Northern California Karate League

General | Kata Competition | Kumite Competition

General Rules

1. Hosting
   To hold a NCKL tournament, the sponsoring dojo must provide the following:
   
   • A clean, safe location for competition to take place.
   • Competitors
   • Judges
   • Organizers
   • Scorekeepers
   • Timekeepers
2. Tournament Location
   
   • Floor space should be ample enough to run a minimum of three (3) rings.
   • Tables, chairs, ring tape, flags, scorecards and other similar set-up items should be provided by the tournament organizer.
   • The venue should provide a separate seating area for spectators.
   • Restrooms and/or locker rooms should be available for all attendees.
3. Competitors
   
   • All dojo members of NCKL sponsors are eligible to participate in a NCKL event.
   • All individuals not belonging to a NCKL sponsor's dojo, but whom the event sponsor invites, may participate in a NCKL tournament.
   • Only members of a NCKL dojo may accumulate League points.
   • Safety Equipment:
     
     • mandatory mouth guard
     • mandatory hand protection
     • mandatory (for males) groin cup
     • head, feet, and/or chest protection are required at the discretion of the tournament organizer
   • Competitors are required to wear a clean, white uniform that is free of tears or holes. Uniforms must be sufficient in length to cover the competitor's elbows and knees.
4. Judges
   

   Judges at a NCKL event are expected to know and to follow the NCKL rules of competition. Judges decide matches and control the tournament area, and are subject only to the authority of the (EO) Event Organizer. For kumite the referee controls the match, and assisted by the corner judges, decides the winner. Judges may be required to attend a judging seminar prior to officiating a NCKL event.

5. Organizers
   

   A NCKL tournament must have more than one organizer. Generally, the head instructor of the sponsoring dojo will act as the Event Organizer (EO), as well as fill the position of Chief Judge when needed to settle disputes. It is recommended that the EO also pre-assign several people to act as Co-organizers (CO) to facilitate registration, ring assignments, awards, and to answer all logistical questions, thus ensuring the event is run in an orderly fashion. CO's will also be responsible for assigning the Scorekeepers and Timekeepers to each ring as needed.