GUIDING BODIES:
Law Enforcement Games
North Florida Martial Arts Association

EVENTS:
Karate competition is offered in Black belt only and offered in two age groups (open and +35) and in three weight classes:  Lightweight=Under 154 lbs., Middleweight=155-179 lbs. and Heavyweight- +180 lbs.

Kata (forms) is offered in two age groups (open and +35) in Black belt.

FACILITY:
The ring size is 20 x 20 – no mats are used – carpeted floor is taped off.

GENERAL RULES FOR KARATE & KATA:

All competitors must wear karate or kung fu uniforms.
Jewelry must be removed before competition.
All spectators must remain in spectator’s areas.
Competitor must be available when called. If not, they are disqualified.

Judging criteria: balance, eye contact, proper focus of technique, proper stances, timing, power, and concentration.
Gymnastic movements do not constitute an increase in the difficulty factor of a form unless they clearly relate to the action (offensive or defensive) in question.
Weapons forms will be judged on the ability to use and control the weapon.
If there are three (3) judges, scores will be added straight across. If there are five (5) judges, the high and the low will be dropped.
Scoring will be based on a five (5) to ten (10) point scale, with six (6) being the average in Kyu divisions and seven (7) in Black Belt. In Black Belt scoring, the high and the low scores will be dropped but will be added back in the event of a tie.
A competitor may restart his/her form, however, one full point will be deducted from the score by each judge.
A competitor tying for first place will rerun the form. Second place and under – the high and low scores will be added back into the score. If three (3) judges the Kata will be rerun.
Competitor will remain seated until called on deck.
When presenting before the judges the competitor will announce their names and kata.
Competitor must remain seated until the division is finished.
This is a non-musical competition

Competitors will be matched by random draw.
There will be five judges. A majority of flags with the competitor’s color must be raised in order to be awarded a point.
No jewelry to be worn while fighting.
Soft foam safety gear is mandatory. Hand gear must cover the hand, fingers and wrist. Open finger gloves, bag gloves or boxing gloves are not allowed. Footgear must cover the toes, foot and heel. Mouthpieces are mandatory. Male competitors must wear groin cups. Headgear is mandatory.
In Kyu divisions, time is two (2) minutes maximum points or a three point advantage, whichever comes first. One point for all target areas.
Competition is light contact to the face and moderated contact to the body. Contact does not have to be made to receive a point. Light contact is defined as a touch made with gear which does not result in visual movement of the target and

moderate is defined as contact that causes slight visible movement of the target.

No contact point is defined as a technique that is pulled very close to the target.
Excessive contact is defined as a contact that causes injury to the other competitor, a contact that causes the other competitor to be unable to continue due to injury, a contact to an illegal target area, a sudden jerking of the head, a competitor being knocked out, or a contact that causes bleeding or swelling (referee discretion)
Malicious contact is defined as using illegal techniques, deliberately striking with intent to cause bodily injury, continuing to attack after referee commands stop or break, and throwing wild and uncontrolled technique.
Warnings – Penalty Points – Disqualifications: Running out of the ring without fighting after 2 warning, other competitor receives a point. Unsportsmanlike conduct by competitor or competitor’s spectators towards judges or other competitors. Malicious contact. Causing injury to other competitors.
Legal Target Areas: Head and face, sides of neck, front and sides of torso, and kidneys.
Illegal Target Areas: Base of skull, throat, back, groin and knees.
Sweeps and Grabs: Sweeps and off-balance techniques will be allowed – back to front, boot to boot, non supporting leg. Leg checks are not allowed. Throws and take downs are not allowed. Grabbing the leg is not allowed. Grabbing the gi or arm is allowed followed immediately with a one second following technique.
Illegal techniques: Open finger techniques, elbows, knees, head butts and throws.

PROTESTS:
Protests must be made to center referee before next match starts. Protest may not be made on a judgment call. Protest must be made with proper respect.

COMPETITION DURATION:
Competition will last all day. If there are more than 100 competitors the head referee most likely will set up two or more rings.

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11/20/09 - Last updated