General Combative Regulations (All Divisions) THE CONTESTANTS SAFETY EQUIPMENT THE RING SALUTATION AND STARTING PROCEDURES CHARACTERISTICS OF A SCORING STRIKE TARGET AREAS CLINCHING TURNING BACK HAND CHECKING OUT-OF-BOUNDS BOUNDARY INFRACTIONS LOSS OF WEAPON FOULS DISQUALIFICATION CALLING PENALTIES SEPARATING COMPETITORS DOWNED COMPETITOR STOPPING THE CLOCK OVERTIME PROCEDURES FORFEIT NUMBER OF OFFICIALS DUTIES OF THE REFEREE DUTIES OF THE JUDGES DUTIES OF THE TIMEKEEPER DUTIES OF THE SCOREKEEPER Point Sparring Regulations (Junior and Beginning Adult) DURATION OF MATCH SCORING SYSTEM CALLING POINTS SCORING AND PENALTY SIGNALS PENALTY SCORE ASSESSMENT RUNNING CLOCK CLINCHING OR'FRAPPED WEAPON DUTIES OF POINT SPARRING OFFICIALS RING AREA ACCESS LIMITED   Full Contact/Continuous Action Regulations (Advanced Adult) DURATION OF MATCH SCORING SYSTEM RELATIVE WEIGHTING OF TARGET STRIKES PENALTY SCORE ASSESSMENT CALCULATING PENALTY POINTS TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT BREAK IN ACTION INSUFFICIENT OR INEFFECTIVE ACTION STOPPING OUT-OF-BOUNDS ACTION DUTIES OF FULL CONTACT OFFICIALS COACHES Carenza/Forms Regulations (All Divisions) THE CONTESTANTS PROCEDURE PRESENTATION THE CARENZA WEAPONS DISQUALIFICATION SCORING GRADING TIES NUMBER OF OFFICIALS DUTIES OF THE JUDGES DUTIES OF THE HEAD CARENZA JUDGE DUTIES OF THE SCOREKEEPER General Tournament Regulations (All Levels of Competition) CONDUCT OF OFFICIALS DUTIES OF THE ARBITRATOR OFFICIAL DISQUALIFICATION APPEAL PROCEDURES RULE MODIFICATIONS

PHILIPPINE MARTIAL ART 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.

1. Striking to any of the invalid target areas listed previously.
2. Any illegal clinching or the use of grappling moves. (Described above.)
3. Turning one's back to avoid being scored upon. (Described above.)
4. Any illegal hand checking. (Described above.)
5. Leaving the ring with both feet. (Described above.)
6. Loss of one's weapon. (Described above.)
7. Any face masking, holding, or checking to the face.
8. Any continuous attack after the referee calls "Break!'
9. Using foul language.
10. 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:

1. Any strike with weapon point or strike with weapon base.
2. Any karate blows, punches, kicks, elbow or knee strikes, or head butts.
3. Any attempt to trip, sweep, take down, or throw an opponent
4. Any attempt to break, wrench, or damage a joint or joints.
5. Any attempt to use choking techniques.
6. Excessive contact
7. Use of any clearly dangerous technique.
8. Arguing with officials or refusing to follow their instructions.
9. 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:

1. To allow adjustments of equipment.
2. To confer with other officials.
   
3. To issue warnings and penalties.
   
4. To return competitors to their neutral positions.
   
5. To tend to an injury or illness.
   
6. To allow a dropped weapon to be returned to a competitor.
   
7. 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:

1. Referees assist in the scoring of matches.
   
2. Judges signal to indicate points scored when so directed by the referee.
   
3. A judge may request a call for a score by clearly saying "Point!"
   
4. 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:

The judges shall base their scores on:

1. The quantity of effective offensive and defensive techniques.
   
2. The quality of combative techniques.
   
3. Effective footwork and use of the ring.
   
4. 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:

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:

1. When the competition is extremely unequal (no match in skill).
   
2. When a competitor refuses to continue the competition.
   
3. When a coach throws in the towel to stop the match.
   
4. 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.

1. Any clinching action that appears to be potentially dangerous or lasts for a period of three seconds.
   
2. Trapping a weapon in a manner that is potentially dangerous or causes the weapon to be immobilized for three seconds.
   
3. Disarming techniques that are potentially dangerous or do not result in the prompt release of the weapon (within a maximum of three seconds).
   
4. 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:

1. Referees do not score the regulation rounds. During a sudden death period, the referee is to call points along with the judges.
   
2. Judges are to score the action in accordance with the "Ten Point Must" system. They shall also call points during any sudden death period.
   
3. 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:

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.