SECTION l: THE RING

1. THE RING 

The ring shall be a regulation Boxing ring not less then 17 feet (5.3m) square within the ropes.  The ring floor shall extend beyond the ropes not less than 18 inches (.58m).  The ring floor shall be padded in a manner as approved by the ISKA.  The ISKA recommends a one inch (1") layer of Ethafoam which is a closed-cell product manufactured by Dupont.  Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform.  The ring must have a canvas covering.  No vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering will be permitted.

 2. HEIGHT OF RING

 The ring platform shall not be more than four feet (4') above the floor of the building and shall be provided with suitable steps for use by fighters.  Ring-side tables must be no higher than ring platform level on elevated rings; no ringside tables will be permitted next to floor level on non-elevated rings.  Ring posts shall be metal not more than four inches (4") in diameter extending from the floor of the building to a height of 58 inches (1.6m), (4'10") above the ring floor, and shall be properly padded.

 3. RING ROPES

 The ring ropes shall be a minimum of three in number and not less than one inch (1") in diameter.  The lower rope shall be 18 inches (.5m) above the ring floor, the middle rope 35 inches (.9m) above the floor, the upper rope 52 inches (1.3m) above the floor. The lowest rope shall have applied around it padding of a thickness not less than one-half inch (1/2") and of type and construction to be approved by the ISKA.  All rope ties will be vertical, approximately 6 feet apart, made of a soft material.

 4. RING EQUIPMENT

 The promoter of the event will provide all necessary ring equipment including stools, subject to the approval of the ISKA, for use by fighters and seconds at all events, except for those items to be supplied by the fighters (see section 1V Rule numbers 1&2) and those items to be supplied by the seconds (see Section 1V, Rule number 7).

 5. BELL

 There will be a bell at the ring, no higher than the floor level of the ring.  The bell will be clear in tone so that the fighters may easily hear it when it is sounded.

 6. SANITATION

 All promoters are held responsible for ensuring acceptable sanitary standards be met, with respect to dressing rooms, showers, water bottles, towels or other equipment.  Physicians and ISKA Representatives are to make a particular examination at every event for violations of these rules.  The ring must be swept, dry-mopped, or other wise adequately cleaned before the event and prior to the fights.

SECTION 2: FIGHTERS ELIGIBILITY

1. PRE-CONDITIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL STATUS

 All fighters seeking professional status must get written approval from their ISKA Regional Director.  Requirements for approval will include an accurate, current listing of all of fighter's bouts, including promoters, event dates, opponents, scheduled number of rounds, and outcomes.

 In order to qualify for a professional status, fighters must have competed in at least 10 approved and verified 3 or 4 round bouts as amateurs.

2. FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP

 ISKA licensing is mandatory for all fighters and promoters.

Robert  Mason handles all international licensing, and may be contacted at: University Center, 100 NW 82nd Ave., Suite 204, Plantation, Florida, 33324,USA.

3. SUSPENDED FIGHTERS

 Any fighter who is currently under suspension by the ISKA will not be permitted to participate in any amateur or professional ISKA events for the duration of his suspension.

4. EXHIBITION BOUTS

All exhibition bouts are not to be considered as sanctioned bouts by the ISKA.  In order to be included in an ISKA Sanctioned event, any exhibition type contest (point matches, exhibition boxing, exhibition kick-boxing etc.) must receive advance approval from the ISKA Representative.  The ISKA Representative may deny any exhibition bouts which may be considered to be unsafe (a mis-match due to weight spread or experience, for example) or inconsistent with the general standards established by the ISKA.

 SECTION 3: PRE-FIGHT REGULATIONS

1. EXAMINATION OF KARATE  AND KICKBOXING APPLICANTS

Any fighter applying for eligibility to compete in an ISKA event must be examined by a physician certified by the ISKA, to establish both physical and mental fitness for competition. Such examination must be taken at such time as directed by the ISKA.

2. WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

The current ISKA World Ratings should be consulted for current weight categories and weight spreads.  Current ratings may be obtained from the World Council Headquarters at University Center, 100 N. W. 82nd Ave., Suite 204, Plantation, Florida, 33324 USA. Phone (305) 474-4705 or Fax (305) 584-6125.

3. WEIGHT TIME

Fighters will be weighed on or before the day of the match, at a time to be determined by the ISKA, on scales approved by the ISKA.  By special permission of the ISKA, preliminary fighters may be allowed to weigh in, and be examined not later than two hours before the scheduled time of the first bout of the program. All weights stripped.

4. MAKING WEIGHT - NON-TITLE BOUTS

In non-title professional bouts, if a fighter fails to make the specified weight in his contract, he will forfeit, according to the following schedule:

1-2lbs over = 15% penalty

3-4lbs over = 30% penalty

5-7lbs over = 40% penalty

8lbs & over = 50% penalty

The forfeited prize money will be distributed 50% to the opponent and 50% to the promoter.  If both fighters are overweight, both are subject to penalties according to the above schedule, with the fighters share of the forfeited prize money to be distributed according to the ISKA.

All professional fighters must sign an ISKA approved contract for each bout, with the promoter of that event.

In amateur bouts where a fighter fails to make weight the ISKA Representative may permit the bout to take place if the weight spread is permissible.  However, should the overweight fighter win, the bout will not be credited to his or his opponent's record.  If the overweight fighter loses, the loss will go on his record and the win will be credited to his opponent's record.

If both fighters are overweight or underweight and the weight spread falls within the permissible range, the ISKA Representative will permit the bout to continue and the outcome will be recorded on the records of both fighters.  Amateur fighters who repeatedly weigh in overweight or underweight, will be subject to disciplinary action by the ISKA.

5. MAKING WEIGHT - TITLE BOUTS

In title bouts, both professional and amateur, if a fighter cannot make weight at the prescribed time, he will be allowed to weigh a second time, two hours later, at a place designated by the ISKA Representative.  If the fighter fails to make weight at this second weigh-in, and these weigh-ins occur the day before the bout, he may weigh again, no sooner than eight hours before the start time of the event on the day of the bout; that is, should the fighter fail to make  weight at the original time, and fail to make weight two hours later, he may weigh again no sooner than noontime the next day, if the event is scheduled to begin at 8.00pm.

If the official weigh-in is scheduled the day of the bout, the fighter not making weight will be weighed again two hours later.  If he still does not make weight, then he may attempt a final weigh-in two hours before the start of the event.  In other words, if the fighter cannot make weight at the originally scheduled time, and cannot make weight two hours later, he will not be weighed again until two hours before the start time of the event.  In this case, if the event is to start at 8.00pm, his final official weigh-in should be at 6.00pm.

If a fighter cannot make weight at the final "official" weigh-in and that fighter is the champion, the title will be declared vacant and the bout will ensue.  Should the challenger win the bout, he will become champion.  In the event the former champion wins the bout, the title be declared vacant, and a run off for the title will be established, according to the rules of the ISKA.  If the fighter who cannot make weight is the challenger, the bout will proceed as scheduled; however, should the challenger win the bout, the title will be declared vacant, and a run off will be established, according to the rules of the ISKA.  In either case, the fighter who cannot make weight will also be subject to the purse penalties as specified in his contract and by the ISKA.

Any exception to these rules regarding weight-making in professional title bouts requires the approval of the ISKA Commissioner.

6. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WEIGHT LOSS

The maximum amount of weight a fighter will be allowed to lose, during any period of time within 32 hours before the start time of the event, is 4% of that fighters weight at his initial weigh-in.  For example, if a fighter weighs-in at 150lbs., at noontime the day before the event, but is overweight according to his contract, the ISKA Representative will calculate his maximum allowable weight loss as 4% of 150lbs., or 6lbs. (150 by .04 = 6), and that 6lbs., will be the maximum that fighter will be allowed to lose before the start time of the event.

If the maximum allowable weight loss fails to bring a fighter within the permissible weight spread, that fighter will be declared ineligible to compete in his scheduled bout, and will be subject to the penalties as described in Rule 12 below.

7. MINIMUM AGE OF FIGHTERS

No fighter shall participate in an ISKA professional Full Contact Karate  or Kickboxing event, if he is less than 18 years of age, unless permitted by both the fighter's country of origin, the jurisdiction where the match takes place and the ISKA Commissioner.

Fighters 16 and 17 years old may participate in amateur full contact bouts or in exhibition bouts only, and only with the signed, written consent of the parents or legal guardians, which must be delivered to the ISKA office sanctioning the event no later than one month prior to the bout.  Underage amateur fighters may be required to wear certain head and body protective gear at the discretion of the ISKA Representative.  All fighters seeking professional status, or 16 and 17 years old fighters seeking amateur status, must provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or legitimate driver's license.

8. ADVANCE APPEARANCE OF MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS

In world and intercontinental and international title bouts, both the champion and the challenger will be present in the event locale according to the date stated in their ISKA Title Contract, paragraph 5. This date will be no less than 3 days before the event, unless, with ISKA approval, the fighter and promoter agree otherwise.  All fighters participating in world and intercontinental and international title bouts, and the promoter of these bouts, will enter an agreement using the ISKA Title Contract, as directed by the ISKA. Terms of the contract may be modified with ISKA approval, but no rematch clauses, agreements between the promoter and the fighter regarding officials, or clauses that interfere beyond established guidelines, with a fighters availability to other promoters, will be allowed.

Breach of this contract by either party may lead to fines or suspension levied by the ISKA Commissioner, in addition to any legal remedies.

9. APPEARANCE BONDS AND FORFEITS

All fighters, both amateur and professional, may be required to post appearance bonds with a promoter for whom they are to appear.  In the event the fighter fails to appear, this bond is to be forfeited and divided 50% to the promoter and 50% to the fighter's opponent for training expenses.  The  amount of the forfeit money must be specified in the fighter's contract.

Appearance bonds in amateur bouts will not exceed $25.00.  In professional bouts they will not exceed 50% of the purse.

N.B.  Fighters bonds will be required only with the express permission of the ISKA Commissioner.

10. FIGHTERS MUST REPORT

All fighters, or representative second, must attend the pre-fight meeting held by the ISKA Representative.  This meeting will typically be following the weigh-in, or during the afternoon before the event.  In addition, fighters will be required to report for physicals, and to their dressing rooms, at the time specified by the ISKA Representative.  Failure to do so will result in fines as per the ISKA fine schedule, and possibly result in the fighter being dropped from the event.  All fines will be retained by the ISKA.

All fighters, once they report to the ISKA Representative or the Athletic Inspector in charge of dressing rooms immediately prior to the start of an event, are not to leave the facility, and are subject to urinalysis and fines, if they do not remain in approved areas.

11. FIGHTERS APPEARANCE

All fighters must be clean and present a tidy appearance.  It will be at the sole discretion of the ISKA Representative to determine whether facial adornments (mustaches, goatees, excessive sideburns) and length of hair present any potential hazard to the safety of the fighter or the opponent, or will interfere with the supervision or conduct of the bout.  The excessive use of grease or any foreign substance is not permitted.  The Referee, or the ISKA Representative, shall insist upon removal of any such excessive grease or foreign substance.  Non compliance by the contestant shall be sufficient cause for disciplinary action , such as purse deduction, or disqualification.

12. FIGHTERS DISQUALIFIED OR DECLARED INELIGIBLE DUE TO REGULATIONS

Fighters who are declared ineligible for their bouts due to excessive weight, misrepresented age, physical incapacities pre-known to the fighter, or other willful violation of ISKA regulations, will be subject to fines and suspension by the ISKA Commissioner. Unless otherwise specified in the fighters contract, the promoter will have no obligation to the ineligible fighters, and may demand reimbursement from the fighter for any expenses or purse pre-paid by the promoter.  The promoter will, however, be obligated to pay the expenses of the opposing fighter who presents himself properly, plus any cancellation settlements if provided for in that fighters contract.

Fighters who are disqualified during their bout for willful gross rule violations, or unprofessional performance, or who represent themselves improperly following their bout, may be subject to the same penalties, at the discretion of the ISKA Representative, with the approval of the ISKA Commissioner.

SECTION 4: FIGHTERS; EQUIPMENT AND SECONDS

1. UNIFORM

A uniform approved by the ISKA Representative must be worn by all fighters upon entering the ring.  For Full Contact Karate matches, the uniform must include long pants that reach the ankle and these should be neat, clean and not torn.  The pants will be of the lace-up or elastic type, rather than drawstring type.  Fighters must furnish their own uniforms.

Fighters who present themselves in improper uniforms will be fined from $25.00 up to 10% of their purse by the ISKA Representative, and will not compete in their bout until they present themselves according to regulations.  Prior to the start of a contest, all male fighters will remove their uniform jackets or gowns, and any other adornments that are not required equipment.  Black belts may be worn at the option of the fighter in Full Contact Karate matches only, and must be tied securely around the waist.

2.  GLOVES, FOOTPADS, SHINPADS, GROIN PROTECTORS AND MOUTHPIECES

All preliminary fighters will wear regulation gloves and foot protective equipment approved by the ISKA.  If the gloves and footpads have been used previously, they must be whole, clean and subject to inspection by the referee or by the ISKA Representative as to condition.  If found imperfect, they shall be changed before the bout starts.  No breaking, roughing, or twisting of gloves or footpads shall be permitted.

Shinpads of soft substance must be worn by all fighters in Full Contact Karate matches, and by all amateur fighters, and are subject to the approval of the ISKA Representative.  No rings, jewelry, or items other than those authorized may be worn.  Elbow pads and forearm pads shall not be worn.

All male fighters must wear an approved groin protector.  A plastic cup with an athletic supporter is adequate, but an abdominal guard is preferable.  All female fighters must wear foul-proof breast protection approved by the ISKA.  All fighters must wear fitted mouthpieces.  Fighters must furnish their own footpads, shinpads, groin protectors (or breast protectors for women), and mouthpieces.  All promoters must have several extra sets of gloves and footpads of common sizes to be used in case gloves or footpads are broken or in any way damaged beyond use during the course of a bout.  Fighters who do not present themselves properly equipped at the start time of their bout shall be subject to fines by the ISKA Representative, and may be penalized by the referee, including being counted out of the match, if any equipment problems cannot be solved within five (5) minutes of the referees order to correct such problems.

3. GLOVES -STANDARD SPECIFICATION

All gloves must be of a professional quality and must be approved by the ISKA Representative.  All gloves must be made so as to fit the hands of any fighter whose hands may be unusual in size.  All weight categories of 153lbs/69.5kg and lighter will use 8oz gloves in professional matches.  If one fighter is above 153lbs/69.5kg and one fighter is below, 10oz gloves will be used.  All weight categories heavier than 153lbs/69.5kg. will use 10oz gloves, as may all amateurs with the approval of the ISKA Representative.  All amateur fighters will wear headgear approved by the ISKA.  Professionals will not wear headgear except at the direction of the ISKA.

 The make and type of all gloves must be approved in advance by the ISKA Representative.  All gloves will be provided by the promoter.  The referee must inspect and approve  any tape used on the gloves.

4. GLOVES - ADDITIONAL MAIN EVENT STIPULATIONS

Gloves for all professional title bouts shall be new and furnished by the promoter of the event.  Gloves for amateur title bouts or non-title main events must be new, or approved in advance by the ISKA Representative.  Each fighter's chief handler shall help in securing the gloves.

5.  HAND AND FOOT WRAPPINGS

The wrapping of hands or feet is not mandatory.  Fighters who wish to wrap their hands or feet shall be responsible for their own gauze and tape.

Gauze shall be of the soft or soft-stretch type, and shall not exceed 2 inches in width.  Tape shall be of the soft adhesive type and shall not exceed 1.5 inches in width.  One ten yard roll of gauze, and not more than two yards of tape, are the maximum allowable amounts for each hand.  No other materials, including pre-made hand wraps (except as approved in amateur competition), shall be allowed; nor shall any amounts exceeding those listed be allowed under any circumstances.

Gauze shall be for the protection of the hand only, and the amount shall be the discretion of the ISKA Representative.  Tape shall be present only to hold the gauze in place, and no more than one layer of tape be allowed on the striking surface of the hand and only 1 strip between the fingers not to exceed 1/4 in width and 4" in length.  Up to twelve (12) feet of tape may be used to wrap each foot and ankle.

The ISKA Representative, or his designee, must inspect all hand and foot wrappings, and must sign across the knuckles of the hand wrappings before the gloves are secured on the hands.

Amateur fighters may wear approved commercial handwraps.

6. NUMBER OF SECONDS AND THEIR APPEARANCE

Each fighter may have three seconds of his choice, and each second, while assisting in the fighter's corner, must wear an ISKA approved uniform (subject to the approval of the ISKA Representative), must present a neat and tidy appearance, provide a pail, cuspidor, tape, water bottle and other equipment necessary to perform his function, and fix a place for the fighter to wait during the rest periods.  Seconds may not sit, stand on, lean on or touch the ring apron during the course if a round, nor otherwise interfere physically or verbally with the bout or the duties of the officials.  During the rest periods, only one of the seconds may be in the ring at any time.  The referee may, at his discretion, levy penalty points for improper and unprofessional conduct by the seconds.

7. THROWING WATER PROHIBITED

Any excessive or undue spraying of water on any fighter between rounds is prohibited.  Seconds will wipe dry the ring canvas in their corner before the start of each round.  Fighters will spit only in the pails, and not the ring.

8. THROWING IN THE TOWEL

A manager or chief second may toss a towel into the ring in token of the defeat of his principal.  However, such manager or chief second must follow the towel into the ring as soon as it is possible for him to do so.

SECTION 5: CONDUCT OF BOUTS

1. DURATION OF ROUNDS

Each round will be two minutes in duration for Full Contact matches.  The time runs continuously  and may be called or stopped only by the referee in special cases, such as equipment or uniform adjustment, harmful injury or commitment of a foul.  Most  amateur bouts shall be  three rounds in length.  Two round bouts are allowed only during the eliminations of tournament-style, amateur only, events.   Amateur title bouts may be four or five rounds at the discretion of the ISKA.

Professional Full Contact bouts shall be five or more, to a maximum of twelve, rounds in length.  Non-title bouts shall be a maximum of ten rounds.  World, Continental, National and Regional title bouts shall be twelve, ten, nine and eight rounds, respectively.  State title bouts shall be seven rounds.

2. REST PERIODS

Rest periods between rounds will be one minute in duration.

3. REFEREE INSTRUCTION

The referee will, before starting a bout, ascertain from each fighter the name of his chief handler and will hold said chief handler responsible for the conduct of his assistant handler(s) during the progress of a bout.  The referee will call the fighters together before each bout for final instructions, at which time each fighter will be accompanied by his chief handler only.

For Full Contact Karate matches, immediately before the bout commences, the referee will call the fighters to the center of the ring and conduct the traditional Karate bow in the following manner:

a)         The fighters, while standing approximately four to six feet from one another, will face the referee;

b)         The referee will first bow to the fighters, who will return the bow and then bow to each other in   

            customary fashion; and

c)         From the position in which the bow takes place, the fighters will prepare to fight as the referee            

             signals the timekeeper that the first round will commence.

4. PERSONS ALLOWED IN RINGNo persons other than the fighters and the referee may be in the ring during the progress of a round.  Judges shall not enter the ring for any reason throughout the entire event.  The referee may penalize or disqualify any fighter whose corner personnel or fans break this rule.

5. AUTHORIZED OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES

All offensive Full-Contact Karate and Kickboxing punching, kicking and striking techniques are authorized, with the exception of those techniques specified as "Fouls" in Section 5, Rule number 6.  Permitted techniques include those techniques in various Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing and similar systems of fighting.  The various offensive techniques may be executed according to the individual fighter's style or system of fighting.

6. FOULS

Fouls may be classified at the discretion of the referee, into three categories: 1-point, 2-point and 3-point fouls.  The referee will base his decision as to the severity of the penalty on the intent  of the fighter committing the foul and the result of the foul.  At the time of the infraction, the referee will indicate to the scorekeeper the number of points that are to be subtracted from each scoring judge's ballot at the end of the round, or he may simply issue a warning to the fighter, wherein no points will be subtracted.  Fouls include:

 1.        Head butting.

 2.        Striking with the elbow or knee.

 3.        Striking or kicking to the groin.  Striking or kicking any area below the waist.

 4.        Intentional striking or  kicking to the back of the head, the neck, or to the throat.

 5.        Special foul rules exist concerning the spinning backfist.  As with all other hand strikes, this

            technique must be executed with the padded knuckle section of the glove.  On the first attempt

that strikes with the forearm or bottom fist (hammerfist), the referee must declare a 1-point penalty; each successive similar foul will again result in at least a 1-point penalty.  The first spinning backfist attempt that lands with the elbow will result in a 2-point penalty; any successive attempts that land with the elbow will result in a 2 or 3 point penalty, or disqualification. 

 6.        Linear, or straight-in, striking or kicking to the spine.

 7.        Punching or kicking a fighter when he is down.  A fighter is considered down when any part of his

            body other than his feet touches the floor.  If a fighter is on his way to the floor, his opponent may

            continue to attack until he has touched the floor with any part of his body other than his feet.

 8.        Take downs, other than legal sweeps.

 9.        Intentionally pushing, shoving or wrestling an opponent to the canvas or out of the ring with any

            part of the body.

10.        Illegal sweeping (see special notes on sweeping in Rule 9 of this section).

11.        Attacking on the break when both fighters have been instructed to take a step back by the referee.

12.        Attacking after the bell has sounded to end the round.

13.        Holding and hitting; such as holding with one hand, especially behind the neck, and hitting with

            the other hand. 

14.        Grabbing or holding onto an opponents foot or leg, followed by a take down, strike or kick. 

15.        Holding the ropes with one hand while striking  or defending with the other hand or the legs.

16.        Leg checking in Full Contact Karate - extending the leg to check an opponent's leg to prevent him from kicking.  (The fighter's kick which was checked, will be counted by the kick judge as an

            attempted kick). 

17.        Purposely going down without being hit, which will result in referee automatically administering

            an 8-count, as specified in the rule on knock downs (no points will be subtracted from the score

            card by the scorekeeper in this case, but the judges will consider this just as any knockdown).

18.        The use of abusive language in the ring or corner, as determined by the referee.

19.        Hitting or flicking with an open glove or thumb, or striking with the inside, or bottom of the glove.

20.        Intentionally evading contact.

21.        Clinching - holding or otherwise tying-up an opponent's arm to prohibit him from punching.

22.        Intentionally delaying the contest through improper equipment, seconds remaining in the ring after the start of the round, beginning a round without a mouthpiece or by intentionally dropping or spitting out the mouthpiece, etc.

NOTE :  A fighter who executes a fouling technique which is deemed malicious (with the intent of causing injury above and beyond the scope reasonably expected in a bout of this nature), may be subject to bearing the medical, as well as related recovery and recuperation expenses of the fighter who is injured as a result of such a fouling technique.  If a fighter is injured from a fouling technique and the fighter is allowed to continue, and, if the fight is stopped later on in the bout due to further damage to the injury, the scorecards will be consulted.  If the fighter who did the fouling is ahead, a technical draw is awarded.  If the fighter who is fouled is ahead, he wins the bout by a technical decision.

7. SCORING THE FOULS

When the referee determines that a foul has been committed and that the fight will continue, the scorekeeper will automatically deduct the appropriate number of points on each scoring judge's scorecard.

When both fighters commit fouls, the appropriate points will be deducted from each scoring judge's scorecard for each fighter.

In the event that a fighter commits two 3-point fouls in one round, or commits the same foul two or more times during the course of the bout, the fighter may be disqualified by the referee.  The referee may also let the fight continue if he feels that no malicious intent was involved, and instruct the scorekeeper to deduct the appropriate points for each foul.  No fighter will be scored less than zero in a round.

8. FOULING, STOPPING THE BOUT

If the referee determines that the fouled fighter needs time to recover, he may stop the bout (and the time) and give the injured fighter a reasonable amount of time to recover, up to a maximum of five (5) minutes under normal circumstances.  At the end of this reasonable rest period the referee and the ring physician will determine if the fouled fighter can continue the bout.  If he can, time in that round will be resumed, and the bout will continue.

The scoring of the foul will be based on the following determination by the referee.

A.         If the referee determines that the foul was obviously committed by one of the fighters, and that the fouled fighter did not contribute to the injury (by ducking into a knee, moving into an oncoming forehead, etc.), the referee will instruct the scorekeeper to deduct the appropriate number of points from the scorecard of the fighter committing the foul.

B.         If the referee determines that the injured fighter was responsible for his own injury, the referee will not penalize his opponent in any manner.  In this case, if the referee or ring physician determine that the injured fighter is unable to continue, he will lose by technical knockout.

C.         If the referee determines that there was no fault attributable to either fighter (that the injury was

            caused by both fighters), the referee will allow the injured fighter time to recover as in (A) above,

            but will not penalize either fighter.  If, at the end of the recovery period, the referee or the ring

            physician determine that the fouled fighter cannot continue, the scores will be added prior to that

            round and the bout awarded to the fighter leading at that time.  This foul is referred to as a "no

            fault" foul and the decision is a "technical decision".  If the "no fault" foul occurs in the first round

of any fight the referee will declare a "technical draw".  An amateur bout must last at least one full round, a non-world title professional bout must last at least two full rounds, and a professional

            world title bout must last at least three full rounds for a "technical decision" to be awarded.

            Otherwise, a "technical draw" is awarded.

D.         Blind Fouls - If an injury occurs due to a suspected foul, that the referee was unable to see (blind

            foul), the Referee may, at his sole and final discretion, confide with any or all of the three judges,

            both kick judges, and the ISKA Representative, to determine were the fault may be placed.  He

            may consider any, all, or none of the opinions expressed by these officials, in making his 

            determination.  In  World Title bouts which are televised, the referee may, at his sole discretion,

            ask for a replay of the technique in question before rendering his decision.  A referee's decision

on fouls may be overruled at ringside only by the ISKA Representative, or the senior World Council member in attendance,  and then, only in the instance of a clear error or misapplication of the rules.

9. SWEEPING

In Full Contact Karate matches, sweeps must be executed with the arch of the foot and delivered to the outside part of the leg, and only to the lower portion of the calf or ankle.  The sweeping technique must be an obvious attempt to unbalance the opponent's front leg, and must clearly not be an attempt to injure the leg. 

It is the fighter's choice whether or not to follow-up his legal sweeping attempt.  Follow-up techniques must land on the opponent prior to any part of his body touching the floor (other than the soles of his feet).  As always, striking a downed opponent is illegal.  A successful sweep is not considered a knockdown.

10. MINIMUM KICKING REQUIREMENT -MKR RULE

In all Full Contact Karate bouts, each fighter must deliver at least eight legal kicks per round.  Legal kicks are considered those which are attempts to land hard on a target area of the opponent's body, with the intent to do damage, or any legitimate attempt to kick the head.  The determination as to which kicks will be counted is made by the kicking judges.

A.         The kicking judges determination as to which kicks will be counted, may be overruled at ringside

             only by the  ISKA Representative, or the senior World Council member in attendance,  and only

             in the instance of a clear error, or misapplication of the rules.

B.         For each kick less than eight thrown by a fighter, a half point penalty will be assessed.  This penalty will be subtracted by the scorekeeper from each scoring judge's ballot.  If a fighter does not fulfill his MKR in any two rounds of a bout three, four, five or six rounds in length; or any three rounds of a bout seven, eight, nine, ten or eleven rounds in length; or any four rounds of a twelve round World title bout, he will immediately be disqualified.

C.         The disqualification rule for missing kicks in multiple rounds may be waived by the ISKA

            Representative or the senior World Council member in attendance, for good cause.

If both fighters should simultaneously fail to meet their MKR as described above, the bout would be stopped and declared a technical draw.

For each standing 8 count, or mandatory 8-count, in any given round, the MKR will be reduced for both fighters by one kick. For example, if a round has one knockdown, the minimum kick requirement would be 7 for that round.  Each kicking judge will drop a card for each fighter during the standing or mandatory 8-count, to compensate for this MKR reduction.

11. INTENTIONAL EVASION OF CONTEST

A fighter intentionally avoiding any physical contact with his opponent will receive a warning from the referee.  If a fighter continues to avoid a confrontation with his opponent after receiving a warning during that round, he may be penalized by the referee.  If the fighter continues to evade action, either in the same round or in any round, the referee may at his discretion, award more penalties, or stop the bout and declare a technical knockout.

12. THE POWER TO STOP THE CONTEST

Either the referee, the physician, the ISKA Representative or the senior World Council member in attendance, shall have the power to stop the contest.  The referee shall have the power to stop a bout at any stage during the bout, including the rest periods, if he considers it too one-sided, or that either fighter is in such condition that to continue might subject him to serious injury. In either case, the referee shall have the power to render a decision.  Should both fighters be in such condition that to continue might subject them to serious injury, the referee will declare the match a technical draw.

In cases where a fighter receives a cut eye from a fair blow or an accidental foul, or any other injury which the referee believes may incapacitate the fighter, the referee may call the attending physician into the ring for examination of the fighter before he decides to stop the bout.  Time will be called during the examination.  The ringside physician shall have the power to enter the ring, whether or not he is summoned by the referee, to ascertain the extent of any injury he believes may have occurred, or any serious injury he believes may have been suffered by a fighter.  The physician shall notice his desire to enter the ring, by instructing the ISKA Representative to have the bell rung.  The ringing of a bell, thus ordered mid-round, shall signal the referee to temporarily stop the bout for an examination.  Time will be called during the examination.

Either the referee or the attending physician shall have the power to terminate the bout, but should the physician request termination for medical reasons, the referee will automatically terminate the bout.  The referee shall have the sole power to render the decision in the event of termination.

13. MOUTHPIECES

No fighter will be permitted to begin any round without a mouthpiece.  Failure to begin a round with the mouthpiece inserted shall be deemed by the referee to be "delay of bout" foul, and shall draw a warning or penalization as determined by the referee.  In either professional or amateur bouts, whenever the mouthpiece is knocked out by a fair blow or a foul tactic, or however the mouthpiece is dropped or spit out by the fighter, the referee shall call time out, stop the bout, and replace the mouthpiece, allowing the fighters' seconds to clean off the mouthpiece if necessary.  Willful dropping, or spitting out of the mouthpiece by a fighter, shall also be deemed as a "delay of bout" foul, and the fighter shall be penalized accordingly by the referee.

In both amateur and professional bouts, the mouthpiece is replaced whenever it is lost for any reason.  All fighters must bring two mouthpieces to the ringside for use during their match.

14. PROCEDURE FOR FAILURE TO COMPETE

In any case where the referee decides that the fighters are not honestly competing, that a knockout is a "dive", or a foul is actually prearranged termination of the bout, he will not finish the knockdown count, nor disqualify a fighter for fouling, nor render a decision.  He shall stop the bout and declare it ended, not later than before the end of the last round, and order purses of both fighters held pending investigation and disposition for the funds by ISKA. The announcer shall inform the audience that a "no decision" was rendered.  The ISKA Commissioner will have the final authority in rendering a decision on the match, including dispensation of purse monies.

15. FAILURE TO RESUME BOUT

No fighter shall leave the ring during the one-minute rest period between rounds.  Should a fighter not come out of his corner when the bell sounds at the commencement of a round, the referee will begin counting as though the fighter were knocked down, and the scoring judges will consider the situation as an actual knockdown when scoring the round.  At the conclusion of the count, should the fighter fail or refuse to resume fighting, the referee will award a technical knockout to his opponent, unless the circumstances indicate to the referee the need for an investigation or disciplinary action, in which event the referee will not make a decision, and will order the purse or purses of either or both fighters withheld.

16. WIPING HAND PADS

Before a fallen fighter resumes fighting after having been knocked down, or having slipped or fallen to the canvas, the referee will wipe the fighter's gloves free of any dirt or moisture.

17. METHOD OF COUNTING OVER A FIGHTER WHO IS DOWN

When a fighter is knocked down, the referee will send the standing fighter to the furthest neutral corner of the ring, pointing to that corner.  The timekeeper will immediately begin holding up fingers to determine how many seconds have passed.  The referee will look to the timekeeper to pick up the count.  He will audibly announce the passing of the seconds, and continue the count holding up fingers in front of the fighter who was knocked down.  If a fighter is knocked down, the referee will begin a mandatory eight count.  If the fighter then appears able to continue, he will allow the bout to resume.  The referee's count is the only official count.  The referee shall not count past eight if a fighter has risen to his feet.  A fighter may not be saved by the bell, even in the last round.  However, if the bell sounds, ending a round sounds before a fighter begins to fall, the fighter will be allowed to return to his corner, being helped, if necessary, by only one of his seconds.

Should the opponent fail to stay in the furthest neutral corner, the referee will cease counting until he has returned to it, and then resume the count at the point from which it was interrupted.  If the fighter does not rise before the count of ten, he will be declared knocked out and the bout will be awarded to his opponent.

If, in the referee's opinion, the downed fighter will not be able to rise by the count of ten, and he believes the fighter requires more immediate attention, he may signal the end of the bout before the count of ten by waving his arms in front of his face and immediately summoning the fighter's corner personnel and the ring physician to attend the down fighter.

A fighter will be declared knocked down if any portion of his body, other than his feet, touch the floor.  A fighter will not be declared knocked down if he is pushed or accidentally slips to the floor.  The decision as to whether a contestant as been pushed or slipped to the floor, rather than being knocked down, will be made by the referee.

If the fighter taking the count is still down when the referee calls the count of ten, the referee will wave both arms to indicate that he as been knocked out, and will signal that the opponent is the winner.  A round's ending before the referee reaches the count of ten, will have no bearing of the count; there is no saving by the bell.  In all bouts, the fallen fighter must rise before the count of ten to avoid being knocked out.  The referee may determine during the rest period between rounds, that a fighter is unable to continue the bout safely and is thus the loser of the bout by technical knockout.

The referee may, at his discretion, request that the ringside physician examine a fighter during the bout.  Should the examination occur during the course of a round, the clock shall be stopped until the examination is completed.

When a fighter has been wrestled, pushed, or has fallen through the ropes during a bout, the provision of Rule number 20 in section V shall apply.  The timekeeper will begin the count pursuant to that rule.

If both fighters go down simultaneously, counting will be continued as long as one of them is down.  If both fighters remain down until the count of ten, the bout will be stopped, and the decision will be a technical draw.  If one fighter rises before the count of ten, and the other fighter remains down, the first fighter to rise shall be declared the winner by knockout.  If both fighters rise before the count of ten, the round will continue.

18. RESUMING COUNT

Should a fighter who is knocked down rise before the count of ten is reached, and go down immediately without being struck, the referee shall resume the count where it was left off.  If the fighter is standing for more than two seconds, or is in some way touched by his opponent before going down, the referee will begin a new count.

19. COUNTING FOR KNOCKDOWNS

As soon as a fighter has been knocked down, the official timekeeper begins calling the count (from one to ten) while the referee directs the opponent to the farthest neutral corner.  When the referee has finished directing the standing fighter, he returns to the fallen fighter and counts over him, picking up the count from the timekeeper. In other words, if the timekeeper has reached the count of four by the time the referee returns to the fallen fighter, the referee begins counting with the number "five".  He continues to check the timekeeper's signal to make sure his (the referee's) timing of the count is correct.

20. STANDING 8-COUNT

In all amateur and professional bouts, the referee may, at his discretion, administer a standing 8-count to a fighter who is in trouble, but who is still standing.  He shall direct the opponent to a neutral corner, then begin counting from one to eight, examining the fighter in trouble as he counts. If, after completing the 8-count, the referee determines the fighter is able to continue, he shall order the bout to resume.  If the referee determines the fighter is not able to continue, he shall stop the bout and declare the opponent the winner by technical knockout.

21. WHEN A FIGHTER FALLS FROM THE RING DURING A ROUND

When a fighter has been wrestled, pushed, or has fallen over or through the ropes during a bout, the referee will call time out, and, if the fallen fighter's ability to return to the ring seems at all questionable, may ask the ringside physician to examine the fighter.  If, in the opinion of the physician and referee, the fallen fighter is able to continue the bout, he will be allowed assistance back into the ring from only one handler from his corner.  The handler will do no more than assist the fallen fighter, and if found performing any other task as are normal during rest periods, i.e; stopping a cut, etc; the referee will immediately penalize or disqualify the fallen fighter.

A fighter who deliberately wrestles, pushes, or throws an opponent from the ring, or who hits him when he is partly out of the ring and prevented by the ropes from assuming a position of defense, will be penalized by the referee.  If the tactic results in injury, the guilty fighter may be disqualified according to the appropriate ruling under Fouls.

When a fighter intentionally falls through the ropes, or was knocked from the ring by a fair blow(that is to say not wrestled, pushed, or otherwise shoved through the ropes by his opponent), the referee will begin counting the fallen fighter as though he has been knocked out in the ring.  The fighter's seconds, in this instance, will not be allowed to assist the fighter back into the ring.

Once standing on the ring platform outside the ropes, the fighter must enter the ring immediately, where he may either resume the  bout, or the referee may finish the count.

When the fighter has fallen over or through the ropes, the other shall retire to the farthest neutral corner and stay there until instructed to continue the bout by the referee.

22. THREE KNOCKDOWN RULES

There will be no "three knockdown rule" in effect in any bout.  The referee will in all circumstances have the authority to stop a contest or allow it to continue, regardless of the number of knock downs or standing eight-counts.

SECTION 6: PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND SAFETY REGULATIONS

1. PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND FEES

The attending physician will have a suitable place or room which to make his examinations.  His fees shall include temporary or emergency treatment to any injured fighter in the arena or dressing room.  The fees for such examination shall be borne by the promoter.  The physician to be retained must have been the recipient of an M.D or D.O. degree, or recognized international equivalent.

2. TIME AND EXAMINATION

A through physical and eye examination will be given to each fighter by the attending physician at the time of weigh-in.

3. EXAMINATION ORDERED BY THE ISKA

Any fighter who has been signed to a contract for a fight at any event may be ordered by the ISKA to appear at any time to be weighed or to be examined by any physician designated by the ISKA.

Any fighter who participates in an ISKA sanctioned event, may, at the request of the ISKA Representative, be required to submit to a pre-fight or post-fight blood and/or urine examination for foreign substances.  Any fighter who refuses to submit to the examination will be immediately suspended for a length of time as specified by the ISKA, and will be subject to disciplinary action and penalties as provided in contractual agreements with the ISKA and promoter.

4. REJECTIONS AND REPORTS

Should any fighter examined prove unfit for competition,  the fighter must be rejected, and an immediate report of the fact made to the promoter and the ISKA Representative. The examining physician will, one hour before the start of any event, clarify in writing to the ISKA Representative that the fighters  are in good physical condition.

5. REPORTS OF ILLNESS

Whenever a fighter, because of injury or illness, is unable to take part in a bout for which he is under contract, he or his manager must immediately report the fact to the ISKA. The fighter will then submit to an examination by a physician designated by the ISKA.  The examination fee of the physician is to be paid by the fighter, or the promoter, if the latter requests an examination.

6. CONTINUOUS PRESENCE OF PHYSICIAN AND EMERGENCY MOBILE UNIT

At least one licensed physician, possessing an M.D. or equivalent degree, and one standby emergency mobile unit, both approved in advance by the ISKA, must be in attendance at all ISKA sanctioned events.  The mobile unit must include a full range of resuscitative equipment and be parked inside or adjacent to an entrance of the building hosting the event. The physician must sit at immediate ringside throughout the duration of the bouts.  A stretcher and oxygen tank, and containers of "instant ice", must be readily available at ringside.

No bout will be allowed to proceed unless the physician is in his seat.  The physician shall not leave until after the decision in the final bout.  He shall be prepared to assist if any serious emergency arises, and will render temporary or emergency treatments for cuts or minor injuries sustained by the fighters.

Under no circumstances are the fighters seconds permitted to enter the ring, or to attend to a fighter in any manner whatsoever, during the course of a round.  The ringside physician cannot attend to an injured fighter during the course of a fight, but can only render a professional opinion as to whether or not an injured fighter can resume the bout.

7. REPORT OF INJURY

All attending physicians must report all cases in which the fighters have been injured during a bout, or have applied for medical aid after an event.  If a fighter has suffered a knockout, or any other severe injuries, whether in or out of the ring, and whether or not connected with Karate or Kickboxing, and has on such account been treated by his personal physician or has been hospitalized, he and his manager must promptly submit to the ISKA a full report from such physician or hospital.

8. FIGHTERS KNOCKED OUT

Fighters who have been knocked out will be kept lying down until they have recovered.  When a fighter is knocked out, no one will touch him except the referee or chief handler, who will remove his mouthpiece, until the ringside physician enters the ring and personally attends the fallen fighter and issues such instructions as he sees fit to the fighter's handlers. If a fighter suffers an injury, has been knocked out, or has participated in an unusually punishing bout, or if a technical knockout decision has been rendered against him by the referee, such fighter will be placed on the ill and unavailable list for such period of time as may be recommended by any approved ISKA physician who may examine him.  A fighter who loses a bout by knockout will be suspended from competition by the ISKA for a minimum of 60 days.  A fighter who loses a bout by technical knockout will be suspended for 30 days, or longer, if substantial head or body trauma was involved.

9. SUSPENSION FOR DISABILITY

Any fighter rejected by an examining physician will be suspended until it is shown that he is fit for further competition .  Any fighter suspended for 30 or 60 days for his medical protection, or suspended for a hard fight will take the same examination as required for the eligibility physical, except as directed by the ISKA.  The physician may require any other procedures, including an electroencephalogram, if indicated.

10. TIME BETWEEN BOUTS

Unless special approval is obtained from the ISKA Commissioner, if a fighter has competed anywhere in a bout lasting one full round or more, he will not be allowed to fight again until one full week has elapsed.

11. ADMINISTRATION OR USE OF DRUGS

Use by a fighter of any of the listed substances, or any other drugs, will result in disqualification from his bout, and fines and suspension by the ISKA Commissioner.

12. MONSEL'S SOLUTION

The use during a Full-Contact Karate bout of Monsel's Solution, or any similar drug or compound for the stopping of hemorrhage in the ring, is prohibited.  Only such preparations as are approved by the ISKA may be used to stop hemorrhage in the ring.  Collodion is an approved hemorrhage stopper.

SECTION 7: RINGSIDE OFFICIALS, PERSONNEL AND DUTIES

1. RINGSIDE OFFICIALS

A referee, three scoring judges, one timekeeper, one scorekeeper, one assistant timekeeper, one assistant scorekeeper, an ISKA Representative, and a physician, all approved by the ISKA , will be employed at all ISKA sanctioned events.  All ISKA officials must be ISKA certified.  The ISKA will appoint to each event an ISKA Representative who will be responsible for the assignment of the referee and the five judges.  The ISKA Representative will work with the promoter in the assignment of the other ringside officials, but the final authority for the selection and appointment of all ringside officials shall rest with the ISKA Representative.  If the event falls within the jurisdiction of an athletic commission, and commission regulations require any alteration of this rule, the decision of the ISKA Representative shall be final with regard to changes in number and qualification of the officials.

2. STATES WITH ATHLETIC COMMISSIONS

In those states where Karate and Kickboxing is regulated by Athletic Commissions, the commission will usually supply an on-site inspector who will assist the promoter in the operation of his event.  In these cases, the ISKA Representative will work jointly with the inspector in the performance of his duties.  An inspector authorized and licensed by the state is empowered to make final decisions on all matters falling under his jurisdiction.

3. TIMEKEEPER'S EQUIPMENT

All necessary sounding and recording equipment will be provided to the timekeeper by the promoter.  In those states regulated by the Athletic Commissions, a second timekeeper may be supplied by the commission, in which case, he will bring his own equipment.

4. TIMEKEEPER'S DUTIES

The timekeeper will give the appropriate signal for the starting and ending of each round.  He will keep the time during each round, starting and stopping the official clock, for time-outs designated to him by the referee.  He will keep the time during the rest period for each round according to the schedule set forth in Section Vl, Rule number 2.  Ten seconds before the beginning of each round, the timekeeper will give warning to the handlers of the fighters by suitable signal.

5. KICKING JUDGES DUTIES

For Full Contact Karate matches, there will be two kicking judges positioned at ringside, whose responsibility is to determine the legality of the kicks executed by the fighters, and to keep count of the number of kicks the determine to be legal.  The kicking judge assigned to fighter A, will sit opposite fighter A's corner, and the kicking judge assigned to fighter B, will sit opposite fighter B's corner.

Both kicking judges will keep track of the number of kicks executed by their assigned fighters with hand held cards containing 8 flip cards numbered 1,2,3,4..... through to 8.  When the first legal kick is thrown, the kicking judge will drop a card to show the number 7.  As each subsequent legal kick is thrown, the kicking judge will hold up the appropriate number until all eight (8) kicks have been thrown.  At that time the kicking judge will continue to count the kicks, and will write down the number of kicks thrown by his assigned fighter during the round on the kicking judges tally sheet to be picked up as soon as the bout is over. 

If a fighter executes less than the minimum number of required legal kicks in any one round, the kicking judge will immediately notify the referee of the number of kicks thrown.  The referee will in turn notify the scorekeeper, who will record the appropriate penalty.  Violations of the minimum kick requirement will not be announced to the audience, unless the ISKA Representative so directs.

The promoter of the event shall supply all flip cards for the kicking judges.

6. METHOD OF SCORING FOR JUDGES

The three scoring judges of a bout will select a winner of each round at the end of each round, marking their ballots accordingly.  These ballots will be collected by the assistant scorekeeper, and tabulated at the end of each round by the scorekeeper and the ISKA Representative.  Once ballots have been marked by the respective scoring judges, no changes of the ballots will be allowed except at the express direction of the ISKA Representative.  Scoring judges score all rounds by recording a score of ten points for the winner of each round, and a score of not less than five points for the loser of each round, utilizing both whole and half points, according to the following qualifications:

10.10                Indicates and even round.  Neither fighter distinguished himself as being a more effective fighter than the  other.  In addition, the fighters appeared equal in the other areas that may be used to break an even round, such as opponent control, ring strategy, and overall conditioning and abilities as a complete Karate Kickboxer (with the emphasis on kicking ability).

10.9              Indicates one fighter distinguished himself as the more effective fighter during the round, as described above.  This score is used often, and indicates an obvious margin between the fighters. Should one fighter have been only slightly better than the other, a more appropriate score would be 10 - 9.5.

10.8                  Used sparingly, but indicates a round in which one fighter was in constant control, and unquestionably outclassed his opponent.  This fighter must also have obviously stunned his opponent, usually including at least one knockdown or standing 8-count. If there were no knockdowns or standing 8-counts, there must still have been enough damage done to indicate that at least one of these occurrences was imminent, and in this case a more appropriate score may be 10 - 8.5.

10.7                  Very seldom used.  Indicates total domination by one fighter to the point of the referee nearly stopping the bout.  The losing fighter must have been completely dominated and controlled, generally including at least two knockdowns or standing 8-counts.  A 10 - 7.5 score may be given to indicate a round that a scoring judge feels falls in between the qualifications for a 10 - 7 round and a 10 - 8 round.

10.6/5          These are almost never used, and are generally seen only on National, Continental, or World Title bouts .  One  fighter must have been so completely dominated as to have been knocked down at least three times, and never  to have really been in the fight at all.  Scores of 10 - 6.5 and 10 - 5.5 also require these circumstances.

Points shall be totaled on each scoring judge's scorecard to determine that judge's selection of a winner.  Each judge's selection will count as one vote towards determining the overall winner of the bout.  If a judge's scorecard, when totaled, reflects an equal number of points for both fighters, that judge will have voted for a draw.  If two judges' have an equal number of points for both fighters, the bout will be declared a draw.  If one judge has an equal number of points for both fighters and the other judges' scores each favor a different fighter, the match shall be declared a draw.  If two judges' scores favor one fighter, and the other judge votes for a draw, the fighter receiving two votes shall be declared the winner by majority decision.  If all three judges' scores favor one fighter, that fighter will be declared the winner by unanimous decision.  If one judge votes for a fighter, and the other two judges vote for the other fighter, the fighter receiving the two votes shall be declared the winner by split decision.   

In all bouts of national title level and above, there will be no draws.  At all such title matches, a tie-breaker ballot will have been distributed to all three judges prior to the start of the match.  All judges will indicate a winner on the tie-breaker ballot, based upon their overall perception of the match from start to finish (rather than round by round).  The tie-breaker ballots will be collected along with the ballot for the for the final round.  These tie-breaker ballots will only be used to break a tie.  Where a judge's score already determines his vote, his tie-breaker ballot will be absolutely ignored. 

Should it be necessary to substitute a judge during a match due to sickness, the scores will stand for the rounds already completed.  A substitute judge, appointed by the ISKA Representative, will score the remaining rounds of the match.  Should a tiebreaker be required, the ISKA Representative will make the tiebreaking vote on the basis of his perception of the match as a whole.   This vote will only be used when the score of the substituted judge turns out to be a draw.

7. SCOREKEEPER'S DUTIES

At the end of each round, the scorekeeper will take the scoring judges ballot slip from the assistant scorekeeper or the ISKA Representative who will have collected them from the three scoring judges, and will take the number of kicks from the two kicking judges cards, and then he will tabulate the results onto his master score card.

The scorekeeper shall tally all foul points, having been instructed by the referee at the end of each round as to the amount of penalty points, deducting these appropriately from each judges score under the ten-point scoring system, and entering the results on the master scorecard.  If the match should end in a knockout or a technical knockout, the scorekeeper shall enter the exact time of the KO/TKO on the master scorecard.

At that time, the scorekeeper shall make the final tallies and deliver the totals to the ISKA Representative, who will verify the accuracy of the scores.  Where appropriate he will check the tiebreaker ballots.  The Representative will then report the results of the bout to the referee and the announcer, making sure the scorekeeper has also tallied MKR score sheets showing the total legal kicks executed by each fighter in Full Contact Karate matches.

8. ANNOUNCING THE RESULTS

After the ISKA Representative has completed verifying the accuracy of the final scores of each bout, the Representative will give the ring announcer the results on "Announcer's Final Result Sheet".  The announcer shall then, inform the audience of the decision over the public address system. The referee will indicate the winner as the announcer gives the winner's name.

In the event of a draw, the announcer and the referee will make appropriate designation.  In the event of a knockout, a technical knockout, disqualification or forfeit, the announcer and referee will officially designate the winner and give the time at which the bout was stopped.  In the event of a technical draw, the announcer will give the time at which the bout was stopped and will detail for the audience the nature of the decision. 

9. CHANGE OF DECISION

A decision rendered at the termination of any bout is final, and cannot be changed unless the ISKA Commissioner determines that any one of the following occurred:

a.                   There was collusion affecting the results of any bout.

b.                   The compilation of the score card of the judges shows an error which would indicate that the   official decision had been given to the wrong fighter.

c.   There was a clear violation of the rules or regulation governing ISKA bouts which affected the result of any bout.

If the ISKA Commissioner determines that any of the above occurred with regard to any bout, then the decision rendered shall be changed as the ISKA Commissioner may direct.

10. PROTESTS

All protests over the decision of a match shall be verbally registered only by the protesting fighter and/or his trainer to the ISKA Representative prior to the end of the event, who will note the nature of the protest in his Representative's report.  All protests must be received at the appropriate ISKA office, in writing and accompanied by all pertinent evidence (videotapes, affidavits, etc.), no later than 10 days following the bout in question.  No protest will be considered unless accompanied by the appropriate fee:

a.         Non-title bouts - state, provincial, or regional office - $50 U.S.

b.         State, provincial, or regional titles - state, provincial, or regional office - $50 U.S.

c.         National titles - national office -$75 U.S.

d.         Continental titles - Commissioner - $100 U.S.

e.         International, Intercontinental or World titles - Commissioner - $150 U.S.

In the event either party is dissatisfied by the decision rendered by the state, provincial or regional   office, that party may appeal to the ISKA Commissioner accompanied by an additional $150.00 U.S. appeal fee.

All decisions by the ISKA Commissioner are final.

All parties should recognize that the ISKA has NO authority over local athletic commissions and cannot change their rules.  The standard for review is "clear" evidence which would justify a change of decision, or "clear" circumstances which in the best interest of the sport, would justify a change in decision.