Philippine Martial Arts Tournament Rules
General Combative Regulations (All Divisions)
Contestants
Competitors
must be appropriately dressed and ready to compete. Each competitor must
wear a suitable school or organization uniform and proper safety equipment
for padded stick fighting competition. The wearing of jewelry is prohibited.
SAFETY
EQUIPMENT
All
safety equipment is subject to official approval and must be constructed
so as to protect both the wearer and those who may come in contact with
it. Mandatory safety equipment for each competitor shall include headgear
with a face mask or shield, a mouthpiece, padded gloves, elbow guards,
knee pads, and shin guards. All male competitors must wear groin protector
cups. Protective chest guards are required for all children and female
competitors. All other Competitors have the option of wearing chest protectors
and are highly encouraged to do so. Gym or athletic shoes are allowed.
Use of any unsafe, equipment is prohibited. The tournament promoter is
responsible for providing padded sticks that are sufficiently cushioned
and free of obvious hazards.
THE
RING
The competition area shall be clearly marked on a smooth, flat, hazard
free surface. Where space allows, the ring should measure 20 feet by 20
feet, but in no instance should the area be less than a minimum of 16
feet by 16 feet. An all circular ring with a diameter of 16 feet to 20
feet may be substituted for a standard square ring. Boundary lines shall
be of a width and color that make them readily visible. A width of two
inches for all lines is optimal. The outer edges of the boundary lines
mark the limits of the ring and thus lines are considered in bounds. The
competitors' starting marks shall be spaced 10 feet apart in the center
of the ring and shall clearly delineate the positions for the designated
red and white competitors. No one other than the competitors and assigned
officials shall be allowed in the ring during the competition.
SALUATION
AND STARTING PROCEDURES
Before the start of the match, the competitors shall stand at their neutral
positions which are located behind their designated starting marks. The
red competitor shall always be positioned to the referee's right. At the
command of the referee, the competitors shall first face the referee and
bow or salute, then turn to face each other and bow or salute. The referee
shall raise his/her stick, staff, or empty hand, then signal to start
by bringing it down and at the same time calling the command "Begin!"
or "Segi!' In response, the competitors shall close the distance
between them and commence fighting. At the end of the match, the competitors
shall bow to or salute each other and the referee before leaving the fighting
area.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF A SCORING STRIKE
In order
to be considered a scoring technique, a strike must be effectively delivered
to a valid target area. The strike must not be a simple touch, push, or
glancing blow. If a competitor loses his/her weapon in the process of
landing a strike or immediately after a hit has made contact, the technique
shall not be scored.
TARGET
AREAS
Valid target
arm include: The head (front, top, and sides); both collar bones; torso
above the waist (front and sides); both the weapon and non-weapon arms
(extending from the shoulders to the hands); and both legs (front and
sides extending from just below the knees to the feet).Invalid target
areas include: Any strikes to the neck region, the area extending from
the waist to the knees, or to the back of the head, torso, or legs.
CLINCHING
Legal clinching
actions involve positioning the torso or arms against the opponent's torso
or arms without engaging in any wrestling or grappling techniques. Grabbing,
pushing, pulling, squeezing, or attempting to apply any hold or lock all
constitute prohibited grappling techniques. A warning shall be issued
for a competitor's first violation of this rule during a round. Each additional
violation b the competitor daring the round shall result in a penalty
being scored against him/her.
TURNING
BACK
If a competitor
deliberately turns his/her back to avoid being scored upon, the referee
shall in the, first instance per round give a warning. For each additional
infraction, a penalty score shall be assessed.
HAND
CHECKING
Acceptable
checking technique involves the application of an open hand to control
the weapon or weapon arm without grasping. Such a checking maneuver shall
consist of pressing with the open hand, not delivering a strike or a blow
to the opponent. A check may be applied to the upper arm, forearm, or
hand, but not to the shoulder or any other part of the body. Checking
to the head or torso is strictly forbidden. For the first violation of
this rule per round, a warning shall be issued. Each additional violation
will result in a penalty being scored against the offending competitor.
OUT-OF-BOUNDS
A competitor
is out-of-bounds when he/she touches the floor outside of the, boundary
lines. The lines themselves are within the ring. When a competitor steps
out-of-bounds with a single foot, the referee shall separate the competitors
as soon as there is a lull in the action and shall return them to their
neutral positions. A competitor cannot score after one of his/her feet
has touched beyond the boundary lines, but he/she shall not be penalized
as long as one foot stays fully in the ring. The opponent of a competitor
who has only one foot within the ring may continue to score as long as
both of the scoring competitor's feet are in bounds. When a judge sees
that a competitor has stepped out-of-bounds, he/she shall signal by either
pointing at the line that has been crossed or by tapping his/her flag
on or near the line.
BOUNDARY
INFRACTIONS
Once an
out-of-bounds competitor's second foot breaks the plane of the boundary
lines, the referee shall immediately stop the match and return both competitors
to their neutral positions. When a competitor fully leaves the ring under
his/her own power, the referee shall in the first instance per round issue
a warning and for each additional violation shall assess a penalty score.
A competitor who is forced out of the ring as a result of physical contact
by his/her opponent shall not be penalized.
LOSS
OF WEAPON
The first
loss of a weapon by a competitor per round shall result in a warning.
Each additional loss of the weapon shall result in a penalty score. Dropped
weapons and disarmed weapons shall be treated in the same manner
FOULS
After a
competitor receives one warning per round for any of the actions listed
below, each additional violation of the same rule shall result in a penalty
being scored against him/her. Subsequent violations within a given category
will be penalized even if the precise mechanisms of such infractions differ.
With the exception of losing one's weapon, fouls that result from the
actions of one's opponent and are not intentional shall not be penalized.
Flagrant or repeated violations shall result in disqualification.
- Striking to any
of the invalid target areas listed previously.
- Any illegal clinching
or the use of grappling moves. (Described above.)
- Turning one's
back to avoid being scored upon. (Described above.)
- Any illegal hand
checking. (Described above.)
- Leaving the ring
with both feet. (Described above.)
- Loss of one's
weapon. (Described above.)
- Any face masking,
holding, or checking to the face.
- Any continuous
attack after the referee calls "Break!'
- Using foul language.
- Any show of disrespect,
unsportsmanlike conduct, or temper.
DISQUALIFICATION
More serious
misconduct shall be punished by disqualification. No warning is required
prior to the disqualification of a competitor for any of the actions listed
below. Instances of obvious violations shall result in automatic disqualification.
At the referee's discretion, one warning may be given if the transgression
is not clear-cut. A competitor thus warned shall be held to the highest
standard of compliance.
The
following actions are grounds for automatic disqualification:
- Any strike with
weapon point or strike with weapon base.
- Any karate blows,
punches, kicks, elbow or knee strikes, or head butts.
- Any attempt to
trip, sweep, take down, or throw an opponent
- Any attempt to
break, wrench, or damage a joint or joints.
- Any attempt to
use choking techniques.
- Excessive contact
- Use of any clearly
dangerous technique.
- Arguing with officials
or refusing to follow their instructions.
- Flagrant or repeated
violations of any rule or combination of rules.
CALLING
PENALITIES
The referee shall stop the match with the command "Breakl" or
by sounding a whistle when it appears that a violation of the rules has
occurred. If the referee witnesses a clear violation of the rules, he/she
may warn or penalize a competitor without seeking confirmation from the
judges. Such confirmation is recommended if the referee is not in a good
position to make the call or if the ensuing penalty would have a major
impact on the outcome of the match. When the referee calls for confirmation
of a violation, all of the officials (referee and judges) shall indicate
what, if any infraction they witnessed. The signal used to indicate a
violation is a downturned thumb or flag facing in the direction of the
guilty party. If a majority of the officials agree that an infraction
has occurred, an official warning, penalty score, or disqualification
shall be assessed. A judge who sees a violation that is not noticed by
the referee may request a penalty call by clearly saying "Foul!"
SEPARATING
COMPETITORS
When the command "Break!" is given or the referee sounds a whistle,
each competitor shall disengage and step back. When appropriate, the referee
shall return the competitors to their neutral positions. The competitors
shall resume action when directed to do so.
DOWNED
COMPETITOR
If a competitor drops to the floor and does not rise within three seconds,
the referee shall separate the competitors with the command "Breakl"
or the sound of a whistle. 'Me three second time period shall be disregarded
and the action shall be stopped immediately any time that an injury is
suspected, combative interaction appears potentially dangerous, or the
administration of other rules calls for the competitors to be separated.
A competitor shall be considered down when he/she touches the floor with
any part of the body other than the feet. When a competitor is down and
no break in action has been called, either competitor may score.
STOPPING
THE CLOCK
The referee may stop the clock with the command "Time!" for
any of the following reasons:
- To allow adjustments
of equipment.
- To confer with
other officials.
- To issue warnings
and penalties.
- To return competitors
to their neutral positions.
- To tend to an
injury or illness.
- To allow a dropped
weapon to be returned to a competitor.
- To attend to any
dangerous condition in or near the ring.
OVERTIME
PROCEDURES
A tied score at the end of a regulation match shall be broken by a sudden
death overtime round. Competitors are entitled to a 30 second rest break
prior to the start of the overtime period. No warnings shall carry over
into this round and there shall be no time limit. The first score to be
awarded in the overtime period shall determine the winner of the match.
The score may result either from the delivery of an effective strike to
a valid target or through the assessment of a penalty against one of the
competitors. A majority vote of the officials shall decide the score earned
to win the match. The specific regulations governing the overtime scoring
system, the calling of points, and the use of scoring and penalty signals
shall be the same as those described in the corresponding sections of
the Point Sparring Regulations.
FORFEIT
When a competitor is unable to finish a match due to circumstances other
than the misconduct of his/her opponent, the match shall be forfeited
to his/her opponent
NUMBER
OF OFFICIALS
The officiating duties for a match shall be performed by one referee,
two to four judges, one timekeeper, and one scorekeeper. In addition,
an arbitrator shall supervise the officiating process. A minimum of one
arbitrator per tournament up to a maximum of one arbitrator per ring shall
be assigned.
DUTIES
OF THE REFEREE
The referee has the primary responsibility for supervising the match.
He/she starts and stops the action as necessary to enforce rules, protect
competitors, issue warnings, assess penalties, and administer disqualifications.
He/she is responsible for announcing all official decisions and declaring
the winner of the match.
DUTIES
OF THE JUDGE
The judges are to be positioned so that they can best observe the match.
If there are only two judges, they shall stand opposite one another and
are to move about the ring to follow the action. When three or four judges
are utilized, they shall be stationed at different comers of the ring
and are to remain at their assigned positions. The judges and the referee
are to communicate with each other as necessary during the match. Judges
may signal the referee to point out any relevant fouls, injuries, equipment
problems, or dangerous conditions that may arise. They are to call fouls
at the direction of the referee.
DUTIES
OF THF TIMEKEEPER
The timekeeper starts and stops the, clock in response to the commands
of the referee. When a round has ended, it is the timekeeper's responsibility
to call "Time!" and throw a time-marker into the ring.
DUTIES
OF THE SCOREKEEPER
The scorekeeper is responsible for keeping an accurate record of all points
scored by each competitor. In addition, the scorekeeper notes all warnings
and penalty assessments.
Point
Sparring Regulations (Junior Division and Beginning- Adult Competition)
DURATION
OF MATCH
The point sparring match shall consist of a single round lasting for three
minutes or until a competitor scores a total of three points. If time
expires before either competitor has scored three points, the one who
has the greater number of points shall be the winner. If a competitor
scores three points prior to time being called, the match shall end and
he/she shall be the winner.
SCORING
SYSTEM
Point sparring matches shall be scored as follows:
1. One point shall be scored for any effective strike to the head, either
collar bone, or the torso above the waist.
2. A half point shall be scored for any effective strike to either arm
(extending from the shoulder to the hand) or either leg (extending from
just below the knee to the foot).
3. A half point shall be awarded to the opponent of a competitor who commits
any of the violations listed previously under the heading "FOULS"
after the offending combatant has received one warning for committing
that foul in a given round.
CALLING
POINTS
The referee
shall stop the point sparring match with the command "Break!"
or with the sound of a whistle when it appears that a scoring blow has
been landed. The referee shall then call for a score and all of the involved
officials (referee and judges) shall signal what, if any, score they witnessed.
If both competitors land strikes simultaneously it shall be ruled a clash
and no score shall be awarded. If both competitors land strikes, but one
precedes the other, the first blow only shall be scored. When a competitor
lands a strike simultaneously with the signal that time has elapsed, the
technique shall be scored. A majority of the officials must agree on a
given half point or one point being scored for any score to be awarded.
If a possible rule violation and a potential score occur during the same
exchange, the penalty call shall precede the point call. A judge who sees
a scoring blow that is not noticed by the referee may request a call for
a score by clearly saying "Point!"
SCORING
AND PENALTY SIGNALS
Point sparring
officials shall use either empty hands or red and white flags in order
to indicate their decisions regarding the awarding of points or penalties.
The referee's duties relating to the control of the action within the
ring preclude his/her use of signal flags. For the judges, the use of
red and white flags serves to enhance the clarity of their calls. A flag
or hand pointing obliquely upward in the direction of a competitor signals
a call for one point to be awarded to that competitor. A flag or hand
pointing downward at an angle toward a competitor indicates a half point
call. A call of simultaneous scoring techniques is indicated by bringing
the fists together in front of the chest or touching the tops of the flag
sticks while holding them horizontally. Crossed flags or palms pointing
downward indicate that a technique did not score. A violation of the rules
is signaled by pointing a downed thumb or flag in the direction of the
offending party. An official indicates that no score or violation was
seen by placing the 'Palms or crossed upturned flags in front of his own
eyes.
PENALTY
SCORE ASSESSMENT
Any half
point penalties that are assessed during the point sparring match are
added to the score of the offending competitor's opponent rather than
being subtracted from the offending competitor's score.
RUNNING
CLOCK
Unless
the referee specifically says "Time!" to direct that the clock
be stopped, the clock shall continue to run. A command of "Break!"
or the blast of the referee's whistle shall not by itself be sufficient
grounds to stop the clock during point sparring competition.
CLINCHING
OR TRAPPED WEAPON
The referee
shall separate the point spar-ring competitors with the command "Breakl"
or by sounding a whistle any time that there is a clinch or if a weapon
has been trapped but no immediate disarm is executed. Any potentially
dangerous clinching, trapping, or disarming technique shall result in
the immediate separation of the competitors followed by the issuing of
a warning or penalty as appropriate.
DUTIES
OF POINT SPARRING OFFICIALS
In addition
to performing the common duties described previously, officials of point
sparring matches must adhere to the following regulations:
- Referees assist
in the scoring of matches.
- Judges signal
to indicate points scored when so directed by the referee.
- A judge may request
a call for a score by clearly saying "Point!"
- Scorekeepers record
points scored as directed by the referee
RING
AREA ACCESS LIMITED
During point sparring competition, only the designated competitors, referee,
judges, timekeeper, scorekeeper, and any other necessary officials are
allowed in the vicinity of the ring. This area is off limits to all unauthorized
non-competitors including teammates, coaches, instructors, and seconds.
After clearly warning any individual associated with a competitor that
he/she is in violation of this rule, the referee has the power to subsequently
assess a half point penalty against the competitor. Repeated violations
may lead to disqualification of the competitor. If the associated individual
is also a competitor not currently assigned to compete in the ring, he/she
may be disqualified from further competition.
Full
Contact/Continuous Action Regulations (Advanced Adult Competition)
DURATION
OF MATCH
The full
contact match shall consist of two 1 minute rounds of continuous interaction
separated by a 30 second rest period.
SCORING
SYSTEM
Full contact
scoring shall be by the "Ten Point Must" system. Under the "Ten
Point Must' scoring system, each judge must give at least one of the competitors
a score of 10 points in each round. If both competitors perform equally
well, regardless of how skilled or unskilled that might be, each shall
be awarded 10 points for the round. If one competitor performs better,
even if his/her efforts, display a low level of expertise, he/she shall
be awarded 10 points. The lesser performing competitor shall be awarded
9, 8, or 7 points, depending upon how his/her performance compares to
that of the round winner. One point totals of each judge shall be added
together and any penalty assessments calculated in order to arrive at
an overall score for each round. Round scores shall be totaled to determine
the winner of the match.
The
performance of the competitors in each round shall be scored as follows:
| Even
Round |
10
- 10 |
| Slight
Edge |
10
- 09 |
| Large
Advantage |
10
- 08 |
| One-sided |
10
- 07 |
The
judges shall base their scores on:
- The quantity of
effective offensive and defensive techniques.
- The quality of
combative techniques.
- Effective footwork
and use of the ring.
- Sportsmanship.
RELATIVE
WEIGHTING OF TARGET STRIKES
When evaluating
the quality of offensive techniques during full contact competition, the
judges shall consider the location of the strikes. The following should
serve as general guidelines for making this assessment:
| Head
Hit |
1
Full Credit |
| Body
Hit |
1
Full Credit |
| Arm
Hit |
1/2
Credit |
| Leg
Hit |
1/2
Credit |
PENALTY
SCORE ASSESSMENT
Any penalties
that are assessed during a full contact round are deducted from the score
of the offending competitor rather than being added to the score of his/her
opponent. Penalties are calculated by the scorekeeper after the judges
have scored the round and turned in their scores. The scorekeeper is responsible
for keeping track of the penalties and subtracting points from the total
scores awarded by the judges.
CALCULATING
PENALTY POINTS
To ensure
that penalties have equal scoring impact in full contact contests using
different numbers of judges, penalty scores shall be weighted according
to the number of judges scoring the match. Each penalty during a round
shall be given a value of a half point multiplied by the number of judges.
The penalty deduction per violation will be one point if there are two
judges (1/2 point x 2), one and one half points if there are, three judges
(1/2 point x 3), and two points if there are four judges (1/2 point x
4).
TECHNICAL
KNOCKOUT
A technical
knockout shall result in the automatic loss of a full contact match.
A technical knockout shall be declared:
- When the competition
is extremely unequal (no match in skill).
- When a competitor
refuses to continue the competition.
- When a coach throws
in the towel to stop the match.
- When the referee
feels that a competitor may be harmed by continuing.
BREAK
IN ACTION
Time shall
be stopped from the moment the referee commands "Breakl" or
sounds a whistle until he/she directs the full contact competitors to
continue.
INSUFFICIENT
OR INEFFECTIVE ACTION
The referee
shall separate the full contact competitors with the command "Breakl"
or the sound of a whistle at any time when they are in close proximity
or contact, but are not engaged in safe or effective combative techniques.
Common actions that would result in separation of the competitors include.
- Any clinching
action that appears to be potentially dangerous or lasts for a period
of three seconds.
- Trapping a weapon
in a manner that is potentially dangerous or causes the weapon to be
immobilized for three seconds.
- Disarming techniques
that are potentially dangerous or do not result in the prompt release
of the weapon (within a maximum of three seconds).
- Repetitive strikes
to the same target area. After three consecutive uninterrupted repetitions
of the same single strike or combination make contact with the same
target or targets, the competitors shall be separated.
NOTE:
Any clinching, trapping, or disarming technique that threatens the safety
of either competitor shall result in the immediate separation of the combatants.
Attempted disarms shall be stopped prior to the three second time limit
if necessary to prevent the action from developing into a tugging match,
grappling contest, or any other unsafe or unproductive activity.
STOPPING
OUT-OF-BOUNDS ACTION
If a full
contact competitor has stepped out-of-bounds with a single foot and an
exchange of strikes continues for an extended period without a lull in
the action, the referee has the power to separate the competitors. The
referee shall be allowed to use his/her discretion to determine the point
at which the out-of-bounds competitor's inability to legally score becomes
an unreasonably harsh penalty.
DUTIES
OF FULL CONTACT OFFICIALS
In addition to performing the common duties described previously, officials
of full contact matches must adhere to the following regulations:
- Referees do not
score the regulation rounds. During a sudden death period, the referee
is to call points along with the judges.
- Judges
are to score the action in accordance with the "Ten Point Must"
system. They shall also call points during any sudden death period.
- Scorekeepers shall
collect the scores of the judges, tabulate any penalty points that may
have been assessed, and calculate the final point tallies.
COACHES
During full contact competition, one coach, instructor, or second only
is allowed at ringside for consultation with his or her competitor. Such
consultation may take place prior to the bout between rounds, and during
any extended break in the action. This individual must be the only one
present for the entire match. No substitutions will be allowed unless
an unexpected emergency situation makes such a replacement necessary.
Consultations may occur during a break period only with the approval of
the referee. Any communication that interferes with the safe and efficient
management of the match is not acceptable.
Carenza/Forms
Regulations (All Divisions)
THE
CONTESTANTS
Each Carenza competitor must be dressed in an appropriate uniform or costume
and be prepared to perform. Competitive divisions are organized based
on experience, age, and gender with specific categories determined by
the tournament director.
PROCEDURE
The order of performance shall be determined in a fair and random manner.
The first three competitors shall complete their forms before any of their
performances are scored. They shall then be called forward individually
to be scored in the same order that they performed. Each remaining competitor
shall be scored immediately after the completion of his/her carenza performance.
PRESENTATION
Carenza competitors shall bow or salute when entering and leaving the
ring. After approaching the judges, each competitor shall bow or salute
prior to introducing himself/herself and the form that is to be performed.
THE
CARENZA
Each competitor shall perform a carenza not exceeding two minutes in length.
Both weapon forms and empty-handed routines are allowed. The use of a
weapon or technique that might endanger a competitor, official, or spectator
is not permitted. Any weapons used must be kept under the competitor's
control at all times. The throwing of weapons is prohibited Since the
weapon should be viewed as an extension of the martial artist's body,
the competitor must demonstrate expertise in the use of both body and
weapon.
WEAPONS
Acceptable weapons for carenza competition are those that are traditional
to the Philippine martial art and are safe and properly maintained. All
weapons must pass inspection before use. Any weapon that presents a potential
danger due to poor design, construction, or state of repair shall be disallowed.
Projectile weapons of any type are strictly prohibited. Examples of such
illegal weapon include throwing knives, darts, throwing stars, and arrows.
DISQUALIFICATION
The performance of any clearly dangerous technique, the inability to safely
control a weapon, or the exhibition of unsportsmanlike behavior shall
be grounds for the automatic disqualification of a carenza competitor.
SCORING
The carenza competitors' scores shall be based upon the elements of presentation,
technical precision, transitions between movements, symmetry, complexity,
balance, timing, rhythm, power, controlled speed, concentration, focus,
understanding of self-defense content, showmanship, and self-expression.
Forgetting one's form, pausing inappropriately, losing control of a weapon,
or dropping a weapon all constitute significant efforts that should be
duly reflected in a competitor's score. If there are five judges, the
high and low scores shall be dropped before calculating a contestant's
total score. With three or four judges, all scores shall be considered
in the calculation.
GRADING
The range of scores for the different carenza divisions shall be as follows:
| Beginner
(One year or less of training) |
From
6.0 to 7.0 |
| Intermediate
(More than one up to two years) |
From
7.0 to 8.0 |
| Advanced
(More than two years, but not lakan) |
From
8.0 to 9.0 |
| Lakan
(Black belt or instructor level) |
From
9.0 to10.0 |
Ties
In any case where there is a tie for a place finisher, the following tie
breaking procedure shall be followed. If five judges have scored the carenza
competition, the first method of breaking the tie shall be to add in the
high and low scores. If the tie remains or if less than five judges are
involved, those contestants who are tied shall be asked to repeat the
same routines that they originally performed. If the tie still exists,
each competitor shall be required to perform a different form. Any remaining
tie shall be broken by the head judge calling for the panel of judges
to indicate which competitor's performance was superior.
NUMBER
OF OFFICIALS
Three to five judges shall be assigned to score each carenza routine and
one scorekeeper shall calculate the results. An arbitrator shall be assigned
to supervise the officiating process of a given ring or rings.
DUTIES
OF THE JUDGES
Judges
are to fairly score each carenza contestant in accordance with the relevant
range of scores for the given competitive division.
DUTIES
OF THE HEAD CARENZA JUDGE
In addition
to taking part in the scoring of carenza routines, the head judge is in
charge of starting and managing the competition. It is his/her job to
ensure that each contestant is called forward in the proper order to perform,
to verify that scores are correctly recorded, and to confirm that all
place winners are properly determined and announced. The head judge shall
also inspect and approve all of the weapons used by competitors. He/She
is responsible for enforcing the rules as to ensure safety, fairness,
and adequate standards of sportsmanship.
DUTIES
OF THE SCOREKEEPER
The scorekeeper
shall collect and record the judges' scores, calculate total scores, provide
the results to the head carenza judge, and announce relevant data as directed
by judge.
General
Tournament Regulations (All Levels of Combative and Carenza Competition)
CONDUCT
OF OFFICIALS
Tournament
officials should carry out their duties in a polite and impartial manner.
They should have a thorough understanding of the regulations and should
apply them professionally. Officials are expected to regularly refine
their skills by attending rules seminars and should be professionally
certified or approved through formal Procedures. They should maintain
an active involvement in the Philippine martial arL All actions taken
by the officials should be directed toward the goal Of ensuring safe and
fair competition.
DUTIES
OF THE ARBITRATOR
The arbitrator
is responsible for the fair and proper conduct of the entire competition.
It is the arbitrator's duty to rule on infractions or irregularities which
may not be covered in the rules or specifically assigned to another official.
If the arbitrator notices that the rules are being applied in an inconsistent
or inappropriate manner, the arbitrator may stop the action to confer
with, direct, or even remove an official. The arbitrator is also responsible
for ruling on all appeals.
OFFICIAL
DISQUALFICATION
If an official
has any personal or professional relationship with a competitor, he/she
is required to declare such affiliation to the other officials or to the
tournament director. If a sufficient pool of officials is available, he/she
shall relinquish his/her duties for the duration of the affected competition.
Any complaint concerning potential official bias should be made prior
to the competition if possible. Claims concerning a hidden conflict of
interest that is not discovered until after a competition shall be handled
in accordance with normal appeal procedures. An appeal regarding an official
whose affiliation with a competitor should have been obvious prior to
the competition shall be disallowed. For example, an official wearing
the same clearly marked uniform or obvious insignia as a competitor could
not be considered to be hiding his/her affiliation with the competitor.
APPEAL
PROCEDURES
An appeal
must be registered at the time of the alleged infraction and must be presented
by an instructor or coach, not by the competitor. Any appeal which cannot
be immediately resolved by the arbitrator must be submitted in writing
if it is to receive any further consideration. The arbitrator may- request
the assistance of other officials in order to respond to such an appeal.
In general, the party initiating an appeal has the burden of proving that
his/her interests were significantly harmed by an improper action. When
determining whether to grant an appeal, consideration must be given to
the effect that any available remedy would have on other competitors and
the tournament as a whole. If there is any question concerning the granting
of an appeal, it shall be denied.
RULE
MODIFICATIONS
Tournament rules have been designed to promote safe, fair, and civil competition.
Standard rules also create a degree of consistency that contributes to
greater proficiency among both officials and competitors. Tournament promoters
are encouraged to abide by these standards to the greatest degree possible.
Any necessary modifications should be consistent with the spirit of these
regulations. Such changes should be clearly spelled out prior to the competition. |
