COMPETITIVE LAWS AGON IMIEPAFIS (SEMI) PALAISMATA POLYDAMAS
WORLD PANGRATION
ATHLIMA FEDERATION
Competitive Laws
(enagonioi nomoi)
OF «AGON SEMICONTACT»- «POLYDAMAS»-«PALAISMATA»
2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. AGON SEMICONTACT
2. THE RING (PALAESTRA)
3. HYGIENE AND OUTFIT
4. OFFICIALS: REFEREES AND SECRETARIAT
5. SCORING POINTS
6. CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING THE WINNER
7. PERMITTED AREAS FOR STRIKES AND HOLDS
8. FORBIDDEN BEHAVIOR
9. PENALTIES
10. ABANDONMENT – ACCIDENT – INJURY – VICTORY WITHOUT A FIGHT
11. JURISDICTION AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICIALS
12. MATCH (agon) CONDUCT.
13. POSITIONS OF THE OFFICIAL AND PANKRATIASTS AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF THE MATCH (agon).
14. POLYDAMAS
15. STRIKING AND WRESTLING – TECHNIQUES (palaismata)
16. SCORING SYSTEM FOR POLYDAMAS AND WRESTLING -TECHNIQUES
17. AGON SEMICONTACT AGE CATEGORY 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, and 12-14
18. SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION
19. AGE AND WEIGHT CATEGORIES
20. OATHS
21. DIAGRAM OF PALAESTRA
1. AGON SEMICONTACT
The competition is defined by the engagement of two pangratiasts who exchange blows by using their hands, elbows, knees and feet. On their feet they wear shin guards and on their hands they wear gloves that permit them to grab. Holds of any kind of the opponent’s body or clothing, throws, chokes and submission techniques are permitted. The application of pressure points to produce pain is allowed in certain areas. The head butt (emvoli kriou) is only permitted for pushing, and not for striking, the opponent.
2. THE RING (PALAESTRA)
The ring is called the palaestra. It is blue in color, circular with a 10 meter diameter. A band one meter thick, painted white, highlights the outer edge of the ring. In the centre of the palaestra there is a white circle with a radius of 3 meters. In regional championships the ring (palaestra) may have a different shape.
3. HYGIENE AND OUTFIT
Pangratiasts enter clean, with nails cut and with hair tied back, if it is long. The outfit shall be clean and dry. They do not wear any kind of jewelry.For LEFKOS (the one on the white side) the outfit is a white tunic (chiton) and blue trousers (periskelis) and for KYANOUS (the one on the blue side) the outfit is a blue tunic (chiton) and blue trousers (periskelis). It is allowed to wear on their right sleeve a circular sign of their rank. Whoever has the rank of Pangratiast and above wears a corresponding parallelogram sign on their left arm. Only the members of the national teams are allowed to bring the flag of their country on their shoulders. The edge of the collar of the chiton is decorated with a meander pattern in white and blue, as are the sides of the trousers. During the match (agon) the KYANOUS wears blue gloves and shin protectors while the LEFKOS wears white ones. Female pangratiasts shall wear a white shirt under the tunic or wear a chest protection. Male pangratiasts are allowed to wear an athletic cup under the trousers. All pangratiasts with orthodontic braces must wear a mouth guard. All other protective gear is permitted only in the case of health problems with the consent of the doctor, so no pangratiast will have an advantage over his competitor. The matchcommittee can exclude any one who does not comply with the above rules.
4. OFFICIALS: REFEREES AND SECRETARIAT
a. For each agon there is one head referee, known as the Hellanodikis palaestra and three judges known as the Hellanodikes periphereias, who sit along the sides of the palaestra.
b. Secretariat (table staff): 1. General Comptroller of the Secretariat 2. Table referee (Hellanodikis Palaestra Simion) 3.Timekeeper of matches and control-holds (syngratisis) (only in the age categories from 6 to 14 years of age) 4. Secretary of the recording and the conducting of the matches 5. Broadcaster 6. First attendant 7. Second attendant 8. Operator of electronic board (if available).
c. If the number of staff is insufficient, there can be one General Comptroller of the Secretariat and three attendants for two palaestras.
d. The Secretariat gives a break between matches lasting at most 5 minutes to a pangratiast at his request or at his coach’s request.
e. The secretaries and time keepers are appointed by the nominating committee of the referees.
f. When possible from the number of Hellanodikes that are present, a General Hellanodikis palaestra, which will always be of the highest rank, will be at each palaestra. His duties are to supervise the competitions and to evaluate the Hellanodikes.
g. In case of shortage of Hellanodikes the regional committee, with the presence of a federation official, can decide a different composition of Hellanodikes to conduct the competitions from the synthesis above.
5. SCORING POINTS
a. Successful strike with the hand – elbow to the body or head: 1 point.
b. Successful strike with the foot (round house kick with the top of the foot and not the shin) to the exterior side of the thigh: 1 point.
c. Successful strike with the foot – knee to the body: 2 points.
d. Successful strike with the foot – knee to the head: 3 points.
e. A throw by the attacker to the back, chest, abdomen, buttocks, waist or shoulder with a raise from palaestra at shoulder height, scores three (3) points.
f. A throw by the attacker on the palaestra, with a small range of movement, the opponent falls to his back, chest, belly, buttocks, waist or shoulder, scores two (2) points.
g. A throw (take down) from the “standing” position without raising the legs from the palaestra, while the opponent falls on the back, sideways, chest, abdomen, buttocks, waist or shoulder, scores with one (1) point.
h. Throw or take down that results of the defendant landing with the knees is not scored.
i. If a pangratiast is thrown outside of the palaestra, no points are given. Instead, if the attacker intended to throw his opponent out of the palaestra, he is penalized for unsportsmanlike behavior (antiathlitiko). If the throw results in injury, it can be penalized more severely.
j. Rolling or taken to the side during floor techniques (Kato Pangration) will not be scored.
k. The awarding of points from strikes, throws and holds are indicated by the Hellanodikes periphereias using flags colored white and blue, corresponding to the color assigned to each pangratiast. Points from penalties are awarded by the Hellanodikis palaestra.
Signs for the awarding of points are as follows:
1 point: the Hellanodikis periphereias extends the flag towards the floor in front of his knee.
2 points: the Hellanodikis periphereias extends the flag horizontally at shoulder height.
3 points: the Hellanodikis periphereias extends the flag up vertically.
The same gestures are used by the Hellanodikis palaestra in awarding points from penalties, using his staff.
For points to be awarded, at least two Hellanodikes periphereias must agree. There may be a small time difference between the signals from the Hellanodikes periphereias. (If the difference is reasonable, the Hellanodikis Palaestras Simion makes a decision). If the Hellanodikes periphereias agree on which pangratiast should be awarded points but disagree on the number of the points to be awarded, the smaller of the two numbers is granted.
The Hellanodikis Palaestras Simion can ask for a time out for clarification from the Hellanodikis palaestras, who can also address the Hellanodikes periphereias.
l. Strikes are considered successful if they have: Dynamic application of action. Correct timing of performance. Appropriate distance from the target with retraction of the part of the body that executed the striking technique (hand or leg). Constant tension, attention, dynamic stance of fighting position and concentration, before and after the application of the action.
m. Head butts and pushes do not score points. They are accepted only as methods of disengagement during an action.
n. Athrow or a successful strike at the sound of the bell is considered valid.
o.Holds or strikes outside of the palaestra are not valid and can result in a penalty.
p. Simultaneous successful actions, techniques, or moves from both pangratiasts are not granted with points.
q. In the case of simultaneous holds (syngratisis), the Hellanodikis palaestras stops the agon and places the pangratiasts in the starting position for the agon to continue. He will do the same thing if he decides that there is no activity on the palaestra (while down on the floor) from both pangratiasts.
r. All legal chokes and submission techniques must be executed in a smooth and controlled manner, and not by wrenching the opponent, in order to prevent injury. The pangratiast who does no obey this rule may be penalized rather than being awarded points.
s. A successful attack after the end of the agon (indicated by the ringing of the bell from the Secretariat) is not valid and may be penalized.
t. Continuous strikes need to be of such a frequency that is possible for the Hellanodikes periphereias to grant points.
u. Strikes while the bodies of the pangratiasts are in contact are difficult to count (a penalty may be given).
v. If, in the course of a straight elbow lock, the pangratiast whose elbow is locked stands up and lifts completely his opponent then the Hellanodikis palaestra will stop the agon and place the competitors in the starting position.
6. CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING THE WINNER
a. If a pangratiast concedes (apagorefsis), the opponent is declared the winner. Quitting is indicated by lifting the index finger or hand, or tapping the surface of the palaestra or the opponent’s body with his hand or foot, or with a cry of pain.
b. If there is a difference of 10 points between the two pangratiasts, then the match stops as a concession of defeat, with victory (techniki apagorefsis) declared in favor of the pangratiast with the most points. This is checked and announced by the Hellanodikis Palaestras Simion with the cooperation of the timekeeper who rings the bell to end the agon. It is announced by the Hellanodikis palaestras as “TEKNITI APAGOREFSIS” (technical defeat) towards the defeated pangratiast and awards the winner with the proper gesture.
c. The pangratiast who has the highest score at the end of a normal duration of the agon is declared the winner.
d. Victory, by the opinion of the judges, is awarded to the competitor, when the opponents have a tie in the points at the end of the match by taking in accordance the following criteria.
d.a. – the existence of warnings,
d.b. – the existence of a 3 technical points,
d.c. – the existence of a 2 technical points,
d.d. – the existence of a one technical point,
If again there is a tie, then a one minute extra round will take place. The Hellanodikis palaestras will give the command “AGON KLIMAKOS ARXASTHE” (extra round begin). If during the extra round there are no points or there is a tie again, then the above criteria with addition of the criteria bellow are used.
d.e. – the first to perform the effective attack.
7. PERMITTED AREAS FOR STRIKES AND HOLDS
Strikes that are awarded points are confined to the following:
a. The head (from a 10 cm distance up to lightskin contact).
b. The stomach – ribs – chest – thighs (controlled), the back (excepting the shoulders), down to waist level (controlled). Striking techniques defined as “controlled” are skin-touch strikes with no skin penetration (distortion of the skin).
c. Penalties can be imposed on pangratiasts who strike their opponent’s shoulders, the inner thigh, calves and generally those areas for which points are not awarded.
d. Holds can be applied to the entire body according to the present rules.
8. FORBIDDEN BEHAVIOR
a. Striking the throat, the genitals, the neck the face and the joints.
b. All moves, techniques and actions must be executed with control and permitted according to the present rules. Whatever produces an injury, visible or not, will incur a penalty.
c. Actions, techniques and moves that are executed without control, close to the head of the opponent, are forbidden, even if they do not result in points.
d. Pressure point applications to the spine, the neck, the nose, the throat, the head, the face and genitals.
e. Grabbing the skin.
f. Continuously retreating to prevent the normal development of the agon or the engagement of the pangratiasts. Whenever the Hellanodikis palaestra observes this during an agon he will shout «AGONISTΗITE», meaning “fight”, for the immediate engagement of the two pangratiasts. If there is no response to his command, the Hellanodikis palaestra will give a penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior (antiathlitikos).
g. To wring the opponent’s neck or head with both arms locked around it (intention of controlling) while wrestling standing (orthopali). This restriction does not apply during Kato pangration (lying down) on the surface of the ring. If a competitor concedes due to the application of an illegal neck wringing, the pangratiast who concedes will not lose the agon, but a penalty may be assessed on his opponent, who may even be disqualified.
h. Exiting the palaestra. During wrestling while standing (orthopali) a pangratiast is out of bounds when one of his feet is entirely out of the warning line. During floor techniques (kato pangration) a pangratiast is out of bounds when half of his body is out of the warning line. A pangratiast who intentionally pushes his opponent out of the palaestra is punished as unsportsmanlike behavior. If a pangratiast leaves the palaestra on his own it is considered exiting (exodos) the palaestra.
i. Acting an injury.
j. Not protecting oneself (episfalis) (e.g., ignoring the strikes of the opponent in order to execute an action successfully).
k. Continuous and repeating strikes in the same area of the opponent’s body that are not applied with correct timing, distance, or intensity, or those that may cause injury.
l. Any unsportsmanlike behavior, as are any deliberate actions by a team or representative that may harm the reputation of the Pangration. Coaches (proponites) to make gestures, shout or stand from their seats during an agon. If a coach does not comply with these rules, the pangratiast may be penalized. Coaches may provide guidance in a low voice in an appropriate manner. Any kind of indecent behavior or forbidden act from a team, member of a team, representative, and so on, may result in a penalty of disqualification (apokleismos) or ejection (apopombi) of the person in violation of the rules and of all the people that support her/him.
m. Grasping the collar of the tunic in order to force the opponent to leave the ring due to it ripping. Grasping the opponent in that area can be used only to execute a throw or a choke.
n. Direct kicks and knee blows to the thighs. Direct strikes to the face of any kind.
o. Also during grappling while in a frontal control of an opponent by embracing him under the armpits and having contact of the offender’s chest with the defender’s back the lifting or take down by over bending his spine.
p. Any striking moves, techniques that past a vertical line that represents the vertical half of the opponent.
q. The hellonodikis palaestras can interfere in any unsportsmanlike behavior of a pangratiast who is undergoing a strangulation or joint lock technique from his opponent (so not to let him lose his advantage) without stopping the match or can even decide to stop the match and announce the opponent winner due to the unsportsmanlike behavior.
r. The performance of jumping guard is prohibited.
s. Penalty for Immediate Disqualification
For the enforcement of punishment on immediate disqualification one of the three Hellanodikes must agree. An immediate disqualification is caused by the following actions:
1. Twisting together the joint of knee and ankle.
2. Twisting together or distortion of fingers.
3. Overstretching or locking of vertebral column (techniques of “guillotine” type)
4. The opponent’s crushing or intentional slamming on the ground.
5. Throwing over the chest, by tying the body from behind, aiming at crashing the opponent’s neck on the suplex.
6. Biting or digging the eyes.
7. Spreading substances on the body
8. Strangling by naked hands- fingers
9. Exit for avoiding the completion of a submission technique.
10. Pulling of hair, ears, nose, genitals, use of fingers or nails, crash of head on the palaestra, stamping on the body, when the opponent has fallen down.
11. Intention for injuring the opponent.
12. Vomiting on the palaestra during the match.
9. PENALTIES
Penalties depending on the offense, intention and the result are:
a. Penalty, first warning.
b. Penalty, second warning. 1 point to the opponent.
c. Penalty, third warning. 2 points to the opponent.
d. Disqualification (apokleismos).
e. Ejection (Apopombi).
The decision for the above penalties is made by the Hellanodikis palaestras, who may consult with one or more of the Hellanodikes periphereias if he believes that their opinion is required (with the exception of paragraph g).
f. Depending on the unsportsmanlike behavior in violation of the competitive rules, the Hellanodikis palaestras can enforce an immediate double warning (eg if it is the first penalty, 1 point is announced, if it is the second penalty 2 points are announced), ignoring the warning grades in the above paragraphs. If an unsportsmanlike behavior is considered as a heavy penalty, the Hellanodikis palaestras announces a triple warning (2 points penalty) after an agreement with at least one of the Hellanodikes periphereias is achieved. The next penalty, whether light or heavy, will be added to the previous given. In case the synthesis of the Hellanodikes is only one Hellanodikis palaestras then there is no need of agreement from anyone. In case of a two Hellanodikis synthesis, then the agreement of the second Heelanodikis is required for the immediate exclusion penalty, disqualification or exclusion.
g. The Hellanodikis palaestras cannot give an immediate penalty of disqualification (apokleismos) or ejection (apopombi) without the agreement of at least two Hellanodikes periphereias. The penalty of ejection (apopombi) is enforced for an act that insults or disgraces, and generally damages the prestige of the Pangration or for an intentional act that harms the sport and its laws. The severity of ejection (apopombi) can extend to the elimination of the violator from the competition or from later competitions, and even the elimination of the violator from the Pangration Federation (after a decision has been made by appropriate institutions), regardless of who provoked the misconduct, the pangratiast, coach (proponitis), agent or fan.
10. ABANDONMENT – ACCIDENT – INJURY – VICTORY WITHOUT A FIGHT
a. Abandonment (engatalipsis) is given if pangratiast or pangratiasts cannot continue, or if they abandon the agon, even with the order from the Hellanodikis palaestras.
b. A coach (proponitis) has the right to declare abandonment (engatalipsis) or concession (apagorefsis) by throwing a white or blue cloth into the ring while shouting “Engatalipsi” (abandonment) or “Apagorefsi” (concession).
c. If both pangratiasts are injured simultaneously or former injuries create a problem for both and they are incapable to continue the agon, victory is awarded to the one with the highest score.If after the injury the result is a draw, the Hellanodikis palaestras, in consultation with the Hellanodikes periphereias, will determine the winner, if the overtime (klimax) did not determine the winner.If the doctor decides that an injured pangratiast is not able to continue the agon, he cannot continue generally during the tournament. When a pangratiast is injured the Hellanodikis palaestras stops the agon and calls the doctor. After the doctor’s diagnosis whether the pangratiast can continue, within at most two minutes (the time is monitored by the second timekeeper of the Secretariat), the Hellanodikis palaestras has the final decision for the continuation after consulting with the Hellanodikes periphereias. This decision cannot be opposed to the doctor’s, if the latter orders the end of the agon due to a serious injury. If the doctor considers the temporary removal of a pangratiast from the palaestra is necessary, he must be accompanied by a Hellanodikis periphereias within the five minute time span. A pangratiast who is disqualified due to injury can be announced the winner of the agon. At least two Hellanodikes periphereias and the Hellanodikis palaestras must agree that the opponent was responsible for the disqualification. In the case where a pangratiast loses consciousness, he is not allowed to compete again during the tournament, even if he wins the agon.
If the doctor needs help, the Hellanodikis palaestras should be informed, so that he may grant permission for a helper to enter the palaestra. In no case will the coach (proponitis) be permitted to enter the palaestra.
d. Win without a fight (Niki akoniti), is granted to a pangratiast whose opponent did not appear on the palaestra, after three announcements from the Secretariat, over the course of three (3) minutes. The Hellanodikis palaestras announces «KYANOUS or LEFKOS APON» (BLUE or WHITE ABSENT) and indicates with his staff the empty place and then announces the victory by saying « KYANOUS or LEFKOS NIKITIS» (BLUE or WHITE WINNER).
11. JURISDICTION AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICIALS
a. The Hellanodikis palaestras is the main official of the agon, the palaestra and the sidelines. His basic duty is to start and stop the agon, to ensure the safety of the pangratiasts by giving verbal remarks, penalties and points from penalties.
The Hellanodikis palaestras can interrupt the agon in the following cases: To make remarks or to assess penalties. In case of injury or illness. To impose a correction or change of outfits. After a signal from a Hellanodikis periphereias (who whistles or lifts his hand), if the Hellanodikis palaestras decides that this is appropriate.
When he judges that the safety of a pangratiast is at stake, especially during minor age categories, during a submission lock or choke even if it means the end of the agon. Remarks or penalties from the Hellanodikis palarstras must be enforced when: One or both pangratiasts are out of the palaestra. One or both pangratiasts exhibit unsportsmanlike behavior or dangerous play (episfalis). In the case of inexcusable lack of engagement between the pangratiasts. When a representative from a pangratiast’s team (coach, member of the same team, agent, fan, and so on) behaves improperly during an agon, by offending the spirit and value of the Pangration.
b. The Hellanodikis periphereias has the following duties and responsibilities: Total control and supervision of the palaestra and the surrounding area. To grant points and to determine the winner. To express his opinion freely to the Hellanodikis palaestras, when it is requested. He can ask for the interruption of the agon by lifting his hand or whistling, if he observes a violation of the lawsthat the Hellanodikis palaestras cannot see. This interruption should never be connected to judgments or decisions of the Hellanodikis palaestras. The typical stance of a Hellanodikis periphereias during the agon is to sit upright, with his legs set as wide as the legs of the chair he is sitting on and with his hands, which hold the flags, on or between his thighs. He should be able to move himself and his chair quickly if a pangratiast goes out of bounds nearby. All movements of the flags should last at most three seconds if there are no other points to be indicated.
c. Hellanodikis palaestras simeion controls the area of the palaestra and near vicinity. Writes the points given.
d. The General Hellanodikis palaestras has the following jurisdictions:To evaluate all Hellanodikes on the palaestra and secretariat.To carefully observe the match without any interruption.To coordinate the Hellanodikes perifereias and Hellanodikis palaestras simion if needed. To say his opinion after hearing the opinion of the other Hellonodikes. To stop the agon if he sees an apparent mistake during the agon. In this situation he asks for a meeting. To back up generally the final decision of the Hellanodikes in case of an instant protest (verbal objection).
e. The Hellanodikes outfit is as follows: Red colored Endyma, which consists of two parts. The tunic is called chiton where a white and blue meander pattern is around the collar and a distinguished symbol of the Hellanodikon Taxis at the side of the left arm. The trousers are called periskelis where a white and blue meander pattern is on the sides. White athletic shoes (fekasia). Generally they will wear their outfit with decency and without any jewelry except the wedding ring and their hair should be tied back to have a better view of proceedings. Only the Hellanodikis palaestras holds the Ravdos (stick), which is 50-60 cm long and is constructed from a flexible material, to indicate various penalties and to conduct the agon.
f. All Hellanodikes should: Before the beginning of the agon, know the sound of the bell that ends the agon, hold–control (sygratisis) and he should ensure that everything is in order at the Secretariat. To check the condition of the palaestra, the area around it and that the chairs of the Hellanodikis periphereias and coaches (proponites) are in the right position. The Hellanodikis periphereias will ensure that the pangratiasts comply with therulesregarding their outfit, hygiene etc. They will also ensure that there are no unauthorized persons near the palaestra. To observe the pangratiast during the agon and during time outs for any misbehavior.
Whenever a scoreboard is used the Hellanodikes periphereias will not observe the results or time of the agon, this is only for the Hellanodikis Palaestras Simion and the administrator. In any case of difference with the correct score (on the paper form), a correction will be made with no announcement. To leave the area of the palaestra during a long break or presentation and to enter after being called from the Secretariat.
12. MATCH (agon) CONDUCT.
a. The terms and movements of the Hellanodikis’ palaestras staff are described in a relevant handbook. Every use of the staff to indicate a remark or a penalty is accompanied by a verbal announcement.
b. For penalties the Hellanodikis palaestras uses the staff to make a sign particular to the offense, while announcing the penalty.
c. The Hellanodikis palaestras makes the announcement « LAVETE THESIS» (“take your positions”), so that the pangratiasts proceed to the starting position of the agon.
d. The Hellanodikis palaestras makes the announcement « ETIMI» (“ready”), and the pangratiasts face each other. He will say «CHAIRETISMOS HEN» (“salute”), and the pangratiasts will salute each other while saying «ERROSO». Then the Hellanodikis palaestras announces «ARKSASTHE» (“begin”), and the agon begins.
e. The salute is executed by extending the right hand in a grasping motion. At the full extension of the hand, the hand closes to a fist and immediately the hand is brought to the temple. The knuckles should touch the temple with the thumb of the fist facing downwards. At the moment that the fist makes contact with the forehead the athletes verbally salute each other.
f. The Hellanodikis palaestras announces «PAFSASTHE» (“stop”) when he wants to stop the agon, or if he is required to do so, and he places the pangratiasts in the starting position. If in any case (eg for a warning), while the pangratiasts have grabbed each other either standing up or lying down, the Hellanodikis palaestras decides that the pangratiasts should stay still, he announces «AKINITI» ( “freeze”). In this case the pangratiasts remain still until they hear the announcement « ARKSASTHE» (“begin”).
g. The Hellanodikis palaestras points with his staff towards the pangratiast who commits an offence, then verbally announces the type of offense, e.g. «ΚΥΑΝΟUS – ΑΝΤΙΑTHLITIKOS» (“blue unsportsmanlike behavior”), «ΚΥΑΝOUS – ΕXODOS» (“blue – out of bounds”).
h. When two pangratiasts are entangled, to part them the Hellanodikis palaestras may prod them with his staff, while announcing «PAFSASTHE» (“stop”). The Hellanodikis palaestras should prod the pangratiast who is initiating the action.
i. If a penalty is accompanied by a point or points, thenthe Hellanodikis palaestras after announcing the penalty, gives the points to the opponent. E.g., «ΚΥΑΝOUS, ΑΝΤΙΑTHLITIKOS.LEFKOS HENA SIMIO» (“blue unsportsmanlike behavior, white one point”).
j. The agon clock starts whenever the Hellanodikis palaestras indicates the beginning of the agon with the command «ARKSASTHE» (“begin”) and stops whenever he says «PAFSASTHE» (“stop”) and «AKINITI» (freeze).
k. The duration of an agon semicontact is 3 minutes for the age categories 18-20 and +21, 2 minutes for the age categories 12-14, 15-17 and 1 ½ minutes for the age categories 6-7, 8-9, and 10-11.
13. POSITIONS OF THE OFFICIAL AND PANGRATIASTS AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF THE MATCH (agon).
Before the start of each category agon (of individuals or teams), all the officials (Hellanodikis palaestras and the Hellanodikes perifereias) stand at the center of the outer edge of the palaestra, facing the Secretariat. The blue pangratiasts stand to the right of the officials, the white pangratiasts to the left. A Hellanodikis gives the oath. Once the announcement «ETOIMOI, CHAIRETISMOS HEN» is made by the Hellanodikis palaestras, the pangratiasts salute their opponents by saying «ERROSTHE».
At the end of each category agon, the pangratiasts will salute each other in the same way.
14. POLYDAMAS
The pangratiasts enter with the official outfit (white chiton and blue periskelis with a meander decorated around the neck and sides of the trousers). It is allowed to wear on their right sleeve a circular sign of their rank. Whoever has the rank of Pangratiast and above wears a corresponding parallelogram sign on their left arm. Only the members of the national teams are allowed to bring the flag of their country on their shoulders.
a. Anyone can participate in the Polydamas without exception, in accordance with the notice of matches and as long as the competitors are over the age of eighteen, either as attackers or defenders. The pangratiast makes use of defensive actions (palaismata) with the three opponents.
b. The Hellanodikis palaestras is located at the front of the secretariat.
c. Weapons (made of wood or rubber) that are to be used by the attackers are: A staff (with the meaning of sword), about two cm thick and fifty to sixty cm in length. A dagger, one or two cm thick and twenty cm long. A spear, two cm thick and one meter and eighty-five cm long.
d. There are four types of moves that the Hellanodikes consider attacking moves, which will be included in the program:
Ap’ arotrou: an attack towards the head, from above.
Ek deksiterous: an attack from right to left, regardless of the level of the move.
Ek aristeras: an attack from left to right, regardless of the level of the move.
Emprosthios: a frontal attack, regardless of the level of the move.
e. Every team must present six actions (palaismata). If a team presents fewer or more than 6 actions, they will be disqualified.
f. The Hellanodikis palaestras and the Hellanodikes perifereias judge the effort of each team, according to the following: Dynamic application of actions. Correct timing of defensive (mostly) and attacking moves. Appropriate distance from which hits are made or blocked. Constant tension, attention, dynamic stance of fighting position and concentration, before and after the application of the action (palaisma). Neutralization of the attacker in the final action. Variety of application in actions, techniques and moves.
g. All techniques from the defender will be executed without weapons. In the mix category (men and women in the team) a woman will take part as defender.
15. STRIKING AND WRESTLING – TECHNIQUES (palaismata)
The pangratiasts enter with the official outfit (white chiton and blue periskelis with a meander decorated around the neck and sides of the trousers). It is allowed to wear on their right sleeve a circular sign of their rank. Whoever has the rank of Pangratiast and above wears a corresponding parallelogram sign on their left arm. Only the members of the national teams are allowed to bring the flag of their country on their shoulders.
Τhe actions must show a clear true representation of the sport. Therefore, theatrical moves of no substance are not scored. It is not considered desirable to sacrifice the quality of the sport for the sake of spectacle. The pangratiasts follow a free program, which includes actions of the Ano Pangration–orthostadin–orthopali (standing techniques) and Kato Pangration–Kylisin-Alindisis– (techniques on the floor) and whatever else is defined by the fighting of Pangration. All techniques and actions are executed without pausing, with the use of countermoves and blocks and in such a matter as to be able to be distinguished. At the end of the match there will be a decisive blow or one of the pangratiasts will concede. In the mix category (male and female in the team) the woman will execute the final technique.
The scoring includes the entire picture of the pairs of pangratiasts, which is in accordance with tactics that can be or can not be used in the agon semicontact. 1/3 of the score is given for the striking and blocking techniques exchanging while the pangratiasts are standing, another 1/3 of the score is given for the throw or take down techniques and anti techniques that are exchanged and the rest of the score is given for the ground techniques (kato pangration). The team must exhibit at least six (6) throw-takedown techniques either from one or both the pangratiasts.
16. SCORING SYSTEM FOR POLYDAMAS AND WRESTLING -TECHNIQUES
All pangratiasts can compete only once in each category of the Polydamas and Palaismata. The scores are from 1 to 9, with the smallest unit being one tenth. All the Hellanodikes show their score at the same time by lifting the cards up with their right hands and showing them to the Hellanodikis Palaestras Simion, after the whistle of the Hellanodikis palaestras. During the announcement of eachscore, the officials turn the cards towards the spectators. At the sound of the second whistle, they lower the cards.
The lowest and highest scores are removed and are put into a circle. The team with the largest sum of the remaining scores is the winner. In the case of an equal score, the winning team will have the higher score from:
First the team that has the largest point from the points outside a circle, then the team that has the largest point from the lowest points outside a circle, then the team that has the largest point from the points inside a circle, then the team that has the largest point from the lowest points inside a circle
If there is still a draw, the teams will compete again.
In case of participation of more than 6 teams in an age category, a qualifying round take place, the teams are drawn in two groups and qualify as follows: 7-8 teams qualify 2 teams from each group, 9-14 teams qualify 3 teams from each group, from 15 or more groups, 4 teams from each drawn group are selected, followed by the qualifiers required according to the above (eg the 20 groups are drawn in two groups of ten groups which are divided into two other groups of five groups, of which 3 groups from each group are qualified). The number of teams in the final should not exceed 6 teams.
The presentation cannot last more than 2 minutes. If it is over this time or a pangratiast leaves the palaestra (exodos), the pangratiasts are disqualified. (It is not a penalty if a pangratiast leaves the palaestra to recover his weapon). Disqualification is indicated with a blue flag, at the end of the presentation, by the Hellanodikis palaestras, who lifts the flag with his right hand while whistling. 1 point will be awarded to the pangratiasts. Teams that are disqualified and simultaneously are in the first six positions will compete again with the other disqualified teams for the final positioning of the teams in the contest.
17. AGON SEMICONTACT AGE CATEGORY 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, and 12-14
For the age categories 6-7, 8-9, 10-11and 12-14 the above rules are in effect with the following exceptions, all of which are forbidden:
a. Throws over the shoulders. Sacrifice throws over the body. Kicking the opponent’s legs-feet, not even as fakes. Submissive Techniques. Execution of a headlock without an arm of the opponent inside the lock.
b. For the age categories 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-14, control-holds (sygratisis) are possible. They are awarded with 2 points when lasting for 10 seconds. The time is measured by a stopwatch, and starts with the announcement «LEFKOS-KYANOUS SYGRATISIS» (white-blue control-hold) and a gesture made by the Hellanodikis palaestras. It ends with the announcement «LIKSI» (no control-hold) (whenever the pangratiast disengages from the hold or manages to strike his opponent) and a gesture by the Hellanodikis palaestras, and the stopwatch is stopped. A control-hold (sygratisis) that begins before the end of the match is allowed to finish (up to 9 seconds) after the end of the agon.
I. To spread the Pangration the Federation has added the age categories 6-7 and 8-9 for the young candidates of pangration. The intention is the incorporation of young athletes to the competitions through the athletic spirit. The goal being that the competitions are a festival and not only as an effort for the first place.
II. A Hellanodikis who has the rank of C’ conducts the competition and in the end decides the winner having under consideration the Competition Laws, the dynamic appearance and behavior of the athlete against his opponent.
Penalties are generally refrained to be announced but are put under consideration depending the severity. When an unsportsmanlike behavior occurs the Hellanodikis will stop the agon and explain the improper act so it will not be repeated.
III. The age categories 6-7 and 8-9 will take place only in Regional Championships and not in National Championships.
18. SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION
a. Any problem that occurs with a written protest that is registered before, during, or after the matches, no matter what competitive form it takes, is to be resolved only by the Committee of officials, when it presents itself.
b. An «instant protest» is also provided to the coach during every agon so he can protest with the usage of a green card that is given to him before each agon.
c. The usage of the card is only for one time during each agon. When the coach, in a stand up position, lifts up his card the agon is interrupted in an appropriate time when the Hellanodikis palaestras decides. The pangratiast of the coach is then asked if he agrees with the initiation of the protest process. If the pangratiast does not agree then the agon continues. If he agrees then all the Hellanodikes of the ring are informed of the protest and decide for their further actions. In the case that the Hellanodikes decide (with the chairman of the Hellanodikes, his representative or the General Hellanodikis palaestrasif needed) that the protest is valid, actions will be taken to vindicate the protest and the card is returned to the coach for usage until the end of the agon. In case the decision is that the protest is not valid, then the agon continues having under consideration a possible penalty to the pangratiast if the decision is protested again from the coach or member of the team. The Hellanodikes decision is final and should be taken in a few minutes after the initiation of the protest procedure. Further protest for the particular incident can not be taken after the agon. This process is implemented to improve the circumstances and the general image of the competition, also to give a more righteous outcome of the score. Unsportsmanlike usage of this privilege from the coaches is forbidden.
d. In case there is a formal electronic coverage of the agon from the Federation then it will be used. The above procedure does not debunk the written protest which is usually initiated after the agon.
19. AGE AND WEIGHT CATEGORIES
PAMPAIDES –PANKORASIDES:
(6-7), (8-9) (10-11) ( AGON SEMICONTACT, PALAISMATA) PAIDES – KORASIDES: (12-14) (AGON SEMICONTACT, PALAISMATA) EFIVOI – NEANIDES: (15-17) (AGON SEMICONTACT, PALAISMATA)
AGENEIOI – NEES GYNAIKES:
(18-20) (AGON SEMICONTACT, POLYDAMAS, PALAISMATA)
ANDRES – GYNAIKES:
(21 + OVER) (AGON SEMICONTACT, POLYDAMAS,PALAISMATA)
WEIGHT CATEGORIES BY AGE CATEGORY FOR THE AGON SEMICONTACT
PAMPAIDES (6-7 & 8-9) : -21,-24,-27,-30,-33,-36,-39,-42,-45,+45
PANKORASIDES (6-7 & 8-9) : -18,-21,-24,-27,-30,-33,-36,-39,-42,-45,+45
PAMPAIDES (10-11) :–21,-24,-27,-30,-34,-38,-42,-46,-52,-60,+60
PANKORASIDES (10-11) : –21,-24,-27,-30,-34,-38,-42,-46,-52,-60,+60
PAIDES (12-14) : – 34,-37,-41,-45,-50,-55,-60,-66,+66
KORASIDES (12-14) : – 32,-36,-40,-44,-48,-52,-57,-63,+63
EFIVOI (15-17) : – 46,-50,-55,-60,-66,-73,-81,+81
NEANIDES (15-17):– 40,-44,-48,-52,-57,-63,-70,+70
AGENEIOI (18-20) :– 56, -62, -69, -77, -85, -94, +94
YOUNG WOMEN (18-20): -48, -52, -57, -63, -70, -78, +78
ANDRES (21+) : – 56, -62, -69, -77, -85, -94, -105, +105
GYNAIKES: (21+) : -48, -52, -57, -63, -70, -78, +78
20. OATHS
ATHLETES’ OATH: I SWEAR THAT I WILL COMPETE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE SPORT, HOLDING TO THE PRINCIPLES OF COURTEOUS AND LAWFUL COMPETITION, AIMING FOR PERSONAL EXCELLENCE AND THE GLORY OF SPORT, NOT JUST VICTORY. I WILL RESPECT THE LAWS AND THE DECISIONS OF THE OFFICIALS, AND I WILL NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO VIOLATE THEM. I WILL COMPETE WITHOUT THE USE OF PHARMACEUTICAL OR CHEMICAL SUBSTITUTES IN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF SPORTSMANSHIP.
OFFICIALS; OATH: I SWEAR TO OFFICIATE THE AGON ACCORDING TO THE LAWS OF THE SPORT. I WILL MAKE JUDGMENTS FAIRLY, WITHOUT PARTIALITY OR BRIBERY. I WILL DECIDE FOR THE VICTORS BY EVALUATING THE COMPETITORS FAIRLY.