Amateur Kickboxing (Full Contact) Rules
Eligibility & Age
For fighters aged 11 years and up only
No full-contact kickboxing allowed under the age of 11
Match Format
Bout Structure (Gala):
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Non-title: 3 rounds
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Title: 5 rounds
Round Durations by Age:
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Under 12: 60s rounds / 30s rest
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13–16: 90s rounds / 45s rest
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17+: 120s rounds / 60s rest
Tournaments:
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Prelims 2 rounds
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Finals 3 Rounds
High registrations at a tournament can see all bouts set to 2 x 60s rounds / 30s rest
For safety, children must not receive head blows resulting in knockouts. Head shots must be closely monitored by the referee and a bout stopped if needed to avoid a child suffering a KO.
Match Outcomes
Fights can end by:
Knockout (KO) (Adults Only)
Technical Knockout (TKO)
Judges’ Decision
Disqualification
Draw
No Contest (ref or doctor stoppage)
Scoring System
10-Point Must System used:
Round winner: 10 points
Opponent: 9 or less
If the round is even: both get 10 points
In case of a draw after 3 rounds, one or two extra rounds may be fought (3 minutes each)
If still drawn, judges will decide based on who performed better across the whole match
Knockdowns & Safety Rules
Three knockdowns in one round = TKO
Four knockdowns per match = fight stopped
Mandatory 8-count after any knockdown
Standing 8-count can be used at referee’s discretion if fighter is in danger
A fighter can only be saved by the bell in the last round
Reserves in Tournaments
One or two reserve matches may be held before eliminations If a winning fighter cannot continue, a reserve or last opponent may step in. Fighters who were knocked out may not be eligible to return
Required Equipment
Headgear:
Juniors - Mandatory
Adults - Optional but recommended
Gumshield: Mandatory
Top/Vest: Under 12s must wear a T-shirt or vest
Breast protector: Optional, recommended for females
Gloves: 10oz required
Hand wraps: Cotton or bandage wraps only, zinc oxide tape allowed (no tape over knuckles, no gaffa tape)
Kickboxing trousers: Long style only
Groin guard: Mandatory for males, optional for females
Shin guards: Must be worn, no metal inserts
Foot pads: Mandatory
Ankle supports: Optional
Legal Techniques
Punches: Straights, hooks, uppercuts
Kicks (above the waist only): Front, side, back, spinning, jumping, high kicks
Backspin kicks must land with legal areas only. If unclear, fight may be paused and reviewed via video. If landed with an elbow/forearm/back of glove – it’s a foul.
Fouls
Fighters may be penalised with:
Caution
Warning (2 cautions)
Point deduction (1 point deduction)
Disqualification (2 point deductions in a round = DQ)
Referees may skip steps and immediately deduct points or DQ for malicious or dangerous fouls.
Fouls include:
Low kicks or use of knees
Headbutts
Elbow strikes
Groin strikes
Throws or takedowns
Biting, choking, thumbing
Hitting a downed fighter
Attacking after a referee call to stop
Holding the ropes
Swearing at officials
Punching the back of the head
Pushing opponent out of the ring
Turning your back to avoid fighting
Spinning strikes using elbow/forearm
Constant holding or clinching without attacking
Passive fighting or delaying tactics
Grabbing the leg and throwing or holding
Scoring Criteria
Points are awarded based on:
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Number of knockdowns (via 8-counts)
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Visible damage inflicted
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Clean shots landed to scoring zones
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Aggressiveness and willingness to win
If both fighters score equally, the one controlling the fight and pushing forward will gain the advantage.
If a fighter consistently fouls, they lose the match regardless of other performance factors.
Hydration Policy
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No dehydration to make weight – fighters caught doing so are disqualified
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After weigh-in, fighters must rehydrate safely with water or isotonic drinks
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On fight day, only WATER is allowed during bouts
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Fizzy drinks, alcohol, and isotonic drinks are banned ringside
No Pre-Workout drinks/powders allowed to be consumed before a bout is to be contested
Final Reminders
All fighters and coaches must follow the rules
Referees have full authority to stop bouts for safety
Fighter safety and controlled, skilled kickboxing are the top priorities