VSME Grappling Rules

All events are pre-registration only
All events have early bird prices, which increase the last 10 days.
Due to Covid regulations, spots are limited. So book your spots early
Registrations open at the beginning of each season and close 24 hours before the event.
To participate you must have an OGA membership, which grants you access to all OGA events
Due to Covid regulations, we no longer accept drop-in registrations
There are no refunds for any event, but registrations may be moved from one event to another
To transfer a registration email us at bookings@vsmeinc.com

Competitors should ensure they present themselves in clean, odour free gear to avoid causing opponents any discomfort or unpleasant experiences
Competitors should ensure finger and toe nails are trimmed, short and healthy
Competitors should ensure long hair should is tied up to avoid causing opponents any discomfort
Competitors should ensure their hair has no dye or makeup that stains opponent’s Gi or the mat surface during matches
Competitors should ensure skin lesions or any other skin condition is directed to the on-site medical staff. Medical staff has final say on whether or not to allow an athlete to compete
Competitors will not receive a refund if medical staff deem you cannot participate

VSME Grappling events are all submission only with no points and no advantages
Competitors may win, lose, or draw (draw happens when there is no winner in overtime)
Draws grant minimal points to both competitors
No harassment, bullying, or disrespect will be tolerated
Every match, regardless of belt level, will be 5 minutes
All overtime rounds will be 5 minutes
The match will be deemed over immediately if a competitor taps out, screams, or verbally submits
The match will be stopped if the referee believes the competitor to be in danger and in risk of serious injury without exceptions
All submissions are legal, with the exception of:
- Scissor takedowns
- Jumping guard (sitting guard without contact is allowed)
- Slams
- Neck cranks (Japanese necktie is ok)
- Spine cranks (Twister is ok)
Knee bars, heel hooks, slicers, and twisters are purple belt and up only. Both fighters must be purple belt or higher
All other submissions and positions are allowed, but referees will stop any match if there is a risk of serious injury
If the match goes out of bounds, competitors will be brought to the centre in the same position, or in the last position of control
Winning because your opponent was disqualified, injured or was a no-show grants minimal points
Participating in matches at our events grant you points regardless of match outcome
Point multipliers include, but are not limited to:
- Winning the match
- Size difference
- Rank difference
- Gender difference
- Call out vs regulation matches
VSME allows all registered competitors to call each other out. Call-outs are optional but fun!
Competitors may call-out anyone as long as the opponent agrees to the match.
- Once both competitors agree on the call-out, let the event manager know and be ready to roll!
All VSME Grappling events last a maximum of three hours

All competitors are allowed to wear any colour gi or gear
Gis will not be inspected but competitors may be asked to change or find different gear if it is dirty, not the right fit, or inappropriate
Wearing a rash guard under the gi is optional for men and mandatory for women
Competitors may not wear a t-shirt for no gi or under the gi
Competitors should ensure they wear board shorts without pockets or with pockets entirely stitched shut. Shorts should reach at least halfway down the thigh and at most to the knee
Attached metal or plastic of any kind may hurt the opponent and is forbidden
Male competitors in NoGi may compete shirtless if desired
Competitors may wear mouth guard, knee/elbow braces, and/or jockstrap
Competitors may not wear ear guards, wrestling shoes, socks, shin pads, or any equipment that affects grip

Competitors may check-in and weigh-in anytime up to at least 30 minutes before event start time
Doors open one hour before the event scheduled start time. Use this time to change, weigh-in, warm-up and hang out
If you miss weight, you will still be able to compete. We will adjust your weight and score you accordingly
All competitors weigh-in without their Gi on (shorts/gi-pants and rashguard/shirtless)