IFSF Kickboxing Competition Rules
- Weight Classes:
Competitors are categorized into weight divisions to ensure fair matchups. Common weight classes include lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight, with specific weight limits determined by the organizing body.
- Scoring System:
- Effective Strikes: Points are awarded for clean and effective strikes to legal target areas, which typically include the head and torso.
- Knockdowns: A knockdown occurs when a fighter is knocked to the canvas from a legal strike. The downed fighter has a count administered by the referee, and points are usually awarded to the standing fighter.
- Three Knockdown Rule: Some competitions may enforce a three knockdown rule where a fighter knocked down three times in a round may be declared knocked out (TKO).
- Techniques Allowed:
- Punches: Straight punches, hooks, and uppercuts.
- Kicks: Front kicks, roundhouse kicks, and low kicks to the legs.
- Knee Strikes: Knee strikes are allowed but typically to the body only.
- Clinching: Clinching is permitted but often limited in duration, and fighters are expected to actively work while in the clinch.
- Duration of Matches:
- Rounds: Typically consist of three 3-minute rounds for amateur bouts and three 5-minute rounds for professional bouts.
- Extra Rounds: In the event of a draw, an extra round may be added to determine the winner.
- Attire and Equipment:
- Gloves: Standard boxing gloves are worn, usually between 8 oz to 10 oz for lighter weight classes and up to 12 oz for heavier divisions.
- Mouthguard: Mandatory for all fighters.
- Groin Protector: Required for male fighters.
- Prohibited Actions:
- Headbutts: Strictly prohibited.
- Elbows: Elbow strikes are generally not allowed.
- Throws and Sweeps: Techniques from grappling sports like throws and sweeps are not permitted.
- Judging Criteria:
- Judges score rounds based on effective striking, knockdowns, aggressiveness, ring control, and defense. Emphasis is placed on clean techniques and effective use of scoring opportunities.
- Refereeing and Officials:
- Matches are officiated by a referee who ensures adherence to the rules, safety of the fighters, and fair play. Additional judges score the bout from different angles around the ring.
- Decision and Penalties:
- Decision: The winner of the match is determined by judges’ scorecards or by knockout.
- Penalties: Fighters may receive warnings or point deductions for infractions such as low blows, excessive clinching, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Anti-Doping Measures:
- Competitions may enforce anti-doping regulations, with random testing to ensure fair play and athlete safety.
- Respect for Tradition:
- As with all combat sports, K1 kickboxing promotes respect for opponents, referees, and officials, with fighters expected to adhere to rules of fair play and sportsmanship.