IBJJF launches the 2013 Rule Book. Be sure to read about all the updated rules for 2013. The new rules will be active for the European Open Championship, which takes place January 24-27 in Lisbon, Portugal.

http://www.ibjjf.org/docs/rulesibjjf1stedition.pdf

The IBJJF introduces changes in the rules of Jiu-Jitsu for 2013.

The IBJJF has made several changes in the rules of Jiu-Jitsu for 2013. The new rules will be active for the European Open Championship, which takes place January 24-27 in Lisbon, Portugal.

The main changes are as follows:

Take Down Score:
Starting in 2013, the referee will award two points for a Take Down after the athlete who initiates the Take Down stabilizes the opponent on the ground for three (3) seconds.

Classification of penalties:
Terminate the category “Minor Penalties”. All the situations that were classified as “Minor” will now be classified as “Serious”.

Marking penalties on the scoreboard:
All penalties noted by the referee shall be marked on the scoreboard. Ends the concept of gestural penalty. Starting in 2013, counter penalties could go up to three (3) and the fourth penalty will result in a disqualification.

Adding new “Severe Penalty”:
An athlete will receive a “Severe Penalty” in situations where the athlete commits an illegal move against their opponent that results in a disqualification.

Adding new “Serious Penalty”:
An athlete will receive a “Serious Penalty” in situations where the athlete commits an illegal move against their opponent that results in a penalty.

Proceedings of the referees:
In situations where there IS NOT a submission in hold, the referee may stop the fight when an athlete puts their opponent in a position that is liable to penalty (illegal coup). The referee will return the athletes to a regular position.

In situations where there IS a submission in hold, the referee will not stop the fight when the athlete under attack puts the opponent in a position that is liable to penalty (illegal move).

In matches with three (3) referees, the disqualification of an athlete will not happen until at least two of the three referees agree with the decision.

Restricting registration for athletes with experience in other sports:

Starting in 2013, athletes with experience in Wrestling at the University level in the USA or with a professional career in MMA can not subscribe to compete as a white belt. Besides USA, Wrestling competitors with experience in National tournaments around the world are also restricted from competing as white belts.