Competition Guidelines
Rules &
Rules &
Guidelines
Read all guidelines carefully before registering. These rules apply to all Solid Ground events and exist to protect every competitor.
⚠ Key Rules at a Glance:
All events follow the
IBJJF Rulebook
with one exception —
jumping guard is banned from all divisions
. Athletes overweight on the day will be DQ'd with no division changes permitted. No mat-side coaching allowed. Full rulebook:
ibjjf.com/books-videos
Registration & Divisions
At registration, parents select an experience level, age band, and weight range. These determine your division and ensure every match is as fair as possible.
Experience Levels
| Level | Competitions | Belt Range |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 0 – 2 | White & Grey belts only |
| Intermediate | 3 – 5 | White to Green / Blue belt |
| Advanced | 6+ | White to Green / Blue belt |
Division Structure
- Age band is based on the child's age on competition day.
- Weight ranges are broad and used for grouping — weigh in with Gi and belt on.
- Final match-ups are organised closer to the event to account for registrations and withdrawals.
- Where appropriate, youth divisions may be run in round-robin or pool formats to guarantee meaningful mat time.
On the Day
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your first match.
- Competitors must weigh in with Gi and belt on. Only attempt to weigh in when your name appears on the screen beside the warm-up area.
- Weight allowance is 0.2 kg . Athletes who are overweight will be disqualified — no exceptions.
- Athletes will not be moved to a different division if weight is missed. A DQ will be issued.
- No mat-side coaching is permitted. Coaching from the crowd will be monitored.
- No allowances for no-shows. Any competitor not checked in when their match is called will be disqualified.
- Time allowances will be provided for competitors who are checked in but not yet present in the bullpen.
Safety for Kids & Juveniles
Referee Priority:
The first priority of every referee at Solid Ground is the safety of our young athletes — not the result of the match.
- Referees will tap for a child once a submission is properly applied. They will not wait.
- As competitors progress from Kids through Teens, Juveniles, Adults, and Masters, more time is allowed to defend a submission.
- Illegal techniques result in a match reset to the last safe position (Kids & Juveniles). Adults & Masters face stricter enforcement.
- Referees aim to end as few matches as possible in DQ. Resetting is always preferred over ending the match.
- If an illegal technique directly results in a tap, a DQ will be issued.
- Medics are on site at all events.
Conduct & Language
- Parents, coaches, and supporters must keep language appropriate at all times.
- No violent or aggressive language — including phrases like "break it", "kill them", or any foul language. Support both competitors.
- Anyone using inappropriate behaviour will be asked to leave the venue.
- No mat-side coaching. Coaching from the crowd will be actively monitored.
- Abuse directed at referees or staff will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
- Referee decisions are final and cannot be overturned.
Outcomes & Feedback
- Points and submissions follow the IBJJF Ruleset. Full rulebook at ibjjf.com/books-videos .
- All referees will hold a purple belt or above at all Solid Ground events.
- Jumping guard is banned from all divisions — the only exception to the IBJJF rulebook at our events.
- Feedback is welcome and directly informs future events. It is the primary driver of our continuous improvement.
- Feedback must be constructive. Abuse toward referees, organisers, or staff is not acceptable.
Weight Allowance
0.2 kg on the day. Athletes over the limit are DQ'd — no division changes. Weigh in with Gi and belt on.
Jumping Guard
Banned at all Solid Ground events across all divisions. All other rules follow the IBJJF Rulebook.
Arrival Time
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your first match. No-shows at match time will be DQ'd.
IBJJF Rulebook
Full rules at ibjjf.com/books-videos . Read before registering.