EVENT RULES

COMPETITION RULES:

Each match consists of one regulation round (5 minutes). There will be no positive points awarded in the first half of the round. Athletes can incur point deductions for illegal guard pulling,passivity, and stalling during that time. After the first half of the round positive points can be awarded.

Referees

The referee is the only person who can assign positive points or enforce stalling penalties.

If there is no submission and the match ends with a tie in points, the referee will determine the winner.

The match will be judged in its entirety. Performance will impact the final judging result.

The primary judging criteria is which competitor initiates action, controls the match, and creates meaningful submission attempts.

Positive Points

There is no repeat scoring. An athlete may not voluntarily relinquish position to rescore from the same position or move to a less dominant position to initiate a new scoring sequence. Positions must be controlled for 3 seconds for points to be awarded.

Passing the guard = 2 points

Guard Pass must result in a controlling position.

All Sweeps & Reversals = 2 points

Sweeps / Reversals are when an athlete changes the position from bottom to top and establishes control for 3 secs or more. A sweep / reversal into a submission will not be awarded points until the submission is escaped.

Knee on belly = 2 points

The opposite leg must be extended out with the knee off the ground for the entire 3 seconds for points to be awarded.

Takedown – all takedowns = 2 points

Points are awarded once the opponent is taken to the mat and a controlling position is established for 3 seconds.

Takedowns that lead directly into another scoring position will result in cumulative points.

For example, a takedown into mount is worth 6 points (2 for the takedown and 4 for the mount position).

If a takedown results in the opponent initiating a submission attempt, points will not be awarded until the submission is successfully defended and a controlling position is held for 3 seconds.

Mount Position = 4 points

Both knees must be in contact with the mat. The opponent’s back must be on the mat, and both knees must be positioned below the shoulder line.

Back Mount with both hooks or body triangle = 4 points

Both hooks and body triangle are acceptable. Switching from hooks to body lock or vice versa does not result in additional points.

Penalties (Negative Points)

Stalling will be determined by the referee when an athlete intentionally slows the pace or flow of the match without a clear attempt to progress position or initiate a submission.

Stalling may be called from any position, including dominant positions, if there is no active effort to advance or attack.

Passivity is defined as an athlete avoiding contact or engagement with their opponent.

When an athlete is determined to be stalling, the referee will issue a verbal “Stalling Warning.” The initial warning may allow a brief opportunity for the athlete to adjust and become active.

Intentionally leaving or fleeing the mat to avoid engagement, a takedown, or a submission may result in a point deduction (1–4 points) or disqualification at the referee’s discretion.

An illegal guard pull will result in a one point penalty.

An illegal guard pull occurs when an athlete pulls into a position that does not result in immediate engagement.

A legal guard pull must establish an engaged position within 3 seconds of initiation, including:

Butterfly guard
Closed guard
De La Riva guard
Shin to shin connection
Wrist control or collar tie
Immediate transition into an offensive action such as a sweep, wrestle up, or submission attempt

Additional legal actions include:

Entering into leg attacks or leg lock positions
Initiating flying submissions

A guard pull must be used to initiate action. Failure to establish engagement will result in a penalty.

An athlete may not flee or disengage from a guard pull. They must actively defend, break, or engage the position. Fleeing or running from a guard pull or attack will result in a one point penalty.

Jumping guard and flying scissor leg takedowns are prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification.