🏛️Official — PowerSlap
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Matches are scored on the 10-Point Must System. Open scoring may be used at the Promoter's election, in consultation with the Executive Director and/or Commission.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 10-Point Must System is a mandatory point system used in every PowerSlap match, but actually it's an optional scoring method available at the discretion of the promoter based on consultation with higher authorities. This leads to confusion because some believe it's a universal rule without understanding its conditional nature.
Chalk provided by the Promoter must be used by participants on their striking hand prior to their first strike. Additional chalk is required thereafter only at the referee's instruction, based on whether the striking hand has sufficient chalk to indicate where the strike lands.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that chalk usage is optional after the initial strike, which leads to arguments when they forget to apply it again. The actual rule clearly states participants must use additional chalk at their own discretion only if instructed by the referee based on visibility of previous strikes. This oversight frequently causes confusion and disputes during matches.
The Promoter may permit participants to have at least one corner or coach beside the stage during the match. Alternatively, the Promoter may provide a neutral corner or coach.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that having a corner or coach beside the stage is only about providing support for injured athletes, but they overlook the fact that it can also be used as strategic positioning by teams, which could give them an unfair advantage over their opponents if not regulated properly according to the "Corners and Coaches" rule.
Flinching: Any bodily movement (including shoulder blocking) or head movement after setting the defensive position that adversely affects a strike. Minor movements like clenching that do not affect a strike are not a flinch.
Why people argue about this
People often argue that a defender can't be penalized for simply moving their shoulder slightly after setting a defensive position, thinking it's too lenient. However, they misunderstand the definition of "flinch," which includes any movement that adversely affects an attacker’s strike, not just obvious flinches like head movements or full-body shifts.
After a clean strike, the 60-second Defender recovery clock begins. The Defender must return to their box, establish fitness to continue, and be declared "Recovered" by the referee before the clock expires.
Why people argue about this
People think that if a defender is downed by a power slap and can't get up within 10 seconds, they automatically lose, but actually, it's more nuanced: The referee conducts a verbal count to ensure the fallen player is fit to continue before deciding on a KO/TKO. This often leads to confusion because players or their teams believe in an immediate loss if not rising quickly enough.
The Promoter must ensure the following safety personnel and resources are in place at each event: Supervising physician plus one additional physician or licensed physician assistant; Three emergency medical technicians (EMTs); Three ambulances
Why people argue about this
People often argue that the requirement for event medical staff is too vague and open-ended, thinking it means every PowerSlap event must have a full hospital on-site with doctors and nurses ready 24/7. Actually, what this rule is trying to ensure is basic first aid and medical coverage at each venue where PowerSlaps are held, not an elaborate emergency room setup.
Petroleum jelly may be applied solely by an authorized cutman if the cutman or supervising physician determines it is necessary for the safety of the participant. The Promoter may permit additional equipment if it has a health and safety function ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only cutmen can apply petroleum jelly for safety reasons in PowerSlap matches, forgetting about promoters having the authority to approve additional health-and-safety equipment if they deem it necessary. This oversight leads to misunderstandings and arguments over who gets to decide what kind of emergency gear is allowed on the field.
When a participant lands a strike while committing a Striker foul (illegal wind-up, clubbing, or stepping) and the opponent completes a legal strike in the same round, the fouling participant loses the round 10-8 (loss of strike value plus loss of...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a player commits a foul during their strike, they automatically lose the round entirely, forgetting that their opponent still gets a chance at scoring legally. The confusion arises because under this specific rule, losing only part of the round (the fouling player's strike value) doesn't mean the entire round is forfeited to the other side.
Fingernails must be cut below the fingertips and rounded without sharp edges; Hair must be pulled back such that it is not in the Permitted Target Area; Facial hair is permitted; the Promoter may set beard length restrictions
Why people argue about this
People often assume that they must use chalk every single time they strike, which leads them to argue about needing additional chalk when their hands are clean. The actual rule is more nuanced: participants only need to use chalk on their striking hand before their first hit and then again at the referee's discretion if they think it's necessary for clarity after initial contact.
An injury to one hand or arm does not disqualify a participant if they agree to use their uninjured hand or arm for the remainder of the match. The supervising physician has the authority to recommend stoppage at any time if a participant's health is at risk.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a player is injured in one hand during a Power Slap match, they must immediately stop playing until fully recovered. But actually, as long as they agree to use their uninjured hand or arm for the rest of the competition and a supervising physician doesn't recommend stopping due to health risks, they can continue under this rule.
If the Defender is knocked down (any body part other than feet contacts the ground) and does not immediately return to their feet (flash knockdown), the referee conducts a verbal 10-count. The Defender must rise within the count and establish fitness to continue or the Striker wins by KO/TKO.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a defender is knocked down even briefly, they must immediately get back up for the count; however, the key point here is that the referee only conducts a 10-count if the defender does not return to their feet within an acceptable timeframe, which can lead to confusion about when exactly the count starts.
Participants must observe minimum rest periods between matches: 1-3 round match: Minimum 6 days before next match; 4-6 round match: Minimum 8 days before next match; 7+ round match: Minimum 10 days before next match
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a player can continue playing with their uninjured hand, they're automatically allowed to do so without any restrictions from officials or medical advice. But actually, the official verdict clarifies that while players can choose to use their uninjured arm, mandatory rest periods can still be enforced by supervisors and doctors if health risks persist.
Mouth Guard: All participants must wear a mouth guard at all times during competition. No participant may compete without a properly fitted mouth guard.; Cotton Inner Ear Protectors: All participants must wear cotton inner ear protectors to reduce the risk of ear injury from impact.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that petroleum jelly is only for treating cuts during Power Slap matches, which leads them to believe it's a last resort when other safety measures fail. However, the rule actually allows its use as part of proper safety protocols if deemed necessary by medical professionals, not just as a band-aid fix.
Match fouls result in a warning, point deduction, or disqualification (or combination thereof) as determined by the referee based on severity and frequency.
Why people argue about this
People often argue that match fouls in Power Slap are automatically a point deduction, forgetting that severity and frequency determine the outcome - whether it's just a warning or even disqualification, which isn't always about points but could be to stop an egregious foul from happening again.
Primary Referee: Granted full authority over the match. Responsible for enforcing all rules, administering counts, assessing fouls, and determining fitness to continue.; Secondary Referee: Sole authority to call stepping fouls, confer with the primary referee, and assist in lower body positioning...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that having a corner or coach beside the stage is just for support and comfort, akin to having a personal assistant in sports like boxing. However, they misunderstand that this rule allows for strategic positioning—officers can use these helpers to monitor opponents more closely, potentially giving an unfair advantage to teams using them.
The Promoter determines the number of rounds per match, with no match exceeding ten (10) rounds. Each round consists of one exchange in which each participant takes a turn as Striker and Defender.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a power slap can be delivered with any part of the hand as long as it's flat, which leads to misunderstandings about what constitutes a "Permitted Target Area." The confusion arises because the rule specifically defines where contact must occur—above the heel of the hand and in a designated area—and not just any flat surface.
Each match consists of two unarmed participants who must be at least 18 years of age. Participants must be licensed by the applicable athletic commission and must pass all required medical examinations.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that Power Slap participants don't need licenses because they're unarmed, but in fact, they must be licensed by an applicable athletic commission as per the official verdict. Additionally, there's a common misunderstanding that age isn't strictly enforced since it's not mentioned directly, leading to debates about whether minors can compete under these rules.
Before receiving a strike, the Defender must establish the Permitted Defensive Position: Standing parallel with the Power Slap Table, shoulders square, feet grounded, facing the Striker; Feet aligned next to each other, substantially parallel to shoulders, with at least a portion of each foot wit...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a power slap is just a strong hit with open hands, forgetting about the precise timing and contact point mentioned in the official verdict. They overlook how crucial it is for both the palm and fingers to make simultaneous contact and emphasize landing "in" rather than merely hitting the area, which can lead to misunderstandings about its effectiveness and legality.
All participants must submit the following and cannot compete unless cleared by the supervising physician: Blood count and lab results showing the participant is not infected with HIV or hepatitis, performed no earlier than 30 days before license submission; Physical exam by a licensed physician ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that just having medical personnel in place is enough under pre-fight requirements for Power Slap matches. However, they misunderstand that these resources must be properly equipped with necessary medications, first aid supplies, and trained staff capable of handling a variety of injuries, not just the common ones like sprains or bruises typical to other combat sports.
No head, facial, neck, arm, hand, or finger jewelry of any kind; No headgear or hats; No equipment on the hands, arms, or shoulders (such as braces or wraps) on the striking hand. Non-invasive wraps and athletic tape may be permitted on the non-striking hand, arm, or shoulder only.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that petroleum jelly is allowed in Power Slap as long as it's applied by anyone present, which leads to arguments when they find out only an authorized cutman can apply it under specific medical conditions. The confusion arises because the rule specifies who can apply the jelly and under what circumstances, not just its general allowance or disallowance.
Decision: Unanimous, majority, or split decision via scorecards; Draw: Redemption draw, unanimous, majority, or split draw; Knockout (KO): Participant does not return to feet within the 10-count or does not establish fitness to continue after rising
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a player gets slapped during a round where their opponent scores, they automatically lose the whole round with just 2 points deducted. But actually, what happens is the fouled player loses only that specific round with an 10-8 score, not losing the entire match or getting banned from further rounds for such a minor infraction.
Two criteria determine scoring, weighted equally: Damage and effectiveness of the Striker: Quality and impact of the delivered strike; Reaction and recovery of the Defender: How the Defender absorbs and recovers from the strike
Why people argue about this
People often argue that if a player commits a foul during their strike, they should simply lose that single hit rather than the whole round, but actually, the official ruling is based on the principle of "strikes count for points," so even though it's a foul, the opponent still gets credit for hitting.
Petroleum jelly may be applied solely by an authorized cutman if the cutman or supervising physician determines it is necessary for the safety of the participant. The Promoter may permit additional equipment if it has a health and safety function ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that petroleum jelly is only for cosmetic purposes in sports, forgetting its potential medical benefits. They misunderstand that it can be applied by a cutman if deemed necessary for safety, not just to make contact less painful or prevent chafing. The rule's nuance about needing both an authorized cutman and a health professional's approval adds to the confusion.
Competition takes place on a designated Power Slap Stage, which must meet the following minimum requirements: Surface area: At least 15 feet by 15 feet; Padding: At least 1.25 inches (1 1/4") thick throughout; Markings: Designated colored boxes for each participant's Striker and Defender position...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the Power Slap Table is just a decorative piece in the middle of the stage for aesthetic purposes, but actually, it's crucial as a reference point for both positioning and strike alignment during matches, ensuring fair play according to the rule.
Each match consists of two unarmed participants who must be at least 18 years of age. Participants must be licensed by the applicable athletic commission and must pass all required medical examinations.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that age 18 is just a minimum requirement for participation, forgetting that it must be accompanied by actual licensing from an athletic commission and passing medical exams as stipulated in Section 4. This oversight leads to misunderstandings about what exactly constitutes compliance with the rule.
A Permitted Slap is a flat, open-handed strike of the palmar side of the hand to the Permitted Target Area. The palm and fingers must make contact and impact simultaneously, with the palm (above the heel of the hand) landing in the Permitted Target Area.
Why people argue about this
People think they can slap with their fingers spread apart, thinking it's still a permitted slap as long as their palm makes contact, but actually, the rule specifies that both the palm and fingers must make simultaneous contact for it to be considered a valid, allowed slap under Section 5 of Power Slap rules.
Matches are scored on the 10-Point Must System. Open scoring may be used at the Promoter's election, in consultation with the Executive Director and/or Commission.
Why people argue about this
People often think that the 10-Point Must System is only for open scoring matches, which they mistakenly believe means it applies in all Power Slap competitions unless explicitly stated otherwise. However, the official verdict clarifies that open scoring can be used at the Promoter's discretion and with executive approval, meaning it’s not automatically applied to every match under this system.
Flinching: Any bodily movement (including shoulder blocking) or head movement after setting the defensive position that adversely affects a strike. Minor movements like clenching that do not affect a strike are not a flinch.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a player must be actively flinching their head or shoulders to trigger a minor penalty under Section 7, but actually, it's just about any movement after setting position that could interfere with an intended strike—like clenching fists—which the rule explicitly states isn't penalized.
All participants must submit the following and cannot compete unless cleared by the supervising physician: Blood count and lab results showing the participant is not infected with HIV or hepatitis, performed no earlier than 30 days before license submission; Physical exam by a licensed physician ...
Why people argue about this
People often argue that they don't see why a promoter needs to hire safety personnel if no actual incidents have occurred at previous events. They misunderstand that the rule isn’t about past occurrences but rather future prevention, ensuring there are always adequate resources on hand in case of an emergency during Power Slap matches.
At least two stage catchers must be present on the Power Slap Stage for every match. Their primary function is to use their best efforts to limit the impact of a participant's head against the stage surface and to prevent participants from falling off the stage.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that stage catchers are there solely for safety, preventing participants from falling off the Power Slap Stage. However, they actually play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the Power Slap itself by catching participants who might lose their balance or hit the surface too hard, thus invalidating the entire round.
At least two stage catchers must be present on the Power Slap Stage for each match. Their role is to limit the impact of a participant's head against the stage surface and to prevent participants from falling off the stage.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that having just one stage catcher is sufficient for each match, misunderstanding the requirement of at least two catchers being present on the Power Slap Stage. The confusion arises because they overlook how crucial it is to have redundancy in case a catcher gets injured or distracted during the match, ensuring safety and continuity of play.
Penalties for Striker fouls: Illegal Wind-Up: A strike inconsistent with the Wind-Up Rule, including announced number or hand; Clubbing: Any strike other than a Permitted Slap to the Permitted Target Area; Stepping: One or both feet did not stay in contact with the ground through completion of th...
Why people argue about this
People often argue that the Power Slap is unfairly penalized as a foul, thinking it's too lenient compared to other fouls like tripping or elbowing. However, they misunderstand that the Striker Fouls rule specifically targets aggressive and dangerous actions aimed at striking an opponent with open hands, which can be just as harmful if not more so than some direct contact penalties.
A Permitted Slap is a flat, open-handed strike of the palmar side of the hand to the Permitted Target Area. The palm and fingers must make contact and impact simultaneously, with the palm (above the heel of the hand) landing in the Permitted Target Area.
Why people argue about this
People think they can slap with their fingers alone, forgetting about the palm contact part, which is a common misunderstanding of what constitutes a Permitted Slap in Power Slap. The confusion arises because the rule emphasizes simultaneous contact by both the palm and fingers for it to be valid, not just hitting with fingers or using only the fingertips.
The Permitted Target Area is limited to the vertical plane on the side of the Defender's face, starting above the point of the chin and ending at the eye-line. The target area excludes the eyes, ears, mouth, and temples, as well as the horizontal plane under the mandible.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that hitting anywhere below the chin is okay as long as it's on the side of the face, which leads them to argue about targeting areas under the jawline or even behind the head. Actually, the rule clearly states that anything under the mandible (chin) and above the eye-line is off-limits, so hitting below the chin isn't permitted at all.
Competition takes place on a designated Power Slap Stage, which must meet the following minimum requirements: Surface area: At least 15 feet by 15 feet; Padding: At least 1.25 inches (1 1/4") thick throughout; Markings: Designated colored boxes for each participant's Striker and Defender position...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the Power Slap Table is merely a decorative element on stage, used for aesthetic purposes only, rather than recognizing its crucial role as a reference point for positioning and strike alignment during matches. They overlook how precise this table's location can be in determining where strikes are delivered within the designated area.
A Power Slap Table is positioned on the stage between participants. The table serves as the reference point for participant positioning and strike alignment.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the Power Slap Table is merely a decorative piece in the center of the stage, used for aesthetic purposes only. However, they misunderstand its crucial role as the precise reference point for both positioning and strike alignment during the competition, which can significantly impact the outcome.
Before completing a Permitted Slap, the Striker must verbally announce and confirm with the referee: Which hand they will use to strike; A number — 1, 2, or 3 — indicating when the strike will land: "1": No wind-up; line-up is permitted but not required, then strike; "2": L...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a defender is downed in Power Slap, they can just lie there for 10 seconds without moving before getting back up, thinking it's like a regular knockdown. But actually, the referee conducts a strict 10-count here to ensure the fallen player is fit to continue, and failing this means the striker wins by KO/TKO.
Power Slap participants are strictly prohibited from placing any wagers (directly or through a third party) on any Power Slap match, including wagers on themselves. These prohibitions extend to relatives, coaches, managers, medical staff, and anyo...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that just because a Power Slap participant can't place wagers on themselves, they're allowed to bet on other matches or even other players within their team. But actually, the prohibition extends to all bets, including those placed by relatives, coaches, managers, and medical staff who might have some connection to the participants.
Any participant who does not make weight by the weigh-in deadline forfeits 20% of their purse to their opponent on the first offense, and 30% for each additional offense thereafter.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if they don't make weight, their opponent automatically gets a huge chunk of their prize money without considering other possible penalties like disqualification or forfeit, which can lead to misunderstandings about how this specific weight penalty works in conjunction with other outcomes.