French Sports Code
In force1. The sparring area
The bouts take place on a mat or on a ring with 3 or 4 ropes. The corners of the ring are protected by the usual protections.
2. The athletes
Athletes must be at least 18 years old on the date of the bout.
The athletes must be of an equivalent technical and sporting level, recognised by the judges or referees before each event. The technical and sporting level is guaranteed by the ranking system, which must be described in full in the event rules. It takes into account the age and weight of the athletes. The athletes or their representatives must be present at the meeting to explain the sparring rules. An interpreter is present for non-French speakers.
3. Medical assistance
A doctor must be present throughout the event. The organiser must provide the doctor with :
- an ambulance ;
- a telephone at the edge of the combat area ;
- a stretcher close to the combat area;
- At least two people per combat area with first aid qualifications;
- a room for first aid and pre-fight check-ups;
- a room for anti-doping tests.
Before the event, the doctor will carry out a medical examination for all the athletes to check for any recent injuries and their fitness to fight by checking, in particular, the compulsory medical certificate provided for in 2° of article A. 331-34 of the French Sports Code.
The event cannot take place without the effective and operational presence of the doctor in the combat area. If the doctor is absent, no bout may take place.
During the event, the doctor may decide to stop the bout at any time in order to examine a fighter and authorise him or her to continue or not.
The doctor may examine any athlete after the bout, if he deems it necessary, and in particular any athlete who has been knocked out of the bout as a result of a blow, a choke, a submission or a "sponge throw".
After each event, the doctor sends a report to the administrative authority with which the event has been declared, listing the name, first name and age of the athletes in each bout, as well as the conditions of any disqualification. After being knocked unconscious, any resumption of activity is forbidden for a period of two months. The resumption of competition must be preceded by a favourable and detailed medical opinion.
4. Protective equipment
The shape, size and cushioning capacity of the gloves must be specified by the organiser. Only gloves in perfect condition (with no apparent repairs) may be used. The structure of the gloves must be identical for both athletes.
Their padding must not be displaced or broken. The referee must check this.
If a glove is damaged during the bout, the 2 gloves are replaced by identical gloves.
Under no circumstances are 2 different pairs of gloves allowed in a bout.
For male athletes, the shell and mouth guard are compulsory.
For female combatants, the chest protector, pubic protector and mouth guard are compulsory.
In addition to the protective items described above, athletes may not wear items made of hard materials.
Spectacles, hard contact lenses, jewellery, piercings, bracelets, rings and necklaces may not be worn.
Long hair must be held in place by a non-rigid object in such a way as not to cause injury or hinder the opponent.
5. Referees or judges
The referees or judges have the skills and experience required to referee bouts at the level of the event.
The main objective of the referees and judges is to preserve the physical integrity of the athletes.
If a competitor is unable to defend himself properly, whether on the ground or standing up, the referees stop the bout immediately.
a) Referee qualifications The referee must hold at least :
- a level 1 civic prevention and first aid certificate or equivalent qualification ;
- a referee/judge qualification;
b) The referee's conduct before the match
The referee is the first person to enter the area before the bout. He must check the area.
The referee checks :
- the gloves
- the athletes' protective gear.
At the start of the match, the referee assembles the athletes and coaches to explain the technical and safety rules.
c) Role and commands of the referee during the bout
The referee may intervene at any time during the bout. As soon as one of the athletes has lost one of his protections, the bout is suspended. Any prohibited move is penalised in accordance with the rules of the bout.
6. Techniques
The following techniques are strictly forbidden and will result in immediate disqualification:
- punches, kicks, elbows and knees aimed at a fighter on the ground;
- elbow strikes (aimed at any target and in any position);
- headbutts ;
- blows to the genitals ;
- blows to the spine and back of the head;
- blows to the throat;
- grabbing the windpipe with the fingers ;
- putting fingers in the eyes, mouth, nose or a wound;
- intentionally scratching or pinching
- grabbing or pulling hair
- biting ;
- intentionally throwing on the head and neck ;
- throwing or pushing an opponent out of the ring.
Referees and judges must be extremely vigilant when a fighter is on the ground.
