1.1 – Hygiene
1.1.1 – Competitors must have proper hygiene. They must be clean, have neatly trimmed fingernails and toenails, and emit no odors. Hair must not be excessively baggy, and long hair must be tied up. Obscene tattoos must be covered up.
1.1.2 – No infectious skin diseases or open wounds will be permitted. Any cuts should be covered up. The event’s medical staff has final say whether the competitor may or may not compete.
1.1.3 – No lubricants, oils, or lotions of any kind will be permitted on any part of the body or clothing. Competitors can not use any substance to make the skin or uniform either more slippery or stickier. Competitors must not wear any hair die that could stain the mat or the opponent.
1.2 – Registration
1.2.1 – Professional mixed-martial arts fighters, professional wrestlers, Olympic wrestlers, wrestlers with experience competing in college or nationally, or judoka with shodans or higher have too much experience to compete in white belt divisions. However, they can only compete in blue belt or higher divisions.
1.2.2 – All competitors must register by the deadlines set forth for each event. Late registration and procrastination will not be accepted.
Weigh-in is on the same day as the event. Weigh-in the night before is available on some tournaments
3.1 – Requirement of the Uniform
3.1.1
Competitors must wear a clean proper-fitting uniform. The uniform must be in good condition and not be stretched, frayed, ripped, excessively baggy, or have any holes. There must be no obscenities printed on it. Brief-style underwear is mandatory. No thongs or boxers. Clothing covering the head is allowed for religious beliefs as long as it is in good condition and must not be stretched, frayed, ripped, excessively baggy, have any holes, or excessively cumbersome as to prevent a grip or submission. Joint protectors (knee braces, elbow braces, etc.) and hair ties, are permitted as long as they are not excessively cumbersome as to prevent a grip or submission. Medical devices are allowed with a doctor’s permission, but they must not be too hard, interfere with a proper submission, or be excessively cumbersome in the opinion of the referee and medical staff. Competitors must not wear any hard object: such as jewelry, pins, needles, glasses, protective cups, joint protectors, hair ties, unapproved footwear, or unapproved medical devices. Competitors have the right to have their uniform checked up to 2 more times if their uniform fails the first inspection. They must be wearing all approved elbow/knee braces and medical devices at the time of the check. Competitors cannot remove their uniform while inside the competition area unless instructed to do so by a member of the event staff.
3.1.2 – For No-Gi Competitions
Only a rash guard or tight shirt is permitted to be worn on top. The color must be primarily black, white, or the competitor’s belt color. Additionally, at least 10% of the top must show the competitor’s belt color. Only board shorts or elastic pants (such as MMA shorts, etc.) is permitted to be worn on bottom. The color must be primarily black; up to 30% of the competitor’s belt color may show. The length must reach at least half way down the thigh. Shorts cannot go past the bottom of the knee. Any pockets must be stitched shut. Shoes are not permitted
3.1.3 – For the Competitions with the Gi
The GI must be made of cotton or a cotton-like fabric. It must not be excessively cumbersome as to be thick enough to be hard to grip. The GI top’s sleeves must reach no more than 2 inches from the competitor’s wrist when extended outward. The opening of the sleeve at full extension must be no less than 2.75 Inches The GI top’s skirt must reach to the competitor’s thighs. The GI pants must reach no more than 2 inches from the competitor’s ankle bone. Shoes are not permitted. No other pants can be worn under the GI. Spats are not allowed. Men must not wear anything under the GI top. Rash guards are not allowed. Women must wear a tight-fitting shirt, sports bra, or rash-guard under their GI top. The GI must be a solid color either White, BLUE, Navy Blue, or Black. The pants and top must match. The belt must be in a good condition. No frays. No rips or tears. Black belt competitors may be required to wear a blue or a white GI to aid in identification. If they are required to change their GI, then it will be re-checked.
Patches and logos are allowed only in the following areas:
Please Note: Amateur Competitors-Brand of Kimono and Academy Flag only. Professional Competitors-Brand of Kimono, Academy Flag and Sponsor(s). GCT Competitor-Brand of Kimono, Academy Flag and Sponsor(s)
3.2 – Divisions
Competitors over 18 years old must never compete in divisions for juveniles under 18 years old. Competitors over 30 years old may compete in a division for younger competitors (except juvenile divisions,), but not in a division specified for competitors older than their proper division.
3.2.1 – Match Rounds
All matches shall consist of a single round unless otherwise specified.
3.2.2 – Allowed Rest Time
Between each match, competitors may have at least one full match length of time between matches to rest. Before the finals, competitors may have at least two full match lengths of time between matches to rest. Competitors in divisions without a time limit may have at least ten minutes of rest between all matches, including before the finals.
3.2.3 – Weight-Ins & Weight Classes
All competitors have 1 chance to make the official weight confirmation. No refunds for missing weight on the official scale. Shoes and other articles of clothing not used for competition are not permitted to be worn while on the scale. Weight classes are announced in a separate document. Events may also have absolute divisions without weight classes. Competitors do not need to weigh in for absolute divisions.
3.3 – Format of the Match
3.3.1 – Authority of the Referee
The referee on the mat is the ultimate authority governing the match. Competitors and coaches must follow all commands by the referee and event staff. Any disrespect shown to the referees, staff, competitors, coaches, or anyone else by the competitor or the coach may result in penalties or a DQ. The right arm of the referee shall wear a distinguishing bracelet, which refers to the competitor on the right. The left arm refers to the other competitor. The result of a match can only be overturned in the following situations: The scoreboard was read incorrectly. The competitor used an illegal technique to win the match. The competitor was disqualified for using a legal move. If the opponent did not submit to the legal move, then 2 points are given to the competitor and the match is restarted in the standing position. If the opponent submitted to the legal move, then the competitor is declared the winner instead. The match can only be overturned if the bracket has not already proceeded. The head referee must inform the bracketing table not to proceed with the incorrect competitor if there is an overturned result. Special Three Referee Format A match may have 3 referees. All 3 referees have the same authority. The center referee conducts the match, while the corner referees sit in their chairs and observe. In the event of a disqualification, the center referee will make the appropriate gesture without stopping the match. If a corner referee agrees with him, then the match is stopped and the winner declared. If the corner referees disagree with the center referee’s ruling, they will stand up and signify the appropriate gesture to add or subtract points or penalties. If two referees agree, that result overrides the third referee. If all three referees disagree, then the intermediate result is used.
3.3.2 – Coaches
During a competitive event, the coach of a jiu-jitsu team is the lead representative and voice of the academy. He or she gives instruction and coaching tips to the competitor while the match is in progress. It is an important role of the coach to assist in the success of the match. Only one coach can be in the corner for each competitor. The coach must stay in the designated area just outside of the competition ring. Each ring has two chairs for the coaches. The coach must maintain a respective posture towards the other competitors, academies and teams, referees, ring coordinators, event staff, and anyone else. Regardless of the emotions expressed, any disrespect or unsportsmanlike conduct shown by a coach during a match will result in disciplinary sanctions.
Match Duration
3.3.3 – Start of the Match
The referee will make a final check to make sure each competitor wears a legal uniform. The competitor has 3 minutes to replace the uniform. After 3 minutes, it will result in a forfeiture. The referee will indicate when the competitors should enter the ring. The competitors start in the standing position by facing each other in the center of the ring not more than 1 meter apart. The referee instructs each competitor to be positioned as follows: When one competitor wears a white uniform, he shall be positioned at the referee’s left side. When one competitor wears a blue uniform, he shall be positioned at the referee’s right side. When both competitors wear the same color uniform, the competitor to the referee’s right shall also wear the green & yellow belt, in addition to their normal belt, to distinguish the competitors. In no GI, the competitor to the referee’s right side shall wear the green ankle bracelet.
3.3.4 – End of the Match
When the time limit expires, the referee will end the match. At the end of the match, the competitors will be instructed to stand in their starting positions. The referee will declare the winner by raising the competitor’s arm. After the match is stopped, but before the winner is declared, competitors may still receive penalties, which affect the score of the match. Matches can be decided by the following:
1. Submission: Competitors may submit by clearly tapping twice with their hands or feet, or by verbally withdrawing. Indicating pain or making noise while in a submission is also a verbaç tap.
2. Referee Stoppage: The referee may stop the match to protect the competitor from being injured by a submission or losing consciousness.
3. Loss of Consciousness: Competitors who rendered unconscious cannot continue in the match. Competitors who are render unsconscious due to blunt force trauma cannot compete agian in the competition.
4. Desqualification (DQ): Competitors who commit a major penalty will be disqualified from continuing in the match.
5. Points: Competitors who earn the most number of points will be declared the victor if there is no other stoppage.
6. Penalties: If points are tied, the competitor with the least number of minor penalities will be declared the victor.
7. “Sudden Death” Overtime: When there is a tie situation on the scoreboard at the end of the match-time, the referee will call for a tiebreak “sudden death” match.
Guidelines for “Sudden Death” overtime are as follows:
a) The referee will place both opponents in a starting position and will restart the competition for a non-regulated time period.
b) Application of rules and negative points for stalling will be more rigid during a “sudden death” match.
c) Athletes must actively pursue points and/or submission during match.
d) When a competitor scores points or forces the opponent to submit during sudden death overtime, the referee will end the match immediately. The first competitor to have scored points or forced the opponent to submit will be declared the winner.
e) If a competitor receives a negative point during “sudden death” overtime, the referee will end the match immediately and declare his/her opponent the victor.
f) If one or both competitors are stalling, referee may give negative points to both athletes.
g) If there is not enough action from both competitors the referee may do the following:
i. If there is insufficient action from a standing position, restart the competitors in the center of the mat in a standing position.
ii. If there is insufficient action from a standing position, restart the competitors in the center of the mat area with athletes starting on their knees.
iii. If there is continued insufficient action from both athletes the referee can potentially end the match with double disqualification in the case of a third negative point awarded to both athletes.
f) A competitor that pulls guard and does not show significant attempts to submit and/or gain points can be seen as avoiding the match, which can result in losing points.
g) A competitor that runs away from the opponent’s guard in an attempt to call the fight to the feet and/or does not show significant attempts to pass the guard can be seen as avoiding the match which can result in losing points.
h) The center referee and/or Referee Director may ask for a three (3)-referee set-up if deemed
necessary.
3.3.5 – Lifting Competitors Off the Ground
Referees should attempt to prevent injuries to competitors 12 year old and under who are suspended off of the ground by adding some support for the back and spinal cord. At the host’s digression, a second referee may be provided solely to add this support during matches.
3.3.6 – Injuries
The referee shall summon medical staff in the event of an injury to one or both competitors. Competitors who need medical attention to control bleeding, after being treated 2 times, will be disqualified.
Competitors who experience head trauma will not be allowed to continue to compete in the event.
3.3.7 – Referee Signals
Referees shall signal to the competitors with the following verbal commands and nonverbal gestures
Referee brings hands toward shoulders.
Competitors enter the mat and get assigned a position either left or right of the ref.
Referee checks to see if fighters are.
Competitors START THE ACTION!
Referee makes a sideways motion with competitors stop the fight.
Referee signals crossed to the table. Signaling a DQ.
Competitor or stop the match and stand up to end the match.
To declare a minor penalty the referee physically touches the competitor. When a referee sees a competitor stalling or being passive, he physically touches the competitor and the clock starts.
Competitor must change the position or will be penalized after the determinate time.
Referee declare the minor penalty. Referee declare a stalling penalty after the determinate time with no position advancement.
Referee makes a downward diagonal motion with the arm.
Competitors should go to the ground.
Referee makes a downward diagonal motion with the arm.
Competitors should go to the ground.
Referee makes an upward diagonal motion with the arm.
Competitors should stand up.
Referee makes an upward diagonal motion with the arm. Competitors should stand up.
Referee makes a circular motion with finger. Competitor should remain in the match area.
Referee cross arms downward in front of the hips with open palms. Competitor should correct the Gi.
Referee pulls outward from belt area.
Competitor should tie the belt.
Referee signals to scoring table by heaving hand, side to side.
Competitor continue the match seamlessly.
3.4 – Scoring
NOTE: The Marianas Open Points System are based on the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Point System (IBJJF)
Points will only be declared once the competitor clearly shows control during a 3 second count. Competitors must not be locked in a submission during the count. Competitors may earn cumulative points with one movement (e.g. sweep & mount, etc.).
Competitors will only earn points for progressing in the match. Competitors earn nothing for deliberately transitioning to an inferior position in order to score more points.
Four Point Situations
Notes:
• No points are declared unless both of the competitor’s legs are under the opponent’s.
• No points will be declared if both of the opponent’s arms are trapped under the competitor’s legs, the competitor’s feet or legs are crossed in front of the opponent, or the competitor only has one hook.
Three Point Situations
Passing the guard
• 1 – Half Guard
• 1 – Guard Passed
Notes: No points will be declared for forcing the opponent to the turtle position.
Two Point Situations
Sweep Reversals
Points will be declared for sweeps or reversals from the guard that achieve the top position. The opponent’s hips must be controlled without obstruction if he or she ends up on all fours (turtle position). No points will be declared for reversals or escapes from bad positions (side control, mount, turtle positions, etc). The first person to achieve the top position after a double guard pull will be awarded points for a sweep.
Points will be declared for the opponent if a competitor deliberately flees the ring to avoid a sweep. The offending competitor will be given a minor penalty. The match is restarted in the standing position.
Takedowns and Throws
Points will be declared when the opponent pulls guard while the competitor begins the takedown or grips the opponent’s leg or pants. Points are not declared if the opponent pulls guard before a takedown is initiated.
Points will be declared when the opponent jumps guard, remains suspended in the air, then is put safely on the mat by the competitor and controlled for a 3 count.
No points are declared unless the takedown starts from the standing position with both of the competitor’s feet inside the center area. The opponent’s hips must be controlled without obstruction if the takedown forces the opponent on all fours (turtle position).
Referee’s criteria:
If the first criteria is not considered even, then the winner is decided on that criteria alone (compelling submission attempts). If the quantity of compelling submissions is equal, then the next criteria is considered, and so on.
Items that can negatively impact the decision:
3.5 – Infractions
Penalties are the last criteria used to decide a match, not the first.
3.5.1 – Minor Penalties
A minor penalty is declared for the following illegal techniques:
Pulling guard:
No Stalling:
Consequences:
3.5.2 – Major Penalties (DQ)
Reaping the Knee:
Only competitors in elite divisions, or divisions where twisting leg locks are legal, may legally reap the knee.
Disciplinary fouls: Competitors who commit any of the following disciplinary penalties will be automatically disqualified, barred from competing in the event, cannot receive an award, and may receive further sanctions:
Illegal Techniques: The following technical fouls result in a major penalty and a DQ:
3.6 – Format of the Competition
Competitors may only compete in the divisions for which they are registered.
All competitors must report to the ring coordinator for their division in the warmup area at the appropriate time. Competitors must follow all instructions by the ring coordinator, or they may be disqualified. Competitors, who cannot be found by the ring coordinator, may also be disqualified.
The ring coordinator will direct the competitors through the process to have their uniforms checked and then weigh in. After completing the process, no competitor may leave the competition area. They must wait in the bullpen until called by their ring coordinator. Athletes who leave the area may be disqualified!
After each match, the ring coordinator will instruct the athletes when they may leave the competition area or return to the bullpen.
Competitors or coaches may not walk barefoot in areas where it is disallowed, such as the restroom or the ground within the competition area. Competitors or coaches caught walking barefoot may be required to clean their feet before entering the competition area.
3.7 – Competition Area
The competition area should be surrounded by a barrier and entry will be strictly regulated.
Attached to one end of the competition area should be the warm-up area, where competitors are called for their divisions.
Between the warmup area and the competition area should be a bullpen where athletes who have been weighed and checked in will remain until dismissed by the ring coordinator.
Centrally located in the competition area should be the administration table, where the brackets are made for each division and distributed to the ring coordinators.
Each ring in the competition area should be a square or circle with an area from 64mÇ to 100mÇ. A safety border 1 meter from the edge should be distinguished by a different color.
Each ring in the competition area will have a table for the scorekeeper. The scoreboard will be positioned on the table with the green/yellow side on the referee’s right side. At least three chairs will be located at the table. A number will clearly identify the ring.
Near the competition area should be the awards area for tournaments. A platform for the competitor to stand on should be provided. The competitors cannot wear anything inappropriate while receiving their awards.
3.8 – Staff
The staff of an event’s host may include, but is not limited to: announcer, award presenters, event director, head coordinator, head referee, match & bracket makers, promoter, ring coordinators, ring referees, ring scorekeepers, security personal, uniform checkers, and other assistants as deemed necessary.
The staff must not coach or help instruct any competitor while performing in an official capacity.
The staff at the administration table should not be interrupted from their duties by members of the public.
3.9 – Brackets
The results of the three top-placing athletes shall count for points in the overall inter-academy contest for each division of the competition.
The following points are awarded for each of the top three placements:
•Champion – 9 points
• Runner-up – 3 points
•Third place – 1 point
Tie-Breaker: Tie-breakers at championships where points from each age category are counted separately.
5.1 – Collusion Amongst Team
Collision occurs when teams make moves to benefit another team, with the intention to garner points to improved positioning towards winning the team championship. Teams who do not share a common professor, lineage or gym who register under one team is obvious example of this. The integrity of the Marianas Open Jiu-Jitsu Champion is kept at a high standard. A COMPETITOR, PROFESSOR OR TEAM FOUND IN VIOLATION OF THIS POLICY WILL HAVE REGISTRATION CANCELLED AND PROHIBITED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE MARIANAS OPEN EVENTS.
Athletes registering for any championship must be affiliated with an academy, and that academy is subject to the approval of the MARIANAS OPEN.
Registration for each championship shall adhere to a timetable widely publicized by the MARIANAS OPEN, and all deadlines must be enforced.
Athletes who do not meet the requirements put forth in championship guidelines or those in this General Competition Regulations Book may be disqualified at any moment prior to, during or following the competition.
The athlete may only compete as the belt they are registered under with the MARIANAS OPEN. If the athlete is promoted by his/her teacher before the minimum time spent in the previous belt requirement is met or minimum age, he/she cannot compete in this current belt nor the previous one.
Once an athlete’s gradation occurs, he cannot compete in his previous belt anymore. If he/she gets promoted during a competition after his division is done, he will be forbidden from competing in the open class.
6.1 – Collusive Registration
Collision occurs when teams make moves to benefit another team, with the intention to garner more points to improved positioning towards winning the team championship. Teams who do not share a common professor, lineage or gym who register under one team is obvious example of this. The integrity of the Marianas Open Jiu-Jitsu Champion is kept at a high standard. A COMPETITOR, PROFESSOR OR TEAM FOUND IN VIOLATION OF THIS POLICY WILL HAVE REGISTRATION CANCELLED AND PROHIBITED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE MARIANAS OPEN EVENTS.