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).