Match Conclusions

1.1 SUBMISSION: A submission occurs when an athlete taps, screams while a submission is applied, loses consciousness, or verbally requests to stop due to a legal submission or hold. In kids' divisions, referees will stop the match before any tap-out or situation that could lead to injury.

1.2 YOUTH DIVISIONS: If a competitor cries during an ongoing submission, it will be considered a tap. If the competitor cries without an active submission, the referee may pause the match to check on the competitor's condition. The match may either resume from the same position or restart standing, depending on the circumstances

1.3 STOPPAGE: A stoppage happens when an athlete requests to stop due to injury or taps out. Required stoppages include situations like uncontrollable bleeding, doctor intervention, cramps, vomiting, or loss of bodily functions. In such cases, the opponent is declared the winner.

1.4 DISQUALIFICATION: An athlete is disqualified (DQ) if penalized three times in a match or for committing a serious foul. Unsportsmanlike behavior may also lead to disqualification from the tournament, at the referee's discretion. A competitor who loses consciousness due to head trauma will not be allowed to continue in the tournament.

1.5 POINTS: The competitor with the most points at the end of the match is declared the winner.

1.6 IN CASE OF A DRAW: If the match ends in a tie, the competitor who last scored points wins. 1

1.7 DRAW WITH NO POINTS OR TIED POINTS: If the match ends with no points or a tie due to penalties, the referee will decide the winner based on who came closer to establishing points from positions or submission attempts.

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2. Scoring: Gi & NoGi

2.1- The referee designates scoring events, and a trained scorekeeper records the points. Scoring criteria are consistent across all divisions.

2.2- Control must be maintained for 3 seconds after a scoring event for points to count. Even if the opponent escapes immediately after the 3rd second, the points still count.

2.3- If a submission is in progress, the athlete attempting the submission can still score points after holding a point-scoring position for 3 seconds. The defending athlete must escape and establish control for at least 3 seconds to earn points.

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SCORING POSITIONS:

Takedown (2 points) - Points are awarded when a standing competitor forces their opponent to the ground (back, side, or seated) and controls the position for 3 seconds. - If a competitor forces the opponent onto all fours or belly down, they score after controlling the top position for 3 seconds with their entire body behind at least one of the opponent’s arms, and at least one knee must be on the ground. - No points are awarded if a competitor initiates a takedown after the opponent pulls guard. - Pulling guard with grips on the opponent's pants counts as a takedown after 3 seconds of control. - If a competitor lands in guard after forcing the opponent down, but the opponent successfully applies a sweep or counter-takedown before 3 seconds, only the countering competitor is awarded points. - If both competitors stand after a takedown attempt, they are both eligible to score points again after 3 seconds of standing.

 

Sweeps (2 points) - A sweep is when the competitor moves from the bottom guard position to top control and maintains it for 3 seconds. 2

- Double guard pull: The first competitor to get on top and establish control for 3 seconds is awarded 2 points. After 20 seconds of no top control, the fight is stopped, and both competitors are penalized. The match restarts from standing. - 50/50 position: The first competitor to get to top control from the 50/50 position is awarded points, regardless of leg entanglement. - Sweeps in the 50/50 guard position are only counted if the athlete freeing their legs establishes control for at least 3 seconds.

 

Knee on Belly (2 points) - Awarded when a competitor places their knee or shin on the opponent’s belly, chest, or ribs while maintaining control with the other foot on the ground.

 

Passing the Guard (3 points) - Points are awarded when a competitor clears their opponent’s legs and establishes side control, knee on belly, north-south, or full mount.

 

Full Mount (4 points) - Points are given when an athlete sits on the opponent’s torso with two knees or one knee and one foot on the ground. The opponent can only have one arm trapped under the legs; trapping both arms invalidates the points.

 

Full Back Mount (4 points) - Points are awarded when an athlete mounts the opponent’s back, and the opponent is flat on their stomach with the competitor’s knees on the ground or one knee and one foot.

 

Back Control (4 points) - Points are awarded when a competitor controls their opponent's back with both hooks (heels) inside the thighs. A body triangle or crossed feet do not count for points.

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3. Penalties: Gi & NoGi 3

3.1- Stalling: Referees will stop the match if a competitor avoids fighting or fails to improve their position for 20 seconds or more. The match will restart from a standing position after penalizing the stalling athlete

3.2 - Pulling Guard Without Grip: In Gi, a competitor must have a grip before pulling guard. In NoGi, a point of contact with the opponent is required. Violators will be penalized and the match restarted from standing.

3.3 - Talking to the Referee: Competitors and coaches are not allowed to communicate with the referee during the match, except in cases of equipment malfunction or emergencies. Any violation results in a penalty, and the match continues from the current position.

3.4 - Illegal Grips: Grips inside the sleeves or pants (Gi) or on shorts/rash guards (NoGi) are illegal. Competitors will be warned, penalized, and the fight will continue from the current position if these grips are used.

3.5 - Severe Penalties: Competitors are disqualified immediately for: - Inappropriate language directed at referees, opponents, or staff. - Use of illegal techniques (see illegal techniques table). - Misconduct by coaches. - Lack of fair play. - Intentionally leaving the mat during a submission attempt.

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4. Penalty Progression: Gi & NoGi

- 1st Penalty: Warning

- 2nd Penalty: Warning

- 3rd Penalty: 2 points awarded to the opponent.

- 4th Penalty: Disqualification.

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5. Illegal Techniques

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6. Referee Signals and Terms

2. Fight: Referee makes a straight arm chopping motion to signal the start of the match.

2. Stop: Both arms are extended outward, moving from the center to the sides.

3. 2 Points: Referee raises two fingers to indicate 2 points.

4. 3 Points: Referee raises three fingers to indicate 3 points.

5. 4 Points: Referee raises four fingers to indicate 4 points.

6. Penalty: Referee points with a flat hand toward the penalized competitor, then raises the arm at a 90-degree angle with a closed fist.

7. Coaches Penalty: Referee points with a flat hand towards the coach’s chair, followed by raising the arm at a 90-degree angle with a closed fist.

8. Disqualification (DQ): Referee crosses both arms above the head towards the offender, followed by pointing with a flat hand towards the competitor’s waistline.

9. Back Last Signal: Referee waves a hand above the head slightly back and forth.

10. Submission: Referee raises the arm above the head with the palm facing outward.

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7. Match Lengths: Gi & NoGi

7.1 Toddler: 2 minutes

7.2 Kindergarten, Youth and Pre Teen: 3 minutes

7.3 Jr Teen and Teen: 4 minutes

7.4 Juvenile, Adults and Masters: 5 minutes

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8. Weigh-In:

- Weigh-ins occur on the day of the tournament, at least one hour before the first scheduled match.

- Competitors must weigh in wearing their Gi.

- For NoGi divisions, competitors must be in their NoGi uniform during the weigh-in.

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9. Match Officials: Gi & NoGi Event organizers are responsible for ensuring that match officials are present, certified, and properly trained. Match officials include: - 1 Referee - 1 Score/Time Keeper - 1 Runner

 

9.1 Referees

Referees are tasked with overseeing match progress and enforcing all tournament and organizational rules impartially. They must ensure the competition area is clean and free from obstructions or gaps between mats. Uniform and hygiene standards are strictly enforced. Referees use colored wristbands to indicate which grappler is responsible for a scoring event, by raising the wristband and signaling the score.

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10. Officiating: Gi & NoGi 10.1 Inbounds and Out of Bounds

1. All match activity must occur within the designated contest area. The referee will endeavor to keep the fight in the central area. For instance, if one competitor is using a closed guard near the boundary, the referee will stop the match and reposition them to the center in the same position.

2. A match is not considered out of bounds as long as any part of a competitor's body remains within the contest area. Points cannot be scored if both competitors are entirely outside the fighting area.

3. Submissions and submission attempts are valid as long as part of either competitor remains within the contest area. 7

4. If a competitor is forced out of bounds while making a legitimate attempt to defend against their opponent’s actions, they will not be penalized. The legitimacy of the attempt is at the referee’s discretion.

5. Following a scramble that forces competitors out of bounds, the match will restart in a standing position.

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11. Policies

11.1 Hygiene The health and wellbeing of competitors and spectators are paramount. Consequently, hygiene rules will be rigorously enforced:

1. Finger and toenails must be trimmed short.

2. Hair: - Long hair must be tied back to avoid interference with the match. - Dyed hair must not stain or leave residue. Competitors whose hair causes staining will be disqualified.

3. Uniforms must be clean, dry, and free of stains. Gis with unpleasant odors may result in disqualification.

4. Bandages or braces made of hard materials, like metal or plastic, are not allowed. Neoprene braces are acceptable, and bandages must be secured with elastic straps.

5. Competitors may not wear anything that could injure their opponents or themselves, including: - Cups - Jewelry (rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.) - Piercings (face, body, tongue, etc.) - Prosthetics - Casts - Gauged ears and other body modifications that could cause injury must be covered or secured with medical tape.

6. Any attempt to circumvent these rules will result in disqualification. Athletes' skin, hair, and uniforms must be free of slippery or sticky substances.

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11.2 Uniforms Jiu-Jitsu competitions should prioritize technique and strategy, and uniform regulations are designed to prevent any unfair advantage due to equipment issues. If a uniform is damaged during competition, the referee will stop the match and allow the athlete 10 minutes to find a suitable replacement.

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11.2.1 Jiu-Jitsu Gi 8

1. The Gi must be made of cotton or a cotton-blend (70%+ cotton). The material should allow the opponent to grip it, and must not be excessively thick, rigid, or slippery. Rash guards can be worn under the Gi.

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2. The Gi jacket must reach the athlete's thighs and meet the following measurements:

- Gi top width: 1.5 cm

- Width of Gi collar: 5 cm

- Sleeve opening at extension: 7 cm

- Distance from wrists when arms are extended at shoulder height: 5 cm

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3. Gi pants must be within 5 cm of the athlete's ankles when standing.

 

4. The Gi jacket and pants must be the same color.

 

5. Allowed Gi colors are:

- White

- Gray

- Blue

- Black

- Pink

-Purple

- Green

- All Gis must be a solid, consistent color.

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6. The belt must be flexible enough to bend when pushed from the ends towards the knot, and the knot must be secure enough not to loosen under this test.

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11.2.2 NoGi & Youth NoGi

1. Grappling or board shorts: - Shorts should extend between halfway down the thigh and no more than 5 cm above the kneecap. - Shorts must be a solid color, without pockets, buttons, snaps, or excessive bagginess.

2. Rash guards are permitted and can be short or long-sleeved

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11.3 Two Matches Guarantee - Special Notes

- We do not guarantee two matches if a competitor in the bracket refuses to compete or does not show up.

- 2-Man Bracket: The best 2 out of 3 matches. 9

- 3-Man Bracket: Round robin. If each competitor has 1 win and 1 loss, the tie-breaker is first based on the number of submissions, then on total points in the bracket. If submissions and points are tied, the tie-breaker is the winner of the direct match.

- 4-Man Bracket and Up: Double elimination; competitors who lose still compete for 3rd place.

- To be eligible for points and the podium, competitors must participate in at least one match.

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11.4 Head Referee - The head referee has the authority to overrule a referee’s decision if deemed incorrect.

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Coaching Code of Conduct - Competitors are entitled to have one coach present during their match. - A designated chair will be provided on the side of the mat area exclusively for the coach’s use during the match. - The scorekeeper will not delay the start of a match for the arrival of a coach. - Coaches must not stand or kneel on the mat area during the match. - Coaches are prohibited from speaking to the referee during the match, and doing so will result in a penalty. - Coaches must not communicate with the scorekeeper's table, as this will also result in a penalty. - Coaches must present an ID card to enter the competition area. - Only black or brown belts are eligible to be registered as coaches. - Each team may register up to 5 coaches per tournament. - Coaches must leave the competition area when not actively coaching.

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Personal Conduct Policy with the League—coaches, athletes, team members, referees, officials, employees, and others—must avoid conduct that undermines the integrity of the League or disrupts the enjoyment of its events. This includes avoiding actions that are illegal, violent, dangerous, or irresponsible, as such behavior damages the reputation of the League and the sport of Jiu Jitsu, and is strictly prohibited. We strive to maintain high standards of character, respect for others, and conduct that positively reflects on ourselves, our teams, our communities, and the League. Violations of this Personal Conduct Policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action. 10 Being part of the Jiu Jitsu Global League is a privilege, and everyone associated

This policy applies to everyone involved in JJWL events, including parents and relatives.

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Expectations and Standards of Conduct Adherence to the law is not enough; we are held to higher standards. Responsible conduct that promotes the League’s values is expected. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to: - Actual or threatened physical violence against any person, including dating violence, domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of family violence. - Assault or battery, including sexual assault or other sex offenses. - Violent or threatening behavior towards anyone involved in the League, including competitors, coaches, attendees, officials, team members, or related third parties. - Stalking, harassment, or intimidation, whether in person, by mail, or electronically. - Illegal possession of weapons (including guns, explosives, and toxic substances) in any League setting. - Disorderly conduct, including interfering with the operation of any League event. This includes disrespect towards any League official and non-compliance with League rules. - Crimes against law enforcement, such as obstruction, resisting arrest, or harm to law enforcement officers. - Conduct posing a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of others. - Conduct that undermines or jeopardizes the integrity of the League, its members, or its personnel.

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Discipline If credible evidence confirms that someone has violated the Personal Conduct Policy, they will face disciplinary action. The standard disciplinary action for a first offense is a one-year suspension. Depending on the violation’s severity, the discipline may range from a warning or probation to a suspension of varying length or banishment from the League. The League will inform the violator of the infraction and disciplinary action. The head professor of the relevant academy or organization, as well as other related parties, will also be notified. It is the responsibility of the organization or academy to ensure that the discipline is enforced and that the suspended individual complies with the suspension terms. Failure to adhere to the disciplinary terms may result in loss of ranking points, awards, or further disciplinary actions. If an organization or academy fails to enforce disciplinary measures, it may face its own disciplinary actions, including loss of ranking points or team awards.