The WVGO uses a set of standard rules (with & without double elimination), submission only, EBI, and ADCC rules.  Each tournament will have the rules format specified when we are not using our standard rules for WVGO.

Each set of rules is listed below

Double Elimination Format (when used)
We use the double elimination format to give each competitor multiple opportunities to compete. This means if you lose your first match you will be put into a “losers bracket” and you will have the opportunity to compete again. However, someone who has lost cannot win the championship. The exception to the rule is if there happens to be a division with only two people. In the case, we will do a best 2 out of 3

Gi Matches (Standard Rules)

Length of Matches for Adult Men, Women, & Masters in the Gi

All WHITE BELT matches to be FIVE minutes in length

 

All BLUE BELT, PURPLE BELT, BROWN BELT, and BLACK BELT matches to be SEVEN minutes in length

Length of Matches for Children & Teens

All matches will be 5 minutes in length

Simplified Breakdown of Scoring

• Mount Front/Back 4 points
• Passing the Guard 3 points
• Take Down 2 points
• Knee on Stomach 2 points
• Sweeps from a guard position 2 points

Illegal Techniques

• NO heel locks
• NO small joint manipulation (fingers or toes)
• NO striking, of any kind
• No attacks to the front of the throat (fingers in throat), eyes (elbows, palms, fingers, chin, etc.) or groin
•  NO biting, eye gouging, or fish hooking
• T-shirts or Rash Guards under the gi are optional
• Shoes ARE NOT ALLOWED in Gi or No-Gi divisions
• Competitors must wear a regulation BJJ Gi (full length pants and jacket)
• No Slamming to avoid submissions, from the Guard, or excessive from any position or takedown
• No suplexes or spiking onto the head
• No scissors takedowns
• No throwing an opponent off the mat or spiking an opponent on his/her head
• No Neck Cranks or Twisters (Can Opener is LEGAL)
• No spitting and or swearing
• Any intentional use of an illegal technique or act of poor sportsmanship by the competitor OR coach will result in the immediate ejection of that competitor
• A competitor can not exit the ring at any time to escape a submission

 Special Rules for All Kids & Teen Competitors

• No attacks below the waist (No Knee bars, straight ankle locks, or toe holds)
• No Wrist Locks
• No Neck Cranks (No Can Opener from guard or any other position)
• No Jumping guard (to protect the knees)
• Still Following other adult rules as well, unless noted here

Situations Not Covered By The Rules

These situations which are not covered should be dealt with by the referees of the contest in question. The same type of situation may occur in another ring or at a different time, and may be handled differently. Each situation is unique and will be dealt with in all possible fairness. These situations should be put in writing to be later considered amendments for the rule book. The final judgment made by the referee is not contestable. ALL situations will be handled as fairly as possible.

Legal Techniques

Any official Olympic Judo/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique or submission or takedown not listed as illegal in the previous section

Penalties

The following penalties are one (1) point against the offender for each infraction (Competitor can also be disqualified at the referees discretion):

• Punches/strikes or kicks
• To purposely go outside the contest area with the whole body or both feet to avoid takedowns or submissions
• Out of bounds to avoid point: 1st time – warning, 2nd time – opponent gets point, 3rd time – end of match
• To purposely throw and/or push competitor out of bounds.
• To disregard the chief referee’s instruction.
• To show un-sportsman like conduct.
• To apply any action which may injure the opponent.
• Person cannot make or take one penalty point in any fraction to avoid 3 points against them such as chokes, locks, or submission holds (1st time – warning, 2nd time – 3 points, 3rd time – end of match).

INJURY TIME OR ILLNESS

If a competitor cannot continue, it is considered a withdrawal. The other competitor will then continue on. If the injury was committed with intent, the person that caused the injury will be judged a loss.

 No Gi Rules (Standard Rules)

***No T-shirts are allowed (to avoid toes getting caught and broken in them)

BUT a tight fitting shirt or rashguard must be worn in the No-Gi Division. If a competitor is without a shirt there will be some available at the tournament. We are trying to keep everything looking professional at the tournament.

Length of Matches for Adult Men, Women, & Masters No Gi

All matches to be SIX minutes in length

Length of Matches for Children & Teens

All matches will be 5 minutes in length

Simplified Breakdown of Scoring

• Mount Front/Back 4 points
• Passing the Guard 3 points
• Take Down 2 points
• Knee on Stomach 2 points
• Sweeps from a guard position 2 points

Illegal Techniques

• NO heel locks (Advanced divisions do allow heel hooks)
• NO small joint manipulation (fingers or toes)
• NO striking, of any kind
• No attacks to the front of the throat (fingers in throat), eyes (elbows, palms, fingers, chin, etc.) or groin
• NO biting, eye gouging, or fish hooking
• T-shirts or Rash Guards under the gi are optional
• Shoes are NOT ALLOWED in Gi or No-Gi divisions
• Competitors must wear a regulation BJJ Gi (full length pants and jacket)
• No Slamming to avoid submissions, from the Guard, or excessive from any position or takedown
• No suplexes or spiking onto the head
• No throwing an opponent off the mat or spiking an opponent on his/her head
• No Neck Cranks or Twisters (Can Opener is LEGAL)
• No spitting and or swearing
• Any intentional use of an illegal technique or act of poor sportsmanship by the competitor OR coach will result in the immediate ejection of that competitor
• A competitor cannot exit the ring at any time to escape a submission

 Special Rules for All Kids & Teen Competitors

• No attacks below the waist (No Knee bars, straight ankle locks, or toe holds)
• No Wrist Locks
• No Neck Cranks (No Can Opener from guard or any other position)
• No Jumping guard (to protect the knees)
• Still Following other adult rules as well, unless noted here

Situations Not Covered By The Rules

These situations which are not covered should be dealt with by the referees of the contest in question. The same type of situation may occur in another ring or at a different time, and may be handled differently. Each situation is unique and will be dealt with in all possible fairness. These situations should be put in writing to be later considered amendments for the rule book. The final judgment made by the referee is not contestable. ALL situations will be handled as fairly as possible.

Legal Techniques

Any official Olympic Judo/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique or submission or takedown not listed as illegal in the previous section

Penalties

The following penalties are one (1) point against the offender for each infraction (Competitor can also be disqualified at the referees discretion):

• Punches/strikes or kicks
• To purposely go outside the contest area with the whole body or both feet to avoid takedowns or submissions
• Running out of bounds to avoid point: 1st time – warning, 2nd time – opponent gets point, 3rd time – end of match
• To purposely throw and/or push competitor out of bounds.
• To disregard the chief referee’s instruction.
• To show un-sportsman like conduct.
• To apply any action which may injure the opponent.
• Person cannot make or take one penalty point in any fraction to avoid 3 points against them such as chokes, locks, or submission holds (1st time – warning, 2nd time – 3 points, 3rd time – end of match).

INJURY TIME OR ILLNESS

If a competitor cannot continue, it is considered a withdrawal. The other competitor will then continue on. If the injury was committed with intent, the person that caused the injury will be judged a loss.

ADCC Rules

Please click here

Submission Only Rules

No time limits, can only win by submission, single elimination

Modified EBI Rules