Light Contact Kickboxing
Light means light, fighters will be disqualified for excessive contact!
Match Format
Bout Structure (Gala):
Non-title: 3 rounds
Title: 5 rounds
Round Durations by Age:
Under 12: 60s rounds / 30s rest
13–16: 90s rounds / 45s rest
17+: 120s rounds / 60s rest
Tournaments:
A-Class: 2 rounds prelims, 3 rounds final
B & C-Class: 2 rounds for all
High registrations at a tournament can see all bouts set to 2 x 60s rounds / 30s rest
Round times may change depending on entries and must be approved by the WKO Chief Official.
Head shots are allowed at all ages but must be controlled (light contact only).
The match can only end early by referee or doctor stoppage due to No Contest.
Referee and ring doctor can stop the fight at any time for safety.
Scoring
Fights are judged using the 10-point must system:
Winner of a round gets 10 points.
Opponent gets 9 or less based on performance.
If the round is even, both get 10 points.
In the event of a draw after 3 rounds, the original scores are voided and an extra round (or two) is fought.
If still a draw, judges pick a winner based on overall performance.
A fight can only end as a draw if both fighters are unable to continue (e.g. double injury or fall).
Knockdowns & Safety Counts
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No knockdown rule is used due to light contact.
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Referees may issue a standing 8-count if a fighter needs to regain composure.
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A fighter can only be saved by the bell in the final round.
Tournament Substitutes
In single-elimination formats, reserve matches are held in case a fighter cannot continue.
Reserve or previous opponents may step in unless the original loss was by knockout.
Equipment Requirements
Headgear:
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Juniors - Mandatory
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Adults - Optional but recommended
Gumshields must be worn at all times.
T-shirts or vests are mandatory for all fighters.
Breast protectors are optional but recommended for females.
Boxing Glove:
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8oz - 8yrs and under
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10oz - 9yrs and above
Hand wraps must be cotton or bandage-style with zinc oxide tape only (no tape over the knuckles, no gaffa tape).
Long kickboxing trousers must be worn.
Groin guards are mandatory for males and optional for females.
Shin guards must be worn (no metal inserts).
Foot pads are mandatory.
Ankle supports are optional.
Allowed Techniques
Punches: Straight punches, hooks, uppercuts.
Kicks (above waist only): Front kicks, side kicks, back kicks, middle/high kicks, spinning kicks, jumping kicks.
Fouls and Disqualifications
Any uncontrolled or excessive contact can lead to disqualification. The referee's decision is final.
Penalties follow this order:
cautions = 2 warnings
2 warnings = 1 point deduction
2 point deductions in one round = disqualification
Fouls include:
Spinning punches
Any use of knees, low kicks, or elbows
Headbutts
Groin strikes
Throws, submissions, or wrestling
Biting, thumbing, or choking
Hitting a downed opponent
Hitting after the referee calls break
Holding the ropes
Swearing at the referee
Punching the back of the head
Trying to push the opponent out of the ring
Turning your back deliberately to avoid fighting
Using the forearm or elbow in a backspin motion
Passive or excessive clinching
Holding without attacking
Grabbing the opponent’s leg to throw or hold
Referee Discretion & Intent
If a foul is judged to be accidental, the penalty may be less severe.
If a foul is deemed malicious or causes injury, the referee may immediately deduct points or disqualify the fighter.
Fighters who constantly clinch, hold, avoid engagement, or rely solely on countering without attacking may also be penalised.
Hydration Rules
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Dehydrating to make weight is banned. Anyone found doing so will be disqualified.
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After weigh-in, fighters must rehydrate with water or isotonic drinks.
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On fight day, only water is allowed during bouts.
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No fizzy drinks or alcohol are permitted at ringside or during matches. WKO strongly recommends avoiding isotonic drinks during active bouts.
No Pre-Workout drinks/powders allowed to be consumed before a bout is to be contested
Final Notes:
All rules must be followed.
Disciplinary action will be taken for any breach.
Light contact must remain controlled, clean, and within the spirit of the sport.