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Overview of IBJJF Competition Rules

Apr 23, 2025

IBJJF Rule Book Overview

General Competition Guidelines

  • The IBJJF Rule Book provides guidelines on competition formats, scoring, and conduct.
  • Refereeing is central to the competition, with referees having uncontestable authority over match outcomes unless specific errors occur.
  • Referees can consult event directors for potential overturns, but the bracket must not have progressed.

Referee and Match Conduct

Referee Authority

  • The referee's decisions on points, advantages, and penalties are final.
  • Multiple referees can be appointed, with consensus needed for decisions.
  • Referee duties include summoning athletes, ensuring attire and hygiene compliance, and managing match conduct.

Match Scenarios

  • In the event of a tie, referees will confer to declare a winner based on performance.
  • Video replay may be utilized for disputed decisions.

Scoring and Points

Points System

  • Points are given for takedowns, sweeps, and control positions (knee on belly, mount, back control).
  • Points require stabilization for 3 seconds.

Advantages and Penalties

  • Advantages are awarded for significant but non-scoring maneuvers (e.g., near submissions).
  • Penalties are issued for fouls and stalling, affecting match outcomes.

Fouls and Penalties

Types of Fouls

  • Severe, serious, and combativeness fouls (stalling) are penalized.
  • Technical fouls involve illegal moves and improper conduct.
  • Disciplinary fouls cover unsportsmanlike behavior.

Penalty Process

  • A sequence of escalating penalties leads to disqualification.
  • Special considerations for underage categories.

Attire and Equipment

Requirements

  • Gi must be standard colors, properly measured, and free of offensive or disruptive embellishments.
  • No-Gi attire also follows color and fitting guidelines.
  • Hygiene standards must be maintained, including trimmed nails and clean attire.

Competition Format

Area and Equipment

  • Competition areas must meet specified size requirements.
  • Scorekeeping and warm-up areas are designated.

Staff Roles

  • Roles include referees, ring coordinators, table officials, and gi inspectors, each with specific duties.

Conclusion

  • Adherence to these rules ensures fair play and safety in IBJJF competitions.
  • The rules emphasize the authority of referees, proper attire, and conduct both on and off the mat.