Scoring Guidelines

Prepared by:
Noor (Nuri) M. Shirali
WT - International Referee
Preface
The great interest of the spectators for the free style poomsae competitions during different
national and international championships have shown clearly that, the popularity of the free
style poomsae will grow rapidly around the world.
Hence, a current availability of scoring guidelines is for a clear understanding of scoring
criteria of fundamental importance. The basic idea to prepare the scoring guidelines of the
Free Style Poomsae (FSP) was to share my knowledge with other referees in order to
contribute for uniformed interpretation and application of the scoring criteria.
This document provides the judges and referees with the information necessary for the
scoring of free Style poomsae as well as to support contestants and coaches for better
preparation.
Keep in mind that the scoring criteria are modified from time to time. This document based
on the Poomsae Competition Rules in force as of March 14, 2019.

Dr. Nuri M. Shirali

Technical University of Darmstadt
Germany

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 Contents
Page

1.0 General 4
2.0 Composition of Free Style Poomsae 4
3.0 Divisions 4
4.0 Uniform of the Participant 4
5.0 Contest Area 4
6.0 Duration of Contest 5
7.0 Scoring the free style poomsae 5

7.1 Technical Skills

7.1.1a Height of a jump - Jumping side-kick 5
7.1.1b Number of kicks in a jump – Jumping front-Kicks 7
7.1.1c Gradient of spins in a spin-kick 8
7.1.1d Performance level of consecutive sparring kicks 9
7.1.1e Acrobatic actions 11
7.1.2 Basic movements & Practicability 12

7.2 Presentation 13
7.2.1 Creativity 13
7.2.2 Harmony 13
7.2.3 Expression of Energy 13
7.2.4 Music & Chorography 13
7.3 Tie Score 14
7.4 Deductions 15

Appendix
A1 Examples of the acrobatic actions 16
A2 Guidelines for the Scoring 22
A3 Checklist for the deductions 23
A4 Judge’s score Sheet 24

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 1. General
An important goal in Free Style Poomsae competitions (FSP) is to present an
exceptionally high level of taekwondo foot techniques (e.g. jumping yopchagi, 720°
spinning kick, kicking with acrobatic actions) which are hardly or even cannot be seen
in this form in the recognized Poomsae and Kyorugi competitions. Within defined
rule of the WT Poomsae Committee, a great emphasis is set on the creative and
harmonious integration of different taekwondo techniques with appropriate music
and chorography in a performance.

2. Composition of Free Style Poomsae

 Yeon-Mu line shall be choice of the contestant.
 Music and choreography shall be choice of a contestant. However, it should
not contain any political, social and religious contents.
 Performed techniques must be within boundary of Taekwondo.

3. Division
Those aged 12 years old or older with min. 1. Dan/Poom is eligible to participate as
follows:

Division under 17 over 17

Age 12-17 18 years old or over
Individual m 1 1
f 1 1
Pair 2 2
Mixed Team (Composition of 5 members 5 5
including more than 2 males and 2 females) (+1 substitute) (+1 substitute)

4. Uniform of the participant

Participant shall wear WT-recognized Poomsae competition uniform.

5. Contest Area
The contest area is 10m X 10m for the individual and pair competitions. For mixed
team competitions, the contest area is 12m X 12m.

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 6. Duration of the Contest
Duration of the contest in all divisions is between 90 and 100 seconds. Presentations
with duration of the contest less than 90 or more than 100 seconds result in a
deduction of 0.3 points.
The competitor bows the jury on the commands of the Coordinator "Charyeot" and
“Kyeong rye". With the “Joon-bi” command of the coordinator, competitor takes the
ready position to start the performance. As soon as the competitor takes the ready
position, the performance begins with the start of the music.
Required time for the completion of the ready position should be given to the
competitor before beginning of the music, as Joon-bi stance is the competitor’s
choice (not standard Joon-bi) and consequently the required time is different until
the competitors take the ready position (1 to 5 seconds) in order to start the
performance. Music starts after completion of ready position of competitors.
The time is running, once the music starts and stops when the music stops. If
performance and music are not adjusted (the competitor stops earlier or later than
the music), then this is taken into consideration in the evaluation of the presentation
scoring.
In all divisions, the total duration of the performance should be no more than 3
minutes. This time includes the entrance of competitors in the competition area, the
presentation of forms (FSP), the announcement of the scoring and leaving the
competition area!

7.0 Scoring the free style poomsae

The scoring is carried out according to the rules of the WT. The total score are 10
points and similar to the recognized poomsae, panels of five or seven judges are
assembled for the scoring. If five judges, then the highest and lowest scores are
discarded and the middle three are summed. In major international events, there are
seven judges in which case the highest and lowest scores are again dropped and the
middle five are summed.

7.1 Technical skills (6.0 Points)

The technical skills are divided into 2 sub-categories and the presentation in 4
sub-categories (see Judge’s Score Sheet). WT Poomsae Committee designates
mandatory foot techniques and stances for each World Free Style Poomsae
Championships. It is allowed maximum up to five steps run-up for the
execution of the mandatory foot techniques. There is 0.1 points deduction for
each additional step run-up. The Following mandatory foot techniques are
designated by the WT Poomsae Committee for the world poomsae
Championships. Points for the mandatory foot techniques shall be awarded
only if athletes perform the techniques in the given order as below:

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 7.1.1a Height of jump – Jumping Side-Kick (0.0-1.0 Points)

Average basic score for the performance of Over

Body Face
jumping side kick is 0.3 – 0.5 points. Face
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.3
Basic score for the performance of jumping side-kick ranges Add 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 points to
between 0.1 and 0.7 points according to the balance and the given basic score
accuracy of the execution (Mastery of the performance). according to the height of
the jumping sidekick.

 Basic score for the performance of jumping side-kick ranges between

0.1 and 0.7 points depending on the balance and accuracy of the
execution of the sidekicks. The average basic score ranges between 0.3
– 0.5 points.
 Add 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 points to the given basic score according to the
height of the jumping sidekicks in comparison to body, face or over
face.
 The middle of the height of the kick foot ( hfoot) and the lowest part of
the body (hlow) are taken as a height of jump (hkick) for the scoring (see
figure 1).
 Only Yopchagis with at least 80% knee extension are considered for
the scoring.
 Side kicks (Yopchagis) should be performed at least above the belt
height. There is no point (scoring) for the kicks below the belt height.
 If several jumping side-kicks are performed, the height of the first
performed jumping side-kick is taken for the scoring.
 All members of the pair and mixed team must perform simultaneously
jumping side-kick.

hlow hkick hfoot

Figure 1: The middle of the height of the kick foot (hfoot) and the lowest
part of the body (hlow) are taken as a height of jump (hkick) for
the scoring.

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 7.1.1b Number of kicks in a jump – Jumping front kicks (Apchagi)
(0.0-1.0 Points)

Average basic score for the performance of 3 to 5 3 4 5

apchagis is 0.3 – 0.5 points. Apchagis Apchagis Apchagis
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.3

Basic score for the performance of jumping front kicks Add 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 points to the
ranges between 0.1 and 0.7 points according to the given basic score according to the
balance and accuracy of the execution (Mastery of the number of the jumping front
performance). kicks.




Figure 2: Jumping front kicks

 No scoring for less than 3 Apchagis (Figure 2).

 Front kicks (Apchagis) should be performed at least above the belt
height. There is no point (scoring) for the kicks below the belt height.
 The apchagis can be performed body or face level, but a higher apchagi
execution (over face level) has affect in terms of evaluation for higher
presentation score.
 Only Apchagis with at least 80% knee extension are considered for the
scoring.
 At least one member of the pair and mixed team must perform
jumping front-kick.

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 7.1.1c Gradient of spins in a spinning kick (0.0-1.0 Points)

Average basic score for the performance of spinning 360° up 540° up 720° and
Kicks (360° up to 720° and over) is 0.3 – 0.5 points. to 540° to 720° over
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.3

Basic score for the performance of spin kicks ranges Add 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 points to the
between 0.1 and 0.7 points according to the balance given basic score according to the
and accuracy of the execution (Mastery of the gradient of turn in a spinning kick.
performance).

Figure 3: Spinning kicks

 No scoring for the spinning kicks less than 360°

 Spinning-Kicks (see Figure 3) can be performed body or face level, but
a higher spinning-kick execution (over face level) has affect in terms of
evaluation for higher presentation score.
 At least one member of the pair and mixed team must perform
spinning-kick.

 Examples:

1) Pandolyo Kicks are accepted as 180° spinning-kick (less than 360°),

hence it is scored to zero points.

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 2) 360° spinning-kick

Kick with the front foot

180° - Turning

180° - Turning

3) 540° spinning-kick

Kick with the back foot

180° - Turning

360° - a full rotation

Back foot

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 7.1.1d Performance level of the consecutive sparring Kicks
(0.0-1.0 Points)

Average basic score for the performance of 3 – 5 Middle High

Low level
consecutive sparring kicks is 0.3 – 0.5 points. level level
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.3

Basic score for the performance of consecutive sparring Add 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 points to the
kicks ranges between 0.1 and 0.7 points according to given basic score according to the
the balance and accuracy of the execution of the performance level of the
consecutive sparring kicks (Mastery of the consecutive sparring kicks
performance). (Kyorugi style).

 The Kicks should be performed in Kyorugi style and represent a

sparring competition. The main criteria are the quality and level of
performance of the consecutive kicks. The numbers of consecutive
sparring kicks are between 3 and 5. Scoring of the kicks is independent
of their number (no matter whether these are 3, 4 or 5 kicks).
 No scoring for less than 3 consecutive kicks
 It is mandatory to bounce 3 to 5 times before execution of consecutive
sparring kicks. This means that, if the competitors who forget to
bounce, execution of the consecutive sparring kicks is not scored!
 There are also deduction points for the bouncing more than 5.
0.1 Points deduction for additional bouncing up to 3 times (6 – 8)
0.3 Points deduction for additional bouncing more than 3 times (>8)
 At least one member of the pair and mixed team must perform
consecutive sparring kicks.

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 7.1.1e Acrobatic Actions (0.0-1.0 Points)

Average basic score for the performance of acrobatic Middle High

Low level
action with TKD kicks is 0.3 – 0.5 points. level level
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.3
Add 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 points to the
Basic score for the performance of acrobatic actions
given basic score according to the
which should be performed with a Taekwondo kick
degree of difficulty of acrobatic
ranges between 0.1 and 0.7 points according to the
actions (e.g. flip/Salto forwards,
balance and accuracy of the execution of the kicks.
backwards or sideways).

TKD Kick

Figure 4: Acrobatic action with TKD kick. TKD Kick should be performed
with the knee extension.

 Basic score for the performance of acrobatic actions which should be

performed with a Taekwondo kick (Figure 4) ranges between 0.1 and
0.7 points according to the balance and accuracy of the execution of
the kicks.
 Add 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 points to the basic score depending upon degree of
difficulty of the execution of the acrobatic actions.

 Acrobatics actions are for example:

• Salto forwards, backwards or sideways. Salto can be performed
from one foot or both feet and landing on one foot (the same or
the other one) or both feet.
• Round off / Cartwheel
• Handspring forwards
• Back handspring (known also as a Flic-Flac or Flip-Flop)
 All acrobat actions must be performed with a TKD kick (e. g. like
Apchagi executions begin with knee extension). The kicks are
performed in air and can be executed with swing or jumping leg.
 Performance of acrobatic actions without a taekwondo kick is not
scored!
 At least one member of the pair and mixed team must perform
acrobatic action.

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  In the following are the examples (see appendix 1) of different degrees
of difficulty:

• Low degree of difficulty (LDD / add 0.1 Points to the basic score):
• Roundoff
• Aerial Walkover forwards
• Back handspring (Flic-Flac)
• Arial Cartwheel
• Handspring forwards
• 360° turning in the air such that body longitudinal axis are in the
horizontal level

• Middle degree of difficulty (MDD / add 0.2 Points to the basic score):
• Standing salto backwards
• Combination of the roundoff and salto backwards (Roundoff
precedes the salto backwards in order to turn horizontal speed
into vertical speed to jump higher for a salto). TKD kick is executed
during salto backwards.

• High degree of difficulty (HDD / add 0.3 Points to the basic score):
• Combination of roundoff, back handspring (flic-flac) and salto
backwards. The roundoff and flic-flac precede salto backwards in
order to develop sufficient momentum for the salto to jump
higher. TKD kick is executed during salto.
• Salto forwards
• Salto forwards with 180° (1/2) turning around the body
longitudinal axis.
• Combination of the roundoff and/or back handspring (flic-flac) and
Salto backwards with 180° (1/2) turning around the body
longitudinal axis.

7.1.2 Basic Movements and Practicability (1.0 Points)

 Accuracy of the basic movements, techniques and stances are scored

in this section.
 There is no upper height restriction in the execution of foot
techniques. Anyhow, minimum height is belt level.
 Execution of “Kihap” and stamping are optional.
 Performance containing practicable techniques and a balanced
combination of offensive and defensive movements.
 Practicable arrangement and meaningful transition between attack
and defense techniques with a good balance.
 Well-mixed state of techniques as a whole.
 Overall impression of the performance of the techniques (basic
movements) is scored in this section!

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 7.2 Presentation (4.0 Points)
For the scoring of the presentation, the overall impression of the poomsae
performance is considered. Main criteria for the scoring are creativity,
harmony, music & chorography and expression of energy.
7.2.1 Creativity (1.0 Points)

 Creativity in the poomsae-diagram, music, choreography and

connectivity between movement sequences.
 It is not considered as creative, if the performance is a collection from
various part of the recognized poomsae.
 The movements are distributed among all parts of the body between
left and right, between foot and hand and fore and back within
poomsae directions.

7.2.2 Harmony (1.0 Points)

 Harmony of music, rhythm and movements: adjust tempo and rhythm

of the techniques to the rhythm of the music (e.g. a speedy and
powerful-explosive execution or a slow and powerful execution with
long respiration and facial expression should be performed with
appropriate rhythm of the music).
 Harmony and synchronicity of performance in pair and team division.
It will be scored lower in the presentation, during a contestant
performs a mandatory foot kicks, the other members of the team
stand still. The other members of the team should rather continue to
perform with appropriate movements.
 In the pair and mixed team competition a deduction of 0.3 points
occurs in the presentation scoring if more than two Poom are carried
out not synchronically.
 In the pair and mixed team competition, it is not allowed to help each
other during the Performance. For example, one member performs
acrobatic with the help of other members in order to jump higher.

7.2.3 Expression of energy (1.0 Points)

 Expression of energy like in the recognized poomsae (e.g. confidence,

eye focus, facial expression, emotion, mind concentration, nice
manner and attitude)

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 7.2.4 Music & Choreography (1.0 Points)

 In Poomsae performance, choreography is the act of designing

sequences of the movements and composition of the free style
poomsae. It involves the specification of basic TKD movements within
the given order of the mandatory foot techniques. Movements may be
characterized by dynamics, such as fast, slow, hard and soft.
 Fitting of the music (music’s rhythm, melody and mood) being played
to the performance.
 Adaptation of the music and the choreography to the contents of the
poomsae.

7.3 Tie Score

In the case of tie score between 2 or more participants, the winner shall be
the contestant who has more points in technical skills. In case the score is still
tied, then the one who has higher total points (total points of all judges,
including highest and lowest points) is the winner. If it is still tied, then a
rematch shall be conducted to determine the winner.

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 7.4 Deductions

The following deductions should be taken into consideration in the evaluation

of the scoring. Deductions are subtracted from total scoring.

 Mandatory stances:

1) Hakdari Seogi 2) Beom Seogi 3) Dwitkubi

0.3 points deduction for each missed mandatory stances during

performance.

 For the execution of mandatory foot techniques (jumping side-kicks,

jumping front kicks, spinning kicks and kicks with acrobatic action),
contestants may run at most up to 5 steps. For every additional step
0.1 points are subtracted.

 The number of mandatory bouncing before execution of the

consecutive sparring kicks is 3 to 5. Deduction for extra bouncing:

0.1 Points deduction for additional bouncing up to 3 times (6 – 8)

0.3 Points deduction for additional bouncing more than 3 times (>8)

 Crossing the boundary line with both feet.

0.3 points deduction for each crossing of the boundary.
The contest area is 10m X 10m for the individual and pair
competitions. For mixed team competitions, the contest area is
12m X 12m.

 Confusion (e.g. mess or short break) of contestant in pair and team

divisions are penalized with 0.3 points deduction.

 In the pair and mixed team competition a deduction of 0.3 points

occurs in the presentation scoring if more than two Poom are carried
out not synchronically.

 Restart
Deduction for the restart is 0.6 Points
(2*0.3= 0.6 similar to recognized poomsae)

 Music: No Performance without music

 The duration of contest in all divisions is between 90 and 100 seconds.

Deduction for the Performances outside of the allowed time is 0.3
points per 5 seconds.

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 Appendix 1 – Examples of the Acrobatic actions

 All the acrobat actions must be performed with a TKD kick with the
knee extension in order to be considered for the scoring!

• Low degree of difficulty (LDD / add 0.1 Points to the basic score):

• Roundoff

• Aerial Walkover forwards

• Back handspring (Flic-Flac)

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 • Arial Cartwheel

• Handspring forwards

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 • Middle degree of difficulty (MDD / add 0.2 Points to the basic score):

• Standing salto backwards

Salto backwards with TKD Kicks

• Combination of the roundoff and salto backwards (Roundoff

precedes the salto backwards in order to turn horizontal speed
into vertical speed to jump higher for a salto). TKD kick is
executed during salto backwards.

Roundoff
+

Salto backwards with TKD Kicks

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 • Combination of the roundoff and salto sideways (Roundoff
precedes the salto sideways in order to turn horizontal speed into
vertical speed to jump higher for a salto). TKD kick is executed
during salto sideways.

1)

Roundoff
+

2)

Salto backwards with TKD Kicks

• High degree of difficulty (HDD / add 0.3 Points to the basic score):

• Combination of roundoff, back handspring (flic-flac) and salto

backwards. The roundoff and flic-flac precede salto backwards in
order to develop sufficient momentum for the salto to jump
higher. TKD kick is executed during the salto.

1)

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 2) and

3)

• Salto forwards

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 • Salto forwards with 180° (1/2) turning around the body
longitudinal axis.

• Combination of the roundoff and/or back handspring (flic-flac) and

Salto backwards with 180° (1/2) turning around the body
longitudinal axis. TKD kick is executed during salto.

1)

2) and

3)

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 Judge’s Score Sheet
Free Style Poomsae

Court Nr.
Mandatory Stances
Hakdari Seogi Beom Seogi Dwitkubi Contestant Nr.

Score Allocation

Very good

Very good
Very poor

Excellent

Excellent

Perfect
Good

Good

Good
Category

Poor

Poor
Sub-Category 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
Score

Add 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3

Basic score for the mandatory foot techniques ranges
points to the basic
between 0.1 and 0.7 according to balance and
score according to
accuracy of execution of the kicks (mastery of
the following
performance).
criteria
below Average basic score for the performance of jumping side kick over
body face
Height of jumping Belt is 0.3 – 0.5 points. face
side-kick (1.0 Points) 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.3
Level of Difficulty of Foot Techniques

<3 Average basic score for the performance of 3 to 5 apchagis is 3 4 5

Number of jumping
Technical Skills (6.0 Points)

Apch. 0.3 – 0.5 points. Apch. Apch. Apch.

front kick in a jump
(1.0 Points) 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.3

360° 540° 720°

(5.0 Points)

< Average basic score for the performance of spin Kicks (360°
Gradient of Spins in up to 720° and over) is 0.3 – 0.5 points.
up to up to and
360° 540° 720° over
a Spin Kick (1.0
Points) 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.3

<3 Average basic score for the performance of 3 – 5 consecutive Low Mid. High
Performance level of Kicks sparring kicks is 0.3 – 0.5 points. level level level
consecutive Sparring
Kicks (1.0 Points) 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.3

No
Average basic score for the performance of acrobatic action Low Mid. High
Acrobatic actions TKD
with TKD kicks is 0.3 – 0.5 points. level level level
kick
(1.0 Points)
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.3

Basic Movements and

0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
Practicability (1.0 Points)

Creativity (1.0 Points) 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
Presentation
(4.0 Points)

Harmony (1.0 Points) 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0

Expression of energy
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
(1.0 Points)
Music & Chorography
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
(1.0 Points)
Sub-total score  Technical Skills + Presentation
Deductions (see checklist for the deductions)
Total Score = Subtotal score - Deductions

Judge’s Name: ----------------------------

Judge’s Nation: ---------------------------- Signature: -------------------------------