Objective:

The objective of the Hosharafu Mixed Fight (HMF) competition outlines its primary purpose, which is to offer participants new to Strike Fight and ground fight a platform to gain the necessary experience to potentially pursue a career in the sport. The ethos centers on providing a safe environment where combatants can train, acquire knowledge, and compete according to the rules established in the document.

The International Hosharafu Federation (IHF) acknowledges that legislation and regulations may vary across different countries. This variation will be reflected in the documentation and rules provided by member countries. The IHF also notes that the annual HMF World Championships may be hosted in various countries, and any necessary changes to accommodate local regulations will be communicated before the competition.

The overarching goal is to maintain a unified and aesthetically consistent identity for Hosharafu Mixed Fight competition, while prioritizing the safety of all participants.

Description:

“Hosharafu Mixed Fight” refers to a combat competition that allows the use of a combination of techniques from various martial arts disciplines, including, but not limited to, grappling, kicking, and striking, the rules may alter by the member countries according to their countries laws.

JURISDICTION:

The Referee holds the ultimate authority over a contest, acting as the sole decision-maker during the event. All contests and exhibitions of Hosharafu Mixed Fight must be carried out under the supervision and jurisdiction of the commission or host regulatory body, ensuring that the competition adheres to established rules and regulations.

Rounds:

Each contest regulated by the International Hosharafu Federation (IHF) shall consist of three rounds, with each round lasting three minutes. There will be a one-minute rest period between each round.

Stopping the Bout:

The referee and the ringside physician are the only individuals permitted to enter the ring or fighting area during a competition. The referee serves as the sole arbiter of the contest and is the only person authorized to stop the contest.

Judging and Scoring

All contests under the Hosharafu Mixed Fight rules will be evaluated and scored by three appointed judges. These judges will be responsible for assessing the performance of each competitor according to the criteria established by the International Hosharafu Federation, ensuring a fair and unbiased outcome for every bout.

Scoring System

The 10-Point Must System shall be the official method of scoring all Hosharafu Mixed Fight contests. Under this system, the winner of each round will be awarded 10 points, while the opponent receives a proportionally lower score based on their performance. This approach ensures consistent and objective scoring across all bouts.

Warning Protocol

A single warning will be issued for the following infractions:

1. Grabbing or holding onto the fence.
2. Holding the opponent’s shorts, gloves, shin guards, or rash guard.
3. Extending fingers with the palm parallel to the floor towards the opponent’s face.

These infractions disrupt the integrity of the contest and will not be tolerated beyond the initial warning.

Fouls

The following actions are strictly prohibited in Hosharafu Mixed Fight competition and will be considered fouls:

1. Headbutting.
2. Eye gouging of any kind.
3. Biting or spitting at an opponent.
4. Fish hooking.
5. Hair pulling.
6. Spiking the opponent to the canvas onto the head or neck (pile-driving).
7. Striking the spine or the back of the head. The spine includes the tailbone.
8. Throat strikes of any kind and/or grabbing the trachea.
9. Extending fingers toward an opponent’s face/eyes.
10. Downward pointing elbow strikes (12 to 6).
11. Groin attacks of any kind.
12. Kneeing and/or kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
13. Stomping on a grounded fighter.
14. Holding the opponent’s gloves, shorts, shin guards, or rash guard.
15. Grabbing the fence with fingers or toes.
16. Small joint manipulation (fingers or toes).
17. Throwing an opponent out of the fighting area.
18. Intentionally placing a finger into any orifice or any cut or laceration of the opponent.
19. Clawing, pinching, or twisting the flesh.
20. Timidity (e.g., avoiding contact, consistently dropping the mouthpiece, or faking an injury).
21. Use of abusive language in the fighting area.
22. Flagrant disregard for the referee’s instructions.
23. Unsportsmanlike conduct that causes injury to the opponent.
24. Attacking an opponent after the bell has signaled the end of the round.
25. Attacking an opponent during the break.
26. Attacking an opponent under the care of the referee.
27. Interference from a fighter’s corner or seconds.
28. Applying any foreign substance to the head or body to gain an advantage.

These fouls are enforced to maintain the safety, fairness, and integrity of the Hosharafu Mixed Fight competition.

The list of forbidden techniques in Hosharafu Mixed Fight contests is quite strict, focusing on the protection of fighters from potentially dangerous and damaging manoeuvres. Here’s a summary of the banned techniques:

1. Elbow and Forearm Strikes: All forms of elbow and forearm strikes are not allowed.
2. Heel Hook: A submission technique targeting the knee and ankle is prohibited due to the high risk of injury.
3. Neck and Spine Submissions: Techniques like the Twister, neck crank, can opener, and sit-through crucifix, or any submission applying pressure to the neck or spine, are banned.
4. Knees to the Head: Delivering knee strikes to the opponent’s head is forbidden.
5. Linear/Front Kicks to the Knee: Directly targeting an opponent’s knee with linear or front kicks is not permitted.

Foul Procedure:

1. Disqualification:
   • A contestant can be disqualified after a combination of fouls or after a single flagrant foul.
2. Point Deduction:
   • If a foul results in a point deduction (as signaled by the referee), the points must be deducted from the offending contestant’s score. All three judges and the official scorekeeper must record this deduction.
   • Only the referee can assess a foul. Judges are not allowed to assess fouls independently if the referee does not call them.
3. Recuperation Time:
   • A fouled contestant has up to 5 minutes to recover. However, this time allowance does not apply to all types of fouls.
   • If a foul occurs and the fouled contestant shows any visible signs of distraction or injury, the referee may call time and follow this procedure:
     1. Call Time: The referee stops the contest.
     2. Check Condition: The referee checks the condition and safety of the fouled contestant.
     3. Neutral Corner: The referee instructs the fouling contestant to move to a neutral corner, assesses the foul, deducts points if necessary, and informs the judges and official scorekeeper.
4. Fouls by the Bottom Contestant:
   • If a foul is committed by the bottom contestant and the top contestant is not injured, the contest continues without referee intervention.
   • The referee will verbally notify the bottom contestant of the foul.
   • At the end of the round, the referee will assess the foul and notify both corners, the judges, and the official scorekeeper.

Injuries Sustained by Fair Blows and Fouls:

1. Fair Blows:
   • If an injury caused by a fair blow is severe enough to stop the contest, the injured fighter loses by TKO (Technical Knockout).

The rules governing intentional fouls in Hosharafu Mixed Fight contests are designed to address the severity of the infraction and its impact on the fight. Here’s how intentional fouls are managed:

Fouls: Intentional

1. Immediate Termination of the Contest:
   • If an intentional foul causes an injury severe enough to immediately stop the contest, the contestant who caused the injury will lose by disqualification.
2. Contest Continues After Injury:
   • If the contest is allowed to continue after an injury caused by an intentional foul, the referee must automatically deduct 2 points from the offending contestant. This point deduction is mandatory for intentional fouls.
   • The referee will also notify the relevant authorities of the foul.
3. Stopping the Contest in a Later Round (Injured Contestant Ahead):
   • If the injury caused by the intentional foul later leads to the contest being stopped, the injured contestant will win by Technical Decision if they are ahead on the scorecards.
4. Stopping the Contest in a Later Round (Injured Contestant Behind or Even):
   • If the injury caused by the intentional foul later leads to the contest being stopped, and the injured contestant is behind or even on the scorecards, the contest will result in a Technical Draw.
5. Self-Inflicted Injury During an Attempt to Foul:
   • If a contestant injures themselves while attempting to foul their opponent, the referee will not take any action to assist them. The injury will be treated as if it were caused by a fair blow.

Accidental

1. Immediate Termination Before Rounds Completed:
   • If an accidental injury is severe enough to cause the referee to stop the contest immediately, the following outcomes apply:
     • No Contest: If the stoppage occurs before 2 rounds have been completed in a 3-round contest.
     • No Contest: If the stoppage occurs before 3 rounds have been completed in a 5-round contest.
2. Immediate Termination After Rounds Completed:
   • If the contest is stopped due to an accidental injury after 2 rounds of a 3-round contest, or after 3 rounds of a 5-round contest have been completed:
     • The contest will result in a Technical Decision, awarded to the contestant who is ahead on the scorecards at the time the contest is stopped.
3. Scoring of Incomplete Round:
   • If an accidental injury as described in point 2 occurs, there will be no scoring of an incomplete round. Only fully completed rounds will be considered for the final decision.
4. Point Deduction Impact:
   • If the referee has penalized either contestant for any reason before the accidental injury occurs, the points deducted will still be subtracted from the final score when determining the winner by Technical Decision.

Weight and Age Categories:

The weight divisions for Hosharafu Mixed Fight contests are structured to ensure fair competition between fighters of similar size and weight. The divisions are as follows:

Youth Category 12 – 13 years Weight Divisions:

• Up to 31 kg
• Up to 34 kg
• Up to 37 kg
• Up to 40 kg
• Up to 44 kg
• Up to 48 kg
• Up to 52 kg
• Up to 57 kg
• + 57 kg

Youth Category 14 – 15 years Weight Divisions:

• Up to 40 kg
• Up to 44 kg
• Up to 48 kg
• Up to 52 kg
• Up to 57 kg
• Up to 62 kg
• Up to 67 kg
• Up to 72 kg
• + 72 kg

Weight Divisions:

• Atom-Weight: Up to 48 kg
• Straw-Weight: Up to 52 kg
• Flyweight: Up to 57 kg
• Bantamweight: Up to 60 kg
• Featherweight: Up to 66 kg
• Lightweight: Up to 70 kg
• Welterweight: Up to 77 kg
• Middleweight: Up to 84 kg
• Light Heavyweight: Up to 93 kg
• Heavyweight: Over 93 kg

Weigh-In Procedures:

• Amateur Contestants:
  • Weigh-ins will occur on the day of the competition.
  • If the athlete progresses to subsequent days of competition, they will be required to weigh in each day.

These divisions help to maintain competitive balance, while the weigh-in procedures ensure that fighters compete at an appropriate weight, reducing the risk of mismatches.

The medical requirements for contestants in Hosharafu Mixed Fight contests are established to ensure the safety and well-being of all athletes. Here are the key points:

Medical Requirements for Contestants:

1. Mandatory Pre-Competition Medical Examinations and Tests:
   • All athletes must complete the required medical examinations and tests before the competition, as outlined by the commission or host regulatory authority.
   • These requirements are detailed in the competition license and registration handbook or in the statutes defined by the International Hosharafu Federation (IHF).
2. Pre-Competition Medical Requirements:
   • The medical requirements set before the competition are mandatory for all contestants.
   • These requirements are intended to ensure that all athletes are fit to compete and to minimize health risks during the contest.
3. Supervision by Commission/Host Regulatory Authority:
   • The commission or host regulatory authority responsible for licensing the contest will oversee or directly conduct all pre-contest weigh-ins.
   • They will also supervise a rules meeting for all contestants and their corner men to ensure everyone is fully informed of the regulations and procedures.

These procedures are designed to protect the health of the athletes and maintain the integrity of the competition by ensuring that all participants are medically cleared to compete.

The post-contest medical examination is a crucial step in ensuring the ongoing health and safety of athletes after a Hosharafu Mixed Fight contest. The rules governing this procedure are as follows:

Post-Contest Medical Examination:

1. Mandatory Medical Examination:
   • Immediately after a contest, every contestant is required to undergo a medical examination conducted by a physician who has been approved by the commission or host regulatory authority.
   • This post-contest medical examination may include any tests or examinations that the commission deems necessary to assess the contestant’s physical fitness and health after the contest.
2. Refusal to Undergo Examination:
   • If a contestant refuses to undergo the post-contest medical examination, they will face immediate suspension.
   • The suspension will be for an indefinite period to allow for an investigation to take place regarding the contestant’s refusal.

These rules are in place to ensure that any potential injuries or health issues are promptly identified and addressed, protecting the long-term well-being of the athletes. The possibility of suspension serves as a deterrent to ensure compliance with these essential health checks.

The regulations regarding gloves in Hosharafu Mixed Fight contests are designed to ensure safety, standardization, and fairness. Below are the key points:

Gloves:

1. Condition and Approval:
   • Gloves must be new and in good condition for all events. If not, they must be replaced.
   • Only gloves provided by the commission or host regulatory authority, with prior approval from the IHF Technical Committee, can be used throughout the competition.
2. Specifications:
   • Weight: All athletes must wear gloves with protective padding that weighs between 6 ounces and 8 ounces.
   • Design: Gloves used in amateur competitions must be visibly different from those used in professional contests and should have a distinct aesthetic.
   • Open-Handed Design: Gloves must be open-handed, with loops for the fingers and thumbs to allow for grappling techniques.
   • Wrist Support: The gloves must include a Velcro strap to support the wrist; lace-up gloves are not permitted.
3. Color:
   • Gloves must be colored either Red or Blue, likely to differentiate between competitors.
4. Athlete Restrictions:
   • Athletes are not allowed to supply their own gloves; they must use the gloves provided by the regulatory authority.

These rules ensure that all fighters have standardized protective equipment, which is essential for safety and fairness during the competition. The specific design features also support the unique demands of mixed fighting, where both striking and grappling are integral.

The regulations for shin guards in Hosharafu Mixed Fight competition focus on safety and functionality, particularly for grappling. Here are the key points:

Shin Guards:

1. Mandatory Use:
   • The use of shin guards is mandatory for all participants in Hosharafu Mixed Fight competitions, along with rash guards.
2. Design and Type:
   • Grappling Compatibility: Shin guards must be designed to facilitate the grappling aspects of the competition. This means they should not hinder movement or the ability to perform grappling techniques.
   • Preferred Type: The recommended type is a tight-fitting, pull-on sock or neoprene shin guard. These types are preferred because they stay in place during movement and do not interfere with the flow of the match.
   • Prohibited Features: Shin guards with Velcro straps or any fastening mechanisms made from materials other than the shin guard itself are forbidden. This ensures that the shin guards are secure and do not pose any risk during grappling.
3. Color:
   • Shin guards must be colored either Red or Blue, likely for the purpose of matching with the gloves and differentiating between competitors.

These rules ensure that shin guards provide protection while also being suitable for the dynamic nature of mixed fighting, where both striking and grappling play crucial roles. The ban on Velcro straps and other fasteners further ensures safety and compliance with the sport’s standards.

The rules regarding groin protectors in Hosharafu Mixed Fight contests are focused on athlete safety, with specific provisions for male and female fighters:

Groin Protectors:

1. Mandatory for Male Athletes:
   • All male athletes are required to provide and wear a groin protector during competition. This is a mandatory safety measure.
2. Optional for Female Athletes:
   • Female athletes have the option to wear a groin protector if they choose to do so. It is not mandatory for them but allowed if they prefer the added protection.

These guidelines are designed to ensure that all athletes, particularly males, have adequate protection in vulnerable areas, while also allowing female athletes the choice based on their personal comfort and safety preferences.

Mouthpiece:

·  Mouthpiece Requirement: All athletes must wear a well-fitting mouthpiece. It will be inspected and approved before the competition begins.

·  Starting a Round: A round will not start unless both athletes have their mouthpieces in place.

·  Dislodgement During Competition: If a mouthpiece is accidentally dislodged, the referee will pause the match and replace the mouthpiece as soon as possible without disrupting ongoing action.

·  Responsibility: Athletes must provide their own mouthguards, which should be non-branded.

Athlete’s Apparel – Shorts:

1. Type of Shorts:
   • Athletes must wear Hosharafu Mixed Fight shorts or compression shorts.
2. Prohibited Features:
   • No pockets, zippers, fasteners, or any foreign substances other than the material the shorts are made of.
   • No external lace-up waistbands are allowed; if a waistband is needed, it must be inside the shorts.
3. Color:
   • The shorts must be either Red or Blue in color.

Rash Guards:

1. Material and Fit:
   • Rash guards must be made of tight-fitting, stretch material.
2. Design Requirements:
   • Rash guards should feature the 3-letter country code and the athlete’s surname on the upper back, but only in tournaments where back numbers are required.
3. Sleeve Length:
   • Only short sleeve rash guards are allowed. Long sleeve rash guards are not permitted.
4. Color:
   • Rash guards must be either Red or Blue in color.

Here are the special considerations related to cultural and religious practices for athletes:

Special Considerations:

• Cultural and Religious Accommodations:
  • The IHF (likely referring to the regulatory body for the sport) acknowledges and respects cultural and religious beliefs and practices.
• Dispensation for Attire:
  • Female athletes who wish to wear long sleeve rash guards and/or tights to cover their skin for cultural or religious reasons may do so.
  • To exercise this option, athletes must provide prior written notification to the commission or host regulatory authority.

Fighting Area:

1. Shape and Size:
   • The fighting area must be circular or can take other shapes such as hexagonal, octagonal, or ring with equal sides.
   • The size must be no smaller than 20 feet x 20 feet and no larger than 32 feet x 32 feet in diameter or cross-section.
2. Floor Padding:
   • The floor must be padded with at least a 40mm layer of high-density foam, as approved by the commission or host regulatory authority.
   • Padding must extend beyond the ring/fighting area and cover the edge of the platform.
3. Covering:
   • The fighting area must have a vinyl covering.
   • Canvas covers are not allowed unless the competition is a single-day event or final.

Ring Stools:

1. Availability and Approval:
   • A ring stool approved by the commission or host regulatory authority must be provided for each fighting area, with stools available for both the red and blue corners.
2. Cleaning and Maintenance:
   • All ring stools must be thoroughly cleaned after each contest or replaced if they are damaged or misplaced.
3. Stools for Seconds:
   • An appropriate number of stools or chairs should be available for each contestant’s seconds (coaches or support staff) in the corner.

Other Equipment:

1. Clean Water Bucket and Towel:
   • Each contestant’s corner must be supplied with a clean water bucket and a clean towel.
2. Clear Plastic Water Bottle:
   • A clear plastic bottle containing water must be provided for each contestant.
   • Only water in clear plastic bottles is allowed to be consumed by athletes during the competition.

Types of Contest Results:

1. Submission:
   • Tap Out: When a contestant physically indicates with their body (e.g., tapping out) that they no longer wish to continue.
   • Verbal Tap Out: When a contestant verbally announces or involuntarily/voluntarily screams in pain or distress to the referee that they do not wish to continue.
   • Technical Submission: When a legal submission maneuver results in the opponent’s unconsciousness or causes a broken/dislocated bone(s) or joint(s).
2. Technical Knockout (TKO):
   • Referee Stoppage: The referee stops the contest because the combatant is not intelligently defending themselves.
   • Strikes, Laceration, Corner Stoppage, Did Not Answer the Bell: Specific scenarios where a TKO might be declared, including when a combatant is unable to defend due to strikes, has a severe laceration, their corner stops the fight, or they fail to answer the bell for the next round.
   • TKO due to Medical Stoppage: A TKO can also occur due to medical reasons, including laceration, doctor stoppage, or loss of control of bodily function.
3. Knockout (KO):
   • Referee Stoppage: The referee stops the contest because the combatant cannot intelligently defend themselves.
   • No Saving by the Bell: A combatant cannot be saved by the bell in any round. If the referee determines that a fighter was knocked out or submitted (including technically) as the round bell sounds, they lose the contest.
4. Decision via the Scorecards:
   • Unanimous Decision: All three judges score the contest in favor of the same contestant.
   • Split Decision: Two judges score the contest for one contestant, and one judge scores it for the opponent.
   • Majority Decision: Two judges score the contest for one contestant, and one judge scores it as a draw.
   • Draw:
     • Unanimous Draw: All three judges score the contest as a draw.
     • Majority Draw: Two judges score the contest as a draw, while one judge scores it differently.
     • Split Draw: Each judge scores differently, resulting in a draw.
5. Other Types of Results:
   • Disqualification: A contestant is disqualified for violating the rules.
   • Forfeit: A contestant forfeits the match.
   • Technical Draw: The match is declared a draw due to technical reasons.
   • Technical Decision: A decision based on the judges’ scorecards due to a technical issue that stops the fight.
   • No Contest: The match is declared void, usually due to circumstances that prevent a fair outcome.

Tournament-Specific Rules:

• In a tournament format, where fighter progression and medal placing are required:
  • No Contests and Draws cannot be applied.
  • If the three rounds result in a draw, a fourth overtime round will be contested.
  • If a point deduction leads to a draw in the overtime round, the contestant who committed the foul and had the point deduction will be eliminated, and their opponent will advance.
  • The overtime round rule applies only in tournament formats. In all other cases, the judges’ evaluation and score remain final.

Scoring Techniques:

1. Effective Striking/Grappling (Primary Scoring Criteria):

• Definition: This is the first and most crucial criterion in round assessments.
• Effective Striking: Legal blows that have immediate or cumulative impact with the potential to contribute towards the end of the match are prioritized, with immediate impact weighed more heavily than cumulative impact.
• Effective Grappling: This includes successful execution of takedowns, submission attempts, reversals, and the achievement of advantageous positions that have immediate or cumulative impact. High-amplitude and impactful throws/takedowns are weighed more heavily than less impactful moves.
• Submissions: Submission attempts that cause the opponent to tire or require significant effort to escape are given more weight than those easily defended.

Note: This criterion will be the deciding factor in most decisions. The following criteria are used only if Effective Striking/Grappling is 100% equal for the round.

2. Effective Aggressiveness (Secondary Scoring Criteria):

• Definition: Aggressively making attempts to finish the fight. The key term is “effective”. Merely chasing an opponent without effective results should not be considered.
• Usage: Effective Aggressiveness is assessed only if Effective Striking/Grappling is 100% equal for both competitors.

3. Fighting Area Control (Tertiary Scoring Criteria):

• Definition: This refers to determining who is dictating the pace, place, and position of the match.
• Usage: Fighting Area Control is only assessed if both Effective Striking/Grappling and Effective Aggressiveness are 100% equal for both competitors. This criterion is rarely used.

Round Scoring:

The 10-Point Must System:

• 10–10 Round:
  • Definition: A 10-10 round occurs when both fighters have competed equally with no discernible advantage for either fighter.
  • Rarity: This score should be extremely rare and is not to be used as an excuse by a judge who cannot assess differences in the round.
• 10–9 Round:
  • Definition: A 10-9 round is where one combatant wins the round by a close margin.
  • Commonality: This is the most common score. Even a slight advantage in strikes or grappling will result in a 10-9 score.
  • Scope: This score can reflect a round that was extremely close or one with marginal domination.
• 10–8 Round:
  • Definition: A 10-8 round is where one fighter wins the round by a large margin.
  • Criteria: The score is given when a fighter has dominated the round, demonstrated duration of domination, and effectively impacted their opponent, diminishing their abilities.
  • Partial Domination: A 10-8 score does not require domination for the entire round but must include significant, verifiable actions that led to domination.
• 10–7 Round:
  • Definition: A 10-7 round occurs when a fighter completely overwhelms their opponent in Effective Striking and/or Grappling, making a stoppage warranted.
  • Usage: This score is very rare, especially in amateur competitions, and indicates an overwhelming performance.

Summary:

The scoring system prioritizes Effective Striking/Grappling, with backup criteria (Effective Aggressiveness and Fighting Area Control) only used when the primary criterion is equal. The 10-Point Must System is applied to assess rounds, with scores ranging from 10-10 to 10-7 depending on the level of dominance demonstrated by one fighter over the other.