Standards of Conduct
Sportsmanship Rules.
If you have questions about a call or decision made during a match, you must direct those questions to the head referee or mat manager on site. Do not approach other staff members -- they do not have the authority to reverse or address match decisions.
Any unsportsmanlike conduct by a coach, spectator, or competitor will result in that person being asked to leave the event with no refund.
Any unsportsmanlike conduct by a coach, spectator, or competitor will result in that person being asked to leave the event with no refund.
On the Mat
Conduct Toward Your Opponent.
The following are not permitted at any time during the event:
- Taunting, teasing, or mocking your opponent
- Laughing at your opponent
- Name calling or bullying your opponent
- Excessive celebrating or showboating while on the mat
Division Integrity
Sandbagging Policy.
⚠ Zero Tolerance
Entering a Division Below Your True Skill Level.
Sandbagging -- entering a lower skill division when you are a significantly more skilled competitor -- is poor sportsmanship. It shows a lack of character and a lack of courage. The Good Fight stands against sandbagging.
If sandbagging is reported and verified, the competitor will be disqualified with no refund.
If sandbagging is reported and verified, the competitor will be disqualified with no refund.
Not sure what division to enter? We are happy to help. Email us before the tournament or ask at the registration table when you arrive.
Reporting Sandbagging
How to Report It Correctly.
If you have evidence of sandbagging, email us before the tournament so we can address it properly in advance.
Day-of reporting: Sandbagging must be reported directly to the head referee or tournament director only. Do not report it to any other Good Fight staff member -- they have no authority to correct a sandbagging issue. Reporting to the wrong person will result in no resolution.
Our goal is to maintain a fair and level playing field for all competitors.
Division Placement
Wrestlers, Judo & Hybrid Grapplers.
Wrestlers
Where Wrestlers Should Register.
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Wrestlers should NOT enter the White Belt NoGi division.
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Wrestlers should enter the Blue Belt NoGi division.
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All D1 college wrestlers must also enter the Blue Belt Gi division.
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D2 & D3 wrestlers should use their best discretion when choosing between White or Blue Belt Gi.
Judo players, sambo players, and all other hybrid or eclectic grapplers should also enter at the Blue Belt level to ensure a fair and competitive division for beginner grapplers.
Advanced Teen Gold Medal Winners
Moving to Adults as a Proven Competitor.
Any teen competitor who has won Gold at Good Fight Sub-Only Worlds, or has won Gold at 2 regular Good Fight tournaments in the Advanced division, must compete in the Blue Belt division when they move to the adult age category.
The same criteria apply to competitors with an equivalent record from other tournament circuits who come to compete at The Good Fight.
The competitor may still wear their white belt if they have not been officially promoted to blue belt.
The same criteria apply to competitors with an equivalent record from other tournament circuits who come to compete at The Good Fight.
The competitor may still wear their white belt if they have not been officially promoted to blue belt.
Immediate Consequences
Disqualification Rules.
⚠ Any of the Following Results in Immediate DQ
If a competitor breaks any rule below, receives an official warning, blatantly attempts to hurt their opponent, or demonstrates poor sportsmanship -- they will lose the match by disqualification immediately with no refund.
01
Foul Language
The use of foul language, cursing, or other acts of disrespect toward the referee or any member of the public. The referee has full discretion to issue a warning or an immediate disqualification. A DQ for foul language applies to the entirety of the tournament -- the competitor may not compete in any other divisions that day.
02
Intent to Hurt
Biting, hair pulling, putting fingers into the eyes or nose of an opponent. Intentionally targeting the genitalia. Using fists, feet, knees, elbows, or the head with the intention to hurt or gain unfair advantage. Slamming your opponent from the guard. All of these are illegal and will result in immediate disqualification.
03
Ripped Gi
If a competitor's gi is ripped during a match, the referee will pause the match and give a set time to change. If the competitor does not change within the allotted time, they will be disqualified.
04
Underwear Required
All competitors must wear underwear under their gi pants and NoGi grappling shorts. If gi pants or shorts are torn open during a match, the competitor will be given a set time to find a replacement. If they cannot change within the allotted time, they will be disqualified.
05
Disrespecting a Referee
The Good Fight enforces a zero-tolerance policy for disrespecting, threatening, verbally abusing, or cursing at referees -- for the entirety of the event.
Any coach, parent, friend, or competitor who verbally or physically threatens a referee in any way will be escorted out of the venue by security with no refund.
Any coach, parent, friend, or competitor who verbally or physically threatens a referee in any way will be escorted out of the venue by security with no refund.
06
Loss of Bodily Control
Any competitor who vomits, urinates, or defecates during a match will be disqualified from competing for the entire day. This applies regardless of whether the loss of bodily control is from illness or nerves.
The decisions of referees and tournament officials
are 100% final.
are 100% final.