Breaking
Section 13. Rules & Regulations for Breaking Competition
13.1 Divisions
13.1.1 The number and type of divisions of competition shall be left up to each individual tournament director. (Referee does not have authority to split divisions.)
13.1.1.1 The tournament director has the right to expand or condense the divisions as he/she desires.
13.1.1.2 The tournament director has the right to specify the number of stations allowed and the number of boards used. Also what materials may be used.
13.2 Type of Breaking Materials
All materials to be broken must be supplied by the competitor.
13.2.1 Concrete - standard 2" X 9" X 18" concrete end caps.
13.2.1.1 Competitors must provide some type of protection to the floor (carpet, etc.). This may be provided by the tournament director.
13.2.2 Wood - size of boards shall be determined by the competitors age.
13.2.2.1 5-8 yr. old - 1x12x6
13.2.2.2 9-14 yr. old - 1x12x10
13.2.2.3 Adult - 1x12x12
13.3 Merits - Scoring Criteria
13.3.1 Difficulty and Creativity Score:
13.3.1.1 Creativity: Were the breaks unique in design and presented in a creative or innovative fashion? The judges will evaluate and score creativity based on creative originality.
13.3.1.2 Variety: Did the breaking demonstration feature a variety of techniques, directions, materials and methods?
13.3.1.3 Degree of Difficulty: Within the demonstration, how difficult was each break or breaking sequence (without consideration for quantity)? If a competitor drops a board from a station, the degree of difficulty score should reflect this.
13.3.1.4 Realism: Was the demonstration performed with a rhythm and flow that is dynamic and exciting?
13.3.1.5 Quantity: This evaluates the volume of materials broken with each strike, or during the demonstration as a whole.
13.3.1.6 Materials must be visibly broken before hitting the floor.
13.3.1.7 Missed attempts are not reflected in the Difficulty and Creativity score.
NOTE: The combined qualities of Creativity, Variety, Degree of Difficulty and Realism are weighed more heavily than Quantity in evaluating the performance.
13.3.2 Completion Score - a ten (10) point system is used.
13.3.2.1 Only three (3) attempts per station are permitted, competitor must move from one station to the next.
13.3.2.2 If all boards break on first attempt, ten (10) points will be awarded.
13.3.2.3 If a second attempt is taken on any station, score drops to nine (9). If another attempt is taken on any station, score is eight (8) etc... Each time an attempt is taken, the Completion Score drops by one (1) point. Remember, no more than 3 attempts per station.
13.3.2.4 If judges determine that a missed attempt was caused by a holder moving, they may choose not to deduct a point.
13.4 Judging Procedure
13.4.1 Points shall be awarded on a scale of 6.0 to 9.9 in tenth of a point (.1) increments. In colored belt competition, the score will be from 6.0 to 8.0 with 7.0 as the ‘average’ score awarded. In Black Belt competition, the score will be from 8.0 to 9.9 with 9.0 as the average score.
13.4.2 Judges shall display the score of each competitor by use of flash cards or by use of their hands.
13.4.3 The highest and lowest scores shall be thrown out and the remaining three scores added to compute ‘total score.’ (Only if 5 or more judges.)
13.4.3.1 In the case of a tie, the lowest score shall be added back to break the tie. If still tied, the highest score shall then be added back as well. If this procedure fails to break the tie, then judges will call the competitors back up and point to the competitor of their choice.
13.4.4 The computation of the total score on the score sheet shall be recorded by an assigned official and each divisions sheet shall be signed by the respective center referee & judges.
13.5 Breaking Procedure
13.5.1 Qualified martial artists or experienced people may be used for board holders with no more than nine (9) people on the competition floor at a time.
13.5.2 A competitor must be prepared for his/her competition when they are called by having all breaking materials, props and holders ready to set up.
13.5.2.1 The competitor will have a maximum of five (5) minutes to set up.
13.5.3 The competitor must have the area cleaned of all materials and ready for the next competitor in two (2) minutes or less.
13.5.4 Any competitor not prepared for his competition and available to set up & remove all materials within the allocated time limits will be subject to either a penalty of minus points or may be disqualified at the discretion of the tournament director.
13.6 Safety
13.6.1 Safety of the competitor and the audience comes first, NO EXCEPTIONS!
Also the break cannot cause damage to the facility or surrounding fixtures.
13.6.2 All materials must be safe. No glass or fire. No materials are allowed that may potentially injure surrounding individuals.
13.6.3 The safety of the holders and spectators is also a concern. Be certain that a follow through is not going to hit a holder or a speed break doesn’t hit spectators.
13.6.4 Breaking materials that leave the ring in a dangerous fashion may be grounds for penalization or disqualification.
13.6.5 If the center referee feels a specific break is dangerous to the competitor, ask the competitor if the break has been done before, voice concern and ask if the competitor would like to change it, if they wish to continue advise them to proceed with caution.
13.6.5.1 If the break is deemed to be unsafe by the center referee and judges, we reserve the right to restrict the break.