World Karate-Do Federation

KARATE KUMITE RULES

Table of Contents

ARTICLE 3: ORGANIZATION OF KUMITE COMPETITIONS

1. A Karate tournament may comprise Kumite competition and/or Kata competition. The Kumite competition may be further divided into the team match and the individual match. The individual match may be further divided into weight divisions and open category. Weight divisions are divided ultimately into bouts. The term "bout" also describes the individual Kumite competitions between opposing pairs of team members.
2. In team matches, each team must have an odd number of contestants.
3. The contestants are all members of a team. There are no fixed reserves.
4. Before each match, a team representative must hand into the official table, an official form defining the names and fighting order of the team members. The fighting order can be changed for each round but once notified, it cannot then be changed.
5. A team will be disqualified if any of its members or its coach changes the team's composition without submitting the written fighting order.
6. In the first round of a team match, a team will be allowed to participate only when it presents the prescribed number of competitors.
7. No contestant may be replaced by another in an individual title match.
8. Individual contestants or teams that do not arrive at the competition venue before the tournament is declared open will be disqualified from participation in that tournament.

A "round" is a discrete stage in a competition leading to the eventual identification of finalists. In an elimination Kumite competition, a round eliminates fifty, percent of contestants within it, counting byes as contestants. In this context, the round can apply equally to a stage in either primary elimination or repechage. In a matrix, or 'round robin' competition, a round allows all contestants in a pool to fight once.

The use of contestants' names causes problems of pronunciation and identification. Tournament numbers must be allotted and used.

When lining up before a match, a team will present the actual fighters. The unused fighter(s) and the Coach will not be included and shall sit in an area set aside for them.

The fighting order form can be presented by the Coach, or a nominated contestant from the ream. If the coach hands in the form he/she must be clearly identifiable as such, otherwise it may be rejected. The list must include the name of the country/club, the belt color allotted to the team for that match and the order of the ,fighters from one to five. Both the fighters names and their tournament numbers must be included and the form signed by the coach, or nominated person.

If through an error in charting, the wrong contestants compete, then regardless of the outcome, that bout/match is declared null and void. To reduce such errors the winner of each bout/match must confirm victory with the control tamble before leaving the area.

ARTICLE 4: THE REFEREE PANEL

1. The Refereeing Panel for each match shall consist of one Referee (SHUSHIN), two Judges (FUKUSHIN) and one arbitrator (KANSA).
2. In addition, for the purpose of facilitating the operation of matches, several timekeepers, caller-announcers and record-keepers shall be appointed.

At the start of a Kumite match the Referee stands on the outside edge of the official match area. On his left and right stand the judges.

After the formal exchange of bows by contestants and Referee Panel, the Referee takes a step back, the Judges turn inwards and all bow together.

Changing the Referee Panel. The departing Officials take one step forward turn around and face the incoming Panel. They bow to each other on the command of the incoming Referree and in one line (facing in the same direction) leave the competition area.

When individual Judges change, the incoming Judge goes to the outgoing Judge, they bow together and change positions.