| Competition Rules for Chi Sao
A. Objectives
The Objective of the contest is to test participants on the following qualities particular to Southern Short-Hand:
1.Sensitivity/Reaction Skills
2.Balance
3.Structure and technique (stance and movements)
4.Timing and speed
5.Control of power and distance
6.Clean attacking, blocking, and trapping technique
Note: This is not a point contest but a judgment of the competitors overall
performance on the above.
B. Contest Format
1.Each match will consist of two 2 -minute rounds, with a 30-second rest period in between.
2.The competition area will be a square space measuring 8' x 8', enclosed and divided into two halves by tape.
3.The opponents will bow to each other and to the referee and judges. They will then "face off" at the center of the competition area and established forearm contact in a double sticking-hands position.
4.Following the directions of the referee, the contestants will begin "rolling," rotating their forearms at least three times before initiating an exchange of techniques.
5.Should the contestants disengage, they are to return to the center of the competition area and begin again with "rolling hands" under the instructions of the referee.
6.If a contestant is driven out of the competition area, both competitors are to return to the center of the "ring" and begin again as stated above.
7.During the 30-second break period, the contestants are to return to their respective corners and adopt a kneeling or seated position until called by the referee.
C. How the matches will be officiated
1.The officiating committee will consist of the following members:
1.Chief Judge
2.Four Corner Judges
3.Center Referee
4.Timekeeper/Scorekeeper
2.The Chief Judge will be the arbiter in all disputes, and will announce the winner of each match. The Chief Judge's decision will be final on any judgments not covered by the rules.
3.The Corner Judges will score each match and determine the winner. Each Corner Judge will indicate an independent vote for the winner when the Chief Judge requests the call. A majority of votes determines the winner in each match. In the event of a draw, the Corner Judges will refer to the Chief Judge for a decision. In the finals, a 20-second "sudden death" round may be initiated if a draw occurs between all judges.
4.The Center Referee will be responsible for starting and stopping the action, for ensuring that all rules are followed, and that the safety of the participants is maintained. Only the Center Referee (or the Chief Judge at his or her discretion) can stop the clock during action. The clock will be stopped should there be an infringement of the rules, an injury, an argument, or a withdrawal.
5.The Timekeeper/Scorekeeper will start and stop the clock in accordance with the signals of the Center Referee, and will ring a bell to announce the end of each segment of a match. As scorekeeper, he will record the results of each match and will inform the Chief Judge of the name of the winner.
D. Weight Categories
The following categories, which differ from those listed in the 1999 edition of the rule-
book, will be used specifically for this event.
| | Men's (lbs) | Women's (lbs) |
| Light Weight | up to 144.9 | up to 124.9 |
| Middle Weight | 145-174.9 | 125-144.9 |
| Heavy/Upper Weight | 175-204.9 | 145 and up |
| Super Weight | 205 and up | N/A |
E. Equipment
1.Participants will be required to wear a T-shirt (with or without school insignia), martial arts pants, and athletic or gung-fu shoes. No long-sleeved shirts will be permitted.
2.Contestants will not be permitted to wear any objects (including jewelry) that may cause injury to themselves or to their opponents. Fingernails must be clipped as short as possible, and will be inspected by the officials. A mouth-guard and groin-cup (for males) are required. Headgear is optional. Hand and foot gear will not be required.
F. Protests
Any protest must be immediately presented to the Chief Judge before the start of the following match. Protests presented after this time will not be considered.
G. Match Rules
1.Judges will be looking for a continuous exchange of discernible techniques, with an emphasis on adherence or "sticking." This is to be distinguished from wrestling, shoving, and boxing.
2.Striking techniques employing the fist, open hand, and foot are to be directed at the opponent's chest protector only.
3.Competitors should display good "bridging" skills, i.e. adhering to the opponent's forearms while delivering attacks and counterattacks to precise body targets at close range.
4.Kicking is allowed only if; (1) to chest protected area and (2) at least one hand is in contact with the opponents arm.
5.None of the following actions will be permitted:
1.Committing any action with apparent intent to cause harm.
2.Blows delivered with the knee, or head.
3.Punching, elbow, or chopping at the opponent's head or neck.
4.Wild, swinging punches which show a lack of "bridging".
5.Kicking to the opponent's groin area, or to any part of his or her legs.
6."Double-grabbing," i.e. holding the opponent with both hands without executing an attack.
7.Pulling or grabbing the opponent's hair or clothing.
8.Attacking the opponent after the referee has stopped the action.
9.Talking back disrespectfully to any official.
10.Using foul language or gestures toward anyone present during the competition.
11.Intentionally using a technique meant to cause injury to your opponent.
12.Issuing verbal instructions from ringside. (This refers to instructors and fellow
students).
13.Issuing verbal instructions during the break period.
6. A contestant may receive a maximum of one warning for breaking any of the above rules. Two infringements of the rules will lead to immediate disqualification. Any intentional or excessive contact will result in immediate disqualification. |
