match to the ground.
    • If the takedown does not occur the center official will “break” the fighters and restart the action.
  • GRAPPLING – SUBMISSIONS & LOCKS:

It is VERY important that all competitors understand how to “Tap Out” when caught in a submission technique. Tapping out can be done either verbally or through a physical tap. Competitors can tap with their hands, feet, or even a nod of the head. This “Tapping” is a conscious admission of surrender to an opponent.

  • GROUND ACTIVITY RULE: 
    • Once the contest goes to the ground both fighters must show continuous effort to significantly advance their positions or take advantage of their position by either scoring with legal strikes or trying to secure a submission. Failure to significantly advance or take advantage of their position will result in having the match “stood up” and re-started.
  • SUBMISSION TECHNIQUES
    • All submission techniques are legal for adults with the following exception;
    • No heel hooks are permitted
    • No small joint locks (like fingers and toes)
    • No gouging, biting, hair pulling or face locks
    • No strikes or kicks
    • No slamming.
  • SPECIAL RULES FOR KIDS & TEENS: 
    • No heel hooks, toeholds, slamming, or neck cranks are allowed.
    • No straight ankle locks where the leg crosses the body (reaping of knee).
    • No squeezing the legs around an opponent’s torso (from guard, back, or side) as a submission.
  • No scissor takedown is permitted.
  • Submission techniques may be restricted or prohibited based on age division. 
  • This will shift the judges evaluation emphasis to clean striking, wrestling and control. 
  • A center official may also “call a submission” immediately when it appears that a legitimate submission lock is engaged (the center official does not need to wait for the youth fighter to “tap”)
  • OTHER FOULS: 
    • Fighters are not allowed to grab and use their opponents’ clothing.
    • No attacks to the front of the windpipe (i.e. finger in throat), eyes (elbows, palms, fingers, etc.) or groin.
    • No pushing the palm or elbow directly into the nose.
    • No dropping or slamming an opponent on his head.
    • No slamming from the Guard position.
    • No eye gouging, fish hooking, biting, hair pulling, pinching, twisting of skin, sticking a finger into an opponent’s cut.
    • No small joint manipulation (finger or toe locks).
    • No putting a finger into any orifice.
    • No interference by a coach with any official or fighter.
    • No throwing an opponent off the mat.
    • No unsportsmanlike conduct.
    • The Boston Crab technique is not allowed.
    • Any intentional use of an illegal technique or act of poor sportsmanship will result in the immediate ejection of those competitors/spectators.
    • The center official reserves the right to stop any attempt at any submission or lock, listed and unlisted at any time of the match should he deem any such technique to be considered dangerous in any way but not restricted to the effect it has on an opponent. In other words while the attempt is being made to secure any technique which could be deemed as unsafe.
    • The center official may “declare a submission” if he believes that it is necessary in order to protect a fighter’s safety or if he believes that a downed fighter is in a compromised position that he cannot or chooses not to try to escape from. (example: if the bottom fighter in a full mount position does not try to escape the center official may declare a submission)
  • LENGTH OF MATCH:
    • All matches are 2 minutes.

 

  • During the match:
    • If there is stalling on the ground, the center official has the right to restart the match standing.
    • If the competitors go off the mat, the match can be stopped by the center official,
    • the competitors will be moved to the middle of the ring/mat in the same position, if that position can be determined by the center official.
    • The center official has the right to stop time and check the condition of the fighters.
  • LEGAL TARGET AREAS:
    • Head (top and side only)
    • Ribs
    • chest
    • abdomen
    • legs (6 inches above knees).
  • ILLEGAL TARGET AREAS:
    • Face
    • spine
    • back of neck/Head
    • throat
    • sides of the neck
    • Kidneys
    • groin
    • knees
    • back
  • NON-TARGET AREAS:
    • Hips
    • Shoulders
    • Buttocks
    • Arms
    •  
  • ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES:
    • Head butts
    • hair pulls
    • bites
    • scratches
    • elbows
    • knees
    • eye attacks of any kind
    • stomps
    • kicks to a downed competitor
    • slapping
    • uncontrolled blind techniques
    • any uncontrolled throws, takedowns or sweeps with the intention of slamming the opponent to the ground or landing with excessive force on top of opponent
    • any other uncontrolled dangerous techniques that are deemed unsafe in Sport Martial Arts.
  • GRABBING:
    • Is allowed but no pulling on any part of the shorts/pants, shirt or gloves worn by any competitor.
  • SWEEPS:
    • Sweeps to take down an opponent, to obstruct the balance so as to follow up with a technique is allowed.
    • A sweep must be deemed a proper and safe sweep to be legal.
    • Controlled sweeps that are meant to take down an opponent are allowed only on a declared approved padded surface.
  • LIGHT TOUCH CONTACT:
    • Means there is no penetration or visible movement of the competitor as a result of the contact.
  • WARNINGS AND PENALTIES: 
    • The center official will at his discretion issue cautions, warnings, penalties and or disqualification for rules infractions. 
    • An official penalty will have the same effect on the bout as a submission.
    • If, in the opinion of the center official and/or the medical personnel, a competitor cannot continue because of an injury caused by an illegal penalized attack executed by his/her competitor, the offending competitor shall be automatically disqualified.
  • Other Cause for Penalization:
    • Attacking illegal and non-target areas
    • using illegal techniques
    • Running out of the ring to avoid competing
    • Preventing your opponent from initiating combat
    • Continuing after being ordered to stop
    • Excessive stalling
    • Blind attacks
    • Negligent or reckless attacks
    • Uncontrolled techniques
    • Showing unsportsmanlike behavior by the competitor, his/her coaches, friends, etc.
    • Excessive contact
    • Delay of time.
  • Non-Competing Penalty:
    • If, in the majority opinion of the officials, it is considered that the competitors are not making an obvious attempt to compete in the true spirit of competition, both competitors will be warned and if it continues, will be disqualified.
  • COACHING:
    • Competitors are allowed to have One (1) coach in their corner during their match.
    • Never, at any time, can a coach enter the ring without the center official permission.
    • No abusive, violent, unsportsmanlike or overzealous coaching;
    • Coaches cannot ask for a time out (only the competitor may ask for a time out),
    • Coaches can never, at any time, interfere with the proper running of the ring or the decisions of the judges.
    • A coach must have a coach pass.
    • A Coach is defined as anyone who is trying to help one competitor in anyway.
    • A coach could be but is not limited to a friend, parent, teammate or official coach.
    • The center official can issue a warning, deduct points or disqualify a competitor for his/her coach interfering with a match or disrupting fair play between contestants.

GRAPPLING

  • No unsportsmanlike conduct will be allowed. You may be disqualified or ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct. 
  • The Officials will be shown maximum respect at all times.
  • Their decisions are final and will not be overturned.
  • Full long sleeve Gi must be worn in grappling with Gi.
  • Shirt must always be worn no tank tops in grappling no-Gi
  • Points are awarded as follows:
    • 2 points for a take down or throw.
    • 2 points for a sweep from the guard
    • 3 points for passing the guard
    • 2 points for knee on the stomach from a cross position
    • 4 points for mounting both knees on the floor
    • 4 points for getting on the back/both feet hooked.
  • All positions must be held for 3 seconds or longer
  • Prohibited Techniques:
    • No unsportsmanlike conduct will be allowed. You may be disqualified or ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct. 
    • No heel hooks are permitted
    • No small joint locks (like fingers and toes)
    • No gouging, biting, hair pulling or face locks
    • No strikes or kicks
    • No slamming allowed.
      • Illegal slamming will be defined as slamming your opponent to escape submissions and/or to pass the guard
      • standing from the guard and/or jumping from a standing position to slam your opponent. 
      • Slamming will result in an automatic DQ.There are no exceptions to this rule.
      • Takedowns are NOT considered slams, but you must deliver your opponent safely to the mat.
    • Competitors will be allowed to continue grappling anywhere on the matted area, provided they don’t interfere with another match.
    • If the competitors near the edge of the mat, they will be restarted from the same position, unless the official is unable to duplicate the position for any reason. In case the official is unable to duplicate the position, the competitors will restart from a standing position.
    • If a competitor flees the ring when a submission is locked in and the competitor is obviously fleeing to avoid submission, he or she will be automatically disqualified.
    • Submission wins or most points or advantages
    • Advantages awarded for attempted finishes or sweeps when the fighter is stalling.
    • Adult matches 3 minutes
    • Children’s matches 3 minutes
    • One coach per fighter allowed
    • Weight classes will be made at the tournament based on how many fighters are present
    • Levels will be determined based on the amount of levels
    • Girls and boys fight together in children’s divisions
    • People from the same school could end up fighting each other, although we will attempt to avoid that as much as possible.