Judges - WKF Kata Rules
ARTICLE 6: OPERATION OF MATCHES
1. At the start of each bout and in answer to their names, the two contestants, one wearing a red belt (AKA), and the other wearing a blue belt (AO), will line up at the match area perimeter facing the Chief Kata Judge. Following a bow to the Judging Panel, AO will then step back out of the Match Area. After moving to the starting position and a clear announcement of the name of the Kata that is to be performed, AKA will begin. On completion of the Kata, AKA will leave the area to await the performance of AO. After AO’s Kata has been completed both will return to the match area perimeter and await the decision from the Panel.
2. If the Kata does not conform to the Rules, or there is some other irregularity, the Chief Judge may call the other Judges in order to reach a verdict.
3. If a contestant is disqualified the Chief Judge will cross and uncross the flags (as in the Kumite TORIMASEN signal).
4. After completion of both Kata, the contestants will stand side by side on the perimeter. The Chief Judge will call for a decision (HANTEI) and blow a two-tone blast on the whistle whereupon the Judges will cast their votes.
5. The decision will be for AKA or AO. No ties are permitted. The competitor, who receives the majority of votes will be declared the winner by the caller/announcer.
6. The competitors will bow to each other, then to the Judging Panel, and leave the area.
EXPLANATION:
I. The starting point for Kata performance is within the perimeter of the competition area.
II. If flags are being used the Chief Judge will call for a decision (HANTEI) and blow a two-tone blast on the whistle. The Judges will raise the flags simultaneously. After giving sufficient time for the votes to be counted the flags will be lowered after a further short blast on the whistle.
III. Should a competitor fail to turn up when called or withdraws (Kiken) the decision will be awarded automatically to the opponent without the need to perform the previously notified Kata.
This is provided for your information. Please check the WKF website for any amendments or changes to this information or for the latest news. www.wkf.net
