All matches will be conducted using the current Contest Rules for Judo, as stipulated by the International Judo Federation (IJF), with the following modifications:

1.     Pre-2003 injury rules will be used, except for Shonen Brown/Black and Seinen Brown/Black Belt divisions.

2.    Contest area will be 6x6 meters with 4 meter safety area between mats and 3 meter outside border.

3.  The CARE system will not be in effect, and three referees will be on the mat.

4.  Modified Double Elimination will be used for divisions with 6 or more competitors.

5.  Round Robin System will be used for divisions with 5 or fewer competitors.  For all Round Robin divisions: the division winners will be determined by (1) most wins; if wins are tied, (2) most points; and if wins and points are tied, the winner will be determined by (3) head-to-head competition. (4) In the event there is still a tie, the competitors will compete against each other in Golden Score period where match times will be recorded. The competitor with the fastest match time wins.

6.  Yonen Novice and Advanced (5-12 years old)     

     a. Match Time = 2 ½ minutes

     b.   No shime-waza (chokes)

     c.  No kansetsu-waza (arm locks)

7.   Shonen Novice (13-16 years old) and Seinen/Senior Novice (17 years and older)

     a.   Match Time = 3 minutes

     b.  No kansetsu-waza (arm locks)

8.   Shonen Advanced (13-16 years old)

      a.   Match Time = 3 minutes

      b.  No kansetsu-waza (arm locks)

9.   Shonen Brown/Black (13-16 years old), Seinan/Senior Brown/Black

     a.   Full IJF rules          

     b.   Match Time = 4 minutes

     c.  Must be 13 years of age, or older, to compete

     d.   Must hold a rank of green belt, or higher, to compete

     e. No coaching EXCEPT during Matte.

10.   Masters (35 years and older)

     a.   Match Time = 2 ½ minutes

     b.  Kansetsu-waza (arm locks) will be allowed. No Kansetsu Waza for Masters Novice. 

     c.   Shime-waza (chokes) will be allowed. 

11. All competitors choked out will be disqualified from further competition for the event.

12. All competitors diagnosed with a concussion from medical staff will be disqualifed from further competition for the event.

13. For all divisions, there is no time limit in Golden Score

14. White judo gis are mandatory. Blue judo gis are optional, but can only be worn when assigned to the blue side. 

15. All contestants must have properly fitting blue and white competition judo belts.

16.  Appropriate undergarments must be worn by all athletes. Female athletes shall wear under the jacket either a plain white or off-white t-shirt, with short sleeves, long enough to be worn inside the trousers, or a plain white or off-white leotard with short sleeves. The white t-shirt should have a round neck. 

17. Any athlete needing to change clothes/judogi should do so in a restroom.

The Tournament Director reserves the right to make any necessary changes in the best interest of the sport and/or the safety of the competitors.