Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Point Values (Sparring)
ITF sparring uses a tiered point system that rewards technical difficulty and accuracy:
- 1 point — Hand technique (punch/strike) to the mid-section
- 1 point — Foot technique (kick) to the mid-section
- 2 points — Foot technique (kick) to the head
- 2 points — Jumping foot technique to the mid-section
- 3 points — Jumping foot technique to the head
Note that hand techniques to the head, while legal as a target, typically score 1 point (some tournament rules award 2 points for a clean hand technique to the head). The emphasis on foot techniques to the head and jumping techniques reflects ITF Taekwon-Do's technical heritage.
6.2 Scoring Mechanism
Points are awarded by human judges using flags or clickers, not by electronic impact sensors. When a corner judge observes a valid scoring technique, they raise the appropriate colored flag or press their scoring device. A point is registered when a majority of corner judges (3 or more out of 4) acknowledge the technique within approximately the same moment. This consensus system prioritizes technique quality over raw power, as judges assess whether the technique was accurate, controlled, and properly executed.
6.3 Criteria for a Valid Scoring Technique
For a technique to score, it must meet all of the following criteria:
- Delivered to a legal target area (front/side of trunk or head)
- Executed with correct form (proper chamber, extension, and tool)
- Applied with controlled contact (sufficient to demonstrate accuracy, not excessive)
- Delivered with the appropriate attacking tool (forefist for punches, instep/ball of foot/heel for kicks)
- Competitor must be in a balanced and controlled position during delivery
6.4 Determining the Winner (Sparring)
The competitor with the higher point total at the conclusion of all rounds wins the match. In the event of a tie, the following tiebreakers apply in order: (1) the competitor with fewer warnings and penalties; (2) the competitor who scored more higher-value techniques (e.g., head kicks over body punches); (3) a sudden-death overtime round (typically 1 minute, first to score wins); (4) referee and judges' decision based on overall technical superiority, aggressiveness, and ring generalship.
6.5 Pattern Scoring
Patterns are scored by a panel of judges (typically 5 or 7) on a scale that evaluates: technical accuracy (correct stances, techniques, angles, and targets), power (appropriate tension and force in techniques), rhythm and timing (proper tempo changes between fast and slow movements), balance and stability (controlled transitions and positions), and spirit and focus (demonstrated concentration and martial intent). The highest and lowest scores are typically dropped, and the remaining scores are summed. Deductions are made for errors such as incorrect technique, loss of balance, wrong direction, or omitted movements.
6.6 Breaking and Special Technique Scoring
Breaking competitions are scored objectively: the competitor who breaks the most boards with each technique wins that event. In special technique events, the competitor who successfully strikes the target at the greatest height wins. In both disciplines, ties are broken by body weight (lighter competitor wins), reflecting the principle that generating equivalent power or height at a lower body weight represents greater technical achievement.