SECTION 7

GENERAL RULES APPLICABLE TO COMBAT

(SINGLE SOTI & SOTI-FARRI)
Sub-section 1: Ground (Men & Women) - (Team & Individual)
1. The ground shall consist of the following three parts:
1.1 Play Area: A Circular ground of 30 feet diameter (360 inch, 900 cm), in
which the two competitors shall compete. This circumference cannot be
increased or decreased in any case.
1.2 Play Domain: Circular (Peripheral Region) outside the play area. The play
domain should be atleast 4 feet wide 34 (30+4).
1.3 Reserved Space: Region outside the Play Domain for keeping the
equipment and provision for seating of offi cials. The reserved space should be
a square of 50x50 feet (alterable) in which the play domain and play area are to
be drawn.
2. The ground (consisting the above 3 parts) can be indoor or outdoor. If indoor
or under a tent, then roof of the ground should be atleast 15 feet high. The
ground can also be built on a stage atleast 2-3 feet
FIGURE-1 Ground

above the ground. The ground or mat can be synthetic also with clear
demarcations on it.
3. The surface of the ground can be grassy, soil, wooden, mat or concrete. It
should be plain and should not be slippery or wet.
4. The Markings of the ground shall be done with white paint/tape/coloured
tape or chalk powder. The lines should be 5 cm wide. All the lines should be
clearly visible and distinguishable.
5. Two straight lines on each side of the centre point of the ground shall mark
the starting position of the players. These lines can be drawn in red and blue
colours or may be white. These lines should be at a distance of 3 feet from the
centre point.
6. The boundary lines of the play area shall always be included in the 30 feet
diameter and in case of permanent or readymade ground the boundary line
may have indicator censors for detection of fouls.
7. The side referees and offi cials shall sit outside the play domain at
appropriate positions.
8. No one except the offi cial committee and the playing teams shall enter the
ground without permission from the organisers.
9. The usage of reserved space shall depend on the Referee Council.
Sub-section 2: Soti (Stick) - (Single Handed)
(Men & Women) (Team & Individual)
1. Definition: Stick is a woody piece or part of a tree. In gatka a stick is used in
combat.
2. Design:
2.1 Stick shall be made of Bamboo or Baint (bYxq) or Fibre and may have
embedded digital chips for accurate recording of touches/strikes.
2.2 It shall be straight, 39 inch (100 cm) long.
2.3 Its weight shall not exceed 500 Gms.
2.4 Its thickness is ¾ inch approximately.
2.5 Its uncovered surface shall be covered with a cloth/tape/ribbon.
2.6 For better grip and safety of the hand the stick shall have a fixed cushion
at one end to hold it. The cushion may have the inscribed logo of
Federation or Sponsor only.
2.7 The stick shall contain the Perj (prj) as shown in the fi gure which is
responsible to retain the original technique of the sword.
2.8 The 2 feet mark from the top of the stick shall be distinguished clearly with
a coloured tape or paint or marking.
3. Usage/Technique
The technique of Stick and Farri is exactly similar to Sword and Shield.
4. Fatehnama (Ceremony to begin & end a fight)
Fatehnama (aiqhnwmw) is meant as an act of respect and sportsmanship.
Fatehnama means that both the players will play the game with true spirit,
sportsmanship and with virtuous state of mind and will ensure to follow all the
laid down rules and regulations properly. Fatehnama is must for every player
in the beginning and end of each fight. A player, who does not carry out
Fatehnama in a fight, shall be automatically disqualified on disciplinary
grounds.
5. The competitors shall be called by the officials three (3) minutes ahead of
bout to start to get ready for their fight/bout and wear the necessary articles in
advance. The concerned ground referee shall call both the competitors on the
ground by the following commands;
1. Come in
2. Stop here
3. Take Fatehnama
4. Get Ready
5. Start/Fight
6. Stop/Hold
7. Re-fight
8. Foul (show card or warning)
 FIGURE-2 (Soti)

6. To Carry Out Fatehnama

a) First of all, both the players shall stand in front of each other in stance
and carry out a strike of the ear (by moving their stick over the head
from left to right) simultaneously and shall hit each other’s stick. The
players shall then move their sticks in the same direction as it was
moving before the hit.
b) Then, both the players carry out a strike of the knee directly from their
left shoulder (without moving the stick around the head) simultaneously
and again hit each other’s stick.
c) After this both the players (continuing the motion of the stick in the
same direction up to their own right shoulder) carry
FIGURE-3 FIGURE-4

d) Out a strike of the left ear (without moving the stick around the head)
simultaneously and hit each other’s stick. This completes the Fatehnama
to begin a fi ght.
e) After finishing the fi ght, both the players shall carry out (repeat) the
same Fatehnama of three steps and then shake hands as shown in figure
6.
Sub-section 3: Soti-Farri (Double handed)
(Stick and Leather Shield) (Men & Women) - (Team & Individual)
 1. Defi nition - As the stick is a substitute of sword for Gatka combat, similarly
Soti-Farri (Stick and leather shield) is a substitute of sword and shield.

FIGURE-5 FIGURE-6

2 .Usage of stick is similar as stated earlier in sub-section 2. The use of Farri

(azrI) is same as the use of the shield i.e. for defence. The use of both stick and
Farri simultaneously as well as independently during combat shall be essential
for a Gatkabaaz. The Referee can intervene during fi ght and instruct the player to
fully use his/her Farri for defence.
2. Design - The design of the stick shall be the same as stated in subsection 2.
2.1 The Farri shall be made up of Leather or Rexene or Fibre.
2.2 It shall be of 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm) diameter.
2.3 Its weight shall be from 350 to 500 gm.
2.4 It may have inscribed logo of Federation or Sponsor only.
3. To carry out Fatehnama
3.1 First of all both the players shall stand in front of each other in stance
holding their Sticks & Farri straight as shown in fi gure 8.
3.2 Then both the players move their sticks towards their left shoulder and
farri towards their right shoulder as shown in figure 9.
3.3 Then both the players move their stick from left to right and farri from right
to left as directed in fi gure 10.
3.4 Then both the players bring their stick and farri to their front
simultaneously and touch each others’ Farri as shown in fi gure 11.
This completes the Fatehnama of the beginning.
After the completion of fight, both the players shall shake hands in the same
way as shown earlier in sub-section 2.
FIGURE-7 FIGURE-8
 FIGURE-9 FIGURE-10

FIGURE-11

NOTE:
1. Only the prescribed/certified Sticks and Farris approved by the
WGF/National Federations shall be used in all type of competitions.
2. The Stick and Farri for combat Gatka shall be provided by the Organisers.
Players cannot use their own Sticks/Farris during combat Gatka competitions
but the equipment and weapon should be submitted to the organizers
minimum one day before the competation.
3. In case of damage to Stick/Farri, then it shall be changed immediately e.g. if
its cover unwinds, its Perj (prj) breaks or strap of the Farri breaks or cushion of
the stick gets separated or loosened.
4. The Stick/Farri chosen by a player from the available stock shall not be
replaced unless it is damaged.
Sub-section 4: Dress (Men & Women)
The team/competitor shall be dressed in accordance with the prescribed
costume for Sports competition but during Virsa Sambhal/Traditional Gatka
competition, the competitors shall adorn conventional clothes (Bana) that will
be described in another section.
1. Clothing:
Competitors shall play in light shoes (without any spikes or heels),
socks/shorts and a Vest/T-Shirt covering the shoulders, chest and back
(sleeved or sleeveless). The competitors shall wear a Singlet/Jacket (red or blue)
and may have inscribed logo/insignia of Federation or sponsors as
determined by the offi cials. The singlet shall be provided by the organizers and
the players shall wear it over the vest. To clearly indicate the belt line, a Belt
(kmrkzsw) can be tied around the waist but it is not mandatory. It shall be
provided by the organizers.
2. Protection:
2.1 Faceguard shall be mandatory. If any player wears a Dastar/
Turban/Dumaala then he shall have to wear the WGF approved Face guard.
The Dastar/Turban/Dumaala does not need to be removed while wearing
faceguard and it shall be provided by the organizers.
2.2 A player can wear spectacles or contact lenses at the time of fight/weapons
demonstration.
2.3 A player can wear rubber/leather gloves (not to be provided by the
organizers).
2.4 For all the male competitors a groin supporter or inner guard shall be
mandatory (not to be provided by the organizers).
2.5 A player may wear such a knee guard, elbow guard etc. without
spikes/ridges (not to be provided by the organizers) that cannot harm the
opponent.
3. Prohibited Objects:
 No other objects (excluding Kara and Kangha) may be wornduring the
competition (except for the Kirpan/Sri Sahib of Amritdhari players).
 The Kirpan/Sri Sahib if carried by any player should be at the most 6
inches long. The misuse of that Kirpan/Sri Sahib during the bout shall
result in penal action against the player.
 A player cannot use any kind of product/object/ornament likely to be
harmful to the opponent or causes inconvenience to himself/herself.
A player cannot wear any kind of revealing dress/costume. The sports
costume/dress should be proper and strictly according to the
prescribed rules.
4. Dress Infractions:
 A referee shall exclude from competing any player who does not wear
Faceguard and inner guard (for male participants only) or who is not
properly dressed. The women can wear chest guard for safety (not to be
provided by the organizers).
 In the event of a player’s equipment or dress getting undone during a fi
ght, a referee shall stop the contest to have it attended to. Wet or
damaged dress may be changed with the permission of the referee. It is
mandatory that the changed dress/costume should be the same as the
old one worn by the team.
 It is mandatory for the team/competitors to wear prescribed/offi cial
logos of the concerned Gatka Federation/Association and Gatka event or
sponsor on the dress/costume as allowed by the organisers as the case
may be. The players cannot wear/display any logo/advertisement
otherthan the specified during the event without prior permission of Gatka
Federation/organisers.
NOTE:
1. Each participating player shall carry his/her smart identity card during
the competition and get endorsement slips from computer for entry to
events as a competitor. Without such endorsement slip no player can take
part in any event.
2. A player who does not follow the above rules shall be disqualified.
3. A player shall have to return articles like Singlet, Jacket, Belt (kmrkzsw),
Faceguard, Stick, Farri; inner guard etc. immediately after the bout is over.
4. Any player carrying a Kirpan/Sri Sahib (Amritdhari only) shall have to
cover/fi t/tie it in such a manner that it does not interrupt the bout.
5. The player shall tie/fi t his/her belt (kmrkzsw), shoes, faceguard and all the
other mentioned equipment/articles properly before the fight. Any kind of
interruption in the bout owing to malfunctioning of the above objects in the
play area, the referee may stop the fi ght for its correction.

Sub-section 5: Ground Equipment

The following ground equipment shall be available:

1. Sufficient amount of chalk powder or tape to draw the ground.

2. A measuring meter tape atleast 50 feet long.
3. Four tables and eight chairs for offi cials, referees etc.
4. Gong (with striker) or bell.
5. Two stop watches.
6. Five (5) whistles.
7. One fi rst-aid kit.
8. Notepads for Judgement/Result sheets conforming to the pattern drawn up
by WGF.
9. Two (2) cordless microphones connected to PA system.
10. Sticks and Farris (at least ten each).
11. At least six faceguards (three Red and three Blue).
12. Singlets/Jackets at least six (three red and three blue).
13. Belts (kmrkzsy) at least six (white/yellow/blue or different colour except
red).
14. On stretcher, one ambulance (as close to the ground as possible).
15. Plain papers, fi le covers (20), pens, staplers (2) and carbon papers.
16. Red and Blue fl ags tied properly on a 1½ foot long stick (at least 3 each).
17. In case of computerisation of results management system, then there
shall be;
(a) Five computers, two printers with UPSs, fi ve extension boards.
(b) One coloured printer.
(c) Scoreboard
(d) At least two LCDs
(e) Three HD video cameras
(f) Uninterupted/backup power supply
(g) Fast speed internet connection with router
Sub-section 6: Medical Examination
1. A competitor has to be declared fi t by the Doctor appointed by the
Executive Committee/Organizing Committee before the
tournament/selection trails.
2. In case of age dispute, each player shall confi rm his/her age by MRI
from a certified doctor. A separate age determination/confirmation
proforma has been attached in the book or can be downloaded from
the website of WGF/GFI.
3. At the time of medical examination, the player shall produce his/her
competition record book, which must be signed by the Secretary of his
State/Unit Association, where the requisite entries shall be made by the
Offi cials in-charge.
4. a player declared unfi t during medical examination he/she cannot take
part in that tournament/selection trials/camp.
5. NADA/WADA may take dope test of players at any time during or before
the tournament/selection trails. A player found positive under the dope
test, shall be banned from taking part in any competition for three (3)
years or as per guidelines of NADA/WADA.
 6. Medical examination/dope test of the players can be taken before the
beginning or during the competition/selection trails.
7. Any player who falls ill or gets injured before or during the competition,
shall not continue to participate unless declared fit for participation by
the Doctors appointed by the Organizing Committee.
 Prohibited conditions for regular combat Gatka competition:
o A player having one eyed sight or very low vision,
o Deaf and Epileptic players; and
o A player declared unfi t by the offi cial Doctor, shall be prohibited
from taking part in regular Combat Gatka Competitions but
children with special needs can take part in demonstrations or
special tournaments if declared fi t by the doctors.
Sub-section 7: Team Participation in
Combat Gatka Competitions (Men & Women)
1. A combat team shall consist of at least four (4) members (3 players and
one substitute)
2. Three participants from a team shall participate in the combat Gatka
competitions, which shall remain same throughout the competition
unless a player falls ill or gets injured and is unable to fi ght. A player
may be replaced in the case of illness or injury with the permission of the
Offi ciating Committee.
3. The players shall participate in their own age groups or higher age
groups. Different endorsements or entry forms should have to be filled
for each event in which the player is participating.
4. Only those participants can play, whose names have been
submitted/enlisted in the endorsements or Entry Forms submitted
before the expiration of entry date. No team or player shall be
entertained after the expiry of entry date of that tournament. No player
shall be substituted/included, unless a player is unable to fight. This
substitution depends solely upon the discretion of Offi ciating
Committee.
5. A player can participate either in Single Soti or Soti-Farri (Individual) or
mixed combat event. He/She can also take part in any one event of
Single Soti or Soti-Farri Team event. It means a player can only
participate in two events of his/her age group or higher age group i.e one
from individual and one from team event.
6. There shall be one Captain of the team whose name shall be clearly
indicated on the Entry Form.
7. A Team Manager/In-charge/Coach is mandatory for each team. Without
Team Manager, the team shall not be allowed to enter into the
competition. He shall submit team details and eligibility proformas of all
players and ensure players participation in the requisite bouts in time.
8. There can be an Assistant Coach/Trainer or Physician with the team who
will not be considered as the Team Manager.
9. The Team Manager must produce a duty letter (for authentication)
signed by the Secretary of the State/Unit Association or Institution. If he
fails to produce the duty letter, his team shall not be entertained in the
tournament.
10. The prescribed dress/costume of the team must be clean and proper.
11. The Team Offi cials (Coach, Manager, Physician etc.) shall not be
considered as team members.
 12. The Team Offi cials shall be appointed by the National/State/Unit
Association.
13. If the Captain of the Team needs to be substituted due to injury or illness,
then another Captain chosen by the Team/Coach should be appointed
immediately and the same brought to the notice of the Officiating
Committee.
14. A player once substituted shall not play in any event until he/she is
declared fi t for participation by the Doctors appointed by the Organizing
Committee.
15. Only players and the Coaches of participating teams during a bout shall sit
inside the reserved space at the determined side of the ground. Rest of
the team members and offi cials shall sit outside the reserved area. No
interference/indication/provocation by the team members will be
allowed.
16. There shall be only one Manager of all the Teams of a
Nation/State/Unit.
17. Different entry forms should be filled and submitted for different events
before expiry of entry date. No team or player shall be included or
entertained into the competition after the expiry of entry date of that
tournament.
18. After the entry of all players in the eventwise the sequence of
partispetation will remain to be same as it was at the time of entry. All
players will compete in same sequence. If any player broke this
sequence, the player and team will be disqualified.the sequence of
players should be submitted to the officials before every match.
Sub-section 8: Individual Participation in Combat Gatka
Competition (Men & Women)
1. Only one player shall participate from a Nation/State/Unit in an
Individual event and be a member of the Combat team.
2. A player can participate either in Single Soti or Soti-Farri (Individual).
He/She can also take part in any one event of Single Soti or Soti-Farri
Team. It means a player can only participate in two events of his/her age
group or higher age group i.e one from individual and one from team
event.
3. A player shall participate in his/her own age group or higher age Group.
Different endorsements or entry forms should have to be filled for each
event in which the player is participating.
4. The Manager appointed by the Country/State/Unit Association shall act
as the Manager/Coach of all individual participants.
5. No participant/team shall enter into the tournament without a
Manager/Coach.
6. No player shall be substituted in any individual combat event. If a player
gets injured or is unable to fi ght then he/she cannot continue to
participate in any further bouts and the competition shall be over for
that player.
7. A player cans fi ght only after passing the fi tness/medical test by
medical examiners.
8. During the bout the coach/manager of the player shall not enter the
reserved space unless called in by the Offi cials.
9. The dress of all the team members/individual players from one
country/State/Unit shall be same and in conformity with the rules.
Team cannot wear or display any sign/logo/advertisement during
 the competition except those of Federation or sponsor.
Sub-section 9: Time limit for a Bout (Men & Women)
1. Team bout:
I. A team bout shall consist of three fights. Each of the three team
members shall compete in only one fight. No team member shall compete
in more than one fight in a single bout.
II. The players shall be given one minute for warm up. The players shall
come to the centre of the play area at the call of the referee and the fight
shall start at the refree’s commands as mentioned earlier in Section 7,
sub-section 2 (5).
III. The duration of one fi ght shall be of three minutes divided into two
equal rounds.
IV. A 30 seconds break shall be given after 1.30 Minutes (one and half min.)
round during each fi ght to the players to take rest and get instructions
from their respective coaches.
V. The end of first round of 1.30 Minutes shall be indicated by the time
keeper and scoreboard and the same bell shall indicate the beginning of
the 30 second break.
VI. At the end of these 30 seconds break, the time keeper or Gatka
management system shall again ring the bell to indicate to the players to
resume fi ght for the 2nd round. The players shall come to the centre of
the play area immediately and the fight shall resume at the refree’s
commands as mentioned earlier.
VII. The time keeper or system shall start the next remaining 1.30 seconds of
the 2nd round at the refree’s command.
VIII. The time keeper shall indicate the start & end of the time by striking the
gong or ringing the bell.
IX. The time during bout shall be paused when the referee signals timeout.
After such time-out, when the fight resumes, the time shall be continued
therefrom.
X. The next fi ght shall start immediately after the first has finished.
XI. The time keeper or system shall start the time immediately after the
referee gives signals to start the fight.
XII. Fatehnama (at the start and finish) shall not be included in the fight
time.
XIII. If both the teams score same number of points in the bout, then a tie-
breaker of one minute shall take place. One player from each playing
team shall compete in this tie-breaker.
XIV. If the tie-breaker does not produce any result then the time will be
extended till one player scores a Golden Point or commits foul. Sudden
death rule can also be implied at that time.
XV. Any player can exercise his/her right to surrender through referee
during the bout if he/she feels or cannot play due to some
inconvenience.
XVI. If any dispute of points arises during the bout, a replay of bout can
decide the score earned by competitor and scoreboard shall display the
results.
2. Individual bout
As only one player shall be the competitor in one individual bout, therefore, the
duration of one fi ght of the team bout shall be the duration of the individual
bout.
 In the three (3) minutes individual bout, all the time specifi cations mentioned
above for one fi ght of team bout shall be applicable including the Tie-Breaker,
Golden Point and Sudden Death.

Sub-section 10:
Table for drawing Bouts and Byes

NOTE:
I. Any participant sustaining any kind of injury/hurt/stroke during the
bout/tournament shall be solely responsible for it. The
Federation/Association or Organizers have no responsibility for any
mishap to the participants/competitors.
II. Any kind of objection/appeal to be made by a team/Gatkabaaz shall be
given in writing during the bout or within 15 minutes of completion of
the bout, at the Technical Table/Committee along with a fee of Rs. 500 (non-
refundable). The decision taken by the Officiating Committee on such
objections if any will be fi nal and binding upon the appellants.
SECTION – 9
SPECIFIC RULES APPLICABLE TO COMBAT
SOTI/SOTI FARRI - FREESTYLE
Sub-section 1: Awarding the points
1. If a player succeeds in hitting the upper part of the belt of his/her
opponent with Soti, then two (2) points shall be awarded. For
hitting below the belt, one (1) point shall be awarded (only on
account of aclean and clear strike).
2. If a player, with the help of skill and good use of footwork,
succeeds in hitting at the back of the opponent with the Soti, then
three (3) points shall be awarded.
3. If a player clearly hits (not a gentle hit) the clothes of the opponent
with Soti, then points may be awarded after discussion by
theOfficiating Committee.
4. However, simultaneous hitting/attacking without blocking the
attack of the opponent, shall result in a foul against the name of
the player who makes such an attack.
5. Points shall be awarded only if a player hits with proper technique
and the foremost two feet part of defence.
6. If players hit the cushion of the opponent’s stick, it shall be
considered as a defence.
7. A player shall not carry out a double or continuous attack.He/she
shall attack only after defending him/her after each hit.
8. The player cannot hold the stick and wrist of the opponent player.
9. If a player block the stick wrist/ cushion of the opponent’s stick. It
will be consider as a foul.
10. At the time of Bhidant (iBVμq) (close fi ght), when both the players
charge at each other swiftly, the player who strikes the first clear hit,
shall be awarded points as per rules. The player, who strikes
afterward, shall not be given any point.
11. A player can hit the opponent’s stick (as a measure of defence) any
number of times before targeting a body part of the opponent.
12. A simulated strike (JkwnI vwr) shall not be considered a double
attack and the player shall be awarded points for it as per rules.
13. A player may use both the half and full strike techniques in the
freestyle event.
14. If a player displays remarkable skill and footwork, then he/she may
be awarded one (1) bonus point by the Judge at the end of the fight
and the Scorer shall mention this bonus point in judgement sheet.
Sub-section 2: Decisions
1. Team Event
1.1 All the points of the three players of each team shall be added/
Aggregated at the end of the bout and the team scoring more points
shall be declared as the winner.
1.2 If a player of a team is disqualifi ed during a fi ght, then his/her
scores shall be reduced to zero.
1.3 If a player leaves the play area by his/her own wish, then he/she
shall be disqualified.
1.4 If a player drops his/her stick, farri or farri during a fi ght, then
he/she shall be disqualified.
1.5 If a player falls down on the ground and afterwards his/her stick
touches the ground, then he/she shall be disqualified. If the stick of
the player does not touch the ground, but the player balances
himself/herself with the free hand or knees orfalling on the back etc.,
then he/she shall not be disqualified and the fi ght shall resume after
player’s to continue the fight.
1.6 Owing to an injury if a player is unwilling to continue the fight, then
he/she shall be substituted immediately and thefight shall resume
with the advice of Jury/Referee Council from that point and not be
restarted. The points of the injured player and the substituted player
shall be added/aggregated at the end of the fight.
1.7 If both the teams score equal number of points at the end of the bout,
then the result shall depend upon the tie-breaker. For the tie-breaker
one player from each team shall fi ght for one minute, the player who
scores more points in the tie breaker, his/her team shall be declared
the winner.
1.8 If both the players score equal number of points in the tiebreaker then
the one who has committed less number of fouls in the tie-breaker,
shall be the winner and hence his/her team shall be the winner of the
bout.
1.9 A player can be disqualified in a tie-breaker. If a player is disqualified
in a tie-breaker, then automatically his/her team shall lose the bout.
1.10 If both the players score equal number of points and commit equal
number of fouls in the tie-breaker, then the extra time may be
extended for one minute more, until a player strikes a Golden Point or
commits a foul. In this situation Sudden Death opportunity may be
provided and who scores one point first shall be declared as winner.
1.11 The Golden Point shall be a clear and proper strike and the player
who strikes the Golden Point shall be the winner.
1.12 If a player commits even a single foul in the extended time, then
he/she shall lose the fi ght and the other player and hence his/her
team shall be the winner of the bout.
1.13 If any dispute arises on awarding of Score/Point/Foul during a bout,
Referee council may allow/ask for replay of fight and can decide that
Score/Point/Foul.
1.14 The ring side Medical Offi cer/Committee has the right to request the
organisers to suspend bout if he thinks so, on medical grounds, the
bout should not be allowed to continue. The MO/Committee must
first inform the Judge/Chief Referee and the latter shall inform the
Ground Referee. The time shall be paused and not reset. The
suspension shall last for a maximum of one minute to examine the fi
tness of the player by the Medical Offi cer. At the time of examination,
only the groundreferee and the Medical Offi cer shall be in the play
area or play domain (Medical Offi cer means the Doctor appointed by
the organizing Federation/Association).
1.15 If the Medical Offi cer declares the player as fit, then the fight shall
continue. If the Medical Offi cer declares the player as unfit, then the
player shall be substituted and the fight shall continue from the same
 point of time.
1.16 Win on Walk-over- Where a Gatkabaaz presents himself in the play
area in full attire for the fi ght after being called in by the ground
referee and his/her opponent fails to appear after his/her name has
been called out by the public address system, the bell sounded and
maximum period of two (2) minutes has elapsed, the Ground Referee
shall declare the first player as winner with the permission of
Judge/Chief Referee and the player shall be awarded ten (10) points
in this case.
1.17 If a bout is stopped due to any circumstance which is beyond the
control of Referee or players, such as exceptional weather conditions,
failure of light, damage to ground etc., then the result shall be
declared on the basis of the points scored by the players till that time.
2. Individual Event:
2.1 In an individual bout, the player scoring more points shall be the
winner.
2.2 Owing to injury, if a player cannot continue to fght, then the bout
shall be stopped and the decision will be taken by the Officiating
Committee according to the rules.
2.3 If a player succeeds in building up a difference of fi fteen (15) points at
any stage of the fi rst round of the bout, then the bout shall be
stopped by the Judge/chief Referee and the player shall be declared
as the winner.
2.4 If both the players score equal number of points at the end of the
bout, then the decision shall depend upon the tie-breaker.
2.5 If both players score equal number of points in one minute tiebreaker,
then the one who has committed less number of fouls in the tie
breaker shall be the winner.
2.6 If both the players score equal number of points and equal number of
fouls in the tie-breaker, then the time shall be extended until one
player scores a Golden Point or commits a foul.
2.7 Rule number 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13 & 1.14 of Sub
Section 2 shall be applicable to the Individual Events also.
2.8 2.8 Rule number 1.16 (win by walk over) shall also be applicable to
the individual event.
2.9 2.9 Rule number 1.17 shall also be applicable to the individual event.
NOTE:
Rule number 1.17 shall not apply to the fi nal bout of any team or individual
event.
Sub-section 3: Fouls
1. Hitting or attacking deliberately with any part of the stick other than the
foremost two (2) feet part of Stick or any part of body, hands, arms, legs or
Farri, to harm the opponent. (Yellow Card)
2. Holding the Stick or Farri of the opponent. (Yellow card)
3. Carry out a simultaneous attack (Sanjha Vaar) deliberately/ intentionaly.
(First warning)
4. Attacking without defending or blocking the attack of the opponent. (Yellow
card)
5. Hitting/attacking on the face (eyes, nose, lips, and cheeks), private parts of
the opponent or attempting to do so. (Yellow card)
6. Clear use of Hool (hUl), Cheer (cIr), and Gurj (gurj). (Yellow card)
 7. Becoming offensive towards any official, the opponent or audience/
Organizers, argumentation with any offi cial or organizers. (Red card)
8. Trying to injure or hitting hard (uncontrolled attack) to harm the opponent
intentionally. (Yellow Card)
9. Carrying out a double attack or continuous attack without defence. (First
warning)
10. Moving out of the play area (feet should have completely crossed the
ground line). (Red Card)
11. Pushing the opponent deliberately. (Yellow card)
12. Playing in passive defence and not attacking at all. (Caution)
13. Hitting the opponent after referee gave a command to “Stop” the fight/bout.
(Yellow Card)
14. If a player falls down on the ground with the stick/farri touch the ground.
(Yellow card)
15. If a player repeat the foul after shown the yellow card than the refree can
show him red card.

Sub-section 4: Disqualifications
1. A player can commit only one yellow card fouls and shall be disqualified
immediately after committing the 2nd yellow card foul from the above
mentioned and prescribed fouls.
2. Shall be disqualified if both his/her feet touch the ground out of the play
area. When one foot of the player is on the ground outside the play area
and the other is in the air, then he/she shall be disqualified. In this case
doubt may be cleared by replay of bout.
3. Shall be disqualified if he/she drops the stick or farri.
4. Shall be disqualified if he/she attacks the opponent while carrying Out
the Fatehnama (in the beginning and at the end), before the Prescribed
commands of the referee to Start or Stop.

Sub-section 5: Warnings
1. Arguing with referee , 2 .Committing fouls prescribed as under Sub-section
3. Arguing repeatedly with referee/offi cials is a serious warning.
4. Acting against the laid down conditions of tournament, Gatka rules and
regulations of WGF/National/State
Association.
Sub-section 6: Declaration of Winner
1. Team/Player who gets higher marks between the competitors.
2. If both the players/teams got equal number, the one who gets
warnings/fouls will be a defeated player/team.
3. If both the players/teams got equal number, without any foul, then there
shall be extra time of one minute. If again it equals, the Sudden Death
rule shall follow.
Sub-section 7: The Penalty Cards
1. Green Card: A Green card shown to a player means a warning only.
2. Yellow Card: The yellow card shown twice to the same player’s means
him /her repeating the same offence. If this offence seem to be serious in
nature the red card can be shown immidetly. Two times production of
yellow card also means considered as red card.
3. Red Card: Red card means disqualification. The use of the Penalty
cards depends solely upon the ground referee. The referee can show any
card to a player at any time in accordance with rules and regulations and
 seriousness of the circumstances.
Sub-section 8: BAN (Applicable to all type of combat & weapons events)
1. National Federation/Association can ban a player/team for any length of
time on disciplinary grounds on the recommendation of the concerned
Disciplinary/Offi ciating Committee.
2. Positive result of dope test shall lead to a three (3) years ban on the
player or Referee.
3. A player/team when banned cannot take part in any kind of event/
tournament relating to Gatka game for a defi nite time period for which
the player/team has been banned. All National/State organizations
without any delay, shall inform to WGF about such players who are
banned. The WGF shall circulate orders to all its members/affiliated
Organisations/Associations.
Sub-section 8: Match Fixing
i. During any combat/fi ght/bout if Jury or Referee Council presumes/
believes or fi nds/resolves or anybody complains regarding an alleged
illegal act that the players fighting in the ground/fi eld are playing
pre-judiciously, it shall be called or referred to as Match Fixing. In
this case both the players may be disqualified after preliminary
investigations during or after the bout by Jury/Referee Council.
ii. The Federation/Association may also withdraw/take back Awards/
Certifi cates and cash prizes from such players indulging in such
malpractices and may debar such players for at least 5 years or fine
up to fi ve thousand or both. The accused players have to approach
with clean hands to the Federation/Association after expiry or
revocations of such punishment, with written request.
iii. Match fixing may include dropping of stick wilfully or laying down on
the ground or un-defending the opponent, Un-shielding or De-
guarding himself/herself, committing extra fouls wilfully or skipping
out of ground wilfully.
 SECTION 10
SPECIFIC RULES APPLICABLE TO SOTI/SOTI-
FARRI FULL STRIKE
Sub-section 1: Definition – Full Strike
When a Gatkabaaz attempts to hit the opponent by moving the stick backward
around or over the head, at least to the point parallel to the back of the neck
and then bringing it to the front from the same or the other side of the head,
and strikes with a straight arm, such strike is called a full strike.
Explanation:
A full strike is completed in the following steps:
1. First the player stands in the stance with his stick straight and arm
stretched.
FIGURE 18

2. Then the player brings his stick near to his shoulder. (Figure 19)
3. Then the player moves his stick further backwards towards the back of
the neck. (Figure 20)
4. Then the player moves the stick towards the other shoulder in the same
continuous motion, i.e. from the back side. (Figure 21)

FIGURE 19 FIGURE 20

5. Then the player hits the target area of the opponent’s body with
stretched arm. (Figure 22)
6. This completes the full strike in one direction. The same process shall be
repeated in the opposite direction to complete a full strike in the other
direction.
The following figures illustrate the full strike in the other direction:
 FIGURE 21 FIGURE 22

FIGURE 23 FIGURE 24

FIGURE 25 FIGURE 26

FIGURE 27

Sub-Section 2: Awarding the points

1. All rules of Sub-Section-1 of Section-9 shall be applicable except rule 13.
2. A player shall be awarded points only for a full strike as defined earlier in
Sub-Section-1.
3. The simulated strike (JkwnI vwr) and the palt (plt) shall be considered as
full strikes.
Sub-Section 3: Decisions
All the rules (Team event and Individual event) of Sub-
Section-2 of Section-9 shall be applicable including the
Note.
Sub-Section 4: Fouls, Disqualifi cation & Penalty Cards:
1. All the rules of Sub-Section 3, Sub-Section 4, Sub-Section 5 of
Section 9, shall be applicable.
2. If a player hits the opponent without bringing the stick from over
or around the head, then he/she shall be given a foul.
3. If a player carries out a half strike, in the full strike Combat
event, then he/she shall be given a foul.
SECTION 11
SPECIFIC RULES APPLICABLE TO
SOTI/SOTI FARRI – HALF STRIKE (MEN
& WOMEN)
Sub-Section 1:
Definition: When a Gatkabaaz attempts to hit the opponent by moving
the stick close to a shoulder and then hitting the target area of the
opponent directly without moving the stick over/around the head, the
strike is called a half-strike.
Illustration
The following figures illustrate the completion of a half-strike.

FIGURE 28

FIGURE 29 FIGURE 30

FIGURE 31 FIGURE 32

Sub-section 2: Awarding the points

1. All rules of Sub-section 1 of Section 9 shall be applicable except
Rule 13.
 2. A player shall be awarded points only for half-strike attacks as
defined earlier in Sub-section 1.
3. In half-strike event the hand of the player should not go behind
the shoulder or over the back of the hand.
Sub-section 3:
All the rules (Team event & Individual event) of Sub-section 2 of Section 9
shall be applicable including the Note.
Sub-section 4:
Fouls, Disqualifi cation and Penalty Cards
1. All the rules of Sub-section 3, Sub-section 4 & Sub-section 5 of
Section 9 shall be applicable.
2. If a player hits the opponent by bringing the stick from over/around
the head then he/she shall be given a foul.
3. If a player carries out a full strike in the half strike event, then
he/she shall be given a foul. However while moving around in the
play area (when not attacking the opponent), the player may move
his stick over/around the head but at the time of the strike the
stick should not be moved over/around the head.