IBJJF Rules Clarifications

[Jeff Baldwin]

I used to referee for the IBJJF and am cordial with the Senior Referees and the Head Referee, Alvaro Mansor.

I'm going to put together a video to submit to him for clarification on leg lock positions and possible reaping situations.

If any of you have any specific requests please get them to me ASAP. Include video or pictures of the position just to ensure we are talking about the same things.

I'll be submitting a video next week.

[Luke Noormets]

Hi Jeff,
Is it possible to clarify in a video that submissions such as the Electric Chair (EC), Crotch Ripper and Banana Split are not leg locks but in fact groin stretches. There has been some confusion regarding this in the past. It would be good to get something on video showing the various leg stretching positions as discussion have still taken place as to their legality irrespective of Article 6.3.2 - Technical Fouls in the IBJJF Rule Book v4.0

[Jeff Baldwin]

No confusion. That exact question was asked via Facebook to the Head Referee of the IBJJF, Alvaro Mansor.

And I quote... "UNFORTUNATELY, there are no rules AGAINST those techniques at any belt rank."

[Luke Noormets]

Thanks for your feedback Jeff, I'm sorry I should have been more thorough with my post.

The 'confusion' I mentioned was not directed at the Official IBJJF Certified Referees but towards other BJJ organisations that use the IBJJF Rules as a benchmark for their competitions.

There has been instances in the past, at non-IBJJF competitions which utilise the IBJJF Rules, where referees have stopped matches due to the Electric Chair being deemed a Kneebar.
I understand that it is not the responsiblity of the IBJJF to police the quality of referees or their training in other organisations that utilise the official rules, but perhaps if these techniques were displayed on an IBJJF endorsed video and deemed safe and legal at all belt levels, this could assist in the education of referees and be refered to during referee training of organisations which look to the IBJJF as the governing body in regards to rules and regulations.

What are your thoughts on this?
What is the IBJJFs view on organisations that use their rules?
Do the organisations have to meet certain criteria before using the rules?

[Jeff Baldwin]

My thoughts are that the organization using the rules should make sure they understand them, not 'their interpretation' of them. Often they just grab a random Brown or Black belt and ask him to Ref. My experience is that regardless of the belt rank most "coaches and competitors" don't know the rules.

The IBJJF doesn't have an opinion on other organizations that use their rules, except that the referee should be IBJJF certified.

The other organizations DO NOT have to meet any criteria before using IBJJF rules... it's just easier for them to say that instead of making up their own rules.

[Luke Noormets]

My thoughts are that the organization using the rules should make sure they understand them, not 'their interpretation' of them. Often they just grab a random Brown or Black belt and ask him to Ref. My experience is that regardless of the belt rank most "coaches and competitors" don't know the rules.

The IBJJF doesn't have an opinion on other organizations that use their rules, except that the referee should be IBJJF certified.

The other organizations DO NOT have to meet any criteria before using IBJJF rules... it's just easier for them to say that instead of making up their own rules.

Thank you for your reply Jeff:-)

[David Rosado]

No confusion. That exact question was asked via Facebook to the Head Referee of the IBJJF, Alvaro Mansor.

And I quote... "UNFORTUNATELY, there are no rules AGAINST those techniques at any belt rank."

LOL @ unfortunately.

[David Rosado]

Hi Jeff,
Is it possible to clarify in a video that submissions such as the Electric Chair (EC), Crotch Ripper and Banana Split are not leg locks but in fact groin stretches. There has been some confusion regarding this in the past. It would be good to get something on video showing the various leg stretching positions as discussion have still taken place as to their legality irrespective of Article 6.3.2 - Technical Fouls in the IBJJF Rule Book v4.0

Direct them to page 23 and 24 of the IBJJF rule book. But depending on the angle of the knee, it can turn into a kneebar.

[Jeff Baldwin]

Hi Jeff,
Is it possible to clarify in a video that submissions such as the Electric Chair (EC), Crotch Ripper and Banana Split are not leg locks but in fact groin stretches. There has been some confusion regarding this in the past. It would be good to get something on video showing the various leg stretching positions as discussion have still taken place as to their legality irrespective of Article 6.3.2 - Technical Fouls in the IBJJF Rule Book v4.0

Also, if you refer to the accompanying chart in the rules, you'll see that groin stretches are only prohibited for the 4-12 year olds.

[Jeff Baldwin]

Direct them to page 23 and 24 of the IBJJF rule book. But depending on the angle of the knee, it can turn into a kneebar.

David, the pictures correspond to the list/chart for the prohibited techniques for each belt and age category.

Look at the number on the picture in question, find that number on the list, the chart will tell you where, if at all, the technique is legal.

For instance, Heel Hooks, if you refer to the chart you'll see 'dots' all the way across the chart meaning they are illegal at all age and belt ranks. But, pulling the head down during a triangle choke is NOT allowed for any player under the age of 15, but legal for everyone else.