Tournament Rules
Date: October 25th, 2025
Location: Faith Community Center
7075 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Location: Faith Community Center
7075 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Credential Pickup Starts: 8:00 AM.
(NO AT THE DOOR REGISTRATIONS)
Tournament Begins: 9:00 AM Sharp!
ONLINE REGISTRATION
$75 for registration | $25 per division
(AFTER October 18th REGISTRATION IS $100 | $25 EXTRA DIVISIONS)
Registration Deadline: October 20th
SPECTATORS
Spectator Fees: $10 Per Person | Kids 5 & Under FREE
BOARDS
Maximum (5) per competitor can be purchased at the registration table ($5 each).
BOARDS
Maximum (5) per competitor can be purchased at the registration table ($5 each).
AWARDS
1st, 2nd, & two 3rd place Medals.
5 Foot Trophies for 5 most Supportive Schools!
1st, 2nd, & two 3rd place Medals.
5 Foot Trophies for 5 most Supportive Schools!
SCORING SYSTEMS
Black Belt Divisions will use Daedo scoring systems.
Sport Poomsae: Competitors will receive an accurate World Class score after competing.
Olympic Sparring: This means that all Olympic Sparring competitors (black belts) need Gen 2 Daedo socks to compete. We will NOT provide these for competitors.
Black Belt Divisions will use Daedo scoring systems.
Sport Poomsae: Competitors will receive an accurate World Class score after competing.
Olympic Sparring: This means that all Olympic Sparring competitors (black belts) need Gen 2 Daedo socks to compete. We will NOT provide these for competitors.
Olympic Sparring Rules
ALL Sparring Rounds: 1 Minute, 3 Rounds, with 30 sec rest. Best two out of three rounds wins.
Point Rules: Modified USAT/WT rules.
1 point for valid FIST attack to trunk protector.
2 points for valid kick to the trunk.
3 points for a valid TURN kick, 3 points for kick to the head
4 points for a valid turning kick to the head (ADULTS ONLY)
Match Winner: First to win two rounds. In the event of a tie, competitors spar a third round. If nobody scored during the third round, it will be the referee/judge's decision.
Disqualification:
1. Total of 4 point deductions (8 warnings)
2. Competitor or coach intentionally disobeys the referee, or competition rules, or displays unsportsmanlike conduct.
3. Does not show up in time for the match.
4. Heavy contact to the head with the hand or foot that results in injury, or injuring any opponents and rendering him or her unable to continue. (Junior Safety Rules)
5. Foul (profanity) language by coach or player, verbal abuse.
Head Contact: No contact to head for 12 years or under for all belts. Light head contact for Black Belts 13 to 17 sides only.
Required Equipment: Head Protector, Arm Pads, Shin & Instep Pads, Chest Protector, Groin Protector, Mouth Guard, Uniform.
Point Sparring Rules
ALL Sparring Rounds: 1 Minute, 3 Rounds, with 30 sec rest. Best two out of three rounds wins.
Point Rules: Modified USAT/WT rules.
1 point for valid FIST attack to trunk protector.
2 points for valid kick to the trunk.
3 points for a valid TURN kick, 3 points for kick to the head
4 points for a valid turning kick to the head (ADULTS ONLY)
Match Winner: First to win two rounds. In the event of a tie, competitors spar a third round. If nobody scored during the third round, it will be the referee/judge's decision.
Disqualification:
1. Total of 4 point deductions (8 warnings)
2. Competitor or coach intentionally disobeys the referee, or competition rules, or displays unsportsmanlike conduct.
3. Does not show up in time for the match.
4. Heavy contact to the head with the hand or foot that results in injury, or injuring any opponents and rendering him or her unable to continue. (Junior Safety Rules)
5. Foul (profanity) language by coach or player, verbal abuse.
Head Contact: No contact to head for 12 years or under for all belts. Light head contact for Black Belts 13 to 17 sides only.
Required Equipment: Head Protector, Arm Pads, Shin & Instep Pads, Chest Protector, Groin Protector, Mouth Guard, Uniform.
Point Sparring Rules
1. Sparring round will last no more than 2 minutes.
2. Time runs continuously unless the Center Judge indicates that time should be stopped.
3. If one competitor reaches 12 points before the end of the two minutes in an individual point sparring match, or is ahead by 7 points, the match will be stopped and the winner declared.
4. Ties will be determined by “Sudden Victory” - the first competitor to score a point will win.
4. Ties will be determined by “Sudden Victory” - the first competitor to score a point will win.
5. There is no time limit on “Sudden Victory.”
6. Points and warnings do not carry over into “Sudden Victory.” “Sudden Victory” matches may be decided by penalty points.
Scoring Points and Rules
1. Scoring points will be done by performing hand or foot techniques to the legal target areas, with varying criteria depending on the rank and division of the competitors.
2. Scoring points for Color Belts & Black Belts: Competitors must make light to moderate contact on the chest protector of their opponent in order to score. If light, controlled contact is made with kicking techniques to the head, competitors can be awarded points.
3. Color belts are NOT allowed to make contact to the face.
4. Black Belts are allowed to make light-controlled face contact with allowed technique.
3. Color belts are NOT allowed to make contact to the face.
4. Black Belts are allowed to make light-controlled face contact with allowed technique.
Techniques
The following techniques will score points:
1. Hand and foot techniques to the legal torso area will score 1 point. Legal hand techniques include only punches and back fists. Spinning hand techniques are considered “blind” techniques. It is not considered a “blind” technique if the attacker pivots or spins and is able to look at his opponent and snap the hand technique back. The attacker would be awarded the appropriate point.
2. Hand or foot techniques to the torso will receive 1 point.
3. Turning kicks to the torso will receive 2 points.
4. All kicks to the head will receive 3 points.
5. *Shin contact to the headgear does not constitute a point.
5. *Shin contact to the headgear does not constitute a point.
6. Kicking techniques must make contact to the torso (see above), and touch contact to the head, excluding the throat.
7. To the torso: Any good clean technique with execution and retraction. This area is restricted to the front of the body starting at the hip line and going up to the base of the throat, and from one end of the hogul (chest protector) to the other side of the hogul. A 3-inch width of the spine is NOT a legal striking area (even if the hogul wraps around the entire body). Striking techniques going towards, or making contact with, areas outside of this definition will be considered illegal.
Face and Head Contact Rules
1. For All divisions: There are absolutely no hand techniques to the head. If light-controlled contact is made with kicking techniques to the head, competitors can be awarded points. Color belts are NOT allowed to make contact to the face (Only to the helmet). There must be touch contact for a point to be called. Black Belts must make light contact to the head and the face area is considered a legal target in the black belt division (face contact).
2. If blood is drawn the clock must be stopped and the judges need to discuss if there was excessive contact. This does not constitute an automatic penalty. The judges should determine if excessive contact was used and make the appropriate call.
3. Illegal Target Areas and Techniques: Illegal target areas include any part of the body not described in the above definitions. The type of technique, striking or kicking, will determine which definition to use.
4. Illegal target areas include:
All areas below the belt. This includes side, front or back areas and applies to kicks or strikes.
The back of the torso; a 3-inch width of the spine.
The throat.
The head (illegal for hands only)
Face (Illegal for Color Belts only)
Blind hand and/or foot techniques are illegal techniques. A hand technique is considered “blind” if the attacker is not looking at the target at the time the technique is thrown. A spinning back fist (While not looking before executing) would be an example of a “blind” hand technique. A “blind” back kick would be an example of an illegal foot technique. It is not considered a “blind” technique if the attacker pivots or spins and is able to look at his opponent and snap the hand technique back. While striking the arms and/or shoulders will not score a point, they are not illegal targets.
Point Sparring Equipment
Each competitor must use the following equipment:
Head gear
Hand Gloves (Foam Dipped White)
Foot Boots (Foam Dipped White)
Forearm and Shin Guards (optional)
Chest Protector (With a Red/Blue reversible side)
Mouthpiece
Groin Protector (Males Mandatory, Females Optional)
All chest protectors must have the sides of the chest protector even with the competitor’s belt. This will allow for proper and safe scoring during the competition.
ALL GEAR MUST BE IN GOOD CONDITION. NO TAPE ALLOWED. NO CRACKS IN THE GEAR ALLOWED.
POOMSAE RULES & REGULATIONS
Traditional Poomsae Rules
Individual Poomsae
1. Areas of focus for judging poomsae are stances, kicks, hand techniques, speed and flow, overall presentation, proper focus, completeness, and the competitor’s attitude, enthusiasm and taekwondo spirit.
2. For stances - the judge should look for:
A strong base with correct length and width correct weight distribution, a level center of gravity while moving, good balance
3. For kicks - the judge should look for:
The correct chamber positions, long, strong kicks with good extension and focus , a complete re-chamber motion, good power and foot speed (height of kick is not a major consideration), using the proper part of the foot/weapon when striking
4. For hand techniques, the judge should look for:
The correct starting position, a long, strong technique, good reaction force (where applicable), the speed, timing and power of the technique, the correct ending positions
5. Judges will make deductions for kicks, stances, or hand techniques left out, incorrect kicks, stances, blocks or strikes.
Team Poomsae / Pair Poomsae
Team / Pair Poomsae Judging Guidelines. Judges will judge the overall poomsae from all competitors, as well as the group synchronization, with a strong emphasis placed on synchronization.
1. Competitors can do any Poomsae from its highest rank player’s Poomsae to Pal Jang.
2. Competitors can compete in division above/or below if within 12 months of their age.
3. Competitors can compete on two teams so long as it’s in two separate divisions if their age fits the 12-month rule.
Team Poomsae Composition
Consists of 3 people, same or mixed gender. Competitors must keep the same team throughout the competition year. One substitution is allowed in the event a team member is no longer active. The substitution shall be permanent until the end of the tournament season.
Age brackets will be:
1. 12 & under
2. 13-17
3. 18 and older
Pair Poomsae Composition
Consists of 2 people, same or mixed gender. Competitors must keep the same team throughout the competition year. One substitution is allowed in the event a team member is no longer active. The substitution shall be permanent until the end of the tournament season.
Age brackets will be
1. 12 & under
2. 13-17
3. 18 and older
Authorized Poomsae are those approved by the Kukkiwon & WT. Taeguk 1-8, Palgwe 1-8 and Black Belt Poomsae.
Method Of Competition: Cut-Off System
Contest Time: More than 30 seconds and less than 90 seconds.
Attire: Sport Poomsae Competitors MUST wear a Sport Poomsae-approved dobok. Any other poomsae divisions can wear traditional doboks.
Sport Poomsae Judging Criterion
Scoring Criteria uses the WT scoring method. Scores are divided into two categories. Accuracy and Presentation. Accuracy accounts for 40% or 4 points out of a perfect 10. Presentation score is the remainder 60% or 6 points.
Score Accuracy (4 Points Total)
Accuracy of technique (2.0)
Accuracy of direction (2.0)
Performance/Presentation (6 Points Total)
Speed and Power (2.0)
Rhythm (2.0)
Intensity (2.0)
Freestyle Poomsae Rules
Freestyle competitors must provide music VIA USB, Email, or Bluetooth. *NO LYRICS*
Technical Skills (6.0 Points)
1. Flying/Jumping Side Kick
2. Multiple Kicks in a Jump (Ex. Triple Front Kick)
3. Gradient of spins in a spin kick (Ex. 720 Round House)
4. Sparring sequence (5-10 Kicks)
5. Acrobatic kicking technique (Ex. Roundoff Backflip)
Presentation Skills (4.0 Points)
1. Creativeness
2. Harmony
3. Expression Of Energy
4. Music & Choreography
Duration
90 - 100 Seconds
*Starts when music starts*
*Ends on "Shio"*
3. 18 and older
Authorized Poomsae are those approved by the Kukkiwon & WT. Taeguk 1-8, Palgwe 1-8 and Black Belt Poomsae.
Method Of Competition: Cut-Off System
Contest Time: More than 30 seconds and less than 90 seconds.
Attire: Sport Poomsae Competitors MUST wear a Sport Poomsae-approved dobok. Any other poomsae divisions can wear traditional doboks.
Sport Poomsae Judging Criterion
Scoring Criteria uses the WT scoring method. Scores are divided into two categories. Accuracy and Presentation. Accuracy accounts for 40% or 4 points out of a perfect 10. Presentation score is the remainder 60% or 6 points.
Score Accuracy (4 Points Total)
Accuracy of technique (2.0)
Accuracy of direction (2.0)
Performance/Presentation (6 Points Total)
Speed and Power (2.0)
Rhythm (2.0)
Intensity (2.0)
Freestyle Poomsae Rules
Freestyle competitors must provide music VIA USB, Email, or Bluetooth. *NO LYRICS*
Technical Skills (6.0 Points)
1. Flying/Jumping Side Kick
2. Multiple Kicks in a Jump (Ex. Triple Front Kick)
3. Gradient of spins in a spin kick (Ex. 720 Round House)
4. Sparring sequence (5-10 Kicks)
5. Acrobatic kicking technique (Ex. Roundoff Backflip)
Presentation Skills (4.0 Points)
1. Creativeness
2. Harmony
3. Expression Of Energy
4. Music & Choreography
Duration
90 - 100 Seconds
*Starts when music starts*
*Ends on "Shio"*
Weapons Divisions
1. Competitors will be divided into Novice (Under one year experience) and Advanced (More than one year experience)
2. Novice and Advanced divisions will be further divided into age groups. 14 and Under and 15 and over divisions.
Attire
Doboks & Specialty Doboks are allowed.
Judging
Same Criteria as traditional Poomsae, Difficulty of Techniques, Proper application, Technique, Power, Speed, Rhythm, and Creativity.
Board Breaking Rules
All competitors must purchase boards at the event to ensure fairness.
Competitors 12 and under will break demo boards, 12x9x3/8 size boards
Compeitiors 13 and over will break boards that are 12x9x1/2 in size.
Competitors get two attempts to break the board.
Each competitor will break five (5) boards, at five stations. The competition is judged on a hierarchy of skills.
1. Hand technique
2. Kicks are scored as having a higher difficulty than a hand technique
3. Turn kicks or spin kicks are scored higher in difficulty than standing kick techniques.
4. A jump kick is scored higher in difficulty than a spin or turn kick.
5. Jump and Spin technique is scored higher than a jump kick alone.
Each break will be scored from 0 to 10.
If after two attempts the board is not broken, a score of 0 will be awarded for that break.
A total of 50 will be the best score possible.
In case of a tie, the two competitors will attempt another single attempt break with a technique of their choice.
Compeitiors 13 and over will break boards that are 12x9x1/2 in size.
Competitors get two attempts to break the board.
Each competitor will break five (5) boards, at five stations. The competition is judged on a hierarchy of skills.
1. Hand technique
2. Kicks are scored as having a higher difficulty than a hand technique
3. Turn kicks or spin kicks are scored higher in difficulty than standing kick techniques.
4. A jump kick is scored higher in difficulty than a spin or turn kick.
5. Jump and Spin technique is scored higher than a jump kick alone.
Each break will be scored from 0 to 10.
If after two attempts the board is not broken, a score of 0 will be awarded for that break.
A total of 50 will be the best score possible.
In case of a tie, the two competitors will attempt another single attempt break with a technique of their choice.