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 the warm-up mats 30 minutes before your match start time 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: COACH LIST.
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.
COMPETITOR GUIDELINES
Attire
Gi Divisions: Competitors must wear a clean BJJ Gi/Rashguard. Rashguards are optional.
Nogi Divisions: Competitors must wear a clean Rashguard and Grappling Shorts, with or without Spats. Rashguards are mandatory.
*Inappropriate language or Imagery is not allowed.
Weight Classes
Adults/Masters (Male and Female)
Gi Divisions: Belt ranks range from Beginner White (Less than 6 months experience), White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black.
Nogi Divisions: Based on Gi rank or time experience grappling (for athletes without formal Gi rank).
Beginner White (Less than 6 months experience)
White (Less than 2 years experience)
Blue (Less than 4 years experience)
Purple (Less than 6 years experience)
Brown (Less than 7 years experience)
Black (More than 7 years experience)
Male Weight Classes:
-66 kg (-145.5 lbs)
-77 kg (-169.8 lbs)
-88 kg (-194 lbs)
-99 kg (-218.3 lbs)
+99 kg (+218.3 lbs)
Female Weight Classes:
55 kg (-121.3 lbs)
-65 kg (-143.3 lbs)
-75 kg (-165.3 lbs)
+75 kg (+165.3 lbs)
Youth Divisions (Male and Female Combined)
4-6 Years Gi & Nogi: Belt ranks are White and Grey.
Weight Classes:
-15 kg (-33 lbs)
-20 kg (-44 lbs)
-25 kg (-55 lbs)
+25 kg (+55 lbs)
7-9 Years Gi & Nogi: Belt ranks are White, Grey, and Yellow.
Weight Classes:
-20 kg (-44 lbs)
-30 kg (-66 lbs)
-40 kg (-88 lbs)
+40 kg (+88 lbs)
10-12 Years Gi & Nogi: Belt ranks are White, Grey, Yellow, and Orange.
Weight Classes:
-30 kg (-66 lbs)
-40 kg (-88 lbs)
-50 kg (-110 lbs)
+50 kg (+110 lbs)
Teens (13-15) and Young Adults (16-17) Divisions
Teens 13-15 Years Gi & Nogi: Belt ranks are White, Grey, Yellow, Orange, and Green.
Weight Classes:
-45 kg (-99 lbs)
-55 kg (-121 lbs)
-65 kg (-143 lbs)
+65 kg (+143 lbs)
Young Adults 16-17 Years Gi & Nogi: Belt ranks are White, Blue, and Purple.
Weight Classes:
-55 kg (-121 lbs)
-65 kg (-143 lbs)
-75 kg (-165 lbs)
+75 kg (+165 lbs)
Pro Male and Female Divisions: Open weight and rank.
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 (Ages 6+).
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 3 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.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Season Awards
These awards are based on the accumulated rank over the entire season.
Top Teams
AVA Cup for #1 Overall Team
Plaque for Top 3 Teams
Top Athletes
Crown for #1 Pro Athlete
Season Belt for #1 Pro Athlete
Cash Prize for Top 3 Pro Athletes
Certificate for Top 3 Athletes
Ultra Awards
These awards are presented at the season finale tournament.
Top Teams
Trophy for Top 3 Teams
Top Athletes
Crown for #1 Pro Athlete
Ultra Belt for #1 Pro Athlete
Cash Prize for Top 3 Pro Athletes
Medal for Top 3 Athletes
Regional and Coastal Awards
These awards are presented at regional and coastal tournaments.
Top Teams
Trophy for Top 3 Teams
Top Athletes
Belt for #1 Pro Athlete
Champion Patch for #1 Kid Athlete
Medal for Top 3 Athletes
RANKING SYSTEM
AVA Championship Season’s Point System:
Points are accumulated by athletes and teams from each tournament throughout the year.
Points are reset annually. Points earned from each tournament decrease gradually, with a 50% reduction after one year from the event date. This ensures rankings remain current and accurately represent players’ performance levels. After two years, the rankings associated with that event depreciate to zero.
Match Points:
Victory by Submission in Regulation: 4 Points
Victory by Submission in Overtime: 2 Points
Victory by Fastest Escape (Overtime only): 1 Point
Victory by Walkover (due to injury, forfeit, or no show): 3 Points
Placement Points:
1st Place: 9 points
2nd Place: 3 points
3rd Place: 1 point
Note: Regional tournaments multiply placement points by 1, Coastal tournaments by 2, and Ultra tournaments by 3.
Pro Divisions
Pro Placement Winners:
The grand prize money is split among the AVA Ultra tournament champions and the highest-ranked players of the season. As more elite competitors sign up, the prize pool grows. Each competitor in a Pro division contributes $50 from their registration to the prize pool.
AVA Season Pro Winners:
Pros compete throughout the season, accumulating ranking points. Only the top placers will take home the ultimate cash prize.
AVA Ultra Pro Winners:
Pros must earn enough points (4 or more needed) to advance to the AVA Ultra, where they compete for the grand cash prize and the title of AVA Ultra Champion.
Prize Distribution:
1st Place: 60% of the prize pool
2nd Place: 35% of the prize pool
3rd Place: 15% of the prize pool
Current Cash Pool:
Gi Pro Female: $800
Gi Pro Male: $1150
Nogi Pro Female: $350
Nogi Pro Male: $3150
CODE OF CONDUCT
Competitors:
Respect is paramount. Please maintain sportsmanship, treating your opponent with dignity and respect.
Manage your emotions during the competition. While it’s natural to be passionate, we ask that you maintain composure and avoid aggressive behavior.
Regardless of the outcome, sportsmanship is crucial. Congratulate your opponent, take pride in your effort, and show respect towards all participants.
Referees play a vital role. Please respect their authority and decisions. If you wish to appeal, please inform officials respectfully, and it will be addressed appropriately.
Violation of the code of conduct may result in disqualification, revocation of prizes or awards, and/or further disciplinary action, including a potential ban from future AVA events.
Parents and Spectators:
Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s participation. Encourage your child to give their best effort while maintaining a positive attitude.
Remember, your child is competing against their opponent, not their character. Treat your child’s opponent, their families, and coaches with respect and kindness.
While cheering for your child, avoid distractions or behavior that may interfere with the competition. This includes physical distractions and negative comments.
Be a positive role model, demonstrating respect and fairness towards all participants. This includes cheering for both your child and their opponent.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to tournament organizers or officials. We’re here to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
Violation of the code of conduct may result in removal from the venue and/or further disciplinary action, including a potential ban from future AVA events.
Coaches:
As coaches, emphasize the importance of respect and integrity to your students. Demonstrate positive behavior and sportsmanship.
Familiarize yourself with the tournament rules and ensure your students understand them to maintain a safe environment.
Build camaraderie with your opponent’s coaches and families. Acknowledge their efforts and support their athletes.
Sportsmanship should always be a top priority. Avoid behavior perceived as aggressive or unsportsmanlike.
If you have any questions or concerns, address them respectfully through proper channels.
Violation of the code of conduct may result in removal from the venue and/or further disciplinary action, including a potential ban from future AVA events.
By adhering to this Code of Conduct, we can create a safe, positive, and enjoyable AVA tournament experience for everyone involved. Thank you for your cooperation!
