Taekwondo rules

Article 1 Purpose

The purpose of the Competition Rules is to provide standardized rules for all levels of Championships promoted and/or recognized by the World Taekwondo Federation (here after WTF), WTF Continental Unions (here after CU), or/and WTF Member National Associations (here after MNA); the Competition Rules is intended to ensure that all matters related to competitions are conducted in a fair and orderly manner.

Article 2 Application

1) The Competition Rules shall apply to all the competitions to be promoted and/or recognized by the WTF, each CU and MNA. However, any MNA wishing to modify some or any part of the Competition Rules must first gain the prior approval of the WTF. In the case that a CU and/or a MNA violates the Competition Rules without prior approval of the WTF, the WTF may exercise its discretion to disapprove or revoke its approval of the concerned international tournament. In addition, the WTF may take further disciplinary actions to the pertinent CU or MNA.

2) All competitions promoted or recognized by the WTF and /or each CU and/or MNA shall observe the WTF Statutes, the Bylaws of Dispute Resolution and Disciplinary Action, and all other pertinent rules and regulations.

3) All competitions promoted or recognized by the WTF and /or each CU and/or MNA shall abide by the WTF Medical Code and the WTF Anti-Doping Rules.

Article 3 Competition Area

The Contest Area shall have a flat surface without any obstructing projections, and be covered with an elastic and not slippery mat. The Contest Area may also be installed on a platform 0.6-1m high from the base, if necessary. The outer part of the Boundary Line shall be inclined at a gradient of less than 30 degrees, for the safety of the contestants. One of the following shapes can be used for Contest Area.

1.1. Square-shape

The Competition Area is comprised of a Contest Area and a Safety Area. The square-shape Contest Area shall be 8m x 8m. Surrounding the contest area, approximately equidistant on all sides, shall be the Safety Area. The size of Competition Area (which envelopes the Contest Area and the Safety Area) shall be no smaller than 10m x 10m and no larger than 12m x 12m. If the Competition Area is on a platform, the Safety Area can be increased as needed to ensure the safety of contestants. The Contest Area and the Safety Area shall be different colors, as specified in the relevant competition’s Operational Manual.

1.2. Octagonal-shape

The Competition Area is comprised of a Contest Area and a Safety Area. The Competition Area shall be square shaped and the size shall be no smaller than 10mx10m and no larger than 12mx12m. At the center of the Competition Areas shall be the octagonal-shape Contest Area. The Contest Areas shall measure approximately 8m in diameter, and each side of the octagon shall have a length of approximately 3.3m. Between the outer line of the Competition area and the boundary line of the Contest area is the Safety Area. The Contest Area and the Safety Area shall be different colors, as specified in the relevant competition’s Operational Manual.

Indication of positions

2.1. The outer line of the Contest Area shall be called the Boundary Line(s) and the outer line of the Competition Area shall be called the Outer Line(s).

2.2. The front outer line adjacent to the Recorder’s Desk shall be called Outer Line #1, and Clockwise from Outer Line #1, the other lines shall be called Outer Lines #2, #3, and #4. The Boundary Line adjacent to the Outer Line #1 shall be called Boundary Line #1 and clockwise from Boundary Line #1, the other lines shall be called Boundary Lines #2, #3, and #4. In case of Octagonal Shape Contest Area, The Boundary Line adjacent to the Outer Line #1 shall be called Boundary Line #1 and clockwise from Boundary Line #1, the other lines shall be called Boundary Lines #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8.

2.3. Positions of Referee and Contestant at the beginning and end of the Match: The position of the Contestants shall be at the two opposing points, 1m from the center point of the Contest Area parallel to Outer Line #1. The Referee shall be positioned at a point 1.5m from the center of the Contest Area toward the Outer Line #3.

2.4. Positions of Judges: The position of the 1st Judge shall be located at a point in minimum 2 m from the corner of the Boundary Line #2. The position of the 2nd Judge shall be located at a point in minimum 2 m outward from the center of the Boundary Line #5. The position of the 3rd Judge shall be located at a point in minimum 2 m from the corner of the Boundary Line #8. In case of two Judges setting the position of the 1st Judge shall be located at a point in minimum 2 m from the center of the Boundary Line #1 and the 2nd Judge shall be located at a point in minimum 2 m from the center of the Boundary Line #5. The positions of Judges may be altered to facilitate media, broadcasting and/or sports presentation.

2.5. Position of Recorder & IVR: Position of Recorder & IVR shall be located at a point 2 m from the Outer Line #1. Position of Recorder may be altered to accommodate the environment of the venue and requirements from media broadcasting and/or sports presentation.

2.6. Positions of Coaches: The position of the Coaches shall be marked at a point in minimum 2 m or more from the center point of the Outer Line of each contestant’s side. Position of the coaches may be altered to accommodate the environment of the venue and requirements from media broadcasting and/or sports presentation.

2.7. Position of Inspection desk: The position of the Inspection Desk shall be near the entrance of the Competition Area for the inspection of the contestants’ protective equipment.

Article 4 Contestant

1 Qualification of Contestant 1.1 Holder of the nationality of the participating team

1.2 One recommended by the WTF MNA

1.3 Holder of Taekwondo Dan/Poom certificate issued by the Kukkiwon or WTF

1.4 Holder of the WTF Global Athlete License (GAL)

1.5 Contestants at the age of at least 17 years old for Senior in the year the pertinent tournament is held (15-17 years old for Junior Taekwondo Championships and 12-14 years old for Cadet Championships). Ages for Youth Olympic Games might be different depending on the decision of the IOC.

Contestant uniform and competition equipment

2.1 At the competitions enlisted in the WTF Event Calendar, contestant uniform and all competition equipment such as but not limited to mats, PSS, IVR and protective equipment must be those ones approved by the WTF.

2.2 A contestant shall wear a WTF-approved uniform, trunk protector, head protector, groin guard, forearm guards, shin guards, hand protector, sensing socks (in the case of using PSS) and be equipped with a mouth piece before entering the Field of Play. Head protector must be firmly tucked under left arms when entering into competition area. Head protector shall be put on the head following instructions of the referee before the start of the contest.

2.3 The groin, forearm and shin guards shall be worn beneath the Taekwondo uniform. The contestant shall bring this WTF-approved protective equipment, as well as gloves and the mouthpiece, for his/her personal use. Wearing any item on the head other than the head protector shall not be permitted. The head protector for cadet athletes may be equipped with face shield. Any religious item shall be worn beneath the head protector and inside the competition uniform (Dobok) and shall not cause harm or obstruct the opposing contestant.

2.4 Specifications on taekwondo competition uniforms (Dobok), protective equipment, and all other equipment shall be set forth separately.

2.5 Responsibilities of the organizing committee for competition equipment

2.5.1 The Organizing Committee of WTF-promoted Championships shall be responsible for preparing the following WTF-recognized equipment for the use at the Championships at its own expenses for all related materials, equipment and the related technicians for installation and operation.

– Trunk PSS and Head PSS-related items and equipment – the choice of the PSS company shall be decided by the WTF (For World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, conventional head protector with face shield shall be used)

– Mats

– Other protective equipment as reserve (Sensing socks, hand protectors, shin guards, forearm guards, groin guards and uniforms)

– Instant Video Replay (IVR) system and its related equipment, including but not limited to cameras (minimum 3 cameras per court and minimum 4 cameras, including one overhead camera for the semifinals and final); When broadcasting is available, the broadcast feed must be made available at the Video Replay desk for review purpose

– Jumbo screen (for display of competition progress match tree, athlete profile. etc) inside the Field of Play (FOP)

– Spectator scoreboards (for display of instant video replay screen; minimum 12)

– Scoreboards at the court (for display of scoring; minimum 4 per court)

– Real Time Display System (RTDS) at athlete calling area and warm up area

– Real Time Referee Calling System (RTRCS) at referee lounge or waiting area.

– TV screen for showing competitions in live at referee lounge

– Other competition equipment not prescribed in this article, if any, shall be described in competition’s Operational Manual of the WTF.

2.5.2 The Organizing Committee of WTF-promoted Championships shall be responsible for preparing the following equipment and materials, etc at the training venue at its own expenses.

– Trunk PSS and Head PSS-related items and equipment Mats

– Items for first-aid

– Ice in the baskets

– Refrigerators

2.5.3 It is the responsibility of the Organizing Committee to obtain approval of the WTF on the number of the equipment to be prepared.

Anti-Doping Test

3.1 At the Taekwondo events promoted or recognized by the WTF, any use or administration of drugs or chemical substances described in the WADA Prohibited List is prohibited. The WADA Anti-doping Code shall be applied to the Taekwondo competitions of the Olympic Games and other multi-sports Games. The WTF Anti-Doping Rules shall be applied to WTF promoted and/or recognized championships.

3.2 The WTF may carry out any doping tests deemed necessary to ascertain if a contestant has committed a breach of this rule, and any winner who refuses to undergo this testing or who proves to have committed such a breach shall be removed from the final standings, and the record shall be transferred to the contestant next in line in the competition standings.

3.3 The Organizing Committee shall be responsible for making all necessary preparations for conducting doping tests.

3.4 The details of the WTF Anti-Doping Rules shall be enacted as part of the bylaws.

Article 5 Weight Division

Weight divisions are divided into male and female divisions, and classified into as follows.

1.1. Men’s division

– Under 54kg : Not exceeding 54kg

– Under 58kg : Over 54 kg & Not exceeding 58 kg

– Under 63kg : Over 58 kg & Not exceeding 63 kg

– Under 68kg : Over 63 kg & Not exceeding 68 kg

– Under 74kg : Over 68 kg & Not exceeding 74 kg

– Under 80kg : Over 74 kg & Not exceeding 80 kg

– Under 87kg : Over 80 kg & Not exceeding 87 kg

– Over 87kg : Over 87 kg

1.2. Women’s division

– Under 46kg : Not exceeding 46kg

– Under 49kg : Over 46 kg & Not exceeding 49 kg

– Under 53kg : Over 49 kg & Not exceeding 53 kg

– Under 57kg : Over 53 kg & Not exceeding 57 kg

– Under 62kg : Over 57 kg & Not exceeding 62 kg

– Under 67kg : Over 62 kg & Not exceeding 67 kg

– Under 73kg : Over 67 kg & Not exceeding 73 kg

– Over 73kg :Over 73 kg

Weight divisions of the Olympic Games are classified as follows.

2.1. Men’s division

– Under 58kg : Not exceeding 58kg

– Under 68kg : Over 58kg & not exceeding 68kg

– Under 80kg : Over 68kg & not exceeding 80kg

– Over 80kg : Over 80kg

2.2. Women’s division

– Under 49kg : Not exceeding 49kg

– Under 57kg : Over 49kg & not exceeding 57kg

– Under 67kg : Over 57kg & not exceeding 67kg

– Over 67kg : Over 67kg

Weight divisions of WTF World Junior Taekwondo Championships are classified as follows.

3.1. Men’s division

– Under 45kg : Not exceeding 45kg

– Under 48kg : Over 45 kg & Not exceeding 48 kg

– Under 51kg : Over 48 kg & Not exceeding 51 kg

– Under 55kg : Over 51 kg & Not exceeding 55 kg

– Under 59kg : Over 55 kg & Not exceeding 59 kg

– Under 63kg : Over 59 kg & Not exceeding 63 kg

– Under 68kg : Over 63 kg & Not exceeding 68 kg

– Under 73kg : Over 68 kg & Not exceeding 73 kg

– Under 78kg : Over 73 kg & Not exceeding 78 kg

– Over 78kg : Over 78 kg

3.2. Women’s division

– Under 42kg : Not exceeding 42 kg

– Under 44kg : Over 42 kg & Not exceeding 44 kg

– Under 46kg : Over 44 kg & Not exceeding 46 kg

– Under 49kg : Over 46 kg & Not exceeding 49 kg

– Under 52kg : Over 49 kg & Not exceeding 52 kg

– Under 55kg : Over 52 kg & Not exceeding 55 kg

– Under 59kg : Over 55 kg & Not exceeding 59 kg

– Under 63kg : Over 59 kg & Not exceeding 63 kg

– Under 68kg : Over 63 kg & Not exceeding 68 kg

– Over 68kg : Over 68 kg

Weight divisions of Youth Olympic Games are classified as follows

4.1. Men’s division

– Under 48kg : Not exceeding 48kg

– Under 55kg : Over 48kg & not exceeding 55kg

– Under 63kg : Over 55kg & not exceeding 63kg

– Under 73kg : Over 63kg & not exceeding 73kg

– Over 73kg : Over 73kg

4.2. Women’s division

– Under 44kg : Not exceeding 44kg

– Under 49kg : Over 44kg & not exceeding 49kg

– Under 55kg : Over 49kg & not exceeding 55kg

– Under 63kg : Over 55kg & not exceeding 63kg

– Over 63kg : Over 63kg

Weight divisions of WTF World Cadet Taekwondo Championships are classified as follows.

5.1. Men’s division

– Under 33kg : Not exceeding 33kg

– Under 37kg : Over 33kg & not exceeding 37kg

– Under 41kg : Over 37kg & not exceeding 41kg

– Under 45kg : Over 41kg & not exceeding 45kg

– Under 49kg : Over 45kg & not exceeding 49kg

– Under 53kg : Over 49kg & not exceeding 53kg

– Under 57kg : Over 53kg & not exceeding 57kg

– Under 61kg : Over 57kg & not exceeding 61kg

– Under 65kg : Over 61kg & not exceeding 65kg

– Over 65kg : Over 65kg

5.2. Women’s division

– Under 29kg : Not exceeding 29kg

– Under 33kg : Over 29kg & not exceeding 33kg

– Under 37kg : Over 33kg & not exceeding 37kg

– Under 41kg : Over 37kg & not exceeding 41kg

– Under 44kg : Over 41kg & not exceeding 44kg

– Under 47kg : Over 44kg & not exceeding 47kg

– Under 51kg : Over 47kg & not exceeding 51kg

– Under 55kg : Over 51kg & not exceeding 55kg

– Under 59kg : Over 55kg & not exceeding 59kg

– Over 59kg : Over 59kg

Article 6 Classification and methods of competition

1 Competitions are classified as follows.

1.1 Individual competition shall normally be between contestants in the same weight class. When necessary, adjoining weight class may be combined to create a single classification. No contestant is allowed to participate in more than one (1) weight category in one event.

1.2 Team Competition: Method and weight divisions of team competition shall be stipulated in the Standing Procedures for WTF World Taekwondo Team Championships.

Systems of competition are divided as follows.

2.1 Single elimination tournament system

2.2 Round robin system

Taekwondo competition of the Olympic Games and 4 year cycle continental multi sports games may use single elimination tournament system or the combination of single elimination tournament system with repechage.
All international-level competitions recognized by the WTF shall be formed with participation of at least four (4) countries in tournament with no less than four( 4) contestants competed in each weight class, and any tournament with less than four (4) countries or weight class with less than 4 competed contestants cannot be recognized in the official results.
WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series will be organized based on the most recent Standing Procedure of WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series.

Article 7 Duration of Contest

The duration of the contest shall be three rounds of two minutes each, with a one-minute rest period between rounds. In case of a tie score after the completion of the 3rd round, a 4th round of one minute will be conducted as the Golden Point round, after a one-minute rest period following the 3rd round.
The duration of each round may be adjusted to 1 minute x 3 rounds, 1 minute 30 seconds x 3 rounds or 2 minutes x 2 rounds upon the decision of the Technical Delegate for the pertinent Championships.

Article 8 Drawing of Lots

The date of the drawing of lots shall be set forth in the outline of the championships. At the end of the designated registration date the OC shall announce the list of registered contestants in each weight category on the official website of the OC/WTF as the case may be. Participating teams are responsible for confirming their entries before the drawing of lots.
The drawing of lots may be conducted by random computerized drawing or by random manual drawing of lots. The method and order of drawing shall be determined by the Technical Delegate.
A certain number of contestants shall be seeded based on the WTF Ranking. The number of contestants seeded shall be set forth in the Standing Procedures of the championships or in the Outline

Article 9 Weigh-in

Weigh-in of the contestants on the day of competition shall be completed on the previous day of the pertinent competition.
During weigh-in, the male contestant shall wear underpants and the female contestant shall wear underpants and a brassiere. However, weigh-in may be conducted in the nude if the contestant wishes to do so.
Weigh-in shall be made once, however, one more weigh-in is granted within the time limit to any contestant who did not qualify the first time.
So as not to be disqualified during official weigh-in, scales identical to the official one shall be provided

Article 10 Procedure of the Contest

Call for contestants: The name of the contestants shall be announced at the Athlete Calling Desk three (3) times beginning thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled start of the contest. If a contestant fails to report to the Desk following the third call, the contestant shall be disqualified, and this disqualification shall be announced.
Inspection of body, uniform and apparatus: After being called, the contestants shall undergo inspection of body, uniform and apparatus at the designated inspection desk by the inspectors designated by the WTF, and the contestant shall not show any signs of aversion, and also shall not wear any materials which may cause harm to the other contestant.
Entering the Competition Area: After inspection, the contestant shall proceed to the Coach’s area with one coach and one team doctor or a physiotherapist (if any).
Procedure before the Beginning and after the End of the Contest

4.1 Before the start of the contest, the center referee will call “Chung, Hong.” Both contestants will enter the Contest Area with their head protectors firmly tucked under their left arms. When any of contestant is not present or present without being fully attired, including all protective equipment, uniform, etc, at the Coach’s Zone by the time the referee calls “Chung, Hong”, he/she shall be regarded as withdrawn from the contest and the referee shall declare the opponent as the winner.

4.2 The contestants shall face each other and make a standing bow at the referee’s command of “Cha-ryeot (attention)” and “Kyeong-rye (bow)”. A standing bow shall be made from the natural standing posture of “Cha-ryeot” by bending the waist at an angle of more than 30 degrees with the head inclined to an angle of more than 45 degree. After the bow, the contestants shall put on their head protectors

4.3 The referee shall start the contest by commanding “Joon-bi (ready)” and “Shi-jak (start)”.

4.4 The contest in each round shall begin with the declaration of “Shi-jak (start)” by the referee.

4.5 The contest in each round shall end with the declaration of “Keu-man (stop)” by the referee. Even if the referee did not declare “Keu-man”, the contest shall be deemed to have ended when the match clock expired.

4.6 The referee may pause a contest by declaring “Kal- yeo” (Break) and resume the contest by the command of “Kye- sok” (continue). When the referee declares “Kal- yeo” the recorder should immediately stop the match time; when the referee declares “Kye-sok” the recorder should immediately restart the match time.

4.7 After the end of the last round, the referee shall declare the winner by raising his/her hand to the winner’s side.

4.8 Retirement of the Contestants

5 Contest Procedure in Team Competition

5.1 Both teams shall stand facing each other in line in the submitted team order towards the 1st Boundary Line from the Contestants’ marks. 5.2 Procedure before the beginning and after the end of the contest shall be conducted as in clause 4 of this article.

5.3 Both teams shall leave the Contest Area and stand by at the designated area for each contestant’s match.

5.4 Both teams shall line up in the Contest Area immediately after the end of the final match facing each other.

5.5 The referee shall declare the winning team by raising his/her own hand to the winning team’s side.

Article 11 Permitted techniques and areas

Permitted techniques

1.1 Fist technique: A straight punching technique using the knuckle part of a tightly clenched fist

1.2 Foot technique: Delivering techniques using any part of the foot below the ankle bone

Permitted areas

2.1 Trunk: Attack by fist and foot techniques on the areas covered by the trunk protector are permitted. However,

such attacks shall not be made on the part of the spine.

2.2 Head: The area above the collar bone. Only foot techniques are permitted.

Article 12 Valid Points

Scoring Areas 1.1 Trunk: The blue or red colored area of the trunk protector

1.2 Head: The entire head above the bottom line of the head protector

2 Criteria for valid point(s):

2.1 Point(s) shall be awarded when a permitted technique is delivered to the scoring areas of the trunk with a proper level of impact.

2.2 Point(s) shall be awarded when a permitted technique is delivered to the scoring areas of the head.

2.3 If PSS is used, determination of the validity of the technique, level of impact, and/or valid contact to the scoring area shall be made by the electronic scoring system. These PSS determinations shall not be subject to Instant Video Replay.

2.4 The WTF Technical Committee shall determine the required level of impact and sensitivity of the PSS, using different scales in consideration of weight category, gender, and age groups. In certain circumstances as deemed necessary the Technical Delegate may recalibrate the valid level of impact.

The valid points are as follows.

3.1 One (1) point for a valid punch to the trunk protector 3.2 Two (2) points for a valid kick to the trunk protector

3.3 Three (3) points for a valid turning kick to the trunk protector

3.4 Three (3) points for a valid kick to the head

3.5 Four (4) points for a valid turning kick to the head

3.6 One(1) point awarded for every one “Gam-jeom” given to the opponent contestant

Match score shall be the sum of points of the three rounds.
Invalidation of point(s): When a contestant records points while using prohibited act(s):

5.1 If the prohibited act was instrumental to the scoring of the point(s), the referee shall declare the penalty for the prohibited act and invalidate of the point(s).

5.2 However, if the prohibited act was not instrumental to earn the point, the referee may penalize the prohibited act but not invalidate the point(s).

Article 13 Scoring and publication

Scoring of valid point(s) shall be determined primarily using the electronic scoring system installed in Protector and Scoring Systems (PSS). Points awarded for punching techniques and additional points awarded for turning kicks shall be scored by judges using manual scoring devices. If PSS (Protector & Scoring System) is not used, all scoring shall be determined by judges using manual scoring devices.
If head PSS not employed with trunk PSS, scoring for kicking techniques to the head shall be made by judges using the manual scoring devices.
The additional point given for a turning kick shall be invalidated if the turning kick was not scored as a valid point(s) by PSS.
Under a three (3) corner judge setting, two or more judges shall be needed to confirm valid scoring.
Under a two (2) corner judges setting, two judges shall be needed to confirm valid scoring.
If a referee perceives a contestant to be staggering or knocked down by a kick to the head, and so begins counting, but the attack was not scored by the head

Article 14 Prohibited acts and Penalties

Penalties shall be declared by the referee.
Prohibited acts which described in article 14 shall be penalized with “Gam-jeom (deduction penalty)” by referee.
A “Gam-jeom” shall be counted as one (1) additional point for the opposing contestant.
Prohibited acts.

4.1 The following acts shall be classified as prohibited acts, and “Gam-jeom” shall be declared. 4.1.1 Crossing the Boundary Line

4.1.2 Falling down

4.1.3 Avoiding or delaying the match

4.1.4 Grabbing or pushing the opponent

4.1.5 Lifting the leg to block, or/and kicking the opponent’s leg to impede the opponent’s kicking attack, or lifting a leg or kicking in the air for more than 3 seconds to impede opponent’s potential attacking movements, or kick was aiming to below the waist

4.1.6 Kicking below the waist

4.1.7 Attacking the opponent after “Kal-yeo”

4.1.8 Hitting the opponent’s head with the hand

4.1.9 Butting or attacking with the knee

4.1.10 Attacking the fallen opponent

4.1.11 Following Misconducts of contestant or coach

a) Not complying with the referee’s command or decision
b) Inappropriate protesting behavior to officials’ decisions
c) Inappropriate attempts to disturb or influence the outcome of the match
d) Provoking or insulting the opposing contestant or coach
e) Unaccredited doctor/physicians or other team officials found to be seated in the doctors position
f) Any other severe misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct from a contestant or coach

4.2 When a coach or contestant commits excessive misconduct and does not follow the referee’s command the referee may declare a sanction request by raising a yellow card. In this case the Competition Supervisory Board shall investigate the coach’s behavior and determine whether a sanction is appropriate

If a contestant intentionally and repeatedly refuses to comply with the Competition Rules or the referee’s orders, the referee may end the match and declare the opposing contestant the winner.
If the referee at the Inspection desk or officials in the Field of Play determines, in consultation with the PSS technician, if necessary, that a contestant or coach has attempted to manipulate the sensitivity of PSS sensor(s) and/or inappropriately alter the PSS so as to affect its performance, the contestant shall be disqualified.
When a contestant receives ten (10) “Gam-jeom”, the referee shall declare the contestant loser by referee’s punitive declaration (PUN)
In Article 14.7, “Gam-jeom” shall be counted in the total score of the three rounds.

Article 15 Golden Point and Decision of Superiority

In the event the winner cannot be decided after 3 rounds, a 4th round (golden point round) will be conducted in one minute round.
In case of a contest advances to a golden point round, all scores awarded during the first three (3) rounds shall be void.
The first contestant to score a point(s) or whose opponent receives two “Gam-jeoms” in the golden point round shall be declared the winner.
In the event that neither contestant has scored a point after the completion of the golden point round, the winner shall be decided by superiority based the following criteria:

4.1 The contestant who achieved a higher number of hits registered by the PSS during the golden point round.

4.2 If number of hits registered by the PSS is tied, the contestant who won more rounds in first three rounds

4.3 If number of round won is tied, the contestant who received less numbers of a Gam-jeom during all four rounds

4.4 If the three above criteria are the same, the referee and judges shall determine superiority

based on the content of the golden point round If the superiority decision is tied among the referee

and judges, the referee shall decide the winner.

Article 16 Decisions

Win by Referee Stops Contest (RSC)
Win by final score (PTF)
Win by point gap (PTG)
Win by Golden Point (GDP)
Win by Superiority (SUP)
Win by withdrawal (WDR)
Win by disqualification (DSQ)
Win by referee’s punitive declaration (PUN)

Article 17 Knock Down

A Knock Down shall be declared, when a legitimate attack is delivered and;

When any part of the body other than the sole of the foot touches the floor due to the force of the opponent’s scoring technique
When a contestant is staggered and shows no intention or ability to continue as a result of the opponent’s scoring techniques.
When the referee judges that the contest cannot continue as the result of being struck by a legitimate scoring technique

Article 18 Procedure in the event of a Knock Down

When a contestant is knocked down as the result of the opponent’s legitimate attack, the referee shall take the following measures.

1.1 The referee shall keep the attacker away from downed contestant by declaration of “Kal-yeo (break)”.

1.2 The referee shall first check the status of the downed contestant and count aloud from “Ha-nah (one)” up to “Yeol (ten)” at one second intervals towards the downed contestant, making hand signals indicating the passage of time.

1.3 In case the downed contestant stands up during the referee’s count and desires to continue the fight, the referee shall continue the count up to “Yeo-dul (eight)” for recovery of the contestant. The referee shall then determine if the contestant is recovered and, if so, continue the contest by declaration of “Kye-sok (continue)”.

1.4 When a contestant who has been knocked down cannot demonstrate the will to resume the contest by the count of “Yeo-dul (eight)”, the referee shall announce the other contestant winner by RSC(Referee Stops Contest).

1.5 The count shall be continued even after the end of the round or the expiration of the match time.

1.6 In case both contestants are knocked down, the referee shall continue counting as long as one of the contestants has not sufficiently recovered.

1.7 In case both contestants are knocked down and both contestants fail to recover by the count of “Yeol”, the winner shall be decided by the match score before the occurrence of Knock Down.

1.8 When it is judged by the referee that a contestant is unable to continue, the referee may decide the winner either without counting or during the counting.

Procedures to be followed after the contest: Any contestant who could not continue the match as a result of a serious injury regardless of any parts of the body cannot enter competition within thirty (30) days without approval of the WTF Medical Chairman after submission of a statement from the physician designated by the pertinent national federation.

Article 19 Procedures of suspending the match

When a contest is to be stopped due to the injury of one or both contestants, the referee shall take the measures prescribed below. However, in a situation which warrants suspending the contest for reasons other than an injury, the referee shall declare “Shi-gan (time)” and resume the contest by declaring “Kye-sok (continue)”.

1.1 The referee shall suspend the contest by declaration of “Kal-yeo” and order the recorders to suspend the time by announcing “Kye-shi (suspend)”.

1.2 The referee shall allow the contestant one minute to receive first aid by the commission doctor; the referee may allow team doctor to treat first aid if the commission doctor is not available or if it is deemed necessary.

1.3 If an injured contestant cannot return to the match after one minute the referee shall declare the other contestant winner.

1.4 In case resumption of the contest is impossible after one minute, the contestant causing the injury by a prohibited act to be penalized by “Gam-jeom” shall be declared the loser.

1.5 In case both the contestants are knocked down and are unable to continue the contest after one minute, the winner shall be decided upon points scored before the injuries occurred.

1.6 If the referee determines a contestant’s pain is caused only by a bruise the referee shall declare “Kal-yeo” and give a command to resume the match with the call, “stand-up”. If the contestant refuses to continue the match after the referee gives the command “stand up” three times, the referee shall declare the match ‘Referee Stops Contest’.

1.7 If the referee determines a contestant has received an injury such as broken bone(s), dislocation, sprain ankle(s), and/or bleeding, the referee shall allow the contestant to receive a first aid treatment for one minute after “Kye-shi”. The referee may allow the contestant to receive first aid treatment even after giving the commanding “stand-up” if the contestant is determined to be injured in one of the categories above.

1.8 Stopping the match due to injury: If the referee determines a contestant has received an injury such as broken bone(s), dislocation, sprain ankle(s), and/or bleeding, the referee shall consult with the chairperson of the Medical Committee or the commissioned doctor assigned by the chairperson. If a contestant is re-injured in the same manner, the chairperson of the Medical Committee or the commission doctor assigned by the chairman may advise the referee to stop the match and declare the injured the loser..

Article 20 Technical Officials

Technical Delegate (TD)

1.1 Qualification: Chairman of WTF Technical Committee shall serve as the TD at the WTF-promoted championships except WTF World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships and WTF World Para-Taekwondo Championships. In case of absence of Chairman of WTF Technical Committee, WTF President can appoint TD upon recommendation of WTF Secretary General..

1.2 Roles: TD is responsible to ensure that WTF Competition Rules are properly applied and preside over the Head of Team meeting and drawing of lots session. TD approves the result of draw, weigh-in and competitions before it being officialized. TD has the right to make final decisions on competition area and overall technical matters on competitions in consultation with Competition Supervisory Board. TD shall make final decisions on any matters pertaining to competitions not prescribed in Competition Rules. TD serves as the Chairman of Competition Supervisory Board.

Competition Supervisory Board (CSB) Member

2.1 Qualification: CSB members shall be appointed by the WTF President upon recommendation of Secretary General from those who have sufficient experience and knowledge of taekwondo competitions.

2.2 Composition: CSB shall consist of one Chairperson and no more than 6 members at WTF-promoted championships. Chairpersons of WTF Games Committee, WT Referee Committee, and WTF Medical Committee and WTF Athlete Committee shall be included in CSB as ex-officio members. The composition, however, may be adjusted by the President, if necessary.

2.3 Roles: CSB shall assist TD in competitions and technical matters and ensure the competitions are held in accordance with the schedule. CSB shall evaluate the performances of Review Jury and refereeing officials. CSB shall also concurrently act as the Extraordinary Sanctions Committee during competition with regard to competition management matters.

Review Jury (RJ)

3.1 Qualification: RJ shall be appointed by WTF President upon recommendation of WTF Referee Chairman from those who are experienced and highly qualified International Referees.

3.2 Composition: One (1) RJ and one (1) assistant to RJ shall be allocated per court.

3.3 Roles: RJ shall review an instant replay and inform the referee of the decision within one (1) minute.

Refereeing officials

4.1 Qualification: Holders of International Referee Certificate registered by the WTF

4.2 Duties

4.2.1 Referee

4.2.1.1 The referee shall have control over the match.

4.2.1.2 The referee shall declare “Shi-jak”, “Keu-man”, “Kal-yeo”, “Kye-sok”, “Kye-shi”, “Shi-gan”, winner and loser, deduction of points, warnings and retiring. All the referees’ declarations shall be made after the results are confirmed.

4.2.1.3 The referee shall have the right to make decisions independently in accordance with the prescribed rules.

4.2.1.4 In principle, the center referee shall not award points. However, if one of the corner judges raises his/her hand because a point was not scored, then the center referee will convene a meeting with the judges. If it was found that two corner judges request for change of the judgment, the referee must accept and correct the judgment (in case of 1 referee + 3 judges).

4.2.1.5 In a two corner judge setting, the result of the scoring can be revised when two persons among two judges and the referee agree to do so.

In case as defined by the Article 15, the decision of superiority shall be made by refereeing officials after the end of four (4) rounds when necessary.

4.2.2 Judges

4.2.2.1 The judges shall mark the valid points immediately.

4.2.2.2 The judges shall state their opinions forthrightly when requested to do so by the referee.

4.2.3 Technical Assistant

4.2.3.1 TA shall keep monitoring scoreboard during the contest if the scoring, penalties and timing are correctly publicized, and immediately notify the referee of any problematic issue in this regard.

4.2.3.2 TA shall notify the referee of starting or stopping the contest in close communication with system operator and recorder.

4.2.3.3 TA manually records all scores, penalties and IVR result in TA paper.

4.3 Composition of refereeing officials per court

4.3.1 The officials’ squad is composed of one (1) referee and three (3) judges.

4.3.2 The officials’ squad is composed of one (1) referee and two (2) judges

4.4 Assignment of refereeing officials

4.4.1 The assignment of the referees and judges shall be made after the contest schedule is fixed.

4.4.2 Referees and judges with the same nationality as that of either contestant shall not be assigned to such a contest. However, an exception can be made for the judges when the number of refereeing officials is insufficient.

4.5 Responsibilities for decisions: Decisions made by the referees and judges shall be conclusive and they shall be responsible to the Competition Supervisory Board for the content of those decisions.

4.6 Uniforms

4.6.1 The referees and judges shall wear the uniform designated by the WTF.

4.6.2 The refereeing officials shall not carry or take any materials to the contest area which might interfere with the contest. Use of mobile phones by refereeing officials in the field of play may be restricted, if necessary.

Recorders: The recorder shall time the contest, periods of time-out, and suspensions, and also shall record and publicize the awarded points, and/or penalties.

Article 21 Instant Video Replay

In case there is an objection to a judgment of the refereeing officials during the contest, the coach of a team can make a request to the center referee for an immediate review of the video replay. The coach can only request video review for followings;
i) Penalties against the opponent for instances of falling down or crossing the boundary line or attacking the opponent after “Kal-yeo” or attacking the fallen opponent
ii) Technical point

iii) Any penalty against own contestant

iv) Any mechanical malfunction or error in time management.
When coach appeals, the center referee will approach the coach and ask the reason for the appeal. Any appeal shall not be admissible on any points scored by foot or fist attacks on the trunk or foot attack on trunk PSS and head PSS. In case of head PSS is not used, coach may request instant video replay for head kick. The scope of instant video replay request is limited to the only one action which has occurred within five (5) seconds from the moment of the coach’s request. Once the coach rises the blue or red card to request for instant video replay, it will be considered that the coach has used his/her allocated appeal under any circumstance unless the judge’s meeting satisfies the coach.
Referee shall request the Review Jury to review the instant video replay. Review Jury, who is not of the same nationality as the contestants, shall review the video replay.
After review of the instant video replay, the Review Jury shall inform the center referee of the final decision within thirty (30) seconds after receiving the request.
Coach shall be allocated with one (1) appeal to request an instant video replay request per each contest. However, based on the size and level of the Championships, the Technical Delegate may decide the number of appeal quota during the head of team meeting. If the appeal is successful and the contested request is corrected, the coach shall retain the appeal right for the pertinent contest.
The decision of the Review Jury is final; no further appeals during the contest or protest after the contest will be accepted.
In the case that there is a clear erroneous decision from the refereeing officials on identification of the contestant or errors in the scoring system, any of the refereeing officials shall request for review and correct the decision at any time during the contest. Once the refereeing officials leave the contest area, it will not be possible for anyone to request for review or to change the decision.
In the case of a successful appeal, the Competition Supervisory Board may investigate the contest at the end of the competition day and take disciplinary action against the concerned refereeing officials, if necessary.
In the last 10 seconds of the 3rd round and in any time during golden point round, any of the judges can ask for review and correction of scoring when a coach does not have appeal quota.
In the tournament where instant video replay system is not available, the following protest procedure will be applied.

10.1 In case there is an objection to a referee judgment, an official delegate of the team must submit an application for re-evaluation of decision (protest application) together with the non-refundable protest fee of US$200 to the Board of Arbitration (Competition Supervisory Board) within 10 minutes after pertinent contest.

10.2 Deliberation of re-evaluation shall be carried out excluding those members with the same nationality as that of contestant concerned, and resolution on deliberation shall be made by majority.

10.3 The members of the Board of Arbitration (Competition Supervisory Board) may summon the refereeing officials for confirmation of events.

10.4 The resolution made by the Board of Arbitration (Competition Supervisory Board) will be final and no further means of appeal will be applied.

10.5 Deliberation procedures are as follows:

10.5.1 A coach or head of team from the protesting nation shall be permitted to make a brief verbal presentation to the Board of Arbitration in support of their position. The coach or head of team from the respondent nation shall be allowed to present a brief rebuttal.

10.5.2 After reviewing the protest application, the contest of the protest must be arranged according to the criterion of “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable”.

10.5.3 If necessary, the Board can hear opinions from the referee or judges.

10.5.4 If necessary, the Board can review the material evidence of the decision, such as the written or visual recorded data.

10.5.5 After deliberation, the Board shall hold the secret ballot to determine a majority decision.

10.5.6 The Chairperson will make a report documenting the outcome of the deliberation and shall make this outcome publicly known.

10.5.7 Subsequent process following the decision:

10.5.7.1 Errors in determining the match results, mistakes in calculating the match score or misidentifying a contestant shall result in the decision being reversed.

10.5.7.2 Error in application of the rules: When it is determined by the Board that the referee made a clear error in applying the Competition Rules, the outcome of the error shall be corrected and the referee shall be punished.

10.5.7.3 Errors in factual judgment: When the Board decides that there was a clear error in judging the facts such as impact of striking, severity of action or conduct, intention, timing of an act in relation to a declaration or area, the decision shall not be changed and the officials seen to have made the error shall be reprimanded.

Article 22 Deaf-Taekwondo

This article outlines the modifications to the Competition Rules used for Deaf-Taekwondo. For matters not covered by Article 22 the WTF Competition Rules will apply.

Qualification of athlete

Contestant must have gone through classification procedures as outlined in the WTF Para-Taekwondo and Deaf-Taekwondo Classification Code and been assigned Sport Class and Sport Class Status

Weight Categories

Olympic weight categories apply to competitions in Deaf-Taekwondo

WTF World Deaf-Taekwondo Championships will be organized based on the most recent Standing Procedure of the WTF World Deaf-Taekwondo Championships.

Article 23 Sanctions

The WTF President, Secretary General, or Technical Delegate may request that on-spot Extraordinary Sanctions Committee be convened for deliberation when inappropriate behaviors are committed by a coach, a contestant, official, and/or any member of a Member National Association.
The Extraordinary Sanctions Committee shall deliberate the matter, and may summon person(s) concerned for confirmation of events.
The Extraordinary Sanctions Committee shall deliberate the matter and determine disciplinary actions to impose. The result of deliberation shall be immediately announced to the public and reported in writing, together with relevant facts and rationale to the WTF President and/or Secretary General.

3.1 Potential violations on Conduct of a Contestant;

3.1.1 Refusing the referee’s command to complete the ending procedures of the match, including not participating in the declaration of the winner.

3.1.2 Throwing his/her belongings (head protector, groves, etc.) as an expression of dissatisfaction with decision.

3.1.3 Not leaving the Competition area after the end of a match

3.1.4 Not returning to a match after a referee’s repeated command

3.1.5 Not complying with the Competition Official’s ruling or command

3.1.6 Manipulation of scoring equipment, sensors or/and any part of a PSS

3.1.7 Any serious unsportsmanlike behavior during a match or aggressive misconduct toward competition officials.

3.2 Potential violations on conduct of a Coach, Team Official, or other members of a Member National Association;

3.2.1 Complaining about or/and arguing against an official’s decision during or after a round.

3.2.2 Arguing with the referee or other official(s)

3.2.3 Violent behavior or remark toward officials, opponents or the opposing side, or spectators during a match

3.2.4 Provoking spectators or spreading false rumor

3.2.5 Instructing athlete(s) to participate in misconduct, such as remaining in the competition area after a match

3.2.6 Violent behaviors such as throwing or kicking personal belonging(s) or competition material(s).

3.2.7 Not following instructions of competition officials to leave the Field of Play or Venue

3.2.8 Any other serious misconducts toward competition officials

3.2.9 Any attempt to bribe competition officials

Article 24 Disciplinary actions:

Disciplinary Actions issued by the Extraordinary Sanction Committee may vary according to the degree of the violation. The following sanctions may be given:

4.1 Disqualification of the athlete

4.2 Warning and order to issue official apology

4.3 Removal of Accreditation

4.4 Ban from the Competition Venue

i) Ban for the day
ii) Ban for the duration of the Championships.

4.5 Cancellation of Result

i) Cancellation of the match result and all related merits
ii) Cancellation of WTF Ranking points

4.6 Suspension of athlete, coach, or/and team officials from all WTF activities (including CU and MNA-level activities)

i) 6 months Suspension
ii) 1 year Suspension

iii) 2 years Suspension

iv) 3 years Suspension
v) 4 years Suspension

4.7 Ban of MNA from participating in WTF Promoted or Recognized Championships

i) Specified championships
ii) All championships for a specified period of time (up to four (4)years)

4.8 Monetary fine of between $100-to-$5,000 US dollars per violation.

The Extraordinary Sanctions Committee may recommend to the WTF that additional disciplinary actions be taken against the members involved, including but not limited to longer-term suspension, lifetime ban, and/or additional monetary fines.
Appeal to the disciplinary action(s) taken by Extraordinary Sanctions Committee may be made in accordance with Article 6 if the WTF Bylaws of Dispute Resolution and Disciplinary Action.

Article 25 Other matters not specified in Competition Rules

In the case that any matters not specified in the Rules occur, they shall be dealt with as follows.

1.1 Matters related to a contest shall be decided through consensus by the refereeing officials of the pertinent contest.

1.2 Matters not related to a specific contest throughout the Championships such as technical matters, competition matters, etc shall be decided by the Technical Delegate.