Officials Training Course

Rules & Regulations

Amateur MMA

Hand Strikes:

  • Closed fist, hammer fist, back of fist or an open hand/palm of their hand

Arm Strikes:

  • Forearm strikes, rounded and rising elbows to standing or grounded opponent
  • Shoulder jabs to standing or grounded opponent

Legs: 

  • Standing strikes with knees, shins, and feet
  • Leg strikes to the head of a standing opponent
  • Heel kicks to the kidney of an opponent

Takedowns and Throws: 

  • All wrestling, judo and jiu jitsu throws and takedowns

Chokes: 

  • All chokes with arms and legs 

Locks: 

  • Elbow, shoulder, wrist, knee, and ankle locks; spinal twists and locks
  • Head butting
  • Eye gouging
  • Biting or spitting at an opponent
  • Fish hooks (to eyes, nose, ear, or mouth)
  • Hair pulling
  • Driving opponent’s head directly down into the mat (spiking)
  • Strikes of any kind to any illegal target: throat, front of knee, groin, back of head, back of neck, spine
  • One or two-handed chokes applied directly to throat or windpipe
  • Finger strikes or rakes
  • Spiking elbows sometimes called “12 to 6” elbows meaning those that drop straight down from ceiling to floor with no arch
  • Kicks or knees to the head or neck of a grounded opponent
  • Stomping a grounded opponent
  • Holding the shorts/clothing/gloves of an opponent
  • Grabbing or holding the fence or ropes (with fingers or toes)
    • If done to avoid a submission or take-down and changes the outcome of the technique performed, immediate point deduction
  • Single digit manipulation/locks to fingers or toes
  • Lifting, pushing, throwing or otherwise forcing an opponent out of the ring or cage
  • Putting a finger into any open orifice (cuts/lacerations)
  • Clawing, pinching, or twisting of flesh
  • Timidity (intentionally delaying contest by avoiding contact, or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury)
  • Using abusive language in the ring or cage
  • Flagrant disregard of referee’s instructions
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct that causes injury to an opponent
  • Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the round
  • Attacking an opponent on or during a break
  • Attacking an opponent who is under the care of an official
  • Interference by corner/trainer
  • Applying any foreign substance to hair or body to gain an advantage
  • Stepping on the face or neck from a standing position
  • ** New: Fingers outstretched toward an opponent’s face/eyes

Consequences of Rule Infractions

  1. Point deduction may occur from the offending fighter’s score if referee deems infraction as intentional, flagrant (cage grabbing to avoid takedown/submission) or after warning has been issued
  2. Disqualification may occur after multiple infractions or after an infraction deemed extremely severe or flagrant
  3. If injury occurs to a fouled fighter, up to 5 minutes may be given for recovery time
  4. Dominant position will be not be given back to fouling fighter and likewise escape from inferior position will not be rewarded to fouling fighter
  5. If accidental foul committed before the half-way point of the bout results in injury where opponent is unable to continue after the recovery time, the bout is ruled as no-contest
  6. If accidental foul committed after the half-way point of the bout results in injury where opponent is unable to continue, the incomplete round will be scored by the judges and bout score will determine the winner.

  • REQUIRED: 

    • Protective groin cup
    • Protective mouthpiece properly fitted
    • Chest protection/sports bra for females
    • Handwraps

    o Tape permitted on wrists and hands, but not knuckles

    o Cloth or gauze handwraps secured by tape permitted

    o Handwraps must be signed off by GCA representative

      • Bandaging of each contestant’s hands shall not exceed one roll of surgeon’s adhesive tape, not over 1-1/2 inches wide, placed directly on the hand to protect the part of the hand near the wrist. The tape may cover the hand but not extend within 3/4 inch of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. Soft surgical bandage, not over two inches wide, held in place by not more than six feet of surgeon’s adhesive tape for each hand shall be used. Up to one 10-yard roll of bandage may be used to complete the wrappings for each hand. Strips of tape may be used between the fingers to hold down the bandages, not to cover the knuckles.
    • MMA Gloves (approved, taped & signed off by GCA representative)
    • Mixed martial arts shorts, board shorts, bike-style shorts, vale tudo shorts 

     PERMITTED: 

    • Grease applied to face only of fighter cage-side with referee present and observing
    • Shin, instep, elbow, and/or knee supports (as long as there is no padding or excessive tape securing them)
    • Short sleeve or sleeveless rash guard  or tight fitting shirt (females only)

    *FORBIDDEN: 

    • Tape over knuckles
    • Oil or grease on any part of the competitor’s body
    • Apparel or equipment which includes metallic and/or hard plastic and/or edge or surface
    • Apparel with pockets
    • No hair products
    • No breathing strips (i.e. Breath-Right Strips)
  • Every fighter is required to have at minimum one corner man and a maximum of two
  • Corner-men must be registered at every event and be wearing red GCA corner band on wrist in order to be cage-side
  • Corner-men are responsible for having the following items cage side during their fighter’s bout: bucket, approved solution to stop hemorrhaging, scissors, towel, and an extra mouthpiece
  • Must stay seated in their fighter’s corner during rounds
  • Must stay off the ring floor
  • May not lean on ring or cage
  • Must obey the referee at all times
  • Must conduct themselves with appropriate and proper sportsmanship
  • May not consume alcohol during event
  • During round breaks, only one corner-man is allowed in the ring/cage.
  • Corner-men may spray (not pour) water and apply ice to a fighter in between rounds.  No other substance may be applied to the body.  The following substances may be applied to cuts with referee observing: petroleum jelly, adrenaline hydrochloride, avitene, and thrombin.  Corner-men are responsible to dry the corner area before the next round continues.
  • Corner-men may give fighter only water to drink in between rounds
  • Corner-men are responsible to dry the corner area before the next round begins
  •  
  • Knockout: Opponent is unable to intelligently defend himself following a strike.
  • TKO: The physician or referee decides the opponent cannot continue due to a cut or other injury, or is taking excessive punishment, or fails to show a willingness to continue, or any other reason the referee believes is necessary to preserve the fighter’s safety.  TKO may also include the following:
    • Fighter is unable to answer the bell
    • Corner throws in towel or otherwise communicates decision that his/her fighter cannot continue
  • Submission: Opponent submits by physically or verbally tapping as a result from a choke, lock, or any other reason. 
  • Forfeit: Opponent simply cannot or refuses to continue.
  • Decision: When the bout has ended after the specified time without a winner, the decision shall be determined by three judges.
    • Unanimous: All three judges award same contestant
    • Split decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judge scores for the opponent
    • Majority decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judges scores a draw
  • Draw:
    • Unanimous draw – All three judges score the contest a draw
    • Majority draw – Two judges score the contest a draw
    • Split draw – All three judges score differently
  • Disqualification: Opponent is disqualified by the referee

up to 115.0 lbs                           Strawweight

115.1 to 125.0 lbs                      Flyweight

126.1 lbs – 135.0 lbs                  Bantamweight

135.1 lbs – 145.0 lbs                  Featherweight

145.1 lbs – 155.0 lbs                  Lightweight

155.1 lbs – 170.0 lbs                  Welterweight

155.1 lbs to 165.0 lbs                 Women’s Cruiserweight

165.1 lbs to 185.0 lbs                Women’s Heavyweight

170.1 lbs – 185.0 lbs                  Middleweight

185.1 lbs and above                   Women’s Super Heavyweight

185.1 lbs – 205.0 lbs                  Light heavyweight

205.1 lbs – 265.0 lbs                  Heavyweight

Over 265 lbs                            Super heavyweight

 

Contestants are allowed a 1lb allowance when weighing.  

GCA may approve catch weight bouts subject to their review and discretion.

Amateur Muay Thai

  • Closed fist or back fists.
  • Knees to head and body.
  • Forearm strikes, rounded elbows, downward elbows and rising elbows.
  • Clinching as long as one (1) fighter is active within the clinch.  Referee will break fighters for inactivity (holding, leaning, throwing fake knees) after four (4) seconds.
  • Taking an opponent around the waist with both arms and twisting them off balance so they will fall.
  • Neck Wrestling: By using neck and shoulder manipulation, you can spin and throw/dump an opponent to the canvas without using any part of your body as a barrier.
  • Fighters are allowed to catch their opponent’s leg and take one (1) step forward. After one (1) step, the fighter holding the leg must STRIKE before taking a second step or more or let go.  It is not permitted to hold an opponent’s leg and charge him to the ropes. You can “dump” a person if you catch their leg and throw it back towards them causing them to fall backwards but must do so within 2 steps (see previous). You can also catch under their knee while they are doing a swing knee and topple them over backwards but must do so within 2 steps (see previous). 
  • Sweeping: Sweeps (with instep of foot) are allowed and a fighter may “KICK” his/her opponents supporting leg with the top of their foot or shin.
  • Spinning or pulling an opponent over the inside or outside of the leg and dumping him on the ground.  However, the leg must clear immediately after the opponent is pulled or tripped over the knee. Clear means that the leg must be moved out of the way BEFORE the opponent hits the canvas. This means skipping the leg or slightly jumping to the side (as long as it is moved from the original position). Fighter must move the tripping leg while the opponent falls to the ground, or it will be deemed illegal and called a trip.

 

Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:

Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.

Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.

Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot.  However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.

Throws/Sweeps are never considered knockdowns. 

  • Strikes to the groin or to the front of an opponent’s knee 
  • Direct (Side Kick Style) kicks to the front of a fighter’s legs
  • Over the hip throws: Using the hip or shoulder to throw an opponent in any kind of judo throw or reap. Stepping across, or in front of, your opponent’s leg with your leg and bringing your opponent over your hip.
  • Stepping on a fallen opponent.  Twisting and pulling an opponent over the side of your body (and then landing on top).
  • Illegal Trip: It is not permitted to position your foot next to your opponent and twist them over your stationary foot.   You must clear the leg as your opponent falls or it is an illegal trip.  An athlete CAN spin or pull an opponent over the inside or outside of the leg and dump him on the ground. However the leg being used to manipulate and dump the opponent to the ground can NOT stay in that position as the opponent goes to the floor. If it is set and stays in that position, that too is an illegal throw (tripping). In other words, the leg must clear immediately after the opponent is pulled or tripped over the knee. Clear means that the leg must be moved out of the way BEFORE the opponent hits the canvas. This means skipping the leg or slightly jumping to the side (as long as it is moved from the original position). Strangely, this means an athlete can trip over a leg but must move the tripping leg while the opponent falls to the ground, or it will be deemed illegal and called a trip.
  • It is not permitted to grab an opponent in the clinch and then sweep his legs out using the back of one’s own leg or calf.  It is only permitted to KICK (roundhouse or using the top of your foot) an opponent’s legs out (shin, instep).
  • Lifting: It is not permitted to lift an opponent off of the ground in any way to throw them.
  • Plowing: It is not permitted to take multiple steps forward after catching opponent’s leg driving them into ropes
  • Intentionally falling on top of an opponent to either strike with their knee or to intentionally hurt their opponent, by making it look like an accident. 

REQUIRED: 

    • Protective groin cup
    • Protective mouthpiece properly fitted
    • Chest protection/sports bra females only 
    • Handwraps
      •   Tape permitted on wrists and hands, but not knuckles
      •   Regular handwraps secured by tape permitted
      •   Handwraps must be signed off by GCA representative
      • Bandaging of each contestant’s hands shall not exceed one roll of surgeon’s adhesive tape, not over 1-1/2 inches wide, placed directly on the hand to protect the part of the hand near the wrist. The tape may cover the hand but not extend within 3/4 inch of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. Soft surgical bandage, not over two inches wide, held in place by not more than six feet of surgeon’s adhesive tape for each hand shall be used. Up to one 10-yard roll of bandage may be used to complete the wrappings for each hand. Strips of tape may be used between the fingers to hold down the bandages, not to cover the knuckles.
    • Muay Thai Gloves (taped and signed off by GCA representative)
    • For those matches that include a fighter with less than three (3) fights, headgear and shin guards will be required unless both parties agree to fight without it.
    • Thai-boxing shorts, kickboxing shorts, latex bike-style shorts, board shorts, vale tudo shorts

 

 PERMITTED:

    • Shin, instep, elbow, and/or knee supports
    • Oil on face
    • *NEW: Thai oil may be applied to legs only
    • Rash guard or fitted top (females only)

 

 *FORBIDDEN: 

    • Tape over knuckles
    • Oil or grease on any part of the competitor’s body (other than face & thai oil on legs)
    • Apparel or equipment which includes metallic and/or hard plastic and/or edge or surface
  • Every fighter is required to have at minimum one corner man and a maximum of two
  • Must stay seated in their fighter’s corner during rounds
  • Must stay off the ring floor  
  • Must obey the referee at all times
  • Must conduct themselves with appropriate and proper sportsmanship
  • During round breaks, only one corner-man is allowed in the ring/cage.
  • Corner-men may spray (not pour) water and apply ice to a fighter in between rounds.  No other substance may be applied to the body.  The following substances may be applied to cuts with referee observing: petroleum jelly, adrenaline hydrochloride, avitene, and thrombin.  Corner-men are responsible to dry the corner area before the next round continues.
  • Knockout: Opponent is unable to intelligently defend himself following a strike
  • TKO:
    • The physician or referee decides the opponent cannot continue due to a cut or other injury.
    • Opponent is taking excessive punishment, fails to show a willingness to continue, or for any reason the referee believes is necessary to preserve the fighter’s safety
    • Opponent receives third 8-count within one round, 4th within bout
  • Corner throws in towel: Corner determines his/her fighter cannot continue
  • Forfeit: Opponent simply cannot or refuses to continue
  • Decision: When the bout has ended after the specified time without a winner, the decision shall be determined by three judges.
    • Unanimous: All three judges award same contestant
    • Split decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judge scores for the opponent
    • Majority decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judges scores a draw
  • Draw:
    • Unanimous draw – All three judges score the contest a draw
    • Majority draw – Two judges score the contest a draw
    • Split draw – All three judges score differently
  • Disqualification: Opponent is disqualified by the referee

Non-Title Amateur Bouts:

Three (3) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds. 

 Title Amateur Bouts:

Five (5) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.

Up to 105 lbs                           Mini Flyweight

105.1 lbs – 112 lbs                  Super Flyweight

112.1 lbs – 118 lbs                  Bantam Weight

118.1 lbs – 126 lbs                  Featherweight

126.1 lbs – 136 lbs                  Lightweight

136.1 lbs – 147 lbs                  Welterweight

147.1 lbs – 160 lbs                  Super Welterweight

160.1 lbs – 175 lbs                  Middleweight

175.1 lbs – 190 lbs                  Cruiserweight

190.1 lbs – 205lbs                   Light heavyweight

205.1 lbs – 220 lbs                  Heavyweight

Over 220 lbs                             Super heavyweight

Contestants are allowed a 1lb allowance when weighing. 

GCA may approve catch weight bouts subject to their review and discretion.

Professional MMA

Hand Strikes:

 

    • Closed fist or an open hand/palm of their hand

 

Arm Strikes:

 

    • Forearm strikes and rounded elbows to standing or grounded opponent
    • Shoulder jabs to standing or grounded opponent

 

Legs:

 

    • Standing strikes with knees, shins, and feet
    • Standing knees to head  

 

Takedowns and Throws:

 

    • All wrestling, judo and jiu jitsu throws and takedowns

 

Chokes:

 

    • All chokes with arms and legs

 

Locks:

 

    • Elbow, shoulder, wrist, knee, and ankle locks
  • Downward or spiking elbow strikes
  • Flagrant disregard of referee’s instructions
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct that causes injury to an opponent
  • Biting
  • Eye-gouging
  • Knuckle gouging
  • Clawing, pinching, or twisting of flesh
  • Throat strikes of any kind
  • One or two-handed chokes applied directly to the throat/windpipe
  • Knees to the head and neck of a grounded opponent
  • Kicking or stomping above the waist on a grounded opponent
  • Kicking the front of an opponent’s knee
  • Fish hooks (to eyes, nose, ear, or mouth)
  • Putting a finger into any open orifice (cuts/lacerations)
  • Grabbing of the clavicle
  • Hair pulling
  • Groin attacks of any kind
  • Single digit manipulation
  • Small joint manipulation
  • Head butting
  • Striking the spine, back of neck, or back of head
  • Driving opponent’s head directly down into the mat (spiking)
  • Lifting, pushing, throwing or otherwise forcing an opponent out of the ring or cage
  • Intentionally delaying the contest due to improper equipment, or by intentionally dropping or spitting out mouthpiece
  • Attacking an opponent on or during a break
  • Attacking an opponent who is under the care of an official
  • Using abusive language in the ring or cage
  • Interference by corner/trainer
  • Rope or cage grabbing to avoid a submission hold.  Continually holding the rope to rest or pull self from action, or gain advantage.

REQUIRED:

    • Protective groin cup
    • Protective mouthpiece
    • Handwraps
  • Tape permitted on wrists and hands, but not knuckles
  • Regular handwraps secured by tape permitted
  •  Handwraps must be signed off by GCA representative
    • MMA Gloves (no less than 4oz)

PERMITTED:

    • Shin, instep, elbow, and/or knee supports
    • Oil on face only

PERMITTED APPAREL:

    • Boxing shorts, kickboxing shorts, latex bike-style shorts, board shorts, speedos
    • Rash guard (females only)

*FORBIDDEN:

    • Tape over knuckles
    • Oil or grease on any part of the competitor’s body
    • Apparel or equipment which includes metallic and/or hard plastic and/or edge or surface

REQUIRED: 

  • Every fighter is required to have at minimum one corner man and a maximum of three
  • Must obey the referee at all times
  • Must stay in their fighter’s corner
  • Must conduct themselves with appropriate and proper sportsmanship
  • Must stay off the ring floor
  • May not lean on ring or cage

PERMITTED:

  • Cornermen may spray (not pour) water and apply ice to a fighter in between rounds.  No other substance may be applied to the body.  The following substances may be applied to cuts: petroleum jelly, adrenaline hydrochloride, avitene, and thrombin.  Cornermen are responsible to dry the corner area before the next round continues.
  • During round breaks, only one cornerman is allowed in the ring/cage.

NOTE:  Violation of rules by corner personnel can result in warnings, point deductions, dismissal of corner man and/or disqualification of that corner’s fighter

  • Knockout: Opponent is unable to intelligently defend himself following a strike
  • TKO: The physician or referee decides the opponent cannot continue due to a cut or other injury
  • Submission: Opponent submits by tapping more than 3 times (or by saying “TAP”) as a result from a choke, lock, or any other reason
  • Referee Stoppage: When opponent is taking excessive punishment but cannot or will not submit or quit either due to striking, failing to show a willingness to continue, a refusal to submit in the face of grave injury, or any other reason the referee believes is necessary to preserve the fighter’s safety
  • Throw in the Towel: Opponent’s corner decides to end the bout for the safety of their fighter
  • Quit: Opponent simply cannot or refuses to continue
  • Decision: When the bout has ended after the specified time without a winner, the decision shall be determined by three judges
  • Disqualification: Opponent is disqualified by the referee

Non-Title Professional Fights: 

Three (3) rounds, five (5) minutes each, with one minute rest in between rounds.

 

Title Professional Fights: 

Five (5) rounds, five (5) minutes each, with one minute rest in between rounds.

Up to 105 lbs               Mini flyweight (females only)

105.1 lbs – 115 lbs                  Light Flyweight (females only)

115.1 lbs – 125 lbs                  Flyweight (females only)

125.1 lbs – 135 lbs                  Bantam Weight

135.1 lbs – 145 lbs                  Featherweight

145.1 lbs – 155 lbs                  Lightweight

155.1 lbs – 170 lbs                  Welterweight

170.1 lbs – 185 lbs                  Middleweight

185.1 lbs – 205 lbs                  Light heavyweight

205.1 lbs – 265 lbs                  Heavyweight

Over 265 lbs                Super heavyweight

Professional Muay Thai

  • Knees to body or head
  • Forearm strikes, rounded elbows, and rising elbows.  Dropping or spiking downward elbows to the body only. 
  • Clinching as long as one (1) fighter is active within the clinch.  Referee will break fighters for inactivity (holding, leaning, throwing fake knees) after four (4) seconds.
  • Taking an opponent around the waist with both arms and twisting them off balance so they will fall.

 

  • Neck Wrestling: By using neck and shoulder manipulation, you can spin and throw/dump an opponent to the canvas without using any part of your body as a barrier.

 

  • Plowing: Fighters are allowed to catch their opponent’s leg and take one (1) step forward. After one (1) step, the fighter holding the leg must STRIKE before taking a second step or more or let go.  It is not permitted to hold an opponent’s leg and charge him to the ropes. You can “dump” a person if you catch their leg and throw it back towards them causing them to fall backwards but must do so within 2 steps (see previous). You can also catch under their knee while they are doing a swing knee and topple them over backwards but must do so within 2 steps (see previous).

 

  • Sweeping: Sweeps (With instep of foot) are allowed and a fighter may “KICK” his/her opponents supporting leg with the top of their foot or shin.

 

  • Spinning or pulling an opponent over the inside or outside of the leg and dumping him on the ground.  However, the leg must clear immediately after the opponent is pulled or tripped over the knee. Clear means that the leg must be moved out of the way BEFORE the opponent hits the canvas. This means skipping the leg or slightly jumping to the side (as long as it is moved from the original position). Fighter must move the tripping leg while the opponent falls to the ground, or it will be deemed illegal and called a trip.

 

 

Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:

Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.

 Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.

 

Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot.  However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.

 

Throws are never considered knockdowns.

  • Strikes to the groin or to the front of an opponent’s knee  
  • Direct (Side Kick Style) kicks to the front of a fighter’s legs.
  • Over the hip throws: Using the hip or shoulder to throw an opponent in any kind of judo throw or reap. Stepping across, or in front of, your opponent’s leg with your leg and bringing your opponent over your hip.
  • Stepping on a fallen opponent.  Twisting and pulling an opponent over the side of your body (and then landing on top).
  • Illegal Trip: It is not permitted to position your foot next to your opponent and twist them over your foot.   You must clear the leg as your opponent falls or it is an illegal trip.  An athlete CAN spin or pull an opponent over the inside or outside of the leg and dump him on the ground. However the leg being used to manipulate and dump the opponent to the ground can NOT stay in that position as the opponent goes to the floor. If it is set and stays in that position, that too is an illegal throw (tripping). In other words, the leg must clear immediately after the opponent is pulled or tripped over the knee. Clear means that the leg must be moved out of the way BEFORE the opponent hits the canvas. This means skipping the leg or slightly jumping to the side (as long as it is moved from the original position). Strangely, this means an athlete can trip over a leg but must move the tripping leg while the opponent falls to the ground, or it will be deemed illegal and called a trip.
  • It is not permitted to grab an opponent in the clinch and then sweep his legs out using the back of one’s own leg or calf.  It is only permitted to KICK (roundhouse or using the top of your foot) an opponents legs out (shin, instep).
  • Lifting: It is not permitted to lift an opponent off of the ground in any way to throw them.
  • Intentionally falling on top of an opponent to either strike with their knee or to intentionally hurt their opponent, by making it look like an accident.

REQUIRED:

    • Protective groin cup
    • Protective mouthpiece
    • Handwraps
            • Tape permitted on wrists and hands, but not knuckles
            • Regular handwraps secured by tape permitted
            • Handwraps must be signed off by GCA representative
    • Muay Thai Gloves (no less than10oz)

PERMITTED: 

    • Shin, instep, elbow, and/or knee supports

 

    • Oil on face only

PERMITTED APPAREL:

    • Boxing shorts, kickboxing shorts, latex bike-style shorts, board shorts, speedos

 

    • Rash guard or tank top (females only)

*FORBIDDEN:

    • Tape over knuckles

 

    • Oil or grease on any part of the competitor’s body

 

    • Apparel or equipment which includes metallic and/or hard plastic and/or edge or surface

REQUIRED:

    • Every fighter is required to have at minimum one corner man and a maximum of three

 

    • Must obey the referee at all times

 

    • Must stay in their fighter’s corner

 

    • Must conduct themselves with appropriate and proper sportsmanship

 

    • Must stay off the ring floor

 

 PERMITTED:

    • Cornermen may spray (not pour) water and apply ice to a fighter in between rounds.  No other substance may be applied to the body.  The following substances may be applied to cuts: petroleum jelly, adrenaline hydrochloride, avitene, and thrombin.  Cornermen are responsible to dry the corner area before the next round continues.

 

    • During round breaks, only one cornerman is allowed in the ring/cage.

 

NOTE: Violation of rules by corner personnel can result in warnings, point deductions, dismissal of corner man and/or disqualification of that corner’s fighter

  • Knockout: Opponent is unable to intelligently defend himself following a strike.
  • TKO: The physician or referee decides the opponent cannot continue due to a cut or other injury.
  • Referee Stoppage: When opponent is taking excessive punishment but cannot or will not submit or quit either due to striking, failing to show a willingness to continue, a refusal to submit in the face of grave injury, or any other reason the referee believes is necessary to preserve the fighter’s safety.
  • Throw in the Towel:  Opponent’s corner decides to end the bout for the safety of their fighter.
  • Quit: Opponent simply cannot or refuses to continue
  • Decision: When the bout has ended after the specified time without a winner, the decision shall be determined by three judges.
  • Disqualification: Opponent is disqualified by the referee

Non-Title Professional Bouts:

Three (3) rounds, three (3) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds. 

 

Title Professional Bouts:

Five (5) rounds, three (3) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.

Up to 105 lbs                        Flyweight (females only)

105.1 lbs – 112 lbs                        Super Flyweight

112.1 lbs – 118 lbs                        Bantam Weight

118.1 lbs – 126 lbs                        Featherweight

126.1 lbs – 135 lbs                        Lightweight

135.1 lbs – 147 lbs                        Welterweight

147.1 lbs – 160 lbs                        Super Welterweight

160.1 lbs – 175 lbs                        Middleweight

175.1 lbs – 190 lbs                        Cruiserweight

190.1 lbs – 205lbs                         Light heavyweight

205.1 lbs – 220 lbs                        Heavyweight

Over 220 lbs                          Super heavyweight

Amateur Low Kick Kickboxing

  • Closed fist of back fists landing above the waist of opponent
  • Kicks made with shin or foot landing to legs, body, and head of opponent
  • Sweeping: Sweeps (with instep of foot) are allowed and a fighter may “KICK” his/her opponents supporting leg with the top of their foot or shin.

 

Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:

Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.

 

Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.

 

Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot.  However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.

Throws/Sweeps are never considered knockdowns. 

  • Strikes with open hand or palm/slapping
  • Direct sidekicks to the legs
  • Knee strikes
  • Elbow or forearm strikes (striking with area past the tapeline of glove)
  • Strikes of any kind to an illegal target: back of the head, spine area, groin, front of knee
  • Head butts
  • Clinch and neck wrestling
  • Spitting
  • Biting
  • Joint attacks
  • Stepping on a fallen opponent.  Twisting and pulling an opponent over the side of your body (and then landing on top).
  • Illegal Trip: It is not permitted to position your foot next to your opponent and twist them over your stationary foot.   You must clear the leg as your opponent falls or it is an illegal trip.  An athlete CAN spin or pull an opponent over the inside or outside of the leg and dump him on the ground. However the leg being used to manipulate and dump the opponent to the ground can NOT stay in that position as the opponent goes to the floor. If it is set and stays in that position, that too is an illegal throw (tripping). In other words, the leg must clear immediately after the opponent is pulled or tripped over the knee. Clear means that the leg must be moved out of the way BEFORE the opponent hits the canvas. This means skipping the leg or slightly jumping to the side (as long as it is moved from the original position). Strangely, this means an athlete can trip over a leg but must move the tripping leg while the opponent falls to the ground, or it will be deemed illegal and called a trip.
  • Lifting: It is not permitted to lift an opponent off of the ground in any way to throw them.
  • Plowing: It is not permitted to take multiple steps forward after catching opponent’s leg driving them into ropes
  • Intentionally falling on top of an opponent to either strike with their knee or to intentionally hurt their opponent, by making it look like an accident.
  • Using abusive language
  • Attacking on a break or after the bell has indicated the end of the round

 

Consequences of Rule Infractions

Referees are responsible for enforcing the rules of the contest and shall not permit fouls or other unfair practices that may cause an injury to a contestant. Referees shall warn contestants who commit fouls during the contest.  If a contestant commits a foul in the ring, the referee shall have the discretion to determine the following:

 

  1. Warning may be given to the contestant
  2. Point deduction may occur from the offending fighter’s score if referee deems infraction as intentional, flagrant) or after warning has been issued
  3. Disqualification may occur after multiple infractions or after an infraction deemed extremely severe or flagrant
  4. If injury occurs to a fouled fighter, up to 5 minutes may be given for recovery time
  5. If accidental foul committed before the half-way point of the bout results in injury where opponent is unable to continue after the recovery time, the bout is ruled as no-contest
  6. If accidental foul committed after the half-way point of the bout results in injury where opponent is unable to continue, the incomplete round will be scored by the judges and bout score will determine the winner.

REQUIRED: 

    • Protective groin cup
    • Protective mouthpiece properly fitted
    • Chest protection/sports bra and pelvic girdle (females only)
    • Handwraps
      •   Tape permitted on wrists and hands, but not knuckles
      •   Regular handwraps secured by tape permitted
      •   Handwraps must be signed off by GCA representative
      • Bandaging of each contestant’s hands shall not exceed one roll of surgeon’s adhesive tape, not over 1-1/2 inches wide, placed directly on the hand to protect the part of the hand near the wrist. The tape may cover the hand but not extend within 3/4 inch of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. Soft surgical bandage, not over two inches wide, held in place by not more than six feet of surgeon’s adhesive tape for each hand shall be used. Up to one 10-yard roll of bandage may be used to complete the wrappings for each hand. Strips of tape may be used between the fingers to hold down the bandages, not to cover the knuckles. Bandages shall be adjusted in the presence of GCA official.
    • 10oz Gloves (taped and signed off by GCA representative)
    • Shorts
    • For those matches that include a fighter with less than three (3) fights, headgear and shin guards will be required unless both parties agree to fight without it.

 PERMITTED:

    • Shin, instep, elbow, and/or knee supports
    • Oil on face

 PERMITTED APPAREL: 

    • Shirt

 *FORBIDDEN: 

    • Tape over knuckles
    • Oil or grease on any part of the competitor’s body (other than face & thai oil on legs)
    • Apparel or equipment which includes metallic and/or hard plastic and/or edge or surface
    • Foot pads
  • Every fighter is required to have at minimum one corner man and a maximum of two
  • Must stay seated in their fighter’s corner during rounds
  • Must stay off the ring floor  
  • Must obey the referee at all times
  • Must conduct themselves with appropriate and proper sportsmanship
  • During round breaks, only one corner-man is allowed in the ring/cage.
  • Corner-men may spray (not pour) water and apply ice to a fighter in between rounds.  No other substance may be applied to the body.  The following substances may be applied to cuts with referee observing: petroleum jelly, adrenaline hydrochloride, avitene, and thrombin.  Corner-men are responsible to dry the corner area before the next round continues.
  • Knockout: Opponent is unable to intelligently defend himself following a strike
  • TKO:
    • The physician or referee decides the opponent cannot continue due to a cut or other injury.
    • Opponent is taking excessive punishment, fails to show a willingness to continue, or for any reason the referee believes is necessary to preserve the fighter’s safety
    • Opponent receives third 8-count within one round, 4th within bout.
  • Forfeit: Opponent simply cannot or refuses to continue
  • Decision: When the bout has ended after the specified time without a winner, the decision shall be determined by three judges.
    • Unanimous: All three judges award same contestant
    • Split decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judge scores for the opponent
    • Majority decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judges scores a draw
  • Draw:
    • Unanimous draw – All three judges score the contest a draw
    • Majority draw – Two judges score the contest a draw
    • Split draw – All three judges score differently
  • Disqualification: Opponent is disqualified by the referee

Non-Title Amateur Bouts:

Three (3) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds. 

 Title Amateur Bouts:

Five (5) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.

Weight Class

Weight in Lbs

Max Weight Spread

Glove sizes

Atomweight

112 & below

3 lbs – 1.36kg

8-10 oz

Flyweight

112.1 – 117

3 lbs – 1.36 kg

8-10 oz

Bantamweight

117.1 – 122

4 lbs – 1.8 kg

8-10 oz

Featherweight

122.1 – 127

4 lbs – 1.8 kg

8-10 oz

Lightweight

127.1 – 132

4 lbs – 1.8 kg

8-10 oz

Super Lightweight

132.1 – 137

5 lbs – 2.3 kg

8-10 oz

Light Welterweight

137.1 – 142

5 lbs – 2.3 kg

8-10 oz

Welterweight

142.1 – 147

7 lbs – 3.2 kg

8-10 oz

Super Welterweight

147.1 – 153

7 lbs – 3.2 kg

10 oz

Light Middleweight

153.1 – 159

7 lbs – 3.2 kg

10 oz

Middleweight

159.1 – 165

7 lbs – 3.2 kg

10 oz

Super Middleweight

165.1 – 172

7 lbs – 3.2 kg

10 oz

Light Heavyweight

172.1 – 179

7 lbs – 3.2 kg

10 oz

Light Cruiserweight

179.1 – 186

7 lbs – 3.2 kg

10 oz

Cruiserweight

186.1 – 195

12 lbs – 5.5 kg

10 oz

Heavyweight

195.1 – 215

20 lbs – 9.1 kg

10 oz

Super Heavyweight

215.1 and up

No limit

10 oz

 

Contestants are allowed a 1lb allowance when weighing. 

GCA may approve catch weight bouts subject to their review and discretion.

Amateur Glory Kickboxing

  • Closed fist or back fists.
  • Knees to head and body.
  • Clinching in order to immediately attack with a legal knee strike.  If the knee attack or counter attack is continuous and productive the referee may allow it to continue for his estimation up to five seconds.  Otherwise fighters should disengage the clinch and continue to fight.
  • Fighters are allowed to catch their opponent’s leg and take one (1) step forward. After one (1) step, the fighter holding the leg must STRIKE before taking a second step or more or let go.  It is not permitted to hold an opponent’s leg and charge him to the ropes. You can “dump” a person if you catch their leg and throw it back towards them causing them to fall backwards but must do so within 2 steps (see previous). You can also catch under their knee while they are doing a swing knee and topple them over backwards but must do so within 2 steps (see previous).   

 

Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:

Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.

Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.

Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot.  However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.

  • Strikes to the groin or to the front of an opponent’s knee 
  • Head butting
  • Direct (Side Kick Style) kicks to the front of a fighter’s legs
  • Elbow strikes
  • Open palm strikes
  • Wrestling or judo techniques; throws, foot sweeps or pushing of any kind as an effort to off-balance or down an opponent
  • Pulling an opponent towards one with both arms in lower back
  • Plowing: It is not permitted to take multiple steps forward after catching opponent’s leg driving them into ropes
  • Faking an injury
  • Passivity
  • Continuously allowing oneself to fall to the ground
  • Spitting out mouthpiece 
  • Intentionally falling on top of an opponent to either strike with their knee or to intentionally hurt their opponent, by making it look like an accident. 

REQUIRED: 

    • Protective groin cup
    • Protective mouthpiece properly fitted
    • Chest protection/sports bra (females only)
    • Handwraps
      •   Tape permitted on wrists and hands, but not knuckles
      •   Regular handwraps secured by tape permitted
      •   Handwraps must be signed off by GCA representative
      • Bandaging of each contestant’s hands shall not exceed one roll of surgeon’s adhesive tape, not over 1-1/2 inches wide, placed directly on the hand to protect the part of the hand near the wrist. The tape may cover the hand but not extend within 3/4 inch of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. Soft surgical bandage, not over two inches wide, held in place by not more than six feet of surgeon’s adhesive tape for each hand shall be used. Up to one 10-yard roll of bandage may be used to complete the wrappings for each hand. Strips of tape may be used between the fingers to hold down the bandages, not to cover the knuckles. Bandages shall be adjusted in the presence of GCA official.
    • 10oz Gloves (taped and signed off by GCA representative)
    • Thai-boxing shorts, kickboxing shorts, latex bike-style shorts, board shorts, vale tudo shorts
    • For those matches that include a fighter with less than three (3) fights, headgear and shin guards will be required unless both parties agree to fight without it.

 PERMITTED:

    • Shin, instep, elbow, and/or knee supports
    • Oil on face
    • *NEW: Thai oil may be applied to legs only

 PERMITTED APPAREL: 

    • Rash guard or fitted top (females only)

 *FORBIDDEN: 

    • Tape over knuckles
    • Oil or grease on any part of the competitor’s body (other than face & thai oil on legs)
    • Apparel or equipment which includes metallic and/or hard plastic and/or edge or surface
  • Every fighter is required to have at minimum one corner man and a maximum of two
  • Must stay seated in their fighter’s corner during rounds
  • Must stay off the ring floor  
  • Must obey the referee at all times
  • Must conduct themselves with appropriate and proper sportsmanship
  • During round breaks, only one corner-man is allowed in the ring/cage.
  • Corner-men may spray (not pour) water and apply ice to a fighter in between rounds.  No other substance may be applied to the body.  The following substances may be applied to cuts with referee observing: petroleum jelly, adrenaline hydrochloride, avitene, and thrombin.  Corner-men are responsible to dry the corner area before the next round continues.
  • Knockout: Opponent is unable to intelligently defend himself following a strike
  • TKO:
    • The physician or referee decides the opponent cannot continue due to a cut or other injury.
    • Opponent is taking excessive punishment, fails to show a willingness to continue, or for any reason the referee believes is necessary to preserve the fighter’s safety
    • Opponent receives third 8-count within one round, 4th within bout.
  • Forfeit: Opponent simply cannot or refuses to continue
  • Decision: When the bout has ended after the specified time without a winner, the decision shall be determined by three judges.
    • Unanimous: All three judges award same contestant
    • Split decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judge scores for the opponent
    • Majority decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judges scores a draw
  • Draw:
    • Unanimous draw – All three judges score the contest a draw
    • Majority draw – Two judges score the contest a draw
    • Split draw – All three judges score differently
  • Disqualification: Opponent is disqualified by the referee

Non-Title Amateur Bouts:

Three (3) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds. 

 Title Amateur Bouts:

Five (5) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.

Up to 105 lbs                           Flyweight (females only)

105.1 lbs – 112 lbs                              Super Flyweight

112.1 lbs – 118 lbs                              Bantam Weight

118.1 lbs – 126 lbs                              Featherweight

126.1 lbs – 135 lbs                              Lightweight

135.1 lbs – 147 lbs                              Welterweight

147.1 lbs – 160 lbs                              Super Welterweight

160.1 lbs – 175 lbs                              Middleweight

175.1 lbs – 190 lbs                              Cruiserweight

190.1 lbs – 205lbs                               Light heavyweight

205.1 lbs – 220 lbs                              Heavyweight

Over 220 lbs                            Super heavyweight

 

Contestants are allowed a 1lb allowance when weighing. 

GCA may approve catch weight bouts subject to their review and discretion.

Amateur Full Contact Kickboxing

  • Closed fist of back fists
  • Kicks above the waist
  • Sweeping: Sweeps (with instep of foot) are allowed and a fighter may “KICK” his/her opponents supporting leg with the top of their foot or shin.

 

Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:

Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.

Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.

Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot.  However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.

Throws/Sweeps are never considered knockdowns. 

  • Kicks to the legs
  • Knee strikes
  • Elbow strikes
  • Clinch and neck wrestling
  • Stepping on a fallen opponent.  Twisting and pulling an opponent over the side of your body (and then landing on top).
  • Illegal Trip: It is not permitted to position your foot next to your opponent and twist them over your stationary foot.   You must clear the leg as your opponent falls or it is an illegal trip.  An athlete CAN spin or pull an opponent over the inside or outside of the leg and dump him on the ground. However the leg being used to manipulate and dump the opponent to the ground can NOT stay in that position as the opponent goes to the floor. If it is set and stays in that position, that too is an illegal throw (tripping). In other words, the leg must clear immediately after the opponent is pulled or tripped over the knee. Clear means that the leg must be moved out of the way BEFORE the opponent hits the canvas. This means skipping the leg or slightly jumping to the side (as long as it is moved from the original position). Strangely, this means an athlete can trip over a leg but must move the tripping leg while the opponent falls to the ground, or it will be deemed illegal and called a trip.
  • It is not permitted to grab an opponent in the clinch and then sweep his legs out using the back of one’s own leg or calf.  It is only permitted to KICK (roundhouse or using the top of your foot) an opponent’s legs out (shin, instep).
  • Lifting: It is not permitted to lift an opponent off of the ground in any way to throw them.
  • Plowing: It is not permitted to take multiple steps forward after catching opponent’s leg driving them into ropes
  • Intentionally falling on top of an opponent to either strike with their knee or to intentionally hurt their opponent, by making it look like an accident. 

REQUIRED: 

    • Protective groin cup
    • Protective mouthpiece properly fitted
    • Chest protection/sports bra (females only)
    • Handwraps
      •   Tape permitted on wrists and hands, but not knuckles
      •   Regular handwraps secured by tape permitted
      •   Handwraps must be signed off by GCA representative
      • Bandaging of each contestant’s hands shall not exceed one roll of surgeon’s adhesive tape, not over 1-1/2 inches wide, placed directly on the hand to protect the part of the hand near the wrist. The tape may cover the hand but not extend within 3/4 inch of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. Soft surgical bandage, not over two inches wide, held in place by not more than six feet of surgeon’s adhesive tape for each hand shall be used. Up to one 10-yard roll of bandage may be used to complete the wrappings for each hand. Strips of tape may be used between the fingers to hold down the bandages, not to cover the knuckles. Bandages shall be adjusted in the presence of GCA official.
    • 10oz Gloves (taped and signed off by GCA representative)
    • For those matches that include a fighter with less than three (3) fights, headgear and shin guards will be required unless both parties agree to fight without it.

 PERMITTED:

    • Shin, instep, elbow, and/or knee supports
    • Oil on face

 PERMITTED APPAREL: 

    • Kickboxing pants
    • Shirt

 *FORBIDDEN: 

    • Tape over knuckles
    • Oil or grease on any part of the competitor’s body (other than face & thai oil on legs)
    • Apparel or equipment which includes metallic and/or hard plastic and/or edge or surface
  • Every fighter is required to have at minimum one corner man and a maximum of two
  • Must stay seated in their fighter’s corner during rounds
  • Must stay off the ring floor  
  • Must obey the referee at all times
  • Must conduct themselves with appropriate and proper sportsmanship
  • During round breaks, only one corner-man is allowed in the ring/cage.
  • Corner-men may spray (not pour) water and apply ice to a fighter in between rounds.  No other substance may be applied to the body.  The following substances may be applied to cuts with referee observing: petroleum jelly, adrenaline hydrochloride, avitene, and thrombin.  Corner-men are responsible to dry the corner area before the next round continues.
  • Knockout: Opponent is unable to intelligently defend himself following a strike
  • TKO:
    • The physician or referee decides the opponent cannot continue due to a cut or other injury.
    • Opponent is taking excessive punishment, fails to show a willingness to continue, or for any reason the referee believes is necessary to preserve the fighter’s safety
    • Opponent receives third 8-count within one round, 4th within bout.
  • Forfeit: Opponent simply cannot or refuses to continue
  • Decision: When the bout has ended after the specified time without a winner, the decision shall be determined by three judges.
    • Unanimous: All three judges award same contestant
    • Split decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judge scores for the opponent
    • Majority decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judges scores a draw
  • Draw:
    • Unanimous draw – All three judges score the contest a draw
    • Majority draw – Two judges score the contest a draw
    • Split draw – All three judges score differently
  • Disqualification: Opponent is disqualified by the referee

Non-Title Amateur Bouts:

Three (3) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds. 

 Title Amateur Bouts:

Five (5) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.

Up to 108 lbs                           Strawweight

108.1 lbs – 112 lbs                              Atomweight

112.1 lbs – 117 lbs                              Flyweight

117.1 lbs – 122 lbs                              Bantamweight

122.1 lbs – 127 lbs                              Featherweight

127.1 lbs – 132 lbs                              Lightweight

132.1 lbs – 137 lbs                              Super Lightweight

137.1 lbs – 142 lbs                              Light Welterweight

142.1 lbs – 147 lbs                              Welterweight

142.1 lbs – 147 lbs                              Welterweight

142.1 lbs – 147 lbs                              Welterweight

147.1 lbs – 153 lbs                              Light Middleweight

153.1 lbs – 159 lbs                              Welterweight

159.1 lbs – 165 lbs                              Middleweight

165.1 lbs – 172 lbs                              Super Middleweight

172.1 lbs – 179 lbs                              Light Heavyweight

179.1 lbs – 186 lbs                              Light Cruiserweight

186.1 lbs – 195 lbs                              Cruiserweight

195.1 lbs – 215 lbs                              Super Cruiserweight

215.1 lbs – 235 lbs                              Heavyweight

Over 235 lbs                            Super heavyweight

 

Contestants are allowed a 1lb allowance when weighing. 

GCA may approve catch weight bouts subject to their review and discretion.

Amateur San Shou

  • Closed fist or back fists.
  • Kicks to head, body and legs.
  • Knees to head and body.
  • Forearm strikes, rounded elbows, downward elbows and rising elbows
  • Clinching as long as one (1) fighter is active within the clinch.  Referee will break fighters for inactivity (holding, leaning, throwing fake knees) after four (5) seconds.
  • All judo and wrestling throws
  • Fighters are allowed to catch their opponent’s leg and take one (1) step forward. After one (1) step, the fighter holding the leg must STRIKE before taking a second step or more or let go.  It is not permitted to hold an opponent’s leg and charge him to the ropes. You can “dump” a person if you catch their leg and throw it back towards them causing them to fall backwards but must do so within 2 steps (see previous). You can also catch under their knee while they are doing a swing knee and topple them over backwards but must do so within 2 steps (see previous). 
  • Sweeping: Sweeps (with instep of foot) are allowed and a fighter may “KICK” his/her opponents supporting leg with the top of their foot or shin.
  • Spinning or pulling an opponent over the inside or outside of the leg and dumping him on the ground.  

Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:

Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.

Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.

Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot.  However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.

Throws/Sweeps are never considered knockdowns. 

  • Strikes to the groin or to the front of an opponent’s knee 
  • Biting
  • Head butting
  • Strikes with palm of hand
  • Strikes to the spine or back of the head
  • Stepping on a fallen opponent.  Twisting and pulling an opponent over the side of your body (and then landing on top).
  • Intentionally falling on top of an opponent to either strike with their knee or to intentionally hurt their opponent, by making it look like an accident. 

REQUIRED:       

    • Protective groin cup
    • Protective mouthpiece properly fitted
    • Chest protection/sports bra (females only)
    • Handwraps
      •   Tape permitted on wrists and hands, but not knuckles
      •   Regular handwraps secured by tape permitted
      •   Handwraps must be signed off by GCA representative
      • Bandaging of each contestant’s hands shall not exceed one roll of surgeon’s adhesive tape, not over 1-1/2 inches wide, placed directly on the hand to protect the part of the hand near the wrist. The tape may cover the hand but not extend within 3/4 inch of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. Soft surgical bandage, not over two inches wide, held in place by not more than six feet of surgeon’s adhesive tape for each hand shall be used. Up to one 10-yard roll of bandage may be used to complete the wrappings for each hand. Strips of tape may be used between the fingers to hold down the bandages, not to cover the knuckles. Bandages shall be adjusted in the presence of GCA official.
    • 10oz Gloves (taped and signed off by GCA representative)
    • Thai-boxing shorts, kickboxing shorts, latex bike-style shorts, board shorts, vale tudo shorts
    • For those matches that include a fighter with less than three (3) fights, headgear and shin guards will be required unless both parties agree to fight without it.

 PERMITTED:

    • Shin, instep, elbow, and/or knee supports
    • Oil on face

 

 PERMITTED APPAREL: 

    • Rash guard or fitted top (females only)

 *FORBIDDEN: 

    • Tape over knuckles
    • Oil or grease on any part of the competitor’s body (other than face & thai oil on legs)
    • Apparel or equipment which includes metallic and/or hard plastic and/or edge or surface
  • Every fighter is required to have at minimum one corner man and a maximum of two
  • Must stay seated in their fighter’s corner during rounds
  • Must stay off the ring floor  
  • Must obey the referee at all times
  • Must conduct themselves with appropriate and proper sportsmanship
  • During round breaks, only one corner-man is allowed in the ring/cage.
  • Corner-men may spray (not pour) water and apply ice to a fighter in between rounds.  No other substance may be applied to the body.  The following substances may be applied to cuts with referee observing: petroleum jelly, adrenaline hydrochloride, avitene, and thrombin.  Corner-men are responsible to dry the corner area before the next round continues.
  • Knockout: Opponent is unable to intelligently defend himself following a strike
  • TKO:
    • The physician or referee decides the opponent cannot continue due to a cut or other injury.
    • Opponent is taking excessive punishment, fails to show a willingness to continue, or for any reason the referee believes is necessary to preserve the fighter’s safety
    • Opponent receives third 8-count within one round, 4th within bout.
  • Forfeit: Opponent simply cannot or refuses to continue
  • Decision: When the bout has ended after the specified time without a winner, the decision shall be determined by three judges.
    • Unanimous: All three judges award same contestant
    • Split decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judge scores for the opponent
    • Majority decision: Two judges score for one contestant, one judges scores a draw
  • Draw:
    • Unanimous draw – All three judges score the contest a draw
    • Majority draw – Two judges score the contest a draw
    • Split draw – All three judges score differently
  • Disqualification: Opponent is disqualified by the referee

Non-Title Amateur Bouts:

Three (3) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds. 

 Title Amateur Bouts:

Five (5) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.

Up to 108 lbs                           Strawweight

108.1 lbs – 112 lbs                              Atomweight

112.1 lbs – 117 lbs                              Flyweight

117.1 lbs – 122 lbs                              Bantamweight

122.1 lbs – 127 lbs                              Featherweight

127.1 lbs – 132 lbs                              Lightweight

132.1 lbs – 137 lbs                              Super Lightweight

137.1 lbs – 142 lbs                              Light Welterweight

142.1 lbs – 147 lbs                              Welterweight

142.1 lbs – 147 lbs                              Welterweight

142.1 lbs – 147 lbs                              Welterweight

147.1 lbs – 153 lbs                              Light Middleweight

153.1 lbs – 159 lbs                              Welterweight

159.1 lbs – 165 lbs                              Middleweight

165.1 lbs – 172 lbs                              Super Middleweight

172.1 lbs – 179 lbs                              Light Heavyweight

179.1 lbs – 186 lbs                              Light Cruiserweight

186.1 lbs – 195 lbs                              Cruiserweight

195.1 lbs – 215 lbs                              Super Cruiserweight

215.1 lbs – 235 lbs                              Heavyweight

Over 235 lbs                            Super heavyweight

Contestants are allowed a 1lb allowance when weighing. 

GCA may approve catch weight bouts subject to their review and discretion.

Bout Protests

Bouts will be reviewed ONLY when legitimate protests are received according to the set guidelines.

 

Process of Protesting a Bout Result

  1. Submit a written request along with protest fee within 10 days after the event in question.
  2. Contact the promoter to provide video footage of the bout in question.
  3. Submit all information concerning the protest, such as statements, pictures, etc.

 

Upon receipt of the protest and all above requirements, GCA will conduct a review, including the following:

  • Members of the appropriate advisory board will receive all the information submitted along with the video footage for review.
  • GCA will determine ruling within 30 days of the receipt of the protest and all of the required information.

 

Possible protests

  1. Personal belief of a bad decision
  2. Belief that personal issues with a certain official such as favoritism or a judge/referee having positive or negative personal ties to a contestant affected the scoring/stopping of the bout.
  3. Problem with the round times, too long or too short.
  4. Failure of equipment that caused an issue with the bout.

 

Examples of when the original result of a bout may be changed by the GCA

  1. There was found to be any conspiracy affecting the result of a bout.
  2. The scorecard/s of the judges shows an error and as a result the original decision was given to the wrong contestant.
  3. There was a violation of the laws or rules governing the contest, which affected the result of any contest.

 

 

Possible rulings

 

Not Changing a Decision

Reviewing officials are not able to see a clear and distinct difference in the original bout decision.  Close decisions are often left as is due to the reality of the closeness of the bout. 

 

Changing an outcome to a “No Contest” or “Draw”

  1. Review shows that there really was no dominating winner of the majority of the rounds. 
  2. Review shows that a fighter was given a loss instead of a no contest due to injury resulting from a foul.  Determining factors include the nature and extent of the injury, when the bout was stopped, and the condition of both fighters at the time of stoppage.
  3. Review shows that a fighter tapped out during a fight.
  4. Review shows that failure of equipment, such as malfunction in ring/cage, which affected the bout.
  5. Review shows overwhelmingly clear and distinct proof that the bout was misjudged.

 

 

Changing a Loss or Draw to a Win

  1. Review shows an error in the completion of the scorecards, awarding the wrong contestant with the win.

 

Protest Fee: $100 made payable to Global Combat Alliance

Fighter Suspensions

Fighters who are suspended for any reason are not permitted to fight until the expiration of the suspension or until cleared by authorized GCA official.

Medical Suspensions

  • Automatic 60 day minimum for fighters who are knocked out during the bout
  • Automatic 30 day minimum for fighters who are technically knocked out (TKO) during the bout
  • Automatic 30 day suspension if ringside physician recommends immediate hospital visit during the post-fight examination.  This suspension may be shortened or lengthened based on physician recommendation.
  • Ringside physician may determine other medical suspensions based on bout and post fight examination and may require additional clearance from a physician or specialist

 

No-Show Penalties

Penalties may be incurred if a fighter fails to show up on the day of the scheduled bout; or if a fighter withdraws from a fight less than one week of the scheduled bout.  Exceptions may be given in certain cases (i.e. injury, medical emergency, military duty) provided sufficient documentation is provided, notification is immediate, and permission is granted by an authorized GCA official.  Exceptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed to any fighter.  

  • First Offense: 3 month suspension; $50 fine
  • Second Offense: 6 month suspension; $100 fine
  • Third Offense: 1 year suspension; $250 fine
It is the mission of the Global Combat Alliance to preserve the integrity of the sport of MMA and Muay Thai and protect the safety of the fighters under its care

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