Rules

Rules and Competition Format
The U.S Open operates on a single elimination system, which adheres to the official International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation rules. Please visit the following websites for information on the rules.

http://ibjjf.org/rules.htm

A competitor can win a match by submission, points, advantage or referee's decision.

Scoring System
Throws and/or Takedowns - 2 points
Knee on stomach - 2 points
Top mount position - 4 points
Changing position (Guard or Half-Guard to top) - 2 points
Passing the guard - 3 points
Control from the back (Back Mount and/or Back Grab) - 4 points

Advantage is determined by aggressiveness, submission attempts, takedown attempts and superior positioning.

Match Durations
Rank Adult Division Junior/Master/Senior Divisions
White Belt 5 minutes 4 minutes
Blue Belt 6 minutes 5 minutes
Purple-Belt 7 minutes 6 minutes
Brown-Belt 8 minutes 6 minutes
Black-Belt 10 minutes 6 minutes

Medals will be awarded to athletes achieving first, second, and third place in each division.

Illegal Techniques in all divisions
· NO heel hooks or twisting knee locks of any kind
· NO striking of any kind
· NO biting, hair pulling or eye-gauging
· NO slamming of any kind
· NO cervical neck cranks of any kind

Comprehensive List of Legal and Illegal Techniques by Age and Belt Level
JUNIORS, INCLUDING WHITE AND BLUE BELTS (AGES 16 TO 17) AND ADULT THROUGH SENIOR WHITE BELTS
Straight Ankle Locks are legal in these divisions
· NO SLAMMING FROM THE GUARD
· NO CERVICAL NECK CRANKS
· NO SCISSOR TAKEDOWNS
· NO HEEL HOOKS OR OTHER TWISTING KNEE LOCKS
· NO BICEPS LOCKS (i.e., BICEP SLICERS)
· NO CALF LOCKS (i.e., KNEE SPREADERS)
· NO KNEE BARS
· NO MATA LEAO WITH FOOT (i.e., FIGURE-FOUR TOE-HOLDS)
· NO WRIST LOCKS

ADULT THROUGH SENIOR BLUE & PURPLE BELTS
Wrist locks are legal in these divisions
· NO SLAMMING FROM THE GUARD
· NO CERVICAL NECK CRANKS
· NO SCISSOR TAKEDOWNS
· NO HEEL HOOKS OR OTHER TWISTING KNEE LOCKS
· NO BICEPS LOCKS (i.e., BICEP SLICERS)
· NO CALF LOCKS (i.e., KNEE SPREADERS)
· NO KNEE BARS
· NO MATA LEAO WITH FOOT (i.e., FIGURE-FOUR TOE-HOLDS)

ADULT THROUGH SENIOR BROWN AND BLACK BELTS
Knee locks, Biceps Locks, Calf Locks, Knee Bars, and Mata Leao with the Foot are legal in these divisions
· NO SLAMMING FROM THE GUARD
· NO CERVICAL NECK CRANKS
· NO SCISSOR TAKEDOWNS
· NO HEEL HOOKS

Please Note
· Weigh-ins will take place on the mat before each competitor's first match. Each competitor gets only one opportunity to weigh-in, so please make sure you have signed up for the right division, or risk disqualification.
· Any athlete who fails to appear when called to compete will forfeit the match
· Any competitor running from a fight will be docked one point. If the behavior continues, he or she may be disqualified.
· Any competitor attempting to escape a submission by going out-of-bounds will be disqualified.
· The promoters of the U.S. Open will not tolerate any unsportsman-like conduct. Any disrespectful behavior will result in immediate disqualification and removal from the premises of the athlete, with no refund of the registration fee.

Disclaimer: The promoters are not liable for any injury and / or accident involving the competitors. The event is properly insured. Medical staff will be on the premises to provide First-Aid as needed.