Kickboxing Rules:

*WCKO Uses Original WKU and GCO Rules*

Full Contact, Thai Boxing, & Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 Style) Rules
1. GCO Amateur Weight Classes
2. The Attendance of a Physician
3. Divisions, Rounds
4. Rules of Conduct Inside and Outside of the Ring
5. Coaches and A, B, C, & D Licenses in Galas
6. Matches in Full Contact, Thai Boxing, and Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 Style)
7. GCO Amateur Division Scoring Rules
8. Scoring and Points in Full Contact, Thai Boxing, and Original GCO Kickboxing
9. Protests and Alteration of Decisions

1. GCO Amateur Weight Classes in:
a) FC Full-Contact
b) TB Thai-Boxing
c) K-1 Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 style):

Applied weight divisions for Full contact, Thai Boxing and Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 style) are as follows:
Adults Men: -60 kg, -65 kg, -70 kg, -75 kg, -80 kg, -85 kg, -90 kg, + 90 kg
Adults Women: -50 kg, -55 kg, -60 kg, -65 kg, +65 kg
Boys Kadets: -50 kg, -55 kg, -60 kg, -65 kg, -70 kg, -75 kg, -80 kg, -85 kg, + 85 kg
Girls Cadets: -50 kg, -55 kg, -60kg
Note: in all world level competitions wherever rankings are available heats must be seeded.
Each competitor’s name, country and MAP-number must be listed. A minimum of three competitors in each weight class is obligatory. Fewer than three competitors in one division will move the competitors in that division up to the next weight category. In that case each country must receive a minimum of one copy of all drawing lists and the name list of competitors for free. The representative should receive this at least a few hours before the start of the tournament. There is no way to protest after the drawing.

2. Attendance of physician

The attendance of a doctor (physician) in Full Contact, Thai Boxing and Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 style) is obligatory; a first aid team only is not sufficient.
The official physician, who mandatorily attends every match, is the final authority in questions of the safety of the competitors, and he or she may at any time stop or terminate a match at his or her discretion. Every match must be supervised by an approved doctor (physician). Any and all directions and/or orders from the attending physician must be immediately complied with. The attending physician must be qualified as a general practitioner. The attendance of one doctor is compulsory in national and international tournaments; two doctors are required for World Championship. A first aid team is compulsory as well.
The attending physician must follow the rules and regulations of the appropriate national health board as well as be approved by the authorities where such rules apply. No match may start or proceed before the attending physician is in place, and the physician may not leave his/her place prior to the decision in the last match.
The attending physician shall be ready to assist if a serious emergency arises and to administer first aid in the event of less serious injuries.
The doctor has the right to interrupt or stop a contest by ringing the bell or calling “stop“ to the referee, if he/she thinks a competitor is in danger and the referee has not stopped the fight. He/she is also responsible for making the decision when a referee calls him/her to examine an injured competitor.
No person, even coaches, may attempt to aid a competitor during a round before the attending physician has had the opportunity to see the injured competitor. If the doctor enters the ring or he/she must examine the presumed injury and decide if the fight can continue or not. This examination must take place in the ring and have duration of not more than one minute; any kind of treatment of the competitor is explicitly forbidden.
Should this time not be sufficient, the referee shall stop the match and declare the opponent the winner.
Doctors’ decisions are in any case final decisions, but they can be protested if a second doctor is present at the event. The second doctor will make the decision about the protest.

3. Divisions, Rounds

GCO Amateur Divisions: (quick look up)
Full Contact, Thai Boxing and Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 style):
Full-Contact kicks above the waist long trousers with bare upper body
Thai-Boxing knees and elbows shorts and bare upper body
Original GCO with low kicks and knee strikes shorts and bare upper body

Rounds
All preliminary matches at any kind of championships (men and women) may not be conducted over 3 rounds of 2 minutes. There is a break of 1 minute duration between rounds.
All final matches in any kind of championships (men and women) may not be conducted over 3 rounds of 2 minutes. There is a break of 1 minute duration between rounds.
In galas no match featuring male and female amateur competitors may proceed for more than 5 rounds of 2 minutes or 3 rounds of 3 minutes.

The referee shall disqualify a competitor if he/she does not turn up after having been repeatedly called for the fight .
The four-minute rule shall be applied in following way:
After the first minute, the competitor will receive a warning; after the second minute, the opponent shall receive 1 point; after the third minute, the opponent shall receive a second point; and after the fourth minute, the competitor shall be disqualified.
The referee shall disqualify a competitor who turns up with improper safety equipment and can not replace it in four minutes, with the four minute rule being applied as described above.

4. Rules of Conduct Inside and Outside Of the Ring

It is the duty of every competitor to show fair play in the ring. Should a competitor not be ready to continue the match, because his/her safety equipment is not working properly or for other reasons, he/she shall retreat one step and raise one arm.
Should a competitor be sent down for the count or in any other way be incapacitated, his/her opponent shall immediately retreat to the nearest neutral corner and wait for the referee to signal that the match can proceed again.
When a competitor receives a warning or a reprimand from the referee, he/she must bow in the direction of the referee to indicate that he/she has understood the reason why.
At the conclusion of the fight the competitors shall approach the referee, standing in the centre of the ring, and there, one on each side of the referee, await the speaker’s announcement of the verdict. The referee shall then raise the arm of the winner.
After the fight the competitors salute each other and the opponent’s coaches, after which both competitors bow to the referee in recognition of his/her efforts.
Violation of GCO rules and regulations, or infringements of the unwritten laws of good sportsmanship and fair play may lead to a warning or disqualification for a shorter or longer duration of time, depending on the seriousness of the violation or infringement.

The Competitor
No competitor may participate in any match without an up-to-date sport book with official annual GCO license stamp.
The competitors must be in good physical shape and have a good sportsmanlike attitude.
The competitors must be well groomed and presentable. The nails of hands and feet must be cut short. The hair must be short or freshly washed. Competitors with hair of a length that could pose a problem during the fight (i.e. shoulder length or more) must follow the rules concerning long hair (see below).
All competitors shall be clean and proper. It is the sole prerogative of the GCO referee to decide whether facial hair (moustaches, sideburns, beards or a combination of these) or the length of the hair poses a safety hazard to the competitors or an obstacle to the unhindered observation of the match.
Excessive use of grease or similar substances is prohibited.
The referee can insist that such facial hair be removed, or in the case of long hair, be contained by a net, and that Vaseline, grease or any other similar substances be removed before the fight can start or proceed.

The Competitor’s Equipment
All competitors must be equipped in all divisions with approved safety equipment in the form of padded protectors:
a) Individually fitted breast-protector for females only, in all disciplines and all age categories
b) Individually fitted groin-protector for all age categories in all disciplines by males and females
c) Foot protectors in Full-Contact and Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 style)
d) Shin protectors in Full-Contact
e) Shin guards are voluntary in Kickboxing Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 style)
f) Individually fitted head-protector (helmet), which must protect the top of the head also and be red or blue,
as is appropriate for the competitor’s corner
g) Individually fitted tooth-protector (gum shield)
h) Hand-bandages: maximum length of 3.5 metres
i) Gloves: 10 ounces in all categories

The competitors have the responsibility of bringing their own personal equipment and that of their coaches to all GCO matches and tournaments.
Over the equipment, the competitor may use one layer of soft surgeon’s tape to hold the equipment in place.
Taping must be approved by the referee or by the tournament director.
All competitors with long hair may wear approved hair bands or holders without any metal and must do so if the hair is long enough to pose a safety hazard or could hinder the observation of the fight.

5. Coaches and A,B,C,D licence by galas
Coaches
The coach must wear a track suit and sport shoes, which must be clean. A coach will be given two minutes to acquire a tracksuit if he or she is not properly attired for his/her competitor’s bout.
The coach may give up on behalf of his/her competitor if he/she deems it irresponsible to let the fight continue. This is indicated by the coach throwing a white towel into the ring.
Prior to every tournament the head referee shall call a meeting with all the judges, referees and coaches to clear up any questions about rules, regulations and the general proceedings of the tournament. No rules can be changed during this meeting.
Coaches shall support and advise their competitors during the intermission between rounds. Each competitor may have two coaches and only one of these may enter the ring at any time.
During the rounds neither of the coaches may enter the ring or in any other manner hinder or disturb the proper proceeding of the fight. Coaches shall comply with any and all directions by the referee. Prior to each round the coaches must remove buckets, stools, towels and the like from the ring, and if necessary wipe the floor clean of spilt water. The coaches shall have at their disposal a towel, a sponge, water and grease for the competitor.
During the rounds the coaches may give advice (only in a proper manner), help, or in any proper way encourage the competitor. Should a coach violate this rule the referee can issue a warning, expel the coach, or disqualify the competitor.
A coach who has been expelled may not function as coach in the remaining part of the tournament.
A match starts when the referee gives the command “fight” to begin the first round, and it finishes when the referee stops the fight in the last round. Only the competitors and the referee may be present in the ring during the match. If any other person enters the ring, the referee can decide that the fight is immediately over and cannot continue again.

Galas
Officials shall verify that competitors compete in their proper weight classes. The count of victories is made by adding the number of victories the individual competitor has had (not the number of matches, which is irrelevant) and then classifying the competitor accordingly.
D – Licensed competitors (Novice license); after 2 victories promoted to class C
C – Licensed competitors (Intermediary class); after 8 victories promoted to class B
B – Licensed competitors are licensed to fight in national and international championships, European and World Championships, and are ranked as amateur competitors.
A – Licensed competitors are professionals; therefore they may not compete in amateur events.

6. Matches in Full-Contact, Thai Boxing and Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 Style)

Legal techniques are as follow:

Full-Contact:
All forms of boxing in combination with kicks above the waist to the body and the head
Rear (reverse) kicks to the body or the head
Spinning back kicks to the body and to the head with full contact to knock out the opponent
All types of foot sweeps performed according to the definition set in the rules of Point Fighting on page 31

Thai Boxing:
All forms of boxing in combination with kicks above the waist to the body and the head
Rear (reverse) kicks to the body or the head
Spinning back kicks to the body and to the head with full contact to knock out the opponent
All types of foot sweeps performed according to the definition set in the rules of Point Fighting on page 31
Low kicks to the thighs, inside and outside
Knee attacks to the body and to the head
Kicks with the shin to the thighs, body and the head.
Clinching (holding) for 5 seconds and attacking at the same time with knees and elbows or any strikes
Elbow strikes to the body
Frontal rolling kicks with the heel against the head
Flat throws below the waist line in clinching situations only

Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 style):
All forms of boxing in combination with kicks above the waist to the body and the head
Rear (reverse) kicks to the body or the head
Spinning back kicks to the body and to the head with full contact to knock out the opponent
All types of foot sweeps performed according to the definition set in the rules of Point Fighting on page 31
Low kicks to the thighs, inside and outside
Knee attacks to the legs, body and to the head
Kicks with the shin and foot to the thighs, body and the head
Holding a leg with only one counter technique, after which the leg must be released
Clinching (holding) with only one knee strike, after which the competitor must disengage from the clinch
Frontal rolling kicks with the heel against the head
Flat throws below the waist line in clinching situations only

Illegal techniques (fouls) are as follow:

In Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 Style), Thai Boxing, and Full contact
All forms of biting or spitting
Unsportsmanlike conduct and disrespect to the referee
All strikes, blows and punches executed with the palm side of the gloves
All kicks to the back and the back of the neck and back of the head
Any form of butting with the head
All attacks (strikes, punches, kicks) against the joints
Attacks to the groin
Attacking a downed opponent or an opponent who touches the floor with his /her gloves
Attacking on the break or during a referee break
Spitting out one’s tooth protector (gum-shield)
Any kind of throwing above the waistline
Holding the opponent’s leg while executing multiple striking or punching techniques
Holding the ropes and attacking an opponent, including in clinching situations
Fleeing the ring to avoid contact

Addionally in Original GCO Kickboxing (K-1 Style)
The use of spinning back fist
Elbow strikes
Multiple attacks while holding or clinching

Additionally in Thai Boxing
Elbow strikes to the head
The use of spinning back fist

Additionally in Full Contact
The use of spinning back fist
Any form of throwing (excluding foot sweeps)
Any form of clinching or holding the opponent
All types of strikes with the elbows
Any form of kicking with the knees

All kicks against the thighs or under the waistline, excluding foot sweeps

Warnings and minus-points
In case of a serious violation of the rules and regulations, the referee shall stop the fight with the command “Stop” and issue a warning. The warning shall be issued clearly and in such a manner that the competitor in question understands the reason for the warning. The referee shall clearly indicate which competitor has received the warning by pointing his or her hand. If a competitor has received a warning because of a foul no point is to be deducted but the judges shall immediately award this competitor with “first warning”, although the referee has the opportunity to award this competitor immediately with minus point for a clear and brutal foul. If a competitor has received a second warning because of a second foul no point is to be deducted but the judges shall immediately award this competitor with “second warning”. Following a warning the referee shall let the match proceed by commanding “Fight“. Should a competitor receive 3 warnings in one match, immediately he/she shall be penalised simultaneously with the first minus point (penalty point) and one point must be deducted by the judges. After two minus points in a match, the competitor shall immediately be disqualified simultaneously with the second minus point being issued.
The warnings and penalty (minus) points are given for using any illegal technique or prohibited actions by the competitor as well as violations by coach.

7. GCO Amateur Division Scoring Rules

The judges shall base their evaluation of the fight on the following guidelines:
• Number of knock downs
• Number of minus points
• Number of points scored
• Fighting spirit and initiative
• Effective parries and counterattacks.
To score points all effective legal kicks or punches must hit directly without being blocked or parried on any legal area. For punches the technique must be delivered with the striking zone of the closed glove.

8. Scoring and Points in Full-Contact Kickboxing, Thai-Boxing and
Original GCO kickboxing rules (K-1)

Decisions shall be made after the following guidelines:
Victory on points (P)
When neither competitor dominates the other and a round is even: 10:10 points. Following this points are added to or subtracted from each competitor’s score according to the number of points they have been noted for by the referee.
The winning competitor of a round receives 10 points, while his/her opponent receives 9 points.
If an official warning was given because of a “foul”, the judges shall immediately award this competitor with “first warning”. The judges shall always mark these warnings with the letter W (for warning) under “fouls” on the scorecard to indicate that the competitor has received a warning.
If a competitor has receeived a “second warning” because of a foul no point is to be deducted but the judges shall immediately award this competitor with “second warning”.
If an official minus point was given because of a “foul” by clear and brutal strike and this is not merely a warning, or this warning is issued simultaneously with the third warning, each judge must deduct 1 point from the scorecard of the involved competitor immediately when the round is over. (i.e. 10:9) The judges shall always mark these points with the letter M (for minus point) under “fouls” on the scorecard to indicate that the competitor has received a minus point.
If a second official minus point was given, than the fighter is immediately disqualified.
If a competitor is knocked down, each judge must deduct 1 point from the scorecard immediately when the round is over (i.e. 10:9). The judges shall always mark this knockdown with the letter K (for knockdown) under “KD” on the scorecard to indicate that the competitor has received a knockdown.
A score with fewer than 8 points can only happen if the judge gives a 10:8 score for the round and points were deducted as well.
At the conclusion of the match all rounds are added up to the final score (i.e. 30:27) and the competitor with more points on the scorecards shall be declared the winner.
Should a judge observe a violation that has apparently escaped the notice of the referee, and if he/she subsequently imposes a reasonable sanction upon the competitor committing the violation, he/she shall indicate that he/she has done so by marking the points of the violating competitor with the letter J (for judge’s minus) and in writing state his/her reasons for the sanction.

Victory by attending physician stopping contest or injury (DOD)
The attending physician is the supreme authority in questions relating to the safety of the competitors, and may demand that the match be stopped.
If one of the competitors is injured, it requires only the doctor’s decision to stop the fight. The competitor him/herself or his/her coach may also choose to retire from the fight.
The attending physician may stop any match regardless of it being a World or European Championship or any other prestigious match. Should the attending physician wish to stop a match to examine a competitor, he/she must first inform the referee.
The referee then stops the match until the physician has examined the competitor for the sole purpose of determining whether the fight can continue or not. This examination must take place in the ring and have duration of not more than one minute and any kind of treatment of the competitor is explicitly forbidden.
Should this time not be sufficient, the referee shall stop the match and declare the opponent the winner.
If one of the competitors is injured and the fight is over because of a foul the innocent competitor is declared the winner. In case of an accident the judges must finish their scorecards and the competitor with the highest number of points is declared the winner. If both competitors are injured or knocked out simultaneously, and neither is able to continue the match, fight is over by draw.
Should this situation occur in the first round the match shall be declared “no contest” and no winner is declared.

Giving up (SUR)
In cases where a competitor voluntarily gives up because of injuries or for any other reason, or if he or she does not resume fighting immediately after the intermission between rounds, the opponent shall be declared the winner. In these cases the coach shall throw a white towel into the ring to signal that his/her competitor gives up.

Victory by referee stopping contest (RSC)
The referee may stop a match if a competitor is clearly outmatched or if he/she is a hazard to his/her own safety according to the following guidelines:
a) If a competitor in the judgement of the referee is clearly overmatched and will face unnecessary punishment in the ring the match should not be allowed to go on.
b) If a competitor in the judgement of the referee is unable to continue the match due to injuries or for any other physical reasons, the referee must stop the match and call the official doctor to the ring.
c) If a third KD to one competitor occurs in one round, or if the fourth KD to one competitor occurs in one match, then the result will be the end of the fight by RSC.
No referee can decide how seriously a competitor is injured; he/she must call the doctor.

No contest (NC)
A match may be stopped immediately by the referee before the prescribed time due to circumstances beyond the control of the competitors or the referee:
• The safety equipment of the ring has been damaged.
• The ring is unsafe for use.
• The lighting over the ring is failing.
• Weather conditions force the referee to stop the match.
Under such circumstances the match shall be stopped and a “no contest” with no winner is declared.

Victory by walk-over (WO)
If one competitor is present in the ring and ready to fight and his/her opponent fails to show after his/her name has been called over the loudspeaker, the referee shall signal the referee’s table to start with the running of 2 minutes. If the opponent has not entered the ring within a time limit of 2 minute, the timekeeper shall strike the gong to signal that the match has been stopped. The referee shall then announce the competitor who was first in the ring and declare him/her the winner by “walk-over“.
The judges shall note this on their scorecards, which are then collected. The judges shall then summon the competitor who has won on walk-over to the centre of the ring, and thereafter the announcement of the decision, raise his/her hand and declare him/her the winner.

9. Protests and Alteration of Decisions in European and World Championships

Only a coach may make an official protest.
The scoring of the referee and judges is final.
Protests against the decisions of a referee or judge can only be accepted in the event that the competition rules have not been correctly applied.
A judge’s verdict, given at the conclusion of any match shall be binding and may be altered only in the event that the Head Referee and GCO supervisor deem that one of the following circumstances has occurred:
a) A conspiracy has taken place or an illegal agreement has been entered into to affect the result of the match.
b) The addition of the scorecards is faulty; one judge has mixed up the corners, resulting in the victory being given to the wrong competitor.
c) A clear violation of the rules and regulations of the GCO, directly affecting the outcome of the match, has been perpetrated.
Protests shall be directed to the Head Referee and shall state the reason in a proper manner for the complaint along with any supporting evidence that a wrong decision has been made (Video will not be accepted). The protest must be accompanied by a processing fee of € 100. Fee will be returned if the protest is found to be valid.
The protest fee will be transferred to the account of the GCO HQ for the promotion and training of future referees etc.
The Head Referee will decide on the protest after hearing evidence from the protesting side and the referees concerned. (Video will not be accepted). His/her decision is final.
Decisions of the official doctor can be subject to protests if the second doctor is present at the event. The second doctor will make decision about the protest.