Rules For IKF Amateur Kickboxing Under
Open Scoring Rules Format

PRO-AM: In the rules below, PRO-AM is a reference to RULE STYLE & EQUIPMENT ONLY - NOT the mixing of Pro Fighters and Amateurs Fighters.

1. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
   • Armor must be worn by both Martial Artists competing.
   • This may only be a brand certified and endorsed by the IKF.
   • In Europe, this licence is held by the M.A.R. Brand ( Supplied by the official Event Sponsor Quality Martial Arts Ltd. ). - CLICK HERE.
   • protective Equipment consists of the following:
     • Headgear
     • Chest Protectors - Bodyshield
     • Shin Pads
     • Heavier padded gloves
       • Below 60 Kgs - 132 lbs = 14oz Gloves
       • Above 60.1 Kgs - 132 lbs = 16 oz Gloves
     • Arm-Guards
     • Mouth Piece - Gum Shields: Personal Choice of Manufacture allowed, there is no Licence restriction on this product.
     • Groin Guards - Required for Men: Personal Choice of Manufacture allowed, there is no Licence restriction on this product.
       
       
2. NOVICE AMATEUR RULES - (CONTROLLED-CONTACT)
   • During Novice matches, all techniques must be Controlled-Contact / Light-Continuous. No Knock outs by way of concussion allowed. Stoppages only by the 20 Points TKO ( Out-Class Rule ). Intensional heavy blows to the head are not permitted. Contact to the head must be light. Contact to the body / legs must be maybe medium strength, yet still restrict from Full-Contact.
     
     
3. SENIOR AMATEUR RULES - (FULL-CONTACT)
   • During Senior matches, techniques maybe either Medium or Full-Contact, however the same scoring criteria is in effect. 20 Points TKO ( Out-Class Rule ) to enhance safety. Full-Contact like Professional fighters, but under the added safety of the Amateur criteria - hence Pro-Am.
     
     
4. JUNIOR AMATEUR RULES ( Under 16 )
   • A Junior competitor under OS Rules is any athlete under the age of 16. All Junior contests are conducted under the same rules as Adult Novice OS Rules Class, but with the additional ruling that there is STRICTLY NO HEAD CONTACT ALLOWED. Headgear is still worn, for additional safety, ( for example accidentally clashing heads with an opponent, or falling to the floor ).
     
     
5. CLASSIFICATIONS OF AMATEUR BOUTS
   • There are four bout classifications for Amateur matches. 'N', 'C', 'B', 'A', class.
     • NOVICE DIVISION
       • 'N' CLASS: - No Decision contests - Controlled-Contact matches for Novices 2 rounds of 90 seconds duration.
         • Note, many schools class these as Smokers / Inter-Club / Inter-Camp / Inter-School bouts
       • 'C' CLASS: - Controlled-Contact ( Kumite ) Contests - Points decisions - 3 rounds of 90 seconds duration.
         • These also include Junior bouts (where no head-contact is allowed
     • SENIOR DIVISION
       • 'B' CLASS: Full-Contact ( Pro-Am ) Contests - Points or KO - 3 rounds of duration 120 seconds Men, 90 seconds Ladies.
       • 'A' CLASS: Full-Contact ( Pro-Am ) Contests - Points or KO - 4 rounds of duration 120 seconds Men, 90 seconds Ladies.
         
         
6. CLASSIFICATIONS OF AMATEUR PLAYERS (Fighters)
   • There are two level classifications for Amateur Players
     • Novice Level: Player that competes under Controlled-Contact in 'N' Class and 'C' Class matches.
     • Senior Level: Player that competes under Full-Contact rules in 'B' class or 'A' class matches.
       
       
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7. DRAW DECISIONS
   • In the event of a DRAW, another round will be contested, until a player gets the winning decision.
     
     
8. REFEREE DECISION
   • The Referee is also the Master Judge.
   • His decision on any matter is final!
   • There will be no arguing with any decisions.
   • During the martial arts competition players must not bring the sport into dispute.
     
     
9. SCORING SYSTEMS
   • Open Scoring' is the primary system to be followed for all OSR Kickboxing bouts, as this follows the Olympic method for Amateur Boxing. 'Open Scoring' will be shown to the audience, players and corner team during the events via the Electronic scoreboard display.
   • 'Closed Scoring' is the secondary system that may be followed for OSR Kickboxing bouts. Scoring will still follow the same method, but only the Judges will see the scores via the hand controllers.
     
     
10. SCORE RESULTS
    • Highest Score or TKO will decide the winner.
    • Anyone not happy with the result, may only raise an issue with the Referee ( Master Judge ) or the IKF Representative after the event and in private.
    • Re-matches can be asked for, and are the fairest way to solve any disputes. See Rule 7.
      
      
11. TECHNIQUES - PUNCHES
    • One point scored for Punches connecting to the Face or areas of the Temple, Ears & Chin. (No Score is awarded for punches delivered to the top of the Skull or to the back of the head).
    • One point scored for Punches to the body, (but not when blocked on the forearms).
    • Please note: The Spinning-Back-Fist is a legal technique, as is the Flying (superman) punch under OS Kickboxing rules.
      
      
12. TECHNIQUES - KICKS
    • Two Points Scored for Kicks connecting to the Head.
    • Two Points Scored for Kicks connecting to the Arms - across the Biceps and Shoulder area. (No Score is awarded when kicks are blocked on the Fore-Arm guards).
    • Two Points Scored for Kicks connecting to the Body. Two Points Scored for Kicks connecting to the Legs.
      
      
13. TECHNIQUES - KNEES
    • Knee Strikes are not allowed to the Head.
    • Two Points Scored for Knees connecting to the Arms - across the Biceps and Shoulder area. (No Score is awarded when kicks are blocked on the Fore-Arm guards).
    • Two Points Scored for Knees connecting to the Body.
    • Two Points Scored for Knees connecting to the Legs.
      
      
14. TECHNIQUES - CLINCH HOLDING
    • Players Clinch-Holding will be separated, once no Knee Strikes are being delivered.
    • The maximum time allowed for the clinch hold is 5 seconds, to reduce spoiling and encourage action.
      
      
15. EIGHT COUNTS
    • If an Eight Count is given the player that caused the count is awarded 5 additional points.
    • If the 5 Points awarded result in a Player leading by 20 Points a TKO by outclass will immediately be brought into effect to enhance Player safety- See rule 16.
      
      
16. TWO KNOCKDOWN RULE
    • The issuing of an Eight Count, is classed as a Knockdown ( including a Standing Eight Count).
    • Two Knockdowns in a single round results in an early stoppage by KO. This is to enhance player safety.
      
      
17. TKO DECISION - OUTCLASS RULE
    • A TKO is given when a player trails by 20 points on the score counter at the end of a round, or following an eight count.
    • This known as an 'Outclass', as is to enhance the safety levels of the competing Players.
    • A TKO is allowed by winding an opponent who cannot continue after an Eight Count.
      
      
18. KO DECISION
    • A KO is given when inflicting two 8 counts to an opponent ( Rule 12.)
    • A KO is given when a player withdraws from a match.
    • A KO is given when a trainer withdraws a player from a match.
    • A KO is given when a player can no longer continue due to a LEGAL technique delivered by his opponent.
      
      
19. ROUNDS
    • Novice Rules
      • Men & Ladies
        • Novice Bout: 2 rounds x 90 seconds
        • Intermediate Bout: 3 rounds x 90 seconds.
    • Senior Rules
      • MEN
        • Senior Bout: 3 rounds x 120 seconds
        • Title Bouts: 4 rounds x 120 seconds
      • LADIES - WOMEN
        • Senior Bout = 3 rounds x 90 seconds
        • Title Bouts--= 4 rounds x 90 seconds.
          
          
20. WEIGHT CATEGORIES
    • Women have 5 Weight Divisions and Men have 13 Weight Divisions.
    • These divisions are shown below and are used for the rankings and matching for Titles.
      • WOMEN - Weight Class - Max Weight
        • Featherweight Division - 57.7 Kg Max
        • Lightweight Division - 60.0 Kg Max
        • Welterweight Division - 66.8 Kg Max
        • Middleweight Division - 75.0 Kg Max
        • Super-Middleweight Division - + 75.0 Kgs
          
          
      • MEN - Weight Class - Max Weight
        • Featherweight Division - 57.7 Kg Max
        • Lightweight Division - 60.0 Kg Max
        • Light-Welterweight - 64.5 Kgs Max
        • Welterweight Division - 66.8 Kg Max
        • Super-Welterweight - 69.5 Kgs Max
        • Light-Middleweight - 72.3 Kgs Max
        • Middleweight Division - 75.2 Kg Max
        • Super-Middleweight - 78.2 Kgs Max
        • Light-Heavyweight Division - 81.3 Kg Max
        • Light-Cruiserweight - 84.5 Kgs Max
        • Cruiserweight Division - 88.6 Kgs Max
        • Heavyweight Division - 97.7 Kgs Max
        • Super-Heavyweight Division - + 97.8 Kgs
          • Note: If a Player is matched against an opponent from a different weight division, this match will be classed as a 'Catchweight' Contest.
            
            
21. WARNINGS
    • Rule Infringements ( Fouls ) Warnings will be given for fouls. Upon a second Warning being issued by the Referee, a Yellow Card will be issued. The Players opponent will then be awarded 5 additional points - Note, if this results in a score of 20 Points to a players total, he will win the match. Upon a Third Warning a Player will be Disqualified, and could also be suspended for up to 12 months from 3 Amateur competitions. Rules are to be strictly followed, to ensure player safety.
      
      
22. DELAYED SCORING
    • If a point is registered after the bell by the electronic score board, this point will be included as the final score of a player.
      
      
23. NO SWEEPS ALLOWED
    • No Sweeps are allowed. This technique is regarded as a foul. See Rule 20.
      
      
24. NO LEG HOLDING / LEG CATCHING
    • In order to enhance safety, a second warning will result in a 5 Point Penalty, (5 Points being awarded to the opponent). Defence against Kicks is either by Blocking techniques or Evasion as this is a 'Stand-Up' Martial Arts Competition. See Rule 20.
      
      
25. TITLE CHALLENGES
    • Players wishing to challenge for titles, must ask their Trainer/Representative to add this to their entry details. Any Player may challenge for Any title that their trainer feels they can safely contest. This will then be forwarded to the IKF OS Representative or the IKF World President who will then decide wether to allow the challenge stand, and issue mandatory defenses accordingly.
      • Note: If there is more than one challenger for a specific title, the following criteria is followed.
        • Matches between athletes from different countries will get preference over matches between athletes from the same country.
        • When there is more than one challenger for a title from the same country, the contender with the highest level of Title will get preference. E.G. An English Champion and a British Champion both wish to Challenge the European Champion, The British Champion would get preference. Should there be two contenders, (both not holding a current title ), wishing to challenge a Champion, the contender with the highest ranking will get preference.
          
          
26. TITLE DEFENCES
    • Current Champions are asked to make voluntary defences at each Competition should there be any Challengers. Should a Champion not be able to make a defence, this will be recorded in the OSR records. Should there be a challenger, a Title must be defended a minimum of one single time, every three shows, or once every six months - which ever is the soonest.
    • A title not defended following this criteria, may possibly become vacant by mandatory ruling. The vacated title can then be contested by the leading contenders.
    • Note: Any Champion that loses his title due to mandatory title vacation may have first option on challenging the 'New' Champion at the soonest available Event.
      
      
27. TITLE - STRIPPING OF CHAMPIONSHIPS
    • The OSR Division does not promote 'PRESTIGE BOUTS'. A Champion competing, is making a voluntary title defence. Should he lose a contest, he loses his title. To support Champions, the OSR division offers regular events to keep a champion as active as possible.
      
      
28. ARMOR (Body Guard) COLOR
    • A Players Armor must not be the same color as their opponent.
    • All Players must wear a matching color of Armor, i.e. Headgear, Gloves, Bodyshield, Shinpads & Arm-Guards.
    • Each Athlete must wear ALL Red and the other must wear ALL Blue.
    • Alternative colors are allowed, as long as the criteria is followed and agreed upon by the IKF Representative prior to the "EVENT".
      
      
29. CLOTHING WORN UNDERNEATH THE BODYSHIELD
    • No clothing is to be worn underneath the bodyshield, vests or t-shirts, unless you are a female, and in this case a Sports Bra Top is recommended.
      
      
30. JUDGES
    • Each school that enters Players into competitions must also provide a person to act as a Judge.
    • These Judges will then be rotated between the attending schools to ensure unbiased and neutral scoring.
    • A Judge will score for 5 bouts before rotation.
      
      
31. RING SIZE
    • All OSR matches must take place in a ring that is a minimum of 17' INSIDE Rope to Rope. This is to enhance safety as a larger competition area will allow more player movement.
      
      
32. MEDICAL CHECK - FIGHTER PHYSICALS
    • All Players must undertake a Medical check before competing, and must have their toenails clipped with no sharp points protruding.
      
      
33. WEIGHT CHECK - WEIGH-INS
    • All Players must have a weight check on the day of the competition ( unless competing at Heavyweight ). During the weigh-in all players must wear their competition shorts and a training vest or T-shirt.
    • If necessary, a fighter may shed these clothes to make their fight weight.
      
      
34. AMATEUR STATUS
    • DEFINITIONS
      • AMATEUR: One who engages in an activity as a pastime rather than as a professional; one who lacks expertise.
      • AMATEUR IN SPORTS: An athlete who has never participated in competition for money. An athlete who is not paid for his/her performance. An athlete at the beginning learning levels of his/her career.
        
        
      • PROFESSIONAL: Performed by persons receiving pay. An expert in a field of endeavor.
      • PROFESSIONAL IN SPORTS: An athlete who is paid for his/her performance. Paid for their excellence of experience, knowledge and ability of their given sport. An athlete who plays for pay.
        • Further explanation CLICK HERE.
          
          
35. TIME WASTING
    • It is accepted that there may need to be a temporary break in action, should any safety equipment need to be altered or replaced. Should the Master Judge ( Referee ) decide that this is being caused intensionally by a Player, then he may rule this to be a foul and issue a warning - see rule 20.
      
      
36. TITLE BELTS
    • IKF Championship Title Belts, are the property of the IKF (International Kickboxing Federation). Should a Champion make two successful defences ( hence winning the title three times in total ), then ownership of the title then transfers to the Champion.
    • Should a Champion lose a Belt in a title defence and wish to purchase a new belt to have as a trophy, belt can be purchased for £250.00 (English) from the promoter.
    • Note: At the discretion of the promoter of an event, a Champion that has lost, may keep his belt, and a new belt be given to the new Champion.

OPEN SCORING RULES
Currently these rules are only being used in Europe, mainly the United Kingdom with the IKF Europe Organization.
Although Kickboxing is not an Olympic sport these rules are to focus on the issues of Safety and Fairness, hence the full pads and open scoring.
If and when Kickboxing becomes an Olympic sport, we here at the IKF feel strongly that rules such as these would be the style of rules accepted because of their focus on Safety and Fairness as do the Olympic rules for Amateur Boxing.

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