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RULES
Rules Description

Southeastern Grappling Association is in the process of developing a comprehensive rulebook that will be available as a .pdf download directly from our website. Our events closely follow the traditional scoring system, rules and guidelines that are most widely shared in the Brazilian jiu jitsu tournament industry. At the present time, competitors can refer to the current International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) rulebook, FOUND HERE, as a general guide but please read further for an overview of our system and notable differences in areas such as scoring, legal/illegal techniques, formatting, etc…

Matches

-Athletes will compete in timed, referee monitored matches for points and submissions. A match is concluded when the predetermined time runs out, an athlete taps out to a submission, is disqualified, becomes injured and cannot finish the match or when an athlete is rendered unconscious.

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-Divisions with three competitors will follow a Single Elimination format.

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-Divisions with four or more competitiors will follow a Single Elimination format with a fight for bronze.

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-Divisions with only two competitors will follow a Best-of-Three format.

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-Athletes win by submitting their opponent or by accumulating the most points before the time runs out in their match.

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-"Tapping out" includes tapping with hands or feet on the mat or body, verbally saying “Tap” or vocalizing as if in pain (yelling, screaming) which will signal the end of the match.

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*In the case of a DRAW*

-Nogi- The athletes will be reset in the ring and given a 1 minute overtime to score points or submit their opponent. The first athlete to score points or submit their opponent will be declared the winner. In the event that no points are scored or submission applied, the winner will be determined by referee decision.

-Gi- The winner will be determined by referee decision, there will be no overtime round.

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*In the case of injury that results in BLEEDING*

-The match will be paused and the athlete will be given a chance to stabilize the bleeding with the help of our on-site medic. If a wound opens up a second time after the initial stabilization and bleeding occurs again, the match will be stopped and the injured opponent will take a loss by walkover.

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**Decision Overturn**

-SEGA representatives reserve the right to overturn a match outcome given certain circumstances. In the case of a contested outcome of a match, both parties will be notified and given a chance to present evidence of their stance. Contested outcomes will be handled after the completion of the event unless the time is available during the event and/or the outcome determines who moves forward in a bracket onto other matches. *If the outcome determines who moves forward, it is the competitor or representative for the competitor to notify the referee or event promoter immediately before the next match in the bracket begins.

-In the case of a contested outcome, both parties have the opportunity to present evidence via clearly recorded video and a decision will be made by tournament officials and/or the promoter. *CLEAR evidence must be presented in order to successfully overturn a match decision. We take this matter very seriously and will not overturn ANY decision without undeniable proof of mistaken outcome. We understand that this rule is different than most promotions you may have competed with but it is our belief that the correct competitor should be awarded victory at all times. Referees are human and can not be expected to see every angle in 360 degrees at all times. An example of this would be a tap on the opposite side and out of the line of sight from where a referee is standing but the match continues on.

*AGAIN, nothing will be overturned without clear evidence so your phone and/or cameras are crucial in your argument. Although we livestream the majority of our matches, we will not stop our livestream for use in a contested match outcome.

Points and Scoring

Takedown-        2 points

Sweep-               2 points

Knee on Belly-  2 points

Guard Pass-       3 points

Mount-               4 points

Back Take-         4 points

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*No Advantage points will be given.

**Refer to Article 4 in the IBJJF rulebook for clarification of scoring techniques/positions.

Legal / Illegal Techniques
Adult Divisions
Adults_Technique Table.png
Kids and Teens Divisions
Youth_Technique Table_2021.jpg
Penalties and Disqualification

Safety is our primary concern for all participants. Any action performed by an athlete with the intent to harm or injure another athlete will be considered a SERIOUS OFFENSE and will be dealt with accordingly. Slamming, spiking of the head and/or neck, use of illegal techniques, continuing to engage and/or applying a submission after the conclusion of a match or tap are all considered serious offenses and are grounds for immediate disqualification. Athlete’s disqualified for a serious offense will not be eligible for registration at future events held by Southeastern Grappling Association without evaluation.

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During the match, the referee will be in charge of issuing penalties to athletes. Penalties can be issued for reasons such as intentional stalling, avoiding engagement, intentionally going out-of-bounds for any reason other than an injury or to seek medical help, covering the nose or mouth of your opponent (muffling) and verbal assault or unsportsmanlike conduct.

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*If a competitor vomits/throws up on the mats or their opponent at anytime they will be disqualified.

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1st Penalty-          Warning

2nd Penalty-        Opponent gains 2 points

3rd Penalty-         DQ from division. The athlete may still compete in any remaining divisions they are registered for as long as the DQ was a result of non-serious penalty accumulation and not for a serious offense as previously mentioned.

 

*Athlete’s coaches and/or teammates are held to the same standards as those competing. If a coach or teammate of a competing athlete verbally/physically assaults or acts in a manner that is deemed hostile towards any member of staff, referees or participants during a match, the offender will be asked to leave the event without refund.

Gi Uniform Requirements

-Gis must be of proper size/fit for competitor- not overly baggy or extremely tight.

-Sleeves and pants must not exceed 3 inches in distance from wrist/ankle joint.

-No rips, tears, or excessive fraying that may cause injury to extremities.

-Patches must be completely sewn on and not coming off or detached in any way.

-All colors permitted.

-Rashguards may be worn underneath gi jacket.

-Low-profile ear guards may be worn.

-Low-profile joint sleeves or braces are permitted.

-Large or bulky braces that interfere with applied techniques are not permitted.

-No foot gear or wrestling shoes.

-Groin protectors and mouthguards are permitted.

No-Gi Uniform Requirements

-Rashguard, compression top or tight fitting t-shirts are required.

-Grappling shorts, compression shorts, spats, board shorts without outside pockets or strings are all permitted.

-No foot gear or wrestling shoes.

-Low-profile ear guards may be worn.

-Low-profile joint sleeves or braces are permitted.

-Large or bulky braces that interfere with applied techniques are not permitted.

-All colors permitted.

-Groin protectors and mouthguards are permitted.

Hygiene

-Finger and toe nails are to be trimmed.

-Uniforms (Gi and No-Gi) are to be clean and dry before athlete’s first match.

-Uniforms emitting excessive odor or in a state of unsanitariness will not be allowed and it will be the responsibility of the athlete to find proper replacements before their first match. Refunds will not be provided for unsanitary uniforms.

-Long hair shall be secured as to not interfere with opponents during matches.

-Dyes and/or makeup that rub off on opponent’s uniform are not permitted.

-Open cuts, lesions or any other skin condition must be evaluated by medical staff and cleared prior to first match.

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