ILLEGAL
TECHNIQUES AND FOULS

If a fighter flagrantly breaks any rule, the official ring referee shall immediately disqualify him. HOWEVER: If the foul is not severe or intentional, the official ring referee shall issue a warning OR point deduction(s) from the offending fighter

These "Fouls" are "Illegal" moves/techniques, not to be used in an ISCF Sanctioned bout. A Foul is always going to be at the discretion of the referee. He/she will make the determination, but not be limited to, the intent of the fighter and the result of the foul. Then, he/she will have to consider whether to allow the fouled fighter time to recuperate (if able to continue), and either to give a warning to the opponent that committed the foul and/or deduct a point or disqualify and stop the bout.

For the State of Illinois, please click HERE.

THE FOLLOWING TECHNIQUES ARE NOT ALLOWED & ARE CONSIDERED
FOULS IN AN ISCF SANCTIONED BOUT

1. NO Downward or "Spiking" Elbow Strikes.
2. NO Forearm Strikes to the Head. (To the body is OK for both Amateur & Pro)
3. Flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions.
4. Engaging in any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.
5. Biting.
6. Eye Gouging.
7. Fnger Strikes or Rakes to ANY part of the body.
8. Knuckle Gouging to the face or any part of the body, including into the throat.
9. Clawing, pinching or twisting of the flesh - Pulling, pushing on opponent's face.
10. Throat strikes of any kind, including without limitation, grabbing the trachea.
11. One or two-"Handed" chokes applied directly to the throat and/or windpipe.
12. Kicks and Knees TO THE HEAD & NECK to a fighter who is "*DOWN".
    • (*): When the fighter kicked is not in a "2-point position", standing or crouching on his feet).
13. Kicking, kneeing or stomping on or at a downed opponent above the waist. (To the legs is allowed - EXCEPT in Illinois.)
14. Kicking the front of Opponents knee.
15. Fish hooks (to the eyes, nose, ear, or mouth) or putting a finger into any open orifice (cuts/lacerations).
16. Grabbing of the Clavicle.
17. Hair pulling.
18. Groin: Groin techniques/attacks of any kind - Grabbing, Striking, etc.
19. Single digit manipulation (Small joint manipulation - finger and toe locks)
20. Head butting.
21. Striking the Spine, Back of Neck or Head.
22. Lifting, pushing, throwing, or otherwise forcing an opponent out of the ring or cage.
23. Intentionally delaying the contest due to improper equipment, or by intentionally dropping or spitting out the mouthpiece.
24. Attacking an opponent on or during a break.
25. Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the Referee or other ring Official.
26. Using abusive language in the Cage or Ring.
27. Interference by a Fighters Cornerman/woman - Trainer.

RING ROPE OR CAGE GRABBING

1. Fighters may NOT grab the ring ropes or cage AT ANY TIME the two fighters are in contact with each other during the bout in an attempt to stall action, trap his opponent, escape a technique, or otherwise gain advantage in the match.
2. Fighters may momentarily grab the ring ropes or cage to brace or steady themselves or to gain/maintain their balance.
3. If a fighter grabs or otherwise secures any ring rope with a hand, arm, foot or leg during the bout TO AVOID A SUBMISSION HOLD, the referee shall stop the bout and deduct two (2) points from the fighter who so grabbed the rope.
4. If a fighter continually holds the ring ropes to rest, or pull himself from the action, avoid the bout's action, or otherwise gain advantage in the match, the referee will deduct one (1) point from the resting fighter and two (2) points for each additional time.
5. Excessive grabbing or other use of the ring ropes in violation of these rules may result, in the referee's sole discretion, in a fighter's disqualification and an award of the bout to that fighter's opponent.
6. The referee shall verbally instruct fighters to release the ring ropes or cage, when appropriate, prior to warning, deducting points, and/or disqualifying a fighter for violating these rules.