USAFPA Competition Rules

THE NEW WORLD ORGANIZATION RULES

The rules of any sport always benefit some athletes and hinder others. Pankration is no different in this respect. We have athletes who are primarily strikers and kickers. They favor stand up style. We have wrestlers who favor ground-grappling style. Historically both Ano (standup) and Kato (ground grappling) have been an accepted part of Pankration.

The rules under which we have competed up until now favored the grappler. The striker/kicker could use only light contact. This made it easy for the grappler to take their opponent to the ground. The striker/kicker now has a 10 count, which will win the match. TKO and KO rules are in effect. All of the head is a target except for the face. A throw that takes the wind as well as kicks and strikes can win a match by a 10 count. This makes it fair and unbiased.

Spectators have said unlimited periods of ground grappling make for a boring match. Time on the ground is limited and the athletes will be brought back to their feet. This will encourage greater skill among the grapplers who now must get a submission quickly. Ground time is 30 seconds.

These rules were changed at the February 2003 Congress Convention in Greece. What I have mentioned above is only a part of the larger package of changes.

 

THE CONTEST AREA

The ring area is called a Palestra. The Palestra is traditionally blue in color, with all necessary marking's made in white. The integrity of the Palestra is either a wrestling or judo type mat.

The Palestra is square in shape with sides that measure 12 meters in length. The actual competition area is in the shape of a circle measuring 10 meter in diameter. The warning line from inside the ring to the outer circle (out of bounds) is one meter wide. The warning track is considered to be in play. In the middle of the Palestra is a circle three meters in diameter which declares the referee's and athlete's starting position.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The following is a basic explanation of the rules and regulations to be followed by everyone. Further details may be obtained through the Referee Rules.

1. Athletes and trainers must obey the formal dress code of Pankration. The dress code is decided upon by the International Federation of Pankration Athlima.

2. A Pankration contest includes personal or team games. Fighting divisions are separated by gender, age, and weight. A copy of the divisions cut-off accompany this document.

3. For each contest, there is a designated referee, an observer, a secretary, a timekeeper, and a medic.

4. Weigh-ins must be completed the day of the event, at least a half-hour before the games commence. Athletes must wear their uniform to the weigh-in. Should an athlete not make weight on his first attempt; they may try again later if time allows.

5. All athletes must be members of the USA Federation of Pankration Athlima prior to participating in any games. They will show their membership card upon registration for each event.

 
KATO PANKRATION
HOW TO SCORE POINTS

1.The match may be won by points or submission:

a. The first athlete to score 20 points.
b. Submission
c. Opponent's disqualification
d. Most points at the end of regulation
e. First to score in sudden death
f. Opponent not being able to defend themselves or continue (technical knockout), or doctors decision.

2. Targets to score points are as follows:

a. The Head (no contact)
b. Stomach
c. Ribs
d. Chest
e. Back (except the shoulders and spine) down to, but not below the waist

Striking the shoulders, thighs, calves and trunk area are legal targets but will not be awarded points unless used in a combination including a point target or take down.

3. Chokes, strangulation and smothering techniques must be vascular using the sides of the neck. At no time will the front of the throat be used as a target, pressure Point, or resting place.

4. Points are awarded for clean takedowns. One point for trips and sweeps with your opponent's feet staying below your waist level. Two points are awarded for reaps or hip throws with your opponent's feet reaching above your waist, to below your shoulders. Three points are awarded for throws with your opponent's feet going over your head.

5. Joint locks themselves do not score points. However, immobilizing your opponent in a position for 10 to 19 seconds scores one point, 20 seconds awards two additional points and the match is restarted on your feet. No points are awarded under a 10 count.

6. Submitting your opponent ends the match with a 20-0 score (no matter what points
     were scored up until that point).

7. Should a technical knockout occur, or your opponent cannot continue, the match will end in a 10-0 score (no matter what points were scored up until that point.)

8. Disqualification ends the match with a 20-0 score (no matter what points were scored up until that point).

9. Excessive warnings also score points. This will be explained in the "illegal behavior" section.

10. The duration of the contests is as follows: women and youth divisions are set at three minutes. Men's divisions are set at five minutes. Should an overtime period become necessary, the first athlete to score a point will settle this will and be awarded the match.

KATO PANKRATION
ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR & UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

The following is again a basic explanation of illegal behavior to be followed by everyone.
Further details may be obtained through the Referee Rules.

1. There will be no biting, eye gouging, or fish hooking of any body part.

2. Any contact to the throat, genitals, back of the neck, or spine is forbidden.

3. Joint striking is prohibited.

4. Intentionally trying to wound, dismember, or bring about serious damage to your opponent is forbidden.

5. Open hands on the face are illegal. Closed finger pushes are allowed to the head only.

6. Strikes may never pass your opponent's head at any time. No full circle techniques to the head. All head strikes must stop short of contact.

7. Strikes to the spinal column, brain stem, sinus, throat, genital area are forbidden.

8. No toe locks. Bending less than three fingers is considered illegal.

9. Skin grabbing or pinching is illegal.

10. The following are strictly forbidden:

a. Slamming an opponent on their neck or head.
b. Back breaking techniques
c. Clawing or pressing against the throat
d. Stomping on the head when your opponent is on the ground.

11. Not engaging in or evading the fight is prohibited.

12. Exiting the ring is forbidden and punishable.

13. Pretending to be hurt is forbidden.

14. No gauze, lubricants, or unusual protective equipment are allowed.

15. Showing disrespect to opponents, coaches, officials, the sport, other athletes/teams, etc. is unacceptable and punishable.

 

KATO PANKRATION PUNISHMENTS

For each infraction, the first observation is a warning, the second gives the opponent one point, and the third infraction gives the opponent two points and the fourth results in disqualification. Any additional infractions after disqualification may result in team dismissal from the games.

1. Exiting the ring

2. Dangerous technique.

3. Not engaging or evading the fight

4. Arguing or showing disrespect to: an official, a coach, an opponent, another team, etc.

5. Not protecting oneself

6. Striking off limit targets

7. Passing the head with a full circle or wild technique

8. Any other illegal, unsportsman like, or disrespectful behavior.

 

Pik Lak/Ano Pankration:  (Karate, Tae Kwon Do)
Continuous Point Sparring

REGULATIONS: FOR OLYMPIC CONTEST PLAY PER
USA FEDERATION OF PANKRATION ATHLIMA

KARATE /TAE KWON DO DIVISION

Semi-contact continuous point fighting has historical roots in Ano Pankration, which is one of the
variations practiced during the 1041 years that Pankration was a sport in the Ancient Olympic Games

Minor rule variations or substitutions are permitted to attract local competitors if listed as changes on flyers passed out in advance.

1.) Match time three (3) minutes for women and children. Five (5) minutes for adult men. Time automatically stopped for any delay.

2.) Continuous semi contact sparring. All legal Karate blows and kicks allowed. Sweeps, drag downs and 1 or 2 leg shoots allowed.

Ground Time Rules

a. Maximum time with both athletes on the ground thirty (30) seconds. (on any take down)
b. Maximum time with one athlete up, one down, ten (10) seconds
c. No strike or kicks if both athletes are on ground.

3.) Legal Targets: Head, Chest, Abdomen, Lower Stomach, Thighs, Groin optional as per local area rules. Touch face contact legal adult advance divisions, illegal for kids and lower belt divisions of adults.

4.) There are no warnings given for rule infractions.

5.) Forbidden acts requiring disqualification.

a. Excessive contact to head, high throws (ie shoulder or hip). Attempted kicks to knee joints, uncontrolled swing past kicks or punches.
b. Any full contact kick ot strike that draws immediate blood, or causes immediate swelling, redness abrasion to the face.
c. Excessive bas sportsmanship, his coach, ect.
d. Disqualification decision must have the apporval of at least 2 of the 3 judges who see the contact.

6.) 1/2 point penalty. Sportsmanship violations, face contact in youth divisions, strangles or neck cranks in youth divisions. Failure to  break clean on command, illegal techniques not requiring disqualification. (No warning may be given, only penalties.)

7.) Out of bounds rule (none). But will be reflected in scoring.

8.) Normal Karate surface for ring. Padded mat recommended. Head gear required on hard surface.

Required Equipment
Hand and foot gear. Mouth guard, groin protector all male divisions.

Ring Officials
Time Keeper / Score keeper, referee and 3 judges

Scoring
Referee controls the match, gives penalties but doesn't score points. Judges score at the end of match. "10 point must system" is used. both ground grappling and strike / kick are scored. both are added together, penalties are subtracted to declare a winner. In the event of a tied score, winner shall be the more aggressive athlete. (Judges decision on this).
A winner is declared when an athlete voluntary withdraws due to strikes, kicks or grappling techniques, if a coach "throws in the towel, or an MD. stops the match.
Situations that arise that are not covered in these rules shall be decided in the usual and customary manner as per local rules being used at the tournament.

SANCTION REQUIREMENTS

"A" sanction shall have Youth divisions. 1st place - 3 points  2nd place - 2 points 3rd place - 1 point

"AA" sanction both youth and adult and youth divisions 1st place - 6 points  2nd place - 4 points  3rd place - 2 points

"AAA" sanction must offer all divisions of Ano (Karate) and Kato (Grappling), a sanction fee is charged for AAA, certified referees must be used. Double points are awarded. Points apply towards team selections in the World Championships and Olympic programs.

POLIDAMAS / SELF DEFENSE RULES

Self defense/form contest shall be scored like kata. A team shall consist of 4 members (a large team maybe
entered but the judges will score lower if all team members are not at all times actively aggressive.)

NOTE: Hellanodikis is the referee, Palestra is the ring.

Check for uniform restrictions

 

FORMS DEMONSTRATION RULES

1. The Polidamas (forms) competition has been devised from an historic battle - Skotousa of Thessalia (location and territory) where Polidamas faced three immortals that were the elite warriors of Dario of Oho, the King of Persia. Polidamas faced his enemies' empty handed, although each of them was loaded down with various weapons. Today we honor this great warrior by referring to forms demonstrations as "Polidamas".

2. According to the contest proclamation, everyone has the right to participate (without exception).

3. The contest proclamation determines the selection of techniques.

4. The athlete (man or woman) can apply, by their own selection, techniques against one to three of his/her competitors.

5. The object weapons, which can be used by the attacker are club, knife, and pikestaff.

6. Every team must execute (present) six techniques in combination.

7. In every team effort, the Hellanodikis and judges evaluate the following.

a. Dynamic application
b. Proper timing
c. Proper distance
d. Continued vigilance
e. Competitors elimination ( at the final technique )
 f. Variety of techniques

8. The Hellanodikis' and the four judges positions at Polidamas (forms) competition are the following:

a. The Hellanodikis sits on a chair outside of the contest area in front of the Secretary.
b. The Four Judges sit in chairs located at the Four Corners of the Palestra.

9. The high and low scores will be eliminated and the remaining numbers will be added up to achieve a total score.