We will follow the updated World Taekwondo rules, with the exception that we will have light head contact for all age divisions that have head kicks allowed. No knockouts will be allowed. This allows students to practice while feeling safe. We ask students to take care of their opponents. Divisions will be set according to age, rank, & weight, but we will put all competitors into a division to give them the opportunity to compete. All students will have at least one match; however we cannot guarantee that it won’t be with a team member. We will make every effort to have students compete with competitors from other schools if available. We may adjust divisions in order to provide athletes with the best opportunities for competition. Please be accurate with weight during registration. Competitors must weigh in the night before the competition. If competitors do not meet their declared weight, they may be disqualified.

All competitors must wear the following required competition gear:

• White Taekwondo Uniform
• Hogu
• Forearm guards
• Shin guards
• Instep guards
• Head gear (must be white or match assigned hogu color—No Black)
• Clear Mouth Guard
• Groin protector under uniform (mandatory for male, optional for female)
• Hand protectors

Athletes may have up to 2 layers of tape for injury, under equipment. All tape and equipment must meet safety inspection by the referee.

Gear must be in good condition. We reserve the right to disallow athletes from competition if their equipment is unsafe or inappropriate.

Rounds & Duration:

Perfect for younger competitors, this event is no-contact but teaches basic sparring principles. Matches are 1v1. Each competitor will be given a belt with 3 flags on it, attached to the belt with velcro. The belt will be worn so competitors have one flag on each hip and one in the middle of their back. The goal is to obtain the most flags in the given time frame while not losing your own flags.

Objective:

1. Keep your flags from being captured through footwork, body movement, and blocks
2. Capture all of your opponent’s flags for the round
3. Have captured more flags than your opponent when the match ends

Gear: White uniform (to ensure fairness). NO JEWELRY! Especially bracelets, watches, bands, & rings.

Ring Size: 3 mats by 3 mats, or 9m x 9m 

Rounds: Three 30 second rounds with 30 second breaks in between. Flags will be returned to competitors between rounds so that each round they start with 3, regardless of how many they lost the previous round.

Before starting a match, the Referee should check to ensure that both competitors’:

• Belts are securely tied.
• All flags are placed appropriately.
• There are no other conditions which may negatively impact the fairness or safety of the match.

Prohibited Attacks:

• Removing a flag after the judge has paused/stopped the match.
• Removing a flag while a body part other than a foot is in contact with the ground.
• Removing a flag by or during the commission of a penalty.
• Removing a flag in a way that is dangerous or likely to cause injury to one or both competitors.

Prohibited Defenses:

• Holding one’s own flag
• Falling down
• Delaying the match (running away, refusing to engage)

Penalties:

• Being out of bounds (no feet in the ring)
• Striking, tackling, pushing, or grappling
• Having more than 2 points of contact with the ground (ie, kneeling or diving/falling to the ground)
• Grabbing an opponent’s body, uniform, or arms (particularly if not done as part of an attempt to score).
• Moving, repositioning, or otherwise handling one’s own flag after the match has begun.
• Taunting an opponent or otherwise demonstrating poor sportsmanship.
• Behaving in a way which is dangerous or likely to cause injury.

The Referee will determine if competitors’ behaviors are dangerous. Such behaviors may include, but are not limited to:

• Competitors standing off from one another and then one or both charging at the other.
• Competitor raising hands and arms to an opponent’s head level.
• Competitor leaning forward for an extended length of time / not part of a specific attempt to score.

Warning level should escalate only if blatantly disregarded.

• Level 1: Verbal warning. The Ref may choose not to stop the match unless it would be unfair.
• Level 2: Stop match and repeat verbal warning.
• Level 3: Issue a 1 point penalty
• Level 4:

Notes:

• You may only grab your opponent’s flag or block their attempts to grab yours – no other contact is allowed.
• Time does not stop when a flag has been captured.
• Competitors must hold onto their captured flags. Flags on the ground will not be added to your score.
• Time is stopped by the judge in order to issue warnings.
• The round ends once a competitor has lost all of their flags or if time is up.

Tie breaker round: If there is a tie after 3 rounds, then they will go into sudden death. They will have 30 seconds and the first one to get a flag wins. If no one gets a flag in 30 seconds, then the judge will determine the winner based on skill, technique, & dexterity.

Color Belts will perform the Poomsae they choose during registration.

Black Belts ages 11 and below will perform at least two designated Poomsae (possibly 3 for larger divisions), from their compulsory poomsae.

Black Belts ages 12 and above will compete with the New Side-by-Side Poomsae Rules

All poomsae will be judged according to the Sport Poomsae Rules. For more Poomsae rules go to: https://www.usatkd.org/resources.

Gear:

• Sport Poomsae Uniform associated with competitor age OR White Taekwondo Uniform. Competitors will get a higher presentation score in the Sport Poomsae uniform.

Events:

• Solo – single individual
• Pairs* – 2 members
• M/F Team* – 3 members

*Mixed Rank Pairs & Teams: Teams and Pairs consisting of individuals with different ranks are required to perform the Designated Poomsae of the highest ranking team member.

Technical (4 points total). You start with 4 points, and deductions are made by the judges as you perform. Minor errors are a .1 deduction and major errors are a .3 deduction. Please check with your instructor or look in your Poomsae Handbook for what qualifies as a .1 or .3 deduction.

• Accuracy of basic movements
• Accuracy of details of each Poomsae
• Balance

Presentation (6 points total). These are awarded by judges after you perform.

• Speed & Power (2 points)
• Rhythm & Tempo (2 points)
• Expression of energy (2 points)

* Check with your instructor for the terminology & commands for entering & leaving the mat during competition.

Designated Poomsae Divisions*

Color Belt Individual, Pair*, & Team* Poomsae

White: Current Rank Form

Yellow: Current Rank Form

Green: Current Rank Form

Blue: Current Rank Form

Red: Current Rank Form

Black Belt Individual Poomsae

Under 9 (Age 8-9): TBD

Under 11 (Age 10-11): TBD

Black Belt Pair* Poomsae

Under 9 (Age 8-9): TBD

Under 11 (Age 10-11): TBD

Black Belt Team* Poomsae

Under 9 (Age 8-9): TBD

Under 11 (Age 10-11): TBD

These divisions are the designated divisions set by USAT. We do our best to make sure everyone has a match, while also staying within the set divisions.

*Mixed Rank Pairs & Teams: Teams and Pairs consisting of individuals with different ranks are required to perform the Designated Poomsae of the highest ranking team member.

Color Belts will perform the Poomsae they choose during registration.

Black Belts ages 11 and below will perform at least two designated Poomsae (possibly 3 for larger divisions), from their compulsory poomsae. Which is announced 2 weeks before the event.

Black Belts ages 12 and above will compete with the New Side-by-Side Poomsae Rules

Gear:

• Sport Poomsae Uniform associated with competitor age OR White Taekwondo Uniform. Competitors will get a higher presentation score in the Sport Poomsae uniform.

Events:

• Solo – single individual
• Pairs – 2 members
• M/F Team – 3 members

Technical (4 points total). You start with 4 points, and deductions are made by the judges as you perform. Minor errors are a .1 deduction and major errors are a .3 deduction. Please check with your instructor or look in your Poomsae Handbook for what qualifies as a .1 or .3 deduction.

• Accuracy of basic movements
• Accuracy of details of each Poomsae
• Balance

Presentation (6 points total). These are awarded by judges after you perform.

• Speed & Power (2 points)
• Rhythm & Tempo (2 points)
• Expression of energy (2 points)

* Check with your instructor for the terminology & commands for entering & leaving the mat during competition.

Side-by-Side Poomsae Rules

Black Belts will be competing in Side-by-Side competition. You will need to know all of the Compulsory Poomsae for your division. Each bracket will be broken up into matches, where two competitors will go up at the same time and a randomly generated Poomsae will be displayed. Both competitors will then perform that poomsae and a winner will be declared. If there are more than two competitors in a division, the winner will advance to the next round with a new randomly generated poomsae.

For more info and rules Please Visit the USAT Rules Here

Side-by-Side Poomsae Poomsae Divisions:

Black Belt Individual Side-by-Side

Cadet (Age 12-14)

Junior (Age 15-17)

Under 30 (Age 18-30)

Under 40 (Age 31-40)

Under 50 (Age 41-50)

Under 60 (Age 51-60)

Under 65 (Age 61-65)

Over 65 (Age 66+)

Black Belt Pairs* Side-by-Side

Cadet (Age 12-14)

Junior (Age 15-17)

Under 30 (Age 18-30)

Under 40 (Age 31-40)

Under 50 (Age 41-50)

Under 60 (Age 51-60)

Under 65 (Age 61-65)

Over 65 (Age 66+)

Black Belt Team* Poomsae

Cadet (Age 12-14)

Junior (Age 15-17)

Under 30 (Age 18-30)

Under 40 (Age 31-40)

Under 50 (Age 41-50)

Under 60 (Age 51-60)

Under 65 (Age 61-65)

Over 65 (Age 66+)

Duration of Routine:  6 to 8 minutes

1 minute to set up/ 1 minute to clean up

Colored uniforms permitted

Please email music to BSTevents139@gmail.com.

It is recommended that you bring a backup on a USB or device that has an AUX connection.

Technical Skills (6.0)

• Basic Movements & Stances (1.0): Accurate in basic movements of Taekwondo. Whether the movements appear to be practicable, whether there is an appropriate connection between attacks and defenses, and whether the movements are in perfect harmony.
• Levels (1.0): Utilization of multiple levels effectively. Whether the height of techniques is appropriate and/or impressive.
• Level 0 = Jumping/Head Height Techniques
• Level 1 = Standing
• Level 2 = Knees Bent
• Level 3 = Kneeling or lower
• Precise Motions (1.0): Techniques and kicks being recognizable and executed with sharpness. Whether they have accurate placement in execution.
• Board Breaking (1.0): Performed impressive techniques and the boards broke.
• Unity (1.0): Performing group poomse, kick combos, breaks, or other elements of the routine in a unified manner.
• Advanced Techniques (1.0): Utilization of multiple advanced Taekwondo elements, such as spinning/jumping kicks, impressive side kicks, rolls, and acrobatics.

Presentation (4.0)

• Epic-ness: Performed unique, interesting, or fun techniques with energy and confidence. It looked Epic!
• Harmony & Flow: Points awarded based on the harmony and balance between different components of the Routine (music, choreography, and attire for example). Rountine flowed well with no wasted motions or undue pauses/hesitations.
• Expression of energy: Presentation of confidence and power that come from mastering the expression of energy. The range of movement of techniques, concentration, courage, sharpness, confidence, and posture affect how energy is expressed according to the characteristic actions of the Poomsae. Such characteristics as the direction of sight and focus of the eyes, strength of the keyap (yelling), attitude and uniform all contribute to the overall expression of energy. (Example: Deductions shall be made if actions are not crisp and powerful, or connecting actions are not big enough for the performer’s physique, or the performance is made in the same rhythm throughout without slowing and accelerating to emphasize techniques.)
• Music and choreography: Points awarded based on how the music and the choreography contribute to the performance. How original was the layout? Did they use the space well? Was the choreography visually interesting? Did the music provide added depth to the performance?

Deductions (-.3 per occurrence, taken from final score):

• Demo is too short or too long (shorter than 6 minutes or longer than 8 minutes).
• Exceeded Setup time.
• Exceeded Clean up time.

Duration of Poomsae:  90 to 100 seconds.

Colored uniforms permitted.

Creative Poomsae are Poomsae that competitors have created themselves and put to music. Please email music to BSTevents139@gmail.com. It is recommended that you bring a backup on a USB or device that has an AUX connection.

Technical Skills (6.0)

• Basic Movements & Stances (1.0): Accurate in basic movements of Taekwondo. Whether the movements appear to be practicable, whether there is an appropriate connection between attacks and defenses, and whether the movements are in perfect harmony.
• Levels (1.0): Utilization of multiple levels effectively. Whether the height of techniques is appropriate and/or impressive.
• Level 0 = Jumping/Head Height Kicks
• Level 1 = Standing
• Level 2 = Knees Bent
• Level 3 = Kneeling or lower
• Precise Motions (1.0): Techniques and kicks being recognizable and executed with sharpness. Whether they have accurate placement in execution.
• Striking Surfaces (1.0): Utilization of multiple striking surfaces with accuracy and precision, for example:
• Hand: knuckles, ridge, knife, hammer, etc.
• Foot: instep, ball, blade, heel, bottom, etc.
• Other: elbow, knee, etc.
• Combos (1.0): Linking various techniques together or performing them simultaneously. For example, a kick and a punch at the same time, successive kicks, or multiple hand techniques clearly defined one after the other.
• Advanced Techniques (1.0): Utilization of multiple advanced Taekwondo elements, such as spinning/jumping kicks, impressive side kicks, rolls, and acrobatics.

Presentation (4.0)

• Epic-ness: Performed unique, interesting, or fun techniques with energy and confidence. It looked Epic!
• Harmony & Flow: Points awarded based on the harmony and balance between different components of the Poomsae (music, choreography, and attire for example). Poomsae flowed well with no wasted motions or undue pauses/hesitations.
• Expression of energy: Presentation of confidence and power that come from mastering the expression of energy. The range of movement of techniques, concentration, courage, sharpness, confidence, and posture affect how energy is expressed according to the characteristic actions of the Poomsae. Such characteristics as the direction of sight and focus of the eyes, strength of the keyap (yelling), attitude and uniform all contribute to the overall expression of energy. (Example: Deductions shall be made if actions are not crisp and powerful, or connecting actions are not big enough for the performer’s physique, or the performance is made in the same rhythm throughout without slowing and accelerating to emphasize techniques.)
• Music and choreography: Points awarded based on how the music and the choreography contribute to the performance of the Poomsae. How original was the layout? Did they use the space well? Was the choreography visually interesting? Did the music provide added depth to the performance? 

Deductions (-.3 per occurrence, taken from final score):

• Poomsae is too short or too long (shorter than 90 seconds or longer than 100 seconds).
• Stepping out of bounds (contestant crosses the boundary line with two feet during the performance).

Duration of Poomsae:  90 to 100 seconds.

Colored uniforms permitted.

All weapons subject to inspection prior to performing. If weapon is deemed unsafe, it will be prohibited.

Creative Weapons are weapons forms that competitors have created themselves and put to music. Please email music to BSTevents139@gmail.com. It is recommended that you bring a backup on a USB or device that has an AUX connection.

Technical Skills (6.0)

• Releases (1.0): Releases (where weapon leaves the hand and is caught, either by the same hand or the other hand) were performed smoothly and without undue motion (scrambling to catch a weapon thrown the wrong way). Weapon felt under control even when airborne.
• Levels (1.0): Utilization of multiple levels effectively. Whether the height of techniques is appropriate and/or impressive.
• Level 0 = Jumping/Head Height Kicks
• Level 1 = Standing
• Level 2 = Knees Bent
• Level 3 = Kneeling or lower
• Precise Motions (1.0): Techniques, kicks, and weapon strikes being recognizable and executed with sharpness. Whether they have accurate placement in execution. Stances enhance the execution of the weapon, and weapon is used to fulfill its function as a weapon (and not just as a prop that is held while performing a creative poomsae).
• Striking Surfaces (1.0): Utilization of multiple striking surfaces with accuracy and precision, for example:
• Hand: knuckles, ridge, knife, hammer, etc.
• Foot: instep, ball, blade, heel, bottom, etc.
• Other: elbow, knee, etc.
• Combos (1.0): Linking various techniques together or performing them simultaneously. Ie: a kick and a weapon strike at the same time, punches mixed with weapon strikes, multiple weapons strikes/motions performed in succession, etc.
• Advanced Techniques (1.0): Utilization of both hands when manipulating the weapon, as well as using advanced Taekwondo elements, such as spinning/jumping kicks, impressive side kicks, rolls, and acrobatics.

Presentation (4.0)

• Epic-ness: Performed unique, interesting, or fun techniques with energy and confidence. It looked Epic!
• Harmony & Flow: Points awarded based on the harmony and balance between different components of the Weapons Poomsae (music, choreography, and attire for example). Weapons Poomsae flowed well with no wasted motions or undue pauses/hesitations.
• Expression of energy: Presentation of confidence and power that come from mastering the expression of energy. The range of movement of techniques, concentration, courage, sharpness, confidence, and posture affect how energy is expressed according to the characteristic actions of the Weapons Poomsae. Such characteristics as the direction of sight and focus of the eyes, strength of the keyap (yelling), attitude and uniform all contribute to the overall expression of energy. (Example: Deductions shall be made if actions are not crisp and powerful, or connecting actions are not big enough for the performer’s physique, or the performance is made in the same rhythm throughout without slowing and accelerating to emphasize techniques.)
• Music and choreography: Points awarded based on how the music and the choreography contribute to the performance of the Weapons Poomsae. How original was the layout? Did they use the space well? Was the choreography visually interesting? Did the music provide added depth to the performance?

Deductions (-.3 per occurrence, taken from final score):

• Poomsae is too short or too long (shorter than 90 seconds or longer than 100 seconds).
• Stepping out of bounds (contestant crosses the boundary line with two feet during the performance).

BST Graded Breaking is a special system that Master Page Created to better judge board breaking routines. It takes in to account the technique difficulty, the board size compared to your weight, and more. We encourage everyone to participate in this. If you have questions about how this works, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Board Breaking Weight Classes

Board Breaking: BST Routine Rules

Area: 4 meters by 4 meters minimum

Time: 1 minute to set up, 2 minutes to break

Notes: Competitor weight must be accurate. Technical judging is based on your weight class, so if you fall outside your registered weight class it will greatly affect your technical score.

1. Competitors must use the Beyond Sports Taekwondo Board Breaking System to create their outlines. (Info on this will be sent to each competitor that registeres for this event)
2. Competitors must submit their Board Breaking outline by the specified due date or be disqualified.
3. Competitor must perform at least 5 breaks but may break as many as 10 within the time limit.
4. Once your outline is submitted we will contact you to pay for the boards separately. We will then mark your boards with the order and breaks you selected. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us before the board breaking outline deadline.
5. Competitor should provide their own holders. Board Supports will be available for power breaks.
6. Students should be in their full white Taekwondo uniform.
7. Taping, socks, shoes, or other protective barriers are not allowed. If you have not conditioned enough to break a board without protection, it is best to save the break for a later time when you are properly conditioned.

Competitor Score is based on the combination of technical score (the difficulty of the break in relation to the competitor’s weight class) and presentation score (the creativity, originality, entertainment value, etc).

Base Technical Difficulty: The score they will receive for successfully performing each break in their planned routine flawlessly with no extra attempts. The score is pre-determined based on the following:

• Difficulty of the breaking technique
• Number and Size of boards used (based on the breaker’s weight)
• Amount of Support on the boards (on a range from airborne to fully supported)
• If the break is Successive (Breaking multiple boards in succession with the same foot w/o touching down)
• If the break is Simultaneous (multiple breaks at the same time using different striking surfaces)
• If Spacers are used or not
• If they are Blindfolded or have Speed/Power Breaks

Technical Deductions: A Tracker is responsible for tracking the following:

• Multiple attempts (they will lose points for each additional attempt)
• Dropping boards (removing boards from a power break)
• Changing breaks (changing the technique they break with, or going out of order.)
• Partial breaks (breaking some of the boards in the break, like the Low in the Low/High Roundhouse)
• Unbroken boards (not breaking any of the boards in the break)

Presentation: Presentation Judges are responsible for awarding the presentation points and should not deduct for the technical mistakes listed above except for how they naturally impact the following categories:

• Organization & Layout: How interesting/original was the layout? Could you see the breaks? How efficient was the set up?
• Modifiers: Modifiers added value & were impressive. (Blindfolds, Speed/Power Breaks, Simultaneous, Successive)
• Height of Techniques: Performed techniques at expected height or higher.
• Transitions & Flow: Transitions were planned & well executed. Routine flowed well with no wasted motions. Minimal adjustments during.
• Epic-ness: Performed unique, interesting, or fun breaks with energy and confidence. It looked Epic!

Area: 4 meters by 4 meters minimum

Time: 1 minute to set up, 2 minutes to break

Notes: Competitor weight must be accurate. Divisions are based on your weight, so if you fall outside your registered weight class you may be disqualified.

1. Competitors will receive the boards they ordered during registration in the ring on the day of the event. They may write on the boards while they wait for their turn, but boards may not leave the ring.

2. Board Sizes may be chosen by the participants. Available Board sizes:

• Demo 1 (1/4” inch pine Board)
• Demo 2 (1/2” inch pine Board)
• Demo 3 (3/4 inch pine board)

3. It is recommended to perform 3-5 breaks, but may do more as long as they stay within the time limit.

4. Competitor should provide their own holders. Board Supports will be available for power breaks.

5. Colored uniforms are allowed.

6. Taping, socks, shoes, gloves, or other protective barriers are not allowed. If you have not conditioned enough to break a board without protection, it is best to save the break for a later time when you are properly conditioned.

Competitor Score is based on the perceived difficulty of the breaks and the creativity, originality, and entertainment value as scored by the judges.

      Technical Skills:

• Difficulty of Technique: Did the techniques match the age/rank of the competitor?
• Number and Size of Boards Broken: Were they breaking boards that were comparable to the others in their division?
• Height of Techniques: Performed techniques at expected height or higher.
• Breaking on 1st Try: Did they require multiple attempts to break the board?
• Speed Breaks: Did they have unsupported breaks?
• Advanced Techniques (Spin/Jumping Tech, Acrobatics, Blindfolds, etc.): Did they have advanced techniques?

      Presentation:

• Organization & Layout: How interesting/original was the layout? Could you see the breaks? How efficient was set up?
• Expression of Energy: Did they have loud keyaps and a confident attitude?
• Transitions & Flow: Were the transitions planned & well executed? Did the routine flow well with no wasted motions and minimal adjustments during?
• Epic-ness: Did they perform unique, interesting, or fun breaks with energy and confidence? Did it look epic?

      Deductions (-.3 per occurrence, taken from final score):

• Going over the time limit