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ISKA MMA AMATEUR RULES OVERVIEW ISKA MMA (ISKA) rules permit all styles of Martial Arts fighting. The competitors fight until one submits or until the doctor, referee, or designated cornerperson stops the fight. SECTION I: THE RING 1. THE FIGHTING AREA The fighting area shall be no smaller than 18’ by 18’. The fighting area floor shall be padded in a manner as approved by the ISKA. The ISKA recommends a minimum of 1/2”, maximum of 1” layer of closed cell foam. A standard boxing type rope ring or MMA type cage is allowed subject to ISKA approval. If a standard boxing type roped ring is used, the ring floor shall extend beyond the ropes not less than 18”. Padding must extend over the edge of the platform. The fighting area must have a canvas covering. No vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering will be permitted. If fencing is used then all metal parts must be covered and padded in a manner approved by the ISKA. 2. HEIGHT OF RING OR CAGE The ring platform shall be at least 30” above the floor of the building and shall be provided with suitable steps or ramp for use by the fighters. Ring-side tables must be no higher than ring platform level. 3. SANITATION The promoter of the event will be responsible for ensuring acceptable sanitary standards are met, with respect to dressing rooms, showers, water bottles, towels or other equipment. Physicians and ISKA Representatives are to make a particular examination at every event for violations of these rules. The ring must be swept, dry-mopped, or otherwise adequately cleaned before the event and prior to the fights.
1. PRE-CONDITIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL STATUS No fighter may compete in an ISKA-MMA Amateur bout, if the fighter has competed as a professional in any combat sport (without the express written approval of the ISKA). Fighters seeking professional status may require written approval from their ISKA Regional Director. Requirements for approval will include an accurate, current listing of all of the fighter’s bouts, including event dates, places, weight class, opponents, and results.
ISKA licensing is mandatory for all fighters and promoters. All fighters must sign an ISKA approved liability waiver for each bout. 3. SUSPENDED FIGHTERS Any fighter who is currently under suspension by the ISKA or by any athletic commission will not be permitted to participate in any ISKA event for the duration of the suspension.
1. EXAMINATION OF FIGHTERS Any fighter applying for eligibility to compete in an ISKA event must be examined by a physician certified by the ISKA, to establish both physical and mental fitness for competition. 2. WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION Male fighters will compete in nine weight classes: Flyweight (124.9 lbs and less) Female fighters will compete in five weight classes: Lightweight (124.9 lbs and less) These weight divisions may be modified upon express written permission by the ISKA 3. WEIGHT TIME Fighters will be weighed on or before the day of the match, at a time to be determined by the ISKA, on scales approved by the ISKA. All weights stripped.
In title bouts if a fighter cannot make weight at the prescribed time, he will be allowed to weigh a second time, two hours later, at a place designated by the ISKA Representative. If the fighter fails to make weight at this second weigh-in, and these weigh-ins occur the day before the bout, he may weigh again, no sooner than eight hours before the start time of the event on the day of the bout; that is, should the fighter fail to make weight at the original time, and fails to make weight two hours later, he may weigh again no sooner than noontime the next day, if the event is scheduled to begin at 8:00 pm. If the official weigh-in is scheduled the day of the bout, the fighter not making weight will be weighed again two hours later. If he still does not make weight, then he may attempt a final weight-in two hours before the start of the event. In other words, if the fighter cannot make weight at the originally scheduled time, and cannot make weight two hours later, he will not be weighed again until two hours before the start time of the event. In this case, if the event is to start at 8:00 pm, his final official weigh-in should be at 6:00 pm. If a fighter cannot make weight at the final “official” weigh-in and that fighter is the champion, the title will be declared vacant and the bout will ensue. Should the challenger win the bout, he will become champion. In the event the former champion wins the bout the title will be declared vacant, and a run off for the title will be established, according to the rules of the ISKA. If the fighter who cannot make weight is the challenger, the bout will proceed as scheduled; however, should the challenger win the bout, the title will be declared vacant, and a run off will be established, according to the rules of the ISKA. In either case, the fighter who cannot make weight will also be subject to the bond penalties as specified in his contract and by the ISKA. Any exception to these rules regarding weight-making in title bouts requires the approval of the ISKA Commissioner. 5. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WEIGHT LOSS The maximum amount of weight a fighter will be allowed to lose, during any period of time within 32 hours before the start time of the event, is 4% of that fighters weight at his initial weigh-in. For example, if a fighter weighs-in at 175 lbs., at noontime the day before the event, but is overweight according to his contract, the ISKA Representative will calculate his maximum allowable weight loss as 4% of 175 lbs., or 7 lbs. (175 * .04 = 7), and that 7 lbs., will be the maximum that fighter will be allowed to lose before the start time of the event. If the maximum allowable weight loss fails to bring a fighter within the permissible weight spread, that fighter will be declared ineligible to compete in his scheduled bout, and will be subject to the penalties as described in Rule 11 below. 6. MINIMUM AGE OF FIGHTERS No fighter shall participate in an ISKA event, if he is less than 18 years of age, unless permitted by both the fighter’s country of origin, the jurisdiction where the match takes place and the ISKA Commissioner. Fighters who are younger than 18 may be required to have liability waivers signed by both parents. All fighters seeking eligibility to compete in an ISKA event must provide proof of age, such as a notarized copy of their birth certificate or their passport. 7. ADVANCE APPEARANCE OF MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS In title bouts, both the champion and the challenger will be present in the event locale according to the date stated in their ISKA Title Contract. This date will be no less than 3 days before the event, unless, with ISKA approval, the fighter and promoter agree otherwise. All fighters participating in title bouts, and the promoter of these bouts, will enter an agreement using the ISKA Title Contract, as directed by the ISKA. Terms of the contract may be modified with ISKA approval, but no rematch clauses, agreements between the promoter and the fighter regarding officials, or clauses that interfere beyond established guidelines, with a fighter’s availability to other promoters, will be allowed. Breach of this contract by either party may lead to fines or suspension levied by the ISKA Commissioner, in addition to any legal remedies. 8. APPEARANCE BONDS AND FORFEITS All fighters may be required to post appearance bonds with a promoter for whom they are to appear. In the event the fighter fails to appear, this bond is to be forfeited and divided 50% to the promoter and 50% to the fighter’s opponent for training expenses. The amount of the forfeit money must be specified in the fighter’s contract.
9. FIGHTERS MUST REPORT All fighters, or representative second, must attend the pre-fight meeting held by the ISKA Representative. This meeting will typically be following the weigh-in, or during the afternoon before the event. In addition, fighters will be required to report for physicals, and to their dressing rooms, at the time specified by the ISKA Representative. Failure to do so will result in fines as per the ISKA fine schedule, and possibly result in the fighter being dropped from the event. All fines will be retained by the ISKA. All fighters, once they report to the ISKA Representative or the Athletic Inspector in charge of dressing rooms immediately prior to the start of an event, are not to leave the facility, and are subject to urinalysis and fines, if they do not remain in approved areas. 10. FIGHTERS’ APPEARANCE All fighters must be clean and present a tidy appearance. Only Vaseline may be applied lightly, and only to the face of a fighter. No other product may be permitted. 11. FIGHTERS DISQUALIFIED OR DECLARED INELIGIBLE Fighters who are declared ineligible for their bouts due to excessive weight, misrepresented age, physical incapacity’s pre-known to the fighter, or other willful violation of ISKA regulations, will be subject to fines and suspension by the ISKA Commissioner. Unless otherwise specified in the fighters contract, the promoter will have no obligation to the ineligible fighters, and may demand reimbursement from the fighter for any expenses or bond pre-paid by the promoter. The promoter will, however, be obligated to pay the expenses of the opposing fighter who presents himself properly, plus any cancellation settlements if provided for in that fighters contract. Fighters who are disqualified during their bout for willful gross rule violations, or unprofessional performance, or who represent themselves improperly following their bout, may be subject to the same penalties, at the discretion of the ISKA Representative, with the approval of the ISKA Commissioner. SECTION IV: FIGHTERS; EQUIPMENT AND SECONDS 1. UNIFORM A uniform approved by the ISKA Representative must be worn by all fighters upon entering the ring. Any fighter presenting themselves in attire deemed inappropriate will be fined from $25.00 up to 10% of their bond by the ISKA Representative, and will not compete in their bout until they present themselves according to regulations. Black belts may be worn at the option of the fighter and must be tied securely around the waist, and can not be used by the fighter during the bout for anything but adornment. No rings, jewelry, or items other than those authorized may be worn. 2. GLOVES, KNEE PADS, ELBOW PADS AND MOUTHPIECES All fighters will wear regulation gloves approved by the ISKA. If the gloves have been used previously, they must be whole, clean and subject to inspection by the referee or by the ISKA Representative as to condition. If found imperfect, they shall be changed before the bout starts. No breaking, roughing, or twisting of gloves shall be permitted. Ankle or Knee wraps or pads soft substance may be worn by all fighters and are subject to the approval of the ISKA Representative. No other wraps or pads may be worn. All male fighters are required to wear an approved groin protector. A plastic cup with an athletic supporter is adequate. All fighters must wear fitted mouthpieces. All fighters are required to have an extra mouthpiece ringside during their match. Fighters must furnish their own ankle or knee pads or wraps, groin protectors and mouthpieces. All promoters must have several extra sets of gloves of common sizes to be used in case gloves are broken or in any way damaged beyond use during the course of the bouts. Fighters who do not present themselves properly equipped at the start time of their bout shall be subject to fines by the ISKA Representative, and may be penalized by the referee, including being counted out of the match, if any equipment problems cannot be solved within 5 minutes of the referee’s order to correct such problem. 3. GLOVES - STANDARD SPECIFICATION All gloves must be of a professional quality and must be approved by the ISKA Representative. All gloves must be made so as to fit the hands of any fighter whose hands may be unusual in size. The make and type of all gloves must be approved in advance by the ISKA Representative. All gloves will be provided by the promoter. The referee must inspect and approve any tape used on the gloves. 4. HAND AND FOOT/ANKLE WRAPPINGS The wrapping of hands is allowed according to the following specifications: Fighters who wish to wrap their hands shall be responsible for their own gauze and tape. Gauze shall be of the soft or soft-stretch type, and shall not exceed 2 inches in width. Tape shall be of the soft adhesive type and shall not exceed 1.5 inches in width. One ten yard roll of gauze, and not more than two yards of tape, are the maximum allowable amounts for each hand. No other materials, including pre-made hand wraps, shall be allowed; nor shall any amounts exceeding those listed be allowed under any circumstances. Gauze shall be for the protection of the hand only, and the amount shall be the discretion of the ISKA Representative. Tape shall be present only to hold the gauze in place, and no more than one layer of tape be allowed on the striking surface of the hand and only 1 strip between the fingers not to exceed 1/4 in width and 4" in length. The use of footgear is prohibited. The wrapping of feet/ankles is not mandatory. Fighters who wish to wrap their feet/ankles shall be responsible for their own gauze and tape. Gauze shall be of the soft or soft-stretch type, and shall not exceed 2” in width. Tape shall be of the soft adhesive type and shall not exceed 1.5” in width. Up to 6’ of tape may be used to wrap each foot and ankle. The ISKA Representative, or his designee, must inspect all foot/ankle wrappings. 5. NUMBER OF SECONDS AND THEIR APPEARANCE. Each fighter may have up to one seconds of his choice for non-title match, and two for title matches and each second, while assisting the fighter must wear an ISKA approved uniform (subject to the approval of the ISKA Representative), must present a neat and tidy appearance, provide a pail, tape, water bottle and other equipment necessary to perform his function. Seconds may not sit, stand on, lean on or touch the ring apron during the course of the bout, nor otherwise interfere physically or verbally with the bout or the duties of the officials. Seconds must remain in designated areas assigned to them by the ISKA Representative during the bout. At no time is a second allowed into the ring except with approval by the ISKA Representative. The ISKA Representative may levy fines and/or disqualification of the fighter for improper and unprofessional conduct by the seconds. 6. THROWING IN THE TOWEL A manager or chief second may toss a towel into the ring in token of the defeat of his principal.
1. DURATION OF BOUTS Rounds may be scheduled from two minutes to three minutes. Bouts may be scheduled for from three to four rounds. Rest periods may be schedule from One (1) to One and a half (1.5) minutes between rounds. The fight continues until one fighter submits, his corner throws in the towel, the referee stops the fight or the doctor stops the contest, or the time limit of the rounds expires. The time runs continuously and may be called or stopped only by the referee in special cases, such as equipment malfunction or commitment of a foul. 2. REFEREE INSTRUCTION The referee will, before starting a bout, ascertain from each fighter the name of his chief handler and will hold said chief handler responsible for the conduct of his assistant handler(s) during the progress of a bout. Immediately before the bout commences, the referee will call the fighters to the center of the ring and conduct the traditional karate bow in the following manner: 3. AUTHORIZED OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES All striking (punches, kicks, etc.) and grappling (take-downs, throws, submission holds, etc.) techniques are allowed with the exception of those techniques specified as Fouls in Rule 4. 4. FOULS a) Fouls, at the discretion of the referee, based on the intent of the fighter committing the foul and the result of the foul, may cause time to be stopped in the bout and warnings, recuperation time and/or disqualification being issued. (1) Flagrant disregard of the referee’s instruction’s; b) Disqualification occurs after any combination of three (3) fouls or after a flagrant foul. Fouls result in a point being deducted by the official scorekeeper from the A fouled fighter has up to five minutes to recuperate. If a foul is committed: the referee shall call time If a bottom contestant commits a foul, unless the top contestant is injured, the fight will continue. If top contestant is injured, he will be give his recovery time and then put back into top position if able to continue. NOTE: A fighter who executes a fouling technique which is deemed malicious (with the intent of causing injury above and beyond the scope reasonably expected in a bout of this nature), may be subject to bearing the medical, as well as related recovery and recuperation expenses of the fighter who is injured as a result of such fouling technique. 5. FOULING, STOPPING THE BOUT If the referee determines that the fouled fighter needs time to recover, he may stop the bout (and the time) and give the injured fighter a reasonable amount of time to recover, up to a maximum of 5 minutes under normal circumstances. At the end of this reasonable rest period the referee and the ring physician will determine if the fouled fighter can continue the bout, if he can the bout will continue. The results of the foul will be based on the following determination by the referee: 6. THE POWER TO STOP THE CONTEST Either the Referee, the fighter’s chief handler, the doctor or the fighter may stop contest. The referee or the doctor shall have the power to stop a bout at any stage during the bout, if he considers that either fighter is in such condition that to continue might subject him to serious injury. Should both fighters be in such condition that to continue might subject them to serious injury, the referee will declare the match a “technical draw”. A fighter who submits or “taps out” or a fighter who’s chief handler “throws in the towel” loses the bout. 7. PROCEDURE FOR FAILURE TO COMPETE In any case where the referee decides that the fighters are not honestly competing, that a knockout is a “dive”, or a foul is actually a prearranged termination of the bout, he will not disqualify a fighter for fouling, nor render a decision. He shall stop the bout and declare it ended, and order the bonds of both fighters held pending an investigation and disposition for the funds by the ISKA. The announcer shall inform the audience that a “no decision” was rendered. The ISKA Commissioner will have the final authority in rendering a decision on the match, including dispensation of bond moneys. 8. GROUND ACTIVITY RULE If both fighters have gone to the ground and neither is actively working to improve his position then they shall be separated and stood up by the referee. The referee shall immediately restart the bout from the standing position. 9. MOUTHPIECES No fighter will be allowed to begin any bout without a mouthpiece. Whenever the mouthpiece is knocked out by a fair blow or a foul tactic, or however the mouthpiece is dropped or spit out by the fighter, the referee shall wait for a lull in the activity of both fighters, call time out, stop the bout in place, and replace the mouthpiece. Willful dropping, or spitting out of the mouthpiece by a fighter, shall also be deemed as a “delay of bout” foul, and the fighter shall be penalized accordingly by the referee. The mouthpiece is replaced whenever it is lost for any reason. All fighters must bring two mouthpieces to the ringside for use during their match. SECTION VI: PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND SAFETY REGULATIONS 1. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND FEES The attending physician will have a suitable place or room in which to make his examinations. His fees shall include temporary or emergency treatment to any injured fighter in the arena or dressing room. The fees for such examination shall be borne by the promoter. The physician to be retained must have been the recipient of an M.D. or D.O. degree, or recognized international equivalent. 2. TIME AND EXAMINATION A thorough physical and eye examination will be given to each fighter by the attending physician at the time of weigh-in. Unless otherwise specified by ISKA/Local Commission. 3. EXAMINATION ORDERED BY THE ISKA Any fighter who has been signed to a contract for a fight at any event may be ordered by the ISKA to appear at any time to be weighed or to be examined by any physician designated by the ISKA. Any fighter who participates in an ISKA sanctioned event, may, at the request of the ISKA Representative, be required to submit to a pre-fight or post-fight blood and/or urine examination for foreign substance. Any fighter who refuses to submit to the examination will be immediately suspended for a length of time as specified by the ISKA, and will be subject to disciplinary action and penalties as provided in contractual agreements with the ISKA and promoter. 4. REJECTIONS AND REPORTS Should any fighter examined prove unfit for competition, the fighter must be rejected, and an immediate report of the fact made to the promoter and the ISKA Representative. The examining physician will, one hour before the start of any event, clarify in writing to the ISKA Representative that the fighters are in good physical condition. 5. REPORTS OF ILLNESS Whenever a fighter, because of injury or illness, is unable to take part in a bout for which he is under contract, he or his manager must immediately report the fact to the ISKA. The fighter will then submit to an examination by a physician designated by the ISKA. The examination fee of the physician is to be paid by the fighter, or the promoter, if the latter requests an examination. 6. CONTINUOUS PRESENCE OF PHYSICIAN AND EMERGENCY MOBILE UNIT At least one licensed physician, possessing an M.D. or equivalent degree, and one standby emergency mobile unit, all approved in advance by the ISKA, must be in attendance at all ISKA sanctioned events. The use of two physicians at ringside is strongly recommended. The mobile unit must include a full range of resuscitative equipment and be parked inside or adjacent to an entrance of the building hosting the event. The physician(s) must sit at immediate ringside throughout the duration of the bouts. A stretcher and oxygen tank, and containers of “instant ice”, must be readily available at ringside. No bout will be allowed to proceed unless the physician is in his seat. The physician shall not leave until after the decision in the final bout. He shall be prepared to assist if any serious emergency arises, and will render temporary or emergency treatments for cuts or minor injuries sustained by the fighters. Under no circumstances are the fighters seconds permitted to enter the ring, or to attend to a fighter in any manner whatsoever, during the course of a bout. The ringside physician cannot attend to an injured fighter during the course of a fight. 7. REPORT OF INJURY All attending physicians must report all cases in which the fighters have been injured during a bout, or have applied for medical aid after an event. If a fighter has suffered a knockout, or any other severe injuries whether in or out of the ring, and whether or not connected with ISKA, and has on such account been treated by his personal physician or has been hospitalized, he and his manager must promptly submit to the ISKA a full report from such physician or hospital. 8. FIGHTERS KNOCKED OUT Fighters who have been knocked out will be kept lying down until they have recovered. When a fighter is knocked out, no one will touch him except the referee, who will remove his mouthpiece, until the ringside physician enters the ring and personally attends the fallen fighter and issues such instructions as he sees fit to the fighter’s handlers. If a fighter suffers an injury, has been knocked out, or has participated in an unusually punishing bout, or if a technical knockout decision has been rendered against him by the referee, such fighter will be placed on the ill and unavailable list for such period of time as may be recommended by any approved ISKA physician who may examine him. A fighter who loses a bout by knockout will be suspended from competition by the ISKA for a minimum of 60 days. A fighter who loses a bout by technical knockout will be suspended for 30 days, or longer, if substantial head or body trauma was involved. 9. SUSPENSION FOR DISABILITY Any fighter rejected by an examining physician will be suspended until it is shown that he is fit for further competition. Any fighter suspended for 30 or 60 days for his medical protection, or suspended for a hard fight will take the same examination as required for the eligibility physical, except as directed by the ISKA. The physician may require any other procedure, including an electroencephalogram, if indicated. 10. ADMINISTRATION OR USE OF DRUGS Use by a fighter of any of the listed substances, or any other drugs, will result in disqualification from his bout, and fines and suspension by the ISKA Commissioner.
1. RINGSIDE OFFICIALS A referee, one timekeeper, an ISKA Representative, a physician, all approved by the ISKA, will be employed at all ISKA sanctioned ISKA events. All ISKA officials must be ISKA certified. The ISKA will appoint to each event an ISKA Representative who will be responsible for the assignment of the referee. The ISKA Representative will work with the promoter in the assignment of the other ringside officials, but the final authority for the selection and appointment of all ringside officials shall rest with the ISKA Representative. If the event falls within the jurisdiction of an athletic commission, and commission regulations require any alteration of this rule, the decision of the ISKA Representative shall be final with regard to changes in number and qualification of the officials. 2. STATES WITH ATHLETIC COMMISSIONS In those states where ISKA is regulated by Athletic Commissions, the commission will usually supply an on-site inspector who will assist the promoter in the operation of his event. In these cases, the ISKA Representative will work jointly with the inspector in the performance of his duties. An inspector authorized and licensed by the state is empowered to make final decisions on all matters falling under his jurisdiction. 3. TIMEKEEPER’S EQUIPMENT All necessary equipment will be provided to the timekeeper by the promoter. 4. TIMEKEEPER’S DUTIES The timekeeper will keep the time during each bout, starting and stopping the official clock, for time-outs designated to him by the referee. TYPES OF BOUT RESULTS: Submission by: e) Disqualification 6. Scoring Techniques Using the 10-Point Must Scoring System, Judges are required to determine a winner of a bout that ends after the initial scheduled number of rounds have been completed. 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round and nine points or less must be awarded to the loser, except for a rare even round, which is scored (10-10). Judges must evaluate mixed martial arts techniques, such as: Effective Striking Evaluations shall be made in the order in which the techniques appear above, giving the most weight in scoring to effective striking, grappling, ring control and aggressiveness/defense. Mixed Martial Arts Techniques are defined below as: Effective Striking: The total number of legal heavy strikes landed. OBJECTIVE SCORING CRITERIA: 10-10 Round When both contestants appear to be fighting evenly and neither contestant shows clear dominance. 10-9 Round When a contestant wins by a close margin, landing the greater number of effective legal strikes, grappling and other maneuvers; 10-8 Round When a contestant overwhelmingly dominates by striking or grappling in a round.
When a contestant totally dominates by striking or grappling in a round. Judges should use a sliding scale and recognize the length of time the fighters are either standing or on the ground, as follows: If 90% of a round was spent on the ground, then: If 90% of a round was standing, then: If a round ends with 50% standing and 50% grounded, striking and grappling are weighed more equally.
After the ISKA Representative has completed verifying the master results card, the Representative will give the ring announcer the results on “Announcer’s Final Result Sheet”. The announcer shall then, inform the audience of the decision over the public address system. The referee will indicate the winner as the announcer gives the winner’s name. In the event of a knockout, a technical knockout, disqualification or forfeit, the announcer and referee will officially designate the winner and give the time at which the bout was stopped. In the event of a technical draw, the announcer will give the time at which the bout was stopped and will detail for the audience the nature of the decision. 9. CHANGE OF DECISION A decision rendered at the termination of any bout is final, and cannot be changed unless the ISKA Representative at the event, or subsequently the ISKA Commissioner, determines that any one of the following occurred: If the ISKA Representative or Commissioner determines that any of the above occurred with regard to any bout, then the decision rendered shall be changed as the ISKA Representative or Commissioner may direct. 10. PROTESTS All protests over the decision of a match shall be verbally registered only by the protesting fighter and/or his chief handler to the ISKA Representative prior to the end of the event, who will note the nature of the protest in his Representative’s report. All protests must be received at the appropriate ISKA office, in writing and accompanied by all pertinent evidence (videotapes, affidavits, etc.), no later than 10 days following the bout in question. No protest will be considered unless accompanied by the appropriate fee: 
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