The dynamic kicks and focused strikes of Taekwondo captivate many, but navigating the world of official competitions can feel like a complex dance. Here, we’ll break down the Taekwondo GMS Rules and Regulations set forth by the World Taekwondo (WT) Federation, empowering you to understand the scoring system, competition format, and athlete requirements.
The Global Membership System (GMS):
The WT GMS serves as the official platform for managing athletes, officials, and events worldwide. It ensures standardized competition procedures and fair play across all WT-sanctioned Taekwondo tournaments.
Understanding the Playing Field:
Competition Divisions:
WT GMS categorizes athletes by age, gender, and belt rank. This ensures fair competition amongst individuals with similar skill levels.
Equipment Regulations:
Specific protective gear, including doboks (uniforms), headgear, and body protectors, are mandatory for all competitors to ensure safety.
The Thrill of Competition: Kyorugi Explained
Kyorugi, the competitive sparring element of Taekwondo, is at the heart of most WT-sanctioned events. Scoring in Kyorugi revolves around two main categories:
Valid Techniques:
Points are awarded for successful kicks and punches delivered to designated scoring zones on the opponent’s body. The scoring value varies depending on the technique and the target area.
Penalties:
Infractions like illegal techniques, passivity, or excessive contact result in point deductions for the offending athlete.
Beyond Kicks and Punches: The Importance of Sportsmanship
While victory is a goal, Taekwondo prioritizes respect and sportsmanship.
Respectful Conduct:
Athletes are expected to bow to their opponents and referees, demonstrating respect for all participants.
Fair Play:
Following the rules and maintaining ethical conduct throughout the competition is paramount.
Unveiling the Officials:
A team of qualified officials oversees each competition, ensuring fair play and adherence to the rules:
Referees:
These individuals control the flow of the match, award points, and call penalties.
Judges:
Stationed around the competition area, judges observe the competition and electronically score valid techniques.
The Path to the Podium:
The competition format typically involves single-elimination rounds. Winners progress to the next round, while those who lose are eliminated.
Continuous Improvement: Rule Updates
The WT GMS Rules and Regulations are subject to periodic revisions. Staying updated with the latest amendments ensures all participants compete under the most recent guidelines.
Embracing the Challenge:
Understanding the WT GMS Rules and Regulations empowers you to fully appreciate the complexity and strategy involved in Taekwondo competitions. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, dedicated coach, or enthusiastic spectator, this knowledge unlocks a deeper understanding of the sport. So, step onto the dojang with confidence, embrace the challenge, and let the spirit of Taekwondo guide you on your path to excellence!
WT RULES GMS CURRENT
WT Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws (V8) – English (as of Aug 24th, 2023)
The World Taekwondo (WT) rules and Global Membership System (GMS) are vital for anyone involved in the sport of Taekwondo. Staying updated with the latest rules and regulations is crucial for fair and safe competition. The GMS Bylaws provide a framework for organizing and managing Taekwondo events and memberships. All members need to familiarize themselves with these rules and guidelines to participate effectively. The latest version of the GMS Bylaws in English is available for free download as of August 24th, 2023. It’s recommended for all members to review and understand these rules for a positive and successful experience in the world of Taekwondo.
WT Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws (V8) – French (as of Aug 24th, 2023)
The World Taekwondo (WT) has a set of rules and regulations that govern the sport of Taekwondo. These rules are constantly being updated and all members of the WT need to stay up to date with the latest rules and regulations. The WT Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws (V8) in French, as of August 24th, 2023, is available for free download as a PDF file. This allows members to have easy access to the latest rules and regulations in the language of their choice. All members need to familiarize themselves with these rules to compete and participate in Taekwondo events.
WT Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws (V8) – Spanish (as of Aug 24th, 2023)
The World Taekwondo (WT) has implemented a Global Membership System (GMS) with specific rules and bylaws that are crucial for the organization and its members to follow. The GMS bylaws are now available in Spanish as of August 24th, 2023, and can be downloaded for free as a PDF file. All members of the World Taekwondo (WT) need to familiarize themselves with and adhere to these rules to ensure the smooth operation and integrity of the organization.
WT Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws (V8) – Arabic (as of Aug 24th, 2023)
The World Taekwondo (WT) Rules GMS is a comprehensive set of rules and regulations that govern the sport of Taekwondo. The WT Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws outline the membership requirements and guidelines for participation in the organization. These rules are crucial for ensuring fairness and consistency in Taekwondo competitions and events. The PDF file is available for free download, providing easy access to the official guidelines for anyone involved in the sport. All participants need to familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure a safe and fair playing environment.
GMS PREVIOUS RULES by WT
WT Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws (V7) – English (as of June 1st 2023)
The World Taekwondo Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws are a set of rules and regulations that govern the membership system of World Taekwondo. These rules are regularly updated to ensure that the organization operates with the highest standards of governance and ethics. All members need to be familiar with these rules and follow them to maintain a fair and transparent membership system. The latest version of the GMS Bylaws can be accessed and downloaded for free in PDF format, providing easy access for all members for reference and compliance.
WT Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws V6 – English (21 April 2022)
World Taekwondo (WT) has recently made updates to its Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws, which are now available for download in PDF format. All members of the organization need to be aware of and adhere to these rules and regulations. Staying informed about the current bylaws is necessary to participate in events and competitions within the organization. The updated bylaws establish a comprehensive framework for the governance and operation of the Global Membership System, and all members must familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure the smooth functioning of the organization.
WT Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws – English (14 January 2022)
The World Taekwondo organization has recently updated its Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws as of January 14, 2022. These updated rules and regulations are available for free download in a PDF file format. The GMS Bylaws outline the guidelines and procedures for membership within the World Taekwondo organization, ensuring that all members adhere to the standards and regulations set forth by the organization. All members need to stay informed about these rules to maintain a strong and unified global taekwondo community.
WT Global Membership System (GMS) Bylaws Restatement – English (14 December 2020)
The World Taekwondo (WT) Rules GMS is an important document for all members of the taekwondo community. It outlines the rules and regulations for membership in the WT Global Membership System (GMS). This bylaws restatement provides valuable information for individuals and organizations involved in taekwondo. It is essential to stay updated on the current rules and regulations to ensure compliance and a smooth membership process. As of December 14, 2020, the latest version of the bylaws is available for free download in PDF format, making it easily accessible for all members. It is important to familiarize oneself with these rules to participate in the global taekwondo community effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m new to Taekwondo competitions. Do I need to be a WT member?
Yes! To compete in official WT-sanctioned tournaments, you’ll need a valid WT Global Membership (WTGM). This ensures you’re part of the recognized Taekwondo community.
What’s the difference between WTGM and WT Global License?
WTGM is a broader membership for anyone involved in Taekwondo, while the WT Global License is specifically for athletes competing in official WT events. Think of it as an additional qualification for competition.
How are competitions divided? Is it just based on belt rank?
Tournaments consider factors like age, gender, and belt rank to create fair competition categories. Some competitions might also have weight divisions.
How does the scoring system work?
Points are awarded for successful kicks and punches delivered to designated areas on the opponent’s protective gear. The power, accuracy, and control of the technique all influence the score. Penalties are deducted for rule violations.
Are there electronic scoring systems in Taekwondo competitions?
Yes! Modern tournaments often utilize electronic scoring systems to ensure precise and objective point allocation.
Where can I find the official WT GMS Rules and Regulations?
The World Taekwondo website (http://worldtaekwondo.org/) offers a wealth of resources, including the WT GMS Bylaws and WT Competition Rules. These documents detail all the official regulations and scoring guidelines.
Can I appeal a referee’s decision during a competition?
Yes, a designated process for appeals exists. However, it’s important to understand that referees’ decisions are final in most cases.
Where can I find the latest WT GMS rules and regulations?
The World Taekwondo website is your best resource. They offer official documents like the WT GMS Bylaws and WT Competition Rules, which outline all the details.
Ehatasamul Alom is an esteemed Taekwondo 3rd Dan Black Belt with over 12 years of experience in this dynamic martial art. Born in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Ehatasamul’s journey with Taekwondo began at the tender age of seven. His passion led him to compete at national and international levels, where he has bagged numerous awards and honors. He is also a member of the Taekwondo National Referee Panel.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science from the prestigious Rajshahi University, Ehatasamul has a deep understanding of the technical and scientific aspects of martial arts.
In 2022, Ehatasamul created the “TaekwondoKing.com” blog to share his knowledge and experiences. His articles focus on Taekwondo training techniques, competition strategies, and the art’s rich history and philosophy. He also writes about the importance of mental fortitude and discipline, key aspects of his teaching philosophy. His goal is to inspire both beginners and seasoned practitioners worldwide through insightful and engaging content.