Muay Thai Rules - Muay Thai 8 Limbs

If you compare sports like K1, Kick Light, boxing, etc. with Muay Thai, you realize that certain rules are very similar. But there are big differences in the counting of points and the procedure.

RULE 1: THE RING

1.1) The boxing ring must be equipped with an approved safety mat and shall measure no less than 18 feet (5.5meters) nor more than 24 feet (7.3 meters) square between the ropes unless mutually agreed to by both camps and authorized by both the local combat sports commission and the WBC MuayThai supervisor. The apron shall extend a minimum of 24 inches (0.61 meters) beyond the ropes.

1.2) The ring shall be required to have four (4) ropes for safety. The ropes may extend as high as 4 feet (1.22 meters)from the canvas and shall not be less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter, wrapped securely in a soft material and hung to a normal tightness.

1.3) The ring shall have two (2) easily accessible stairways for the boxers and personnel to walk in and out safely, and steps available for medical personnel to enter the ring. All four (4) corners must be covered with corner pads for the protection of the boxers.

RULE 2: GLOVES

2.1) The gloves for the fight will be 8 ounces from minimumweight up to and including welterweight and 10 ounces from super welterweight up to and including heavyweight. The gloves will be provided by the promoter unless otherwise stated and agreed upon by all parties. After the gloves are chosen at the weigh-in, they shall remain in possession of either the supervisor or the local combat sports representative until they are delivered to the appropriate camps in the locker rooms. The spare gloves shall remain ringside with the WBC MuayThai supervisor or local combat sports commission representative. Any illegal manipulation of the gloves to provide an unfair advantage for a fighter shall cause sanctions against the appropriate camp as determined by the WBC MuayThai, and the auxiliary pair of gloves shall be used as the primary pair.

RULE 3: HAND BANDAGES

3.1) Fighters must wrap their hands with soft hand bandages not longer than six (6) meters and not wider than five (5) centimeters, for each hand.

3.2) Fighters may use commission or sanctioning body-approved tape, but not longer than two and a half (2 ½) meters and two and a half (2 ½) centimeters wide for each hand to top-up on the wrist or bake of the hand. It is forbidden to top-up the tape across the knuckles.

3.3) Fighters must use only the bandages provided by the local combat sports commission, the promoter, or may supply their own once checked by the commission’s team and or the WBC MuayThai supervisor. Hand wrapping must be inspected and stamped by the WBC fight supervisor, or the local commission representative, to certify that the wraps have been fairly been placed on the hands of the fighter.

RULE 4: Dress Code

4.1) Fighters must wear shorts neatly at half-thigh length, without a shirt or shoes. A fighter’s shorts must not be the same color as the other corner. Shorts should preferably be the same as or close to the corner representing.

4.2) Fighters must wear groin protection for the genital organs, made of strong material capable to protect them from knee blows or other kinds of blows. The use of the groin guard is mandatory. For male fighters, a metal groin protector and a jock strap may be worn in addition. For female fighters, a female groin protector shall be worn

4.3) Fighter’s fingernails and toenails must be closely and neatly cut.

4.4) Fighters shall wear a headband (Mongkon) only when they pay homage (Wai Kru/Ram Muay) before the bout. During the bout, fighters may wear an inscribed cloth, amulet, or charm around the upper arm (Prajiad). If the amulet interferes with the flow of the bout, it must be removed immediately by the referee or corner.

4.5) Fighters may wear ankle supports, one for each ankle, but not to be shin supports or to roll halfway down. Wrapping the ankles and legs with pieces of cloth is not permitted. Ankle guards are not to be padded and may only be made of cloth. Nothing is to be worn under the ankle guards.

4.6) Fighters may strap an ankle for support if the strapping does not protrude outside an ankle guard and does not provide padding for contact, only support for hyperextension or rolling. Any strapping of ankles must be approved by the appointed WBC MuayThai supervisor at the same time as hand wraps are inspected. Strapping must not give an advantage to the athlete for impact. Fighters cannot wear belts, jewelry, or any dangerous ornaments as determined by the WBC MuayThai supervisor.

4.7) Liniment is allowed on the fighter but cannot be excessive, dripping, or running. Vaseline can be used in minimal quantities to limit cuts. Vaseline or liniment cannot be used on any attire. Gloves are free of any liniment or related products, and the referee must check gloves before the start of each round.

4.8) Form-fitted gum shields must be worn during the contest. It is forbidden for a fighter to intentionally spit out their gum shield during the contest, and if the fighter does so, the fighter will be warned or disqualified for continuous infractions.

RULE 5: WEIGHT DIVISIONS AND WEIGH-IN:Divisions and weight limits for competitionsDivision Weight limits
- Minimum-weight 100 pounds (45.359 kg) **Female Only
- Mini-Flyweight: 105 pounds (47.627 kg)
- Light-Flyweight: 108 pounds (48.987)
- Flyweight: 112 pounds (50.802 kg)
- Super-Flyweight: 115 pounds (52.163 kg)
- Bantamweight: 118 pounds (53.524 kg)
- Super-Bantamweight: 122 pounds (55.338 kg)
- Featherweight: 126 pounds (57.153 kg)
- Super-Featherweight: 130 pounds (58.967 kg)
- Lightweight: 135 pounds (61.235 kg)
- Super Lightweight: 140 pounds (63.503 kg)
- Welterweight: 147 pounds (66.678 kg)
- Super-Welterweight: 154 pounds (69.853 kg)
- Middleweight: 160 pounds (72.575 kg)
- Super Middleweight: 168 pounds (76. 204.kg)
- Light Heavyweight: 175 pounds (79.379 kg)
- Cruiserweight: 200 pounds (90.718 kg)
- Heavyweight: +200 pounds (+90.718 kg)

Weigh-in

5.1) Fighters must weigh-in without clothes (underwear permitted) one-day before the contest in a time of 24-30 hours before the scheduled fight time.

5.2) Exceptions are made to the above rule when championships are held in certain circumstances with theagreement of the WBC MuayThai supervisor for a same day weigh in.

5.3) Before the weigh-in, fighters must have their physical condition examination checked by the event doctor to certify that they are physically fit and healthy.

5.4) Female fighters must be given the opportunity to weigh in in private. Weigh ins should only be conducted by female’s officials/witness.

5.5) Safety Weigh-Ins. The final and official weigh-in of the fighters shall occur no less than 24 hours but not more than 30 hours prior to a WBC MuayThai bout due to the possible adverse results of dehydration and subsequent rehydration of boxers to make the required weight limit for a bout. Further, in order to encourage safe weight loss in advance of a WBC MuayThai bout, additional official safety weigh-ins are to be held 30 and 7 days prior to the official 30-24-hour weigh- in for non-heavyweight boxers. The boxers’ weight should be as follows:

30-day weigh-in: 30 days prior to the bout, the boxers’ weight should not exceed 10% of the weight limit for the bout;
14-day weigh-in: 14-days prior to the bout, the boxers’ weight should not exceed 5% of the weight limit for the bout
7-day weigh-in: 7 days prior to the bout, the boxers’ weight should not exceed 3% of the weight limit for the bout.Fighters and their representatives, managers, and trainers, and promoters, and not the WBC MuayThai, are solely responsible to arrange the pre-bout safety weigh-ins and medical examinations and tests required by this rule. Failure on the part of those parties to comply with this rule’s requirements may result in the WBC MuayThai taking such actions as it deemed appropriate in its sole discretion including, but not limited to, imposing fines, suspensions, removal from the ratings, revocation of challenger status and opportunities, or vacating a title.In the event that a fighter exceeds any weight limitation stated above, the WBC MuayThai may, for the safety of the fighter or their opponent, revoke or deny its sanction of the bout, in addition to any other disciplinary action as it shall deem appropriate in its discretion.

RULE 6: PAYING HOMAGE

6.1) Paying Homage: Before the bout, every fighter should pay homage to the ancient arts and customs of MuayThai, accompanied by Thai musical instruments of a Javanese oboe, a Javanese tom-tom (drum), and a pair of small cup-shaped cymbals for rhythms. The bout will start after paying homage, and at a minimum, both fighters seal the ring.

The performing of the Wai Kru/Ram is not religious but rather a cultural art forms unique to the sport and culture of MuayThai.

RULE 7: ROUNDS

7.1) Rounds for competition: A professional WBC MuayThai championship bout consists of five (5) rounds of three (3) minutes each with two (2) minutes rest periods between rounds. Female bouts consist of five (5) rounds of two (2)minutes each with two (2) minutes resting period between rounds with the resting period between rounds belonging to the previous round.

*WBC MuayThai professional female championship fights may be contested over three (3) minute rounds with the agreement of the local Combat Sports Commission, both fighter’s camps, and the WBC MuayThai appointed supervisor.

RULE 8: FIGHTER’S QUALIFICATIONS AND PROHIBITIONS

8.1) The minimum age to complete a WBC MuayThai professional title is 18-years old.

8.2) The minimum weight is 100 pounds to qualify for the minimum weight division.

RULE 9: SECONDS

9.1) A fighter may have three (3), seconds, but only two (2) seconds are allowed into the ring during a round interval with the chief second identified in the WBC MuayThai rules meeting.

The Seconds Duties:

9.2) The seconds are allowed to give verbal advice only, from a safe distance, during the fight, if they violate the rule, the referee will warn, caution, or discharge them their duties.

9.3) During the bout, the seconds must stay on their seats. Before each round, they must clear towels, water bottles, and other materials from the ring edge.

9.4) During a round interval, the second must check the fighter’s gloves, shorts, or any other relevant items, if there are any problems, the chief second must notify the referee immediately to solve them.

9.5) Seconds shall not use rude words and they shall not hurt (physically) the fighters during the bout, or after.

9.6) Seconds must wear a corner jacket/vest, with no rude words or rude symbols on the corner jackets.

9.7) Seconds may arrange their own material, equipment, and medical supplies at their corners as follows:

Water

Ice

Towels

The adrenaline of 1/1000 solution or other substances as approved ring doctor

Gauze

Cotton buds

A pair of safety scissors

Wound bandages

Absorbent cotton bandages or wound soft bandages

9.8) Fighter’s chief second may look to pull their fighter from a fight to protect their safety by stepping up onto the ring apron to grab the attention of the referee. He/she is not allowed to throw a sponge or a towel into the ring. And the final decision to call off a bout will rest with the referee who may consult with the ringside doctor.

RULE 10: REFEREES

10.1) The referees must wear blue or black trousers, a light green shirt or black polo shirt with official WBCMuayThai logo on the left-hand side pocket, and wear lightweight boots or a WBC branded polo shirt. They shall not wear eyeglasses or metal ornaments. Their fingernails must be neatly cut.

10.2) The Referee’s duties:

The referee’s main priority is safeguarding and protecting fighters from undue injuries.

The referee must always uphold rules and justice.

The referee must closely control the bout at all times with a duty of care for both fighters as his/her priority.

The referee must inspect the fighter’s gloves, dresses, and gum shields.

The referee must use three commands as follows.

“หยุด” (YUD): To order the fighter to stop.

“แยก” (YAK): To order the fighter to separate from each other. After the “แยก” command, both fighters must step back at least one step before engaging in the fight again.

“ชก” (CHOK): To order the fighters to fight.

The referee must utter strong verbal utterances to offending fighters.

The referee shall not allow a fighter who intentionally violates rules to gain an advantage, e.g., grabbing ropes to kick or knee his opponent, etc.

The referee shall not engage in any action which may jeopardize the fighters who may gain or lose advantages, e.g.,fast-slow counting, warning or no warning, etc.

At the end of each round, the referee must collect the scorecards from the three judges. After that, he/she will hand all score cards to the WBC MuayThai supervisor for tabulation on the scoring master sheet.

The referee shall neither criticize nor give an interview about the future fights or the past fight results unless he gets permission from Chairman of the ring officials.

The Referee’s Power:

To stop the contest when seeing that one boxer is outclassing the other to the extent that there is a risk to the health and safety of a fighter.

To stop the contest when seeing that the fighter is too seriously injured to continue to bout. He/she may consult with the ring doctor for professional consolation.

To stop the contest when seeing that the fighters intentionally disrupting the in this case, either fighter or both may be disqualified.

To stop the counting when seeing that if he continues the count, the fighter may be in danger.

To stop the count when the opponent has not gone to the furthest neutral corner before the count is finished.

To stop the action to warn or caution the fighter to violate rules or for other reasons to restore justice or enforce rules.

To disqualify the fighter who ignores the referee’s commands, who physically harms the referee, or who aggressively offends the referee.

To discharge from duty, the second who disobeys the referee may disqualify the fighter whose second disobeys the referee’s orders.

For the fighter who severely violates rules, the referee has the power to disqualify him, or he may declare the bout “no decision” after warning or cautioning, or ever without any previous warning or cautioning.

To caution the fighter who violates the rules, the referee must stop the action before he/she cautions the offended boxer so that the fighter understands the cause and objective of the referee must show a hand signal, pointing to the fighter to inform all judges that there is a caution. The referee must disqualify the fighter who has been given three cautions or declare “no decision” if it is a serious offense, the referee may disqualify him even though there is no previous caution.

Counting procedure for fighters outside the stage.

When a fighter has been attacked by his opponent’s legal weapons, and as a result, the fighter falls off outside the stage, the referee must order his opponent to go to the furthest neutral If the boxer outside the stage is too slow to get into the stage, the referee shall count immediately.

For the fighter falling outside the ring, the referee shall count to “ยสบ” (YISIP) or twenty (20).

When a fighter or both falls off outside the ring, the referee shall count to “ยสบ” (20).

If the fighter manages to get into the ring before the count of twenty, the bout will continue.

When a fighter falls off outside the ring, the referee shall stop continue if the fighter is obstructed or delayed going up into the ring by any person. The referee shall clearly warn the offender and continue the count. If the offender disobeys, the referee shall stop the bout and disqualify a fighter.

When both fighters fall off outside the ring, the referee shall count. If either boxer tries to delay the action, the referee shall stop counting and clearly warns the After that, the referee will continue the count. If the offender disobeys, the referee shall disqualify that boxer to lose the fight or of “No Decision.”

If both fighters fall off outside the ring, the referee shall When a fighter can get back into the ring before the count of twenty, the fighter the winner.

However, if both fighters cannot get back into the ring before the count of “ยสบ” twenty, the referee shall declare a draw.

RULE 11: JUDGES

11.1) Judges must dress the same as the referees. They may wear eyeglasses when performing their duties. The judge’s duties are as follows:

11.2) Each judge must sit next to the ring on three sides with no one impeding their view. During the bout, the judges shall not speak with anyone. If necessary, they may speak with the WBC MuayThai appointed supervisor during the resting interval of rounds to inform them that there have been some incidents e.g., the second’s misconduct and losing of ropes, etc.

11.3) Judges must score the bout objectively, with clear and independent thought, and score according to the rules. They must record scores on the score cards immediately after each They must sign the score cards before handing them to the referee.

11.4) Judges shall not leave their seats until the ring announcer declares the official result and the referee raises a winner’s hand or both for a draw.

11.5) Judges shall neither criticize nor give an interview about fight results or the past fight results unless they get permission from the chairman of the ring officials.

RULE 12: TIMEKEEPER

12.1) The timekeeper must sit beside the ring at delighted seats. Their duties are as follows

12.2) The timekeeper’s duties: To keep the number of rounds and fighting time for each round, resting interval time between rounds, and time of time-outs.

12.3) To signal for the beginning and the ending of round by striking the bell.

12.4) To signal for five (5) seconds before beginning each round to clear the stage.

12.5) To deduct the interruption time or the time stopped by the referee’s order.

12.6) To always keep the correct time by stopwatch or clock.

12.7) The timekeeper shall not give the bell signal while the referee is counting even though the fighting time of that round The timekeeper will strike the bell when the referee order “ชก” (CHOK).

RULE 13: DECISIONS

Winning by Points

When the bout ends, there are three possible outcomes for winning on points.

Unanimous Decision (UPD), all 3 judges favor the same fighter.

Split Decision (SPD) 2 judges favor one fighter & 1 judge favors the other fighter.

Majority Decision (MPD) 2 judges favor one fighter & 1 judge scores a draw.

Winning by Knockout (KO)

If the fighter is knocked down and cannot continue the fight after ten (10) seconds, their opponent will win by knockout.

Winning by Technical Knockout (TKO)

A fighter wins the contest by technical knockout in such conditions as follows:

When a fighter outclasses their opponent very clearly or one-sided out-points their opponent in such conditions that his opponent may be seriously injured.

When his/her opponent cannot continue the contest immediately after the resting interval of a round.

When his/her opponent is so seriously injured that he cannot continue the contest.

When his/her opponent has been counted for more than two (2) times (=3 times) in one round or more than four (4) times (=5 times) all though in the span of the contest since the first round.

When his opponent has fallen out of the ring and he cannot get back into the ring after the referee has counted “ยสบ” (YISIP) or twenty (20)

His/her opponent willfully withdraws from the contest because of injury or other causes.

Winning by Disqualification of Opponent

No Titles Contests

In case a fighter does not pass the ring doctor’s physical examination, or they do not make the division weight-in, or he/she does not show up to compete as scheduled, the title will be declared a “No Contest”

*In a title contest when the champion cannot make weight or pass the physical examination or fails to show then his title will be declared vacant.

*If the champion is overweight (he/she loses the title on the scales) and the two fighters agree to fight, and the champion is beaten, then the challenger will be declared the new champion.

*If the challenger can’t make weight the event will be declared a no contest.

A Draw Decision

A contest will be decided as a draw on the following condition:

There are three possible scoring decisions for a drawn contest:

Unanimous Draw (UD) All 3 judges score the contest a draw

Majority Draw (MD) 2 judges score it a draw, and 1 judge has a winner

Split Draw (SD) judge scores it a draw and the other 2 judges have a different winner.

When both fighters are knocked down, and they have been counted out of “สบ”

(SIP) or ten (10).

When both boxers have fallen out of the ring, they cannot continue.

No Decision

When the referee considers that either boxer or both “fight dishonorably,” he declares that “There is no decision for this bout as the red corner / blue corner / or both fighters fight dishonorably”

No Contests

In case the fighters intentionally spoil the fight and they have been warned and cautioned by the referee, but they keep on spoiling the fight, the referee shall stop the contest and shall declare “No contest for his bout.”

Cancellation of Contest

In case of the ring damage, a riot from spectators, or an unexpected situation causing it impossible to continue the contest, the referee shall cancel the contest and declares “Cancellation of the contest.”

Vacated Titles

If a current WBC MuayThai champion fight in any MuayThai contest, in or under his/her championship weight category, and loses by KO and TKO, his/her WBC MuayThai title will be declared vacant.

Accidental Injuries from Head Butts or other causes

If a fighter can not continue in a championship after sustaining a fight ending injury from caused by an accidental clash of heads or other causes, the outcome of the fight will be decided by a TKO loss for the fighter who can not continue.

RULE 14: SCORING PROCEDURES

Competent scoring must be done using the following criteria:

When the fighter uses their fists, feet, knees, and elbows as effective and controlled MuayThai fighting weapons to attack their opponent powerfully, accurately, and according to the rules with effective and powerful techniques scoring higher than less effective strikes. The effective execution of any weapon will score higher than a less effective/timid execution of another weapon.

Scoring Procedures

Fighters who can do more damage to their opponent using all MuayThai fighting weapons effectively, with heavier, powerful, and accurate attacks on their opponent, using clear, effective aggression with their offensive skills (damage), ring-craft skills (dominance), and defensive skills (disruption) by MuayThai arts and techniques, all contribute to a boxer winning the round – with extra credibility leaning towards the effective execution of attacking techniques.

The Ten Point Must System & Scoring Explained

The winner of a round must have 10 points

The loser of a round will get 9, 8, 7, or a low of 6, depending on various factors in the round.

If there is no clear winner, both fighters will get 10 points – if in doubt – score it even point deductions by a referee for fouls in a championship fight are cumulated on the supervisor’s master sheet

A 10-10 score shall be given when a judge’s mental computation at the end of the round is not clear enough to give a highly questionable round to either fighter.

Just because you have been instructed against scoring even rounds, it would be unfair to a fighter to score a round in favor of the other fighter if your mental computer witnessed no difference.

A 10-9 score shall be given in a round with a slight advantage in overall action favoring one fighter.

A 10-9 score shall be given, also, when there is a clear advantage but not an overwhelming advantage.

A 10-8 score shall be given when there is a knockdown, and the rest of the round is a very slight advantage for the fighter who scored the knockdown

A 10-8 score shall be given when there is an overwhelming one-sided round; even without a knockdown, a real beating by one of the fighters over the other shall be always a 10-8 round

A 10-9 score shall be given to fighter A when fighter B takes an eight-count, but B clearly and unquestionably wins the rest of the round, before and after the knockdown

A 10-10 score shall be given when a knocked down fighter gets up and then knocks down his rival with the rest of the round, somehow even

A 10-9 score should be given when both fighters are knocked down – but one of them wins the rest of the round

A 10-7 score shall be given on two knockdowns of the same fighter – but always consider what happened before and the knockdowns

No round should be scored lower than 10-6

Make sure that your scorecard is accurate and reflects your decision on each round before handing the card to the referee

At the start of each round, a judge will set his/her mental computer at the sound of the bell to 10-10, even or no advantage count

When a judge’s mind is immersed – without any distraction to compute even scoring – and sees no difference in the action of the fighters precisely at the end of the round – this is a 10-10 round

Your competent mental computing has one of the fighters slightly ahead of the other based on what you witnessed over the entire round. As we do not want many even rounds, a slight advantage should be a 10-9 round (Close)

Your computing of the actions leads you to have one of the fighters ahead after completing the entire round. This is also a 10-9 round (Moderate)

Your computing of the actions leads you to have one of the fighters winning the round by a large margin of victory. This is also a 10-9 round (Decisive)

Your mental count sees one fighter give a one-sided beating and hurt their opponent throughout the round – the only thing missing was a knockdown. This is a 10- 8 round – don’t fear being right (Extreme Decisive)

Clean and effective strikes: Landing punches, elbows, knees, or kicks to the scoring area of your opponent with power, volume, and accuracy to cause damage, domination, or disruption to your opponent

Damage: If a fighter is trying to hurt their opponent, a judge should look for evidence of damage knocking your opponent down, staggering your opponent, significant blows that slow your opponent’s attacking prowess

Domination: If a fighter is trying to control their opponent, a judge should look for evidence of domination, an overwhelming advantage in strikes landed repeated initiates action during exchanges repeatedly lands the last strike in exchanges

Disruption: If a fighter is trying to prevent their opponent from hurting or controlling them, a judge should look for evidence of disruption, effective counter strikes that alter an opponent’s strategy that force an opponent to grab, and hold strikes that force an opponent into a defensive posture

Effective Aggression: A forceful willingness to attack your opponent (either moving forward, backward or remaining stationary) where your strikes land accurately and force on your opponent. Remember, there is a fundamental difference between effective aggression and aggression

Ring Generalship: Controlling the balance, pace, positioning, and style of the fight to a greater degree than that of your opponent

Defense: Displaying successful evasive maneuvers to avoid being hit and showcasing defensive mechanisms as part of an offensive strategy to attack your opponent and negate their attacks

Concentrate on your task over the entire fight

Treat each round separately
Never look back at the previous round · Do not look forward to the next round
Look for: Damage, Dominance, Disruption
Evaluate: Effective Aggression, Ring Generalship & Defense

When scoring knockdowns, one knockdown in a round is not automatically a 10-8 round, two knockdowns in a round in not automatically a 10-7 round, and three knockdowns in a round are not automatically a 10-6 round; a judge must also take into consideration what happened in action before and after the knockdown (s)

Clinch scoring

Scoring in the clinch

(i) MuayThai technique must land on target with power

(ii) MuayThai technique must be effective, or it is not scored

(iii) MuayThai technique must not have a foul or follow a foul

Clinch general

(i) where scoring clinching techniques are applied by one or both fighters, the clinch will be allowed to run.

(ii) where both fighters are using a nonpowerful clinch technique, then the clinch will be stopped.

(iii) if both fighters are working for a dominant clinch position without any striking, the clinch will be allowed to run for a period if both fighters are working and not locking, holding, or being inactive.

(iv) if both fighters cannot work to a dominant clinch position, the clinch will be stopped immediately.

(v) if one fighter applies for an effective lock position, for a period, the clinch is stopped.

(vi) if one fighter applies a successful defense technique where no more scoring techniques can be applied, the clinch is stopped.

RULE 15: VIOLATIONS OF RULES

Biting, eye-poking, spitting on the opponent, head butting or striking to the groin.

Back-breaking, using Judo throws and wrestling techniques.

Intentional rope grabbing to gain advantage over your opponent.

Using provocative manners and words during contest.

Disobeying the referee’s orders.

Knee striking at the opponent’s protective cup, e.g., neck holding for knee striking at the protective cup, straight knee striking at the protective cup, or jumping knee striking at the protective cup. For these violations, the referee has the right to allow a resting time-out not more than five (5) minutes for the boxer who’s protective, the referee shall declare him/her as the loser or “no decision”.

Catching the opponent’s leg and pushing forwards more than two (2) steps without using any weapon. The referee shall order a fighter to stop and give a warning. After two warnings, the referee shall caution him.

After kicking with his kicking leg being caught, the boxer pretends to throw himself down on ring floor. It is considered taking advantage of his/her opponent. The referee shall give him/her a warning. If the boxer repasts the action and the referee has given him/her two warnings; the referee shall caution him/her.

When both fighters fall out of the ring and either boxer tries to delay the action.

Any strikes to the back of the head, neck, or spine.

Deliberate kicks to the groin area.

RULE 16: KNOCKDOWNS

A “knockdown means a situation when a fighter falls to the canvas from a legal strike in which the referee must do a mandatory 8-count.

A fighter leans helplessly on the ring ropes or leans on the ring ropes, or he/she sits on the ring ropes caused by legal strikes in which the referee must either call the bout off or give the fighter a mandatory 8-count.

After serious blows, he/she manages to withstand them without a fall, but in the condition that he/she cannot defend himself.

Procedure for a knockdown

In case a fighter is attacked, and he/she is knocked down, the referee shall count at the same time he orders the opponent to go to the furthest neutral corner If the opponent disobeys this order, the referee must stop counting until that fighter goes to the furthest neutral corner. By then, he/she will continue to count the number next to the last counted one. When the knocked-down boxer stands up and is ready, “ชก” (CHOK).

In case the knocked down fighter manages to stand up before the referee

counts out of “สบ” (SIP) or ten (10), and ready to continue, but his count is not yet “แปด”

(PAD) or eight (8), the referee must continue counting until “แปด” (8) before he orders “ชก”

(CHOK) to continue the bout.

If the knocked down fighter is ready to continue before the count of “สบ

” Or

ten (10), but he falls again without any additional attacks; the referee shall continue to count the number next to the last counted one.

In the knocked down fighter is ready to continue before “ส”

” Or ten (10), it shall be considered that the contest is over, and the referee shall declare that the knocked down fighter loses the bout “knockout.”

In case both fighters fall simultaneously, the referee shall keep on continue if there is still one boxer in the ring If both fighters cannot manage to stand

up until they are counted out of “สบ

” Or ten (10), the referee shall declare a “draw.” If both down fighters have their arms or legs tangled or one fighter is on top of the other but trying to stand up, the referee must stop the count and separate them. After that, he continues his count if there is still one fighter down on the ring floor.

In case of a knockdown, the referee must wait for one (1) second to pass by before he/she starts counting loudly from one to ten with a one-second interval. Along with his counting action, the referee must show a hand signal each second for that boxer to recognize the count.

In case there is one fighter not ready to continue the bout immediately after the resting interval between rounds, the referee must count unless due to improper dressing or the ring floor and stage are not in good condition for the contest.

RULE 17: HANDSHAKES & RESPECT

Both fighters shall shake hands before beginning of the first-round contest and before beginning of the final round contest symbolizing that they will compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and in accordance with rules.

RULE 18: RING DOCTOR

The ring doctor’s duties: The ring doctor must be at a designated ringside seat throughout the contest until the last bout ends. The following are also the ring doctor’s duties:

To check the fighter’s physical examination before the weigh-in to certify that the fighter is physically fit and healthy, without any prohibited disease or sickness.

To give advice and suggestion to the referee on request and to offer medical attention to fighters who may require immediate medical treatment.

To perform random anti-doping tests in accordance with VADA rules and the rules of the World Boxing Council MuayThai.

RULE 19: DRUGS OR PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

It is prohibited to let a fighter use any drugs or chemical substances, which are not part of a fighter’s usual diet.

It is possible to use a substance for local anesthesia, but only with the ring doctor’s approval.

A fighter who uses a prohibited substance, or the person who gives a fighter a prohibited substance, must be penalized by WBC MuayThai executive committee.

A fighter or an official who violates regulations of drugs or prohibited substances must be penalized and prohibited from any bout or participation in any MuayThai activities for a period decided by the WBC MuayThai Executive Committee.

RULE 20: CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENSES & APPEALS

20.1 Timing of Defenses

The WBC MuayThai’s policy is to offer opportunities to ranked fighters to compete for its titles, and thus the WBC MuayThai seeks to prevent titles from being frozen due to inactivity by champions. Therefore, where possible, a WBC MuayThai champion should strive to defend their title at least twice a year, with the following rules being strictly enforced unless otherwise authorized by the president of the WBC MuayThai.

20.2 World Champions

World champions have an obligation to defend their titles within a period of six months, from the date of their first championship win, or from the date of their most recent championship defense. After the six-month period expires, a world champion will receive a further 60-day period of grace (at the sole discretion of The WBC MuayThai) in order to accommodate the champion to have a championship defense or for the champion or champion’s representative to notify the WBC MuayThai of a planned title defense. Upon or during the grace period of 60-days, should the WBC MuayThai not receive any communication from the champion or the champion’s representative to notify of a planned defense, the WBC MuayThai has the right to vacate the relevant champion of their world title without any prior written or oral notice. If a champion or champions representative refuses a world title defense, The WBC MuayThai in its sole discretion has the right to immediately vacate a WBC MuayThai world champion of their status as world champion.

20.3 International Champions

International champions have six months from the day they win their title, to either defend their championship or notify the WBC MuayThai of a confirmed title defense (within a reasonable timeframe), failure to do so allows the WBC MuayThai to vacate the champion at any time thereafter the six-month period, without prior written or oral notification.

It is the responsibility of a champion or champions representative to communicate to the WBC MuayThai head office or a WBC MuayThai representative their intention to defend their title before the expiration of the six-month period.

20.4 Regional champions

All regional champions may keep their title for a period of 6 months, with a further 2-month notification of the planned defense period. When the 6-month period expires, a regional, national, or state champion must notify the local WBC MuayThai representative of a planned defense. If no direct communication takes place, from the champions team to the local WBC MuayThai representative, the WBC MuayThai, or an authorized person acting on behalf of the WBC MuayThai has the right to vacate the title without any prior written or verbal notice, 8 months from the date of a champion winning their title.

20.5 Champions Belt/Champions Weights

A champion, when defending his/her WBC MuayThai belt, must bring their belt to the weigh-in for publicity and also must bring their belt to the ring for the fight – for the duration of the fight the belt will be kept with the WBC MuayThai fight supervisor. Should a defending champion lose their title in the contest, the belt will be presented to the new champion in the ring, for the purpose of publicity, only, the belt will be returned to a losing champion immediately after the publicity photos are completed on the day of the fight. All new champions will receive a new belt from the WBC MuayThai within one month of winning a title. The promoter of a WBC MuayThai championship is responsible for purchasing a new champion’s belt.

A defending champion is not entitled to receive a new belt when they make a successful title defense, however, upon request, a promoter may purchase a new belt for a successful defending champion, however, this belt is a replica, as only when a vacant title is won on more than one occasion is a champion then recognized a multi-time WBC MuayThai champion.

All WBC MuayThai champions, from regional up to world champions, can only hold one WBC MuayThai title at one weight class, they can not be a champion in two weight classes at the same time.

20.6 Championship Appeals

Only World title and International title contest results can be appealed through the Bangkok head office, all regional and national titles contest results must be appealed through the relevant regional WBC MuayThai committee or representative. Appeals must be received within 7-days of the completion of a title contest with the following information attached, (a). high definition unobstructed footage of the fight and a written reason for the appeal sent to muaythai@wbcmuaythai.com. All decisions by the 3-person (for world and International titles only) championship review committee are final.

RULE 21: MEDICAL PROTOCOLS & TIMING OF BOUTS

No fighter will be allowed to fight for a WBC MuayThai title should they lose via TKO within a 45-days of a proposed WBC MuayThai title contest and 60-days if losing via KO (suspension may be longer deeding on the severity of the KO).

No fighter can contest for a WBC MuayThai championship contest having fought inside of 30-days before the scheduled date for a WBC MuayThai championship contest, on the grounds of safety – any fighter violating this rule automatically gives the WBC MuayThai the right to revoke sanctioning for a WBC MuayThai championship when a fighter takes a fight inside the 30-day period of contesting for a WBC MuayThai championship.

Any fighter being considered for a WBC MuayThai championship who has lost their most recent fight via KO or TKO within 90-days of the proposed date for a WBC MuayThai championship must undergo a full medical exam by a registered physician, be fully cleared by a locally registered physician (documentation of clearance to be provided to the WBC MuayThai) before any consideration is given by the WBC MuayThai to sanction a bout.

Post Knockout/Technical Knockout Examinations. To protect the health and welfare of fighters, a fighter who has been knocked out (KO) or (TKO)must undergo a medical examination as quickly as possible after the bout. Such examinations should be conducted under the authority of the local combat sports commission where the bout occurred, the fighter’s local commission, or any medical authority approved by the WBC MuayThai. The following examinations should be conducted on a fighter who suffers a knockout, technical knockout, or other circumstance in which the fighter has sustained extraordinary severity of blows in a contest: a physical examination, but not limited to include a complete neurological examination, MRI/CAT Scan, or any other medical examination or tests recommended by the WBC MuayThai medical advisory board, or the attending fight physician, or local combat sports commission medical requirements.

Rest Periods after Knockout. Fighters that suffered a concussion or any other serious trauma or injury by knockout should not participate in sparring sessions for a minimum of 45 days and no less than 30 days after any other concussive trauma, including but not limited to knockout.

Suspension after Knockouts. A fighter suffering a knockout will be suspended for a minimum period of sixty (60) days. A fighter suffering two (2) consecutive knockouts will be suspended for one hundred twenty (120) days and must not be considered for a WBC MuayThai championship contest. No fighter will be allowed to fight for a WBC MuayThai title should they lose via TKO within 45-days of a proposed WBC MuayThai title contest. The minimum 60-day suspension after suffering a KO will be enforced.

No fighter should be approved to fight for any WBC MuayThai title bout should that fighter have a fight scheduled to take place before the date of a proposed WBC MuayThai title bout, as the outcome of any impending fight may affect the sanctioning of the upcoming WBC MuayThai title contest on the grounds of medical safety.

Rule 22: Youth Title Contests

Under 18s age groups range from 14 to 17year old and are set out over two divisions:
Under 16s: 14- & 15-year-olds and Under 18s: 16- & 17-year-olds.

The implementation of WBC MuayThai rules is for the safeguarding of all those athletes who contest championship titles. It is important to note that the weight spread between athletes must not exceed 3 kg at the time of the weigh-in. National IDs and/or Passports must be checked on the weigh-in day. Official weigh in`s for all under 16s & 18s are carried out on the day of the event.

All under 16s & 18s are required to sign the Parental/Guardian consent agreement form at the official weight into the appointed WBC MuayThai supervisor,

Under 18s age groups range from 14 to 17year old.
•Under 16s: 14- & 15-year-olds.
•Under 18s: 16- & 17-year-olds.

Personnel protective equipment (PPE).
Head guards, Hand wraps. Shin guards. Gum shields.
Gloves 10oz & 12oz. Groin protection and Body & Chest protection.

Head guards are mandatory for both groups to prevent possible injuries. The health and safety of all students is a priority, and we review our safety standards with an ongoing policy and duty of care.

Under 16s rules for both males and females.
WBC MuayThai title championships for: 14 & 15-year-olds.
Rounds are to be staged over five (5) by one (1) minute thirty (30) second rounds with one (1) minute thirty (30) seconds rest between rounds.
No elbow strikes of any kind are permitted.
No strikes of any kind to the head are permitted.

No spinning back fists.

Mandatory fighters’ PPE.
10 or 12oz gloves, gum shield, groin guard, hand wraps, cloth shin guards, head guard and body protection (male), breast protection (female).

Male & Female weight divisions.

Super-Welterweight 69.8kgs

Welterweight 66.6kgs
Super-Lightweight 63.5kgs
Lightweight 61.2kgs
Super-Featherweight 58.9kgs
Featherweight 57.1kgs
Super-Bantamweight 55.3kgs
Bantamweight 53.5kgs
Super-Flyweight 52.1kgs
Flyweight 50.8kgs
Light-flyweight 48.9kgs
Mini-flyweight 47.7kgs
Atom weight 45.0kgs

Under 18s, rules for both males and females.
WBC MuayThai title championships for 16 & 17-year-old athletes.
Rounds to be staged over five (5) X two (2) minute rounds with one (1) minute thirty (30) seconds rest between rounds.
No elbow strikes of any kind are permitted.
No knee strikes to the head.
Mandatory fighters’ PPE.
10 or 12oz gloves, gum shield, groin guard, hand wraps, cloth shin guards, and head guards.

Breast protection for female athletes.

Body protection (male) optional.

Male & Female weight divisions

Middleweight 72.5 kgs

Super-Welterweight 69.8kgs

Gloves are to be provided by the promoter and should be red and blue in color to represent the fighter’s corner. However, this is not binding; if using multicolor gloves, WBC MuayThai supervisors need to make sure external red or blue tape covers the wrist area of the gloves. Other PPE may also be provided by the promoter to ensure both young athletes have the same degree of protection.

All PPE must be inspected by the appointed WBC MuayThai supervisor for final pre-bout approval.

All other rules and policies of the WBC MuayThai apply.

Government Legislation.

Legislation in any country or territory conducting a MuayThai-sanctioned (officiated) title supersedes any WBC MuayThai rules or regulations. WBC MuayThai officials are to strictly enforce the rules and regulations nationally, and they can only be adjusted when a state or territory government legislation requires a stricter rule or has determined a specific rule to be legislated. All WBC MuayThai rules are superseded by local state legislation, where a local combat sports commission enforces stricter rules.

Official source: The WBC Association has a great overview of the respective points here https://www.wbcmuaythai.com/rules-regulations/

RULE 20: CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENSES & APPEALS

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