Sport MMA Rules

The Sport MMA event is designed to provide the highest level of combative freedom while maximizing the safety of the contestants. Although the goal is to simulate an MMA style fight in terms of technical content - the SportMMA matches are recreational, skill based contests of point sparring and grappling. (Full contact strikes or the intent to injure your opponent will result in disqualification)

The rules are designed to encourage fast paced action, and be equally accessible to strikers and grapplers alike. A well rounded athlete has an edge of course as they can adapt their strategy to their opponents.

The matches consist of 2 rounds of light contact continuous sparring with the option to attempt takedowns and achieve ground control and submissions.

Match Rules

• Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced divisions consists of two 1.5 minute rounds with 30secs between rounds
• Expert divisions consists of two 2 minute rounds with 30 seconds between rounds
• Clinches will be allowed to last 5-10 seconds (at the referee's discretion) if no takedown is scored the competitors will be restarted by the referee
• Body punches and kicks are allowed in the clinch
• If the competitors end up on the ground they will be given 30 seconds to accumulate points and/or secure a submission victory. The referee can extend the ground time at his discretion if he deems one of the competitors is clearly in the process of applying a submission. (for example one competitor has the back mount and is nearly applying a rear naked choke)
• Points are accumulated on each of the judges "clickers" and each judge calls the winner of the round based on his score. In the event of a 1-1 round tie, there will be a 30 second overtime round.
• The referee can end the match if he deems one of the contestant's refusal to tap will lead to injury while caught in a clear submission technique.

Grand Championship Rules

• The matches will consist of two 2.5 minute round with ground time extended until the referee deems there is not enough action.
• A draw will result in a 2.5 min. overtime round

Minimum Required Gear

• Shorts (with drawstrings and no pockets)
• Groin Protector
• Mouth Guard
• Foot Protectors
• Gloves
• Shin Guards
• Head Gear
• T-shirt or rash guard

*Competitors can wear any combination of shorts, T-shirts, rash guards, partial or full Gi.

Point System

• Punch : 1 point
• Kick to body - 1 points
• Leg Kick (roundhouse to the thigh only) : 1 point
• Kick to the head: 2 points
• Spin Kick: 2 points
• Takedown: 4 points
• Positional Control - any clear top dominant control for 3 seconds or more: 2 points
• Guard Sweeps (guard or half guard reversal to dominant position): 2 points
• Guard Pass (must end up in dominant position): 2 points
• Ground Body punches(Advanced divisions only) -no other ground strike allowed- will be counted based on the judges determination that such a punch would cause damage if executed at full power (for example punching down on chest from the mount) body punches are allowed from any position but it is unlikely they will be counted if thrown from an inferior position: 1 point
• Serious submission attempt with near success - 2 points

*A contestant that is injured is to be given a reasonable about of time to recover. In the event a contestant cannot continue due to an injury he/she will forfeit if the injury was deemed accidental. If the injury was caused by a foul, the contestant who commited the foul will be disqualified.

Illegal Techniques

• No Striking of any kind to the head while one or both competitors are on the ground
• No heel hooks
• No neck cranks
• No twisting ankle or leg attacks
• No attacks to the front of the windpipe
• No hair pulling
• No fingers in any orifice
• No SLAMMING an opponent on the mat
• No small joint manipulation (toes, fingers)
• No conduct deemed inappropriate or showing poor sportsmanship
• No striking with the clear intent to cause injury
• No elbows, knees, and head butts
• No groin strikes

*All strikes must be precise, controlled techniques, with light touch contact

**Warnings followed by point deductions may be given by the referee for running away or any other actions deemed inappropriate.The referee can immediately disqualify a contestant for any behaviour that is intentionally directed at causing injury to his/her opponent.