RULES
Format
Every SlapFIGHT Championship fight consists of two competitors. Each competitor gets the opportunity to strike and defend once per round over the span of 10 scheduled rounds.
There will be a coin toss prior to each fight, with the winner electing to either strike or defend first in each round.
Scoring
Each round throughout the match is scored by the officials. There is a maximum of 1 point awarded for every round. If a competitor lands a clean, legal slap for the round and their opponent receives a foul, they will automatically win the point for that round. If both competitors receive a foul on their turn, no competitor will receive a point for that round. The criteria for determining points when both players deliver a legal slap is based on the damage and effectiveness of the slap and the reaction and recovery of the defender – this scoring is at the discretion of the judges. Whichever competitor has more points at the end of the 10 rounds is the winner. If the score is tied at the end of 10 rounds, it will go to a judges decision. The other ways to win a SlapFIGHT match are via Knockouts or Technical Knockouts. A Technical Knockout (TKO) occurs after three knockdowns. There are one or two (fighter preference) “catchers” present at each match. The role of the catcher is to support the competitor if they lose their footing or balance after getting slapped. They are there for safety; if a competitor gets slapped hard they make sure they are supported and do not hit their head on the ground. Any time a competitor is supported by (any contact is made) their catcher, that counts as getting knocked down and the striker records a knockdown. Additionally, if any part of the defender’s body touches the ground, the striker records a knockdown. If a competitor gets three knockdowns, that is scored as a TKO and they win the fight. The striker earns a knockout if, after slapping their opponent, the defender goes to the ground, and does not return to the barrel after 60 seconds. Recording a knockout ends the fight and results in an automatic victory.
Fouls
There are three penalties in SlapFIGHT Championship. The first occurrence of any of the fouls outlined below will warrant an infraction (warning) on the competitor. After the warning, any repeat of the same foul throughout the match will count as a penalty. Each penalty will be a loss of turn in the following round, meaning their opponent will get back to back opportunities to deliver a slap. Any round in which a fighter commits a foul disqualifies them from winning that round’s point.
Offensive Fouls:
- Clubbing: Any slap that falls outside of the approved target region. The heel of the hand cannot extend any deeper than the tip of the chin.
- Stepping: Both of the competitors; feet must stay in contact with the ground throughout the completion of the slap. Pivoting on the ball of the foot is also not allowed.
Defender Fouls:
- Flinching: Any body or head motion that impacts a slap and happens after being set in a defensive position. Minor movements that have no bearing on the effectiveness of a strike do not qualify as flinches.
Officials
Three officials are required to preside over every match, each with distinct roles. One referee is positioned behind the barrel closely monitoring illegal strikes (clubbing) and any flinches by the competitors.
Another referee kneels in front of the barrel to observe the competitors; footwork, ensuring they do not take unauthorized steps or pivots (stepping). The third official has a comprehensive view of the action and manages replay reviews when necessary.
The third official is the one who is also responsible for scoring the fight after each slap.
Additionally, at every event, a sanctioning representative serves as a liaison between the event organizer and the competitors. This representative is responsible for resolving disputes and upholding fairness and safety during the competition.
Sport Slap USA oversees the recruitment of judges and ensures that safety protocols are maintained. All referees hold MMA refereeing credentials and backgrounds in combat sports, with new referees undergoing rigorous training
and serving as backup officials for their inaugural fight to uphold the sports integrity and safety standards.
Weight Classes: SlapFIGHT competitors are separated into one of the following weight classes for competition.
- Super heavyweight - over 266 lbs
- Heavyweight - 226 to 265.9 lbs
- Light Heavyweight - 206 to 225.9 lbs
- Middleweight - 186 to 205.9 lbs
- Welterweight - 171 to 185.9 lbs
- Lightweight - 155 to 170.9 lbs
Participants must weigh-in one day prior to the match and right before the match begins. If a participant fails to meet their weight specifications, the opposing competitor has the option to accept or decline the fight. If accepted, they will be granted the right to the first slap each round (by-passing the coin-toss). If a participant weighs in significantly over their specified class, the commission representative on-site may cancel the fight at their discretion.
Equipment
All competitors must wear a mouth guard and cotton ear wicks at all times. No gels, body grease, balms, or other substances may be applied to the hair, face or body by the participant. No head, facial, neck, arm, hand or finger jewelry of any kind is allowed. Hair must be pulled back such that it is not in the target area. Competitors are allowed to hold towels behind their back while receiving slaps.