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Rules

TECHNICAL RULES CHART REFERENCE ACTION RULES CHART REFERENCE OVERTIME RULES CHART REFERENCE REFEREE GESTURES REFERENCE

REGISTRATION PROCESS

Sign-Up

Register for events at https://avasports.smoothcomp.com/.

Weigh-Ins

  • Competitors can weigh-in on the event day or the day before, without the gi. There’s a 1kg allowance.
  • If a competitor fails to make weight, they have another chance before their division starts. If they still fail, they’ll be disqualified.
  • Special Note for Parents and Coaches: Children’s weights can fluctuate due to growth. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor their weight daily for two weeks leading up to the event to ensure they make the correct weight class.

Arrival

  • Check-in at the front door for a verification stamp.
  • Ensure you’re weighed in and cleared to compete.
  • Be at your mat number 30 minutes before your match time, monitor the match schedule closely, and head to your assigned mat promptly to avoid disqualification.

Coaches

  • A chair is provided for each competitor’s coach in the barricaded area.
  • One coach is allowed per three competitors.
  • Coaches should register via the provided link on the Smoothcomp event page.

Ensuring Fair Competition (Anti-Sandbagging)

  • In our commitment to fairness, athletes with significant experience in other grappling sports are not permitted to compete as white belts. This includes, but is not limited to, judo black belts, freestyle or Greco-Roman wrestlers, and both professional and amateur MMA fighters.

Refunds and Credits Policy

  • Refunds and credits are available through self-service until the normal registration deadline. From the normal registration deadline until the late registration deadline, ONLY coupon credits will be provided as compensation.
  • Refunds and credits will not be available AFTER the late registration deadline.
  • Refunds and credits will not be issued for no-shows or withdrawal from participation due to sickness, injuries, or bereavement AFTER the registration closing date, regardless of supporting evidence.
  • If a participant is left without a match-up, they will receive a full refund or credit. Alternatively, they may choose to collect ranking points for the season along with the award.

Transgender Competitor Policy

  • Registration & Competition: Athletes must register and compete based on their biological sex determined at birth.
  • Policy Enforcement: Any attempts to bypass or violate this policy may lead to extended suspensions or potential bans from all AVA-sanctioned events.

COMPETITOR GUIDELINES

Attire

  • Gi Divisions: Competitors must wear a clean BJJ Gi/Rashguard. For men, wearing a rashguard is optional.
  • Nogi Divisions: Competitors must wear a clean Rashguard and Grappling Shorts, with or without Spats. For men, wearing a rashguard or T-shirt is optional.
  • *Inappropriate language or Imagery is not allowed.

Weight Classes

21 kg | under 46.3 lbs

24 kg | under 52.9 lbs

28 kg | under 61.7 lbs

32 kg | under 70.5 lbs

36 kg | under 79.4 lbs

40 kg | under 88.2 lbs

45 kg | under 99.2 lbs

50 kg | under 110 lbs

55 kg | under 121.3 lbs

60 kg | under 132.3 lbs

65 kg | under 143.3 lbs

70 kg | under 154.3 lbs

76 kg | under 167.6 lbs

83 kg | under 183 lbs

91 kg | under 200.6 lbs

100 kg | under 220.5 lbs

+100 kg | over 220.5 lbs

Skill/Experience Requirements

Youth Belts (Ages 4–15):

Youth belt progression (e.g., Grey, Yellow, Orange, Green) does not follow strict timelines but is based on the student’s age and skill level. Promotions are at the discretion of the coach, ensuring readiness for competition at each rank.

  • White Belt: Ages 4–15
  • Grey/White Belt: Ages 4–15
  • Grey Belt: Ages 4–15
  • Grey/Black Belt: Ages 4–15
  • Yellow/White Belt: Ages 7–15
  • Yellow Belt: Ages 7–15
  • Yellow/Black Belt: Ages 7–15
  • Orange/White Belt: Ages 10–15
  • Orange Belt: Ages 10–15
  • Orange/Black Belt: Ages 10–15
  • Green/White Belt: Ages 13–15
  • Green Belt: Ages 13–15
  • Green/Black Belt: Ages 13–15

Adult Belts (Ages 16+):

  • White Belt: Ages 16+ (This is the starting point for most practitioners.)
  • Blue Belt: Ages 16+ (A minimum of 2 years of training at the White Belt level is typically required before progressing.)
  • Purple Belt: Ages 16+ (Requires a minimum of 2 years as a Blue Belt.)
  • Brown Belt: Ages 18+ (Requires a minimum of 1.5 years as a Purple Belt.)
  • Black Belt: Ages 19+ (Requires a minimum of 1 year as a Brown Belt.)

Athletes with significant grappling or combat experience cannot compete as White Belts. This includes:

  • Judo Black Belts
  • Freestyle/Greco-Roman Wrestlers (college level in the USA or national-level elsewhere)
  • MMA Fighters (amateur or professional)

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

Match Duration

  • Ages 4 – 6: Matches last 2 minutes (Overtime: 1 minute for each competitor)
  • Ages 7 – 15: Matches last 3 minutes (Overtime: 1 minute for each competitor)
  • Ages 16+: Matches last 4 minutes (Overtime: 1 minute for each competitor)
  • Ages 18+ (Purple/Brown/Black Belts & Pro Divisions): Matches last 5 minutes (Overtime: 1 minute for each competitor)

General Guidelines

  • If a competitor is called and does not respond, the next match will proceed.
  • After the match, a final call will be made for the competitor to respond. If there is no response, their opponent will be declared the winner.
  • Competitors will be grouped based on the closest Age, Weight, and Experience.
  • We reserve the right to adjust divisions on the day of the event.

Tournament Format: Round Robin

  • The tournament follows a Round Robin format.
  • When Divisions are larger than 5 competitors, pools will be formed and there will be an elimination round.

Pool Formation and Elimination Rounds

  • 2 Athletes: Best of three matches
  • 3-5 Athletes: Round Robin format
  • 6-10 Athletes: Best of two pools. Two pools will result in one gold/silver match and one bronze match.
  • 11-15 Athletes: Three pools will result in one elimination bracket. One athlete from each group qualifies for the elimination round (Single-elimination – Shortcut Bronze).
  • 16-20 Athletes: Four pools will result in one elimination bracket. One athlete from each group qualifies for the elimination round (Single-elimination – Bronze Match).
  • 21 and up: Several pools (maxing 5 athletes per pool) will result in one elimination bracket. One athlete from each group qualifies for the elimination round (Single-elimination – Bronze Match).

How to Win

  • Matches are won by submission during regulation time or in overtime by submission, fastest escape, or referee decision.

Round Robin Points System

The tournament is designed to incentivize submission wins in regulation time. Points are awarded for different win methods as follows:

  • Submission Victory in Regulation: Awarded 4 Points
  • Submission Victory in Overtime: Awarded 2 Points
  • Fastest Escape (Applies only to overtime): Awarded 1 Point
  • Victory by Decision: Awarded 1 Point
  • Walkover Victory (Walkover defined as due to injury, forfeit, or no show): Awarded 2 Points
  • Victory by Disqualification: Awarded 3 Points

Best Team Placement Settings

Points are also awarded for team placements:

  • 1st place = 9 Points
  • 2nd place = 3 Points
  • 3rd place = 1 Point
  • These points are added to the points awarded for different win methods to determine the overall team score.

Tiebreaker Settings

In the event of a tie, the following criteria will be used in order of priority to determine the winner:

  • Head-to-head: Direct match outcome between tied competitors.
  • Match points: Total points accumulated by each competitor.
  • Submission wins: Total number of matches won by submission.
  • Fastest submission: Shortest time taken to win by submission.
  • Fight time in won matches: Shorter total time spent in won matches.
  • Decision wins: Total number of matches won by decision.
  • Walkover wins: Total number of matches won due to opponent’s no-show.
  • Disqualification wins: Total number of matches won due to opponent’s disqualification.

Disqualification

  • On the third warning (penalties) of performing a ‘Prohibited Action’.

SAFETY AND MEDICAL PROVISIONS

Medical Assistance

A professional medical team will be available on-site to provide necessary medical services and ensure the safety of all participants.

Personal Grooming

Athletes are expected to maintain good personal hygiene. This includes keeping finger and toenails trimmed and short. Long hair should be securely tied up to avoid causing discomfort to opponents.

Hair Dye

Athletes using hair dye that could potentially stain an opponent’s Gi will be disqualified. Please ensure your hair dye is non-transferable during physical contact.

Footwear

Athletes are required to wear appropriate footwear up to the match area and in all permitted areas. This helps maintain the cleanliness of the competition space.

Skin Lesions

If an athlete is found to have skin lesions during the inspection, they will be directed to the event’s medical area. Athletes must present a medical certificate stating that the lesion is not contagious and poses no risk to other competitors.

Final Medical Decision

The event’s medical team has the final authority to decide whether an athlete is fit to compete or not. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Competitors

  • Competitors must demonstrate respect and sportsmanship, treating opponents, referees, and event officials with dignity at all times.
  • Inappropriate gestures or behavior directed at anyone, including opponents, coaches, parents, or officials, are strictly prohibited.
  • Competitors are required to wear clean, appropriate attire specific to their division (Gi or NoGi).
  • Clothing with offensive language or imagery is not allowed.
  • Maintaining composure and emotional control is essential. While passion is encouraged, aggressive behavior is unacceptable.
  • Regardless of match outcomes, competitors should acknowledge their opponents’ efforts with professionalism and humility.
  • Referees’ decisions must be respected. Any appeals should be directed to officials respectfully and will be addressed accordingly.
  • Verbal remarks toward referees during matches are prohibited.
  • Violating the code of conduct may result in disqualification, loss of awards, or further disciplinary actions, including potential bans from future AVA events.

Parents and Spectators

  • Parents play a supportive role and are expected to encourage effort and a positive attitude in young competitors.
  • Displays of disrespect or inappropriate gestures toward anyone at the event are unacceptable.
  • Attire with offensive language or imagery is not permitted.
  • Parents and spectators must respect the opponents, their families, and their coaches, focusing on the skills demonstrated rather than personal criticism.
  • Cheering should be positive and avoid behavior that disrupts or interferes with the competition.
  • Demonstrating fairness and respect by acknowledging both competitors is essential for fostering a positive environment.
  • Verbal remarks toward referees during matches are prohibited.
  • Concerns or questions should be communicated directly with tournament organizers or officials in an appropriate manner.
  • Violations of this code may result in removal from the venue and possible bans from future AVA events.

Coaches

  • Coaches must model respect and sportsmanship, emphasizing these values to their students and peers.
  • Any form of inappropriate gesture or behavior toward opponents, coaches, parents, or officials is not allowed.
  • Coaches are expected to wear appropriate attire free of offensive language or imagery.
  • A thorough understanding of tournament rules is required, and coaches must ensure their students are equally informed to maintain a safe and fair environment.
  • Coaches should encourage camaraderie by supporting and acknowledging the efforts of all athletes, including those of opposing teams.
  • Sportsmanship should guide all actions and interactions. Unsportsmanlike conduct or aggression will not be tolerated.
  • Verbal remarks toward referees during matches are prohibited.
  • All concerns should be addressed to tournament organizers or officials in a respectful and professional manner.
  • Failure to adhere to the code of conduct may result in removal from the venue or additional disciplinary actions, including exclusion from future AVA events.