IFMA Rules & Regulations

Rules for bouts of youth division

All Junior 16-17 and Senior division athletes will also be required to submit laboratory test results for HIV, Hepatitis B and C. The laboratory test results must be no older than 6 months prior to competition date. Failure to submit this form at weigh–in will result in the athlete not being permitted to compete. The form can be found on the IFMA website under the “Athlete Health & Safety” drop down menu.

Female Fighters: Each female contestant, during the pre-fight physical, will be required to sign a Non Pregnancy declaration as part of the Medical Declaration Form.

Weight Classification For International Competitions

6.2 Weight Classification

Elite, Competitive Class, Under 23 Weight Category:

Youth 16-17 Division Weight Category:

Youth 14-15 Division Weight Category:

Youth 12-13 Division Weight Category:

Youth 10-11 Division Weight Category:

IFMA Rules & Regulations

Rules for bouts of youth division

25. Minimum and Maximum Age Limit for Athletes

25.1 Youth 10-11
Minimum: Not less than 10 years
Maximum: Not more than 11 years
*The Youth 10-11 Division spans from his/her 10th birthday until the day before his/her 12th birthday

25.2 Youth 12-13

Minimum: Not less than 12 years
Maximum: Not more than 13 years
*The Youth 12-13 Division spans from his/her 12th birthday until the day before his/her 14th birthday

25.3 Youth 14-15

Minimum: Not less than 14 years
Maximum: Not more than 15 years
*The Youth 14-15 Division spans from his/her 14th birthday until the day before his/her 16th birthday

25.4 Youth 16-17

Minimum: Not less than 16 years
Maximum: Not more than 17 years
*The Youth 16-17 Division spans from his/her 16th birthday until the day before his/her 18th birthday.

25.5 Competitive Male 17-23


Minimum: Not less than 17 years
Maximum: Not more than 23 years
*The Competitive Male Division spans from his 17th birthday until the day before his 24th birthday

25.6 Elite
Minimum: Not less than 17 years
Maximum: Not more than 40 years
*The Elite Division spans from his/her 17th birthday until the day before his/her 41st birthday.

29. Rules For Bouts of Youth Divisions

Timing of Rounds & Additional Rules of Combat

Junior10-11 Divisions
Bouts will be contested over 3 rounds of 1 minute each. A full 1 minute of rest shall be given between the rounds. Strikes to the head are strictly prohibited.

Junior12-13 Divisions
Bouts will be contested over 3 rounds of 1 minute and 30 seconds each. A full 1 minute of rest shall be given between the rounds. Only punches and kicks to the head are permitted. Knees and elbows to the head are strictly prohibited. Knee and elbow strikes are permitted to the body only.

Junior 16-17 & 14-15 Divisions
Bouts will be contested over 3 rounds of 2 minute each. A full 1 minute of rest shall be given between the rounds.