The rules of Taekwondo stipulate the scoring points and the scoring method of electronic protective gears

Scoring Points

In a match, hitting the opponent's torso with a kick only scores 1 point, while hitting the opponent's head with a kick scores 2 points; if the opponent is knocked down, the referee adds 1 point after reading the seconds. Therefore, although it is difficult to hit the opponent's head with a kicking technique, many athletes still try to use the technique of hitting the head with the foot in order to score as many points as possible. The match is officiated by a main referee on the court, while four other side judges are responsible for judging and scoring the match based on the athletes' use of the technique.

How to Judge Scoring

The key to determining whether an athlete has scored a point in a match is whether the athlete's technique is accurate, permitted, powerful and effective. There is always cheering and shouting in the Taekwondo arena. To judge whether an athlete has scored or not, you can look at the movements of both athletes during their attacks and counterattacks and look at the scoreboard at any time; if an athlete scores a point, the referee will press the score picker in his hand within one second, and the athlete's score will be announced on the scoreboard in time.

Warnings and Point Deductions

The rules of Taekwondo nowadays are tougher on penalizing athletes for falling to the ground. Generally, an athlete who intentionally falls to the ground is likely to be given a warning by the referee. However, there is no penalty for accidental slips and falls caused by a hard blow from an opponent or for technical falls (i.e., falls caused by an inability to control the balance of the body while using a maneuver). If an athlete is struck by a reasonable technical blow and is shaken or falls (usually by a blow to the head), the referee counts the seconds to eight. If, at the count of eight, the athlete stands up to indicate that he or she is able to continue, the match continues; if the athlete does not stand up, the other team wins the match.

During the match, if a player uses foul play such as hugging, pushing or pulling an opponent, passively avoiding the match, striking an opponent with an elbow or knee, dropping an opponent, or intentionally attacking an opponent's face with a punch, a warning or a demerit (one demerit for one point) will be issued.

The coaches on the field interrupting the game process or using excessive words or behavior, serious violation of sportsmanship will also be warned or deducted points by the chief referee. If an athlete accumulates four demerit points, he or she will be penalized for "foul play," which means the game is lost.

Overtime If a match is tied after three games, overtime is played. Overtime is played by the "sudden death" method, whereby the first player to score a point wins the game. At the end of the match, the players stand opposite each other in the playing area, salute each other when they hear the referee's command, and wait for the referee's decision. Whichever side's arm the referee raises, the athlete on that side wins.