Albanian Mixed Martial Arts Federation

#### Age 10-12 years
1. *No hitting in the face.*
2. *Duration of the match:* 3 rounds of 1 minute each, with 1 minute rest between rounds.
3. *Techniques allowed:* Catching and throwing, controlling the opponent on the ground without striking, grappling and closing techniques.
4. *Safety:* The use of protective equipment is mandatory, including mouth guards, protective gloves, and head protection.

#### Age 13-15
1. *No hitting in the face.*
2. *Duration of the match:* 3 rounds of 2 minutes each, with 1 minute rest between rounds.
3. *Techniques allowed:* Catching and throwing, controlling the opponent on the ground without striking, grappling and closing techniques.
4. *Safety:* The use of protective equipment is mandatory, including mouth guards, protective gloves, and head protection.

#### Age 16-17
1. *Blows to the head with head protection are allowed.*
2. *Duration of the match:* 3 rounds of 2 minutes each, with 1 minute rest between rounds.
3. *Allowed techniques:* Catching, throwing, controlling the opponent on the ground, body and head strikes, grappling and closing techniques.
4. *Safety:* The use of protective equipment is mandatory, including mouth guards, protective gloves (4-5 inches), and head protection.

#### Age 17-18
1. *Blows to the head with head protection are allowed.*
2. *Duration of the match:* 3 rounds of 2 minutes each, with 1 minute rest between rounds.
3. *Allowed techniques:* Catching, throwing, controlling the opponent on the ground, body and head strikes, grappling and closing techniques.
4. *Safety:* The use of protective equipment is mandatory, including mouth guards, protective gloves (4-5 inches), and head protection.

#### Age 18+ (Amateur Rules)
1. *Blows to the head are allowed.*
2. *Duration of the match:* 3 rounds of 3 minutes each, with 1 minute rest between rounds.
3. *Allowed techniques:* Catching, throwing, controlling the opponent on the ground, body and head strikes, grappling and closing techniques.
4. *Safety:* The use of protective equipment is mandatory, including mouthguards and protective gloves. Head protectors are optional, based on the specific rules of the tournament organizer.

These rules are designed to provide a safe and fair environment for all athletes, taking into account their age and experience level.

In amateur MMA, judges evaluate the performance of athletes based on several main criteria: clean strikes, control of the match, catches and throws, takedown attempts, exits from catches and combinations. Points are scored in each round and make up the overall match score.

#### Evaluation Criteria

1. *Clean Shots:*
- *Clean and effective blows to the body and head (for the age groups where they are allowed):* The accuracy, power and frequency of the blows are evaluated.
- *Punching and Kicking:* Points are earned for clear and effective strikes that affect the opponent.

2. *Match Control and Domination:*
- *Ring/cage control:* Dominating the ring/cage by keeping the opponent under pressure and in unfavorable positions.
- *Ground control:* Maintaining good positions on the ground and preventing the opponent from lifting or grabbing.
- *Ground Domination:* Points are earned for controlling and keeping the opponent in unfavorable positions on the ground (ground and pound).

3. *Catches and Throws:*
- *Successful Catches:* Points are earned for successful catches and throws that bring the opponent to the ground.
- *Post Throw Control:* Retain control after the throw to continue attacking or attempting finishes.

4. *Closing Attempts (Submissions):*
- *Effective Shutdown Attempts:* Points are earned for clear and determined attempts to shut down the opponent.
- *Near Attempts:* Points are awarded for attempts that are close to the end of the match (eg chokes or locks that are almost over).

5. *Escapes:*
- *Successful exits from captures:* Points are earned for successful exits from opponent's capture techniques.
- *Return to neutral positions:* Points are earned for returning to neutral or favorable positions after exiting the hold.

6. *Combinations:*
- *Combinations of strikes:* Points are earned for successful combinations of strikes involving more than one technique (eg, punches followed by kicks or grabs).
- *Continuous Attacks:* Points are earned for continuous and well-organized attacks that keep the opponent under pressure.

#### Point Scheme per Round
1. *10-9:* Clear winner of the round.
2. *10-8:* Visible dominance by one athlete, with clear control of the match.
3. *10-7:* Absolute dominance, where the opponent has little or no success.

#### Age 10-12 years
1. *No hitting in the face.*
2. *Duration of the match:* 3 rounds of 1 minute each, with 1 minute rest between rounds.
3. *Techniques allowed:* Catching and throwing, controlling the opponent on the ground without striking, grappling and closing techniques.
4. *Safety:* The use of protective equipment is mandatory, including mouth guards, protective gloves, and head protection.

#### Age 13-15
1. *No hitting in the face.*
2. *Duration of the match:* 3 rounds of 2 minutes each, with 1 minute rest between rounds.
3. *Techniques allowed:* Catching and throwing, controlling the opponent on the ground without striking, grappling and closing techniques.
4. *Safety:* The use of protective equipment is mandatory, including mouth guards, protective gloves, and head protection.

#### Age 16-17
1. *Blows to the head with head protection are allowed.*
2. *Duration of the match:* 3 rounds of 2 minutes each, with 1 minute rest between rounds.
3. *Allowed techniques:* Catching, throwing, controlling the opponent on the ground, body and head strikes, grappling and closing techniques.
4. *Safety:* The use of protective equipment is mandatory, including mouth guards, protective gloves (4-5 inches), and head protection.

#### Age 17-18
1. *Blows to the head with head protection are allowed.*
2. *Duration of the match:* 3 rounds of 2 minutes each, with 1 minute rest between rounds.
3. *Allowed techniques:* Catching, throwing, controlling the opponent on the ground, body and head strikes, grappling and closing techniques.
4. *Safety:* The use of protective equipment is mandatory, including mouth guards, protective gloves (4-5 inches), and head protection.

#### Age 18+ (Amateur Rules)
1. *Blows to the head are allowed.*
2. *Duration of the match:* 3 rounds of 3 minutes each, with 1 minute rest between rounds.
3. *Allowed techniques:* Catching, throwing, controlling the opponent on the ground, body and head strikes, grappling and closing techniques.
4. *Safety:* The use of protective equipment is mandatory, including mouthguards and protective gloves. Head protectors are optional, based on the specific rules of the tournament organizer.

These rules are designed to provide a safe and fair environment for all athletes, taking into account their age and experience level.

In amateur MMA, judges evaluate the performance of athletes based on several main criteria: clean strikes, control of the match, catches and throws, takedown attempts, exits from catches and combinations. Points are scored in each round and make up the overall match score.

#### Evaluation Criteria

1. *Clean Shots:*
- *Clean and effective blows to the body and head (for the age groups where they are allowed):* The accuracy, power and frequency of the blows are evaluated.
- *Punching and Kicking:* Points are earned for clear and effective strikes that affect the opponent.

2. *Match Control and Domination:*
- *Ring/cage control:* Dominating the ring/cage by keeping the opponent under pressure and in unfavorable positions.
- *Ground control:* Maintaining good positions on the ground and preventing the opponent from lifting or grabbing.
- *Ground Domination:* Points are earned for controlling and keeping the opponent in unfavorable positions on the ground (ground and pound).

3. *Catches and Throws:*
- *Successful Catches:* Points are earned for successful catches and throws that bring the opponent to the ground.
- *Post Throw Control:* Retain control after the throw to continue attacking or attempting finishes.

4. *Closing Attempts (Submissions):*
- *Effective Shutdown Attempts:* Points are earned for clear and determined attempts to shut down the opponent.
- *Near Attempts:* Points are awarded for attempts that are close to the end of the match (eg chokes or locks that are almost over).

5. *Escapes:*
- *Successful exits from captures:* Points are earned for successful exits from opponent's capture techniques.
- *Return to neutral positions:* Points are earned for returning to neutral or favorable positions after exiting the hold.

6. *Combinations:*
- *Combinations of strikes:* Points are earned for successful combinations of strikes involving more than one technique (eg, punches followed by kicks or grabs).
- *Continuous Attacks:* Points are earned for continuous and well-organized attacks that keep the opponent under pressure.

#### Point Scheme per Round
1. *10-9:* Clear winner of the round.
2. *10-8:* Visible dominance by one athlete, with clear control of the match.
3. *10-7:* Absolute dominance, where the opponent has little or no success.

Fighting and Striking Rules

Categories up to 16 years old (6-16 years)
• Strikes to the Face: Strikes to the face are not allowed for children up to 16 years old.
• General Rules:
• Rounds: 2 rounds of 1 minute (6-11 years) or 2 rounds of 2 minutes (12-16 years).
• Focus on technical skills and control, no hard strikes that could cause injuries.
• Strikes: All strikes are allowed, except for head strikes and body strikes that could cause injuries.
• Takedown: Allowed, but must be technical and not violent.

Categories 16-18 years old (with fists and no fingers)
• Strikes to the Face: Strikes to the face are allowed, including direct and fast strikes.
• Strikes to the Throat and Genital Area: Strikes to the throat and genital area are NOT ALLOWED.
• General Rules:
• Rounds: 2 rounds of 2 minutes.

Categories 18+ years old (Senior)
• Strikes to the Face and Head: Full strikes to the face and head are allowed, including direct and fast strikes.
• Strikes to the Throat and Genital Area: Strikes to the throat and genital area are NOT ALLOWED.
• Rounds: 3 rounds of 3 minutes.

Safety and Equipment Rules
• Athletes’ Equipment:
• Amateur gloves are mandatory for each athlete in the 16-18 age category.
• Mouthguards and genital protection are mandatory for each athlete.
• Fingers must not be exposed, and hands should remain closed (no fingers out).
• Uniforms must be suitable for MMA (no zippers or belts) and made of synthetic materials designed for MMA.
• Safety:
• Each participant must be physically and mentally fit to fight.
• A medical certificate confirming fitness must not be older than 12 months.
• Participants will be subject to anti-doping testing according to WADA rules.
• Ensure to have your passport and your country’s flag with you for registration, along with the national anthem.

For Further Questions or Details:
Email: albmmaf@gmail.com

Team Ranking Points

Top 3 in each category will receive medals.
Top 3 teams will receive trophies.

Team Ranking Points:
• 1st place: 10 points
• 2nd place: 7 points
• 3rd place: 5 points
• 4th & 5th place: 3 points
• 6th & 7th place (in case of double elimination): 1 point

What is allowed during the competition:
• Grappling, throwing and safe grappling techniques
• Body strikes (no head strikes for juniors)
• Submissions according to age
• Referee may stop the match for the safety of the athletes
What is not allowed:
• Head strikes for juniors
• Strikes on a lying athlete
• Elbow or forearm strikes
• Dangerous throws and slams
• Dangerous chokes or wrong positions
• Finger manipulation, joints, strikes to the neck, back or groin
• Coaches’ interference during the round
• Aggressive or unsportsmanlike behavior
Restrictions by age group:
• Group C (12–13 years old): No knee strikes, strikes on a lying athlete, violent locks, leg holds, arm chokes, up-kicks, stomps
• Group B (14–15 years old): No attacks allowed controlled standing, guillotine from prone position with safe arm
• Group A (16–17 years): Body punches allowed, standing figure 4, guillotine from prone position
• Senior (18+ years): Standard IMMAF amateur rules
Mandatory equipment:
• 6–8 oz MMA gloves, open for fingers
• Shin guards and rash guard
• Groin protector (mandatory for men, optional for women)
• Mouthpiece
• MMA shorts without pockets or zips, elastic inside
• Hair tied or short
• No jewelry, shoes or dangerous substances
Wins and results:
• Physical or verbal tap-out
• KO or TKO by referee
• Judge's decision
• Disqualification for serious violations
• Points are awarded for effective strikes, floor control and legal aggression
Safety and control:
• Referee and doctor are the primary authority
• Bandages and gloves are checked before each match
• The fighter's surroundings must be safe
• Only clean water is allowed during the match
Instructions for coaches:
• Ensure that athletes respect the rules, weight and equipment
• Educate athletes on allowed and prohibited techniques
• Monitor fatigue and stress
• No interference is allowed during the round
• After the round, instructions and motivation can be given

Scoring rules:
• 3 judges per round
• 10–9 for round won, 10–8 for clear dominance
• Draw possible if there is no clear winner
• Referee may deduct points for violations

What is allowed during the competition:
• Grappling, throwing and safe grappling techniques
• Body strikes (no head strikes for juniors)
• Submissions according to age
• Referee may stop the match for the safety of the athletes
What is not allowed:
• Head strikes for juniors
• Strikes on a lying athlete
• Elbow or forearm strikes
• Dangerous throws and slams
• Dangerous chokes or wrong positions
• Finger manipulation, joints, strikes to the neck, back or groin
• Coaches’ interference during the round
• Aggressive or unsportsmanlike behavior
Restrictions by age group:
• Group C (12–13 years old): No knee strikes, strikes on a lying athlete, violent locks, leg holds, arm chokes, up-kicks, stomps
• Group B (14–15 years old): No attacks allowed controlled standing, guillotine from prone position with safe arm
• Group A (16–17 years): Body punches allowed, standing figure 4, guillotine from prone position
• Senior (18+ years): Standard IMMAF amateur rules
Mandatory equipment:
• 6–8 oz MMA gloves, open for fingers
• Shin guards and rash guard
• Groin protector (mandatory for men, optional for women)
• Mouthpiece
• MMA shorts without pockets or zips, elastic inside
• Hair tied or short
• No jewelry, shoes or dangerous substances
Wins and results:
• Physical or verbal tap-out
• KO or TKO by referee
• Judge's decision
• Disqualification for serious violations
• Points are awarded for effective strikes, floor control and legal aggression
Safety and control:
• Referee and doctor are the primary authority
• Bandages and gloves are checked before each match
• The fighter's surroundings must be safe
• Only clean water is allowed during the match
Instructions for coaches:
• Ensure that athletes respect the rules, weight and equipment
• Educate athletes on allowed and prohibited techniques
• Monitor fatigue and stress
• No interference is allowed during the round
• After the round, instructions and motivation can be given

Scoring rules:
• 3 judges per round
• 10–9 for round won, 10–8 for clear dominance
• Draw possible if there is no clear winner
• Referee may deduct points for violations