Introduction to ADCC Rules
The ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) is a prominent grappling organization known for its unique ruleset that differentiates it from other grappling competitions. Understanding these rules is crucial for participants and spectators alike, especially concerning the use of rash guards and the scoring system.
Fight Area and Restart Procedures
If fighters move outside the designated fight area, the referee will restart the match in the center of the mat. The restart position will mirror the situation just before the referee called "Stop." If the fighters were standing without an established locked position, they will resume facing each other. The fight continues until one competitor yields or submits, indicated by tapping the opponent's leg, arm, or verbally.
Match Duration and Overtime
Match durations vary depending on the stage of the competition:
- Qualifying Rounds: 10 minutes, with a 5-minute overtime if the match is a draw.
- Finals, Absolute Finals & Superfight: 20 minutes, with a 10-minute overtime if the match is a draw.
However, there's a conflicting set of durations mentioned:
- Qualifying Rounds: 6 minutes, with a 3-minute overtime if the match is a draw.
- Finals: 8 minutes, with a 4-minute overtime if the match is a draw.
These different time limits might apply to different divisions or specific tournament formats within ADCC. It's important to consult the official rules for the specific event.
Allowed Techniques and Restrictions
Slamming is permitted only when a fighter is actively engaged in a submission attempt.
Scoring Criteria in ADCC
Points are awarded for specific positional advancements and dominant control:
Positional Points:
- Knee on Stomach: 2 points. The knee must be placed in the middle of the opponent's stomach, not on the chest or sides. The opponent cannot be on their side. Repeatedly applying the knee on the stomach after a break of 3 seconds or more will result in additional points.
- Mount Position: 2 points. Both knees must be on the floor. In cases of significant size differences in Absolute divisions, referees may award points if sufficient control is demonstrated, even if both knees cannot touch the mat. Reverse mount also scores points. If an opponent's hands are trapped under your legs, it still counts. Both of your knees must be below the opponent's shoulder line.
- Back Mount with Hooks: 3 points. Both hooks and a body triangle are acceptable. If a hook is removed or the body triangle is released for more than 3 seconds, re-establishing them for 3 seconds or more will score again.
Takedown and Sweep Points:
- Takedown (ending in Guard or Half Guard): 2 points. The opponent's butt or back must be on the mat for 3 seconds.
- Clean Takedown (ending past Guard): 4 points. This requires being outside the opponent's guard, not under immediate submission threat, and having 75% or more of the opponent's back on the mat for 3 seconds.
- Sweeps (ending in Guard or Half Guard): 2 points. A sweep occurs when athletes facing each other change position from bottom to top and establish control for 3 seconds or more. Reversals are considered sweeps.
- Clean Sweep (ending past Guard): 4 points. This involves changing position from bottom to top while facing the opponent, ending up outside the guard with more than 75% of the opponent's back on the floor, and maintaining this position for 3 seconds or more.
Penalties for Passivity
A fighter exhibiting passive behavior will receive two warnings. Subsequent passivity will result in a point deduction.