This is Not a Referees course.
A Referees course is far more involved and has a lot of other aspects not covered here.

This is a summary of the most frequently asked questions by members or parents.

WHAT IS A CHAMPIONSHIP?
A Championship is an event where you compete against other Karate Students from different Clubs, Regions or Province’s.
At an Championship you will compete and show your skill and competence in:
a) Kumite (Fighting with specific Rules)
b) Kata (A Specific Form Sequence depending on your Belt Level)

WHAT MUST I WEAR FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

Each contestant shall wear a White Tenshinkan Karate Gi.
Each contestant shall wear on his chest a designated Tenshinkan identification mark and black Tenshinkan  ID markers on bottom left lapel corner of the Gi and on the belt.
Each contestant will have WHITE HAND MITS.
In the case of women, a plain white T-shirt may be worn under the Karate Gi.
During the Match One contestant shall wear a White belt  as his belt “obi”.
The other contestant shall wear a Red belt likewise.
Contestants shall keep their nails short and shall not wear metallic objects on their bodies or uniform as this may cause injury  to opponents or to themselves.
White Hand Mits and Japanese Head Protectors are compulsory. You may NOT wear RED or BLUE or BLACK or any other Colour Hand Mit/glove
Protection safety devices can and should be used by the contestants to prevent injuries to themselves and to their opponents.
In addition to the Head/Face Mask and White Mits (Gloves) You can also wear:
Shin /Leg pads, Arm Pads, Body Protectors, and Groin Boxes.

WHEN I ARRIVE THERE HOW WILL I KNOW WHERE TO GO TO COMPETE?
All Championships have a Line Up and Opening Ceremony procedure before the championship start.
After the Opening Ceremony the Rules of the Championship will be explained to the Competitors.
Following that you will be called by name and shown where your Competition Area (Floor) is.
If your name is not called please go to the Senior Competition Official (Floor Manager) and enquire as to where you must go.

HOW DO YOU GROUP OR CLASSIFY COMPETTITORS FOR COMPETITION?
All Tenshinkan Championships are held by:
a) Age Group and
b) Belt Group.
We strive to keep students of the same age and same belt colour together.
In a case where we cannot place a student in his Age and Belt Group we will then place the student in either of the following:
a)Same Age Group but One Belt Colour Up / or / One Belt Colour Down   — or
b) Same Belt Group but One Age Group Up / or /one Age Group Down.

WHEN AT THE COMPETITION FLOOR / AREA WHERE MUST I SIT?
When at the ring listen to the Floor Manager / or / Senior Referee where to sit.
All Competition Area’s (Floors) are marked with:
a RED Colour on the One side and
a WHITE Colour on the opposite side.
The RED Colour is called AKKA in Japanese – and the White side is called SHIRO in Japanese.
You will be told by which colour side you must sit before the competition start.
During the competition the Colour you started with may change.
Always listen to the Senior Referee as he/she will calls your name with a colour. (AKKA or SHIRO).

WHEN CALLED UP TO COMPETE – WHAT PROCEDURE MUST I FOLLOW?
Go to the Colour Side of the competition area your name is called with.
(Example: “JOE SOAP” – – “AKKA”) {Your name with Colour}
There will be a square Coloured Box area marked on the floor to stand in. Stand in it.
Now Turn 45º towards the Referee and make a Bow.
Then turn back towards your opponent and make a Bow towards your opponent.
When the Referee Shouts “SEI RETSU” step forward to the line marked on the floor about 1.5meter in front of you and stand on this line in YOI (Ready) position.
If you do KATA then stand facing the Referee and the table.
The referee will now ask you the name of your Kata. Shout it out LOUDLY.
If you do KUMITE then stand facing your opponent.
On the Command HAJIME your match start. –
If it is Kata you do your Kata. — If it is Kumite you start fighting with your opponent.

HOW LONG IS THE DURATION OF A KUMITE BOUT (TIME)?
Kumite Match-time is normally two minutes. (Taken on a Stop watch – with Start and Stops).
The Chief Instructor or Shihankai, may specify, for individual events; a different match time.
The timing of the bout starts when the Referee gives the signal to start and calls “Hajime” and stops each time he signals and calls “YAME”. The time-keeper shall give signals by a clearly audible gong, or buzzer indicating “30 seconds to go” or “time-up”. The “time-up” signal marks the end of the bout.

HOW LONG IS THE DURATION OF A KATA MATCH TIME?
Kata’s are not timed.
The Kata will commence when the Referee calls “Hajime”
and will be deemed completed when the Referee calls “YAME”.

HOW IS KATA SCORING DONE?
Victory shall be awarded on the basis of the Flag System.
Kata is judged on : Form / Technique / Performance / Balance / Speed and Rhythm / Kime / Focus / Expression and Correct execution of the Kata.
CRITERIA FOR DECISION and SCORING
In assessing the performance of a contestant or team, the following criteria must be adopted:
1. The kata must be performed with competence, correct focus of attention (“CHAKUGAN”), use of power, good form, good balance, correct speed & rhythm, proper breathing, and demonstrating a clear understanding of the principles it contains. (Kime and Correct execution of the Kata)
2. When assessing Kata points should be deducted depending on the severity of the following faults:
Momentary hesitation, Imbalance or a Discernible pause.
Disqualification: for a distinct halt, or If the contestant loses balance completely and/or falls, if  he/she interrupts, or varies the kata, or if he/she performs a kata different from that announced.
4. In the event of a Tie, a alternate Kata will be requested; called a Tie-breaker.
A Tie-breaker Kata may Not be one already performed in the same or an earlier round.
It may, however, be performed again in a later round but not then as a Tie-breaker.
A Tie persisting after performance of the Tie-breaker kata will be resolved by the Tieing contestants performing an additional Kata (a Dual Rematch) and the Judges will use the Flag system for scoring.

WHAT KATA AM I ALLOWED TO DO?
Lower Belt Contestants (White to Brown) may only do the Kata of their Own Belt Level.
To compromise we will allow a different Kata of maximum One Belt Up or One Belt Down.
Lower Belt contestants may not do a Black Belt Kata or any Kata Higher than his own Belt.
If you are a Blackbelt you can do any Black Belt Kata. No restriction.

HOW IS KUMITE SCORING DONE.
The result of a bout is determined by whichever contestant scoring the most points.
Points are awarded as: WAZA-ARI (Half Point) or IPPON. (Full Point) (Note : One Ippon is worth two WAZA-ARI), or SANBON (Three Points)
Victory shall be awarded on the basis of “ The Most Points Scored “ (Wazari & Ippons.)
Victory can also be obtained by obtaining a decision amongst the Referees / Judges.
Victory can be obtained by a HANSOKU,(Severe Warning with Penalty Point = SANBON against ofender) or SHIKKAKU, (Disqualification of opponent due to repetitive warnings).
If a contestant is Absent, or has Withdrawn, the opponent will be credited with a win by KIKEN.
A victory over an opponent with a HANSOKU or SHIKAKU will be worth SANBON.

HOW MANY POINTS DO I NEED TO WIN IN KUMITE?
This is dependant on the type of Championship. (Club / Provincial or National).
Normally for Lower Belts (White to Purple) it is 4 Points to win.
For Senior belts (Brown and up) it is normally 6 Points to win.
If the Bell / Signal / Buzzer goes (Time-UP) the competitor with the most points will be the winner.

HOW DO I GET POINTS IN KUMITE.
You get a point by a Punch / Strike or Kick to a valid TARGET POINT.
Attack targets shall be limited to the following parts of the body.

1. Head, ( Front , back and side ).
2. Face, ( Front and side ).
3. Neck. ( Front , back and side ).
4. Chest ( Upper and Lower chest, Side)
5. Abdomen (even under the Belt up to the Bekken Bone but not in Groin).
6. Back (Upper and lower back – but not shoulder blades or Bum).

TENSHINKAN KARATE – KUMITE SCORING CRITERIA
1. A Point is awarded for a technique that scores and touches an opponents target point/s. (Irrespective of Kime or Form).
If You do not make contact (Touch) No Point can be awarded.
2. A technique delivered to a target point where the opponent did not block, or could not block is considered valid. ( Irrespective of Kime / or Form )
3. A technique delivered at the same time that the end of the bout is signalled is considered valid.
4. An attack, even if effective, delivered after an order (Yame) to stop the bout shall not be scored and may result in a penalty being imposed on the offender.
5. No technique, even if technically correct, will be scored if it is delivered when both the contestants are outside the competition area.
6. However, if one of the opponents delivers an effective technique while still inside the competition area and his opponent is outside the competition area, before, or at the same time as the Referee calls   “YAME”, the technique will be scored.

An WAZARI (One Half Point) is awarded for the following:
You get a WAZARI (Half point) by a doing a Punch or Strike or Kick that touches to:

1. Head, (Front and side ).
2. Face, (Front and side ).
3. Neck. (Front and side ).
4. Chest (Upper and Lower chest, Side)
5. Abdomen (even under the Belt up to the “Bekken Bone” but not in Groin).

An IPPON (Two Half Points) is awarded for the following:

1. Jodan Kicks (Kicks to the Head)
2. Jumping / Flying Kicks
3. Scoring to the Back of an opponent. (Back of Head or Neck or Spine)
4. Leg Sweeping followed by a scoring technique.(Punch or Kick or Throw or Lock/Hold)
5. An Effective Goshin Jitsu Throw.
6. An Effective Goshin Jitsu Lock or Hold.
7. Delivering a Combination Technique, (Two Techniques or more). Where both techniques scores on the opponent without the opponent being able to block them.

An SANBON (Three Points) is awarded for the following:

1. An effective GoshinJitsu Throw followed by a scoring Punch or Kick
2. A Throw plus a Ground Fighting GoshinJitsu technique (Hold or Lock) where the opponent has to “tap out” (Give Up).
3. An Masterful Flying Kick or Jumping Kick on the opponent.

IMPORTANT

 A Point is awarded for a technique that “Scores” (touches) an opponents target point/s.
(Irrespective of Kime or Form). (Arm need not pull back).
No Touch = No point.
To obtain a point the Kick or Punch or Strike must touch the opponent. (With Control).
If the Punch or Kick touches – and the Arm or Leg is also snapped back – then IPPON can be considered.

TOUCH – DOES THAT MEAN CAN I HIT AS HARD AS I CAN – FULL CONTACT?
NO. This is NOT ALLOWED.
Touch does not mean Full Force.
The art of Karate is to Touch the opponent without hurting your opponent.
This involves expert Timing, distancing and execution of technique.
Should you hit hard or uncontrolled you will be Disqualified and/or a Penalty imposed against you.
The Referees are trained to see this and if in their opinion you used excessive force (Uncontrolled) you will be penalised and a Point will be awarded against you in favour of your opponent.
You may also be disqualified from the competition.
Once again – The art is to execute a Punch or kick that Touches your opponent but does not hurt him.

CAN I USE LEG SWEEPS OR THROWS ON MY OPPONENT?
Yes. You can use Leg Sweeps or Throws on your opponent if possible.
Any Sweep where the opponent becomes unbalanced can be considered Wazari.
A sweeping technique does not require the opponent to fall to merit Wazari.
This Wazari is not stopped by the Referee unless a scoring technique is also delivered. (IPPON)
The Referees may not halt a bout when the opponent falls. (during a sweep or throw).
Even if the opponent slips and falls by himself the referee must not stop the bout.
The bout must continue, unless an injury has been sustained during the fall by the opponent in which the opponent cannot continue with the bout.
Should the opponent Score on you whilest lying on the Floor then your Wazari for the Sweep is Canceled and the match is declared HIKEWAKI (Draw).
Should you Score with a Kick or Punch to your opponent, whiles the opponent is lying on the floor, you will be warded IPPON. (Two points)
If you can apply a GoshinJitsu Lock or Hold on your opponent for him to “TAP OUT” Surrender –  it will be SANBON (Three points)

WHAT IF WE BOTH ATTACK AND PUNCH OR KICK AT THE SAME TIME?
Simultaneous scoring techniques by both contestants on each other shall be declared AI UCHI
(No Point for either).

WHAT IF THE TIME IS UP AND NEITHER CONTESTANTS SCORED A POINT?
In an bout where there is no score superiority, the following procedure will be followed:
a) If, at the end of a bout, the two contestants have No Score, the winning decision shall be based by the Judges on “HANTEI”: Hantei takes into account:
* The contestant who exhibited the best : fighting spirit, attitude, posture, techniques.
* Penalties / Warnings / Jogai’s (Stepping Out of ring) will also be taken into account.
b) If, at the end of a bout, the two contestants have scored equally then an extension of one minute “ENCHO SEN” will be given. The first contestant to score a point will be declared the winner.
If after ENCHOSEN there is no score then the decision will be by “HANTEI”.

IF I LOSE A FIGHT AM I OUT IMMEDIATELY FROM THE COMPETITION?
All contestants will be eliminated via a “Loser Pool” system.
I.e. each contestant gets a second chance.  If you lose twice you are out.
If you lose you wont get 1st Place, but If you win in the Loser Pool you can still get 2nd or 3rd Place.

PROHIBITED TECHNIQUES AND ACTS
The following techniques and acts are prohibited:
1. Direct attacks to the body joints except for the upper and lower limbs.
(persistent attacks on the hip joint, the knee joints and the ankle or instep).
2. Attacks to the face with “Nukite”.
3. Attacks to the testicles / groin.
4. Techniques which make excessive contact to the scoring area attacked.
5. Feigning an injury in order to gain advantage.
6. Any unsportsmanlike, discourteous behaviour  (such as calling names, provocation and
unjustifiable utterances.)
7. Swearing, Foul Language or losing one’s temper (At opponent /Referee /Judge)

CAN I KICK YOU BELOW THE BELT AND STILL GET A POINT?
YES.
Providing that you not kick lower than the “BEKKEN BONE” (The Bone just above the Genitals).
If your kick is Under the Belt but Not in the genitals – you can get awarded a point.
The reason is that Belt position may vary where they are tied to your body. Some Belts are tied high up on the stomach, Leaving a large Stomach area underneath.
You may not kick in the genitals as that is a prohibited technique.

FOUL AND DISQUALIFICATION
When a contestant has committed a prohibited act, the referee shall give him a warning or announce a foul.
In case the contestant after having once been warned, repeats prohibited acts, the referee may announce his defeat / disqualification on account of a foul of the offending contestant.
a) In a case where a contestant fails to obey the orders of the referee.
b) In a case where a contestant becomes over excited or violent to such an extent  that he  is considered unfit for engagement in the match.
c) In a case where the act of a contestant is considered  malicious, or wilfully violating the rules.
d) Other acts which are deemed as violating the rules of the match.
By the verdict of the Chief Judge, following consultation among the panel of judges, such a contestant may be barred from taking part in the remainder of the match or championship program in progress.

PENALTIES
The following scale of penalties shall operate:
ATENAI YONI:
Warning Only – imposed for  the first instance of a minor infraction.
KEIKOKU:
Penalty in which WAZA-ARI is added to the opponent’s  score. KEIKOKU is imposed for minor in fractions for which a warning has previously been given in that bout, or for infractions not  sufficiently serious to merit HANSOKU-CHUI.
HANSOKU-CHUI:
Penalty in which IPPON is added to the opponent’s score.  HANSOKU-CHUI is usually imposed for infractions for which a KEIKOKU ‘ has Previously been given in that bout.
HANSOKU:
Penalty in which SANBON is added to the opponent’s score. This is imposed following a very serious  infraction. HANSOKU  is also invoked when the number of HANSOKU-CHUI’S and KEIKOKUS imposed raised  the opponent’s score to SANBON.
SHIKKAKU:
Disqualification from the  tournament  or competition.
1. When a contestant commits an act which harms the prestige and honour of Tenshinkan Karate.
2. When and if the actions are considered to violate the rules of the tournament.

INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS DURING THE MATCH

KIKEN ( forfeiture)
Decision given when a contestant or contestants are unable to continue, abandon the bout, or are withdrawn on the order of the Referee or Doctor.  Abandonment may include injury not ascribable to the opponent’s actions.
When a contestant is injured, the Referee shall at once halt the bout and call  the doctor. The doctor is authorised to diagnose and treat the injury.
1.  An injured contestant who has been declared unfit to fight by the tournament doctor cannot fight again in that competition.
2. Any competitor who falls, is thrown, or knocked down, and does not fully remain on his or her feet within ten seconds, is considered unfit to continue fighting and will be automatically withdrawn from the tournament.
3. When a contestant; suffering a minor injury not serious enough to dis-enable him to continue the match; refuses to continue with the match or requests for permission to quit the match, he shall be declared the loser.
4. In case the injury sustained during the match for reasons not ascribable to one contestant or in case both contestants are injured at the same time for reasons for which both are responsible, the bout is awarded to the contestant who has amassed  the most points at that time.
If the points score is equal, then a decision (HANTEI) will decide the outcome of the bout.
5. An injured contestant who wins a bout through disqualification due to injury is not allowed to fight again in the competition without permision from the doctor.

PROTEST AND OTHER MATTERS

In the case of a situation not foreseen  in the Rules, or in case there is Doubt  about the applicability of these rules to a  given situation , the Judges, the Referee, the Arbitrator and the Chief Judge shall consult among themselves to find a solution thereto.
When a decision is given by a Referee and the Referee are suspected of having obviously violated the Rules of the match, or the Rules of Judging , the responsible officer of the team involved may protest to the arbitrator against the decision.

GENERAL RULES OF FAIRNESS & CONDUCT.

In order to prevent Bias and possible unfairness and possible negative comments the following Rules of Fairness Must be adhered to :
1. No SENSEI may Referee his own Student. Whether in KUMITE or in KATA.
If a Sensei is a Referee he shall step down (Change places with another Referee) and leave the floor for that bout / match.
He shall also Not be part of the Judges whilst his student is competing on the floor
2. No SENSEI may COACH his own student whilst he is a Referee or Official.
“Coaching” is defined as:
“Shouting to the student what to do whilst the the student is in a Bout/Match during the tournament”, or
“Signaling to the student what to do whilst the student is in a Bout/Match during the tournament” or
“Going to the student to Advise him what to do whilst the student is in a Bout/Match situation or during the tournament” or
Doing any action that can be construed or regarded as Coaching or Advising a student / competitor.
3. No Official, Referee, Judge or Table Officials may Coach or Advise or Shout to any competitor from the side of the competition area. (Irrespective of who’s student it is )
4. No SENSEI may make comments or remarks to another Sensei’s Student.
No Sensei may speak to; or make comment to; a student of another Sensei on the Incorrectness or Weaknesses in the Students Kata or Kumite or Techniques whilst at a tournament. Such “comments / advice “ should be discussed with the Sensei and Not his Student.