POLARIS GRAND PRIX RULES
Bout Duration: 10 minutes
Method of victory: Submission or Points or Referee Decision in case of draw
1 point each awarded for:
Takedown
Pass guard
Back control (including body triangle)
Mount
Sweep
Stalling Rules
Single competitor stalling:
Referee notices stalling and starts stalling timer.
30 seconds of stalling = official warning
Next 30 seconds of stalling = other competitor can choose dominant position (BACK, SIDE CONTROL, MOUNT)
If both competitors are stalling:
Referee notices stalling and starts stalling timer.
30 seconds of stalling = official warning
Next 30 seconds of stalling =
– If the stalling is taking place on the ground, both competitors will be forced to stand
– If the stalling is taking place standing, both competitors will be forced to start in the combat base position half a metre apart
If both competitors are warned for stalling but then only one competitor continues to stall, then conditions revert to ‘single competitor stalling’ guidelines
In a “one up one down” situation eg one competitor in seated guard, one competitor trying to pass, the competitor who is moving backwards will be considered the one who is stalling.
All stalling calls are reset once the athlete or athletes stop stalling.
“STALEMATE” Rule
Polaris is grappling entertainment, with paying viewers. If a position is deemed a stalemate, the referee may interrupt and force a reset or other break in action, at his or her sole discretion. A stalemate can be called in ANY position (standing, half guard, full guard, mount, etc) where the action does not proceed, either to a more dominant position OR a submission.
Further details / Clarifications
Pulling guard must be initiated with contact first.
Stalling = failing to advance position or initiate serious attempts to finish or score points.
Loss of position while actively attacking a submission will not result in a point for the opponent. For example if you sit back for a footlock from standing position against a supine opponent, and the opponent comes up as a response to the attack, the opponent will not receive a point for the sweep.
Standing from double guard pull will not be rewarded with a point for a sweep.
Takedowns
Must put the opponent’s back or side or butt on the mat and keep the top position for 3 seconds. If opponent turtles, or goes to their knees to avoid a takedown, the competitor instigating the takedown may switch to a behind-the-hip control position in one continuous movement to receive the point.
Pass Guard
Must pass the opponent’s legs and stabilise a control position unimpeded for 3 seconds.
Back Control Including Triangling the Legs
Must have either both hooks in or legs triangled for 3 seconds, with control of the upper body.
Mount and Back Mount
Mounted position with legs clear, opponent can be face up or face down.
Sweep
Any sweep from any guard resulting in a change of position from bottom to top of the person doing the sweep, and stabilising for 3 seconds.
Reversals (from under a dominant position or in when a submission) are not counted as points.
No advantages given for close attempts or positions that are lost or not secured due to scrambles.
Referee setup
Main referee on mat
2 side referees
Competitors have either red or blue wristbands
Referees have both
Main referee’s job is to signal points using appropriate wristband
Points can be waved off by side refs if both agree
Points can also be awarded by side refs if both side refs signal it
Stalling calls can be waved off by side refs if both agree
Stalling calls can also be awarded by side refs if both side refs signal it
If the match is a draw, all 3 refs come to front of mat and on the count of 3 signal which is the winner by raising either blue or red armband.
Points signalled by main ref raising the hand of the appropriate corner in the air and pointing one finger upwards.
Illegal Methods / Movements
Eye gouging or fish hooking
Grabbing fingers, ears, hair, toes, or other extremity
No posting on faces / one-handed windpipe grip
Slamming from above the knee height of the person doing the lifting to escape a submission or position (high amplitude throws / takedowns will not be penalised)
Repeatedly rolling off the mat to escape submissions will be treated in the same way as stalling - warning, point removed, then giving up position.
Legal Techniques
Chokes (except using fingers to crush windpipe)
Joint locks involving shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle. Neck cranks are legal in no-gi bouts.
Illegal in gi bouts: Spine / neck locks, heel hooks
General Rules
Winner is signified via tapout (at least two rapid taps on the opponent or mat), verbal submission (voluntary or involuntary), or being unable to continue the bout due to injury.
In no-gi bouts the athletes must not grip any clothing
Referee will be on stage to officiate the bout, ensure rules are followed and advise fighters when they get too near the edge of the mat, in which case they will be paused and returned to the centre of the mat in the same position. If no agreement on positioning can be made the athletes will be stood up at the centre of the ring.
Overall a high standard of sportsmanship is required before, during and after the fights.