Section 1: Introduction
1.1 Origins of Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emerged in the mid-20th century, drawing on indigenous Korean kicking traditions and various martial arts influences. The name translates roughly as "the way of the foot and fist" — tae (foot), kwon (fist), do (way or discipline). General Choi Hong-hi is credited with founding the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) in 1966, codifying many of the art's patterns and principles. Separately, the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) was established in Seoul in 1972 as the global center for sport taekwondo, and World Taekwondo (WT) was founded in 1973 to govern international competition.
1.2 World Taekwondo and Olympic Status
World Taekwondo (WT), formerly known as the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) until a 2017 rebrand, is the sole governing body recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for taekwondo. The sport was a demonstration event at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and 1992 Barcelona Olympics before achieving full medal status at the 2000 Sydney Games. It has featured at every Summer Olympics since, with four weight categories per gender contested at the Games. WT oversees the biennial World Taekwondo Championships, the Grand Prix Series, and continental championships under the WT Competition Rules and Interpretation.
1.3 Distinctive Character of WT Taekwondo
Olympic-style taekwondo under WT rules is distinguished by its emphasis on dynamic, high-amplitude kicking techniques. Unlike ITF-style taekwondo (which uses a semi-contact continuous sparring format), WT competition is full-contact and awards higher points for technically difficult kicks — particularly spinning and head kicks. The adoption of electronic scoring technology (the Protector and Scoring System, or PSS) since 2009 has transformed the sport, ensuring objective point registration based on impact force and target accuracy. WT taekwondo is a fast-paced, explosive combat sport that rewards speed, timing, flexibility, and tactical intelligence.
1.4 Competition Structure
WT governs a structured calendar of international events. The World Taekwondo Championships are held biennially and serve as the sport's premier non-Olympic competition. The Grand Prix Series consists of four annual events that contribute to Olympic qualification rankings. Continental championships are organized by the five continental unions: the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU), European Taekwondo Union (ETU), Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU), African Taekwondo Union (AFTU), and Oceania Taekwondo Union (OTU). WT also oversees the World Taekwondo Grand Slam, the World Para Taekwondo Championships (para taekwondo debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics), and various youth and cadet championships. All events follow the unified WT Competition Rules.
Section 2: Equipment
2.1 Dobok (Uniform)
Competitors wear a WT-approved dobok (uniform). The dobok consists of a V-neck pullover top and elastic-waist pants, both made of lightweight, breathable fabric. The standard dobok is white. Black-collar V-neck doboks denote dan (black belt) rank holders. The competitor's name and national abbreviation are displayed on the back. The dobok must be clean, free of tears, and properly fitted — neither excessively loose (which could obscure the trunk protector) nor excessively tight.
2.2 Trunk Protector (Hogu)
The trunk protector (hogu) is the primary scoring target for body techniques. In WT-sanctioned events, electronic trunk protectors integrated into the PSS are mandatory. These protectors contain sensors that register the impact force and location of strikes. One competitor wears a red (chung) protector and the other wears blue (hong), assigned by competition draw. The protector covers the torso from the base of the neck to the hipbone, protecting the front and sides. Strikes to the back of the trunk protector are not valid.
2.3 Head Protector
The electronic head protector is worn over the head and covers the scoring areas above the collarbone. Since the 2020 rule cycle, WT has mandated electronic head protectors with embedded sensors at all major competitions, replacing the previous system where head kicks were scored solely by corner judges. The head protector registers valid kicks that meet the required force threshold. Red or blue head protector covers match the assigned trunk protector color.
2.4 Electronic Gloves and Foot Socks
Competitors wear electronic sensing socks (e-foot protectors) that contain transmitters corresponding to the PSS. Only strikes delivered by the portion of the foot below the ankle bone (instep, ball of foot, sole) register on the electronic system. Electronic gloves with embedded sensors are also worn at WT events; only the knuckle area of the closed fist is registered for valid punches to the trunk protector.
2.5 Additional Protective Equipment
- Forearm guards: Mandatory padding covering the forearm from wrist to elbow, worn under the dobok sleeves.
- Shin guards: Mandatory padding covering the shin from ankle to below the knee, worn under the dobok pants.
- Groin guard: Mandatory for male competitors; optional but recommended for female competitors. Worn inside the dobok pants.
- Mouthguard: Mandatory for all competitors. Must be properly fitted and in good condition.
- Female chest protector: Mandatory for female competitors, worn under the trunk protector.
All protective equipment must be WT-approved and in serviceable condition. The referee may instruct a competitor to replace damaged or non-compliant equipment before the match continues.
Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Competition Mat
Competition takes place on a regulation octagonal mat measuring 8 m × 8 m (26.2 ft × 26.2 ft). The octagonal shape is created by cutting the corners of the square mat area at 45-degree angles. The mat surface must be WT-approved, constructed of shock-absorbing, non-slip material (typically EVA foam or equivalent) to minimize injury from falls and provide stable footing for kicks.
3.2 Boundary and Safety Zone
The boundary line of the competition area is clearly marked in a contrasting color. Beyond the boundary, a safety zone of at least 2 m (6.6 ft) extends on all sides, also covered by mat material. The safety zone prevents injury if competitors step or fall outside the boundary during exchanges. No obstacles, equipment, or spectators may encroach on the safety zone during competition.
3.3 Markings and Positions
Two starting positions are marked on the mat: one for the blue (chung) competitor and one for the red (hong) competitor, each approximately 4 m from the center and 1 m apart. The referee's position is marked at the center edge of the mat. Corner judge positions are designated at four corners of the competition area. An athlete designation area for each competitor (including their coach) is located outside the safety zone on opposite sides of the mat.
3.4 Multiple Court Layouts
At World Championships and Grand Prix events, multiple competition courts operate simultaneously. Each court is designated by number and operates with its own independent set of officials, PSS equipment, and IVR system. Courts are separated by sufficient distance (minimum 2 m between safety zones) to prevent interference between adjacent matches. A central results area displays live scores from all active courts.
3.5 Venue Requirements
The competition venue must provide adequate lighting (minimum 1,500 lux at mat level for televised events), temperature control, and ventilation. A scoreboard visible to competitors, officials, and spectators must be positioned prominently. Medical facilities and personnel must be accessible within 30 seconds of the competition area. An Instant Video Replay (IVR) system with multiple camera angles is required at WT-promoted events. For Olympic and World Championship events, a minimum of six camera positions per court are mandated for IVR coverage.
Section 4: Players & Officials
4.1 Competitors
Taekwondo is an individual combat sport. Competitors must hold a valid WT Global Athlete License (GAL) and possess a Kukkiwon-recognized dan certificate. At the Olympic Games, competitors must be at least 17 years old in the year of competition. All athletes must pass weigh-in on the day before competition; the weigh-in window is typically 2 hours for official events.
4.2 Olympic Weight Categories
The Olympic Games feature four weight divisions per gender:
- Men: 58 kg, 68 kg, 80 kg, +80 kg
- Women: 49 kg, 57 kg, 67 kg, +67 kg
World Championships and Grand Prix events use a broader range of eight weight categories per gender, providing finer divisions. Continental and national events may adopt WT-approved weight categories appropriate to their level of competition.
4.3 The Referee
One center referee controls the match on the mat. The referee starts and stops the contest with Korean commands: si-jak (begin), kal-yeo (break/stop), kye-sok (continue), and keu-man (end). The referee declares penalties (gam-jeom), issues warnings, orders medical timeouts, and has authority to stop the match for safety reasons. The referee also declares the winner at the conclusion of the bout.
4.4 Corner Judges and Review Jury
Historically, four corner judges sat at corners of the mat and scored techniques using electronic handheld devices. With the adoption of the full PSS (electronic trunk, head, gloves, and socks), the role of corner judges has shifted primarily to supplementary scoring — awarding points for valid techniques that the electronic system may not register (such as certain close-range punches). A review jury of one or more officials supervises the match, adjudicates IVR challenges, and can correct scoring errors. At major WT events, the Technical Delegate oversees all officiating procedures.
4.5 Coaches
Each competitor is permitted one coach in the designated athlete area. The coach may provide verbal instruction during the match and signal for an Instant Video Replay (IVR) challenge by raising the designated signal card during a break in the action. Coaches may not enter the competition area or physically interfere with the contest. Unsportsmanlike conduct by a coach may result in a gam-jeom against their athlete or removal from the venue.
Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 Match Format
A standard match consists of 3 rounds of 2 minutes each, with a 1-minute rest period between rounds. During the rest period, the competitor returns to their designated area, where their coach may provide instructions, water, and tactical advice. The clock stops during referee interventions (penalties, equipment adjustments, medical checks, IVR reviews).
5.2 Valid Techniques
WT taekwondo permits two categories of striking techniques:
- Kicks: Any kicking technique delivered with the part of the foot below the ankle bone (instep, ball of foot, sole, heel). Kicks may target both the trunk protector and the head protector. Common scoring kicks include the roundhouse kick (dollyo chagi), back kick (dwi chagi), spinning hook kick (dwi huryeo chagi), axe kick (naeryeo chagi), and push kick (mireo chagi).
- Punches: Only the straight punch (jireugi) delivered with the front of a properly clenched fist to the trunk protector is permitted. Punches to the head are strictly prohibited and result in a penalty. Backfist strikes, hammer fists, and open-hand techniques are not permitted.
5.3 Valid Scoring Areas
The two valid target areas are:
- Trunk protector: The front and side areas of the electronic trunk protector (hogu), from the base of the neck to the hipbone. Strikes to the spine or back of the protector do not score.
- Head: All areas of the head protector above the collarbone, including the sides and back of the head. Only kicks (not punches) may target the head.
5.4 The Golden Round
If the score is tied at the end of 3 rounds, a Golden Round (4th round) of 1 minute is contested. The first competitor to score any valid point wins immediately (sudden death). If neither competitor scores during the Golden Round, the winner is determined by superiority decision: the referee and judges evaluate which competitor demonstrated greater initiative, more valid technique attempts, and more aggressive attacking throughout the entire match, including the Golden Round.
5.5 Point Gap Victory
If at any point during the match one competitor leads by 20 points or more, the referee stops the contest and declares that competitor the winner by point gap. This rule prevents unnecessary continuation when the outcome is no longer in doubt and protects the trailing competitor from sustained one-sided action.
5.6 Knockout and Referee Stop Contest
If a competitor is knocked down by a valid technique and cannot resume within a 10-second count by the referee, the standing competitor wins by knockout (KO). If the referee determines a competitor is unfit to continue due to injury or accumulated damage, the match is stopped (RSC — Referee Stop Contest). A competitor who is knocked down three times in a single round from scoring techniques also loses by RSC.
Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Protector and Scoring System (PSS)
WT competition uses the Protector and Scoring System (PSS), an electronic scoring platform that registers valid strikes based on impact force, target location, and striking tool. The trunk protector, head protector, electronic socks, and electronic gloves all communicate wirelessly with the central scoring computer. A valid score is registered when the correct striking area (foot sensor or glove sensor) impacts the correct target (trunk or head protector sensor) with force exceeding the calibrated threshold. The force threshold is adjustable and is set by the Technical Delegate based on the competition level, weight category, and gender.
6.2 Point Values
- Punch to trunk protector: 1 point — delivered with the front of a closed fist (glove sensor) to the trunk protector.
- Kick to trunk protector: 2 points — any valid kick (foot sensor) to the trunk protector.
- Turning kick to trunk protector: 4 points — a kick involving 180° or more of body rotation (spinning back kick, spinning side kick, etc.) striking the trunk protector.
- Kick to head protector: 3 points — any valid kick to the head protector.
- Turning kick to head protector: 5 points — a spinning or turning kick (180°+ rotation) to the head protector. This is the highest-scoring single technique in taekwondo.
6.3 Supplementary Scoring by Judges
Corner judges may award points for valid techniques that the PSS does not register electronically. This typically applies to techniques delivered at close range or unusual angles where sensor contact may be incomplete. A majority of judges must agree for a supplementary point to be awarded. The review jury may also correct obvious scoring errors identified during or after a round.
6.4 Scoring Technology Calibration
The PSS force thresholds are calibrated before each competition by the Technical Delegate and equipment officials. Different thresholds are set for different weight categories and genders to ensure that valid techniques register appropriately across divisions. For example, lighter weight categories use lower force thresholds than heavier divisions. The head protector threshold is typically set lower than the trunk protector threshold, reflecting the greater difficulty and risk of head kicks. Calibration tests are conducted using standardized impact tools, and the settings are documented in the competition technical report.
6.5 Determining the Winner
The competitor with the higher total score (including penalty points awarded from the opponent's gam-jeom) at the end of 3 rounds wins by final score. The complete hierarchy of victory conditions, in order of precedence, is:
- Knockout (KO): Opponent cannot rise within the 10-count.
- Referee Stop Contest (RSC): Referee determines a competitor is unable to continue safely.
- Point gap: 20-point lead at any time during the match.
- Disqualification: Accumulation of 10 gam-jeom or instant disqualification offense.
- Withdrawal: Competitor or coach voluntarily withdraws.
- Final score: Higher total at the end of 3 rounds.
- Golden Round: First to score in the 4th round (1 minute).
- Superiority decision: Judges evaluate initiative and technique quality if the Golden Round produces no score. This decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Kyong-go (Warning)
A kyong-go is a verbal warning issued by the referee for minor infractions. Two kyong-go equal one gam-jeom (one point to the opponent). A single kyong-go at the end of the match does not add to the opponent's score. Kyong-go offenses include:
- Crossing the boundary line with one foot (first occurrence)
- Evading by turning the back to the opponent momentarily
- Falling to the ground without being struck
- Stalling or avoiding engagement for more than a few seconds
- Grabbing, holding, or pushing the opponent's body or uniform
- Lifting the knee to block without a kicking motion (excessive knee blocking)
- Pretending to be injured (feigning)
7.2 Gam-jeom (Penalty Point)
A gam-jeom is a penalty deduction that awards 1 point to the opponent. Gam-jeom are issued for more serious or repeated infractions:
- Attacking the opponent below the waist (kicks to the legs or groin)
- Striking the opponent's back (attacking the spine area)
- Punching or striking the opponent's head or face
- Attacking after the referee's kal-yeo (stop) command
- Intentionally stepping out of the boundary with both feet
- Throwing or sweeping the opponent to the ground
- Persistent grabbing, clinching, or pushing (after kyong-go)
- Deliberately turning the back to the opponent to avoid combat
- Butting or attacking with the knee
- Unsportsmanlike conduct by the competitor or their coach
7.3 Accumulation and Disqualification
The accumulation of 10 gam-jeom during a single match results in automatic disqualification. Since each gam-jeom awards a point to the opponent, the opponent will have received at least 10 penalty points by the time disqualification occurs. Gam-jeom accumulate across all rounds of the match, including the Golden Round.
7.4 Instant Disqualification
Certain severe offenses result in immediate disqualification without progressive penalties:
- Intentional violent attack after the kal-yeo or keu-man command
- Extreme unsportsmanlike conduct (verbal abuse, spitting, threatening officials)
- Deliberate manipulation or tampering with PSS electronic equipment
- Third-party interference (unauthorized person entering the competition area)
- Failure to comply with the referee's instructions after repeated warnings
7.5 Instant Video Replay (IVR)
The Instant Video Replay (IVR) system allows coaches to challenge referee decisions or request review of scoring. The coach raises the designated signal card during a break in action to request an IVR review. The review jury examines multi-angle video footage and may overturn or confirm the original decision. If the challenge is successful, the coach retains the right to make additional challenges. If the challenge is unsuccessful, no further challenges are permitted for that match. IVR may be used to contest: point awards, penalty calls, boundary decisions, or situations where a technique was scored but should not have been (or vice versa).
Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Mandatory Protective Equipment
The full complement of WT-approved electronic and traditional protective equipment (trunk protector, head protector, forearm guards, shin guards, groin guard, mouthguard, electronic gloves, electronic socks, and female chest protector where applicable) must be worn and inspected before every match. Equipment that is damaged, improperly fitted, or non-compliant is replaced before the match begins. The referee conducts a pre-match equipment check at the entrance to the competition area.
8.2 Medical Personnel and Facilities
Qualified medical personnel (at minimum one competition doctor) must be present at all WT-sanctioned events and positioned with direct access to the competition area. A fully equipped medical room with first aid supplies, stretcher, and emergency transport arrangements is mandatory. Medical staff may enter the competition area only when called by the referee.
8.3 Injury and Knockout Protocols
When a competitor is injured, the referee stops the match and allows a 1-minute medical timeout for assessment and treatment. Each competitor is allowed one medical timeout per match. If the competitor cannot continue after the medical timeout, the outcome depends on whether the injury was caused by a valid technique (opponent wins by RSC) or a prohibited action (injured competitor wins by disqualification of the opponent, or the match result is determined by score at the time of stoppage).
8.4 Concussion and Knockout Suspension
A competitor who loses by knockout (KO) or referee stop contest (RSC) due to head contact must undergo a mandatory medical examination immediately after the match. The athlete is subject to a minimum 30-day competition suspension and must receive written medical clearance before returning to competition. If a competitor suffers two KO/RSC losses due to head contact within a 90-day period, the suspension extends to 90 days. WT follows World Medical Association and IOC concussion management guidelines.
8.5 Blood and Open Wound Protocol
If a competitor sustains a cut or nosebleed, the referee stops the match for medical treatment. Minor bleeding may be controlled and the match resumed. If bleeding cannot be controlled within the medical timeout period, the referee may stop the contest. Blood on the mat, dobok, or equipment must be cleaned before the match resumes.
8.6 Age and Development Safeguards
WT establishes separate competition rules for cadets (12–14 years), juniors (15–17 years), and seniors (17+ years). Cadet and junior competitions use modified rules including lower PSS force thresholds, prohibition of certain techniques (e.g., spinning kicks to the head in some cadet categories), and stricter referee intervention standards. These modifications prioritize athlete safety and age-appropriate competition intensity.
8.7 Anti-Doping
All WT-sanctioned competitions operate under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code. Competitors are subject to in-competition and out-of-competition testing. Athletes must maintain accurate whereabouts information through WADA's Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS). Violations result in sanctions ranging from warnings to multi-year bans, with results from the relevant competition period annulled. WT cooperates with National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for adjudication of doping cases.
8.8 Environmental and Mat Safety
Competition mats must be inspected before each session for damage, gaps between sections, moisture, or uneven surfaces that could cause slipping or tripping injuries. The venue temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F) to prevent heat-related illness and ensure optimal athletic performance. Adequate hydration stations must be accessible to competitors in the athlete preparation area. In the event of a power failure affecting the PSS or scoreboard, the match is suspended until systems are restored; round time is paused and scores are preserved by the backup system.
