Poomsae Scoring Guidelines For INTERNATIONAL REFEREES

Have you ever watched a Taekwondo Poomsae competition and wondered how the judges score those graceful moves so precisely? I’ve been there. At first, it looked like magic — until I learned the exact rules set by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). Today, I’ll walk you through those Poomsae Scoring Guidelines in a simple, friendly way you can actually enjoy reading.

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What Is Poomsae Scoring?

In Taekwondo, Poomsae means a sequence of movements showing defense and attack.
Every motion, stance, and breath reflects control, balance, and focus.

The Poomsae scoring system judges two main areas:

• Accuracy (4.0 points)
• Presentation (6.0 points)

Together, they total 10.0 points.

Accuracy checks if your techniques follow the standard forms.
Presentation shows your power, rhythm, and spirit.

If a move is wrong or unbalanced, the judge deducts points — usually –0.1 to –0.3 depending on how serious the error is.

Accuracy (4.0 Points)

Basic Movements

Judges check if your stances (Seogi), blocks (Makki), punches (Jireugi), and kicks (Chagi) match the official standard from the World Taekwondo Federation.
A small error like a misplaced foot or bent elbow? That’s –0.1.
A bigger one, like doing the wrong movement? –0.3.

Balance and Stability

Ever lost balance in a stance? That costs points too.
The Poomsae scoring system values control. If you wobble, step off line, or lose posture, deductions apply.

Referees focus on how still and stable you remain throughout each transition.

Presentation (6.0 Points)

Now, this is the fun part — how you express Taekwondo.
Presentation brings your performance to life. It’s divided into:

• Power and Speed (2.0 points) – Show strong techniques but stay smooth.
• Rhythm and Tempo (2.0 points) – Each move should flow naturally like a story.
• Expression of Energy (2.0 points) – Let your inner spirit (kihap) shine.

Good presentation feels natural — not rushed, not robotic.
Think of it like dancing with purpose.

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The Foundation: Taekwondo Stances (Seogi)

Stances build your entire Poomsae.
Here are some key ones from the WTF guide:

• Moa Seogi (Closed Stance): Feet together, upright posture.
• Naranhi Seogi (Parallel Stance): One foot-length apart, toes forward.
• Ap Seogi (Walking Stance): Front foot forward, back foot angled 30°.
• Juchum Seogi (Riding Stance): Feet apart, knees bent, equal weight.
• Apkubi (Forward Stance): 70% weight front, 30% back.
• Dwitkubi (Back Stance): 70% weight back, 30% front.
• Beom Seogi (Tiger Stance): 90% weight on the back leg.
• Hakdari Seogi (Crane Stance): One leg up, balance perfectly.

Each incorrect stance means a –0.1 deduction.
I learned this the hard way during my first belt test!

Blocks (Makki)

Blocking is all about protection. Common blocks include:

• Arae Makki (Low Block): Arm straight, two fists from the thigh.
• Olgul Makki (High Block): One fist above the forehead.
• Momtong Makki (Middle Block): Arm at 90–120°, elbow down.
• Sonnal Makki (Knifehand Block): Palm open, blade facing out.
• Momtong Bakkat Makki (Outer Middle Block): Elbow down, wrist straight.

Every incorrect motion costs –0.1.
The World Taekwondo Federation emphasizes elbow angle and alignment.

Punches (Jireugi)

Punching might look simple, but it’s full of detail:
Rotate your fist at the last moment, keep your wrist straight, and hit with the front knuckles.

Main types:

• Baro/Bandae Jireugi (Middle Punch)
• Olgul Jireugi (High Punch)
• Yop Jireugi (Side Punch)
• Dujumeok Jecho Jireugi (Double Uppercut)

Each one has a unique rhythm and distance.
During competition, timing and hip twist make all the difference.

Strikes (Chigi)

Strikes use elbows, fists, and even knifehands:

• Deungjumeok Ap Chigi (Backfist Front Strike) – Hit the nose area.
• Olgul Bakkat Chigi (High Outer Strike) – Target the temple.
• Palkup Dollyo Chigi (Elbow Hook) – Aim at the jaw.
• Palkup Yop Chigi (Side Elbow Strike) – Use both hands for power.

Each one teaches control. Judges watch for over-extension or poor recovery.

Kicks (Chagi)

Every Taekwondo practitioner loves kicks, right?
But in Poomsae scoring, precision beats height.

• Ap Chagi (Front Kick): Lift, extend, pull back, land smoothly.
• Dollyo Chagi (Roundhouse Kick): Circle motion, hit with instep or ball.
• Yop Chagi (Side Kick): Kick forward, turn hips, hit with foot blade.

Judges look for a clean path, full extension, and good recovery.
Incorrect kicks lead to –0.1 deductions each.

Korean Terminology You’ll Hear Often

Every Taekwondo referee uses Korean names to call movements.
Here are a few you’ll recognize in competition:

• Seogi (Stance)
• Makki (Block)
• Jireugi (Punch)
• Chigi (Strike)
• Chagi (Kick)

Knowing these helps you follow the scoring better.

How Judges Actually Score (The Score Sheet Explained)

Judges use a Poomsae score sheet issued by the World Taekwondo Federation.

Category	Sub-category	Points	Notes
Accuracy	Basic & Individual Movements	4.0	Deduct –0.1 to –0.3 per error
Presentation	Power, Rhythm, Expression	6.0	Based on performance quality
Total		10.0

Judges must sign with their name, nation, and signature for validation.
Everything is transparent and standardized.

Free Style Poomsae Scoring (For Advanced Players)

There are two versions of Free Style Poomsae rules:

Old Version (Until 2013)

• Technical Skills: 6.0
• Presentation: 4.0
• Foot Technique Difficulty: 3.0
• Completion and Accuracy: 1.5 each

New Version (From 2014)

• Technical Skills: 6.0
• Foot Technique Difficulty: 5.0
• Basic Movement & Practicability: 1.0
• Presentation: 4.0 (Creativeness, Harmony, Expression, Music, Choreography)

It’s exciting to see creativity valued more now.
Still, control and accuracy remain the heart of every score.

Common Deductions Summary

Mistake	Deduction
Small error	–0.1
Wrong movement	–0.3
Loss of balance	–0.3
Fall or skip	–0.5 or more

I’ve seen competitors lose medals over a single balance slip.
Staying calm and grounded is key.

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Why This System Matters

The Poomsae scoring system keeps Taekwondo fair worldwide. It rewards both discipline and creativity. Athletes grow not just stronger but more mindful — every motion has purpose.

When I first judged a Poomsae match, I realized something beautiful:
Scoring isn’t just about points. It’s about honoring the spirit of Taekwondo itself.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the Poomsae Scoring Guidelines helps you respect what goes into each bow, block, and breath.
Whether you’re a student, a coach, or a referee, learning these rules gives you a deeper appreciation for Taekwondo’s precision and grace.

So next time you watch a Poomsae event, you’ll know — every move tells a story, and every score reflects years of discipline.

References:
World Taekwondo Federation – Poomsae Scoring Guidelines for International Referees (Official PDF Document)

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