Competition
WT Taekwondo Competition Rules: Scoring, Rounds and Penalties
A kick to the head scores 3. A spinning head kick scores 5. Here is the full scoring, round and penalty rules for WT sparring.
Reviewed by Daniel Reyes, 4th dan Kukkiwon, 18 years teaching | Last checked: October 26, 2026In World Taekwondo sparring a punch to the trunk scores 1, a kick to the trunk 2, a kick to the head 3, a spinning kick to the trunk 4 and a spinning kick to the head 5. Senior matches are three rounds of two minutes with a one-minute rest. The winner takes two rounds. If the match is tied after three rounds, a one-minute golden round decides it, and the first point wins.
Scoring table
| Technique | Points |
|---|---|
| Punch to the trunk protector | 1 |
| Kick to the trunk | 2 |
| Kick to the head | 3 |
| Spinning kick to the trunk | 4 |
| Spinning kick to the head | 5 |
Punches to the head are not allowed. Kicks must be to the trunk protector or the head.
Rounds and age groups
- Seniors (17 and over): 3 rounds of 2 minutes, 1 minute rest.
- Juniors (15 to 17): 3 rounds of 2 minutes.
- Cadets (12 to 14): 3 rounds of 1.5 minutes.
A fighter wins by taking two rounds. A round goes to the fighter with more points. Tied rounds go to the fighter with more technical points, then to a referee decision.
Golden round
If the match is tied at one round each, a fourth round of one minute is fought. The first fighter to score wins. If neither scores, the judges decide by superiority.
Penalties
Fouls are called gam-jeom. Each gam-jeom gives one point to the opponent. Ten gam-jeoms lead to disqualification, and a serious intentional foul can end the match at once. Common fouls are grabbing, pushing, kicking below the waist, attacking a fallen opponent and stepping out of the ring.
Electronic scoring
Trunk protectors and foot protectors carry sensors. Hits above a force threshold set for the weight class score automatically. Head kicks are scored by corner judges. Because the scoring depends on equipment, competitions require approved brands. See the sparring gear checklist.
Video replay
Each coach can request one video replay per match. If the protest is upheld the coach keeps the request, and if it is rejected it is lost. The request must be made within 30 seconds of the action. A video review jury makes the final call.
Weight classes
The Olympic classes are under 58, 68 and 80 kg and over 80 kg for men, and under 49, 57 and 67 kg and over 67 kg for women. World Championships use more classes. See Olympic taekwondo for the LA 2028 details. WT updates its rules from time to time, so confirm the current rulebook before a major event.
Frequently asked questions
How do you score in taekwondo sparring?
Kicks and punches to the trunk protector and kicks to the head score. A head kick scores 3 and a spinning head kick scores 5.
How long is a taekwondo match?
Three rounds of two minutes with one minute of rest for seniors.
What is a gam-jeom?
A penalty point. Each one gives the opponent a point.
Can you punch the head in taekwondo?
No. Punches only score on the trunk protector.
What is the golden round?
A one-minute sudden-death round when the match is tied after regulation.
Is the scoring the same for kids?
Mostly. Cadet rounds are shorter and some local events use their own rules.