STATE OF FLORIDA
AMATEUR KICKBOXING SAFETY STANDARDS AND PROTOCOLS

New & Updated Rules As Of
MARCH 15TH, 2013

• INSURANCE
  
  
  • Health and Accidental Death Benefit Policy for Athletes: $10K minimum.
    • Claims forms with the promoter information and policy number already written in shall be provided to the ringside physician prior to the start of the event. The promoter is responsible for the payment of the deductible amounts for any injured athletes if their personal insurance doesn't cover said medical expense.
      
      
      • UPDATED JULY, 2011
        For a $10,000.00 policy on an IKF Sanctioned event the insurance fees are:
        1. *$565.00 Premium for a $2,500.00 deductible policy: 20 Bout Limit Per Event or 40 Fighters.
        2. *$630.00 Premium for a $2,000.00 deductible policy: 20 Bout Limit Per Event or 40 Fighters.
        3. *$720.00 Premium for a $1,500.00 deductible policy: 20 Bout Limit Per Event or 40 Fighters.
        4. *$775.00 Premium for a $1,000.00 deductible policy: 20 Bout Limit Per Event or 40 Fighters.
        5. *$880.00 Premium for a $500.00 deductible policy: 20 Bout Limit Per Event or 40 Fighters.
           
           
           • Click HERE.
             
             
  • General Liability Insurance Policy naming sanction body as co-insured: $1 Million per claim / $2 Million aggregate minimum.
    • For IKF Sanctioned Events, *$450.00, Click HERE.
      
      
  • (*) There are several different companies that do fighter and event liability insurance. It is always the promoters choice as to which insurance company they will purchase their event insurance from. The IKF has always worked closely with FL Dean. For IKF Sanctioned Event Insurance Fees using FL Dean Click HERE.

• MEDICAL
  
  
  • All fighters will receive an onsite physical examination clearing them to compete performed by a medical doctor (MD or DO).
    • ADDED BY FLORIDA DECEMBER 2010: All female fighters will be required to take a pregnancy test. Pregnant women will not be approved to compete.
      
      
  • There will be a minimum of one medical doctor (MD or DO) at ringside during all bouts.
    
    
  • It is highly recommended that two physicians be in attendance so that if one must leave ring-side the event may continue. Competition may not occur in the ring if the physician is not present at ringside.
    
    
  • There will be a minimum of two licensed paramedics or EMT's in attendance at the event with at least one of these present at ring-side while competition is occurring in the ring. These paramedics/EMT's will have in the facility, at ringside all equipment necessary for treatment and or transportation of an injured athlete, including: Oxygen, Backboard and Neck Collar.
    
    
  • There will be an ambulance (mobile medical unit) on site at all times during the event. If an athlete needs to use the ambulance for transport to the hospital another unit must arrive before the competition can continue.
    
    

• FIGHT CARD
  
  
  • The fight card (matches) will be submitted to the sanction body in advance for approval. The matches will be evaluated by the event supervisor to make certain that the matches are suitable. Any changes to the fight card will be subject to the approval of the event supervisor. The promoter is responsible for guaranteeing that each fight camp is fully informed regarding their opponent, the weight limit set for the match, the length of the match, the specific rules governing that match and the general event schedule (mandatory report times).
    
    

• AMATEUR VS PRO STATUS
  
  
  • Amateur status as a kickboxer requires that the athlete HAS NOT competed as a professional (paid to perform) in ANY combat sport or full contact martial art. Amateur status is subject to approval of the sanction body.
    • IKF Amateur Vs Professional Rule: Click Here.
      
      

• ROUND LENGTHS
  
  
  • Matches will not be scheduled for more than five rounds with each round lasting no more than two minutes. There will be a rest period of one minute between each round. Generally, bouts will be scheduled for three, two-minute rounds with title bouts being scheduled for four rounds (state / regional titles) or five rounds (national / continental / world titles).
    
    

• JUNIOR FIGHTERS
  
  
  • Fighters 18 years and older do not fight minors (17 years and under). All minor matches are subject to approval. Minor matches must meet established weight spread requirements and age spread requirements (not more than 18 months difference in age). Minor match fighters must each provided a liability release signed by a parent or legal guardian.
    
    

• FIGHTERS OVER 35
  
  
  • Fighters 35 and over may be subject to additional medical testing requirements.
    • IKF REQUIREMENTS
      • For Insurance and safety/health reasons, Fighters must attain direct IKF Approval to fight on an IKF Sanctioned event. To do so, the fighter or trainer must send to the IKF a "RECENT" video of them "SPARRING" hard for 3 straight rounds with the round breaks left in. If the video shows "CUTS" or has been edited, it will not be accepted as a review video by the IKF. Upon review the IKF will notify the trainer or fighter if they have been approved to fight in a bout on an IKF Sanctioned event.
      • 45 and Older: For Insurance and safety/health reasons, for ALL fighter's who haves reached 45 years of age or will reach 45 years of age during the calendar year of any bout, the following requirements are needed and the fighter must submit the following to the IKF a minimum of "20 DAYS PRIOR" to their scheduled fight (Or within a calendar year -12 month period - of a scheduled bout) to be approved to fight on an IKF Sanctioned event.
        • ID: Fighter is required to submit to the IKF PRIOR to his/her scheduled bout a copy of their;
          • CURRENT AND UP TO DATE PHOTO.
          • CURRENT AND UP TO DATE Drivers License, Federal ID Card or Certified copy of birth certificate.
          • If approved by the IKF to compete, this same copy of identification will be required by the IKF event Representative at time of weigh-ins of the scheduled bout. If not able to provide, the fighter will be pulled from the bout and will NOT be allowed to fight.
        • VERIFIED APPROVAL TO COMPETE: Written Approval of your Fitness Level from a Qualified Trainer who will by your bout cornerman.
        • MEDICAL APPROVAL: Written Approval from a Licensed Medical Doctor that your Fitness Level is Qualified to Compete for the number of scheduled ROUNDS the bout is scheduled for. This would include;
          • COMPLETE PHYSICAL Report of of the Fighter with the fighters name, date of birth and the date of Physical listed on the Physical Form.
          • BLOOD TESTS: Report of physical examination including an original laboratory report with the fighters name and the date of the blood tests which will include:
            • HIV Test:
              • The HIV test must be done within 30 days of submitting all requirements to become licensed.
            • Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test.
            • Hepatitis C Antibody Test.
              • The Hepatitis B & C tests can be done within the calendar year.
            • CBC, chemistry panel including electrolytes, creatinine, liver function.
        • CHEST X-RAY: Valid for 6 years.
        • NEUROLOGICAL: In conjunction with the report of physical examination a documented neurological examination that has been done within a 12 month period of the bout scheduled. If the fighter has suffered a KO or TKO within this 12 month period an additional neurological examination may be required. Failure of the fighter to admit of any such KO or TKO loss "WILL" result in a $5,000.00 Fine and an indefinite suspension from fighting worldwide in ANY FIGHT SPORT!
        • Documented Fight Record that would include a "Bout by Bout" outline that details
          • WHEN the fighter last fought.
          • Any additional bouts the fighter has had.
          • WHERE the bout(s) took place.
          • WHO the Promoter of the event was.
          • WHO the opponent of the fighter was.
          • RESULT(S) of these bouts.
    
    
    

• THE RING
  
  
  1. The ring shall be not less than 18 feet nor more than 22 feet square inside the ropes.
     • This rule SHOULD Be "The ring shall be a regulation Boxing ring not less than 17 feet (5.3m) square within the ropes."
       • This is because the National Regulation is 17 Feet.
       • On a standard 20 foor platform ring, the measurement inside "Rope to Rope" is 17'.
       • This leaves 18 inches on the outside of the ropes for the distance between the rope and canvac/platform edge. - As required in number 2 below.
  2. The ring floor shall extend beyond the ropes not less than 18 inches (.58m).
  3. The ring floor shall be padded in a manner as approved by the sanctioning body. The recommendation is a one inch (1") layer of Ethafoam which is a closed-cell product manufactured by Dupont.
  4. Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform.
  5. The ring platform shall not be more than four feet (4') above the floor of the building and shall be provided with suitable steps for use by fighters.
  6. Ring-side tables must be no higher than ring platform level on elevated rings; no ringside tables will be permitted next to floor level on non-elevated rings.
  7. Ring posts shall be metal not more than four inches (4") in diameter extending from the floor of the building to a height of 58 inches (1.6m), (4'10") above the ring floor, and shall be properly padded.
  8. The ring ropes shall be a minimum of three in number and not less than one inch (1") in diameter.
  9. The lower rope shall be 18 inches (.5m) above the ring floor, the middle rope 35 inches (.9m) above the floor, the upper rope 52 inches (1.3m) above the floor.
  10. The lowest rope shall have applied around it padding of a thickness not less than one-half inch (1/2") and of type and construction to be approved by the sanctioning body.
  11. All rope ties will be vertical, approximately 6 feet apart, made of a soft material.
  12. The ring should be surrounded on all sides by rectangular tables pressed up against the ring and chairs.
      • These seats are reserved for officials, and production staff.
  13. The promoter will provide three raised chairs (bar stools with seat backs are suitable) for the judges.
  14. There will need to be a buffer zone of no less than 6 ft. measured from the back of the official's chairs at ring-side to the barricade separating ring-side from the paid spectators.
  15. This barricade safeguarding the ring-side area is required.
  16. During the event, no alcoholic beverages may be served or consumed with-in the ring-side zone.
  17. The Event Supervisor will designate the exact seating for the official ring-side personnel which will include the Event Supervisor, Time Keeper, Score Keeper, Three Judges, the "off" Referee, the Shadow Officials, the Event Physicians, the EMT's, The Fighter's Seconds and The Ring Maintenance Personnel.
      A space must be reserved within the barricaded ring-side area for the emergency stretcher and EMT medical supplies.
      • IKF Fight ring Regulations Click HERE.

• SANITATION
  
  
  • All promoters are held responsible for ensuring acceptable sanitary standards are met, with respect to dressing rooms, showers, water bottles, towels or other equipment.
  • Physicians and the sanctioning body Representatives are to make a particular examination at every event for violations of these rules.
  • The ring must be swept, dry-mopped, or otherwise adequately cleaned before the event and prior to the fights.

• FIGHTER EQUIPMENT
  
  
  • Although Florida Rules say: "The wrapping of hands is not mandatory." This is a TERRIBLE RULE!!!
    • The wrapping of a fighters hands is a SAFETY and INJURY issue for BOTH the Fighter hitting and the fighter being hit.
    • ON ALL IKF Sanctioned Events Hand Wrapping IS MANDATORY!
    • Wrapping of a fighters HANDS IS MANDATORY in ALL IKF Sanctioned Bouts. For IKF Handwrap rules Click HERE.
      
      
  • Fighter wrap details;
    • Shall be responsible for their own gauze and tape or approved commercial hand wraps.
    • Gauze shall be of the soft or soft-stretch type, and shall not exceed 2 inches in width.
    • Tape shall be of the soft adhesive type and shall not exceed 1.5 inches in width.
    • One ten yard roll of gauze, and not more than two yards of tape, is the maximum allowable amounts for each hand.
    • Gauze shall be for the protection of the hand only, and the amount shall be the discretion of the Event Supervisor.
    • Tape shall be present only to hold the gauze in place, with NO TAPE allowed over the front of the knuckles (striking surface) and only 1 strip between the fingers not to exceed 1/4 in width and 4" in length.
    • Up to twelve (12) feet of tape may be used to wrap each foot and ankle.
    • The Event Supervisor, or his designee, must inspect all hand and foot wrappings, and must sign across the knuckles of the hand wrappings before the gloves are secured on the hands.
      
      
  • Neoprene or Elastic knee braces may be worn if there are no plastic or metal braces, hinges or joints.
    
    
  • Neoprene or Elastic ankle supports may be worn or a moderate amount of tape may be used subject to the approval of the event supervisor.
    
    
  • The Promoter will provide regulation 10 & 12 oz. boxing gloves in good condition will be worn.
    • When the lighter of the two amateurs weighs 147 pounds or less, both amateurs shall use 10 ounce gloves. When the lighter of the two amateurs weighs more than 147 pounds, both amateurs shall use 12 ounce gloves.
    • Both fighters shall use the same size and manufacturer of gloves.
    • All gloves will be secured by approved tape.
    • Junior or Minor fighters may be required to wear larger or more padded gloves subject to the approval of the event supervisor.
      
      
  • FIGHTER'S must provide their own approved Headgear.
    
    
  • All fighters will wear an approved mouthguard.
    
    
  • All male fighters will wear an approved groin protector.
    
    
  • The Promoter will provide approved shin and instep pads.
    
    
  • No rings, jewelry, or items other than those authorized may be worn.
    
    
  • Elbow pads and forearm pads shall not be worn.
    
    
  • All piercing shall be removed prior to leaving the locker room.

• FIGHTING RULES
  
  
  • Kickboxing is contested under several sets of rules representing unique "styles" of the sport including, Full Contact, Freestyle, Oriental, Muay Thai and San Shou. In all of the styles the following would be considered fouls.
    (note some exceptions indicated below in parenthesis).
    1. Head butting.
    2. Striking with the elbow to any target.
    3. Striking with the knee to the head.
    4. Striking or kicking to the groin.
    5. Intentional striking or kicking to the back of the head, the neck, or to the throat.
    6. Special foul rules exist concerning the spinning backfist.
       • As with all other hand strikes, this technique must be executed with the padded knuckle section of the glove.
       • On the first attempt that strikes with the forearm or bottom fist (hammerfist), the referee must declare a 1-point penalty;
         • each successive similar foul will again result in at least a 1-point penalty.
       • The first spinning backfist attempt that lands with the elbow will result in a 2-point penalty;
         • any successive attempts that land with the elbow will result in a 2 or 3 point penalty, or disqualification.
    7. Striking the spine.
    8. Punching or kicking a fighter when he is down.
       • A fighter is considered down when any part of his body other than his feet touches the floor.
       • If a fighter is on his way to the floor, his opponent may continue to attack until he has touched the floor with any part of his body other than his feet.
    9. Take downs, other than legal sweeps. (Exception for Muay Thai and San Shou)
    10. Intentionally pushing, shoving or wrestling an opponent out of the ring with any part of the body.
    11. Attacking on the break when both fighters have been instructed to take a step back by the referee.
    12. Attacking after the bell has sounded to end the round.
    13. Holding and hitting; such as holding with one hand, especially behind the neck, and hitting with the other hand.
    14. Grabbing or holding onto an opponent's foot or leg, followed by a takedown, strike or kick.
        • Exception: Oriental Rules, Muay Thai and San Shou.
    15. Holding the ropes with one hand while striking or defending with the other hand or the legs.
    16. Leg checking in Full Contact or Freestyle rules - extending the foot to check an opponent's leg to prevent him from kicking.
    17. Purposely going down without being hit, which will result in referee automatically administering an 8-count, as specified in the rule on knock downs (no points will be subtracted from the score card by the scorekeeper in this case, but the judges will consider this just as any knockdown).
    18. The use of abusive language in the ring or corner, as determined by the referee.
    19. Hitting or flicking with an open glove or thumb, or striking with the inside, or bottom of the glove.
    20. Intentionally evading contact or failing to compete.
    21. Clinching - holding or otherwise tying-up an opponent's arm to prohibit him from punching.
    22. Intentionally delaying the contest through improper equipment, seconds remaining in the ring after the start of the round, beginning around without a mouthpiece or by intentionally dropping or spitting out the mouthpiece, etc.
        • Additional and or more detailed Rules can be found by clicking HERE.

• KICKBOXING STYLES AND GENERAL RULES
  • ALL BOUTS / ALL STYLES
    • You may not be saved by the bell in any round.
    • Spinning Backfist is allowed (but penalized immediately for illegal contact)
      • As with all other hand strikes, this technique must be executed with the padded knuckle section of the glove.
      • On the first attempt that strikes with the forearm or bottom fist (hammerfist), the referee must declare a 1-point penalty;
        • each successive similar foul will again result in at least a 1-point penalty.
      • The first spinning backfist attempt that lands with the elbow will result in a 2-point penalty;
        • any successive attempts that land with the elbow will result in a 2 or 3 point penalty, or disqualification.
    • Mouthpiece should be replaced if it falls out (at an appropriate break in the action)
    • In case of a accidental foul stopping the bout we go to the score cards after two full rounds of a three rounder and after three full rounds of a four or five rounder.
    • No *Three Knockdown Rule.
      • (*) In all IKF sanctioned bouts, the *Three Knockdown Rule is ALWAYS in effect for fighter safety.
        • (*) If a fighter is knocked down 3 times in one round the bout is stopped and that fighter shall lose by TKO.
          • IKF General Rules
            
            
  • FULL CONTACT RULES (American Style)
    • Kicks to above the belt only.
    • No Clinching or Holding of any kind.
    • Sweeps are boot-to-boot, front foot only, outside to in or back to front.
    • You May Not grab the leg.
    • No Knee Strikes.
      • For IKF Full Contact Rules Click HERE
        
        
  • FREE STYLE RULES (International / Kickboxing)
    • Kicks to above the knees only (above the belt and to the thighs)
    • No Clinching or holding of any kind.
    • Sweeps are allowed in any direction against either leg.
    • You May Not grab the leg.
    • No Knee Strikes.
      • For IKF International Rules Click HERE
        
        
  • ORIENTAL RULES (Similar to K-1)
    • Kicks above the belt and to the entire leg except the knee (excluding linear kicks)
    • Knee strikes allowed to the body and legs.
    • Limited neck wrestling in order to throw a single knee strikes (no clinching or holding)
      (Fighters will be separated as soon as the attack or counter is concluded)
    • All Sweeps are allowed.
    • No throwing or off-balancing.
    • You may grab the leg and launch one attack with one full step.
      
      
  • MODIFIED MUAY THAI RULES
    • Kicks above the belt, to the hips and to the leg above and below the knee.
      (Excluding linear kicks)
    • Knee strikes are allowed to the body and legs.
    • Extended Neck Wrestling to set up knee strikes and to off-balance opponents.
      • Should be broken after 5 seconds of inactivity
    • No Sweeps are allowed.
    • You may grab the leg and take one step forward for each strike that you throw.
      • For IKF Muay Thai Rules Click HERE
        
        
  • SAN SHOU RULES
    • Kicks above the belt, to the hips and to the leg above and below the knee.
      (Excluding linear kicks).
    • Knee strikes are allowed to the body and legs.
    • Extended Neck Wrestling to set up knee strikes and to off-balance opponents.
      • Should be broken after 5 seconds of inactivity
    • Sweeps, Throws and Take-downs are allowed.
    • You may grab the leg execute a take-down or take one step forward for each strike that you throw.
      • For IKF San Shou Rules Click HERE
        
        

• LOCKER ROOM AND RINGSIDE PROTOCOLS
  
  
  1. Only water and electrolyte drinks in their sealed original containers in the dressing room.
     • No food, vitamins or supplements of any kind in the dressing room.
       
       
  2. Any alcohol, "Energy" drinks, controlled substances or any illegal enhancing substance is grounds for immediate suspension.
     
     
  3. Only licensed individuals working the corners are allowed in dressing room. Exceptions require prior permission.
     
     
  4. Offensive clothing, placards, emblems, etc. are prohibited.
     
     
  5. No hard contact lenses.
     
     
  6. Toe nails to be trimmed.
     
     
  7. Henna type tattoos are prohibited.
     
     
  8. Piercing accessories are prohibited, Use only soft materials to tie hair.
     
     
  9. Hand wraps will need to be inspected before you put your gloves on.
     
     
  10. Only pre-approved gloves provided by the promoter are allowed. Do not tamper with the gloves in any way.
      
      
  11. Only form fitted supports are allowed (neoprene or elastic for the ankles and knees only) no elbow supports. Supports may not have braces, metal, plastic, etc. of any kind.
      
      
  12. Anti social behavior of any kind to include name calling, gestures, vulgar/offensive language, etc. will result in disciplinary action.
      
      
  13. Only light coat of Vaseline on the face applied at ringside under the supervision of the referee or inspector; nothing else anywhere.
      
      
  14. Ice in a bag only; no loose ice at ringside.
      
      
  15. No excessive coaching from corner. Cornermen must remain seated in the designed chairs throughout the entire round. Only one cornerman will be allowed in the ring during the rest periods.
      
      
  16. When a Contestant is down/knocked out/stopped, no one is allowed in the ring until authorized by a referee or physician.
      
      
  17. No photography or video by corner during contest.
      
      
  18. Questions or protests will be posed in a calm, courteous and respectful manner.

WEIGHT CLASSES

ALL IKF WEIGHT CLASSES ARE ACCEPTED WEIGHT CLASSES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA
FOR IKF WEIGHT CLASSES CLICK HERE

BACK TO IKF RULES PAGE - CLICK HERE