rules & Guidelines

Kids, Teens & Juveniles

2025 UPDATES:

- Weight Allowance is reduced from 1KG to 0.2KG -> Athletes who are over weight will be DQ'd

- Athletes will no longer be moved divisions if weight is missed on the day, a DQ will be issued for overweight competitors. 

- No Mat Side Coaching will be permitted at our competitions and Coaching from the crowds will be monitor'd.

- Parents, coaches and supporters must keep language appropriate when supporting athletes or they will be asked to leave. No use of violent or foul language such as “break it”, “kill them" or any foul language. This is a kids competition and support for both competitors is a must.

 Points / scoring system

We will be following the IBJJF points system

2 points - Takedowns, Sweeps, Knee on belly

3 points - Guard passes

4 points - Mount, Back & Back mount

Advantages will only be scored in Juvenile matches.

Legal Submissions (4-15 year olds)

  • Rear Naked Choke

  • Collar chokes such as Cross collar chokes, lapel chokes & paper cutter chokes -> Chokes that do not attack the spine / back of the neck

  • Triangles Chokes (No pulling of the head)

  • Armbars

  • Kimura

  • Americana 

16 & 17 year olds: Additional Legal Submissions

  • Chokes with Spinal Locks

    • Arm triangle

    • Ezekial

    • Kesa-Gatame

    • Guillotine

    • Darce

    • Anaconda

  • Straight Foot Lock

  • Omoplata

  • Triangles chokes (Pulling of the head)

Juvenile rules will follow the same rules as white belt adults.

All submissions that are illegal for adult white belts and above are illegal for juveniles.

ALL ILLEGAL SUBMISSIONS WILL FOLLOW THE IBJJF RULE BOOK:

EXCEPTION: JUMPING GUARD IS BANNED FROM ALL DIVISIONS

SEE TECHNICAL FOULS & ILLEGAL MOVES OR THE RULE BOOK:

https://ibjjf.com/books-videos

Safety for kids

  • This includes tapping for the child once a submission has been applied. The referee should not wait for the child to tap. As we progress from Kids, though to Teens, Juveniles, Adults and Masters, more time will be allowed for the competitor to defend the submission.

  • Whenever an illegal technique has been used, referees should stop the match and reset to the last safe position - This rule will only apply for Kids & Juveniles, Adults & Masters will have more strict terms of engagement and may be disqualified where appropriate.

– Outcome –

  • The referees should aim to have as few matches as possible end in DQ. Whenever possible, referees should favour resetting the match to a safe position, rather than ending the match. 

  • If an illegal technique results in a tap, the referee will then have no choice but to use DQ, however. 

– Mistakes –

  • Feedback is welcome and will be used to inform decision making in future events.

  • However, abuse toward referees and other members of staff will not be tolerated, and referees’ decisions cannot be overturned. 

- Organisation Guidelines –

  • We will provide a weight allowance on the day of 0.2kg.

  • Our aim is to create a regular, consistent, youth competition infrastructure within the area so that our young competitors have an opportunity to test themselves and improve.

  • Competitors must weigh in with Gi and Belt on and shouldn’t attempt to weigh in until their name appears on the screen beside the warmup area. Competitors should be at the venue at least 30 minutes before their first match.

  • No allowances are granted for No Shows. Any child that isn’t checked in by the time their match is called will be disqualified.

  • We will be providing time allowances for children who are checked in but not present in the bullpen.