Safety Equipment Guidelines

Mandatory Safety Equipment (Examples only, not endorsing any brand):

• Headgear

• Gloves

• Mouthpiece

• Groin Cup

• Foot Protector

General Requirements:

• All sparring competitors must wear appropriate safety equipment, including headgear, hand and foot pads, groin cups, and mouthpieces.

• The referee will inspect each competitor’s equipment before the match. Any equipment found to be worn out, torn, missing straps, or containing any unsafe foreign objects must be immediately replaced. Failure to do so will result in disqualification (see Time Delay rule).

• The referee has the authority to approve or deny the use of any safety equipment.

Detailed Safety Equipment Requirements:

1. Hand Pads (Mandatory): Must have a soft padded surface that covers all striking areas of the hand.

2. Foot Pads (Mandatory): Must have a soft padded surface covering all striking areas of the foot. The bottom of the foot does not need to be covered.

3. Headgear (Mandatory): Must cover the sides and back of the head with a soft padded surface. A clear plastic face shield is optional for additional facial protection.

4. Mouthpiece (Mandatory): Must fit securely in the competitor’s mouth.

Recommended Safety Equipment:

• Chest Protectors for women (optional).

• Shin, Elbow, and Knee Pads are recommended for additional safety but are not required.

Additional Notes:

• All mandatory safety equipment must be worn during a match, and the round will not start until all required gear is in place.

• If a mouthpiece becomes dislodged or if straps on the hand or foot pads loosen during a match, the referee will address the issue at an appropriate time.

Dress Code

Sparring Division Requirements:

• Competitors must wear a complete uniform (top and bottom), whether traditional or sport-style, in good condition.

• The appropriate color belt or sash must be worn during the competition.

• Prohibited Attire: T-shirts, tank tops, and sweatpants are not allowed. Only approved shoes may be worn, and they must not damage or scar the tournament floor.

Other Divisions (e.g., Katas, Weapons Katas, Technique Demonstrations):

• T-shirts or sweatshirts featuring the competitor's school logo, UMA logo, or plain shirts may be worn. This applies to shirts worn under the uniform as well.

• Shuriken Throwing Division: Participants must wear a T-shirt during the competition for safety reasons. Long sleeves are prohibited to prevent potential hazards for the thrower and spectators.

• Removal of the uniform top is permitted for artistic expression or safety reasons.

General Guidelines:

• Glasses are not permitted; soft contact lenses may be worn at the competitor’s own risk.

• Unauthorized clothing or equipment is prohibited.

• The use of bandages, padding, or supports due to injury must be approved by the referee.

• Jacket Sleeve Length: Must extend no longer than the wrist bend and no shorter than halfway down the forearm. Rolling up jacket sleeves is not allowed. Jacket ties must be secured.

• Pant Length: Must cover at least two-thirds of the shin and should not extend below the anklebone. Rolling up pant legs is not permitted.

• The UMA Tournament Official may approve the display of special labels or sponsor trademarks.

Mandatory Safety Equipment for Weapons Sparring

Required Equipment:

• Headgear with Face Protector

• Groin Protector

• Safety Gloves (must be open-fingered for gripping)

Optional Equipment:

• Neck Protector

Enforcement: All UMA competition divisions will be supervised by trained UMA officials. Adherence to these rules is mandatory. Competitors, instructors, and agents must follow all regulations regarding their conduct at the tournament. Failure to comply will result in expulsion from the event and forfeiture of all awards.

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