World Karate Federation:
Examination Questions for
Kumite Referees and Judges
Jan 1, 2024. UPDATED
1. If the competition area is elevated another meter to a total of 3
meters is required on all sides. - answer True, 1.5 (should be a
comma after 'elevated.')
2. Any Voluntary religious headwear can be worn. - answer False,
2.1.2.b) (WKF approved).
3. The karate-Gi jacket must be more than three-quarters thigh
length. - answer False, 2.2.1.g)
4. The karate-Gi trousers must cover at least two-thirds of the shin.
- answer True, 2.2.1.l)
5. The karate-Gi jacket sleeve must be no longer than the bend of
the wrist. - answer True, 2.2.1.j)
*6. If a contestant's karate-Gi jacket sleeves are too long and a
suitable replacement cannot be found in time the Referee can allow
him to turn them up on the inside. - answer FALSE 2.2.1.k)
7. Competitors may wear 1 or 2 discreet rubber band or ponytail
retainer in their hair. Ribbons, beads, and other decorations are
prohibited. - answer As practical matter could be TRUE, the
rationale is similar i.e. not metal and not more than 2. Possibly
,false? Article 2.2.5 ("One or two discreet rubber bands on a single
pony tail is permitted." No mention of retainer).
8. Earrings are allowed if they are covered with tape. - answer
False, 2.2.11
9. Metallic teeth (dental) braces may be worn at the contestant's
own risk if approved by the Referee and the Official Doctor. - answer
True, 2.2.7
10. Contestants must bow properly to each other at the start and
end of the bout. - answer True, 7.4
*11. The coach may change the team fighting order during a round. -
answer False 3.7.5
12. If a contestant is injured in an individual match the coach can
enter a replacement if he notifies the Organising Commission first. -
answer False, no 1.1.2023 rule states this. Section 3.5 of 1.1.2020
states this rule.
13. Each Judge must be equipped with a red and a blue flag or
electronic signal device. - answer True, 1.8
14. If two teams have the same number of victories and points, a
deciding bout will be held. - answer True, 12.2.2
15. The Match Supervisor (KANSA) will be seated just outside the
safety area, will be equipped with only a whistle. - answer True, 1.9
16. Disqualification by KIKEN means that the contestants are
disqualified from that category. - answer True, 3.5.1
,17. Heels of more than 4 cm may not be worn with the uniform. -
answer True, 2.1.2.e)
18. Senior Male bouts are three minutes, and Women, Cadets, and
Juniors, two minutes. - answer False, 5.1
19. Kumite team members may wear any type of Karate Gi. - answer
False, 2.2.2
20. Different type of stripes may be used for team members. -
answer False, 2.2.2
21. A competitor does not need to change the jacket if ties are torn
off during the match. - answer True, 2.2.1.i)
22. Competitors may wear any white Karate Gi. - answer False,
2.2.1
23. A fast combination of CHUDAN Geri and TSUKI each of which
score in their own right will be given IPPON. - answer False, 8.3
24. In Senior matches a light "glove touch" to the throat need no
result in a warning or penalty provided there is no actual injury. -
answer False, 8.8
25. A kick in the groin will not result in a penalty provided the
offender did not do it intentionally. - answer False, 9.1.1.2)
26. Starting 2023, for Competitors under14 years of age, the WKF
approved protective helmet is allowed and compulsory from
1.1.2024. - answer True, 2.2.9
, 27. If SENSHU is withdrawn when it is less than 15 seconds left of
the bout, no further SENSHU can be awarded to either competitor. -
answer True, 12.1.3
28. Should a competitor that has been awarded SENSHU receives a
Category 2 warning for avoiding combat when there is less than 15
seconds left of the bout - the competitor will automatically forfeit
this advantage. - answer False, 12.1.2 There is no category 2.
29. Voluntary religiously headwear must be approved by the WKF. -
answer True, 2.1.2.b); 2.2.6; 2.3.2.b)
30. The WKF Competition Supervisor, or the Organizing Commission,
can allow Coaches to instead of the track suit top to use any t-shirt.
- answer False, 2.3.4
31. HANSOKU-CHUI is given when the contestant's potential for
winning has been seriously reduced by the opponent's foul. - answer
True, 10.2.1 "for more serious infractions that reduces the other
Competitor's chances of winning"; The 2023 rules does not state
this, the 2020 rules do state this at Art 9, Explanation VII
32. An "exchange" is the period preceding when the bout is halted,
and the clock stopped. - answer True, 3.1.3
33. The weight tolerance admitted for male and female 0.5 kg. -
answer False,3.2.2.d)
34. HANSOKU is imposed for serious rules infractions. - answer
True, 10.3.1