« Rules of Competition »

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of the

 INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION of  PANKRATION

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1. The contest of Pankration is a competition between two athletes or teams of athletes with the intention of one's victory over the other, or as a solo or group demonstration of Pankration techniques, in accordance to the current rules and regulations as set forth by the IFPA Hellanodikon Committee .

2. Competition events include Agon ( Bouts between Two Athletes ) , Team Agon ( Bouts between Teams comprising of Three Athletes ) , Polydamas ( Team Demonstration event with each team comprising of Four athletes), Aias ( Boys Duet Technique Demonstration event ) , Atalanti ( Girls Duet Technique Demonstration ) , Pyx Lax ( Pankration Kick Boxing bouts ) and Oplomachia ( Individual Weapons Techniques Demonstration Event )

3. Pankration Contests are conducted in an Arena termed as the Palestra , and is invigilated by One Hellanodikis ( Referee), supported by Four Krites ( Judges), a Timekeeper , a Scorekeeper and a Senior Referee as Paratiritis (Observer)

4. At the commencement of any bout , the Athlete or Team located to the Left of the Hellanodikis is named Lefkos and is attired in White Endyma (uniform). The Athlete or Team positioned to the right of the Hellanodikis is named Kianous and is attired in Blue Endyma. The Referee and Krites will be attired in Red Endyma .

5. Athletes are only allowed to utilize and execute Competition Techniques approved by the IFPA, incorporating the body , head, legs, hands, elbows, knees and feet. A variety of Punches, Kicks, Elbow Strikes, Knee Strikes, Head lock Techniques ,Throws, Sweeps, Choke Holds, Joint Locks, Pins, Grappling Maneuvers, Takedowns and Submission Holds are permitted.

6. All the above techniques may be permitted, provided adequate care is taken to not to inflict any kind of injury intentional or otherwise to either of the athletes, when either in standing position or when on the ground.

7. As per these present regulations, use of any kind of drattin [grab or pull] of the body or of the opponent's endyma [uniform] in the same manner as any kind of rassin [throw or sweep] , is considered a permissible technique so as to put the opponent on the ground . However any choke or strangulation techniques made by pulling on or jerking or snapping back the neck of the Endyma Hitonio [ uniform top ] against an athlete's throat or neck is prohibited.

8. Aponevrosis [pressure points tactics] and pushes may be used as long as they do target forbidden areas and do not bring about unconsciousness or serious injuries and are used only as a means to escape from holds and NOT for inducing submission.

9. The designated and permissible Target Areas in a Contest are the Chest Abdomen, Back, Shoulders and the Rib Cage Area and the Legs.

10. Kicks and Punches to the Head are allowed provided they are executed only with SKIN TOUCH or with NO CONTACT.

11. Deliberate attacks targeting the Face, Neck, Throat, Spine, Kidneys, Groin, Knee, Elbow and Ankle Joints and to the VITAL ORGANS are forbidden.

12. Strikes to the Shoulders, Thigh and Trunk Area are permitted but Do NO T score any Points.

CHAPTER 2 - CONTEST AREA

1. The Pankration Contest arena is called the “ Palestra” . it a flat and semi soft mat, usually in blue in color , made of tough long-lasting spongy material which would safely cushion all falls and enable safe rassin [throws] and take downs.

2. The palestra is square in shape with sides that are 12 meters in length. The competition area inside the palestra is in the shape of a circle and has a diameter of 10 meters. At the circumference of this circle, a one-meter wide ring is demarcated, which is known as the warning line. The warning line is white in color.

3. In the centre of the palestra , an inner circle with a diameter of 3 meters is demarcated, which is the primary location of the Hellanodikis [referee] and the athletes. This too is marked in White Color

4. The palestra and its perimeter are set up as detailed in chapter 20.

CHAPTER 3 - DRESS CODE REGULATION

1. All Pankration athletes referees and coaches must comply with the formal dress code of Pankration as prescribed and/or revised by the I.F.P.A.

2. All national athletes must be attired in the official IFPA endyma (uniform) which comprises of a white hitonio [top] and the white periskelida [pants] for the Lefkos athlete and blue hitonio and blue periskelida for the Kianous athlete. The Endymas are to be made of the standardized fabric and design as approved and specified by the IFPA .The National flag or the National colors of the athlete's country should be affixed in a color strip 5cm wide at the shoulder centre, starting from the neck joint and span across the length of BOTH shoulders. The country name of the athlete should be clearly printed in ENGLISH capital letters, 20 cm below the Centre Back of the Neck, at the back of the hitonio [top] in contrast blue or white color.

3. All athletes must wear the standardized Pankration Contesting Gloves as approved by the IFPA , either in white color for Lefkos or blue color for Kianous .

4. All athletes must wear the IFPA approved Groin Guards / Groin Protectors

5. Shin Guards as approved by the IFPA are compulsory for all youth athletes and is optional for Adult Athletes.

6. All National Coaches (Proponites) must be attired in their National Pankration Athletic Track Suit . The Country Name of the Coach should be clearly printed in ENGLISH Capital Letters, 20 cm below the Centre Back of Neck, at the back of the National Pankration Athletic Tack Suit [top] in a contrast color.

7. All International Hellanodikes (referees) and Krites ( Judges )must be attired in the IFPA approved Endyma with the red hitonio and red periskelida. Their hitonio will bear the IFPA official logo (on the right hand of chest) .

8. The Hellanodikis will carry his blue & white ravdos (Stick) to the palestra and will also wear a Blue Wrist band or Blue Glove on his Right hand and a White Wrist band or White Glove on his Left hand, in the design approved by the IFPA , so as to clearly indicate the awarding of points or penalties for the Kianous and Lefkos athletes.

9. Shoes will NOT be worn by Athletes or the Hellanodikis whilst in or around the palestra area. Coaches and Krites (Judges) must wear white sport shoes , white socks whilst officiating around the palestra.

10 All Athletes , Krites , Proponites and Hellanodikes must ensure that their hair is neatly tied [if long] and not loose and falling down onto their shoulders whilst on the Palestra. No Jewellery is permitted to be worn other than the wedding ring .

11. The Hellanodikis must personally inspect each athlete prior to commencement of each bout, and ensure that the athletes uniform and attire are in full compliance to IFPA approved standards and ensure that the athletes finger and toe nails are closely cut and that they wear no jewelry nor wear any metal appliances on their teeth or body parts and that their hair , head , body and hands and feet are free of oils , lubricants and other chemical substances and that they do not wear any unauthorized gauze , bandages etc other than the permissible IFPA approved protection gear or unless as otherwise authorized by the tournament doctor. The Hellanodikis must also ensure that the IFPA approved Pankration Gloves are worn and fastened properly for each contestant.

12. Any Athlete , Referee, Krites or Proponites found not complying with the IFPA Dress Code Regulation, or attired in non regulation gear contrary to that prescribed herein, is liable to be removed or excluded from the bout or the Competition or from the Plaestra Area by the order of the Tournament Committee or by the order of the Paratiritis [ Observer ].

CHAPTER 4 - PANKRATION CHAMPIONSHIP ORGANIZATION

1. A Pankration Championship will include individual and team events.

• The Individual Agon (Competition) is in drawn in accordance to the approved Weight and Age categories of the male and female athletes.

• Athletes / Teams not present or not reporting in time to the contest area at the start of the bout are liable to be disqualified from that particular event.

2. Team Events will be conducted as under:

•  In accordance to the Championship Proclamation, a team contest is one in which the participants are teams consisting of a selected number of athletes.

•  The team that wins the most contests shall be declared overall winners.

•  Only participants and substitutes as listed in the Team's Participation Form will be allowed to compete in any specific event.

•  In case of a draw or tie, the team Proponitis (coach) may choose one athlete from his team to compete against one selected from the other Team, in order to decide upon a winner.

•  Once the Order of the Participation of team members as listed in the Participation Form of each team have been declared for a specific contest, no changes can be made thereafter.

CHAPTER 5 - SXEMA HELLANODIKON (Referee Panel)

1. For each Championship, one Hellanodikis [Referee], Four Krites ( Corner Judges) and one Paratiritis (Observer) will constitute the Sxema Hellanodikon.

2. Scorekeepers and Timekeepers are selected for the proper control of the Contests and they will execute all duties assigned to them responsibly.

3. The IFPA Hellanodikon Committee must approve the selection of the Referees, Judges, the Observer, Scorekeepers and the Timekeepers for any International Championship event.

CHAPTER 6 - WEIGHING-IN

1. The Tournament Committee of the Championship, is responsible for the athletes' registration &n weigh-in, and inspection of identity and rank ,which is carried out on the day of the games and must be finished at least one hour before the contests begin.

2. The athletes who are being weighed in must wear only their endyma [uniform], that is the hitonio [top] and the periskelida [pants]. Women athletes are also allowed to wear a SLEEVELESS white knit top , underneath their hitonio .

3. The weigh-in is conducted only once. However, provided that the time for the weigh-in is not over, an athlete who was not within the weight limit can be weighed again for re clarification or reinstatement. If however , after the weigh-in, an athlete is determined to be underweight or overweight, he is deemed ineligible to take part in the contest.

4.  The proclamation of the games will specify the time of the weigh-in and weight categories.

CHAPTER 7 - ATHLETES QUALIFICATIONS

1.  All athletes must be medically fit and must be valid and legitimate members of their respective IFPA recognized National Pankration Federation/Association.

2. Athletes must fulfill the terms and conditions of participation in the Championship, which are as per the terms stated in the Championship Proclamation and as stipulated by the General Rules of the I.F.P.A..

CHAPTER 8 - AGE and WEIGHT CATEGORIES

1.  Age & Weight categories of athletes would be as declared in the official proclamation of the Championship . All events must be conducted in full accordance to the prevalent IFPA rules and regulations.

2. The Age and Weight categories of athletes for each event will be as determined by the Technical Committee of the IFPA and as approved by the IFPA EC.

CHAPTER 9 - CONTEST DURATION AND SCORING

1.  The duration of an event in a Pankration Championship is as declared and stated in the respective Championship Proclamation. The duration of any Bout can be reduced or increased at the discretion of the Tournament Committee.

2.  The commencement of an athletic contest is deemed to begin when the Hellanodikis shouts arxasthe [start] and stops every time he /she shout pafsate [stop].

3.  The result of an athletic contest is decided on the basis of which ever athlete has accrued the most points in that event, or based on whether there has been any prohibition, abandonment, submission ,dismissal or expulsion of an athlete from that event.

4.  Generally each effective and permissible Striking or Kicking techniques are awarded with only ONE point.

5.  Points will be awarded only if ALL FOUR of the following criteria are met.

a. Dynamic application
b. Proper torque
c. Proper distance
d. Continued vigilance

6.  Combination techniques of Strikes or Kicks may be awarded TWO points when:

a.  They are executed after a counter attack.
b. They are executed after a block.
c.  They are executed after an effective takes down.

7. After an effective take down or when pinning the opponent to the ground , it is Permissible to execute punches kicks and strikes whilst on the ground, BUT points will be awarded only for the FIRST effective strike on the opponent and no further points will be awarded for any subsequent strikes whilst in the same pinning , locking or submission position.

8. Laktismata [KICK ] to the head may be awarded THREE Points provided that it is executed with NO Intentional INJURY and ONLY with Skin Touch contact only or with No Contact at all.

9.Aponevrosis [pressure point tactics] and pushes are not awarded points but they are accepted as methods of escape or disengagement.

10. Rassin [ Full throws ] are allowed with the use of the whole body. A throw where the opponent passes over the thrower's body will be awarded THREE points. A perfect throw can be awarded THREE points when one person is thrown high as in a suplex or wheel throw or shoulder throw or hip throw from a standing position or a circle throw or cartwheel from ground position.

11. The person being thrown will not be awarded points for strikes executed by him while being thrown

12. A take down which is “less than perfect.” may be awarded with ONE point only

13. A rassin [take down] is considered as completed when the athlete has landed on the ground.

14. There is no counting time on the ground for a takedown or a pin technique. The Hellanodikis can end the technique and bring up the contestants when he believes that there is no further action on the ground.

15. A take down or other technique will be considered effective and points awarded accordingly up to the moment of the end of bout time signal.

16. Any attack, no matter how successful, will make the executor liable for penalty and punishment if it is executed after the contest time has been declared as over.

17. Joint locks or Chokes or Striking or Submission techniques do not score points when executed or Completed on an athlete out of the palestra [ring] and such action can bring about punishment.

18. No points will be awarded for simultaneous strikes (clashes).

19. No points will be awarded for simultaneous takedowns.

20. Kicks using the Heel Pternizein ( Heel Kick or Axe Kick ) are PROHIBITED.

21. Strikes on the Shoulders & Thigh area are allowed BUT scores NO POINT.

22. The Shin is NOT a TARGET area, and strikes to the Shin Score NO points. However in order to accomplish a Sweep ( rassin), targeting the shin area is permitted.

23. When an athlete is Knocked Down or rendered temporarily incapable to Compete, by he execution of a permissible Strike or Kick or submission hold from the opponent, the Hellanodikis will Immediately stop the bout by the command PAFSATE and the clock will also stop . The Opponent will then return to his designated place on the palestra and sit down and face his trainer. The Hellanodikis will then tend to the condition of the Knocked Down Athlete and carefully determine if medical aid is immediately required or not . If medical treatment is not required , the Hellanodikis will then publically commence Counting off TEN Seconds of time for the knocked down athlete to regain his senses and be fit to resume the bout.

In ALL knockdown cases a Minimum EIGHT Second Count is MANDATORY before the Bout and the clock is restarted by the referee Command Arxasathe

24. In the event that the legally Knocked Down Athlete is not in condition to resume the contest even after the maximum TEN second count , or if the attending Tournament Doctor declares him/her as medically unfit to continue, the Hellanodikon will then end the bout and declares he Opponent as the winner due to EGATALIPSI ( Mandatory Abandonment ) by the other.

CHAPTER 10 - DECISION CRITERIA

1.  An athlete can surrender and proclaim his competitor as the winner at any time during a bout, irrespective of the time or the points awarded. When an Athlete cannot not physically withstand or tolerate a lock , choke or submission hold whilst on the ground, he MUST IMMEDIATELY submit ,by either Tapping Out by slapping his hand on the Palestra or on his body or by shouting out loud.

2 The Hellanodikis has the absolute Right to Stop a Bout at any time if he determines that any athlete cannot physically withstand a strike or kick or can no longer endure a Submission lock , Choke or Hold. He does this so as as to prevent serious injury to the athlete EVEN IF the said athlete DOES not submit or even if he /she refuses to TAP out and serious injury is imminent. Such Decisions of the Hellanodikis is binding and are Unquestionable by any of the athletes or by the coaches or Kirtes

3. The athlete who has acquired the most points at the end of the duration of a normal bout (unless the above paragraph is in force) will be declared as the winner.

4.  In the event of a draw, the Hellanodikis can permit one (1) minute of extra time. During the one (1) minute extra time, the first athlete to acquire ONE point from a proper technique or from an attack on the other, will be declared as the winner.

5.  In case the one-minute extra time ends without a clear winner being determined, the Hellanodikis can either permit ANOTHER Minute of extra time or he has the option to evaluate the points already awarded by the Krites and in consultation with the Observe r , he can make his OWN decision and declare the winner. This decision is firm binding on all and cannot be changed nor questioned by the Krites , coaches nor by the Athletes or persons involved.

CHAPTER 11 - PERMISSIBLE TARGETS AND TECHNIQUES

1. Targets of permissible Point Scoring Techniques MUST be confined to the following areas :
a. The Legs
b. The Abdomen
d. The Ribs
e. The Back (except the shoulders) down to, but not below, the waist.

2.  Strikes to the shoulders, thighs, shin and trunk area will not be awarded points.

3. Punches to the head are permitted ONLY if there are executed with NO CONTACT or Only with Skin Touch and NO INJURY.

4. The whole body may be utilized in executing any technique, provided it is within legal boundaries as described below in Chapter 12.

CHAPTER 12 - ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR

1.  Biting or Gauging or Scratching of any part of the body is forbidden.

2.  Any strikes to the Vital Organs , the Eyes, Neck, Throat, Genitals, Spine, Knees and Joints are FORBIDDEN..

3.  It is strictly forbidden to make full contact strikes on an opponent who has his back turned for any reason, especially if the opponent turns his/her back to the attacker so as to avoid a strike. The opponent who has intentionally turned his back to avoid a blow shall be guilty of asfalia [not protecting oneself] and shall be penalized accordingly.

4.  Intentional strikes with intent to injure the joints or vital organs are forbidden.

5.  Techniques, which bring about serious or permanent injury , will be punished.

6.  Any technique which causes intentional and or visible injury to the head or face will be seriously penalized , except in the case of asfalia [not protecting oneself].

7.  Attacks to the face with “open hand techniques” are forbidden. (Only closed finger “pushes” are allowed.)

8.  Kicking & Striking Techniques without full control, which may pass near the competitor's face or head are forbidden. (especially Wild or “ Full Circle ” Spinning Kick techniques)

9.  Aponevrosis [pressure point Tactics] strikes to the spinal column, brain stem, zygomatics [sinus / Nose], throat, genital area and akrohirizin [bending] less than three fingers are FORBIDDEN.

10.  Skin grabbing or pinching or gauging the body is forbidden.

11.  Pushes/ Strikes/ Kicks to the genital area are forbidden.

12.  Pushes to the face, specifically to the head and the throat, with the fingertips are forbidden, especially when the athlete is immobile and the Hellanodikis is observing his condition.

13. The following actions are strictly forbidden:
a. Biting or pulling the hair, ears, nose, or genital area .
b. Slamming the opponent's head on the ground.
c. Foot stomping to the competitor's head when he is on the ground.
d. Lifting an opponent and dropping his back against your knee (Back break)

14.  Continued retreats from the Palestra or inside the palestra, which prevent proper competition , are forbidden (Antiathlitiko or Exodus Egatalipsi)

15.  It is illegal for a person controlling a headlock especially in a standing position to move in such a way as to put his opponent in risk of serious injury. ( Epikindino or Antiathlitiko)

16.  Exit ( Exodus) from the palestra is permissible during a bout provided it is unintentional and occurs during the course of an attack or defense. Exit, in an orthostadin [standing position] is the case where both of the contender's legs are out of the warning line. In the alindisi or kilisi [ground position or rolling] exit is the case where BOTH the contender's bodies are out of the warning line.

17.  In such cases of Exodus the Contest Time will be stopped and both athletes are to be brought back to their designates places at the centre of the plaestra and the bout will be recommenced by the Hellanod.ikis and clock restarted.

18.  Intentional Exit ( Exodus Egatalipsi ) from the Plaestra by an athlete in an attempt to escape an attack or escape his opponent is forbidden and must be punished for Unsportsmanlike Behavior and Abandonment of Contest. ( Antiathlitiko or Egatalipsi )

19.  Pretending to be injured or to be wounded is forbidden ( Antiathlitiko )

20.  Any choke or strangulation made by pulling on or snapping back the neck of the Endyma Hitonia ( Uniform Top) against an Athlete's Throat or Neck by the opponent shall be deemed as Prohibited Techniques.

21. Any Choke using the Open Hand or Fingers or the edge of the hand on the throat are Forbidden

22. All Joint Lock or Neck Lock submission techniques must be executed In a smooth flowing action and NOT by a Jerking or Snapping Action, so as to Prevent serious injury .

23. Indifference or showing disregard to ones personal safety (Asfalia) is forbidden .

24. Indifference or showing disregard to ones personal safety ( Asfalia ) is forbidden.

25. During the competition bouts, Coaches are not allowed to talk to or attempt to further train the competitors.

26. Any kind of behavior or action which shows disrespect or can cause harm with or without a dangerous technique is forbidden.

27. Any kind of improper behavior by the team or a team member or representative, etc. can causes the exclusion or dismissal not only of the infringer but also all the factions who support it.

CHAPTER 13 - PUNISHMENTS

1.  Punishment or Penalty points are to be awarded for prohibited action, in accordance to the nature of its severity, intention and end result, as under :

2.  The Hellanodikis has the right to decide on the punishment points to be awarded but he can also consult with the Observer in case he believes an added opinion is necessary.

3. For Dangerous or Unsportsmanlike behavior, the Hellanodikis can disregard Article I above and instead of issuing a warning can immediately impose a punishment of up to 2 points. If however an offender has been penalized already then the next (higher level) of punishment points, as stipulated in Art. 1 above , must be given for the same misdeed

4. The Hellanodikis cannot immediately give an exclusion or dismissal as punishment (as in apagorefsi) without considering the Observer's opinion.

5. Prohibition ends the contest with 20-0 points for the winner. Abandonment and punishments finish the contest with a 10-0 score.

6.When any misdeed (physical or verbal) is committed by an athlete or an official, which might disgrace Pankration or when any deliberate action which may otherwise harm or embarrass the athlima [sport], a punishment of “dismissal” is imposed. The Sxema Hellanodikon is the final authority to decide on the degree of punishment, which can be as serious as elimination from any or all future events.

CHAPTER 14 - ABANDONMENT, ACCIDENT, INJURY, NO SHOW

The decision which is given when the athlete or the athletes are unable to continue, or when they abandon the contest of leave the palestra “even if the Hellanodikis gives the order to contest” is called an egatalipsi [ abandonment].

1.  If both the competitors injure themselves at the same time or a previous injury creates a problem for them and they are both unable to continue the contest, the contest goes to the one who has the most points.

a. In the event of an equal score even after extra time , the Hellanodikis will consult with the Observer and then will decide on the final winner.
b. If the Tournament Doctor has judged an athlete as unfit to contest, he/she will be considered ineligible to continue during that day's event.
c. If an athlete wins due to his opponent's exclusion or dismissal due to injury in that bout , that injured athlete may participate in another contest on the same day subject to him/her being certified as medically fit by the Tournament Doctor.

2.The Hellanodikis must stop the contest (and time) and call the Doctor when an athlete has been injured. The decision whether to continue the contest will be made by jointly by the Hellanodikis and the Paratiritis [Observer] . Their decision can not however overrule the Doctor, if case the Doctor wants the match stopped due to a serious injury.

3.Any athlete who is on the ground (after being struck or thrown due to his own or his opponent's actions) and cannot EFFECTIVELY stand on his feet within 10 seconds after the Hellanodikis shouts pafsate , he/she will be considered unable to continue and will be immediately excluded from the rest of that day's contest.

4.Any Athlete,if even after the medical attention is still found to be bleeding, with or without his responsibility, he/she will not be allowed to continue with the bout .

5.If a competitor is not at ringside within one minute of the Scorekeeper's third call he/she will forfeit that match by rule of akoniti niki [no show].

6. A Proponitis [ coach] can end the contest of his athlete and declare the other athlete as inner, for any reason or cause as he decides, subject to him standing up and at the same time shouting pafsate by raising up his hand ( egatalipsi [abandonment]). This action will be binding on the Athletes and the Hellanodikis, Who will stop the bout and declare the other athlete as the winner.

 CHAPTER 15 - JURISDICTION AND DUTIES OF HELLANODIKIS, KRITES AND PARATIRITIS

1.  Hellanodikis

a. The Hellanodikis has the responsibility of supervising the contest, the contest area and its perimeter. His/her basic duty is the starting and the ending of the contest, ensuring the athlete's total safety, awarding punishments, awarding scoring points, and penalty points due to punishments.
b. The Hellanodikis has the right to stop the bout time during a contest in the following cases:

i) To impose observation or punishment.
ii) To inspect an injury or the health of an athlete.
iii) To inspect the dress code.

Comment: The pauses imposed in accordance to above. b)ii) and b)iii) can not exceed the duration of two (2) minutes and restrictively for 2 times in each contest.

c. The Hellanodikis must observe and impose punishment when:

i) One or both of the athletes execute dangerous techniques or demonstrate unsportsmanlike behavior.
ii) One or both of the athletes are indifferent to their own personal safety
iii) One or both of the athletes demonstrate an unwillingness to contest or exit the palestra to avoid a contest
iv) Any member of the Athletic Team (Coach, Competitor etc) exhibiting any behavior during a Contest which is deemed as an insult to the moral value of Pankration .

d. The Hellanodikis is obligated to stop the contest:

i) At the end of time.
ii) At the Paratiritis whistle. The Hellanodikis goes to the Paratiritis and asks for an explanation at which time he evaluates and decides.
iii) At the end of a successful submission hold.

2.  Krites ( Judges)

a. The Krites main duty is to observe the contest and note according to his judgments the points from strikes or even grips, as well as the points due to penalties given by Hellanodikis .

b. The Krites has the right to interrupt the contest by raising his right hand when he sees that something is opposed to the regulations or is relevant to the athletes' safety and Hellanodikis has not perceive it. However, in no case should this interruption be related to the judgments or the decisions of Hellanodikis .

c. Under No Circumstances can a Krtitis object officially and or publically to any decision or judgment of the Hellanodikis This rules applies to ALL Krites officiating around the palestra, during a bout or even after the end of a bout. The Points Awarded and the Decisions and Judgments of the Hellanodikis shall be firm and binding on all Krites and athletes

3. Paratiritis (Observer)

a. The Paratiritis has the following responsibilities and duties:

i) The whole control and supervision of the palestra and the area around it.
ii) Confirmation of decisions
iii) Evaluation of the Hellanodikis progress.
iv) Offering his opinion to the Hellanodikis when it is requested.
v) When the observer sees something against the rules and the Hellanodikis does not understand it, he has the right to stop the contest by raising his hand or using his whistle. In no case can the stopping of the contest be related with Hellanodikis' judgment or decisions.

b. The Paratiritis can request the Hellanodikon Committee to replace the Hellanodikis, if he so deems it necessary As well as Any other Official found to be violating IFPA norms around the Palestra.

c. At the end of the contest, the Paratiritis makes a report on the effectiveness and contribution of the Hellanodikis , directly to the IFPA Referee Committee.

d. Based on the substantiated report of the Paratirites (Observer) of any International Championship, the Chairman of the IFPA Hellanodikon Committee is hereby fully empowered to impose Penalties on any Hellanodikis, any Krites, any Time Keeper or Score Keeper, who may have been determined y the IFPA  to have violated the code of professional conduct expected from them or for having  violated the Rules and Regulations of the IFPA.

CHAPTER 16 - MODE OF CONDUCTING A CONTEST

1.  Prior to the Commencement of a Bout ,the Hellanodikis [Referee} exclaims Arhiki Thesei [take places] for the athletes to come to their respective positions at the centre of the palestra. He then physically inspects each of the athletes for conformity to uniform and IFPA regulation attire

2.  At the start of the contest the Hellanodikis and the athletes will go to their respective places, which are described in Chapter 20. The Hellanodikis will then exclaim Heretismos [ Greeting ] and the Athletes will then give the Traditional EROSO greeting to each other and then approach each other and clap hands high in greeting and return to their respective positions. The Referee then exclaims Etimi [ ready] and the athletes will go into their contesting poses ready to compete. The Referee then ensures that the Kirtes and other officials are alert and exclaims Arxasthe [ Start ] . With this command the athletes begin the bout and the Timekeeper simultaneously starts the Clock.

3.  The Hellanodikis carries his RAVDOS [Blue & White Stick] to the Palestra and uses the Ravdos to announce commencement of the Bout as well as to Declare the Winner at the end of the Bout. The use of the Ravdos during the bout , is at the Option or Discretion of the Hellanodikis. She/he may either use the approved IFPA Hand Signals or the Ravdos Signals to award points or impose penalties or to Stop and Restart the duration of the Bout . Hand and Stick Signals that will be used during the contest, are described in Chapter 21 herein.

4.  Every Observation ,Point or Penalty awarded is to accompanied by the proper announcement in BOTH ENGLISH and GREEK language.

5.  During the Bout, the Hellanodikis can use either his hands and/or the Ravdos (Stick) for awarding points for the techniques and the strikes, using the proper sign without announcement.

6.  The Hellanodikis exclaims pafsate [stop] when he wants or is obliged to stop the contest. With this command, the athletes return to their primary place and the Timekeeper immediately stops the Clock .

7.  In unintentional exit cases:

1. From orthostadin [a standing position] both athletes are brought back by the hellanodikis their primary place and position at the centre of the palestra.
2. From alindisi or kilisi [ground or rolling position] both athletes will be also be brought back by the Hellanodikis to their primary place and position at the centre of the palestra
3. If the competitors are both avoiding conflict, the Hellanodikis will exclaim agonizesthe [contest or compete] without delay. Punishment must be given for unsportsmanlike behavior if the Hellanodikis' order is ignored.

8.  The Hellanodikis, with his ravdos (stick) or his hand, points to the athlete who has committed a misdeed and after that describes the illegal technique, exclaiming at the same time. e.g. kianous epikindino or antiathlitiko [blue athlete dangerous behavior or un-sportsmanship behavior].

9.  The Hellanodikis may strike / poke any athlete with his hand or ravdos, as he calls stop, if the athlete executes a technique after the call.

10.  If the violation is being punished by points then the Hellanodikis gives the point or points to the opposite athlete after his exclamation. e.g. kianous, antiathlitiko, lefkos ena simio [blue athlete un-sportsmanship behavior, white athlete one point].

CHAPTER 17 – POLYDAMAS , AIAS , ATALANTI CONTESTS

1. Definition : Polydamas competition is a choreographed predetermined sequence of continuous, non stop self defense techniques , demonstrated by an unarmed Defender against THREE armed Attackers. T he THREE Attackers must be armed with THREE DIFFERENT Traditional Weapons  and the Defender is ALWAYS Unarmed. Aias & Atalanti are Youth Boys and Girls DUET events wherein a series of pre-choreographed non stop unarmed self defense techniques are demonstrated.

2. History : Polydamas competitions are derived from Pankration's Ancient Greek heritage circa 408 BC, wherein the renowned pankratiastis Polydamas of Thessaly, Greece, battled with three of the best contesters of King Darius of Persia . Despite being alone and unarmed, Polydamas faced his fully armed opponents and defeated them one by one in vigorous hand to hand combat . Modern day Pankration honors the ancient Greek warrior Polydamas, by organizing mock battle competitions bearing his name , wherein one skilled Defender battles against three armed Attackers.

3. Eligibility & Uniform: Participation in Polydamas Competitions will be in strict accordance to the Games Proclamation for each Championship. Teams will comprise of either male athletes or female athletes . Mixed teams of male and female athletes are not permitted. T he Defender Athlete is to be Attired in WHITE Endymas and the THREE Attacking  Athletes are to be attired in BLUE Endymas as approved by the IFPA .

4 Duration : All Polydamas competitions are to be performed as nonstop continuous choreographed sequences, wherein the required self defense technique sequences are to be demonstrated, effectively and efficiently, with contesting spirit and should not exceed five minutes

5. Bouts : The Polydamas events will be conducted in THREE rounds, of namely Preliminary , Semifinal and Final bouts. All teams will participate in first round.A maximum of EIGHT teams with highest points will be eligible participate in Semi Finals A Maximum of Four Teams will be Eligible for the Finals

6. Permitted Techniques :

a. It is mandatory that at least SIX different self defense combination techniques be exhibited by the Defender in every Polydamas event.

b . All techniques, as permitted by the IFPA Rules herein are allowed to be demonstrated in Polydamas Competitions and must be performed without risk of any injury to any party whatsoever.

c . Each team is permitted to devise and choreograph their own sequence of attack and defense combination , however such techniques must be used in such a way that in the first sequence the Defender repels each attacker one by one and then continue non stop into the second sequence wherein he/she combats the three attackers once more , disarming and completely disabling / taking down each opponent one by one, in a smooth flow of techniques.

d . In the First NON STOP Sequence of POLYDAMAS the Defender must QUICKLY Defend himself and disarm or temporarily disable  each of the ARMED attackers using a DIFFERENT TECHNIQUE against each one of his attackers

e. The subsequent second sequence must follow IMMEDIATELY ,with the Defender executing ANOTHER THREE DIFFERENT techniques to PERMANENTLY DISARM each of his Three Armed Attackers.

7. Permitted Weapons : As per the current rules , the Attackers are permitted to use the following weapons only and the Defender will be UNARMED at ALL TIMES

a.  Wooden Staff (180 Cm Length)
b.  Wooden Club ( Length 80 Cm)
c.  Metal Chain ( Length 80 Cm)
d.  Knife / Sword ( Blade Length up to 35 Cm)

8. Judging and Scoring :

a. One Hellanodikis and Four Krites (Judges) shall evaluate each Polydamas event. The Krites will be seated at all four corners of the Palestra. The Hellanodikis will sit outside the Contest Area with his back to the Scorekeeper and time keeper as shown in the Palestra Diagram in Chapter 20.

b. Scoring shall be based on a total points Obtained . Scores for each team for each Round of the Competition are tabulated to arrive at the Total Points. For Each Round the four Judges shall award a maximum of 10 points each for the respective team evaluated. The highest score and lowest score awarded to the team will however not be considered and the remaining two judges scores will be added up and deemed as the actual score attained / awarded.

c. Points are to be awarded by the Judges on the basis of the following criterion :

1. Dynamic Application of Force
2. Correct and Proper Timing of Technique
3. Correct and Proper Distance
4. Continued Vigilance
5. Non Stop Sequence / Continuity of Techniques
6. Variety and the Difficulty of Techniques used
7. Final Technique used to disable/ takedown each opponent

8.  Tie Breaker :

The Final Decision on determining the winner of a Tie of a POLYDAMAS event will be made by the Referee Panel as per Regulations in force, evaluating all the scores obtained by the teams for Each Round and as per guidelines laid down by the Hellanodikon Committee of the IFPA.

Note : The Rules that apply herein for Polydamas events also Apply for Atalanti and Aias Competitions

CHAPTER 18 - POSITION OF HELLANODIKIS, KRITES AND ATHLETES AT THE START AND THE END OF THE CONTEST

1.  Before every contest (individual or team), the Hellanodikis and Kritis will be at center ring with their backs to the Score Keeper. The Kianous [blue athlete] will be on their right side and the Lefkos [white athlete] will be on their left.

2.  Before and after a contest, the athletes must salute each other through the official Pankration salute

CHAPTER 19 - ATHLETES , HELLANODIKON AND KRITES OATHS

At each championship the following oaths must be sworn as under:

1. ATHLETES OATH

ON BEHALF OF ALL THE ATHLETES GATHERED HEREIN , I PROMISE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CHAMPIONSHIP , FULLY RESPECTING THE COMPETITION RULES AND THE REGULATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF PANKRATION , SEEKING NOT VICTORY, BUT A GOOD AND FAIR CONTEST, IN THE SPIRIT OF SPORTSMANSHIP , FOR THE GLORY OF SPORT AND THE HONOUR OF OUR TEAMS.

2. HELLANODIKON & KRITES OATH

ON BEHALF OF ALL THE HELLANODIKES [Referees] , KRITES [Judges] and OFFICIALS GATHERED HEREIN , I PROMISE TO EXECUTE OUR DUTIES IN THIS CHAMPIONSHIP IMPARTIALLY AND WITHOUT ANY BIAS, FULLY RESPECTING THE COMPETITION RULES AND THE REGULATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF PANKRATION , IN THE SPIRIT OF FAIR PLAY, SPORTSMANSHIP AND FOR THE GLORY OF SPORT AND THE HONOUR OF OUR TEAMS.

CHAPTER 20 - THE PALESTRA LAYOUT

CHAPTER 21 : HELLANODIKIS ( Referee ) HAND & STICK SIGNALS

Office of the Chairman 

IFPA Technical Committee

6 Hamanof Street, 76386 Rehovot,

Israel

E-mail: vicepres_guy@pankration.gr

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