WKF – World Kickboxing Federation

OFFICIAL “SANDA – WUSHU” RULES RULEBOOK

“Updated 4th January, 2024”

 

 
Introduction

This Rulebook replaces all previously issued rules. It also reflects the official WKF SANDA competition Rules. Special Rules modifications for PRO SANDA & WUSHU WKF Title fights on request. These current rules are valid for all member states and countries. Consideration can be given to local legal requirements and obligations if required. The official language of the IRC is English. This Rulebook can be translated in to other languages by the IRC. In case of any discrepancies, the official English version shall prevail. Without the specific written consent of either WKF or the IRC, this Rulebook shall not be copied, published or distributed. This includes electronic, digital, physical or any other duplication forms. This Rulebook can be ordered free by email to the WKF World Kickboxing Federation Limited Head Office at: admin@wkf.org.au. Copyright WKF World Kickboxing Federation Limited – Robert WILESMITH: WKF World CEO/President/World Advisory Board Director at WKF World Head Office in Mandurah East, WA Australia.

 General Content

• WKF and IRC
• Amateur Status Definition
• Doping Definition, Controls
• Registration Sportpass, License, Identification
• Weight Divisions / Weigh-In / Medical Examination
• competition areas platform or Boxing Rings
• Referees Licenses, Mission, Dress-Code
• Referee Sanda hand signals
• Competition Methods
• Scoring Criteria and warnings
• Scoring system
• Fighter’s Equipment
• Legal and Illegal Techniques
• Protest

General

WKF – World Kickboxing Federation Limited
WKF is the World Kickboxing Federation with administration office in Vienna / Austria. The affiliated National Federations are members of WKF Continental and World Federation. Our official web site www.wkf.org.au.

 IRC
The IRC is the International Rules Committee. The IRC consists of the WKF Head Referee plus six appointed A1 Referees. The IRC can make alterations or omissions to the existing rules, as well as implement new ones. The IRC can also be used as an arbitrary body in certain cases. The IRC also handles the Referee affairs at larger tournaments. The IRC Members are solely appointed from the WKF World Head Office.

Amateur Status
The term “Amateur“ was previously used to group all fighters of the Sanda division. It shall be used in this Rulebook to describe all Fighters that are not professionals. No Fighter may participate in any match without an up-to-date WKF fight book (sport pass) with official WKF license and annual stamp. Fighters shall be considered amateurs providing they do not meet one or more of the following conditions:

The fighter is under a professional contract.

• The fighter has never participated in an event of more than 5 x 2 minutes rounds B class.
• The fighter is listed in Sanda or Kickboxing Pro-Rank lists.
• If a fighter thinks that he/she is listed on a Pro-Rank list, and shouldn’t be, he/she must report it to the National Federation, and to the Organization responsible for the list, to apply for a confirmation of his/her Amateur Status.
• The IRC will decide upon the application to remain classified as an Amateur. The Amateur status will be granted while the application is pending.

Non-Amateurs cannot participate on amateur events. If the IRC is informed about a contradiction to this rule, one or more of the following actions can be taken:

• Disqualification of the Non-Amateur
• A ban/suspension. The IRC will decide upon the length of time.
• A fine of minimum $300.00US
• Revocation of any pro WKF title achieved, but requires written approval from WKF World Head Office.

Doping
It is not permitted to apply any substances to boost the performance, if such substance is banned by one of the appropriate Organisations as a doping substance. (IOC, WADA etc.). WKF, the IRC, the tournament Promoter and the official doctor can and may perform controls. With the written authorization of the WKF only, other qualified organisations and persons may perform such controls where the law requires it. Fighters that intentionally avoid, obstruct or evade such controls, or manipulate them in any way, can be disqualified and banned, for a time period to be determined by the IRC. The privacy, especially of female competitors must be respected. Doping controls have to be made by a qualified person of the same gender. Where this is not possible, a member of the IRC of the same gender supervises the collection of the test sample.

Registration
Fighters who want to be admitted to any competition, tournament or gala, need to fulfil the following conditions:

1. a) To possess a WKF issued white Sport Book (Sport Pass or Fighters license)
2. b) To have a valid annual license stamp for the current year applied in the Sport Book
3. c) Proof of an appropriate entry in the Sport Book to show they are “Fit to Fight”. A Medical assessment is compulsory and cannot not be older than 12 months.
4. d) Not to be excluded for medical or any other reason from participating in the event
5. e) To be able to show a medical attest of a performed EEG examination, in case of experiencing 3 head knockouts within a period of less than 12 months. The EEG must be made after the banned period.
6. f) In case of female participants, not to be pregnant.

Entries into the WKF Sports Passport Book
The Promoters of a tournament, a competition or a gala are responsible to make the following entries to the WKF Sports Passport book:

1. a) Place, date and name of the event
2. b) Discipline and score of the fighter
3. c) Any Knockout, Stoppage or Surrender

Instead of the Promoter, the Head Referee, WKF Area/Ring Supervisor, or in case of a knock-out, Stoppage or Surrender a doctor can make the entries. Banning periods after a Knockout, Stoppage or Surrender.

1. a) 1 month after the incident
2. b) 3 months after the second incident
3. c) 12 months after the third incident within 12 months (EEG required)

After a 12 month ban due to three Stoppages/Knockouts or Surrenders within 12 months, the fighter has also to submit a medical assessment with a negative EEG examination result, before being admitted to any competition again.

Identification of the Competitors
On International events, the competitors have to prove their identity and nationality by showing Government issued ID. Adults only, male or female should have reached 18 years but be less than 36 years on the FINAL DAY of Competition.

  Chosen Nationalities
A competitor who can prove his/her special relations to a country other than the one of his/her nationality must submit one of the following documents to the WKF:

1. a) Birth certificate of the country of choice
2. b) Marriage certificate with a citizen of the country of choice
3. c) A permanent residence permit of the country of choice

The application has to be submitted in writing through the WKF in the chosen country. The WKF of the chosen country must apply then to the WKF head office. A competitor who has chosen a country via this method can only change again after obtaining a new citizenship, or after moving to another country for permanent residence there.

The WKF head office decides upon such applications, which have to be submitted at least (1) one month prior to the competition the fighter intends to participate in.

Weigh-In
The weigh-in has to be completed at least two hours prior to the first fight. Whenever possible, a selection of volunteer Referees that are preferably from different countries, supervise the weigh-in on International Competitions the day before the start of the competition.

Male and Female Participants
Whenever there are male and female participants, the medical examinations have to be held in separate rooms, or if in the same room, then during different times. Furthermore, the examinations have to be done by medical staff of the same gender if possible.

 Competition Area / Platform – Ti Tang
The competition area will be a platform of wooden structure, 80 cm high, 800 cm long and 800 cm wide, covered with a soft mat and a canvas surface on top of the mats. The Logo of WKF (120 cm in diameter) should be drawn at the centre of the platform. The boundaries of the platform will be engraved with lines of 5 cm wide. A square lines (warning lines) of 10 cm wide will be drawn 90 cm inside the boundaries the platform. Protective mats wide will be placed around the platform, to protect from the platform fallen fighters. No person other than the Referee and the two Fighters may enter the platform/ring during a round. If either Fighter voluntarily leaves the Ring, or any other person enters the platform/Ring, (including Medics), the fight is over, and cannot continue. One Coach shall be allowed in to the Ring to instruct his Fighter in between rounds, but must leave the ring before the start of the next round. A Fighter may have two people represent him/her, but only one may enter the Ring during rest periods. All Coaches must be at ground level during the fight, and the Ring must be clear of any items. Supporters must not touch the Ring during the fight, or during the rest periods. The Referee must stop time to clear the area of unauthorised personnel. Banging of the Ring by anyone outside the Ring will not be allowed, and could cause a Warning to be given to the Fighter of the Representative concerned. Water spillages must be cleaned up by the Fighters’ representatives. No water may be spat on to the platform floor, or the surrounding area. It is the responsibility of the corner representatives to ensure that any bodily fluids be mopped up hygienically.

Boxing Ring
The boxing ring must correspond to the norm of the AIBA and must be compulsory approved by the appointed WKF Supervisor. All side protections and the four ropes must be inspected for suitability and safety prior to the first fight. The Timekeeper is located at the Referee Table facing the center Referee. Electronic score boards and screen are permitted. In case there is only one fighting area, sufficient space for the Medics and/or Emergency Personnel must be provided at the Referee-Table. The Referee-Table must be equipped with the following items:

• Pool lists, Score boards or electronic displays, table stop watch, plus hand stop watch in reserve
• Acoustic signal (Bell, Whistle, Horn) a bean bag is also permitted
• Spare papers / pencils, PC and printer permitted

 International Referees & Judges
The minimum age is 18 years and the international Referee or Judge must be a member of a National WKF Federation. They must attend international seminars. A basic knowledge of the English language is recommended, but not compulsory. All International Seminars will be held in English.

Referee Licenses

• E National Judge for Local and National events
• D National Judge & Referee for National events
• C International Judge & Referee for International events , including local Titles
• B International Judge & Referee for all events including National Pro Titles
• A International Judge & Referee for all events including International Pro Titles
• A1 International Supervisor – for International Title fights and Amateur Championships

All National Licenses E, and D can be awarded by the local National Head Referee of each Country after the annual Referee Seminar. These licenses are valid for 12 months and have to be renewed thereafter. The International Licenses C and B will be given directly from the IRC Head Referee after the International Referee Seminar or WKF head office directly. These licenses have to be confirmed by the IRC and are valid for three years, unless otherwise shortened. All International Referees are responsible themselves to extend their own licenses at least every third year. The A License and finally the A1 Supervisor License can be awarded only by majority decision from the IRC or WKF head office directly. These licenses are valid for three years. All international A class Referees and Supervisors are responsible themselves to extend their own licenses at least every third year To be nominated as A – Referee and A1 Supervisor the majority of the IRC Members must support the nomination. To be nominated as B – Referee the IRC chairman must support the nomination. To be nominated as C – Referee the appropriate country Head Referee or WKF Country President must support the nomination. A National Referee cannot gain international status without the permission of their Country Head Referee. The IRC can make the attendance of seminars, and/or the successful passing of a test, as well as sufficient command of English (the official language of the IRC), as a condition for an A or B – Referee nomination. The nominations are to be confirmed periodically, at least every 3 years. Licensed Referees will be registered in a central database. Their names, category and nationality will be published on the official web site.

Nationality

• Three variants are suitable for the composition of the Referee Team on Continental & World Championships:
• There can be one Judge of the Nationality of the Red competitor.
• There must also be one Judge of the nationality of the Blue competitor.
• The other Judge must be from a neutral country, (from neither of the competitors’ Nationalities).

All Judges are of a different nationality than either the Red or the Blue Competitor. This is the preferred choice.

A CENTER REFEREE CANNOT BE OF THE SAME NATIONALITY AS EITHER COMPETITOR.
If a Referee has several nationalities, or if he, based on the exception of the nationality principle, has chosen a country, he has to step down voluntary whenever an opponent is of either one of the Referee’s nationality, or of the country of choice.

 Conflict of Interest
A person who intends to be a Referee on any event cannot act as a Judge, Coach or Country Representative at the same time. The Referees have the obligation to report themselves any possible conflict of interest. In case of an omission, the present IRC Members, after consulting with the Head Referee, may impose one or more of the following measures:

 Warning

• Exclusion of a further participation as a Referee on the event
• Reduction of the Referee compensation
• Withdrawal of the Referee’s License for a time determined by the IRC.

Head Referee and Platform / Ring Supervisor
At every competition, a head referee has to be designated. He/She is responsible for the whole Referee organisation, and supervises the work on all fighting platform and/or rings. On a competition with several fighting areas or rings, the Head Referee designate area Supervisors who supervise all proceedings on their fighting platform or ring. The Supervisor places the Referees on his fighting area or ring according to their nationality or affiliation to a school, club or particular fighter. He reports the results according to the instruction of the Head Referee. The Head Referee can exchange Referees who are obviously not neutral or who violate the official WKF Sanda competition rules, and can overrule their decisions.

Referee Clothing
For the finals or title fights, all Referees must wear grey trousers, a black shirt with an WKF print and a red bow tie. A dark blazer with an WKF logo can also be worn. To avoid injuries, it’s forbidden to wear any jewellery, watches or pens etc. Judges that have no body contact with the competitors are not included in this rule. The use of medical gloves is recommended. Registration of Referees per country for World Championships and European Championships. For every 25 competitors of a country, one Referee must be present.

• 1-25 competitors 1 Referee
• 26-50 competitors 2 Referees
• 51-75 competitors 3 Referees
• 76-100 competitors 4 Referees
• 101-125 competitors 5 Referees
• 126 and more competitors 6 Referees

Any country that does not fulfil the requirements shall be fined $250.00US for each missing Referee. This goes into the general account of the IRC. Each country is responsible for training and licensing their own Referees in time for the WKF World and Continental Championships. The training for the F, E and D graded Referees is the task of each country. However, the IRC does offer seminars in your country on request. All countries which pre-register their Referees for Championships and get confirmation from IRC will receive priority. The Referees’ payment is equal to the starting fee of a single competitor each day. It will be paid out on the morning before the finals start. The Promoter is responsible for taking care of the Referees. This includes providing a separate room with food and beverages. It is also necessary that the Referee Tables are provided with mineral water.

 

Referee Sanda Hand Signals

Fist-Palm Salute
Standing on the platform or in the ring the fighters must show Fist-Palm Salute. First to the referee table, than to the referee, than to each other. In a standing position with feet together, place the left palm against the right fist in front of and 20-30 cm away from the chest.

Down
While calling “Hongfang (Red side)!” or “Heifang (Black side)!” extend one arm with palm facing up and pointing at the fallen competitor, as the other arm moves to the side of the body, bent at elbow and with palm facing down.

Down First
Extend one arm towards the competitor who is the first to fall down and, while calling “Hongfang (Red side)!” or “Heifang (Black side)!” cross the arms in front of the abdomen, palms facing down.

One side off the Platform
Extend one arm torwards the competitor off the platform (Figure 6) and, while calling “Hongfang (Red side)!” or Heifang (Black side)!” push the other hand forward in a bow stance, fingers pointing up.

Competition Methods
Characteristics of Classical Sanda and WuShu Fighting
One of the primary goals of the WKF is to promote, develop, preserve and encourage the employment of fighting techniques that are intrinsic of Chinese styles. Traditional Chinese fighting incorporates the following elements:

1. Ti –Kicking
2. Da – Striking
3. Shuai – Throwing

Rounds
All WKF Sanda and WuShu fights are for three rounds, each round lasts two minutes. There will be one-minute break between rounds. Official WKF Sanda Weight Categories for adults apply:

Name of Weight Category for All MEN and All WOMEN

• Paperweight:               Under 48kg
• Atomweight:                48.1kg – 50.0kg
• Light Flyweight:         50.1kg – 52.3kg
• Flyweight:                     54.4kg – 54.5kg
• Bantamweight:           54.6kg  – 56.4kg
• Featherweight:            56.5kg – 58.2kg
• Lightweight:                  58.3kg – 60.0kg
• Super Lightweight:     60.1kg – 62.3kg
• Light Welterweight:   62.4kg – 64.5kg
• Welter Weight:             64.6kg – 66.8kg
• Super Welterweight:  66.9kg – 69.5kg
• Light Middleweight:   69.6kg – 72.3kg
• Middle Weight:             72.4kg – 75.0kg
• Super Middleweight:  75.1kg – 78.1kg
• Light Heavyweight:     78.22kg – 81.4kg
• Light Cruiserweight:   81.5kg – 84.5kg
• Cruiserweight:               84.6kg – 88.2kg
• Super Cruiserweight:  88.3kg – 91.8kg
• Heavyweight:                  91.9kg – 96.5kg
• Super Heavyweight:     Over 96.6kg+

 Competition Methods
Attacking and defending techniques of any Sanda / Wushu / Sanshou Schools can be applied.

Prohibited Parts
The back of head, the neck, and the groin, the crotch.

Valid Parts
The head, the trunk, and the thighs.

Prohibited Actions
Attacking using the head, the elbow, knee strikes, or pushing back on the opponent’s joints. Forcing the opponent to land with the head or intentionally smashing the opponent down. Attacking the head of the opponent when he or she is down with any technique. The athletes have to stop only when there is the command STOP (Ting) of the Referees.

Medical Requirements
The “Minimum” standard of qualification for attending Medical Staff is a medical Doctor degree, just a valid First Aid Certificate is not enough. Ambulance personnel and/or a Doctor is an essential requirement. If the Medical Staff (Doctor) are otherwise engaged, or leave their post, all fights must be stopped until the medical cover returns.

No Medic = No fight!
Medical Staff must stay until the final fight is over, and they are satisfied that they won’t be required any further and that there is no further risk of a delayed problem or condition. Medical examination of Fighters prior to the start of the Tournament is compulsory. All Fighters compete at their own risk. No local anaesthetics, plasters or bandages may be administered before or during any contest. In all amateur bouts the doctor has the right to interrupt or stop a contest by ringing the bell or calling “stop“ to the Referee if he /she thinks a Fighter is in danger, and the Referee has not stopped the fight. He/she is also responsible to respond when a Referee calls him/her in case of an injured Fighter. Nobody may attempt to aid a Fighter during a round before the attending Physician has had the opportunity to see the injured fighter. This includes seconds and referee. If the Doctor enters the ring or he/she must examine the presumed injury, the fight is over and the Judges have to finish the score cards. The result is “won by TKO” or “Disqualification” by unanimous or majority decision. Doctor decisions are in any case final decisions, there is no protest possible. If a fighter is not in possession of his or her fight book with the annual WKF license stamp at the time of the physical examination and the weigh-in, he or she shall not be permitted to fight. Only the Doctor can decide that the Fighter cannot continue. A Referee or Judge cannot decide how badly a Fighter is injured and must take advice from the Medical Team. No protest can be made about a Medical Decision.

 

Scoring Criteria and Penalties

Scoring Criteria

THE USE OF CLICKERS IS RECOMMENDED!

 

Scoring Techniques

• Closed hand strikes to head and body
• Kicking techniques to head, body and thigh inside and outside
• Throw, sweep, takedowns.

Note: Clinching in an attempt to execute a throw or takedown is limited to 5 seconds.
Note: All legal kicks or punches must be directly without being blocked or parried on any legal area. For punches and blows the technique must be delivered with the striking zone of the glove.

 

The Contest shall be stopped:

• When a competitor falls on or off the platform
• When a competitor is penalised
• When a competitor is injured
• When the competitors hold each other in a clinch for more than two (2) seconds without launching effective attacks, or any attack at all, or run away passively;
• When a competitor falls on purpose and remains down for more than three (3) seconds;
• When a competitor raises his hand to request a stop of the fighting for objective reasons
• When the head judge corrects a misjudgement or omission.
• When some problem or dangerous incident happens on the platform;
• When competition is interrupted by some unforeseen troubles with the lighting or the competition area
• When no attack is launched for eight (8) seconds after the order for appointed attack.

Cautions (1 Point Deduction)

• Holding the ropes
• Initiating attack before the referrer’s command
• Continuing to fight after the referee has called “stop”
• When he holds the opponent passively or runs away passively
• When he delays the fight intentionally
• When he acts impolitely towards the judges or disobeys their decisions
• When he wears no gum shield or spits out his gum shield, or loosens his protective gear intentionally
• When he attacks the opponent before the call of fight (Kaish) or after the call of stop (Ting)
• When he hits the opponent on prohibited areas
• When he hits the opponent with any prohibited method

Warnings (2 Point Deduction)

• The employment of any illegal technique will result in a warning
• Hitting a downed opponent

Awarding of Points: One point is awarded if………

• Hand strike to head and body
• Kick inside / outside thigh above the knee joint
• The opponent falls and the other fighter falls afterwards
• The opponent receives a warning
• any throws with falling dawn on purpose

Two points are awarded if…………

• Throwing, the opponent falls while the other fighter remains standing
• Kick to the body and head
• The opponent receives an official minus point (penalty)
• When the opponent falls off the platform

No Points are Awarded if:

• Both fighters hit each other simultaneously
• The fighter throws the opponent after holding for more than 5 seconds
• Striking during a clinch
• A fighter uses an unsuccessful falling technique to attack
• Unclear techniques are employed by either fighter
• If both fighters leave the platform at the same time or falling dawn

Disqualification

• shoving and pushing
• Throwing opponent out of the Ring
• Cornerman physically interferes with the match
• Excessive unsportsmanlike conduct

Standing 8 Count (1 Point deducted)

• Referee determines that a fighter is at risk of injury
• Failing to get up within three seconds of a fall (8 Count begins immediately after 3 seconds have elapsed)

A Round is awarded if:

• If one fighter leave twice the platform in one round, the round is immediately over, and the opponent win the round 10:9. Just pushing and shoving with arms is strictly forbidden.

A Match is awarded if:

• There is a Knock-Out
• There is a TKO – Fighter is unable to continue
• The opponent takes 3 standing 8-counts in a round or 4 standing 8-counts in a match
• An athlete is overmatched by the opponent in power and skill; in that event, the Centre Referee can declare absolute victory (RSC)

Evaluation of the fight will be on the following guidelines:

• Best technique
• Effective parries and counterattacks
• Best combinations
• Fighting spirit and initiative
• Good sportsmanship and fair play
• Number of points scored
• Number of minus points and knock downs

Counting in Sanda and WuShu

There is a standing eight count in WKF Sanda and WuShu. This incurs 1 minus point to the fighter concerned. The standing eight count can only be used for Fighters that are either out of condition, or being correct kicked or punched badly so that they cannot continue. This is a chance for the fighter to recover for 8 seconds. If one of the fighter running out physical condition and get in troubles, OR if he/ she cannot defend any more because the opponent is to strong, the referee may start a standing eight count. When a Fighter is in such trouble, the Referee will send the other fighter to the furthest neutral corner of the platform/ring, pointing to that corner. He will audibly announce the passing of the seconds, and continue the count holding up fingers in front of the face of the fighter who get counted. The Referee will begin a mandatory eight count. If the Fighter then appears able to continue, he will allow the bout to resume. The Referee shall not count past eight if a Fighter is ready to continue. If the fighter is not ready, or not clear the result must be KO. A fighter may not be saved by the bell, even in the last round. However, if the bell sounds, ending a round, before a Fighter begins to fall, the Fighter will be allowed to return to his corner, being helped, if necessary, by only one of his Seconds. Three counts in one round, or four counts in a bout incurs a finish to the fight, in favour of the other Fighter. Before a fallen Fighter resumes fighting after having slipped or fallen to the canvas, the Referee will wipe the Fighter’s gloves free of any dirt or moisture.

Fouls and Penalties

• Technical fouls:
• Clinching the opponent passively,
• Requesting time-out when he or she is in the disadvantageous position,
• Delaying the fight deliberately,
• Un-sportsmanlike behaviour towards the platform judge or disobey his decision,
• Without gum shield, spitting the gum shield or loosening the protective gears intentionally,
• The competitor’s behaviour is violating the protocol.
• Personal fouls
• Attacking the opponent before the command fight (kaishi) or after the command stop (ting)
• Hitting the opponent on prohibited parts
• Hitting the opponent by using any of the prohibited methods
• Warning and minus points
• A warning will be given for a technical and personal foul, third warning is first minus point
• A competitor who received 3 minus points will be disqualified from the bout
• A competitor who intentionally hurts his opponent will be disqualified from the whole competition, and his or her result will be cancelled.
• A competitor who results positive in using prohibited sustains or inhaling oxygen during interval will be disqualified from the whole competition and his or her result will be cancelled.
• Suspension of Fights

The fight will be suspended when:

• A competitor has fallen down or off the platform
• A competitor is given a warning or minus point
• A competitor is injured
• The competitors hold each other without any attack for more than five seconds.
• A competitor falls down intentionally and remained for more than three seconds.
• A competitor requests for a suspension by raising his or her hand due to objective hindrance
• The head judge corrects a misjudgement, problems or dangers arise on the platform, there are problems with lighting or problems with the competition area. Again shows passivity after being ordered to attack for another eight (8) seconds.

 Scoring System

A technique can only score if it is executed with complete balance.  A Score must comprise of: a legal technique, to a legal target area, with legal use of power. All three things must be present for a score to count. In WKF we have a 10 point must system ! Three scoring Judges scoring each round as follows:

• The winner of each round gets 10 points as a starting score.
• If the round is a draw, both fighters get 10 as a starting score.
• The loser of a round gets a starting score of 9.
• It is possible to give a starting score of 8 when a fighter has not shown anything of any worth in the Judge’s opinion, and was outclassed.
• A Judge must consider the following before issuing a starting SCORE:

Best defence / Best attack / Best counter-attacking / Best use of platform/ring space / Points scored by using legal techniques, to a legal area, using legal power / Variation of techniques and scoring areas / Number of kicks landed / Fitness and condition of the Fighter at the end of the round.

• Under Sanda rules, supporting one leg for a single attempt to kick out the other is allowed, provided that the attempt is made within five seconds in the Referee’s estimation. Only one such attempt is allowed and must be executed away from the illegal area around the knee joint.
• Under Sanda rules, leg checking is allowed within the parameters defined by the rules that govern leg kicks and strategies for blocking with the legs. Holding the legs attacking and throwing is correct!

Minus Points
Any Minus Points or Counts are to be deducted and the round TOTAL indicated. All warnings are to be indicated in the WARNINGS area on the score sheet, and three Warnings will equal a MINUS. This should still be indicated as a 3rd Warning, but the Minus Point is to be deducted from the round TOTAL.

To Win a Fight
When there is great disparity of techniques between the two competitors, the platform judge with the approval of the head judge, may proclaim the stronger competitor to be the winner of the bout. A competitor will win the bout if his or her opponent is being knocked-out (no personal foul actions) and remained unconscious for ten (10) seconds, or the opponent can still stand up but with abnormal consciousness. During a bout of fight, a competitor has been hit heavily (no personal foul actions) and being forcibly counted three times, his or her opponent will win the bout. The result of each round will be decided according to the judgments of the 3 judges. During a round of fight, if a competitor is being hit heavily (no personal foul actions) and being forcibly counted twice, his or her opponent will win the round. The competitor who falls off the platform twice in a round, will lose the round and his or her opponent will be the winner. In this case, the round is to stop immediately, regardless of time remaining. If both competitors scored same points in a round, the winner will be decided in the following order:

• He or she who received less warnings in the round will be the winner.
• He or she who received less minus points in the round will be the winner.

If every point remains the same, the judge must decide for one corner. The competitor who wins the first two rounds in a bout will be the winner of the bout. The competitor will win the bout if his or her opponent is injured or ill and unable to continue the competition as certified by the doctor. During fighting if a competitor feigns to be injured by foul actions, his or her opponent will win the bout after being justified by the medical doctor. During fighting if a competitor is been injured by foul actions and unable to continue the fight as justified by the medical doctor, the injured competitor will be the winner of the bout, but will not be allowed to continue.

Ending the Fight
The Timekeeper indicates the end of the fight by a whistle, bell or by throwing a beanbag. The Referee calls “Stop” and the Fighters cease fighting. Any points scored in between the Timekeeper indicating the end of time and the Referee calling “Stop” must be scored. Only the Referee can stop the fight, not the Timekeeper. The Referee indicates the winner by calling the scores and raising the arm of the winner. The fighters should touch gloves after the fight.

Fighter’s Equipment
All Fighters shall be clean and proper. Shorts and bare upper body for men, T-shirt or usual ladies TOP for women. It is the sole prerogative of the WKF to decide whether facial hair (moustaches, sideburns, beards or a combination of these) or the length of the hair poses a safety hazard to the Fighters, or poses an obstacle to the unhindered observation of the match. The Referee can insist that such facial hair be removed, or in the case of long hair, be contained by a net. Excessive use of grease or similar substances is prohibited. The Referee can insist that Vaseline, grease or any other similar substances be removed before the fight can start or proceed. Head Guard Must cover the top of the head. Must be a Martial Arts type Head Guard in good condition which fits well. No full face or semi face visor may be worn. Gum-Shield Must be a Martial Arts or Boxing type. No Football / Rugby type. Boxing gloves 8oz (Under 69.5kg, 10oz 72.3kg and Above gloves only for all competitors, male and female. Hand wraps are mandatory. Groin Guard For men and women. They must be worn under clothing and not on top. Shin Guards Only “Shin-Instep guards” are compulsory, shorts are MANDATORY Chest Guard Compulsory for female adults, must be worn under clothing and not on top.

Clothing
Fighters must be clean and dressed in an appropriate outfit. Toe nails should be clean and cut short. Female Fighters should wear a clean T-Shirt or Ladies top. Usual martial arts shorts must be worn. Hand bandages are allowed, maximum length 2.5 meters. Tape may be used on the hand, and bandages of the hand are recommended by WKF for safety purposes. The Referee may judge inappropriate if too much is used. Long hair should be tied back. No Metal/Plastic objects to be worn by any competitor, including earrings, eyeglasses, watches, hair grips, chains, rings, piercing jewellery etc. Soft contact lenses are allowed at the Fighter’s risk. The Coach must wear appropriate clean sports clothing, and sporting shoes. A Coach must not display any “Officials” type clothing. Any suits, shirts, blazers etc must be covered up if in the act of Coaching. Each Fighter is subject to an equipment check prior to the start of the fight. The checks has to be done by the Judges. No referee can touch any fighter during the equipment check.

Legal and Illegal Techniques

• Jab and reverse punch – with front fist knuckles, and also inside, outside and with the top of the gloves
• Hook Punch and uppercut to the body and head
• Front Kick and Side Kick to the body and head
• Low kick, inside and outside the tights above and below the knee joints
• Curving Front Kick, Hook Kick, including Spinning Hook Kick to the body and head
• Jump Spinning Hook Kick to the body and head
• Back Kick, Roundhouse Kick, including Jump Round Kick, Jump Back Kick to the body and head
• Spinning Back Kick and Jump Spinning Back Kick to the body and head
• Inside & Outside Crescent Kick, Jump Inside & Outside Crescent Kick to the body & head
• Inside & Outside Axe Kick including Jump Axe kick
• The use of “spinning back fist” only with focus on the opponent, all kind of kicks to the leg above the knee.

Illegal Techniques

• Elbows
• Kicks to knee joint
• Groin strikes
• Foot stomps
• Joint locks
• Striking the back of the head or spine
• Head butting
• Striking a downed opponent
• Attempt to throw opponent out of the Ring

Protest
The individual judgements of the Referees/Judges are not subject to protests. The decision of the official Doctor is not subject to protests. Protests by the appointed Supervisor are only possible in the following cases, and may only be placed after depositing a fee of 100 EUR in cash with the area Supervisor or the head referee:

1. A proven agreement between the Judges/Referees
2. The mathematical addition of the scores is wrong
3. An obvious mix up between the Blue and Red corner occurs
4. The official WKF Sanda rules were violated

Video recordings or any photographic media cannot be used to justify a protest. Any type of recording is not evidence in a dispute and cannot be submitted as such. A protest does not hinder the ongoing of a competition. The Head Referee can though interrupt the continuation of the fights for a short period, if the result of the protest has a significant influence on the proceedings. After hearing protest from both parties and the Referee involved, the Head Referee makes the final decision. No further discussion shall continue on the subject at the venue. Any further disputes must be emailed within seven days of the incident to: admin@wkf.org.au, where the matter can be taken further.

Any monies lost due to the decision of the Head Referee at the venue, shall be retained until a decision by the IRC has been reached. Any dispute must be made without aggression, and only by the team manager or coach of the fighter. Any other presence will only be at the invitation of the WKF Head Referee. After hearing both sides, he must only make his/her decision based upon the WKF rules. The protest fees, if the protest is not successful, shall flow into the general account of the IRC for future Referee training and development. If in the case of a protest being put in after the competition, the IRC then makes the decision after hearing protest from both parties and the referee involved. The national federation has a limit of 30 days to make a statement in a matter of protest. If the decision of protest leads to a loss of a continental (European, African, Oceania, Asian etc.) – or World Title, the final decision can only be given by the IRC. All monies shall be returned in the case of a successful protest. All decisions by the WKF World Head Office are “FINAL”. All parties should recognize that the WKF has NO authority over local Government bodies and cannot change their rules. The standard for review is “clear” evidence which would justify a change of decision, or “clear” circumstances which in the best interest of the sport, would justify a change in decision.