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 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 competitor with the fastest match time wins.

6. Yonen (5-12 years old)

    a. Match Time = 2 ½ minutes     

    b. Double Drop Knee techniques WILL NOT be allowed (hansokumake for that match)

    c. No shime-waza (chokes)   

    d. No kansetsu-waza (arm locks)

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

    a. Match Time = 3 minutes

    b. No kansetsu-waza (arm locks)

8. Seinen Brown/Black Belt

    a. Full IJF rules

    b. Match Time = 4 minutes

    c. Must be 15 years of age, or older, to compete

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

9. Masters (35 years and older)

    a. Match Time = 2 ½ minutes

    b. Kansetsu-waza (arm locks) will be allowed except for novice competitors

    c. Shime-waza (chokes) will be allowed

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

11. *NO Shime-waza (chokes) or Kansetsu-waza (arm locks) will be allowed in ANY NOVICE DIVISIONS.* 

12. White judo gis are mandatory. Blue judo gis are optional.

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

***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.***