Competition Rules
NSKA Rule Book
The official rules and policies governing all sanctioned National Sport Karate Australia competitions. All competitors and coaches should confirm the version in use prior to each event.
No alteration or adjustment to this rule book will be made within 30 days of any sanctioned event. All alterations are passed by majority vote of the NSKA Board of Directors.
Section I
General Information
Rules and procedures that apply across all NSKA sanctioned events and disciplines.
Table Official
The base level entry grade for officials. Responsible for timekeeping, recording scores and warnings. The Table Official assists in monitoring match duration and keeps scores, starting and stopping time at the Referee's command. In sparring, the Timekeeper's only duty is to keep time for the Referee — they do not start or stop the match.
Judges
Judges assist the Referee to control and judge events, issuing scores and allocating points. The Referee may consult Judges on penalties or warnings, however the Referee alone has the power to issue them. It is the majority vote of the Judges and Referee that determines a scoring point.
Referee
The Referee has ultimate control of a ring. They must have superior knowledge of the Rule Book and coordinate all ring operations. The Referee has authority over:
- Match start and end — on their command only, not the Table Official
- Final decision on any score disputes
- Power to issue warnings and award penalty points without a majority decision
- Can overrule a majority call only to issue a warning or penalty point
- Automatically has power to disqualify a Competitor
- Power to issue time-outs at their discretion
Arbitrator
An independent person officially appointed to settle disputes. The Arbitrator makes the final ruling on issues referred to them by a Referee on the day of the tournament.
Number of Officials
A minimum of two (2) Judges and one (1) Referee are required for all divisions, unless otherwise stated in the rules or agreed with competitors at the time of the event.
Officials Appearance
All officials will wear a supplied NSKA branded official shirt (or a plain black shirt if still in training), plain black full-length pants with no branding or logos, and appropriate footwear. Hats are not permitted.
Section II
Demonstration Events
Rules applying to all forms, weapons and demonstration divisions.
Demonstration Events hero image
Scoring System — Relative Ranking
All competitors run their forms before anyone is scored. Judges use a relative ranking worksheet — each competitor receives a place number relative to those who have already performed. Once all competitors have run, judges assign decimal scores based on relative ranking.
- The top competitor is scored 9.99 or 9.98 at the judge's discretion.
- Each subsequent competitor is scored at least 0.01 lower than the one ranked above them.
- None of the top four competitors receive the same score.
- Maximum Deviation Rule: All three judges' scores must be within 0.02 of the middle score. Any score outside this range is adjusted to the nearest permissible value.
Section III
Combat Events
Rules for all sparring, grappling, and combat divisions.
Combat Events hero image
Section IV
Breaking Events
Rules for all board, concrete, and creative breaking divisions.
Breaking Events hero image
General Breaking Rules
Materials
- All wooden breaking material must be purchased from smai.com.au
- 12mm boards for 13 and under; 20mm for 14 and over
- Concrete: 390 × 190 × 40mm Cap Besser Block from Bunnings
- Judges reserve the right to inspect all materials
- All breaking materials must be removed from the competition area and placed in dumpsters provided
Safety
- Competitor's instructor must approve all breaks
- Judges reserve the right to restrict any break deemed unsafe
- No material may leave the ring unless planned beforehand
- The break cannot cause damage to the facility or surrounding fixtures
- Fire is not permitted in any breaking event
Time Limit
Competitors have a maximum of 3 minutes to set up, break, and pack up. Deductions apply for exceeding the time limit.
Section V
Policies
All policies governing conduct, membership, media, and participation in NSKA events.
Safety and Health of Participants
- Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.
- Be aware of and support the sport's injury management plans and return to play guidelines.
Promoting Excellence
- Help each person reach their potential. Respect talent, developmental stage and goals. Encourage with positive and constructive feedback.
- Encourage and support opportunities for people to learn appropriate behaviours and skills.
- Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up-to-date with the latest coaching practices.
Honour the Sport
- Act within the rules and spirit of your sport.
- Promote fair play over winning at any cost.
- Respect the decisions of officials, coaches and administrators.
- Display responsible behaviour in relation to alcohol and other drugs.
Integrity
- Act with integrity and objectivity, and accept responsibility for your decisions and actions.
- Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a harassment-free environment.
- Wherever practical, avoid unaccompanied and unobserved one-on-one activity with people under the age of 18.
- Never advocate or condone the use of illicit drugs or banned performance-enhancing substances.
- Never participate in or advocate practices involving match fixing.
Respect
- Respect the rights and worth of every person, regardless of age, race, gender, ability, cultural background, sexuality or religion.
- Do not tolerate abusive, bullying or threatening behaviour.