Taekwondo

Competition area

The contest area is a flat, non‑­slip mat. The contest area can be installed on a platform 0.6m‑­1m high from the base.

The colour scheme of the mat’s surface must avoid giving a harsh reflection, or tiring the contestant’s or spectator’s eyesight. The colour scheme is also appropriately matched to the contestant’s equipment, uniform and the surface of the contest area.

There are two shapes used on competition. In both shapes the contest area and safety area are different colours.

Square shape

This competition area includes the contest area and safety area. The contest area is a 8m x 8m square and a safety area of 2m to 4m. The total size of the competition area which includes the contest area and safety area is 10m x 10m to a maximum of 12m x 12m.

Octagonal shape

The competition area is a minimum of 10m x 10m to a maximum of 12m x 12m. At the centre of the competition area is an octagonal shaped contest area. The contest area measures 8m in diameter and each side of the octagon is 3.3m long. Between the outer line of the competition area and boundary line of the contest area is the safety area. 

Lines and positions

The outer line of the contest area is the boundary line and the outer lines of the competition area are called the outer lines.

The front outer line adjacent to the Recorder’s Desk Outer Line 1 and clockwise from outer line 1, the other lines are called outer lines 2, 3 and 4. The boundary line adjacent to outer line 1 is called boundary line 1 and clockwise from boundary line 1, the other lines are boundary lines 2, 3 and 4. 

In the octagonal shape contest area the boundary line adjacent to outer line 1 is called boundary line 1 and clockwise from boundary line 1, the other lines are boundary lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

At the start of the match the contestants are at two opposing points, 1m from the centre point of the contest area parallel to outer line 1. The referee is positioned at 1.5m from the centre of the contest area toward outer line 3.

The position of the 1st judge is 0.5m from the corner of the outer lines 1 and 2. The position of the 2nd judge is 0.5m outward from the centre of outer line 3. The position of the 3rd judge is 0.5 from the corner of the outer lines 1 and 4. The recorder and instant video replay jury (IVR) are located 2m from outer line 1. 

The coaches are positioned at a point 1m or more from the centre point of the outer line of each contestant’s side.

The inspection desk is near the entrance of the competition area for the inspection of the contestants’ protective equipment.