GEORGIA KARATE LEAGUE RULES FOR COMPETITION, 2012

**CHANGE FOR 2012- Advanced (Brown/Black) competitors cannot repeat the same KOBUDO kata in consecutive rounds**

1.Empty Hand Kata- Advanced (Brown/Black) Divisions, all ages,  cannot

         repeat the same kata in consecutive rounds.  This also applies to KOBUDO.

2.All Punches and Strikes will score as a WAZARI.

3.Chudan (middle) and Jodan (high) kicks and/or combination Techniques will

         score as IPPON.

4.PENALTIES- A second violation for the same offense will result in a ½ penalty

        point (wazari) be awarded.  A third violation will result in automatic

        disqualification.  A first or second violation can escalate all the way to

        disqualification if warranted and with majority agreement of the ring officials. 

                                                        GENERAL:

1.Who may participate?  Any authentic traditional Okinawan and Japanese martial arts school in good standing with the GKL. 

2.Uniforms- Traditional white or black uniforms only.

3.Conduct- NO unsportsmanlike conduct will be permitted.  This includes coaching, heckling from the crowd or other examples of poor sportsmanship.

4.Only judges, ring assistants, designated coaches and competitors are allowed on the floor. Spectators are not allowed on the competition floor.

5.All competitors must submit a completed and signed application.  If under 18 must have a

        parent or guardian sign the application.

6.Protests- must be filed immediately with the Chief Referee or the Tournament Director.  Only RULES VIOLATIONS, NOT JUDGEMENT CALLS may be protested.  A $10 fee must

        accompany the protest.  Only dojo instructors or coaches may file a protest.  If the decision is upheld, the $10 fee will be forfeited. 

7.The Tournament Chief Referee has the final judgement on any discrepancy.

8.Age as of JULY 1, 2012 determines the division for that competition year.  Competitor in the wrong division will be disqualified. 

9.Judges must be in proper GKL uniform to judge- White dress shirt, grey pants, black shoes, GKL credentials.   

10.Headgear is mandatory for YOUTH & JUNIOR divisions.  Headgear is optional but

          recommended in the adult (18+) divisions.  Facemasks are optional for all divisions.

11.Foam or AAU/NKF approved gloves are acceptable.

12.Shin guards with instep are optional for ALL DIVISIONS.

13.GKL divisions will be used for each tournament.

KATA:

1.Once the division is staged there will be no late entries.

2.Each competitor will only announce the name of the kata to the judges before performing.

3.Traditional Okinawan and Japanese Kata only-

a. Absolutely no made up or modified for competition forms allowed.

     b. Kata must demonstrate a clear understanding of the principals it contains.

c. Kata must demonstrate- correct breathing, power, speed, timing, balance, kima/focus.

     d. Kata must be realistic, not a theatrical presentation.

     e. Advanced (Brown/Black) Divisions cannot repeat the same kata in consecutive rounds of competition. 

4.Flag scoring system will be used for all kata and kobudo divisions.

KOBUDO:

1.Same criteria as kata applies.  Advanced (Brown/Black) cannot repeat the same kata in consecutive rounds.   

2.Only the following weapons are allowed: BO, (5’ or 6’), Sai, Tonfa, Eaku/Oar, Nunchuku and Kama. 

3.Weapons will be examined for weight and safety.

COACHING

1.Coaches must be AAU/NKF/GKL certified. 

2.Coaches must register as a coach before the tournament begins.

3.Coaches must attend the referee/black belt training before each tournament.

4.Coaches may not approach the Scoring table, but may raise hand (or yellow flag) to signal to the referee, Ring Controller or Chief Referee in the event of a rules violation or scoring error.

5.Coaches must remain in the designated area.   Coaches may not enter the match area. 

6.Coaches must speak in a normal tone and not disturb the match progress.   A coach may not harass the referees, judges or volunteers. 

7.Gi top & pants or gi pants and GKL t-shirt are acceptable attire with proper GKL Official credentials.