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O.S.R. KICKBOXING FORMAT:

O
.S.R. 'Open Scoring Rules' (commonly known as 'Olympic Style Rules', ) is a
rule-set for Amateur Kickboxing that is based on the safety formats adhered to for 'Olympic Boxing' and 'Olympic Taekwondo'.

Athletes are full-padded ( Headgear, Gloves, Arm-Guards, Bodyshield, Shinpads ) and during the contests the scores accrued by the competitors is displayed on a scoreboard to the audience and athletes.

This system is then combined with the striking methods of the most popular world-wide system for kickboxing, known as 'K-1' ( allowing kicks, boxing and knee strikes with restricted clinch-holding ).

Maybe K-1 style Kickboxing could one day be an Olympic Sport!


click here to view some 'O.S.R.' Kickboxing bouts.


Rules for Amateur Kickboxing under O.S.R. format:
Last Updated 1st April 2008.


1. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
2. NOVICE AMATEUR RULES - (CONTROLLED-CONTACT):
3. SENIOR AMATEUR RULES - (FULL-CONTACT):
4. JUNIOR AMATEUR RULES - ( Under 16's ):
5 . CLASSIFICATION FOR LEVEL OF AMATEUR BOUTS:
6 . CLASSIFICATION FOR LEVEL OF AMATEUR PLAYERS:
7 . DRAW DECISIONS:
8 . REFEREE’s DECISION:
9 . SCORING SYSTEMS:
10 . SCORE RESULTS:
11 . TECHNIQUES - PUNCHES:
12. TECHNIQUES - KICKS:
13. TECHNIQUES - KNEES:
14. TECHNIQUES - CLINCH HOLDING:
15. EIGHT COUNTS:

16. TWO KNOCKDOWN RULE:
17. T.K.O. DECISION:

18. K.O DECISION:

19. MEDICAL SUSPENSION :
20. CORNERMEN RULES :
21. ROUNDS:

22. WEIGHT CATEGORIES:

23. WARNINGS:
24. DELAYED SCORING:

25. NO SWEEPS ALLOWED:
26. NO LEG HOLDING / LEG CATCHING:
27. TITLE CHALLENGES
28. TITLE DEFENCES ( Mandatory within 60 or 364 Days )
29. TITLE - STRIPPING OF CHAMPIONSHIPS:
30 . ARMOUR COLOUR:
31. CLOTHING UNDERNEATH THE BODYSHIELD:
32 . JUDGES:
33 . AREA OF PLAY - ( Boxing Ring size requirements):
34. MEDICAL CHECK:
35 . WEIGHT CHECK:
36. AMATEUR STATUS - ( Is an athlete an Amateur under A.K.A. Criteria? ):
37. TIME WASTING:
38. TITLE BELTS:


 

1. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Armour must always be worn by both competing athlets. This may only be a brand licenced by the sanctioning body. Currently the licence for A.K.A. England events is held by the 'M.A.R.' Brand
( Supplied by the official A.K.A. Sponsor Quality Martial Arts Ltd ). This consists of the following:

A. Headgear, ( M.A.R. Code 235 )
B. Bodyshield, ( M.A.R. Code 240 )
C. Shin Pads, ( M.A.R. Code 239 )
D . Heavier padded gloves, ( M.A.R. Code 236 )
'---------------------Below 60 Kgs = 14oz Gloves,
'---------------------Above 60.1 Kgs = 16 oz Gloves
E. Arm-Guards, ( M.A.R. Code 121 )
F. Gum Shields, ( Personal Choice of Manufacture allowed, there is no Licence restriction on this product.)
G. Groin Guards - Required for Men . ( Personal Choice of Manufacture allowed, there is no Licence restriction on this product).

The A.K.A. will supply the equipment for each event, courtesey of the sponsor. Should you wish to use your own equipment, this is allowed as long as it is of the above brand and code. This ensures that all athletes are competing on a level playing field, as athletes using different brands of equipment may have an advantage, for example wearing lighter shin-pads due to a lower density material.

2. NOVICE AMATEUR RULES - (CONTROLLED-CONTACT) :
During Novice matches, all techniques must be Controlled-Contact. No Knock outs by way of concussion allowed. Stoppages only by the 20 Points T.K.O. ( Out-Class Rule ). Intensional heavy blows to the head are not permitted. Contact to the head must be light and controlled. Contact to the body / legs must be maybe medium strength, yet still restriced from Full-Contact. For all Junior Players, contests all techniques must be light-contact and controlled contact, with emphasis on technique and speed.

3. SENIOR AMATEUR RULES - (FULL-CONTACT) :
During Senior matches, scoring techniques maybe either Medium or Full-Contact, however the same scoring criteria is in effect. 20 Points T.K.O. ( Out-Class Rule ) to enhance safety.


4. JUNIOR AMATEUR RULES ( Under 16 ):
A Junior competitor is any athlete under the age of 16. All Junior contests are conducted under the same rules as Adult 'Novice' Class, but with the additional ruling that there is STRICTLY NO HEAD CONTACT ALLOWED. Headgear must still worn, for additional safety, ( for example accidentally clashing heads with an opponent, or as additional safety should a Junior Competitor either fall onto the floor, or lower their head in a middle ranged technique. ). The minimum age a Junior Competitor is allowed to compete under O.S.R. Kickboxing rules is 13.

5. CLASSIFICATIONS OF AMATEUR BOUTS:
There are four bout classifications for Amateur matches. 'N', 'C', 'B', 'A', class.

NOVICE DIVISION:
'N' CLASS - No Decision contests - Controlled-Contact matches for Novices 2 rounds of 90 seconds duration.
-----------------(Note, many schools class these as Inter-Club / Inter-Camp / Inter-School bouts)


'C' CLASS - Controlled-Contact ( Kumite ) Contests - Points decisions - 3 rounds of 90 seconds duration.
-----------------These also include 'Junior' bouts (where no head-contact is allowed).


SENIOR DIVISION:

'B' Class - Full-Contact Contests -
Points or K.O. - 3 rounds of duration 120 seconds Men, 90 seconds Ladies.


'A' Class
- Full-Contact Championship Contests -
Points or K.O. - 4 rounds of duration 120 seconds Men, 90 seconds Ladies.

6. CLASSIFICATIONS OF AMATEUR PLAYERS:
There are two level classifications for Amateur Players.

1. Novice Level -............... Player that competes under Controlled-Contact in 'N' Class and 'C' Class matches.

2. Senior Level - ...............Player that competes under Full-Contact rules in 'B' class or 'A' class matches.

7. DRAW DECISIONS:
In the event of a DRAW, another round will be contested, until a player gets the winning decision.

8. REFEREE’s DECISION:
The Referee decision on any matter is final! There will be no arguing with any decisions. During the martial arts competition players must not bring the sport into disripute.

9. SCORING SYSTEMS:
'Open Scoring' is the primary system to be followed for all A.K.A. Kickboxing events, as this follows the Olympic method. 'Open Scoring' will be shown to the audience, players and corner team during the events via the A.K.A. Electronic scoreboard display.

'Closed Scoring' is the secondary system that maybe followed for A.K.A. Kickboxing events. Scoring will still follow the same method, but only the Judges will see the scores via the A.K.A. hand controllers. This method is generally reserved should there be a problem during an event with the electronic system.

10. SCORE RESULTS:
Highest Score or T.K.O. will decide the winner. Anyone not happy with the result, may only raise an issue with the Chief Judge after the event and in private. Re-matches can be asked for, and are the fairest way to solve any disputes. See Rule 7.

11. TECHNIQUES - PUNCHES:
One point scored for Punches connecting to the Face or areas of the Temple, Ears & Chin.
(No Score is awarded for punches delivered to the top of the Skull or to the back of the head).

One point scored for Punches to the body, (but not when blocked on the forearms).
Please note : Although disallowed by other associations, the Spinning-Back-Fist is a legal technique, as is the Flying punch under 'O.S.R.' Kickboxing rules.

Note : Junior Contests allow no head contact.

12. TECHNIQUES - KICKS:
Two Points Scored for Kicks connecting to the Head.

Two Points Scored for Kicks connecting to the Arms - across the Bicep and Shoulder area.

(No Score is awarded when kicks are blocked on the Fore-Arm guards).
Two Points Scored for Kicks connecting to the Body.
Two Points Scored for Kicks connecting to the Legs.

Note : Junior Contests - All Kicks score just 1 point, the same as Punches.
Note : Junior Contests allow no head contact.

13. TECHNIQUES - KNEES:
Knee Strikes are not allowed to the Head.
Two Points Scored for Knees connecting to the Arms - across the Bicep and Shoulder area.
(No Score is awarded when kicks are blocked on the Fore-Arm guards).
Two Points Scored for Knees connecting to the Body.
Two Points Scored for Knees connecting to the Legs.

Note : Junior Contests - All Knees score just 1 point, the same as Punches.

14. TECHNIQUES - CLINCH HOLDING:

Players Clinch-Holding will be seperated, once no Knee Strikes are being delivered. The maximum time allowed for the clinch hold is 5 seconds, to reduce spoiling and encourage action.

15. EIGHT COUNTS:
If an Eight Count is given. The player that caused the count is awarded 5 additional points
If the 5 Points awarded result in a Player leading by 20 Points a T.K.O. by outclass will immediately be brought into effect to enhance Player safety- see rule 16.

16. TWO KNOCKDOWN RULE:
The issuing of an Eight Count, is classed as a Knockdown ( including a Standing Eight Count) . Two Knockdowns in a single round results in an early stoppage by K.O. This is to enhance player safety.

17. T.K.O. DECISION - OUTCLASS RULE:
T.K.O. given when a player trails by 20 points on the score counter at the end of a round, or following an eight count. This known as an 'Outclass', as is to enhance the safety levels of competing for Players.

T.K.O. allowed by winding an opponent who cannot continue after an Eight Count.

18. K.O DECISION:
K.O. given when inflicting two 8 counts to an opponent ( Rule 12.)
K.O. given when a player withdraws from a match.
K.O. given when a trainer withdraws a player from a match.
K.O. given when a player can no longer continue due to a technique delivered by his opponent.


19. MEDICAL SUSPENSION :
T.K.O. Loss = Suspended for 30 Days.
K.O. Loss - Suspended for 45 Days.


20. CORNERMEN RULES :
Only 2 cornermen allowed per athlete.
No swearing or encouraging aggresive behaviour will be allowed.
Cornermen must be seated on chairs during the contests.
There will be only one warning for are infringments of these. Upon breaking these rules a second time, five points will be awarded to the opposing Player. Upon a Third Warning a Player will be Disqualified, and could also be suspended for upto 6 months or from 3 A.K.A. England Amateur competitions. Rules are to be strictly followed, to ensure player safety - see rule 23..
.

21. ROUNDS:

Novice Rules : Men & Ladies : ME
Novice Bout -------= 2 rounds x 90 seconds---------Intermediate Bout ..= 3 rounds x 90 seconds.

Senior Rules --: Men :
Senior Bout = 3 rounds x 120 seconds...-------.---.O.S.R. Title Bouts --= 4 rounds x 120 seconds.

Senior Rules
--:
Ladies :
Senior Bout = 3 rounds x 90 seconds...-------.-- - .O.S.R. Title Bouts--= 4 rounds x 90 seconds.

22. WEIGHT CATEGORIES:
On the A.K.A. England circuit, women only have 5 Weight Divisions as there are not as many competing athletes. Men have 13 Weight Divisions .These divisions are shown below and are used for the rankings and matching for Titles.


-------------WOMEN ----------------------------------------------------------------------
-------- Weight Class ----------------Max Weight-------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
Featherweight Division ----------------------( 57.7 Kg Max )
Lightweight Division
--------------------------( 60.0 Kg Max )
Welterweight Division
------------------------( 66.8 Kg Max )
Middleweight Division
------------------------( 75.0 Kg Max )
Super-Middleweight Division
-------------- ( + 75.0 Kgs )


------------MEN ----------------------------------------------------------------------
-------- Weight Class ----------------------------Max Weight-------------------
--------------------------------------------------------


Featherweight Division---------------------- ( 57.7 Kg Max )
Lightweight Division ------------------------- ( 60.0 Kg Max )
Light-Welterweight -------------------------- ( 64.5 Kgs Max )
Welterweight Division ---------------------- ( 66.8 Kg Max )
Super-Welterweight ------------------------- ( 69.5 Kgs Max )
Light-Middleweight -------------------------- ( 72.3 Kgs Max )
Middleweight Division ---------------------- ( 75.2 Kg Max )
Super-Middleweight ------------------------- ( 78.2 Kgs Max )
Light-Heavyweight Division ----------------( 81.3 Kg Max )
Light-Cruiserweight ------------------------- ( 84.5 Kgs Max )
Cruiserweight Division
----------------------( 88.6 Kgs Max )
Heavyweight Division
-----------------------( 97.7 Kgs Max )
Super-Heavyweight Division
----------------( + 97.8 Kgs )


Note:
If a Player is matched against an opponent from a higher weight division. This match will be classed as a 'Catchweight' Contest, but listed as matched at the weight division of the heaviest of the two athletes.


23. WARNINGS:
Rule Infringements ( Fouls )
Warnings will be given for fouls. Upon a second Warning being issued by the Referee, a Yellow Card will be issued. The Players opponent will then be awarded 5 additional points - Note, if this results in a score of 20 Points to a players total, he will win the match. Upon a Third Warning a Player will be Disqualified, and could also be suspended for upto 6 months from 3 A.K.A. England Amateur competitions. Rules are to be strictly followed, to ensure player safety.

24. DELAYED SCORING:
If a point is registered after the bell by the electronic score board, This point will be included as the final score of a player.

25. NO SWEEPS ALLOWED:
No Sweeps are allowed. This technique is regarded as a foul. See Rule 20.

26. NO LEG HOLDING / LEG CATCHING:
In order to enhance safety, a second warning will result in a 5 Point Penalty, (5 Points being awarded to the opponent). Defence against Kicks is either By Blocking techniques or Evasion as this is a ‘Stand-Up’ Martial Arts Competition. See Rule 20.

27. TITLE CHALLENGES:
Players wishing to challenge for titles, must ask their Trainer/Representative to add this to their entry details. Any Player may challenge for Any title that their trainer feels they can safely contest. This will then be forwarded to the A.K.A. England President or the World President who will then decide wether to allow the challenge stand, and issue mandatory defences accordingly.

Note:

If there is more than one challenger for a specific title, the following criteria is followed.

A. Matches between athletes from different countries will get preferance over matches between athletes from the same country.

B. When there is more than one challenger for a title from the same country, the contender with the highest level of Title will get preference. E.G. An English Champion and a British Champion both wish to Challenge the European Champion, The British Champion would get preference. Should there be two contenders, (both not holding a current title ), wishing to challenge a Champion, the contender with the highest ranking will get preferance.

28. TITLE DEFENCES:
Current Champions are required to make voluntary defences at each A.K.A. England Competition should there be any Challengers. This is simply done by registering to compete at an event.

Should a Champion not offer to make any voluntary defences within 12 months, then the title will become vacant. The date for a title to fall vacant is 364 days following the date the title was won or last defended, as shown on the details within the A.K.A. rankings.

Should there be a specific challenger at an event for a title already held by a champion, and the current Champion has not registered to compete at this time, then at the next event the Champion must make a mandatory defence against the challenger or vacate the title. Therefore a Mandatory title defence is required once a challenge is issued, within 60 days (next event on the circuit ).

Should a Champion register to compete on an event, which would be a voluntary title defence, and not get matched - which is no fault of their own, then the deadline date that the champion must make a title defence by will reset to 364 days from the date of the event.

Note:
Any Champion that loses his title due to mandatory title vacation may have first option on challenging the ‘New’ Champion at the soonest available A.K.A. England Event.

29. TITLE - VACATION OF CHAMPIONSHIPS TITLES:
A.K.A. England does not promote 'PRESTIGE BOUTS'. A Champion competing, is making a voluntary title defence. Should he lose a contest, he loses his championship status and title belt. To support Champions, A.K.A. England offers regular events to keep a champion as active as possible.

Should an athlete hold the title reserved for the Novice Division ( English Tilte ), and then compete in the Senior Division, the English title automatically becomes vacant as this championship title can only be contested under 'C' Class (Controlled-Contact ) rules.

Should a Champion be involved in 'ANY ' contest that is not part of the A.K.A. circuit of event, and lose - then they will be automatically stripped of their championship as A.K.A. England does not support 'PRESTIGE BOUTS'.

30. ARMOUR COLOUR:

A Players Armour must not be the same colour as that of an opponent.
All Players must wear a matching set of Armour, i.e. Headgear, Gloves, Bodyshield, Shinpads, Arm-Guards should be just one colour, example All one athlete all in Red and the opponent all in Blue. Alternative colours are allowed, as long as the criteria is followed.


31. CLOTHING WORN UNDERNEATH THE BODYSHIELD:

No clothing is to be worn underneath the bodyshield, ( vests or t-shirts etc ), , unless you are female, and in this case a Sports Bra Top is reccomended.

32 . JUDGES:

Each school that enters Players into A.K.A. competitions must also provide a person to act as a Judge. These Judges will then be rotated between the attending schools to ensure unbiased and neutral scoring. A Judge will score for 5 bouts before rotation.

33. RING SIZE:

All A.K.A. matches must take place in an 18ft x 18ft ring. This is to enhance safety as a larger competition area will allow more player movement.

34. MEDICAL CHECK:

All Players must undertake a Medical check before competing, and must have their toes nails clipped with no sharp points protruding.

35. WEIGHT CHECK:
All Players must have a weight check on the day of the competition ( unless competing at Super-Heavyweight ). During the weigh in all players must wear their competition shorts and a training vest or T-shirt.

36. AMATEUR STATUS:

DEFINITIONS

AMATEUR: One who engages in an activity as a pastime rather than as a professional; one who lacks expertise.
AMATEUR IN SPORTS: An athlete who has never participated in competition for money. An athlete who is not paid for his/her performance. An athlete at the beginning learning levels of his/her career.

PROFESSIONAL: Performed by persons receiving pay. An expert in a field of endeavor.
PROFESSIONAL IN SPORTS: An athlete who is paid for his/her performance. Paid for their excellence of experience, knowledge and ability of their given sport. An athlete who plays for pay.

Further explanation - click here


37. TIME WASTING:
It is accepted that there may need to be a temporary break in action, should any safety equipment need to be altered or replaced.
Should the Referee decide that this is being caused intensionally by a Player, then he may rule this to be a foul and issue a warning - see rule 20.

38. TITLE BELTS:
I.K.F.Championship Title Belts, are the property of the I.K.F. Kickboxing Federation. Should a Champion make two succesfull defences ( hence winning the title three times in total ) , then ownership of the title belt then transferes to the Champion.

Should a Champion lose a Belt in a title defence and wish to purchase a new belt to have as a trophy, belt can be purchased for £ 250.00 from the promoters.

Note : At the discretion of the promoter of an event, a Champion that has lost his title defence, may keep his belt, and a new belt be given to the new Champion.

 


About the A.K.A. and I.K.F.

O.S.R. Kickboxing Rules:

Required Safety Equipment:

Free video downloads:

Membership to the Association:

Sanctioning
- Titles/Events

Frequently Asked Questions.

 


Report - Results and Photos:

Current Champions:

National Rankings - AKA :

World Rankings - IKF :


 


2007 England Event schedule:

Register to compete:

View current entries:

 
 



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