1. Purpose
2. Application
3. Competition Area
4. Contestants
5. Weight Divisions
6. Classification and Methods of Competition
7. Duration of the Contest
8. Drawing Lots
9. Weigh-In
10. Procedures of the Contest
11. Permitted Techniques and Areas
12. Valid Points
13. Scoring and Publication
14. Prohibited Acts
15. Decision of Superiority
16. Decisions
17. Knock Down
18. Procedures in the Event of a Knock Down
19. Procedures for Suspending the Match
20. Referees and Judges
21. Recorder
22. Assignment of Officials
23. Other matters not specified in the Rules
24. Arbitration
 
Referee's Hand Signals
Taekwondo Terms

Article 1. Purpose

The purpose of the Competition Rules is to manage fairly and smoothly all matters pertaining to competitions of all levels to be promoted and/or organized by the WTF, Regional Unions and member National Associations, ensuring the application of standardized rules.

(Interpretation)
The objective of Article 1 is to ensure the standardization of all Taekwondo competitions worldwide. Any competition not following the fundamental principles of these rules cannot be recognized as Taekwondo competition.

Article 2. Application

The Competition Rules shall apply to all the competitions to be promoted and/or organized by the WTF, each Regional Union and member National Association. However, any member National Association wishing to modify some part of the Competition Rules must first gain the approval of the WTF.

(Explanation #1)
First gain the approval:
Any organization desiring to make a change in some portion of the existing rules must submit to the WTF the contents of the desired amendment along with the reasons for the desired change. Approval for any changes in these rules must be received from the WTF one month prior to the scheduled competition.

(Explanation #2)
1) Change of weight category, 2) increase or decrease of the number of IRs, 3) change of positions for the Inspector, Recorder and Commission Doctor, etc., and 4) duration of contest, etc. are subjects to be included in the category of subjects which may be modified after first gaining the approval of the WTF; however, such matters as valid points, warnings and deductions, and the competition area are not to be changed under any circumstances whatever.

Article 3. Competition Area

The Competition Area shall measure 12m x 12m in metric system and have a flat surface without any obstructing projections.

The Competition Area shall be covered with an elastic mat. However, the Competition Area may be installed on a platform 0.5m - 0.6m high from the base, if necessary, and the outer part of the Boundary Line shall be inclined with a gradient of less than 30 degrees for the safety of the contestants.

1. Demarcation of the Competition Area
   1. The 8m x 8m area in the inner part of the Competition Area of 12m x 12m shall be called the Contest Area and the outer part of the Contest Area shall be called the Alert Area.

   2. The demarcation of the Contest Area and the Alert Area shall be distinguished by the different colors of the two areas' surface, or indicated by a white line 5cm wide when the entire surface is one color.

   3. The demarcating line between the Contest Area and the Alert Area shall be called the Alert Line and the marginal line on the Competition Area shall be called the Boundary Line.

2. Indication of Positions
   1. Position of the Referee

      The position of the Referee shall be marked at a point 1.5m back from the center point of the Competition Area to the third Boundary Line and designated as the Referee's Mark.

   2. Position of the Judges

      The position of the 1st judge shall be marked at a point 0.5m outwards from the center of the 1st Boundary Line facing the center point of the Competition Area and the position of the 2nd judge shall be marked 0.5m outwards from the bottom corner of the second Boundary Line facing the center of the Competition Area. The position of the 3rd judge shall be marked at the opposite point of the 4th Boundary Line with the position of the 2nd judge.

   3. Position of the Recorder

      The position of the Recorder shall be marked at a point 1.5m back from the position of the 1st judge and 3m to the left.

   4. Position of the Commission Doctor

      The position of the Commission Doctor shall be marked at a point 6m to the right side of the position of the Recorder.

   5. Position of the Contestants

      The position of the Contestants shall be marked at a point 1m to the respective left and right sides from the center point of the Competition Area facing towards the position of the 1st Judge. The right side shall be the Blue Contestant's Mark and the left side shall be the Red Contestant's Mark.

   6. Position of the Coaches

      The position of the Coaches shall be marked at a point 1m away from the center point of the Boundary Line of each contestant's side.

   7. Position of the Inspection Desk

      The position of the Inspection Desk shall be near the entrance of the Competition Area for inspection of the contestant's protective equipment.

(Explanation #1)
Elastic mat:
The degree of elasticity of the mat must be approved by the WTF before the competition.

(Explanation #2)
Competition Platform:
The platform should be built according to the following insert diagram.

Diagram of Competition Area

I	Competition Area
II	Alert Area
III	Contest Area
IV	Alert Line
V	Boundary Line
V-I	1st Boundary Line (* 2nd, 3rd and 4th Boundary Lines clockwise)

1.	Referee's Mark
2.	Judge's Mark
3.	Recorder's Mark
4.	Commission Doctor's Mark
5-1.	Blue Contestant's Mark
5-2.	Red Contestant's Mark
6-1.	Blue Coach's Mark
6-2.	Red Coach's Mark
7.	Inspection Desk

(Explanation #3)
Color:
The color scheme of the mat's surface must avoid giving harsh reflection, or be tiring to the contestant's or spectator's eyesight. The color scheme must also be appropriately matched to the competitors' equipment, uniform, and the competition surface.

(Explanation #4)
The Alert Line:
In principle, the alert line should be a white color. However, according to the prevailing circumstances, another color may be used as long as it is not an impediment to the competition.

(Explanation #5)
Inspection Desk:
At the Inspection Desk, the inspector checks if all the materials worn by the contestant are the WTF approved and fit the contestant properly. In case they are found to be inappropriate, the contestant shall be kept from entering the contest.

(Guidelines for Officiating 1)
Judgment of the validity of techniques is related to the boundaries of the Competition Area and is dependent of the timing of the referee's declaration of "Kal-yeo." Any actions occurring before the declaration of "Kal-yeo" are, in principle, valid without consideration to the location where the actions occurred.

The referee bases the declaration of "Kal-yeo" on the relative position of the contestants to the Alert Line, and the contestants and judges base their respective actions and decisions partially on the referee's declaration of "Kal-yeo." The referee's criterion for the declaration of "Kal-yeo" is the point at which one foot of either contestant crosses the Alert Line. To declare "Kal-yeo" in the absence of violation or safety consideration, or before one foot of either contestant crosses the Alert Line is irregular; however, depending on the circumstances of the match, these instantaneous decisions follow the judgment of the referee.

When the referee deems it appropriate to allow the match to continue uninterrupted until that instant when both contestants have completely crossed over the Alert Line, the referee may do so and can declare "Kal-yeo" at his/her discretion.

(Guidelines for Officiating 2)

- The referee must have full understanding of the Competition Area's dimensions and of the application of these dimensions in officiating.

- The referee must utilize the full limits of the Competition Area in order to avoid excessive interruption of the match. However, when a contestant leaves the Alert Area for the purpose of negative game management or to avoid the exchange of techniques, the referee must declare "Kal-yeo" and assess a penalty.

- When both feet of both contestants have crossed the Alert Line the referee must declare "Kal-yeo" and, if there is any hesitation on the part of the referee to declare "Kal-yeo" in this situation, responsibility for any occurrence must be borne by the referee.

Article 4. Contestants

1. Qualification of Contestants
   1. Holder of the nationality of the participating team.

   2. One recommended by the national Taekwondo association.

   3. Holder of Taekwondo Dan certificate issued by the Kukkiwon/WTF, and in case of World Junior Taekwondo Championships, holder of Kukkiwon Poom/Dan certificate aged 14 through 17 years old based on the year when the Championships are held.

   (Interpretation)
   The age limits for World Junior Championships is based on the year, not on the date, when the Championships are held, which shall be between 14 through 17 years old.

   For instance, in case that the Championships are held on September 9, 1998, those contestants born between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 1984 are eligible to participate.

2. The Costume for Contestants
   1. The contestant shall wear a Taekwondo uniform (Dobok) and protectors recognized by the WTF.

   2. The contestant shall wear the trunk protector, head protector, groin guard, forearm and shin guards before entering the contest area and the groin guard, forearm and shin guards shall be worn inside the Taekwondo uniform, and the contestant shall bring the WTF-approved protectors for personal use

3. Medical Control
   1. The use or administration of drugs or chemical substances described in the IOC doping by-laws is prohibited.

   2. The WTF may carry out any medical testing 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. The organizing committee shall be liable for arrangements to carry out medical testing.

(Interpretation)
A contestant's eligibility is established by meeting all three requirements listed above in Section 1, "Qualification of Contestants."

(Explanation #1)
Holder of the nationality of the participating team:
When a contestant is a representative of a national team, his/her nationality is decided by citizenship of the country he/she is representing before submission of the application to participate. Verification of citizenship is done by inspection of the passport.

In the event nationality of a competitor holding more than one citizenship causes conflict, the competitor shall choose the participating team where he/she belongs to.

Article 5. Weight Divisions

2. Weight divisions are divided as follows:

3. Weight divisions for the Olympic Games are divided as follows :

	Male Division	Female Division
	Not exceeding 58 kg	Not exceeding 49 kg
	Over 58 kg not exceeding 68 kg	Over 49 kg not exceeding 57 kg
	Over 68 kg not exceeding 80 kg	Over 57 kg not exceeding 67 kg
	Over 80 kg	Over 67 kg

4. Weight divisions for the World Junior Championships are divided as follows :

	Male Division	Female Division
Fin	Not exceeding 45 kg	Not exceeding 42 kg
Fly	Over 45 kg not exceeding 48 kg	Over 42 kg not exceeding 44 kg
Bantam	Over 48 kg not exceeding 51 kg	Over 44 kg not exceeding 46 kg
Feather	Over 51 kg not exceeding 55 kg	Over 46 kg not exceeding 49 kg
Light	Over 55 kg not exceeding 59 kg	Over 49 kg not exceeding 52 kg
Welter	Over 59 kg not exceeding 63 kg	Over 52 kg not exceeding 55 kg
Light Middle	Over 63 kg not exceeding 68 kg	Over 55 kg not exceeding 59 kg
Middle	Over 68 kg not exceeding 73 kg	Over 59 kg not exceeding 63 kg
Light Heavy	Over 73 kg not exceeding 78 kg	Over 63 kg not exceeding 68 kg
Heavy	Over 78 kg	Over 68 kg

(Interpretation)

1. A Taekwondo tournament is a competition which is decided, within the rules, by direct physical contact and forceful physical collisions between contestants. In order to reduce the impact of the inequality in relative factors between contestants and ensure safety as well as create equal conditions for the exchange of techniques, the weight division system was established.

2. The division of men and women into separate categories, men competing against men, and women competing against women, is a fundamental rule.

(Explanation #1)
Not exceeding:
The weight limit is defined by the criterion of two decimal places away from the stated limit (in hundredths). For example, not exceeding 50 kg is established as until 50.00 kg inclusive of 50.009 with 50.01 being over the limit.

(Explanation #2)
Over:
Over the 50.00 kg mark occurs at the 50.01 kg reading and 49.99 kg is regarded as insufficient, resulting in disqualification.

Article 6. Classification and Methods of Competition

1. Competitions are divided as follows:
   1. Individual competition shall normally be between contestants in the same weight class. When necessary, adjoining weight classes may be combined to create a single classification.

   2. Team Competition -- Systems of Competition

      (1) Five contestants by weight classification with the following category:

      Male Division	Female Division
      Not exceeding 54 kg	Not exceeding 47 kg
      Over 54 kg not exceeding 63 kg	Over 47 kg not exceeding 54 kg
      Over 63 kg not exceeding 72 kg	Over 54 kg not exceeding 61 kg
      Over 72 kg not exceeding 82 kg	Over 61 kg not exceeding 68 kg
      Over 82 kg	Over 68 kg

      
      (2) Eight (8) contestants by weight classification.

      (3) Four (4) contestants by weight classification.

      (Consolidation of the eight weight classifications into four weight categories by combining two adjacent weight classes.)

   
   
2. Systems of competition are divided as follows:
   1. Single elimination tournament system
   2. Round robin system

3. Taekwondo competition of the Olympic Games shall be conducted in individual competition system between contestants.

4. All international-level competitions recognized by the WTF shall be formed with participation of at least 4 countries with no less than 4 contestants in each weight class, and any weight class with less than 4 contestants cannot be recognized in the official results.

(Interpretation)

1. In the tournament system, competition is founded on an individual basis. However, the team standings can also be determined by the sum of the individual standings according to the overall scoring method.
2. In the team competition system, the outcome of each team competition is determined by the individual team results.

(Explanation #1)
Consolidation of the weight divisions:
The method of consolidation and the names of the consolidated divisions are as follows:

Division Designation
Fin / Fly	Fly (Consolidated)
Bantam / Feather	Feather (Consolidated)
Light / Welter	Welter (Consolidated)
Middle / Heavy	Heavy (Consolidated)

(Explanation #2)
Eight weight class format:
According to competition in eight weight classes, the team winning five or more divisions is victorious. In the event that the team match are not decided due to a tie score (four to four), each team shall designate a representative to fight a tie-break match. In this format, contestants may not be substituted.

(Interpretation)

3. In the above format, if before all matches have been conducted, one team achieves a majority of victories, the remaining matches should, in principle, also be conducted. If the losing team wishes to forfeit the remaining matches, the result shall be recorded as loss due to disqualification without consideration of the accumulated record.

Article 7. Duration of the Contest

The duration of the contest shall be three rounds of three minutes with one minute of rest between rounds in male and female divisions with that of World Junior Championships being three rounds of two minutes with one minute of rest between rounds. However, the duration of the contest my be shortened to three rounds of two minutes with one minute of rest between rounds with the approval of the WTF.

Article 8. Drawing Lots

1. The drawing of lots shall be conducted one day prior to the first competition in the presence of the WTF officials and the representatives of the participating nations, and the drawing of lots shall be done from Fin weight up in the English alphabetical order of the official names of the participating nations.

2. Officials shall be designated to draw lots on behalf of the officials of participating nations not present at the drawing.

3. The order of the draw may be changed according to the decision of the Head of Team meeting.

Article 9. Weigh-In

1. Weigh-in of the contestants on the day of competition shall be completed one hour prior to the competition.

2. During weigh-in, the male contestant shall wear underpants and the female contestant shall wear underpants and brassiere. However, weigh-in may be conducted in the nude in the case that the contestant wishes to do so.

3. Weigh-in shall be made once, however, one more weigh-in is granted within the time limit for official weigh-in to the contestant who did not qualify the first time.

4. So as not to be disqualified during official weigh-in a scale, the same as the official one, shall be provided at the contestants' place of accommodation or at the arena for preweigh-in.

(Explanation #1)
The contestants on the day of competition:
This is defined as those contestants who are listed to compete on a scheduled day by the Organizing Committee or the WTF.

One hour prior to competition:
The time for weigh-in will be previously decided and announced by the Organizing Committee prior to the competition. The weigh-in must be completed, without exception, one hour prior to the start of the competition.

(Explanation #2)
A separate site for the weigh-in shall be installed for the female contestants, whose weigh-in must be conducted by a female official in charge.

(Explanation #3)
Disqualification during official weigh-in:
When a competitor is disqualified at the initial weigh-in, that competitor's participation point cannot be received.

(Explanation #4)
A scale, the same as the official one:
The practice scale must be of the same type and calibration as that of the official scale and these facts must be verified previously to the competition by the Organizing Committee.

Article 10. Procedure of the Contest

1. Call for Contestants

   The name of the contestants shall be announced three times beginning three minutes prior to the scheduled start of the contest. The contestant who fails to appear in the contest area within one minute after the scheduled start of the competition shall be regarded as withdrawn.

2. Physical and Costume Inspection

   After being called, the contestants shall undergo physical and costume inspection at the designated inspection desk by the inspector designated by the WTF, and the contestant shall not show any signs of aversion, and also shall not bear any materials which could cause harm to the other contestant.

3. Entering the Competition Area

   After inspection, the contestant shall enter into the waiting position with one coach.

4. Start and End of the Contest

   The contest in each round shall begin with the declaration of "Shi-jak" (start) by the referee and shall end with the declaration of "Keu-man" (stop) by the referee.

5. Procedure Before the Beginning and End of the Contest
   1. The contestants shall face each other and make a standing bow at the referee's command of "Char-yeot" (attention) and " Kyeong-rye" (bow) . A standing bow shall be made from the natural standing posture of "Char-yeot" by bending the waist to an angle of more than 30 degrees with the head inclined to an angle more than 45 degrees and the fists clenched on the sides of the legs.

   2. The referee shall start the contest by commanding "Joon-bi" (ready) and "Shi-jak" (start).

   3. After the end of the last round, the contestants shall stand at their respective positions facing each other and exchange a standing bow at the referee's command of "Char-yeot" and "Kyeong-rye," and then wait for the referee's declaration of the decision in a standing posture.

   4. The referee shall declare the winner by raising his/her own hand to the winner's side.

   5. Retirement of the contestants.

6. Contest Procedure in Team Competition
   1. Both teams shall stand facing each other in line in submitted team order towards the 1st Boundary Line from the Contestants' Marks.

   2. Procedure before the beginning and after the end of the contest shall be conducted as in Item 5 of this Article.

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

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

   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

1. Permitted Techniques
   1. Fist techniques:
      Delivering techniques by using the front parts of the forefinger and middle finger of the tightly clenched fist.

   2. Foot techniques:
      Delivering techniques by using the parts of the foot below the ankle bone.

2. Permitted Areas
   1. Trunk:
      Within the limits of the area from a horizontal line at the base of the acromion down to a horizontal line at the iliac crest, attack by fist and foot techniques are permitted. However, such attacks shall not be made on the part of the back not covered by the trunk protector.

   2. Face:
      This area is the front part of the face on the basis of a coronal line at both ears, and attack by foot technique only is permitted.

(Explanation #1)
Fist techniques:
In the original Korean terminology of techniques, the term "Pa-run-ju-mok" can be interpreted as a correctly clenched fist. Therefore, striking with the front part of the middle and forefinger knuckles of the correctly clenched fist is permitted without consideration of the angle, trajectory, or fist placement of the strike.

(Explanation #2)
Foot techniques:
Any striking techniques using the part of the foot below the ankle bone are legal, whereas any others using the part of the leg above the ankle bone, i.e., part of the shin or knee, etc. are not permitted. However, any attack against the face which involves the lower part of the leg is permitted.

(Explanation #3)
Trunk:
As depicted in the following illustration, the area between the acromion and the iliac crest of the pelvis is the legal attacking area. This legal attacking area is demarcated during the actual competition by the area of the body covered by the body protector. In accordance with the weight class and body type of the competitor, use of the proper size body protector must be strictly checked by the officials.

(Explanation #4)
Face:
As depicted in the following illustration, this is part of the face forward of vertical line at both ears. This includes the throat above the collar bone as part of the face.

Article 12. Valid Points

1. Legal Scoring Area
   1. Mid-section of the trunk:
      The abdomen and both sides of the flank.

   2. Face:
      The permitted parts of the face.

2. Points shall be awarded when permitted techniques are delivered accurately and powerfully to the legal scoring areas of the body. However, when a contestant is knocked down as a result of the opponent's attack on a part of the trunk protector which is not part of a legal scoring area, such a technique shall be regarded as a point.

3. Each scoring technique shall earn 1 (plus one) point.

4. Match score shall be the sum of points of the three rounds.

5. Invalidation of points:
   When the following are committed, the delivered technique will not be scored:
   1. Intentionally falling immediately after delivery of the legitimate technique.

   2. Committing an illegal act after delivery of the legitimate technique.

   3. Use of any of the prohibited actions.

(Explanation #1) Legal scoring areas

• Trunk:
  The valid scoring areas of the trunk are divided into three sections of the abdomen and both flanks.
  The size of each scoring area is depicted in the following illustration.
• Face:
  The same as the permitted parts of the face.

(Explanation #2)
Accurately:
This means the proper aspect of a legal attacking technique, fully contacting the opponent within the designated limits of a legal target area.

(Explanation #3)
Powerfully:

1. In the use of electronic scoring trunk protector:
   Force of impact is measured by the electronic sensor of the protector with the level of force by which points are scored varying by weight division and sex.
   
2. Trunk protector not equipped with electronic sensor:
   Sufficient power is demonstrated as the opponent's body is abruptly displaced by the impact of the strike.

(Explanation #4)
Points are given when attacks on to other areas of the protector than legal scoring areas make the opponent fall into a critical state. If such attacks result in the following conditions, the referee must start a count and the judges must award a point.

1. The contestant is knocked down by the power of the technique's impact, or
   
2. staggered by the power of the technique's impact or considered to lose the ability to pursue the match, or
   
3. falls heavily as a result of the technique's impact.

(Guidelines for Officiating)
In the situation where a contestant falls heavily as a result of the impact of a technique, if that fall is due in part to the contestant having lost his/her balance, or been entangled with the other competitor in a technical exchange, a point cannot be awarded.

(Explanation #5)
Invalidation of a point:
It is a rule that points gained through illegal techniques or actions cannot be valid. In this situation the referee must indicate invalidation of the point by hand signal and declare the appropriate penalty.

1. Intentional falling after delivery of an attack:
   If a competitor, after delivery of a scoring technique, seeks to avoid the opponent's counterattack by intentional failing, the point shall be invalidated.

2. Committing a violation after delivery of a legitimate technique:
   If a contestant, after delivery of scoring technique, seeks to avoid or impede the opponent's retaliatory technique by holding, clinching, stepping on or kicking the opponent's leg, etc., the point is invalid. However, if the violations occur independently of the scoring technique, the point remains valid still after declaration of the penalty.

3. Use of any of the prohibited actions:
   If a point is gained by using an illegal action or in combination with an illegal action, the point must be invalidated.

(Guidelines for Officiating)
In the above situation the referee shall immediately declare "Kal-yeo" and shall first invalidate the point by hand signal, and then declare the appropriate penalty. If the situation does not warrant invalidation of the point, then only the penalty is declared.

Article 13. Scoring and Publication

1. Valid points shall be immediately recorded and publicized.

2. In the use of body protectors not equipped with electronics, valid points shall be immediately marked by each judge by using the electronic scoring instrument or judge's scoring sheet.

3. In the use of electronic trunk protectors:
   1. Valid points scored on the mid-section of the trunk shall be recorded automatically by the transmitter in the electronic trunk protector.

   2. Valid points scored to the face shall be marked by each judge by using the electronic scoring instrument or judge's scoring sheet.

4. In case of scoring by using the electronic scoring instrument or judge's scoring sheet, valid points shall be the ones recognized by two or more judges.

(Interpretation)
It is a principle of these rules that points shall be awarded immediately. This principle must be followed regardless of the scoring method used.

(Explanation #1)
Points shall be immediately recorded:
Immediate scoring means awarding the point immediately after delivery of the scoring technique. Points awarded after a period of time has elapsed cannot be considered valid.

(Explanation #2)
Immediately recorded and publicized:
A point having been awarded by the judges shall be immediately publicized on the scoreboard.

(Explanation #3)
Use of trunk protectors not equipped with electronic sensors:
All scoring must be done according to the judge's own decision. There must be equipment available which is capable of immediately conveying the recorded point to the scoreboard. However, when electronic publication equipment is not available, the points shall be immediately recorded on the judge's scoring sheet and publicized at the end of the round.

(Explanation #4)
The use of electronic protectors:
Scoring techniques striking the body protector will be automatically recorded. Judges will award points resulting from face attacks or scoring attacks on areas outside of the scoring targets of the trunk protector.

(Guidelines for Officiating)
The judges will abide by the principle of immediate scoring regardless of the scoring system. Awarding a point at the end of the round is a violation of this regulation.

Article 14. Prohibited Acts

1. Penalties on any prohibited acts shall be declared by the Referee.

2. In the case of multiple penalties being committed simultaneously, the heavier penalty shall be declared.

3. Penalties are divided into "Kyong-go" (warning penalty) and "Gam-jeom" (deduction penalty).

4. Two "Kyong-gos" shall be counted as a deduction of one (1) point. However, odd "Kyong-go" shall not be counted in the grand total.

5. A "Gam-jeom" shall be counted as minus one (-1) point.

    

6. Prohibited Acts: "Kyong-go" penalty
   1. Touching Acts
      1. Grabbing the opponent
      2. Holding the opponent
      3. Pushing the opponent
      4. Touching the opponent with the trunk

   2. Negative Acts
      1. Intentionally crossing the Alert Line
      2. Evading by turning the back to the opponent
      3. Intentionally falling down
      4. Pretending injury

   3. Attacking Acts
      1. Butting or attacking with the knee
      2. Intentionally attacking the groin
      3. Intentionally stamping or kicking any part of the leg or foot
      4. Hitting the opponent's face with hands or fist

   4. Undesirable Acts
      1. Gesturing to indicate scoring or deduction on the part of the contestant or the coach
      2. Uttering undesirable remarks or any misconduct on the part of the contestant or the coach
      3. Leaving the designated mark on the part of the coach during match

    
7. Prohibited Acts: "Gam-jeom" penalty
   1. Touching Acts
      1. Throwing the opponent
      2. Intentionally throwing the opponent by grappling the opponent's attacking foot in the air with the arm

   2. Negative Acts
      1. Crossing the Boundary Line
      2. Intentionally interfering with the progress of the match

   3. Attacking Acts
      1. Attacking the fallen opponent
      2. Intentionally attacking the back and the back of the head
      3. Attacking the opponent's face severely with the hand

   4. Undesirable Acts
      1. Violent or extreme remarks or behavior on the part of the contestant or the coach

8. When a contestant refuses to comply with the Competition Rules or the referee's order intentionally, the referee may declare the contestant loser by penalty.

9. When the contestant receives minus three (-3) points, the referee shall declare him/her loser by penalties.

10. "Kyong-go" and "Gam-jeom" shall be counted in the total score of the three rounds.

(Interpretation)
Objectives in establishing the prohibited acts:

1. To protect the competitor
2. To ensure fair competition management
3. To encourage appropriate or ideal technique

(Explanation #1)
Multiple penalties being committed simultaneously:
In this instance, only the severer penalty may be assessed. For instance, if a "Kyong-go" penalty and a "Gam-jeom" occur simultaneously, the "Gam-jeom" must be assessed. If both violations are of equal severity, the referee will use his/her own discretion in choosing which penalty to declare.

(Explanation #2)
Two "Kyong-gos" shall be counted as a deduction of one (1) point: However, the final odd "Kyong-go" shall have no value in the total score.

Every two "Kyong-gos" shall count as minus one point regardless of whether the committed violations are the same or different acts, and regardless of the round in which they occur.

(Explanation #3) Prohibited acts: "Kyong-go"

1. Touching acts

1. Grabbing the opponent
   This includes grabbing any part of the opponent's body, uniform or protective equipment with the hands. Also included is the act of grabbing the foot or leg or hooking either one on top of the forearm.
2. Holding the opponent with the hand or arm
   Pressing the opponent's shoulder with the hand or arm, hooking the opponent's body with the arm with the intention of hindering the opponent's motion. If, during the competition the arm passes beyond the opponent's shoulder or arm for the above mentioned purpose, a penalty must be declared.
3. Pushing with the shoulder, body and hand
   

   - Pushing to displace the opponent's balance for the purpose of gaining an advantage in attacking.
   

   - Pushing to hinder the opponent's attack or hinder the normal execution of technique.
   

   - Pushing the opponent's leg after that leg has been hooked by the arm or caught by the shoulder.
   

   - Pushing with the fist, shoulder, trunk or head, etc.

4. Touching the opponent with the trunk
   Acting to adhere the trunk closely to the opponent in a posture with the arms outstretched or taken down.

(Guidelines for Officiating)
The above four items (the acts of grabbing, holding, pushing, touching) are the main reasons to denigrate Taekwondo competition. It must be recognized that these acts are the primary means of concealing the discrepancy in technical ability between two contestants. The contestants must, in principle, maintain an attitude of sportsmanship with the spirit of fair play, and the referee must play a role in managing a competition in which the contestants can exert their best performance under fair match conditions.

When any of the above mentioned acts occur, a penalty must be declared immediately upon recognition of a violation regardless of the severity of the violation. However, if both contestants commit one of the acts simultaneously, the referee must be alert to determine which contestant instigated the violation.

The importance of determining which contestant instigated the violation is necessary to avoid the ineffective and unjust act of declaring penalties against both contestants. For instance, a contestant may be holding as result of being pushed. Under these circumstances the referee must identify the contestant initiating the illegal action and declare the appropriate penalty against him/her.

2. Negative acts

1. Intentionally crossing the Alert Line
   The purpose of this sub-article is to punish the act of crossing the Alert Line with the intention of avoiding the attack of the opponent, or for the purpose of negative match management. Apart from this, crossing the Line without relation to the progress of the match must also be seen as a violation. However, if the Alert Line is crossed unintentionally in the course of a technical exchange or, one contestant is pushed over the Line by the opponent's technique, no penalty is assessed. In this case, determining the intent of the contestant crossing the Line is done by assessment of performance at the time of crossing the Line. With the exception of the following three cases, crossing the line must be regarded as intentional and a penalty must be assessed:
   
   1. Crossing the Line in the process of executing technique.
   2. Being pushed over the Line by the opponent's technique.
   3. Unwillingly losing the capability to stay inside the Line.
2. Evading by turning the back to the opponent
   This act involves turning the back to avoid the opponent's attack and the reasons for punishing this action are the lack of a correct competition attitude and the fact that this act carries inherent dangers which could result in serious injury. Included in this act is evading the opponent's attack by ducking or bending actions which could forfeit the ability to maintain eye contact with the opponent.
   
3. Intentionally falling
   This penalty applies only to the act of falling with the intention to avoid the opponent's technique. Therefore, the penalty assessed when intentional evasion is obvious.
   
4. Pretending injury
   Punishing the absence of the spirit of fair play is the intention of this sub-article. This means exaggerating injury or indicating pain in a body part not subjected to a blow for the purpose of demonstrating the opponent's action as a violation. Also, exaggerating pain for the purpose of elapsing the game time.

3. Attacking acts

1. Butting or attacking with the knee or forehead
   This article relates to an intentional butting or attacking with the knee when in close proximity to the opponent. However, actions of attacking with the knee such as the following cannot be punished by this article:
   1. When the opponent rushes in abruptly to initiate a kicking attack.
      
   2. Inadvertently as the result of a discrepancy in distance a blow occurs.
      
2. Intentionally attacking the groin
   This article applies to an intentional attack to the groin. When a blow to the groin is caused by the recipient of the blow or occurs in the course of an exchange of techniques, no penalty is assessed.
3. Intentionally stamping or kicking any part of the leg or foot
   This article applies to strong kicking or stomping actions to any part of the thigh, knee or shin for the purpose of interfering with the opponent's technique, or if these actions occur outside the inadvertent contact of normal technical exchanges.
4. Hitting the opponent's face with hands or fist
   This action includes hitting the opponent's face with the hand (fist), wrist, arm, or elbow. However, unavoidable actions due to the opponent's carelessness such as excessively lowering the head or carelessly turning the body cannot be punished by this article.

4. Undesirable acts

1. Gesturing to indicate scoring or deduction on the part of the contestant or the coach
   Gesturing means the act of waving the hand or fist in an excessive manner in relation to the competition content during the match. Contestants may not express their personal judgements or will regarding the technical action except by the technique itself.
2. Uttering undesirable remarks or any misconduct on the part of the contestant or the coach
   In this instance, the undesirable behavior includes physical actions or attitude which cannot be accepted from the competitor or coach as amateur sportsmen or Taekwondoins. Details of these actions:
   1. Any actions interfering with the progress of the competition
   2. Any action or behavior severely criticizing the referee's decision or any match officiating by using an irregular method
   3. Physical or verbal behavior insulting the opposing competitor or coach
   4. Loud or excessive coaching
   5. When any unnecessary or undesirable act with regard to the contest or any behavior regarding the contest itself which is not within normally accepted limits is committed

   * This article must be understood in relation to "Gam-jeom" sub-article 4 regarding the degree of illegality and intensity of the action. In severe cases, sub-article 4 is applied and in less severe cases this sub-article is used. However, if the less severe cases are repeatedly seen, sub-article 4 may be used to penalize them. Distinguishing the above cases is the sole authority of the referee. When misconduct is committed by a contestant or coach during the rest period, the referee can immediately declare the penalty and that penalty shall be recorded on the next round's results.
   

3. Leaving the designated mark on the part of the coach during match
   Any action creating a disturbance by leaving the coach's mark, or intentional leaving the Competition Area.

(Explanation #4) Prohibited acts: "Gam-jeom"

1. Touching acts

1. Throwing the opponent
   This action includes the throwing action as a result of grappling with the hands or legs.
2. Intentionally throwing down the opponent by grappling the opponent's attacking foot in the air with the arm
   Action to interfere with the oponent's attack by grappling the opponent's foot in the air.

2. Negative acts

1. Crossing the Boundary Line
   In principle, the competitors must not cross the Boundary Line at any time during the course of the match. If a contestant crosses the Boundary Line for any other than inevitable reasons or as the result of the opponent's techniques, this shall be punished by "Gam-jeom." In particular, crossing the Boundary Line directly after the declaration of "Kal-yeo" for unwarranted reasons shall be strictly penalized.
2. Intentionally interfering with the progress of the match
   When the contestant does not return to the Competitor's Mark from the coaching chair immediately upon the command of the referee or leaves the Competition Area for the purpose of advantaging themselves in a match.
   When the competitor delays immediate resumption of the match after the declaration of "Kal-yeo" by taking a delaying or circuitous route to the point of resumption in spite of the referee's order.

3. Attacking acts

1. Attacking the fallen opponent
   This action is extremely dangerous due to the high probability of injury to the opponent.
   The danger arises from:
   1. The fallen opponent is in an immediate state of unprotectedness.
   2. The impact of any technique which strikes a fallen contestant will be greater due to the contestant's position. These types of aggressive actions toward a fallen opponent are not in accordance with the spirit of Taekwondo and so are not appropriate to Taekwondo competition.
2. Intentionally attacking the back and the back of the head
   The part of the back not covered by the protector and the back of the head are prohibited attacking areas. If an attack is initially directed towards either of these prohibited areas it is deemed intentional and the competitor must be penalized. Decision of intentionality is the judgement of the referee.
3. Attacking the opponent's face severely with hands
   Judgement of this violation is made on a two-part basis:
   1. Apparent lack of caution and/or intentionality of the attacker.
   2. Impact of the blow and severity of the injury received by the opponent as well as the opponent's ability to resume the match.
   The decision must be made after careful consideration of the above two factors by the referee. If the action was deemed intentional by the referee, the penalty must be "Gam-jeom" even if the impact or injury are slight.
   In the case of a lack of caution on the part of the attacker:
   1. If the injury is slight the penalty is "Kyong-go."
   2. If the injury is severe the penalty is "Gam-jeom."
   3. An accidental strike to the face shall be penalized by "Kyong-go" without regard to the degree of impact of injury.

4. Undesirable acts

1. Violent or extreme remarks on the part of the contestant or coach
   Refer to sub-article 4) of the "Kyong-go" penalties.

(Explanation #5)
The referee may declare the competitor the loser by penalty:
The referee can declare a competitor loser without the accumulation of minus 3 (-3) penalty points when the competitor or coach ignores or violates the inherent principles of conduct or fundamental principles of the Competition Rules or the referee's directives. Particularly, if the competitor shows the intention to injure or commit a flagrant violation in spite of the referee's cautionary directives, such a competitor must immediately be declared loser by penalties.

(Explanation #6)
When the contestant receives (-3) points the referee shall declare him/her loser by penalties:
Minus three points means a total accumulation of (-3) points, without regard to the classification as to "Kyong-go" or "Gam-jeom." When a contestant accumulates (-3) points, that contestant is automatically loser. In this instance, the referee must declare the other contestant winner unconditionally.

Article 15. Decision of Superiority

1. In the case of a tie score by deduction of points, the winner shall be the contestant awarded any point or more points through the three rounds.

2. In the case of a tie score other than case 1 above (where both contestants received the same number of points and/or deductions), the winner shall be decided by the referee based on superiority throughout all three rounds.

3. Decision of superiority shall be based on the initiative shown during the contest.

(Explanation #1)
In the case of tie score by deduction of points:
The valid points in the scoring procedure has the highest priority.

(Explanation #2)
Throughout all three rounds:
Assessment of superiority is made on the basis of the overall results of the match without comparison on a round to round basis and the decision of superiority is made at the end of the final round.

(Explanation #3)
The decision of superiority shall be made on the basis of the initiative shown...:

1. The meaning of "initiative" is technical dominance of an opponent through aggressive match management.
2. If the technical dominance of one competitor or the other cannot be clearly determined, the referee may then decide superiority on the basis of the greater number of techniques executed.
3. If there is no clear difference in the number of techniques executed, superiority is based on the use of the more advanced techniques both in difficulty and complexity. For example, the face kick, spinning kick, or jump kick.
4. If superiority cannot be decided by any of the above criteria then it shall be awarded to the competitor displaying the better competition manner.

Article 16. Decisions

1. Win by K.O.
2. Win by Referee Stop Contest (R.S.C.)
3. Win by score or superiority
4. Win by withdrawal
5. Win by disqualification
6. Win by referee's punitive declaration

(Explanation #1)
Win by K.O.:
The referee declares this result when a competitor cannot resume Competition within 10 seconds after being knocked down by a legitimate technique. When, as a result of a blow, the referee determines that a competitor is not fit to resume competition, this result may be declared before 10 seconds have elapsed.

(Explanation #2)
Referee Stop Contest:
If it is determined by the judgement of the referee or Commission Doctor that a contestant cannot continue, even after a one minute recovery period or, when a contestant disregards the referee's command to continue, the referee shall declare the contest stopped and the other contestant the winner.

(Explanation #3)
Win by score or superiority:
In this case the winner is determined by the final score or the decision of superiority.

(Explanation #4)
Win by withdrawal:
The winner is determined by the withdrawal of the opponent.

1. When a contestant withdraws from the match due to injury or other reasons.
2. When a contestant does not resume the match after the rest period or fails to respond to the call to begin the match.
3. When the coach throws a towel to the Competition Area to signify forfeiture of the match.

(Explanation #5)
Win by disqualification:
This is the result determined by the contestant's failure in weigh-in or when the contestant loses competitor status before the competition begins.

(Explanation #6)
Win by the referee's punitive declarations:
This is the result declared by the referee after the accumulation of three minus (-3) points or by the referee's decision according to explanations 14.8 of the Competition Rules.

Article 17. Knock Down

1. When any part of the body other than the sole of the foot touches the floor due to the force of the opponent's delivered technique.

2. When a contestant is staggered showing no intention or ability to pursue the match.

3. When the referee judges that the contest cannot continue as the result of any power technique having been delivered.

(Explanation #1)
A knock down:
The situation in which a contestant is knocked to the floor or is staggered or unable to respond adequately to the requirements of the match due to a blow. Even in the absence of these indications, the referee may interpret as a knock down, the situation where, as the result of contact, it would be dangerous to continue or when there is any question about the safety of a contestant.

Article 18. Procedure in the Event of a Knock Down

1. When a contestant is knocked down as the result of the opponent's legitimate attack, the referee shall take the following measures:
   1. The referee shall keep the attacker away from downed contestant by declaration of "Kal-yeo" (break).

   2. The referee shall count aloud from "Ha-nah" (one) up to "Yeol" (ten) at one second interval towards the downed contestant, making hand signals indicating the passage of time.

   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 downed contestant. The referee shall then determine if the contestant is recovered and, if so, continue the contest by declaration of "Kye-sok" (continue).

   4. When a contestant who has been knocked down cannot demonstrate the will to resume the contest by the count of "Yeo-dul," the referee shall announce the other contestant winner by K.O.

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

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

   7. When both of the contestants fail to recover by the count of "Yeol," the winner shall be decided upon the match score before the occurrence of knock down.

   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.

2. Procedures To Be Followed After the Contest

   Any contestant suffering a knock-out as the result of a blow to the head, will not be allowed to compete for the next 30 days.

   Before entering a new contest after 30 days, the contestant must be examined by a medical doctor designated by the National Taekwondo Association, who must certify that the contestant is recovered and able to compete.

(Explanation #1)
Keep the attacker away:
In this situation the standing opponent shall return to the respective Contestant's Mark; however, if the downed contestant is on or near the opponent's Contestant's Mark, the opponent shall wait at the Alert Line in front of his/her coach's chair.

(Guidelines for officiating)
The referee must be constantly prepared for the sudden occurrence of a knock down or staggered situation which is usually characterized by a powerful blow accompanied by dangerous impact. In this situation, the referee must declare "Kal-yeo" and begin the count without any hesitation.

(Explanation #2)
In case the downed contestant stands up during the referee's count and desires to continue the fight:
The primary purpose of counting is to protect the contestant. Even if the contestant desires to continue the match before the count of eight is reached, the referee must count until "Yeo-dul" (eight) before resuming the match. Counting to "Yeo-dul" is compulsory and cannot be altered by the referee.

* Count from one to ten: Ha-nah, Duhl, Seht, Neht, Da-seot, Yeo-seot, Il-gop, Yeo-dul, A-hop, Yeol.

(Explanation #3)
The referee shall then determine if the contestant is recovered and, if so, continue the contest by the declaration of "Kye-sok":
The referee must ascertain the ability of the contestant to continue while he/she counts until eight. Final confirmation of the contestant's condition after the count of eight is only procedural and the referee must not needlessly pass time before resuming the contest.

(Explanation #4)
When a contestant who has been knocked down cannot express the will to resume by the count of "Yeo-dul," the referee shall announce the other contestant winner by K.O. after counting to "Yeol."
The contestant expresses the will to continue the match by gesturing several times in a fighting position with the clenched fists. If the contestant cannot display this gesture by the count of "Yeo-dul," the referee must declare the other contestant winner after first counting "A-hop" and "Yeol." Expressing the will to continue after the count of "Yeo-dul" cannot be considered valid.
Even if the contestant expresses the will to resume by the count of "Yeo-dul," the referee can continue counting and may declare the contest over if he/she determines the contestant is incapable of resuming the match.

(Explanation #5)
When it is judged by the referee that a contestant is unable to continue...:
When a contestant has received an apparently dangerous blow and has fallen in an urgent condition the referee can suspend the count and call for first aid or do so in conjunction with the count.

(Guidelines for Officiating)

1. The referee must not spend additional time confirming the competitor's recovery after counting to "Yeo-dul" as a result of failing to observe the contestant's condition during the administration of the count.
2. When the contestant clearly recovers before the count of "Yeo-dul" and expresses the will to resume and the referee can clearly discern the condition of the contestant yet resumption is hampered by the requirement of medical treatment, the referee must first resume the match with the declaration of "Kye-sok" followed immediately by the declarations of "Kal-yeo" and "Kye-shi" and the procedures of article 19 must then be followed.

Article 19. Procedures for Suspending the Match

1. When a contestant is to be stopped due to the injury of one or both of contestants, the referee shall take the following measures:
   1. The referee shall suspend the contest by declaration of "Kal-yeo" and order the Recorder to suspend the time keeping by announcing "Kye-shi" (suspend).

   2. The referee shall allow the contestant to receive first aid within one minute.

   3. The contestant who does not demonstrate the will to continue the contest after one minute, even in the case of a slight injury, shall be declared loser by the referee.

   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 loser.

   5. In case both of 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.

   6. When it is judged that a contestant's health is at risk due to losing consciousness or falling in an apparently dangerous condition, the referee shall suspend the contest immediately and order first aid to be administered. The referee shall declare as loser the contestant causing the injury if it is deemed to have resulted from a prohibited attack to be penalized by "Gam-jeom," and in the case the attack was not deemed to be penalized by "Gam-jeom," shall decide the winner on the basis of the score of the match before suspension of the time.

(Explanation #1)
When the referee determines that the competition cannot be continued due to injury or any other emergency situation, the referee may take the following measures:

1. If the situation is critical such as a competitor losing consciousness or suffering a severe injury and time is crucial, first aid must be immediately directed and the match must be closed. In this case the result of the match will be decided as follows:
   
   1. The causer shall be declared the loser if the outcome was the result of a prohibited act to be penalized by "Gam-jeom."
   2. The incapacitated contestant shall be declared the loser if the outcome was the result of a legal action or accidental, unavoidable contact.
   3. If the outcome was unrelated to the match contents, the winner shall be decided by the match score before suspension of the match. If the suspension occurs before the end of the first round, the match shall be invalidated.
2. When the severity of the injury is not serious, the competitor can receive necessary treatment within one minute after the declaration of "Kye-shi."
   1. Permission for medical treatment:
      When the referee determines that medical treatment is necessary, he/she can direct treatment from the Commission Doctor.
   2. Order to resume the match:
      It is the decision of the referee whether or not it is possible for the contestant to resume the match. The referee can, any time, order the contestant to resume the match within one minute. The referee can declare loser any contestant who does not follow the order to resume the match.
   3. While the contestant is receiving medical treatment or is in the process of recovering, 40 seconds after the declaration of "Kye-shi," the referee begins to loudly announce the passage of time in five second interval. When the competitor cannot return to the Contestant's Mark by the end of one minute period, the match results must be declared.
   4. After the declaration of "Kye-shi," the one minute time interval is strictly observed regardless of the Commission Doctor's availability. However, when the Doctor's treatment is required and the Doctor is absent or additional treatment is necessary, the one minute time limit can be suspended by the judgement of the referee.
   5. If resumption of the match is impossible after one minute, the decision of the match will be determined according to Sub-article 1)a. of this Article.
3. If both contestants become incapacitated and are unable to resume the match after one minute or urgent conditions arise, the match result is decided according to the following criterion:
   1. If the outcome is the result of a "Gam-jeom" penalty by one contestant, that person shall be the loser.
   2. If the outcome was not related to any prohibited act to be penalized by "Gam-jeom" the result of the match shall be determined by the match score at the time of suspension of the match. However, if the suspension occurs before the end of the first round, the match shall be invalidated and Organizing Committee will determine an appropriate time to recontest the match. If, by the determined rematch time, a contestant is still unable to compete, that contestant shall be considered withdrawn.
   3. If the outcome is the result of prohibited acts to be penalized by "Gam-jeom" by both contestants, both contestants shall lose.

(Explanation #2)
The situations which warrant suspending the match beyond the above prescribed procedures shall be treated as follows:

1. When uncontrollable circumstances require suspension of the match, the referee shall suspend the match and follow the directives of the Organizing Committee.
2. If the match is suspended after the completion of the second round the match shall be determined according to the match score at the time of suspension if the match cannot be concluded.
3. If the match is suspended before the conclusion of the second round, a rematch shall, in principle, be conducted and shall be held in three full rounds.

Article 20. Referees and Judges

1. Qualifications

   Holders of International Referee Certificate registered by the WTF.

2. Duties
   1. Referee
      1. The referee shall have control over the match.

      2. The referee shall declare "Shi-jak," "Keu-man," "Kal-yeo," "Kye-sok" and "Kye-shi," winner and loser, deduction of points, warnings and retiring. All the referee's declarations shall be made when the results are confirmed.

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

      4. The referee shall not award points.

      5. In case of a tie or scoreless match, the decision of superiority shall be made by the referee after the end of three rounds.

   2. Judges
      1. The judges shall mark the valid points immediately.

      2. The judges shall state their opinions forthrightly when requested by the referee.

3. Responsibility for Judgement

   Decisions made by the referees and judges shall be conclusive and they shall be responsible to the Board of Arbitration for those decisions.

4. Uniform of the Referees and Judges
   1. The referees and judges shall wear the uniform designated by the WTF.

   2. The referees and judges shall not carry or take any materials to the Arena which might interfere with the contest.

Article 21. Recorder

The recorder shall time the contest and periods of time-out, suspension, and also shall record and publicize the awarded points, and /or deduction of points.

Article 22. Assignment of Officials

1. Composition of refereeing officials
   1. In the use of non-electronic trunk protectors:
      The officials are composed of one referee and three judges.

   2. In the use of electronic trunk protectors:
      The officials are composed of one referee and two judges.

2. Assignment of Refereeing Officials
   1. The assignment of the referees and judges shall be made after the contest schedule is fixed.

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

(Interpretation)
The details of the qualifications, duties, organization, etc. shall follow the WTF Regulations on the Administration of International Referees.

Article 23. Other Matters Not Specified By the Rules

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

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

2. Matters which are not related to a specific contest, shall be decided by the Executive Council or its proxy.

3. The organizing committee shall prepare for a video tape recorder at each court for recording and preservation of the match process.

Article 24. Arbitration

1. Composition of Board of Arbitration
   1. Qualifications:
      Member of Executive Council of the WTF or person of sufficient Taekwondo experience recommended by the WTF President or Secretary General.

   2. Composition:
      One chairman and six or less members.

   3. Procedure of Appointment:
      The chairman and members of the Board of Arbitration will be appointed by the WTF President on the recommendation of the WTF Secretary General.

2. Responsibility

   The Board of Arbitration shall make corrections of misjudgments according to their decision regarding protests and take disciplinary action against the officials committing the misjudgment or any illegal behavior and the results of which shall be sent to the Secretariat of the WTF.

3. Procedure of Protest
   1. In case there is an objection to a judgement, a delegate must submit an application for re-evaluation of decision (protest application) together with the prescribed fee to the Board of Arbitration within 10 minutes after the pertinent contest.

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

   3. The members of the Board of Arbitration may summon the refereeing officials for confirmation of events.

   4. The resolution made by the Board of Arbitration will be final and no further means of appeal will be applied.

(Interpretation)
Each Board of Arbitration shall be composed of at least five eligible members and the a number of Board members must be an odd number.

(Explanation #1)
Excluding those members with the same nationality...:
If there are officials with the same nationality as either contestant involved on the Board of Arbitration those members must be excluded from the Board. In all cases, the number of Board members must be an odd number. If the Chairman is one who is ineligible, a temporary Chairman must be elected by the remaining members.

(Explanation #2)
Deliberation procedures:

1. After reviewing the protest applications, the content of the protest must be arranged according to the criterion of "acceptable" or "unacceptable."
2. If necessary, the Board can hear opinions from the referee or judges.
3. If necessary, the Board can review the material evidence of the decision, such as the written or visual recorded data.
4. After deliberation, the Board holds a secret ballot to determine a majority decision.
5. The Chairman will make a report documenting the outcome of the deliberations and shall make this outcome publicly known.
6. Treatment of the decision:
   1. Errors in determining the match results, mistakes in calculating the match score or misidentifying a contestant shall result in the decision being reversed.
   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 punished.
   3. Errors in factual judgement:
      When the Board decides that there was clearly an error in judging the facts such as impact of striking, severity of action or conduct, intentionality, 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 punished.

1. Call for Contestants

1. Clenching the fist with the thumb on the middle finger, and forefinger spread out

2. Stretching out arms from the breast part, "Chung" Contestant's Mark shall be pointed first with the right forefinger, and then "Hong" Contestant's Mark with the left forefinger.

2. Cha-ryeot / Kyong-rye

1. Vertically and parallelly raising the palms of both hands facing each other with the thumbs on the palms and the other fingers stretched at a height of the eyebrow with the arms outstretched at an angle of 45 degrees from the points of both shoulders, and

2. Giving a verbal order of "Cha-ryeot," and then,

3. Taking down the hands with the palm down to the front of the pit of the stomach, a verbal order of "Kyong-rye" shall be given. In this case, a fist-sized space shall be left between both hands and the pit of the stomach, and the same between both fingertips.

3. Joon-bi

1. Outstretching the crooked right arm at an angle of 45 degrees from the point of the right shoulder

2. Vertically raising the palm of the right open hand at a height of the ear, and taking a step forward the posture of "Oen-Apkubi" shall be taken, and then

3. Taking down the right open hand in a knife-hand position to the height of the pit of the stomach, a verbal order of "Joon-bi" shall be given

4. At this point, the left hand lightly clenched shall be straightened down.

4. Shi-jak

1. Taking the posture of "Bum-seogi" from the posture of "Joon-bi" by withdrawing the left foot back, both arms shall be outstretched at an angle of 45 degrees from the point of both shoulders, and then

2. With the arms rapidly closing up before the breast with about 25cm distance, an order of "Shi-jak" shall be given.

5. Kal-yeo / Keu-man

Taking a posture of the "Oen-Apseogi," the right open hand shall be rapidly taken down at a height of the pit of the stomach giving an order of "Kal-yeo" / "Keu-man."

6. Kye-sok

Raising the right knife-hand in the posture of "Kal-yeo" at a height of the right ear, the order of "Kye-sok" shall be given.

7. Winner Declaration

1. When "Chung" is the winner, the referee shall turn towards "Chung" and raise the right fist to the pit of the stomach, and then immediately stretch the right open hand up at an angle of 45 degrees declaring "Chung-Seung."

2. In case of "Hong," the referee shall declare "Hong-Seung" by using the left open hand in the same manner.

3. At this point, the other hand lightly clenched shall be straightened down.

8. Kye-shi

Straightening down the right hand with the arm bent at an angle of 135 degrees, the referee shall point the right forefinger at the Recorder's seat

9. Shi-gan

This is demonstrated by making an X mark by crossing both forefingers at a height of the perpendicular furrow of the upper lip.

10. Counting

The count shall be made from the right thumb by spreading out the fingers of the clenched fist one by one at one second interval giving a verbal count. When the count reaches "Da-seot" (five) and "Yeol" (ten), the palm shall be turned toward the pertinent contestant.

Kyong-go Penalty

1. Touching Acts

1. Looking at the pertinent contestant in the posture of "Cha-reot," the referee shall point the right forefinger at the contestant, and

2. Putting the right palm on the left breast (the right middle finger to reach the left shoulder blade), "Kyong-go shall be declared.

2. Negative Acts

The motion of two times' bumping leaving an interval of a fist between the two clenched fists in front of the pit of the stomach.

3. Attacking Acts

Vertically raising the left palm up to the height of the shoulder, one time's punching with the right fist shall be given on the left palm.

4. Undesirable Acts

The motion of bringing the right forefinger to the lips leaving an interval of 5cm between the lips and the forefinger.

1. Motion of Kyong-go Declaration

1. The referee declares "Kal-Yeo" and at that position takes the posture of "Char-yeot" towards the pertinent contestant. Spreading out the right arm at the interior angle of 135 degrees and pointing the right forefinger at the forehead of the pertinent contestant

2. And then bringing the right forefinger to the left shoulder,

3. Pointing the right forefinger at the forehead of the contestant by spreading out the arm, the referee shall make a verbal declaration of "Kyong-go."

   
   

All the motions are the same as those of "Kyong-go" penalty with the exception of the motion of "Gam-jeum" declaration.

1. Let the two contestants of "Chung" and "Hong" stand at their positions. After pointing at the pertinent contestant in the posture of "Char-yeot" as in the procedure of "Kyong-go" declaration,

2. Straightly raising the right fist tightly clenched with the forefinger spread out, the referee shall make a verbal declaration of "Gam-jeum."

All the motions are the same as those of "Kyong-go" penalty with the exception of the motion of "Gam-jeum" declaration.

1. With regard to the Article 12.5 of the Competition Rules, annul the points scored as mentioned in 2) and 3) immediately after declaration "Kal-yeo."

2. In the stance of "Char-yeot," rasie the right open hand to the point 20cm horizontally away from the forehead with the palm forward and the wrist at the height of the forehead.

3. Shake the hand horizontally 30cm to the right and then 50cm to the left, naturally turning towards the pertinent contestant. Repeat this twice.

4. Show the sign of "Shi-gan" to the recorder and declare the penalty to the pertinent competitor. Time shall be recorded again from the point of declaration of "Kye-sok" after giving the penalty.

Enacted: May 28, 1973
Revised: October 1, 1977
Revised: February 23, 1982
Revised: October 19, 1983
Revised: June 1, 1986
Revised: October 7, 1989
Revised: October 28, 1991
Revised: August 17, 1993
Revised: November 18, 1997
Printed: Jan. 11, 1999