This page describes the the rules for parallel step and fixed step push hands competitions. They are based on the STN push hands regulations.
Weight classes
For the competition, the following weight classes will apply: < 55 kg, 55-64 kg, 65-74 kg, 75-84 kg, 85-90 kg, > 90 kg. If after the weight measurement it appears that a classification is of a higher weight class than in the weight class specified by the participant, disqualification will follow. At the discretion of the competition management, the weight classes can be adjusted based on the number of registered participants. We may also consider mixed pools if this will result in more and better matches. We will ask in the registration form whether you are open for participation in a mixed pool. The decisions of the competition management are final.
Conduct
The participant must be present 10 minutes before the scheduled group time to avoid unnecessary waiting and searching. If the participant is not present at the scheduled playing time for him/her, disqualification will follow.
Clothing
All participants must wear appropriate sportswear, such as e.g.
• T-shirt
• Shorts pants or training/sweatpants where the trouser legs do not fall over the feet.
• Bare feet, no shoes. Feet need to be washed and clean.
• The nails should be cut short and long hair should be tied up (or worn in a tail).
• No watches, jewellery, piercings, glasses or other potentially injury-causing objects may be worn.
Pool system
During the competition, a pool system per weight class is used. The number of participants
per pool will be at least 6. After playing matches, the numbers 1 and 2 of each pool will
advance to the next round. If there are several pools per weight class, cross-finals will be
played.
At the discretion of the competition management, the pool sizes can be adjusted based on
the number of registered participants. The decisions of the competition management are
final.
If all matches have been played in a weight class and no winner can be determined due to a
tie, the total points (number of points scored for and against, +/-) will be the deciding factor.
Competition location
The competition will take place on a field that is separated into two parts by a line (the dividing line). For parallel step and fixed step, a mat of at least 6×6 meters will be used, with a cross in the middle. The participants stand right-angled towards the referee table.
The match
The match time
A parellel-step and fixed-step match consists of 2 rounds of 1 minute each, with a break of 1
minute in between. The timekeeper indicates the end of the match times by a sound signal. The head referee stops the match and waits for the results. As soon as this is known, the referee will point out the winner.
The finals have the same match times as the pool matches. If the final is a draw, the lightest
participant will win, if the weight of the participants is equal, the oldest participant will win.
What is allowed and not allowed
Both participants will only push each other by using Peng, Lu, CHi, An, Tasi, Lieh and Kao
(ward off, roll back, press, push, pull down, split, shoulder press). No elbow techniques may
be used.
Scoring
In a push hands match the intention is to score points to win the match.
Points
One (1) point will be assigned:
• If the attack of the participant is neutralized by the opponent
• If the participant is forced by the opponent to move a foot.
If both participants lose balance and fall, the last to fall is assigned one point.
Two (2) points are assigned if:
• the opponent is forced to fall
• the opponent is forced to move both feet
If any body parts above and including the knees touch the ground, it is considered falling.
No (0) points are given if
• both participant fall at the same time
• both participants hold each other more than 3 seconds
Penalties
Penalties will be assigned for the following transgressions:
• attacks to groin, neck or head
• attacks with head, knees or elbows
• attacks to heart of armpit of the opponent with elbow or stretched fingers
• attacks with foots like stepping on feet, kicking, stomps, sweeps
• throws
• wrestling or holding the opponent at the waist or legs
• hitting a fallen opponent (disqualification)
• insulting the opponent, referee, timekeeper, etc) (first time official warning,
second time disqualification)
• not obeying the orders of the referee
• any act contrary to any regulations relevant to the competition
• technical advice from the coach of the participant during the match, by yelling
from outside the field, to influence the progression of the match.
Penalties for transgressions
• official warning: the opponent will receive one (1) point
• disqualification after 3 official warnings
Surrender and injury
• If a participant surrenders, he has lost the match.
• If a participant has been injured in such a way that, in the opinion of the referee, he can no longer continue the match, his opponent will be declared winner, unless the injury was the result of an illegal activity.
• If the injury was the result of an illegal activity by the opponent, the injured participant is declared winner.
Results and points lists
There is no discussion possible about the results of a match with the referees or tournament organizers. A complaint can be filed at the complaints commission. The points lists are archived by the organization. Copies of these lists can be provided on request of the participants.
Starting positions
The starting position is taken at the beginning of the match and after each stop.
Parallel step push hands
The participants face each other with the the feet at shoulder width. The right arm is held relaxed in defense (Peng) position at chest level. The wrist of the right arm rests on that of the opponent (wrist on wrist). The hand of the left arm rests open and relaxes on the opponent’s right elbow joint.
On the signal of the referee, the participants turn a horizontal circle relaxed in sync with the
right arm while moving their body weight to the front and back foot:
• 3 times counterclockwise, whereby the feet may be moved if necessary to correct the position,
• then a second circular movement is continued in the opposite direction (clockwise),
• the referee guides the hands until the signal START!, to ensure that the participants turn relaxed, whereupon he raises his hands and steps back, the match starts and the time starts.
At the start of the second part of the match, hands are switched.
Fixed step push hands
The participants face each other in bow stance. The right foot of each participant is placed
on the dividing line. The right arm is held relaxed in defense (Peng) position at chest level. The wrist of the right arm rests on that of the opponent (wrist on wrist). The hand of the left arm rests open and relaxes on the opponent’s right elbow joint.
On the signal of the referee, the participants turn a horizontal circle relaxed in sync with the
right arm while moving their body weight to the front and back foot:
• 3 times counterclockwise, whereby the feet may be moved if
necessary to correct the position,
• then a second circular movement is continued in the opposite direction (clockwise),
• the referee guides the hands until the signal START!, to ensure that the participants turn relaxed, whereupon he raises his hands and steps back, the match starts and the time starts.
At the start of the second part of the match, hands and feet are switched.