Flow State Competition Rules

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1. Match Structure

• Round Robin Format:
  All competitors in a division compete against every other competitor in that division. This maximizes match time and experience.

• Two Person Bracket: 

        In a two person bracket, the competitors will compete at minimum twice and maximum                  three times. The person who wins the most matches wins. (best two out of three situation)​

• Brackets:
  If a division exceeds 8 competitors, it may be split into equal pools. The top finishers from each pool advance to the finals.

 

2. Victory Conditions

• Win by submission (tap, verbal tap, or unconsciousness)

• Win by points at end of regulation

• Win by referee stoppage (medical, rules, or safety)

• Win by opponent disqualification, injury, or forfeit

 

3. Points System

Action                                                        Points

Takedown                                                      2

Sweep                                                             2

Guard Pass                                                    3

Knee on Belly                                                 2

Mount                                                             4

Back Control (hooks or body triangle)      4

Back Mount (belly down, no hooks)          4

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• Points awarded after 3 seconds of control

• No advantages: No partial points or “almost” scores are given.

• Stalling Penalties: Warnings may be given; repeated stalling results in points for the opponent or disqualification.

 

4. Tie-Breakers

• In round robin, a tie on points results in:

  1. Most submissions

  2. Fewest points scored against

  3. Head-to-head result

  4. Fastest submission time

  5. Rematch

• In elimination/finals: The referee shall decide based on evident and genuine attempts to progress. The referees decision for all matches is at their discretion.

 

5. Match Duration

• Kids: 3 minutes

• Teens: 4 minutes

• Adult: 5 minutes

 

6. Legal & Illegal Techniques

(See table/chart below for full details per division)

• General Bans: No slams, no spiking on head/neck, no small joint manipulation, no striking, no eye gouging, no hair pulling, no biting.

• Heel Hooks & Reaping:

  • Permitted in Adult brown/black divisions both Gi and No-gi

  • Never allowed in Kids, or lower ranks

• Other Submissions:

  • Twisting leg locks: see chart

  • Straight ankle locks: All adult divisions

  • Knee bars: blue/purple and above

  • Neck cranks: brown/black only

  • Wrist locks: adults only

• Kids/Teens: More restrictive—no neck cranks, no leg locks, no spinal locks, no wrist locks.

 

7. Uniform Requirements

• Gi: Must be clean, undamaged, and fit properly; any color.

• No-Gi: Rashguard and shorts (no zippers, buttons, or pockets). Spats/leggings/gi pants permitted. Wearing gi pants does not mean you can grab them in no-gi. No clothing may be grabbed in no-gi matches.

 

8. Weigh-ins

• Athletes must make weight with prior to first match.

• Failing to make weight may result in disqualification or bracketing into a new division.

 

9. Conduct & Safety

• Referee decisions are final.

• Poor sportsmanship, illegal techniques, or unsafe behavior may result in immediate disqualification.

• Athletes must follow all staff instructions for the smooth operation of the event.

 

10. Miscellaneous

• Mouthguards, ear guards, and groin protection are recommended (and may be mandatory for some ages).

• Coaches may corner athletes but must remain respectful and follow mat-side rules.

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