Section 4: Players & Officials
4.1 Competitor Eligibility
Competitors must hold a valid ITF rank (or equivalent recognized rank) appropriate to the division entered. Most ITF tournaments require a minimum rank of yellow belt (8th Gup) for colored belt divisions and 1st Dan for black belt divisions. Competitors must present a valid ITF identification card or equivalent federation membership documentation during registration. Age divisions typically include: Juniors (under 18), Seniors (18–35), and Veterans (35+), though specific age brackets vary by tournament.
4.2 Weight Categories (Sparring)
ITF sparring features multiple weight categories, typically including the following for senior male black belt divisions: Fin weight (under 54 kg), Fly weight (54–58 kg), Bantam weight (58–63 kg), Feather weight (63–68 kg), Light weight (68–73 kg), Welter weight (73–78 kg), Light Middle weight (78–84 kg), Middle weight (84–90 kg), and Heavy weight (over 90 kg). Female categories follow similar divisions with adjusted weight limits. Competitors must weigh in during the official weigh-in period and may not compete if they fail to make weight.
4.3 Center Referee
The center referee controls the match from within the competition area. Responsibilities include starting and stopping the bout, issuing warnings and penalties, ensuring competitor safety, and declaring the winner. The referee must hold an ITF-recognized referee certification. The referee uses standardized Korean commands: Junbi (ready), Sijak (begin), Goman (stop), Gyesok (continue), and Keuman (end).
4.4 Corner Judges
Four corner judges are positioned at the corners of the competition ring. Each judge independently awards points by raising colored flags (blue for chong, red for hong) or pressing electronic scoring devices. A point is awarded when a majority of judges (at least 3 of 4) recognize a valid scoring technique within approximately one second of each other. This majority-consensus system is a hallmark of ITF scoring, contrasting with the sensor-based automatic scoring of WT competitions.
4.5 Jury and Technical Officials
A jury president oversees the officiating panel and may intervene to correct procedural errors. The jury does not directly award points but may instruct the referee to review a decision. Additional technical officials include the timekeeper (managing round and rest period timing), recorder (maintaining the official scorecard), and medical officer (assessing competitor fitness and managing injuries).
4.6 Coaches and Seconds
Each competitor is permitted one coach seated in the designated coaching zone near their corner. Coaches may provide verbal instruction between rounds and during rest periods but must not enter the competition area during active play. Excessive coaching interference, verbal abuse of officials, or unsportsmanlike conduct by coaches may result in the competitor receiving a warning or penalty.