World Kickboxing Federation

OFFICIAL PRO RULEBOOK

Edition July 2010

This Rulebook replaces all previously issued rules. It also reflects the official WKF Professional Competition Rules.

These current rules are valid for all member states. Consideration can be given to local legal requirements and obligations if required.

The official language of the IRC is English. This Rulebook can be translated in to other languages by the IRC. In case of any discrepancies, the official English version shall prevail.

Without the specific written consent of either WKF or the IRC, this Rulebook shall not be copied, published or distributed.

This includes electronic, digital, physical or any other duplication or

This Rulebook can be ordered free on the official website of the IRC WKF.

SECTION 1: THE RING

SECTION 2: FIGHTERS ELIGIBILITY

SECTION 3: PRE-FIGHT REGULATIONS

SECTION 4: FIGHTERS; EQUIPMENT AND SECONDS

SECTION 5: CONDUCT OF BOUTS

SECTION 6: INJURY RULE, STOPPING THE BOUT

SECTION 7: PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND SAFETY REGULATIONS

SECTION 8: RINGSIDE OFFICIALS, PERSONNEL AND DUTIES

SECTION 9: CHAMPIONS REGULATIONS

SECTION 10: PROMOTERS REGULATIONS

SECTION 11: ALL POSSIBLE DECISIONS

SECTION 12: WKF REFEREE LICENSES

Copyright WKF World Headquarters, January 2010

The ring shall be a regulation Boxing ring not less then 17 feet (5.3m) square within the ropes. The ring floor shall extend beyond the ropes not less than 18 inches (.58m). The ring floor shall be padded in a manner as approved by the WKF. Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform. The ring must have a canvas covering. No vinyl or other plastic rubberised covering will be permitted.

The ring platform shall not be more than four feet (4') above the floor of the building and shall be provided with suitable steps for use by fighters. Ring-side tables must be no higher than ring platform level on elevated rings; no ringside tables will be permitted next to floor level on non-elevated rings. Ring posts shall be metal not more than four inches (4") in diameter extending from the floor of the building to a height of 58 inches (1.6m), (4'10") above the ring floor, and shall be properly padded.

The ring ropes shall be a minimum of four (4) in number and not less than one inch (1") in diameter. The lower rope shall be 18 inches (.5m) above the ring floor, the middle rope 35 inches (.9m) above the floor, the upper rope 52 inches (1.3m) above the floor. The lowest rope shall have applied around it padding of a thickness not less than one-half inch (1/2") and of type and construction to be approved by the WKF. All rope ties will be vertical, approximately 6 feet apart, made of a soft material.

The promoter of the event will provide all necessary ring equipment including stools, subject to the approval of the WKF, for use by fighters and seconds at all events, except for those items to be supplied by the fighters (see section 1V Rule numbers 1&2) and those items to be supplied by the seconds (see Section 1V, Rule number 7).

There will be a bell at the ring, no higher than the floor level of the ring. The bell will be clear in tone so that the fighters may easily hear it when it is sounded.

All promoters are held responsible for ensuring acceptable sanitary standards be met, with respect to dressing rooms,

showers, water bottles, towels or other equipment. WKF Supervisor’s are to make a particular examination at every event for violations of these rules. The ring must be swept, dry-mopped, or other wise adequately cleaned before the event and prior to the fights.

All fighters seeking professional status must get written approval from their WKF Regional Director. Requirements for approval will include an accurate, current listing of all of fighter's bouts, including promoters, event dates, opponents, scheduled number of rounds, and outcomes. Fighters must honestly declare all previous combats sports experience

In order to qualify for a professional status, fighters must have competed in at least 3 approved and verified 3 or 4 round bouts as amateurs. All fighters seeking professional status without amateur experience must get written approval from their WKF Regional Director.

Fighters will be separated by class, N (novice) class to A class, Classification will be defined by the numbers of bouts a fighter wins not the number of bouts they have had. Fighters will be classified as follows:

N class - 3 wins

C class + 3 wins

B class + 6 wins

A class + 12 wins

WKF licensing is mandatory for all fighters and promoters.

Any fighter who is currently under suspension by the WKF will not be permitted to participate in any amateur or

professional WKF events for the duration of his suspension.

All exhibition bouts are not to be considered as sanctioned bouts by the WKF. In order to be included in an WKF

Sanctioned event, any exhibition type contest (point matches, exhibition Boxing, exhibition kick Boxing etc.) must receive advance approval from the WKF Supervisor. The WKF Supervisor may deny any exhibition bouts which may be considered to be unsafe (a mis-match due to weight spread or experience, for example) or inconsistent with the general standards established by the WKF.

Any fighter applying for eligibility to compete in an WKF event must be examined by a Doctor approved by the WKF, to establish both physical and mental fitness for competition. Such examination must be taken at such time as directed by the WKF.

The current WKF World Ratings should be consulted for current weight categories and weight spreads. Current ratings may be obtained from WKF Europe or viewed at www.wkfkickboxing.com

Fighters will be weighed on or before the day of the match, at a time to be determined by the WKF, on scales approved by the WKF. By special permission of the WKF, preliminary fighters may be allowed to weigh in, and be examined not later than two hours before the scheduled time of the first bout of the program. All weights stripped.

In non-title professional bouts, if a fighter fails to make the specified weight in his contract, he will forfeit a percentage of his purse money, according to the following schedule:

2kg over = 15% penalty

4kg over = 30% penalty

5kg over = 40% penalty

The forfeited purse money will be distributed 50% to the opponent and 50% to the promoter. If both fighters are

overweight, both are subject to penalties according to the above schedule, with the fighters share of the forfeited purse

money to be distributed according to the WKF.

All professional fighters must sign an WKF approved contract for each bout, with the promoter of that event.

In amateur bouts where a fighter fails to make weight the WKF Representative may permit the bout to take place if the weight spread is permissible. However, should the overweight fighter win, the bout will not be credited to his or his opponent's record. If the overweight fighter loses, the loss will go on his record and the win will be credited to his

opponent's record.

If both fighters are overweight or underweight and the weight spread falls within the permissible range, the WKF

Supervisor will permit the bout to continue and the outcome will be recorded on the records of both fighters. Amateur

fighters who repeatedly weigh in overweight or underweight, will be subject to disciplinary action by the WKF.

In title bouts, both professional and amateur, if a fighter cannot make weight at the prescribed time, he will be allowed to weigh a second time, two hours later, at a place designated by the WKF Supervisor. If the fighter fails to make weight at this second weigh-in, and these weigh-ins occur the day before the bout, he may weigh again, no sooner than eight hours before the start time of the event on the day of the bout; that is, should the fighter fail to make weight at the original time, and fail to make weight two hours later, he may weigh again no sooner than noontime the next day, if the event is scheduled to begin at 8.00pm.

If the official weigh-in is scheduled the day of the bout, the fighter not making weight will be weighed again two hours later.

If he still does not make weight, then he may attempt a final weigh-in two hours before the start of the event. In other

words, if the fighter cannot make weight at the originally scheduled time, and cannot make weight two hours later, he will not be weighed again until two hours before the start time of the event. In this case, if the event is to start at 8.00pm, his final official weigh-in should be at 6.00pm.

If a fighter cannot make weight at the final "official" weigh-in and that fighter is the champion, the title will be declared vacant and the bout will ensue. Should the challenger win the bout, he will become champion. In the event the former champion wins the bout, the title be declared vacant, and a run off for the title will be established, according to the rules of the WKF. If the fighter who cannot make weight is the challenger, the bout will proceed as scheduled; however, should the challenger win the bout, the title will be declared vacant, and a run off will be established, according to the rules of the WKF. In either case, the fighter who cannot make weight will also be subject to the purse penalties as specified in his contract and by the WKF.

Any exception to these rules regarding weight-making in professional title bouts requires the approval of the WKF

Supervisor.

The maximum amount of weight a fighter will be allowed to lose, during any period of time within 32 hours before the start time of the event, is 4% of that fighters weight at his initial weigh-in. For example, if a fighter weighs-in at 70kg, at noontime the day before the event, but is overweight according to his contract, the WKF Supervisor will calculate his maximum allowable weight loss as 4% of 70kg then 3kg will be the maximum that fighter will be allowed to lose before the start time of the event.

If the maximum allowable weight loss fails to bring a fighter within the permissible weight spread, that fighter will be

declared ineligible to compete in his scheduled bout, and will be subject to the penalties as described in Rule 12 below.

The recommended for a participate in an WKF professional Kickboxing or Muaythai event is 18 years of age, unless

permitted by both the fighter's country of origin, the jurisdiction where the match takes place and the WKF representative.

The minimum age of a participate allowed in an WKF professional Kickboxing or Muaythai event is 16 years.

Fighters 14 and 15 years old may participate in amateur full contact bouts or in exhibition bouts only, and only with the signed, written consent of the parents or legal guardians, which must be delivered to the WKF office sanctioning the event no later than one month prior to the bout. Underage amateur fighters may be required to wear certain head and body protective gear at the discretion of the WKF Supervisor. All fighters seeking professional status, or 14 and 15 years old fighters seeking amateur status, must provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or legitimate driver's license.

In world, intercontinental and international title bouts, both the champion and the challenger will be present in the event locale according to the date stated in their WKF Title Contract, paragraph 5. This date will be no less than 3 days before the event, unless, with WKF approval, the fighter and promoter agree otherwise. All fighters participating in world and intercontinental and international title bouts, and the promoter of these bouts, will enter an agreement using the WKF Title Contract, as directed by the WKF. Terms of the contract may be modified with WKF approval, but no rematch clauses, agreements between the promoter and the fighter regarding officials, or clauses that interfere beyond established guidelines, with a fighters availability to other promoters, will be allowed.

Breach of this contract by either party may lead to fines or suspension levied by the WKF Supervisor, in addition to any legal remedies.

Fighters, both amateur and professional, may be required to post appearance bonds with a promoter for whom they are to appear. In the event the fighter fails to appear, this bond is to be forfeited and divided 50% to the promoter and 50% to the fighter's opponent for training expenses. The amount of the forfeit money must be specified in the fighter's contract.

Appearance bonds in amateur bouts will not exceed £50.00. In professional bouts they will not exceed 50% of the purse.

Fighters bonds will be required only with the express permission of the WKF Supervisor.

All fighters, or Chief corner-man, must attend the pre-fight meeting held by the WKF Supervisor. This meeting will typically be following the weigh-in, or during the afternoon before the event. In addition, fighters will be required to report for physicals, and to their dressing rooms, at the time specified by the WKF Supervisor. Failure to do so will result in fines as per the WKF fine schedule, and possibly result in the fighter being dropped from the event. All fines will be retained by the WKF.

All fighters, once they report to the WKF Supervisor in charge of dressing rooms immediately prior to the start of an event, are not to leave the facility, and are subject to urinalysis and fines, if they do not remain in approved areas.

All fighters must be clean and present a tidy appearance. It will be at the sole discretion of the WKF Supervisor to

determine whether facial adornments (moustaches, goatees, excessive sideburns) and length of hair present any potential hazard to the safety of the fighter or the opponent, or will interfere with the supervision or conduct of the bout. The excessive use of grease or any foreign substance is not permitted. The Referee, or the WKF Supervisor, shall insist upon removal of any such excessive grease or foreign substance. Non compliance by the contestant shall be sufficient cause for disciplinary action, such as purse deduction, or disqualification.

Fighters who are declared ineligible for their bouts due to excessive weight, misrepresented age, physical incapacity’s preknown to the fighter, or other wilful violation of WKF regulations, will be subject to fines and suspension by the WKF UK disciplinary committee. Unless otherwise specified in the fighters contract, the promoter will have no obligation to the ineligible fighters, and may demand reimbursement from the fighter for any expenses or purse pre-paid by the promoter.

The promoter will, however, be obligated to pay the expenses of the opposing fighter who presents himself properly, plus any cancellation settlements if provided for in that fighters contract.

Fighters who are disqualified during their bout for wilful gross rule violations, or unprofessional performance, or who

represent themselves improperly following their bout, may be subject to the same penalties, at the discretion of the WKF Supervisor, with the approval of the WKF disciplinary committee.

A uniform approved by the WKF Supervisor must be worn by all fighters upon entering the ring. For Full Contact

Kickboxing matches, the uniform must include long pants that reach the ankle, for Freestyle, Oriental and Muaythai Rules fighters must wear shorts and all clothing should be neat, clean and in good condition. Fighters must furnish their own uniforms.

Fighters who present themselves in improper uniforms will be fined from up to 10% of their purse by the WKF Supervisor, and will not compete in their bout until they present themselves according to regulations. Prior to the start of a contest, all male fighters will remove their uniform jackets or gowns, and any other adornments that are not required equipment.

Black belts may be worn at the option of the fighter in Full Contact Kickboxing matches only, and must be tied securely around the waist.

All preliminary fighters in Full Contact Kickboxing matches will wear regulation gloves and foot protective equipment approved by the WKF. If the gloves and footpads have been used previously, they must be whole, clean and subject to inspection by the referee or by the WKF Supervisor as to condition. If found imperfect, they shall be changed before the bout starts. No breaking, roughing, or twisting of gloves or footpads shall be permitted.

Shinpads of soft substance must be worn by all fighters in Full Contact Kickboxing matches, and by all amateur fighters, and are subject to the approval of the WKF Supervisor. No rings, jewellery, or items other than those authorised may be worn. Elbow pads and forearm pads shall not be worn.

Footpads can not be worn in Freestyle, Oriental or Muaythai Rules matches. Shin & Instep pads may be worn in Novice to B class matches under Freestyle, Oriental or Muaythai Rules.

All male fighters must wear an approved groin protector. A plastic cup with an athletic supporter is adequate, but an

abdominal guard is preferable. All female fighters must wear foul-proof breast protection approved by the WKF. All

fighters must wear fitted mouthpieces. Fighters must furnish their own footpads, shinpads, groin protectors (or breast

protectors for women), and mouthpieces. All promoters must have several extra sets of gloves and footpads of common sizes to be used in case gloves or footpads are broken or in any way damaged beyond use during the course of a bout. Fighters who do not present themselves properly equipped at the start time of their bout shall be subject to fines by the WKF Supervisor, and may be penalised by the referee, including being counted out of the match, if any equipment problems cannot be solved within five (5) minutes of the referees order to correct such problems.

All gloves must be of a professional quality and must be approved by the WKF Supervisor. All gloves must be made so as to fit the hands of any fighter whose hands may be unusual in size. All weight categories of 153lbs/69.5kg and lighter will use 8oz gloves in professional matches. If one fighter is above 153lbs/69.5kg and one fighter is below, 10oz gloves will be used. All weight categories heavier than 153lbs/69.5kg will use 10oz gloves, as may all amateurs with the approval of the WKF Supervisor. All amateur fighters will wear headgear approved by the WKF.

The make and type of all gloves must be approved in advance by the WKF Supervisor. All gloves will be provided by the promoter. The referee must inspect and approve any tape used on the gloves.

Gloves for all professional title bouts shall be new and furnished by the promoter of the event. Gloves for amateur title

bouts or non-title main events must be new, or approved in advance by the WKF Supervisor.

The wrapping of hands or feet is not mandatory. Fighters who wish to wrap their hands or feet shall be responsible for

their own gauze and tape.

Gauze shall be of the soft or soft-stretch type, and shall not exceed 2 inches in width. Tape shall be of the soft adhesive type and shall not exceed 1.5 inches in width. One ten yard roll of gauze, and not more than two yards of tape, are the maximum allowable amounts for each hand. No other materials, including pre-made hand wraps (except as approved in amateur competition), shall be allowed; nor shall any amounts exceeding those listed be allowed under any circumstances.

Gauze shall be for the protection of the hand only, and the amount shall be the discretion of the WKF Supervisor. Tape shall be present only to hold the gauze in place, and no more than one layer of tape be allowed on the striking surface of the hand and only 1 strip between the fingers not to exceed 1/4 in width and 4" in length. Up to twelve (12) feet of tape may be used to wrap each foot and ankle.

The WKF Supervisor, or his designee, must inspect all hand and foot wrappings, and must sign across the knuckles of the hand wrappings before the gloves are secured on the hands.

Amateur fighters may wear approved commercial hand wraps.

Each fighter may have three (3) corner-men of his choice, and each cornerman, while assisting in the fighter's corner,

must wear an WKF approved uniform (subject to the approval of the WKF Supervisor), must present a neat and tidy

appearance, provide a bucket, tape, water bottle and other equipment necessary to perform his function, and fix a place for the fighter to wait during the rest periods. Corner-men may not sit, stand on, lean on or touch the ring apron during the course if a round, nor otherwise interfere physically or verbally with the bout or the duties of the officials. During the rest periods, only one of the corner-men may be in the ring at any time. The referee may, at his discretion, levy penalty points for improper and unprofessional conduct by the seconds.

Any excessive or undue spraying of water on any fighter between rounds is prohibited. Corner-men will wipe dry the ring canvas in their corner before the start of each round. Fighters will spit only in the bucket, and not the ring.

A manager or chief corner-man may toss a towel into the ring in token of the defeat of his principal. However, such

manager or chief Corner-man must follow the towel into the ring as soon as it is possible for him to do so.

Each round will be two (2) minutes in duration for Full Contact and Freestyle matches, (3) three minutes for A class

Oriental and Muay Thai matches. The time runs continuously and may be called or stopped only by the referee in special cases, such as equipment or uniform adjustment, harmful injury or commitment of a foul. Amateur bouts shall be a maximum of five rounds in length. Two round bouts are allowed only during the elimination’s of tournament-style, amateur only, events. Amateur title bouts may be four or five rounds at the discretion of the WKF.

Professional Full Contact bouts shall be five or more, to a maximum of twelve, rounds in length. Non-title bouts shall be a maximum of ten rounds.

Under Full Contact and Freestyle Rules World, European, British and National and title bouts shall be twelve, ten, nine and seven rounds, respectively. Regional title bouts shall be five rounds. Under Oriental and Muaythai Rules World, European, British and National title bouts shall be five rounds of three minutes. Regional title bouts shall be five rounds of two minutes

Rest periods between rounds will be one minute in duration

.

The referee will, before starting a bout, ascertain from each fighter the name of his chief coach and will hold said chief corner-man responsible for the conduct of his assistant corner-men during the progress of a bout. The referee will call the fighters together before each bout for final instructions, at which time each fighter will be accompanied by his chief cornerman only.

4. PERSONS ALLOWED IN RING No persons other than the fighters and the referee may be in the ring during the

progress of a round. Judges shall not enter the ring for any reason throughout the entire event. The referee may penalise or disqualify any fighter whose corner personnel or fans break this rule.

All offensive punching, kicking and striking techniques are authorised, with the exception of those techniques specified as "Fouls" in Section 5, Rule number 6. Permitted techniques include those techniques in various Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Muay Thai and similar systems of fighting. The various offensive techniques may be executed according to the individual fighter's style or system of fighting.

Fouls may be classified at the discretion of the referee. The referee will base his decision as to the severity of the penalty on the intent of the fighter committing the foul and the result of the foul. At the time of the infraction, the referee will indicate to the scorekeeper the number of points that are to be subtracted from each scoring judge's ballot at the end of the round, or he may simply issue a warning to the fighter, wherein no points will be subtracted. Fouls include:

1. Head butting.

2. Striking or kicking any area below the waist (Full Contact bouts only)

3. Striking or kicking to the groin.

4. Intentional striking or kicking to the back of the head, the neck, or to the throat.

5. Special foul rules exist concerning the spinning back fist. As with all other hand strikes, this

technique must be executed with the padded knuckle section of the glove. On the first attempt

that strikes with the forearm or bottom fist (hammer fist), the referee must declare a 1-point penalty; each

successive similar foul will again result in at least a 1-point penalty. The first spinning back fist attempt that lands

with the elbow will result in a 2-point penalty; any successive attempts that land with the elbow will result in a 2 or 3

point penalty, or disqualification.

6. any intentional Linear, or straight-in, striking or kicking to the spine.

7. Punching or kicking a fighter when he is down. A fighter is considered down when any part of his

body other than his feet touches the floor. If a fighter is on his way to the floor, his opponent may

continue to attack until he has touched the floor with any part of his body other than his feet.

8. Take downs, other than legal sweeps.

9. Intentionally pushing, shoving or an opponent to the canvas or out of the ring with any

part of the body.

10. Illegal sweeping (see special notes on sweeping in Rule 9 of this section).

11. Attacking on the break when both fighters have been instructed to take a step back by the referee.

12. Attacking after the bell has sounded to end the round.

13. Holding and hitting; such as holding with one hand, especially behind the neck, and hitting with

the other hand.

14. Grabbing or holding an opponents foot or leg, followed by a take down, strike or kick (Full Contact bouts only)

15. Holding the ropes with one hand while striking or defending with the other hand or the legs.

16. Leg checking in extending the leg to check an opponent's leg to prevent him from kicking (Full Contact bouts only)

17. Purposely going down without being hit, which will result in referee automatically administering

an 8-count, as specified in the rule on knock downs

18. The use of abusive language in the ring or corner, as determined by the referee.

19. Hitting or flicking with an open glove or thumb, or striking with the inside, or bottom of the glove.

20. Intentionally evading contact.

21. Clinching - holding or otherwise tying-up an opponent's arm to prohibit him from punching.

22. Intentionally delaying the contest through improper equipment, seconds remaining in the ring after the start of the

round, beginning a round without a mouthpiece or by intentionally dropping or spitting out the mouthpiece, etc.

NOTE : A fighter who executes a fouling technique which is deemed malicious (with the intent of causing injury above and beyond the scope reasonably expected in a bout of this nature), may be subject to bearing the medical, as well as related recovery and recuperation expenses of the fighter who is injured as a result of such a fouling technique. If a fighter is injured from a fouling technique and the fighter is allowed to continue, and, if the fight is stopped later on in the bout due to further damage to the injury, the scorecards will be consulted. If the fighter who did the fouling is ahead, a technical draw is awarded. If the fighter who is fouled is ahead, he wins the bout by a technical decision.

When the referee determines that a foul has been committed and that the fight will continue, the scorekeeper will

automatically deduct the appropriate number of points on each scoring judge's scorecard.

When both fighters commit fouls, the appropriate points will be deducted from each scoring judge's scorecard for each

fighter.

In the event that a fighter commits two fouls in one round, or commits the same foul two or more times during the course of the bout, the fighter may be disqualified by the referee. The referee may also let the fight continue if he feels that no malicious intent was involved, and instruct the scorekeeper to deduct the appropriate points for each foul. No fighter will be scored less than zero in a round.

If the referee determines that the fouled fighter needs time to recover, he may stop the bout (and the time) and give the

injured fighter a reasonable amount of time to recover, up to a maximum of five (5) minutes under normal circumstances.

At the end of this reasonable rest period the referee and the ring physician will determine if the fouled fighter can continue the bout. If he can, time in that round will be resumed, and the bout will continue.

The scoring of the foul will be based on the following determination by the referee.

A. If the referee determines that the foul was obviously committed by one of the fighters, and that the fouled fighter

did not contribute to the injury (by ducking into a knee, moving into an oncoming forehead, etc.), the referee will

instruct the scorekeeper to deduct the appropriate number of points from the scorecard of the fighter committing

the foul.

B. If the referee determines that the injured fighter was responsible for his own injury, the referee will not penalize his

opponent in any manner. In this case, if the referee or Doctor determine that the injured fighter is unable to

continue, he will lose by technical knockout.

C. If the referee determines that there was no fault attributable to either fighter (that the injury was

caused by both fighters), the referee will allow the injured fighter time to recover as in (A) above,

but will not penalise either fighter. If, at the end of the recovery period, the referee or the ring

Doctor determine that the fouled fighter cannot continue, the scores will be added prior to that

round and the bout awarded to the fighter leading at that time. This foul is referred to as a "no

fault" foul and the decision is a "technical decision". If the "no fault" foul occurs in the first round

of any fight the referee will declare a "technical draw". An amateur bout must last at least one full round, a nonworld

title professional bout must last at least two full rounds, and a professional

world title bout must last at least three full rounds for a "technical decision" to be awarded.

Otherwise, a "technical draw" is awarded.

D. If the bout is justified (number of required 3 full rounds completed to go to the scorecard) the round in which the

foul occurs is always scored prior to going to the judges decision (if it's just a very short round or very little action

the judges score it 10-10).

E. Blind Fouls - If an injury occurs due to a suspected foul, that the referee was unable to see (blind

foul), the Referee may, at his sole and final discretion, confide with any or all of the three judges,

and the WKF Supervisor, to determine were the fault may be placed. He may consider any, all, or none of the opinions expressed by these officials, in making his determination. In World Title bouts which are televised, the referee may, at his sole discretion, ask for a replay of the technique in question before rendering his decision. A referee's decision on fouls may be overruled at ringside only by the WKF Supervisor , or the senior World Council member in attendance, and then, only in the instance of a clear error or misapplication of the rules.

In Full Contact matches, sweeps must be executed with the arch of the foot and delivered to the outside or inside part of the leg, and only to the lower portion of the calf or ankle. The sweeping technique must be an obvious attempt to

unbalance the opponent's front leg, and must clearly not be an attempt to injure the leg.

It is the fighter's choice whether or not to follow-up his legal sweeping attempt. Follow-up techniques must land on the opponent prior to any part of his body touching the floor (other than the soles of his feet). As always, striking a downed opponent is illegal. A successful sweep is not considered a knockdown.

There is no Minimum Kick Count under WKF Full Contact Kickboxing rules. Each Fighter must continually kick throughout the round. If a Fighter kicks ten times in the first thirty seconds, and does not kick for the next ninety seconds, they haven’t continually kicked. A fair ratio of Kicks to Punches must be used throughout the whole round.

Legal kicks are considered those which are attempts to land hard on a target area of the opponent's body, with the intent to do damage, or any legitimate attempt to kick the head.

If a fighter is deemed by the Referee or Judges to have failed to continually kick throughout a round , the referee will give a caution or a public warning that must be announce by the D.O.C. (Director of competition). After the first Public warning the referee will deduct points at his discretion. If a fighter deliberately breaks the Continual Kicking Rule he may be disqualified

If both fighters should simultaneously fail to meet their Continual Kicking Rule as described above, the bout would be

stopped and declared a no contest.

A fighter intentionally avoiding any physical contact with his opponent will receive a warning from the referee. If a fighter continues to avoid a confrontation with his opponent after receiving a warning during that round, he may be penalized by the referee. If the fighter continues to evade action, either in the same round or in any round, the referee may at his discretion, award more penalties, or stop the bout and declare a technical knockout.

Either the referee, the Doctor, the WKF Supervisor or the senior World Council member in attendance, shall have the

power to stop the contest. The referee shall have the power to stop a bout at any stage during the bout, including the rest periods, if he considers it too one-sided, or that either fighter is in such condition that to continue might subject him to serious injury. In either case, the referee shall have the power to render a decision. Should both fighters be in such condition that to continue might subject them to serious injury, the referee will declare the match a technical draw.

In cases where a fighter receives a cut eye from a fair blow or an accidental foul, or any other injury which the referee

believes may incapacitate the fighter, the referee may call the attending physician into the ring for examination of the

fighter before he decides to stop the bout. Time will be called during the examination. The ringside Doctor shall have the power to enter the ring, whether or not he is summoned by the referee, to ascertain the extent of any injury he believes may have occurred, or any serious injury he believes may have been suffered by a fighter. The Doctor shall notice his desire to enter the ring, by instructing the WKF Supervisor to have the bell rung. The ringing of a bell, thus ordered midround, shall signal the referee to temporarily stop the bout for an examination. Time will be called during the examination.

Either the referee or the attending Doctor shall have the power to terminate the bout, but should the physician request

termination for medical reasons, the referee will automatically terminate the bout. The referee shall have the sole power to render the decision in the event of termination.

No fighter will be permitted to begin any round without a mouthpiece. Failure to begin a round with the mouthpiece

inserted shall be deemed by the referee to be "delay of bout" foul, and shall draw a warning or penalization as determined by the referee. In either professional or amateur bouts, whenever the mouthpiece is knocked out by a fair blow or a foul tactic, or however the mouthpiece is dropped or spit out by the fighter, the referee shall call time out, stop the bout, and replace the mouthpiece, allowing the fighters' seconds to clean off the mouthpiece if necessary. Willful dropping, or spitting out of the mouthpiece by a fighter, shall also be deemed as a "delay of bout" foul, and the fighter shall be penalized accordingly by the referee.

In both amateur and professional bouts, the mouthpiece is replaced whenever it is lost for any reason. All fighters must bring two mouthpieces to the ringside for use during their match.

In any case where the referee decides that the fighters are not honestly competing, that a knockout is a "dive", or a foul is actually prearranged termination of the bout, he will not finish the knockdown count, nor disqualify a fighter for fouling, nor render a decision. He shall stop the bout and declare it ended, not later than before the end of the last round, and order purses of both fighters held pending investigation and disposition for the funds by WKF. The announcer shall inform the audience that a "no decision" was rendered. The WKF Supervisor will have the final authority in rendering a decision on the match, including dispensation of purse monies.

No fighter shall leave the ring during the one-minute rest period between rounds. Should a fighter not come out of his

corner when the bell sounds at the commencement of a round, the referee will begin counting as though the fighter were knocked down and the scoring judges will consider the situation as an actual knockdown when scoring the round. At the conclusion of the count, should the fighter fail or refuse to resume fighting, the referee will award a technical knockout to his opponent, unless the circumstances indicate to the referee the need for an investigation or disciplinary action, in which event the referee will not make a decision, and will order the purse or purses of either or both fighters withheld.

Before a fallen fighter resumes fighting after having been knocked down, or having slipped or fallen to the canvas, the

Referee will wipe the fighter's gloves free of any dirt or moisture.

When a fighter is knocked down, the referee will send the standing fighter to the furthest neutral corner of the ring, pointing to that corner. The timekeeper will immediately begin holding up fingers to determine how many seconds have passed. The referee will look to the timekeeper to pick up the count. He will audibly announce the passing of the seconds, and continue the count holding up fingers in front of the fighter who was knocked down. If a fighter is knocked down, the referee will begin a mandatory eight count. If the fighter then appears able to continue, he will allow the bout to resume. The referee's count is the only official count. The referee shall not count past eight if a fighter has risen to his feet. A fighter may not be saved by the bell, even in the last round. However, if the bell sounds, ending a round sounds before a fighter begins to fall, the fighter will be allowed to return to his corner, being helped, if necessary, by only one of his seconds.

Should the opponent fail to stay in the furthest neutral corner, the referee will cease counting until he has returned to it, and then resume the count at the point from which it was interrupted. If the fighter does not rise before the count of ten, he will be declared knocked out and the bout will be awarded to his opponent.

If, in the referee's opinion, the downed fighter will not be able to rise by the count of ten, and he believes the fighter

requires more immediate attention, he may signal the end of the bout before the count of ten by waving his arms in front of his face and immediately summoning the fighter's corner personnel and the ring physician to attend the down fighter.

A fighter will be declared knocked down if any portion of his body, other than his feet, touch the floor. A fighter will not be declared knocked down if he is pushed or accidentally slips to the floor. The decision as to whether a contestant as been pushed or slipped to the floor, rather than being knocked down will be made by the referee.

If the fighter taking the count is still down when the referee calls the count of ten, the referee will wave both arms to

indicate that he as been knocked out, and will signal that the opponent is the winner. A round's ending before the referee reaches the count of ten, will have no bearing of the count; there is no saving by the bell. In all bouts, the fallen fighter must rise before the count of ten to avoid being knocked out. The referee may determine during the rest period between rounds, that a fighter is unable to continue the bout safely and is thus the loser of the bout by technical knockout.

The referee may, at his discretion, request that the ringside Doctor examine a fighter during the bout. Should the

examination occur during the course of a round, the clock shall be stopped until the examination is completed. When a

fighter has been wrestled, pushed, or has fallen through the ropes during a bout, the provision of Rule number 21 in

section V shall apply. The timekeeper will begin the count pursuant to that rule.

If both fighters go down simultaneously, counting will be continued as long as one of them is down. If both fighters remain down until the count of ten, the bout will be stopped, and the decision will be a technical draw. If one fighter rises before the count of ten, and the other fighter remains down, the first fighter to rise shall be declared the winner by knockout. If both fighters rise before the count of ten, the round will continue.

Should a fighter who is knocked down rise before the count of ten is reached, and go down immediately without being

struck, the referee shall resume the count where it was left off. If the fighter is standing for more than two seconds, or is in some way touched by his opponent before going down, the referee will begin a new count.

As soon as a fighter has been knocked down, the official timekeeper begins calling the count (from one to ten) while the referee directs the opponent to the farthest neutral corner. When the referee has finished directing the standing fighter, he returns to the fallen fighter and counts over him, picking up the count from the timekeeper. In other words, if the timekeeper has reached the count of four by the time the referee returns to the fallen fighter, the referee begins counting with the number "five". He continues to check the timekeeper's signal to make sure his (the referee's) timing of the count is correct.

In all professional bouts, the referee may, at his discretion, administer a standing 8-count to a fighter who is in trouble, but who is still standing. He shall direct the opponent to a neutral corner, and then begin counting from one to eight,

examining the fighter in trouble as he counts. If, after completing the 8-count, the referee determines the fighter is able to continue, he shall order the bout to resume. If the referee determines the fighter is not able to continue, he shall stop the bout and declare the opponent the winner by technical knockout.

When a fighter has been wrestled, pushed, or has fallen over or through the ropes during a bout, the referee will call time out, and, if the fallen fighter's ability to return to the ring seems at all questionable, may ask the ringside physician to examine the fighter. If, in the opinion of the physician and referee, the fallen fighter is able to continue the bout, he will be allowed assistance back into the ring from only one handler from his corner. The handler will do no more than assist the fallen fighter, and if found performing any other task as are normal during rest periods, i.e.; stopping a cut, etc; the referee will immediately penalise or disqualify the fallen fighter.

A fighter who deliberately wrestles, pushes, or throws an opponent from the ring, or who hits him when he is partly out of the ring and prevented by the ropes from assuming a position of defence, will be penalized by the referee. If the tactic results in injury, the guilty fighter may be disqualified according to the appropriate ruling under Fouls.

When a fighter intentionally falls through the ropes, or was knocked from the ring by a fair blow (that is to say not wrestled, pushed, or otherwise shoved through the ropes by his opponent), the referee will begin counting the fallen fighter as though he has been knocked out in the ring. The fighter's cornerman, in this instance, will not be allowed to assist the fighter back into the ring.

Once standing on the ring platform outside the ropes, the fighter must enter the ring immediately, where he may either

resume the bout, or the referee may finish the count.

When the fighter has fallen over or through the ropes, the other shall retire to the farthest neutral corner and stay there

until instructed to continue the bout by the referee.

There will be no "three knockdown rule" in effect in any bout. The referee will in all circumstances have the authority to stop a contest or allow it to continue, regardless of the number of knock downs or standing eight-counts.

The attending Doctor will have a suitable place or room which to make his examinations. His fees shall include temporary or emergency treatment to any injured fighter in the arena or dressing room. The fees for such examination shall be borne by the promoter. The Doctor to be retained must have been the recipient of an M.D or D.O. degree, or recognized international equivalent.

A through physical examination will be given to each fighter by the attending Doctor at the time of weigh-in.

Any fighter who has been signed to a contract for a fight at any event may be ordered by the WKF to appear at any time to be weighed or to be examined by any Doctor designated by the WKF.

Any fighter who participates in a WKF sanctioned event, may, at the request of the WKF Supervisor, be required to

submit to a pre-fight or post-fight blood and/or urine examination for foreign substances. Any fighter who refuses to submit to the examination will be immediately suspended for a length of time as specified by the WKF, and will be subject to disciplinary action and penalties as provided in contractual agreements with the WKF and promoter.

Should any fighter examined prove unfit for competition, the fighter must be rejected, and an immediate report of the fact made to the promoter and the WKF Supervisor. The examining Doctor will, one hour before the start of any event, clarify in writing to the WKF Supervisor that the fighters are in good physical condition.

Whenever a fighter, because of injury or illness, is unable to take part in a bout for which he is under contract, he or his manager must immediately report the fact to the WKF. The fighter will then submit to an examination by a Doctor

designated by the WKF. The examination fee of the Doctor is to be paid by the fighter, or the promoter, if the latter

requests an examination.

At least one licensed Doctor, possessing an M.D. or equivalent degree, and one standby emergency mobile unit, both

approved in advance by the WKF, must be in attendance at all WKF sanctioned events. The mobile unit must include a full range of resuscitative equipment and be parked inside or adjacent to an entrance of the building hosting the event. The physician must sit at immediate ringside throughout the duration of the bouts. A stretcher and oxygen tank must be readily available at ringside.

No bout will be allowed to proceed unless the Doctor is in his seat. The Doctor shall not leave until after the decision in the final bout. He shall be prepared to assist if any serious emergency arises, and will render temporary or emergency treatments for cuts or minor injuries sustained by the fighters.

Under no circumstances are the fighters corner-men permitted to enter the ring, or to attend to a fighter in any manner

whatsoever, during the course of a round. The ringside Doctor cannot attend to an injured fighter during the course of a fight, but can only render a professional opinion as to whether or not an injured fighter can resume the bout.

All attending physicians must report all cases in which the fighters have been injured during a bout, or have applied for medical aid after an event. If a fighter has suffered a knockout, or any other severe injuries, whether in or out of the ring, and whether or not connected with Kickboxing or Muaythai, and has on such account been treated by his personal (GP) Doctor or has been hospitalised, he and his manager must promptly submit to the WKF a full report from such Doctor or hospital.

Fighters who have been knocked out will be kept lying down until they have recovered. When a fighter is knocked out, no one will touch him except the referee or chief corner-man, who will remove his mouthpiece, until the ringside Doctor enters the ring and personally attends the fallen fighter and issues such instructions as he sees fit to the fighter's Corner-men. If a fighter suffers an injury, has been knocked out, or has participated in an unusually punishing bout, or if a technical knockout decision has been rendered against him by the referee, such fighter will be placed on the ill and unavailable list for such period of time as may be recommended by any approved WKF Doctor who may examine him. A fighter who loses a bout by knockout will be suspended from competition by the WKF for a minimum of 28 days. If a fighter is stopped by the referee for any reason including a fighter abandoning the match the fighter will be suspended from competition by the WKF for a minimum of 28 days.

Any fighter rejected by an examining Doctor will be suspended until it is shown that he is fit for further competition . Any fighter suspended for 30 or 60 days for his medical protection, or suspended for a hard fight will take the same

examination as required for the eligibility physical, except as directed by the WKF. The Doctor may require any other

procedures, including an electroencephalogram or CT Scan, if indicated. A Fighter who feels a suspension was unmerited can appeal against the suspension.

Unless special approval is obtained from the WKF Supervisor, if a fighter has competed anywhere in a bout lasting one full round or more, he will not be allowed to fight again until one full week has elapsed.

Use by a fighter of any of the Banned listed substances, or any other drugs, will result in disqualification from his bout, and fines and suspension by the WKF Disciplinary Committee.

The use during a bout of Monsel's Solution, or any similar drug or compound for the stopping of hemorrhage in the ring, is prohibited. Only such preparations as are approved by the WKF may be used to stop hemorrhage in the ring. Collodion is an approved hemorrhage stopper.

A referee, three scoring judges, one timekeeper, one scorekeeper, one assistant timekeeper, one assistant scorekeeper,

a WKF Supervisor, and a Doctor, all approved by the WKF , will be employed at all WKF sanctioned events. All WKF officials must be WKF certified. The WKF will appoint to each event a WKF Supervisor who will be responsible for the assignment of the referee and the judges. The WKF Representative will work with the promoter in the assignment of the other ringside officials, but the final authority for the selection and appointment of all ringside officials shall rest with the WKF.

All necessary sounding and recording equipment will be provided to the timekeeper by the promoter.

The timekeeper will give the appropriate signal for the starting and ending of each round. He will keep the time during

each round, starting and stopping the official clock, for time-outs designated to him by the referee. He will keep the time during the rest period for each round according to the schedule set forth in Section Vl, Rule number 2. Ten seconds before the beginning of each round, the timekeeper will give warning to the handlers of the fighters by suitable signal.

The three scoring judges of a bout will select a winner of each round at the end of each round, marking their ballots

accordingly. These ballots will be collected by the assistant scorekeeper, and tabulated at the end of each round by the

scorekeeper and the WKF Representative. Once ballots have been marked by the respective scoring judges, no changes of the ballots will be allowed except at the express direction of the WKF Supervisor. Scoring judges score all rounds by recording a score of ten points for the winner of each round, and a score of not less than five points for the loser of each round.

10-10 Indicates and even round. Neither fighter distinguished himself as being a more effective fighter than the

other. In addition, the fighters appeared equal in the other areas that may be used to break an even round, such as

opponent control, ring strategy, and overall conditioning and abilities.

10-9 Indicates one fighter distinguished himself as the more effective fighter during the round, as described above.

This score is used often, and indicates an obvious margin between the fighters.

10-8 Used sparingly, but indicates a round in which one fighter was in constant control, and unquestionably

outclassed his opponent. This fighter must also have obviously stunned his opponent, usually including at least one

knockdown or standing 8-count. If there were no knockdowns or standing 8-counts, there must still have been enough

damage done to indicate that at least one of these occurrences was imminent.

10-7 Very seldom used. Indicates total domination by one fighter to the point of the referee nearly stopping the

bout. The losing fighter must have been completely dominated and controlled, generally including at least two

knockdowns or standing 8-count.

Points shall be totalled on each scoring judge's scorecard to determine that judge's selection of a winner. Each judge's

selection will count as one vote towards determining the overall winner of the bout. If a judge's scorecard, when totalled, reflects an equal number of points for both fighters, that judge will have voted for a draw. If two judges' have an equal number of points for both fighters, the bout will be declared a draw. If one judge has an equal number of points for both fighters and the other judges' scores each favour a different fighter, the match shall be declared a draw. If two judges' scores favour one fighter, and the other judge votes for a draw, the fighter receiving two votes shall be declared the winner by majority decision. If all three judges' scores favour one fighter, that fighter will be declared the winner by unanimous decision. If one judge votes for a fighter, and the other two judges vote for the other fighter, the fighter receiving the two votes shall be declared the winner by split decision.

Should it be necessary to substitute a judge during a match due to sickness, the scores will stand for the rounds already

completed. A substitute judge, appointed by the WKF Supervisor, will score the remaining rounds of the match. Should a tiebreaker be required, the WKF Supervisor will make the tie breaking vote on the basis of his perception of the match as a whole. This vote will only be used when the score of the substituted judge turns out to be a draw.

a) The number of clean Kickboxing techniques striking a legitimate target or used successfully against an opponent

Kickboxing techniques include all punching techniques connecting with the knuckle part of the glove, all kicks, roundhouse front, side, spinning, back, jump connecting with the instep, heel, ball or side of the foot and the shin.

Legitimate targets include all areas of the body above the waist except the spine neck or back of the head. Under

Freestyle kick Boxing rules low kicks are allowed to the inside and outside of the calf and thigh.

Notes:

With regards to the CKR rule faints and flicks kicks do not count

Kicks that are attempted real attacks but are blocked or deflected do count

b) The kicker will always have the advantage

If one contestant attempts to score kicks above the waist and the other opponent only uses Boxing techniques, the Kicker must have the advantage and win the round.

Notes:

The winner of a bout is the competitor who successfully delivers more effective techniques than their opponent whether moving forwards, backwards, sideways or against the ropes.

If the number of strikes scored by each competitor is equal, and one competitor was clearly more proactive in attempting above the waist kicking to attack during the bout, they should win the round.

If the number of strikes scored by each competitor is equal and no contestant has clearly attacked more, the contestant

who shows better offensive skill or counterattacking skills wins the round.

If contestants are otherwise equal and one contestant clearly fouls consistently, that contestant who violates the rules

loses the round.

If both contestants score an equal number of strikes, the contestant who lands more effective or damaging strikes should be awarded the round.

a) The number of clean Muaythai techniques striking a legitimate target or used successfully against an opponent

Muaythai techniques include all punching techniques using the fist and forearm, all elbow strikes (except in women’s

bouts), all knee strikes, round kicks, front, side and back push kicks and Muaythai throws

Legitimate targets include all areas of the body except deliberately striking the groin area, the tibia (shin) when used in a blocking action and the forearm again used in a blocking action.

Notes:

Kicks to the upper arm score

Kicks and knees to the back score

b) The effectiveness of the techniques

Effective techniques are defined as Muaythai techniques delivered on balance and have a physical effect on a competitor. To be considered effective techniques (strikes or throwing actions) need i) To cause a loss of a competitor’s balanced position (they are moved physically either due to the power of the strike, good timing or because of a competitor’s loss of balance) or ii) cause them to show physical or psychological distress (showing fear or pain). iii) Round kicks delivered with force cleanly hitting the body or neck are considered effective even without causing loss of position, similarly straight knee strikes or circle knees delivered with force and striking with the point of the knee also are considered effective without obvious effect iv) Elbow strikes that cut are considered effective without any other obvious effect v) If a contestant kicks an opponent on target, but that kicking leg is caught by their opponent the kicker scores a point. However if after their kick is caught they get kicked to they are kicked down to the canvas the contestant kicking their opponent to the canvas scores as well. However, if the kicker with his kicking leg caught by an opponent pretends to fall down on the ring floor, they are considered guilty of violating the rules. In this case, no boxer scores a point

Notes:

The winner of a bout is the competitor who successfully delivers more effective techniques than their opponent whether moving forwards, backwards, sideways or against the ropes.

If the number of strikes scored by each competitor is equal, and one competitor was clearly more proactive in attemptingto attack during the bout, they should win the bout

If the number of strikes scored by each competitor is equal and no contestant has clearly attacked more, the contestant

who shows better offensive skills, defensive skills, elusive skills, or counterattacking skills using Muay Thai arts and

techniques wins the bout

If contestants are otherwise equal and one contestant clearly fouls consistently, that contestant who violates the rules

loses the bout

If neither competitor delivers any effective strikes the boxer who lands more ineffective strikes should be awarded the bout

The judges are attempting to award the contest to the contestant who has one the whole fight using the scoring principles and criteria highlighted and award points that reflect that

If a round is considered too close to award the round clearly by one point (10:9), the judge may make a mental note or

mark as a reminder of the contestant who edged the round, so it can be considered in scoring the contest

1. The number of clean Kickboxing and or Muay Thai techniques striking a legitimate target or used successfully against an opponent

Oriental Riles is where Kickboxing and Muaythai meet, striking technique from both arts are allowed except elbow and forearm

Legitimate targets include all areas of the body except the groin, spine neck or back of the head.

Notes:

Clinching is limited and must include effective attack

Neck wrestling without attempt to attack will not score

b) All techniques score equality

All striking techniques will score the same whether a punch knee or kick to the legs or body, only the more effective or damaging techniques score higher.

Notes:

Please refer to notes in criteria No. 5 & 6

At the end of each round, the scorekeeper will take the scoring judges ballot slip from the assistant scorekeeper or the

WKF Supervisor who will have collected them from the three scoring judges, and will take the number of kicks from the two kicking judges cards, and then he will tabulate the results onto his master score card.

The scorekeeper shall tally all foul points, having been instructed by the referee at the end of each round as to the amount of penalty points, deducting these appropriately from each judges score under the ten-point scoring system, and entering the results on the master scorecard. If the match should end in a knockout or a technical knockout, the scorekeeper shall enter the exact time of the KO/TKO on the master scorecard.

At that time, the scorekeeper shall make the final tallies and deliver the totals to the WKF Supervisor, who will verify the accuracy of the scores. Where appropriate he will check the tiebreaker ballots. The Supervisor will then report the results of the bout to the referee and the announcer.

After the WKF Supervisor has completed verifying the accuracy of the final scores of each bout, the Supervisor will give the ring announcer the results on "Announcer's Final Result Sheet". The announcer shall then, inform the audience of the decision over the public address system. The referee will indicate the winner as the announcer gives the winner's name.

In the event of a draw, the announcer and the referee will make appropriate designation. In the event of a knockout, a

technical knockout, disqualification or forfeit, the announcer and referee will officially designate the winner and give the time at which the bout was stopped. In the event of a technical draw, the announcer will give the time at which the bout was stopped and will detail for the audience the nature of the decision.

A decision rendered at the termination of any bout is final, and cannot be changed unless the WKF UK Board of Directors determines that any one of the following occurred:

a. There was collusion affecting the results of any bout.

b. The compilation of the score card of the judges shows an error which would indicate that the official decision

had been given to the wrong fighter.

c. There was a clear violation of the rules or regulation governing WKF bouts which affected the result of any

bout.

If the WKF UK Board of Directors determines that any of the above occurred with regard to any bout, then the decision rendered shall be changed as the WKF World Headquarters may direct.

11. PROTESTS

All protests over the decision of a match shall be verbally registered only by the protesting fighter and/or his trainer to the WKF Supervisor prior to the end of the event, who will note the nature of the protest in his Supervisor’s report. All protests must be received at the appropriate WKF Headquarters, in writing and accompanied by all pertinent evidence (videotapes, affidavits, etc.), no later than 10 days following the bout in question. No protest will be considered unless accompanied by the appropriate fee of £100 Pound.

In the event either party is dissatisfied by the decision WKF World Headquarters provincial or regional office, that party may appeal to the WKF World Council accompanied by an additional £150 Pound appeal fee.

All decisions by the WKF World Council are final. All parties should recognize that the WKF has NO authority over local Government bodies and cannot change their rules. The standard for review is "clear" evidence which would justify a change of decision, or "clear" circumstances which in the best interest of the sport, would justify a change in decision.

A new WKF Champion will have the option of defending the title within the first six (6) months of their reign. After six (6) months a title defence will be mandatory, if there is more the one qualified challenger the Champion may choose which challenger he will defend against. A Champion must respond to a challenge within seven (7) days of receiving it.

If a Champion had not made a defence for more than twelve (12) months they will be declared inactive, they would

have no choice but to defend against the first qualified challenger.

If a Champion had not made a defence for more than eighteen (18) months and declared inactive, the WKF can

declare the title vacant without giving notice. The WKF has the final decision on whether a challenger if qualified.

WKF Champions must conduct themselves in public in a professional and sports man like manner. Any behaviour Likely to bring the WKF or the sport into disrepute may result in disciplinary action

If a Champion is convicted of a violent crime, they will be automatically stripped of the title and will face disciplinary

action and possible suspension for competing on WKF sanctioned events.

If a current Champion wins the next title in line (e.g. if a regional Champion wins a National title) the lesser title will be automatically vacated with the exception of the British and Commonwealth titles which can be held and defended

simultaneously.

If e.g. a British Champion challenges for a World title regardless of the outcome the British will be automatically

declared vacant.

If a Champion moves up or down a weight division and wins a title of the same level in the same style/rules (e.g. if the

British Welterweight Muaythai Champion wins the British Super-welterweight Muaythai title) the Champion may hold both titles for a period of three (3) months after which he must choose the weight division he want to compete in and the title he want to keep, then vacate the other title.

Full contact freestyle Thai Boxing and Oriental rules

12 x 2 men world title 10 x 2 men world title 5 x 3 men world title

10 x 2 woman world title 9 x 2 woman world title 5 x 2 woman world title

10 x 2 men European title 8 x 2 men European title 5 x 3 men European title

8 x 2 woman European title 7 x 2 woman European title 5 x 2 woman European title

7 x 2 men national title 7 x 2 men national title 5 x 3 men national title

6 x 2 woman national title 6 x 2 woman national title 5 x 2 woman national title

Rest periods between rounds will be one minute in duration, also rest period for A- class during a Thai style bout.

Promoters must apply to be licensed by the WKF, the WKF representative retains the right to check financial records

and criminal records regarding any applicant.

Event promoter’s who plan to stage a combat sports event sanctioned by the WKF, do so on the understanding that

they have a duty of care in regards to Fighters who compete on their event and they must ensure and safe competition

arena and fairly matched contests.

The Event Venue booked by the promoter must be suitable to host a combat sports tournament, the venue must have

suitable dressing rooms and warm-up areas. The promoter must provide adequate security in ratio to the number of

spectators or the capacity of the venue. The promoter must not over-sell to the point where the number of spectators

exceeds the capacity of the venue. The WKF representative or WKF supervisor have the right to withdraw WKF

sanction if they decide the venue is unsuitable or overcrowded.

The promoter must hire a Boxing Ring that meets the requirements of the WKF (see Section1) and a public address

system with microphone. The promoter must supply Boxing gloves of a standard acceptable to the WKF in sufficient

quantity to cover the number of bouts matched. The promoter must supply sufficient liquid refreshments for the WKF

Official’s team and the medical team.

The official’s team of referees, judges, supervisor and time keeper will be selected and assigned by the WKF, the

promoter is responsible for payment of the official’s team fees and travel expenses.

The promoter must hire a Medical Team and that team must include a qualified Doctor, a qualified Paramedic and

Ambulance Technician/Driver and a frontline Ambulance. The promoters must provide the medical team an area in the venue to conduct pre-fight medical checks. The promoters must provide the medical team seats at ringside and space for medical equipment.

When a promoter wishes to stage a WKF title match he must provide the following:

A. If a current champion holds the title and the promoter wishes to stage a match between the Champion and a

ranked contender. The promoter must present the Champion on 60 days notice a date, venue, named opponent

and purse offer. If the Champion agrees to the terms offered the title match will be reserved by the WKF on

payment of a 25% deposit.

B. If the title is vacant and the promoter wishes to stage a match between two ranked contenders to contest the

vacant title. He must reserve the vacant with the WKF by paying a 25% deposit, then agree terms with the

contenders and confirm the title match.

The promoter may hire a professional licensed matchmaker or do the matchmaking themselves, in the case of title

fights the WKF will assist with matchmaking. If the promoter is knowingly involved in making a mismatch where one

fighter is at a distinct disadvantage due to weight difference or lack of experience and would be considered to be at

risk of serious injury the promoter will face disciplinary action. WKF supervisor has the right to cancel any match they consider unfair or unsafe.

The WKF recommend that promoters enter into written agreements main event fighters that clearly state the

conditions of the bout, purse money and travel expenses if any. In the case of title fights the written agreement would

have to be approved by the WKF.

When a promoter is inviting fighters from overseas they must provide a minimum of two return airfares, twin room

hotel accommodation, return transfers for the airport to the hotel and a cash payment per person per day for living

expenses.

In the case of a dispute between a promoter and a fighter where there is a written agreement the WKF representative

will act as an arbitrator. If either party is found to be in breach of the written agreement they may face disciplinary

action.

It is the promoter’s responsibility to make sure the event meets all Local and National Government health and safety

guidelines. The promoter must obtain any entertainment or sports license required by Local or National Government

Authority. The promoter must obtain Insurance required by the venue or Local or National Government Authority.

WKF Men's Professional Kickboxing Weight Categories

SUPER ATOMWEIGHT 111 lbs & below/ -50.5 kg & below

FLYWEIGHT 111.1-114 lbs/ 50.6-51.8 kg

SUPERFLYWEIGHT 114.1-117 lbs/ 51.9-53.2 kg

BANTAMWEIGHT 117.1-120 lbs/ 53.3-54.5 kg

SUPERBANTAMWEIGHT 120.1 -124 lbs/ 54.6-56.4 kg

FEATHERWEIGHT 124.1-128 lbs/ 56.5-58.2 kg

LIGHTWEIGHT 128.1-132 lbs/ 58.3-60.0 kg

SUPERLIGHTWEIGHT 132.1-137 lbs/ 60.1-62.3 kg

LIGHTWELTERWEIGHT 137.1-142 lbs/ 62.4-64.5 kg

WELTERWEIGHT 142.1-147 lbs/ 64.6-66.8 kg

SUPERWELTERWEIGHT 147.1-153 lbs/ 66.9-69.5 kg

LIGHTMIDDLEWEIGHT 153.1-159 lbs/ 69.6-72.3 kg

MIDDLEWEIGHT 159.1-165 lbs/ 72.4-75.0 kg

SUPERMIDDLEWEIGHT 165.1-172 lbs/ 75.1-78.1 kg

LIGHTHEAVYWEIGHT 172.1-179 lbs/ 78.2-81.4 kg

LIGHTCRUISERWEIGHT 179.1-186 lbs/ 81.5-84.6 kg

CRUISERWEIGHT 186.1-194 lbs/ 84.7-88.2 kg

SUPERCRUISERWEIGHT 194.1-202 lbs/ 88.3-91.8 kg

HEAVYWEIGHT 202.1-212 lbs/ 91.9-96.4 kg

SUPERHEAVYWEIGHT 212.1 lbs & above/ 96.5 kg & above)

ATOMWEIGHT 108 lbs & below/ 49.1 kg & below

SUPERATOMWEIGHT 108-111 lbs/ 49.2-50.5 kg

FLYWEIGHT 111.1-114 lbs/ 50.6-51.8 kg

SUPERFLYWEIGHT 114.1-117 lbs/ 51.9-53.2 kg

BANTAMWEIGHT 117.1-120 lbs/ 53.3-54.5 kg

SUPERBANTAMWEIGHT 120.1-124 lbs/ 54.6-56.4 kg

FEATHERWEIGHT 124.1-128 lbs/ 56.5-58.2 kg

LIGHTWEIGHT 128.1-132 lbs/ 58.3-60.0 kg

SUPERLIGHTWEIGHT 132.1-137 lbs/ 60.1-62.3 kg

LIGHTWELTERWEIGHT 137.1-142 lbs/ 62.4-64.5 kg

WELTERWEIGHT 142.1 lbs & above/ 64.6 kg & above

JUDGE A JUDGE B JUDGE C DECISION

A A A UNANIMOUS

A B A SPLIT

A A EVEN MAJORITY

A EVEN EVEN DRAW

A B EVEN DRAW

EVEN EVEN EVEN DRAW

C International judge for national and international events

incl. local / national title and international titles

B International judge for all events

incl. European and Intercontinental title

A International judge for all events

World title

D National referee for national events

C International referee for national and international events

incl. local / national title and international titles

B International referee for all events

incl. European and Intercontinental title

A International referee for all events

World title

All national licenses F, E, and D will be given by the local head referee of the country after the annual referee seminar. These licenses are valid for 12 month and has to be renewed once a Year.

The international licenses C and B will be given directly from the IRC Head referee after the international referee seminar. These licenses have to be confirmed from the IRC committee and are valid for two Years. All international referees are responsible by themselves to extend their own licenses at least every second Year.

The A license and finally the A1 Supervisor license will be given only by majority decision from the IRC committee. These licenses are valid for two Years. All international A class referees and Supervisors are responsible by themselves to extend their own licenses at least every second Year

International referee and judge:

Minimum age 18 Years, member in national WKF federation, national D license, attend international seminars, basically knowledge of English language is compulsory