Tournament Conduct Rules

All competitors will receive the tournament rules upon registration. It is essential to review and understand these rules.
Competitors must adhere to all instructions from Tournament Officials regarding event procedures. Conduct between events is also governed by these rules.
Horseplay is strictly prohibited, and participants under the age of 14 must be supervised at all times. Non-compliance may result in disqualification from the tournament and forfeiture of awards.

Spectator Conduct

Spectators and parents must not interfere with the event or enter any competition ring without the referee's permission. Spectators must stay within designated areas.
For questions or concerns, please contact a Tournament Official for assistance.

Competitor’s Rules and Responsibilities

Competitors must know the rules and be prepared for competition when called.
Competitors will receive three calls at their designated ring. Failure to respond will result in disqualification.
Referee instructions must be followed at all times. Non-compliance results in immediate disqualification.
Proper attire must be worn (see Dress Code).
Negative cross-talk is prohibited; violators will be disqualified.
Leaving the competition area without the referee's permission after an event has started will result in disqualification.
UMA-approved safety equipment is mandatory (see Safety Equipment).
Competitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be removed from the tournament.
No jewelry, body piercings, or potentially hazardous objects may be worn during competition.
Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed before the tournament.
Competitors must maintain a positive attitude throughout the event. Displays of dissatisfaction are unacceptable and may result in penalties.
Coaching is only permitted before the event or during rest periods; mid-event coaching is not allowed.
In the Sparring Division, competitors are allowed three referee-approved time-outs.
Hair must be clean and cut to avoid obstructing the match. No headbands or bandannas allowed. Hair slides, metal/plastic hair grips, ribbons, and beads are prohibited. Rubber bands or ponytail retainers are allowed, and religiously mandated headwear must be UMA-approved.
Glasses are forbidden in sparring; soft contact lenses may be worn at the competitor’s own risk.
Female competitors must wear a T-shirt under their uniform top (see Dress Code).
Contestants cannot be replaced by another individual in individual competition.
Competitors cannot choose or reject opponents.
Shoving or pushing an opponent out of bounds is not allowed and may result in penalties.
Competitors with existing medical conditions must complete an Emergency Medical Form.

Medical History

Competitors and instructors must inform a UMA Tournament Official of any medical conditions during registration. This includes conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and seizures.
The Emergency Medical Form ensures medical personnel are aware of existing conditions for proper response in case of emergencies.

Coaching Conduct

Coaching is only allowed before or between rounds and not during time-outs or the match itself.
Coaches, instructors, or teammates may not enter the ring without the referee’s permission, as it may be taken as forfeiture.
Coaches and instructors must stay in their designated area, remain seated, and refrain from interfering.
Unsportsmanlike or abusive behavior is prohibited.
Coaches cannot request time-outs or interfere with Tournament Officials' decisions.
Coaches must show their accreditation alongside their competitor’s at the official table and remain seated during matches.

Fairness and Impartial Rule

The Tournament Director or Arbitrator may modify a rule for fairness in extreme circumstances, such as for disabled competitors.

Competition Categories

Divisions: Little Dragons, Junior, Adult, and Senior.
Criteria: Gender, age, belt color/experience, and weight.
Youth competitors may be organized by height for safety reasons.

Belt Rank Information

Competitors must compete at the highest belt rank they have earned, regardless of current rank. Violations result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of awards.

Match Times and Point Lead Rule

Preliminary rounds: 2 minutes. Championship rounds: 3 minutes.
A 7-point lead in preliminary matches or a 10-point lead in championship matches results in automatic victory.
The Tournament Director may adjust match times.

Time-outs

Competitors are allowed three referee-approved time-outs. No coaching is allowed during these periods. Violations result in a warning and potential disqualification.

Late Entries

All competitors must arrive at their ring before the event starts. Late entries are not permitted.

Time Delay

Competitors not ready at the time called may receive warnings or disqualification. Three calls will be made for absent competitors. Failure to respond results in disqualification.
Improper uniforms or unsafe/missing equipment must be corrected immediately to avoid penalty points.

Merging Divisions and Sparring Restrictions

The Tournament Director may merge or split divisions based on age, rank, or other factors.
Competitors may not enter more than one sparring division.

The Competition Ring

Dimensions: 16-20 feet per side.
Must have clearly marked boundaries, starting lines, and be numbered visibly.
Puzzle mats or non-slip surfaces must be used.

In Case of a Draw

A one-minute extension is given for scoring. If still tied, ring generalship will determine the winner based on control, tactics, and activity.

No Activity Rule/Avoiding Contact

Competitors must engage within 5 seconds. Warnings, penalties, or disqualification may follow for inactivity or stalling.

Forfeit Procedures

A competitor may forfeit by verbal statement, gesture, leaving the ring, or unauthorized entry by their instructor/corner-man.
False forfeiture signals result in disqualification.

Removal of an Official

Protests for removing an official must be filed before the division begins. All protests must be conducted in an orderly manner.

Filing a Protest

Protests must be filed immediately if a competitor believes there has been an infraction or mistake. Protests are not allowed once the competition resumes. Unsporting protests may lead to penalties.

AMA Tournament Year

Runs from February 1st to November 1st, ending with the UMAs Awards Banquet.

All UMA competition divisions will adhere to these rules and regulations, supervised by trained officials. Non-compliance will result in expulsion and forfeiture of awards.

This revision ensures consistency, clear formatting, and enhanced readability of the rules and regulations.