Y.P.A.A. COMPETITION RULES   EMPTY- HAND KATA   Shall be the event that require competitors the score points by performing a series of blocking and striking techniques simulating a fighting situation against two or more imaginary opponents. Extreme martial arts style performances are prohibited in this event.   Dress Code: Traditional Martial Arts Uniforms only (mandatory)   RING OFFICIALS Adult Black Belt Divisions A panel consisting of 5 Officials (1 Center Referee and 4 Side Judges) will be used to officiate all adult black belt empty-hand katas divisions   Junior Black Belt & Under Black Belt Divisions A panel consisting of 3 Officials (1 Center Referee and 2 Judges) may be used to officiate all junior black belt and under black belt empty-hand kata divisions.   SCORING PROCEDURES When 5 Officials are used to judge empty-hand kata competition in any division, the score awarded to a competitor by each judge will be between 1.00 to 10.00. The highest and lowest scores will be dropped and the 3 remaining scores will be added up to determine the official score to be awarded for the performance.   When 3 Officials are used to judge empty-hand kata competition in any division, the score awarded to a competitor by each judge will be between 6.00 to 9.00.  All of the scores will added up to determine the official score to be awarded for the performance.   PERFORMANCE EVALUATION The referee/judges evaluation of the competitor’s empty-hand kata performance will be based upon the following criteria.          1. Age & Rank Level                         4. Stance / Form          2. Speed, Power & Balance            5. Focus & Concentration          3. Control & Coordination                6. Offensive & Defensive Techs.   Second Attempt A competitor will be allowed only a second attempt to perform his/her empty-hand kata, but only if he/she stops (for whatever reason) during the performance and ask for permission to restart.             Disqualification and Penalty Points 1.If a competitor shows disrespect or unsportsmanlike like conduct toward the       referee/judges or other officials, competitors, fans, or spectators, the referee will       disqualify the competitor, or instruct the scorekeeper to deduct 1 whole point from       the competitor’s score. (The ruling will be based upon the majority of the ring                       officials)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           2 .If a competitor is not present at ringside when his/her name is called the second                       time the referee will disqualify the competitor.   3. If a competitor’s instructor, coach, or parent, interferes with the ring officials or       disrupts the competition in the ring and causes a delay, the referee will disqualify                          the competitor, or instruct the scorekeeper to deduct 1 whole point from the       competitor’s score. (The decision will be based upon a majority rule).   TIES If there is a tie for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in any empty-hand kata division.   When 5 Officials are used: 1. If there is a tie, the highest scores that were dropped for each of the competitors who are tied will be resubmitted to determine a new total for each of them. The competitor with the highest score then, will be the winner.   2.      If there is still a tie, the lowest scores for each of the competitors who are tied will be resubmitted to determine a new total for each of them. The competitor with the highest score then, will be the winner.   3.      If there is still a tie after resubmitting the highest and lowest scores for the competitors who were tied, those competitors will be required to perform their empty-hand kata again. The winner will be decided by a show of hands.   When 3 Officials are used:    If there is a tie, the competitors who are tied will be required to perform their    empty-hand katas again. The winner will be determined by a show of hands.   In tie breaking situations:  Competitors may perform the same or different empty-hand kata.