POOMSAE COMPETITION GUIDELINES

I. Recognized Poomsae is a sequence of Taekwondo movements, including stances, blocks, punches,

strikes, and kicks, arranged to respond to imaginary attacks from multiple directions.
 Individual Poomsae focuses on proper form and technique for each belt level.
 Pair Poomsae is performed in sync by two competitors.
 Team Poomsae is performed in sync by three competitors.

II. COMPETITION MECHANICS

A. Individual Poomsae
a. The competitor’s division will follow their respective Year of Birth (See Annex).
b. There will be Male and Female Categories.
c. Competitors will perform the required recognized poomsae according to their Age
Division and Belt Level as stated below. Wrong Poomsae will receive the lowest score.

REQUIRED RECOGNIZED POOMSAE

DIVISION
YELLOW BLUE RED BROWN BLACK
GRADE SCHOOL
Taeguk 1 Taeguk 3 Taeguk 5 Taeguk 7 Koryo
Birth Year: 2013 and above

CADET
Taeguk 1 Taeguk 3 Taeguk 5 Taeguk 7 Keumgang
Birth Year: 2010-2012

JUNIOR
Taeguk 1 Taeguk 3 Taeguk 5 Taeguk 7 Taebek
Birth Year: 2007-2009

SENIOR
Taeguk 1 Taeguk 3 Taeguk 5 Taeguk 7 Pyongwon
Birth Year: 2006 and below

B. Pair and Team Poomsae

a. Any combinations of Gender Divisions are allowed.
b. A pair or team with members belonging to different age divisions will be
categorized using the Year of Birth of the oldest member.
c. Novice, Advance 1, and Advance 2 categories will be observed.
d. Competitors will perform the required recognized poomsae according to their
Age Division and Belt Level as stated below. Wrong Poomsae will receive the
lowest score.
III. COMPETITION UNIFORM

FEMALE MALE FEMALE MALE

 1. Competitors must wear the Official PTA Poomsae Uniforms.
2. Jewelries and footwears are not allowed.

IV. SCORING SYSTEM

1. Accuracy (4.0)
a. Accuracy in Basic Movements
b. Accuracy in Individual Movement of the Poomsae
c. Balance
2. Presentation (6.0)
a. Speed and Power – 2.0
b. Control of Power, Speed and Rhythm, Synchronization – 2.0
c. Expression of Energy – 2.0

V. COMPETITION METHOD

1. All players will perform once.

2. The PTA National Poomsae Referees will judge each performance.
3. The Top 4 Players for each category shall be selected and awarded based on their points and
rankings.

VI. AWARDS

1. All competitors will be awarded an E-Certificate of Participation.

2. E-Certificate of Participation will be sent after the competition via email of their respective
coaches.
3. Winning competitors in each category will be awarded the following:

1st Place: Gold Medal

2nd Place: Silver Medal
3rd Place: (2) Bronze Medal

SPEED KICKING COMPETITION GUIDELINES

I. SPEED/FREE KICKING is an event highlighting the speed, stamina, and, creativity of kyorugi athletes
executing as many kyorugi techniques involving Taekwondo body kicks, head kicks, turning kicks, push
kicks, jumping kicks, and proper punches in a given span of time.

II. COMPETITION MECHANICS

1. The competitor’s division will follow their respective Year of Birth (See Annex). There will be Male
and Female Categories.
2. Competitors will execute continuous, flowing and as many kyorugi techniques as possible for their
respective belt category within a given span of time as shown below:
 CATEGORY TIME LIMIT
NOVICE (Yellow and Blue) 30 seconds
ADVANCE 1 (Red and Brown) 60 seconds
ADVANCE 2 (Black) 60 seconds
3. Permitted Kicks

NOVICE 1 ADVANCE 1 ADVANCE 2

YELLOW AND BLUE RED AND BROWN BLACK
Stretch Kick Side Kick
Out-in Kick Roundhouse Kick
In-out Kick Jumping Out-in Kick All Kicks All Kicks
Front Kick Turning Side Kick
45 Kick
4. Divisions and Categories (See Annex): Grade School Division will be categorized by Year of Birth
only.
5. Competitors can combine any proper and valid Taekwondo Kicks and Punches with speed and
power.
6. Competitors must not face nor give his back while kicking. Competitors should always face left or
right when kicking.
7. All kicks must be waist level and above. Any kicks below the waist will not be counted.
8. Competitors should have proper form, balance, and energetic performance.

III. COMPETITION UNIFORM

1. Competitors must wear the Official PTA Competition Uniforms.

2. Jewelries and footwears are not allowed.
 3. Armor, Sensing Socks, Hand Gloves, Taekwondo Shoes, and other protective gears are not
allowed

IV. SCORING SYSTEM

1. Technical (40%)
a. Number of Kicks
b. Number of Head Kicks
c. Number of Turning Kicks and Punches NOTE: Kicking with the same kick for three (3)
consecutive times and above will only be counted as two (2).
2. Performance (60%)
a. Quality of Kick
b. Difficulty of Kicks and Combinations
c. Over-all Performance NOTE: Kicking in choreographed, sequential, and repetitive manner will
receive the lowest total score of 1.5 in Performance.

V. ACTIONS THAT WILL NOT BE COUNTED

1. Kicks not permitted in the competitor’s category.

2. Jab, hook, uppercut, and overhead punches.

VI. COMPETITION METHOD

1. The PTA National Kyorugi Referees will judge each performance.

2. The Top 4 Players for each category shall be selected and awarded based on their points and
rankings.

VII. AWARDS

1. All competitors will be awarded an E-Certificate of Participation.

2. E-Certificate of Participation will be sent after the competition via email of their respective
coaches.
3. Winning competitors in each category will be awarded the following:

1st Place: Gold Medal

2nd Place: Silver Medal
3rd Place: (2) Bronze Medal
KYORUGI COMPETITION GUIDELINES

I. KYORUGI is one of the disciplines of Taekwondo that involves a free-form spar between two
competitors. It is subject to strict rules ensuring fair competition and lessening the chances of
injuries to the competitors. Score is granted to the competitor executing valid Kyorugi
technique to the opponent’s electronic armor and/or electronic head protector with sufficient
power. Warnings are given to players that make illegal actions inside the court. The
competitor that garners the most points wins the match.

II. COMPETITION ATTIRE AND EQUIPMENT

1. Competitors
A. Competitors should bring their valid National Competitor’s Card (NCC) inside the
competition venue.
B. Competitors shall wear the official competition uniform and equipment accredited and
recognized by the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) which includes the following:
a. Competition Uniform
b. Arm Guards
c. Shin Guards
d. Groin Guards
e. White Hand Gloves
f. White or Transparent Mouth Guards
g. E-foot Protectors
2. Official PTA Coaches
A. Coaches are required to wear their updated PTA Instructor’s ID. Otherwise, they will not
be allowed to enter the field of play.
B. Coaches are required to wear the following:
a. Collared and Sleeved Shirt
b. Official PTA Coach Vest
c. Any type of pants except ripped jeans
d. Closed shoes

III. COMPETITION MECHANICS

1. Method of Competition
a. There will be an individual competition between competitors of the same
category. Competitors can only join in one category per event.
b. Single Elimination
c. Best of Three (3) System will be implemented in the Advance Categories.
d. Two (2) Rounds System will be implemented in all other categories.

2. Divisions and Categories

A. There will be Male and Female Divisions.
B. Divisions will follow their respective Year of Birth (See Annex).
C. Each division will be categorized by height/weight categories, depending on the
division. (See Annex).
a. Categories should have a minimum of four (4) competitors.
 b. Categories with three (3) or fewer competitors will be merged to adjacent
categories until the minimum number of four (4) competitors is reached in the
merged category.
c. If there are still less than four (4) competitors after merging by weight category,
the next level of merging will be based on their age divisions.

3. Duration of Matches
a. Toddler / Grade School Division – Three Rounds of 1 minute with a 30-second
break in between rounds.
b. Cadet Division – Three Rounds of 1 minute and 30 seconds with a 45-second
break in between rounds.
c. Senior / Junior Division – Three Rounds of 1 minute and 30 seconds with a 45-
second break in between rounds.

4. Drawing of Lots
A. An automated system will be used by the organizing committee.

5. Competitors from the same chapter in the same category

A. In case of 2 or more players from the same chapter are in the same category, these
players will not compete in the first match unless a “bye” is drawn by one player. (A
“bye” is considered as a match win.)

6. Scoring System
A. The LPSS will be used as the Protector and Scoring System (PSS) during the competition.
B. Permitted Techniques
a. Fist Technique: Using the knuckles of a tightly clenched fist to deliver a straight
punching technique to the opponent’s trunk protector
b. Foot Technique: Kicks delivered to the trunk or the head protector/s using any
part of the foot below the ankle bone
C. Valid Points
a. Point/s shall be awarded when a permitted technique is delivered to the
colored area of the trunk protector with a proper level of impact.
b. Points shall be awarded when a permitted technique is delivered to the head
protector.
D. Different Valid Points
a. One (1) point for valid punch to the trunk protector.
b. Two (2) points for valid kick to the trunk protector.
c. Three (3) points for a valid kick to the head protector.
d. Four (4) points for a valid turning kick to the trunk protector.
e. Five (5) points for a valid turning kick to the head protector.
f. One (1) point is awarded for every “Gam-jeom (See Annex B) given to the
opponent.
7. Prohibited Acts and Penalties
A. Penalties shall be decided by the referee.
B. Prohibited acts (see Annex B) shall be penalized with a “Gam-jeom” by the
A. referee.
B. A “Gam-jeom” shall be counted as one (1) point for the opposing competitor.

8. Invalidation of Points
A. Recorded points will be invalidated when a competitor acquires the score right after the
execution of a prohibited act. The referee would declare the penalty for the prohibited act
and invalidate the acquired score.
9. Appeal Card
A. The Appeal Card is the means for the coach to object to a judgment of the referee during
the match and request for a correction on the decision. Appeal Card will only be available
to the Advance Categories.
B. Appeal Card can only be used in the following situations:
a. Penalties against the opponent for instances of falling down, crossing boundary
line, attacking the opponent after “Kal-yeo”, or attacking the fallen opponent
b. Technical Point
c. Any penalty against own competitor
d. Any mechanical malfunction or error in time management
e. Referee forgot to invalidate point/s after “Gam-jeom” was given for the
prohibited act.
f. “Gam-jeom” was given to the wrong competitor
g. Head Kick that is not scored
C. When an appeal card is requested, the assigned referees in the court will convene.
D. If the appeal is successful and the contested request is granted, the coach shall retain the
right to appeal for the match.
E. If the appeal is not successful, the coach shall forfeit the right to appeal for the match.
F. The decision of the convening referees is final and no further appeals during the match or
protest after the match will be accepted.
10. Winning a Match - Using the Best of Three (3) System, the competitor winning the greatest
number of rounds wins the match.
A. Winning a Round
a. Winning by Points: The competitor who acquired more points wins the round.
b. Winning by Point Gap: In case of a twelve (12) point difference between the
competitors, the referee will stop the round and declare the competitor with
more score as the winner.
c. Winning by “Gam-jeom”: When a competitor receives five (5) “gam-jeom” in
B. a round, the opponent will be declared winner of the round.
C. Winning a Round with Tied-Scores
D. The round winner shall be decided by superiority based on the following order of criteria.
a. Most points scored by turning or spinning kick
b. If the points of turning and spinning kicks are the same, the competitor who has
more scores using higher value techniques in the following order:
 - Head
- Trunk
- Punch
- “Gam-jeom”
c. If the high value points are the same, the competitor with the higher number of
registered hits wins the round.
d. If the three (3) above criteria are the same, referee and the judges shall
determine superiority.
V. PROTESTS
1. Protests shall be made in writing using the Protest Form with a Protest Fee of Php 1,000.
2. The Protest shall be submitted to the Referee Chairman in no more than 30 minutes after the
match in question.
3. If the Arbitration Committee decides in favor of the protesting party, the protest fee shall be
refunded.
4. A written protest and protest fee shall not be required in the following cases and shall be
resolved with the Tournament Manager.
A. Questions about a competitor’s affiliation or good standing with PTA.
B. Questions about a competitor’s qualifications (age, weight, skill level in Novice 1
Category)
VI. HEALTH WAIVER

By entering the event and choosing to participate, competitors agree to adhere to all medical protocols and
regulations. Participants must be physically fit and free from any other diseases that could affect their ability to
compete. By participating, competitors freely assume all risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the
negligence of others.
 VII. AWARDS
1. All competitors will be awarded an E-Certificate of Participation.
2. E-Certificate of Participation will be sent after the competition via email of their respective
coaches.
3. Winning competitors will be awarded the following:

1st Place: Gold Medal

2nd Place: Silver Medal
3rd Place: (2) Bronze Medal
4. Divisions by Year of Birth

DIVISION BIRTH YEAR

TODDLER Birth Year: 2016-2018
GRADE SCHOOL Birth Year: 2013-2015
CADET Birth Year: 2010-2012
JUNIOR Birth Year: 2007-2009
SENIOR Birth Year: 2006 & below
5. Belt Categories

CATEGORY BELT LEVEL

NOVICE Yellow and Blue
ADVANCE 1 Red and Brown
ADVANCE 2 Black

NOVICE DIVISION GUIDELINES

It is the spirit of Novice Division to provide an opportunity for beginners to compete with other players with the
same skill level. It is therefore against the spirit of this provision to have players who have stayed long in Yellow
Belt or Blue Belt; or who have developed skills equivalent to Red Belt or higher to joining in the Novice Division.
Instructors and coaches are therefore reminded to use discretion in fielding players in the Novice Division.

A. The following Yellow Belt and Blue Belt players are not allowed to compete in the Novice Division
and are also not allowed to be transferred to the Advance 1 and 2 Division.
a. Players who are more than 8 months from the date of their first promotion test as
white belt.
b. Players who have won a gold medal in previous national level competitions.
c. Players who have developed advance skills (power, speed, and technique).
d. Members of school varsity teams, school or LGU selections
6. Weight Categories

A. SENIOR DIVISION

CATEGORY SENIOR MALE SENIOR FEMALE

1. Fin 54 kg and Below 46 kg and Below
2. Fly Over 54 kg to 58 kg Over 46 kg to 49 kg
3. Bantam Over 58 kg to 63 kg Over 49 kg to 53 kg
4. Feather Over 63 kg to 68 kg Over 53 kg to 57 kg
5. Light Over 68 kg to 74 kg Over 57 kg to 62 kg
6. Welter Over 74 kg to 80 kg Over 62 kg to 67 kg
7. Middle Over 80 kg to 87 kg Over 67 kg to 73 kg
8. Heavy Over 87 kg Over 73 kg

B. JUNIOR DIVISION

CATEGORY JUNIOR MALE JUNIOR FEMALE

1. Fin 45 kg and Below 42 kg and Below
2. Fly Over 45 kg to 48 kg Over 42 kg to 44 kg
3. Bantam Over 48 kg to 51 kg Over 44 kg to 46 kg
4. Feather Over 51 kg to 55 kg Over 46 kg to 49 kg
5. Light Over 55 kg to 59 kg Over 49 kg to 52 kg
6. Welter Over 59 kg to 63 kg Over 52 kg to 55 kg
7. Lt. Middle Over 63 kg to 68 kg Over 55 kg to 59 kg
8. Middle Over 68 kg to 73 kg Over 59 kg to 63 kg
9. Lt. Heavy Over 73 kg to 78 kg Over 63 kg to 68 kg
10. Heavy Over 78 kg Over 68 kg

C. CADET DIVISION

CADET MALE CADET FEMALE

Under 148 cm Not exceeding 148 cm Under 144 cm Not exceeding 144 cm
Over 148 cm but not Over 144 cm but not
Under 152 cm Under 148 cm
exceeding 152 cm exceeding 148 cm
Over 152 cm but not Over 148 cm but not
Under 156 cm Under 152 cm
exceeding 156 cm exceeding 152 cm
Over 156 cm but not Over 152 cm but not
Under 160 cm Under 156 cm
exceeding 160 cm exceeding 156 cm
Over 160 cm but not Over 156 cm but not
Under 164 cm Under 160 cm
exceeding 164 cm exceeding 160 cm
Over 164 cm but not Over 160 cm but not
Under 168 cm Under 164 cm
exceeding 168 cm exceeding 164 cm
 Over 168 cm but not Over 164 cm but not
Under 172 cm Under 168 cm
exceeding 172 cm exceeding 168 cm
Over 172 cm but not Over 168 cm but not
Under 176 cm Under 172 cm
exceeding 176 cm exceeding 172 cm
Over 176 cm but not Over 172 cm but not
Under 180 cm Under 176 cm
exceeding 180 cm exceeding 176 cm
Over 180 cm Over 176 cm

D. GRADE SCHOOL DIVISION / TODDLER DIVISION

CATEGORY GRADE SCHOOL MALE / FEMALE

Under 112 Not exceeding 112 cm
Under 120 Over 112 cm – 120 cm
Under 128 Over 120 cm – 128 cm
Under 136 Over 128 cm – 136 cm
Under 144 Over 136 cm – 144 cm
Under 152 Over 144 cm – 152 cm
Under 160 Over 152 cm – 160 cm
Over 160 cm
 ANNEX B
“GAM-JEOM”

1. Crossing Boundary Line

a. A “gam-jeom” shall be declared when one (1) foot of a contestant crosses Boundary
Line.
b. No “gam-jeom” will be declared if a contestant crosses the boundary line as a result of a
prohibited act by the opposing contestant.

2. Falling Down
a. A “gam-jeom” shall be declared for falling down. However, if a contestant falls down
due to the opponent’s prohibited acts, “gam-jeom” penalty shall not be given to the
fallen contestant, but shall be given to the opponent.
b. If both contestants fall as a result of incidental collision, or in case a contestant who
received a point with turning kick falls down, no penalty shall be given.

3. Avoiding or Delaying the Match

a. This act involves stalling with no intention of attacking. A contestant who continuously
displays a non-engaging style shall be given a “gam-jeom”. If both contestants remain
inactive for three (3) seconds, the center referee will signal the “Gong-gyeok”
command. A “gam-jeom” will be declared on both contestants if there is no activity
from them three (3) seconds after the command was given; or on the contestant who
moved backwards from the original position three (3) seconds after the command was
given.
b. Turning the back and move away to avoid the opponents’s attact should be punished as
it expresses the lack of the spirit of fair play and may casue serious injury. The same
penalty should be given for evading the opponent’s attack by bending below waist level
or crouching.
c. Retreating from the technical engagement only to avoid the opponent’s attack and to
run out the clock, “gam-jeom” shall be given to the passive contestant.
d. Pretending injury means exaggerating injury or indicating pain in a body part not
subjected to a blow for the purpose of demonstrating the opponent’s actions as a
violation, and also exaggerating pain for the purpose of elapsing the match time. In this
case, the referee shall give a “gam-jeom”. However, referee may request IVR for
clarification before declaration of “gam-jeom” for pretending injury.
e. “Gam-jeom” shall also be given to the contestant who asks the referee to stop the
contest in order to adjust the position / fit of protective equipment.
 f. “Gam-jeom” will be given when a contestant moves 3 consecutive steps backward or
sideways without technical engagement.
4. Grabbing or Pushing the Opponent
a. This includes grabbing any part of the opponent’s body, uniform, or protective
equipment with the hands. It also includes the act of grabbing the foot or leg, or
hooking the leg with forearm.
b. For pushing, it is permitted as a quick impact and a contestant must disengage from
opponent after one push. The following acts shall be penalized:
- Pushing the opponent with prolonged or continuous contact
- Pushing the opponent out of boundary line
- Pushing the opponent in a way that prevents kicking motion or any normal
execution of attacking movement
c. Contestants should be separated following the referee’s “kal-yeo” command in a clinch
position. No gam-jeom will be given, then “kye-sok”.
d. “Gam-jeom” will be given to the contestant who is grabbing, holding, or crossing the
arms to opponent’s body in clinch position.

5. Lifting the Leg or Cut Kick Motion shall not be penalized only when it is followed by
execution of punching or kicking technique in combination and continuous motion.

6. Attacking Below the Waist

a. This action applies to an attack on any part below the waist. When an attack below the
waist is caused by the recipient in the course of an exchange of techniques, no penalty
will be given. This article also applies to strong kicking or stomping actions to any part of
the thigh, knee, or shin for the purpose of interfering with the opponent’s technique.

7. Attacking the Opponent after “Kal-yeo”

a. Attacking after Kal-yeo requires that the attack results in actual contact to the
opponent’s body.
b. If the attacking motion started before the Kal-yeo, the attack shall not be penalized.
c. In Instant Video Replay (IVR), the timing of Kal-yeo shall be defined as the moment that
the referee’s Kal-yeo hand signal was completed (with fully extended arm); and the start
of the attack shall be defined as the moment that the attacking foot is fully off the floor.
d. If an attack after Kal-yeo did not land on the oppponent’s body but appeared deliberate
and malicious, the referee may penalize the behavior with a “gam-jeom”.
8. Hitting the Opponent’s Head with the Hand
a. This article includes hitting the opponent’s head with the hand, fist, wrist, arm,
or elbow. However, unavoidable actions due to opponent’s carelessness such
as excessively lowering the head or carelessly turning the body cannot be
punished by this article.

9. Butting or attacking with the Knee

a. This article relates to an intenional butting or attacking with the knee
when in close proximity to the opponent. However, contact with the knee
that happens in the following situations cannot be punished by this article:
- When the opponent rushes abruptly at the moment a kick is being executed
- Inadvertently, or as a result of a discrepancy in the distance on attacking

10. Attacking the Fallen Opponent

a. This action is extremely dangerous due to the high probability of injury to the
opponent. The danger arises from the following:
- The fallen opponent is in an immediate defenseless state
- The impact of any technique which strikes a fallen contestant will be
greater due to the contestant’s position. These types of aggressive
actions towards a fallen opponent are not in accordance with the Spirit
of Taekwondo and as such are not appropriate in a Taekwondo
competition. In this regard, penalties should be given for intentionally
attacking the fallen opponent regardless of the degree of impact.

11. Misconduct
a. When misconduct is committed by a contestant or a coach during a rest period,
past the five (5) seconds of the round conclusion, the referee can immediately
declare the “gam- jeom” and it shall be recorded to the next round. However,
“gam-jeom” shall be recorded to the previous round if the action happened
within five (5) seconds of the round conclusion.