Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Physical Contact (Crashing)
Deliberate physical contact with an opponent is strictly prohibited. This includes pushing, shoving, grabbing, or any aggressive physical gesture directed at the opposing athlete. Incidental contact during transitions (e.g., brushing past each other when entering or exiting the battle area) is not penalized. Deliberate crashing results in an immediate warning for the first offense and disqualification for a second offense within the same battle.
7.2 Exceeding Time Limits
Athletes must complete their throwdown within the allotted 60-second window. The first minor time overage (up to 5 seconds) results in a verbal warning from the head judge. Exceeding the time limit by more than 5 seconds or repeated minor overages result in the round being awarded to the opponent. Deliberately extending a throwdown to deny the opponent their turn is treated as unsportsmanlike conduct.
7.3 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The following behaviors constitute unsportsmanlike conduct and may result in warnings, score penalties, or disqualification:
- Verbal abuse, taunting, or threatening gestures directed at the opponent, judges, or officials
- Deliberately disrupting the opponent's throwdown (entering the battle area during their set, making distracting noises)
- Refusing to battle or deliberately performing a minimal effort throwdown to manipulate tournament brackets
- Displaying offensive symbols, gestures, or language
- Damaging the floor surface or venue equipment
7.4 Interference and External Assistance
Athletes must compete independently. Receiving coaching instructions, verbal cues, or signals from crew members, coaches, or spectators during an active round is prohibited. The use of in-ear audio devices or communication equipment is prohibited during battles. Athletes found receiving external assistance may have the affected round voided or be disqualified from the event at the head judge's discretion.
7.5 Penalty Escalation
WDSF applies a progressive penalty system: verbal warning, formal caution (recorded), round forfeiture, and disqualification. The head judge determines the appropriate penalty level based on the severity and intent of the violation. All formal cautions and disqualifications are reported to WDSF and may affect the athlete's ranking and future event eligibility.