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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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)

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

These awards are based on the accumulated rank over the entire season.

Top Teams

• AVA Cup for #1 Overall Team

• AVA Cup (take-home) for Top 3 Teams

Top Athletes

• Plaque for Top 3 Pro Athletes

• Cash Prize for Top 3 Pro Athletes

• Certificate for Top 3 Athletes

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

These awards are presented at the Western 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

These awards are presented at regional tournaments.

Top Teams

• Trophy for Top 3 Teams

Top Athletes

• Belt for #1 Pro Athlete

• Medal for Top 3 Athletes

It’s essential for competitors to understand that upon being promoted to a new belt level, any accumulated points or rankings associated with the previous belt level are not transferable. Competitors will start afresh in their new belt category, ensuring fairness and maintaining the integrity of each belt level’s competition.

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.

AVA Championship Season’s Point System Explained

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: 25% of the prize pool
• 3rd Place: 15% of the prize pool

Current Cash Pool:

• Gi Pro Female: $0 reset
• Gi Pro Male: $0 reset
• Nogi Pro Female: $0 reset
• Nogi Pro Male: $0 reset

• 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 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.

• 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!