Code of Massachusetts Regulations
523 CMR - STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION (FORMERLY, STATE BOXING COMMISSION)
Title 523 CMR 23.00 - Southeast Asian Kickboxing
Section 23.22 - Judging

Universal Citation: 523 MA Code of Regs 523.23

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

(1) All bouts shall be evaluated and scored by three judges. The Ten point Must System shall be the standard system of scoring a bout. Under the Ten point Must Scoring System, ten points shall be awarded to the winner of the round and nine points or fewer shall be awarded to the loser, except for an even round, which is scored 10-10.

(2) Awarding of Points. In determining the score, judges shall evaluate Southeast Asian Kickboxing techniques such as effective striking, clinching, control of the fighting area, and effective aggressiveness and defense.

(a) Points will be awarded whenever the combatant hits the opponent by punching, kicking, kneeing or elbowing (for professionals) with force, which lands on target without infringement and without being blocked or guarded against.

(b) Effective striking is judged by determining the number of legal strikes landed by a combatant and the significance of such legal strikes.

(c) Fighting area control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location, and position of the bout.

(d) Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing a legal strike.

(e) Effective defense means avoiding being struck while countering with offensive attacks.

(3) The following objective scoring criteria shall be utilized by the judges when scoring a round:

(a) A round is to be scored as a 10-10 round when both combatants appear to be fighting evenly and neither combatant shows dominance in a round;

(b) A round is to be scored as a 10-9 round when a combatant wins by a close but clear margin, landing the greater number of effective legal strikes and other maneuvers.

(c) A round is to be scored as a 10-8 round when a combatant wins a round by a wide margin and damages his or her opponent. A round is scored a 10-8 round when a combatant receives a standing eight count, however a combatant can win back a 10-9 in that round.

(d) A round is to be scored as a 10-7 round when a combatant totally and completely dominates in a round and damages his or her opponent. A round is scored a 10-7 when a combatant receives two standing eight counts in the same round.

(4) Techniques. The following techniques which have a visible impact on the opponent should be weighed most heavily:

(a) Knocking the opponent to the ground with a legal strike;

(b) Unbalancing the opponent with a legal strike;

(c) Techniques that cause the opponent to stop advancing;

(d) Techniques that force an opponent to cover up and limit his or her offense;

(e) Defense and ability to evade the opponent's attack; and

(f) Maintenance of proper footwork, balance, stance, and stamina.

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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