Code of Massachusetts Regulations
523 CMR - STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION (FORMERLY, STATE BOXING COMMISSION)
Title 523 CMR 23.00 - Southeast Asian Kickboxing
Section 23.21 - Fouls Further Explained

Universal Citation: 523 MA Code of Regs 523.23

Current through Register 1518, March 29, 2024

(1) Direct (side kick style) kicks to the front of a combatant's weight-bearing leg is prohibited.

(2) Hip Throws.

(a) Over the hip throws such as in Japanese arts like Judo, Jujitsu, Karate, Sambo, or San Shou are illegal.

(b) Taking an Opponent around the Waist with both Arms and Twisting him/her off balance so the Opponent will fall is legal.

(3) A combatant shall not twist and pull an opponent over the side of his or her body and then land on top.

(4) It is an intentional foul when a combatant plans, with the sole intention of falling on top of his or her opponent, to either strike with the knee or to intentionally hurt the opponent while down, by contriving to make it look like an accident.

(5) Stepping on a fallen opponent is illegal.

(6) Illegal Trips.

(a) If a combatant positions a foot next to the opponent and twists him or her over the leg, it is an illegal trip unless the leg is cleared as the opponent falls.

(b) The leg must clear immediately after the opponent is pulled or tripped over the knee. Clear shall mean that the leg must be moved out of the way before the opponent hits the canvas by skipping the leg or slightly jumping to the side, as long as it is moved from the original position. Taking out an opponent's footing is legal only if the tripping leg is withdrawn from contact as he or she falls to the ground.

(7) Neck Wrestling.

(a) If in a clinch with arms around each other's shoulder, such as to deliver or defend from an elbow strike, twisting the opponent using the upper body in such a way that he or she will fall to the ground is allowed.

(b) By using neck and shoulder manipulation, it is legal for a combatant to spin and throw/dump an opponent to the canvas without using any part of his or her body as a barrier.

(8) Sweeping.

(a) A combatant is allowed to roundhouse kick the opponent's supporting leg with the top of his or her own foot or shin, taking out the opponent's footing, but Karate style sweeps with the foot's instep are illegal.

(b) It is illegal to take out the opponent's footing in the clinch by sweeping the back of his or her supporting leg with the back of combatant's own leg or calf.

(9) Lifting. It is illegal in any way to lift an opponent such that both feet leave the ground and then throw him or her on the canvas.

(10) Downed Combatant. Anything other than the soles of a combatant's feet touching the ground will be considered a downed combatant.

(11) Cartwheel Kick. If a combatant puts his or her hand(s) down for the sole purpose of performing a cartwheel kick, said combatant will not be considered a downed combatant and may be struck by an opponent.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Massachusetts may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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