International Wushu Federation Competition Rules

International Wushu Federation
2003 December
CHAPTER 1 STRUCTURE OF ORGANIZATION

Article 1 Competition Committee
The Competition Committee of the World Championships and the World Cup shall be composed of a number of experts on wushu competition appointed by the International Wushu Federation and the Organising Committee and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the competitions.
According to the scale of competition, each continental, regional or national federation may establish a Competition Committee or body composed of a number of wushu specialists to be responsible for all aspects of competition organization under the guidance of the Organising Committee.
Article 2 Jury of Appeal
2.1　The Jury of Appeal shall be composed of one (1) chairman, one (1) vice chairman and three (3), five (5) or seven (7) members.
2.2　Duties & Responsibilities
1) To accept a team’s appeal and make a timely ruling; however, the scoring results shall not be changed.
2) The decision made by the Jury of Appeal is valid only when more than half of its members have voted for it. A tied vote shall be decided by a casting vote of the chairman of the Jury of Appeal. A Jury member shall not participate in discussion, nor shall he vote on issues relating to his own country or region; and
3) The decision of the Jury of Appeal shall be final.
Article 3 Composition of Officials
3.1　Composition of Judges
1) One (1) chief referee, and one (1) or two (2) assistant chief referees;
2) Each judges group shall consist of eleven (10) members: one (1) head judge, three (3) judges from each of groups A, B & C, respectively;
3) One programming and recording chief; and
4) One chief registrar.
3.2　Composition of Supporting Staff

1) 3-5 programming and recording assistants;
2) 3-6 registrars;
3) 1-2 announcers;
4) 1-2 sound technicians; and
5) 2-4 recording technicians (to record events for the Jury of Appeal).
Article 4 Duties of Officials
The officials shall work under the guidance of the Competition Committee. Their duties are as follows:
4.1　The chief referee shall
1) Organize and lead the work of judges groups to ensure the implementation of competition rules, and examine and ascertain all pre-competition work;
2) Interpret the rules and regulations but have no right to modify them;
3) Replace officials if needs be in the process of competition, and have the right to take disciplinary action against officials who have committed serious mistakes;
4) Have the right to give warnings to athletes and coaches trying to make trouble out of nothing at the site of competition, and the right to report the matter to the Technical Committee for disciplinary action including the cancellation of their results; and
5) Examine and announce the results of competition, and sum up the officials’ work.
4.2　The assistant chief referees shall
1) Assist the chief referee in his work;
2) One of them shall act on his behalf in his absence.
4.3　The head judge shall
1) Organize his own group in professional studies and implement the officiation;
2) Be responsible for the addition of points for innovative movements with degree of difficulty;
3) Be responsible for the deduction of points for repetition and/or for going under or over the time limit; and
4) Propose to the chief referee to take disciplinary action when a judge has committed serious mistakes in judging.
5) Participate in B Group judges’ evaluation on the overall performance.

4.4　The judges shall
1) Give their best efforts to judging in their assigned group under the leadership of the head judge;
2) Evaluate each competitor’s performance independently, according to the rules, and make detailed notes;
3) Group A Judges are responsible for scoring the quality of the movement in the routine;
4) Group B Judges are responsible for scoring the overall performance of the routine; and
5) Group C Judges are responsible for scoring the degree of difficulty in the routine.
4.5　The programming & recording chief shall
1) Be responsible for the entire work of the record desk, examine the entry forms, the Wushu Optional Routine’s Degree of Difficulty Registry and Scoring Forms, and, in accordance with the requirements of the competition, work out the Programme;
2) Prepare forms and tables needed for the competition, and examine and verify the results and placings; and
3) Work out the Competition Results
4.6　The chief registrar shall be responsible for the entire work of registry, and report to the chief referee and announcers immediately on any change in registration.
Article 5 Duties of Assistant Staff
5.1 The programming & recording assistants shall work as assigned by the programming and recording chief.

5.2　 The registrars shall make timely registrations in accordance with the order of competition, and examine the competitors’ apparatuses and costumes, and submit the registry form to the head judge after leading the competitors into the competition area.

5.3　 The announcers shall introduce the fielded competitors to the spectators, announce the results, and give them appropriate information about the rules and regulations of competition, the characteristics of the event and the sport of wushu.

5.4　The sound technicians shall
1) Be responsible for collecting music tapes or CD’s from the competitors when the first time registration for events with music is conducted, and number them in accordance with the running order;
2) Start the music 3 seconds after the competitor enters the competition area and stands ready; and
3) After the competition, return all CD’s and tapes to the competitors without damaging, losing, lending or copying them.
5.5　The cameramen shall
1) Film all competition events;
2) Show the video of any events as required by the Jury of Appeal; and
3) Store all films and/or videos in accordance with the competition regulations.
CHAPTER 2 GENERAL RULES FOR COMPETITION
Article 6 Types of Competition
6.1　Types of Competition
1) Individual Competition
2) Team Competition
3) Individual and Team Competition
6.2　Competition Types by Age

1) Adult Competition
2) Youth Competition
3) Children’s Competition
Article 7 Competition Events
7.1　Changquan (Long-range boxing)
7.2　 Taijiquan (Taiji boxing)
7.3　 Nanquan (Southern-style boxing)
7.4　 Jianshu (Sword play)
7.5　 Daoshu (Broadsword play)
7.6　 Qiangshu (Spear play)
7.7　 Gunshu (Cudgel play)
7.8　 Nandao (Southern-style broadsword)
7.9　 Nangun (Southern-style cudgel)
7.10 Taijijian (Taiji sword)
7.11　Dual Events: Bare Hand Dual Events, Apparatus Dual Events, and Bare Hands vrs Apparatus Dual Events
7.12　Group Events
Article 8 Competition Age Divisions
8.1　Adult Category 18 years and over;
8.2　Youth Category 12-18 years inclusive; and
8.3　Children Category under 12 years.
Article 9 Appeals
9.1　 Scope of Appeals
The Jury of Appeal shall only accept and hear the appeals made by participating teams who have objections for the deduction of points of the head judge and judgement of judges of group C made to the athletes of their team;

9.2 Procedures & Requirements for Appeals
If a participating team disagrees with a judging group’s ruling on their own team performance, they may submit an appeal in writing through their team leader or coach to the Jury of Appeal within 15 minutes after the conclusion of the event concerned. The appeal must be accompanied by an appeal fee of US$100. Each appeal is limited to one issue.
In considering the appeal the Jury of Appeal must examine all the evidence including the films or videos. If they justify that the original judgment by the judging group was correct, the appealing team must abide by their decision. Failure to do so may result in the Jury of Appeal proposing to the Technical Committee of the International Wushu Federation to take serious disciplinary action up to and including the cancellation of competition results. If the appeal proves to be justified, the jury of appeal shall propose to the Technical Committee of the International Wushu Federation to deal with the misjudging referee. The fee shall be returned and all parties to the appeal will be notified of the results in a timely fashion

Article 10 Determination of Competition Order
Under the supervision of the Competition Committee and the chief referee, the programming and recording group will draw lots to determine the order of competition events and competitors appearance.
If the competition involves a qualifying competition and final competition, the order the competitors’ appearance in the finals shall be determined by their qualifying scores with the lowest scores competing first. If the qualifying scores are equal, the order of competition will be determined by drawing lots.
Article 11 Registry (Roll-Call)
Competitors must report to the designated area 40 minutes before their competition event to participate in the First Registry (Roll-Call) and be checked for costume and apparatus and to participate in a Second Registry (Roll-Call) 20 minutes before the event and a Third Registry (Roll-Call) 10 minutes before the event.
Article 12 Protocol
When a competitor hears his/her name called and at the completion of his/her routine, he/she must give a wushu salute to the head judge.
Article 13 Timekeeping
The time for a routine will be measured from when the competitor first moves any part of his/her limbs until he/she brings his/her feet together in the standing position (at the completion of the routine).
Article 14 Display of Score
Scores for all competitors shall be displayed to the audience.
Article 15 Forfeiture
If a competitor fails to take part in the third (Final) Registry (Roll-Call) or is not present when his/her name is called during competition, he/she will be regarded as having forfeited the event.
Article 16 Drug Testing
Drug Testing will be conducted in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the IOC regulations.
Article 17 Placings
17.1　Individual & Dual Placings
Placings will be awarded in accordance with the competitors' score in the competition. The competitor with the highest score is the winner and the one with the second highest score is in 2nd place, etc.
17.2　Individual All Round Placings
Individual all round placings will be determined by the addition of a competitor’s scores for each individual event (or in accordance with the Rules for the particular Competition). The highest score will be awarded first placing, the second highest score second placing, etc.
17.3　Group Placings
The group with the highest score will be awarded first place; the group with second highest score will be awarded second place, etc.
17.4　Team Placings
Team placings will be determined by the Regulations of the particular Competition.
17.5　Tied Scores
1) Individual Score Tied
When individual scores are tied, placings will be made in the following order:
(1) The one who has completed the movements with higher degree of difficulty shall be placed higher;
(2) If scores are still tied, the winner will be the one who has completed more advanced degree of difficult movements;
(3) If the scores are still tied, the winner will be the one who has higher scores in difficulty;
(4) If the scores are still tied, the winner will be the one who has higher scores in overall performance;
(5) If the scores are still tied, the winner will be the one who has higher scores among lower scores in overall performance;
(6) If the scores are still equal a tied placing will be awarded; and
(7) In competitions, which have a qualifying competition and a final competition if the combined result from the two competitions is the same, the competitor with the highest score in the (qualifying) competition will be awarded the highest placing. If the scores are still tied, placing will be determined as in (1) – (7).
(8) If the scores are still tied in the groups without difficult movements (including compulsory routine), placing will be determined as in (4), (5) and (6).

2) Individual All Round Scores Tied
The competitor who ranked first in more events shall be placed higher. If the scores are still tied the competitor who placed second in more events shall be placed higher. In case of an equal ranking in all individual events, the tied competitors shall share the place.
3) Group & Dual Events Scores Tied
If the scores for a group or dual event are tied they will be determined as in (2) – (4) of Individual Scores Tied.
4) Team Events Tied
In the team competition, the team ranked first in more individual events shall be placed higher. If the tie still remains, the team ranked second in more individual events shall be placed higher, and so on and so forth. In case of an equal ranking in all individual events, the tied teams shall share the place.
In all cases where equal placings are awarded the next placing(s) will be left vacant.
Article 18 Applications for the Recognition & Grading of Innovative Movements
18.1　Principals for Innovation
All innovative movements must conform to the specific characteristics of Wushu and its principles of movement, requiring a high level of Wushu specific fitness and skill; and the innovative movement’s degree of difficulty must be Grade B or higher and not already appear in the Form for Degree Of Difficulty for Movements and Value of Optional Events.
18.2　Application Procedures
Each team may only make one application (for Degree of Difficulty for Innovative Movement) for each routine at any competition.
The applicant team must complete an “Application For Assessment For Wushu Optional Routine Innovation” and supply a technical chart and a video of the competitor performing the movement. The application and its attachments must be forwarded to the Technical Committee of the International Wushu Federation no later than sixty (60) days before the competition starts.
18.3　The Assessment Committee

The application will be assessed by the Technical Assessment Committee for Wushu Routine Innovation, which shall be comprised of 5-7 Wushu experts appointed by the Technical Committee of the International Wushu Federation.

18.4　Assessment Procedure
The Technical Assessment Committee for Wushu Routine Innovation will consider the application with reference to innovation principle; a two-thirds majority is required for the movement to be accepted. Once accepted the Committee will name the movement; grade its degree of difficulty, allocate the points to be awarded for its successful execution and the points to be deducted for errors. The Committee will then, in a timely fashion, inform the applicant of their decision. If the application is successful, the Committee will advise in writing the Jury of Appeal and the Judges Team for the competition prior to its commencement.
Article 19 Other Competition Regulations
19.1　Application for Registration of the Degree of Difficulty
Each competitor must select movements (for each event in which he/she is entered) with different degrees of difficulty in accordance with the provisions of the Competition Rules and Regulations, and complete a Registration Form for the “Degree of Difficulty and Points Allocation for Wushu Optional Routines” via Internet, have it signed by his/her Team Coach and submit it to the Hosting Organization to arrive at least thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the Competition.
19.2　Time Limits for Performance in Competition
1) Changquan, Nanquan, Jianshu, Daoshu, Qiangshu, Gunshu, Nandao & Nangun shall be no less than 1 minute, 20 seconds; and shall be no less than 1 minute and 10 seconds for Youth & Children’s categories.
2) Optional Tai Chi Quan Routine and Group Event shall be 3-4 minutes; Compulsory Tai Chi Quan Routine shall be 5-6 minutes;
3) Dual Events shall be no less than 50 seconds.
19.3　Events with Music
Routines that require music must be performed to instrumental music (without lyrics) chosen by the competitor to suit the choreography of the routine.

19.4　Dress Code
All Officials shall wear their uniforms and identification badges with their names and gradings. All competitors shall wear standard costumes for wushu competition and competitor numbers during competition.
19.5　Competition Area
Individual events shall be conducted on an area 14 m in length and 8 m in width surrounded by a clear safety area of at least 2 m.
Group events shall be conducted on an area 16 m in length and 14 m in width surrounded by a clear safety area of at least 1 meter.
The inner edge of competition area must be marked with a white border 5 cm wide.
The ceiling height over the competition areas must be no less than 8 m.
The distance between two competition areas must be more than 6 m.
At high-level competitions the competition area should be on a platform raised 50-60 cm’s above the floor.
The competition area should be lit both from above and from the sides and the lighting should conform to the Regulations.
19.6　Competition Apparatus
1) All apparatus must conform to the specifications set by the International Wushu Federation.
2) The point of the sword and broadsword shall not be lower than the top of the performer’s ear when it is held backward with the arm straightened and hanging down and the elbow dropped.
The whole length of gun (cudgel) shall not be shorter than the performer’s body.
The whole length of qiang (spear) shall not be shorter than that from the performer’s fingertips to his sole when he stands with his arms straight overhead.
19.7　Competition Equipment
Large-scale competitions must be equipped with at least four (4) video cameras, three (3) video players, three (3) television sets, as well as a computerised scoring system and a sound system.
19.8 This rule is applicable to any level of international wushu taolu competition.
CHAPTER 3 CRITERIA & METHODS OF SCORING
Article 20 Criteria & Methods of Scoring for Optional Routines

20.1　Scoring Method
1) A Judging Group will consist of three (3) Judges (Group A) to judge the quality of the movements, three (3) Judges (Group B) and one (1) head judge to judge the overall performance and three (3) Judges (Group C) to judge the degree of difficulty.
2)The maximum score for each event is ten (10) comprised of 5 points for the quality of movements, 3 points for the overall performance; and 2 points for the degree of difficulty.
The points for Degree of Difficulty of the movements applied (chosen) by the competitor and the points for overall performance (3 pts) plus points for the quality of the movements (5 pts) added together will be the starting score for the competition routine.

3) Judges of A group deduct points according to errors occurred during the competitor’s performance.
4) Judges of B group shall be divided into two (2) groups and evaluate independently. One group shall award points by determining the level of performance, while the other shall deduct points according to errors in the choreography.
5) Judges of C group shall award points according to the completion of the degree of difficulty of movement and transition.
20.2 Scoring Criteria
20.2.1 Scoring criteria for Quality of Movements
Once the athlete’s performance of taolu disaccords with the requirement, 0.1 point shall be deducted; once other error occurs, 0.1-0.3 point shall be deducted.
Refer to table 1 Deduction Content and Criteria for Overall Quality of Optional Movement
20.2.2 Scoring Criteria for Overall Performance
1) Determination of the level of the Overall Performance
Power, rhythm and music are divided into three (3) levels with each divided into three (3) sublevels. Superior level shall be awarded 3.0-2.70 point, standard shall be awarded 2.60-2.30 point, and inferior shall be awarded 2.10-1.80 point.
Refer to table 2 Scoring Criteria for Overall Performance of the Optional Events

In a Superior performance the amount of strength demonstrated will be high. The strength will be applied smoothly and force applied accurately. The toughness and gentleness are very well incorporated. The various elements of the routine will be well coordinated and demonstrate changes in rhythm that are fast and well defined. The content will demonstrate great diversity and the structure will be well knit and pleasing. The movements will make good use of all of the available space and finally the music and movements will blend harmoniously.
In a standard performance the above characteristics will be present but to a lesser degree.
In an inferior performance many of the above elements will be missing or not satisfactory.
2) Scoring criteria for the choreography of the Overall Performance
After the athlete finishes the taolu, one lack of the obligatory movement will be deducted 0.2 point, and once the structure or composition disaccords with the requirement, 0.1 point shall be deducted.
Refer to table 3 Deduction Content and Criteria for the Choreography of the Optional Events
20.2.3 Scoring Criteria of the degree of difficulty
20.2.4
1) Degrees of difficulty of movements (1.4 point)
In accordance with “Degree of Difficulty of Movements and Their Value” for each event, points for the completion of each difficult movement will be given as follows:
• Category A – 0.2 points
• Category B – 0.3 points
• Category C – 0.4 points
Repetitions of a particular difficult movement will not attract bonus points. The sum of Bonus points for this category cannot exceed 1.4 points.
Refer to Table 4 Degree of Difficulty for Movement and Value of Optional Events
2) Degree of Difficulty for Transitions (0.6 point)
In accordance with “Degree of Difficulty of Transitions and Their Value” for each event, points for the completion of each transition will be given as follows:
• Category A – 0.05 points
• Category B – 0.1 points
• Category C – 0.15 points
• Category D – 0.2 points

Repetitions of a particular transition will not attract bonus points. The sum of Bonus points for this category cannot exceed 0.6 points.

Refer to Table 5 Degree of Difficulty for Movements and Value of Optional Events
If the athlete’s performance disaccords with the requirement, bonus will not be awarded.
Refer to Table 6 Movements of degree of difficulty and transition disaccorded with requirement.
3)Bonus Points for the Degree of Difficulty in Innovative Movements
Successful execution of an innovative movement with a recognised
degree of difficulty will attract Bonus Points awarded by the Head Judge in accordance with the points addition requirement.
Points addition standards are as follows:
• Category B – 0.2 points
• Category C – 0.3 points
• Super Category C – 0.4 points
Failure to complete an innovative movement either by not executing correctly or not complying with the recognised specification of the degree of difficulty will not attract bonus points.
Article 21: Scoring Methods and Criteria for Dual & Group Events
21.1　Scoring Method
21.1.1 A Judging Group will consist of three (3) Judges in Group A for judging the quality of the movements plus three (3) Judges in Group B to judge the overall performance.
21.1.2　The maximum score for any dual or group event is ten (10) comprised of:
1) 5 points for the quality of the movements;
2) 5 points for the overall performance.
21.1.3 Group A judges deduct points according to errors occurred in athletes’ performance.
21.1.4 Group B judges determine level and award scores to the athlete’s overall performance according to the athlete’s performance.
21.2 Scoring Criteria

21.2.1 Scoring criteria for Quality of Movements
Once the athlete’s performance of taolu disaccords with the requirement, 0.1 point shall be deducted; once other error occurs, 0.1-0.3 point shall be deducted.
Refer to Table 1 Deduction Content and Criteria for Overall Quality of Optional Movement
Table 7 Common Errors and Deduction Criteria for Overall Performance of Dual Events
Table 8 Common Errors and Deduction criteria for overall performance of Group Events
21.2.2 Scoring Criteria for Overall Performance
Overall performance is divided into three (3) levels with each divided into three (3) sublevels. Superior level shall be awarded 5.00-4.10 point, standard shall be awarded 4.00-3.10 point, and inferior shall be awarded 3.00-2.10 point.
Refer to Table 10 Scoring Criteria for Overall Performance of Dual Event, group event and events with no requirement on the degree of difficulty
In a Superior performance the amount of strength demonstrated will be high. The strength will be applied smoothly and force applied accurately. The toughness and gentleness are very well incorporated. The various elements of the routine will be well coordinated and demonstrate changes in rhythm that are fast and well defined. The content will demonstrate great diversity and the structure will be well knit and pleasing. The movements will make good use of all of the available space and finally the music and movements will blend harmoniously.
In a standard performance the above characteristics will be present but to a lesser degree.
In an inferior performance many of the above elements will be missing or not satisfactory.

Article 22: Display Scores
22.1 Group A and C Judges can only display scores with one (1) decimal place.
22.2 Group B Judges can display scores with two (2) decimal places; the third decimal will not be rounded off.
Article 23: 　Determination of Merited Points
23.1 Optional Event
The merited point is the sum of the merited points for quality of movements and the merited points for overall performance.
1) Determination of Merited Points for the Quality of Movements
Three judges of A group shall deduct points in accordance with the requirements on the quality of movement, deduction content on other common errors. Sum of deducted scores confirmed by more than 2 judges is the score shall be deducted from the points of the movement quality.

2) Determination of Merited Points for the Overall Performance
Three judges of B group and one head judge shall be divided into two groups and each judge independently. 3rd judge and head judge shall determine the level of the athlete’s overall performance according to requirements on power, rhythm and music. 6th and 9th judge shall deduct points according to the errors occurred in the choreography.
3) Determination of Merited Points for the degree of difficulty
Three judges of C group shall confirm the degree of difficulty of movements and transitions according to the requirements on the addition points for the degree of difficulty of movement and transition. The sum of the points confirmed by more than two (including two) judges are the merited score for the degree of difficulties.
23.2 Dual Event, Group Event and Events with no Requirements for Degree of Difficulty of the Movements
Article 24: 　Calculation of the Final Points
23.1 Optional Event
The final score is calculated as the merited score minus the points deducted by the Head Judge or plus addition points for the innovation movement, or plus the Head Judge or plus the head judge’s adjustment when the score given by the judges contain obvious errors or appears obviously unreasonable.
23.3 Dual Event, Group Event, and Event with no requirements for degree of difficulty of the movements
The final score is calculated as the merited score minus the points deducted by the Head Judge or plus the head judge’s adjustment when the score given by the judges contain obvious errors or appears obviously unreasonable.
Article 25: 　Scoring Method without the Computer Scoring System
Should there be no computer scoring system, one of the following methods shall be adopted.
1) The merited score for the quality of movement and degree of difficulty
shall be the same score given by more than 2 judges.
2) The merited score for the quality of the quality of movement and degree of difficulty shall be the medium score of those given by the three judges.
3) The merited score for the quality of the quality of movement and degree of difficulty shall be the average of the scores given by the three judges. The third decimal place shall not be rounded off.
Article 26: 　Scoring Method without the Computing Scoring System
26.1 The head judge shall be responsible for the addition of points for innovative movements with degree of difficulty.
26.2 The head judge shall be responsible for the deduction of points for repetition
and /or for going under or over the time limit.
1) Repetition
A competitor whose performance of a routine is interrupted by uncontrollable circumstances may repeat it with the head judge’s approval without deduction of points.
A competitor whose performance of a routine is interrupted through a lapse of memory, his own faults, or damage of his apparatus, may repeat his performance, but with a deduction of 1 point.
When a competitor is not able to continue his performance owing to injuries, the head judge has the right to stop him/her. When he is in a position to resume the performance after receiving First Aid, arrangements may be made for him to continue the competition as the last to be fielded in his group, which shall be treated as a case of repetition and result in a deduction of 1 point.
2) For Taijiquan, Taijijian and group events, 0.1-5.0 seconds (including 5.0 seconds) under or over the time limit shall result in a deduction of 0.1points; 5.1-10 seconds (including 10 seconds) under or over the time limit in a deduction of 0.2 points, and so on and so forth.
3) For Changquan, Nanquan, Jianshu (Sword play), Daoshu (Broadsword play), Qiangshu (Spear play), Gunshu (Cudgel play), Nandao, Nangun and dual events, 0.1-2.0 seconds (including 2.0 seconds) under or over the time limit shall result in a deduction of 0.1points; 2.1-4 seconds (including 4 seconds) under or over the time limit in a deduction of 0.2 points, and so on and so forth.
26.3 If the scores given by the judges contain obvious errors or appear obviously
Unreasonable, before display the final score of the competitor, with the approval of the group of the chief referees, the head judge shall made adjustment to the competitor’s score by adding or subtracting the points. The range of the addition or subtraction is limited to 0.01 to 0.2 point.