Hello Everyone,

We have been talking about having team competitions in Texas for some time. I have been pondering a rules set for this and the result of my pondering is below. If you could give me some feedback I would greatly appreciate it. Please feel free to post any questions comments or ideas.

Take care,
John Hidalgo
www.lonestarsumo.org
www.roundrockbujinkan.com
"Seek freedom and become a slave to your desires. Seek discipline and discover your liberty."

Team Competition Requirements and Rules Proposal

Fighting Rules
The rules for actual fighting are the same as those set out by the USSF. Addendums and additions that apply to team competition are contained herein.

Etiquette
Competing teams must participate in the Dohyo Iri. Additionally, competitiors are expected to present themselves with profesionalism, bearing and composure (much as is expected of competitiors in Japanese Professional Sumo).

Team Composition
Teams will consist of three members and no more than two alternates. Team members may be of any weight class or gender. If both teams have sufficient number of alternates and both teams elect to do so, alternates may also compete. Example. If team both team A and B have two alternates, and both teams elect to do so, both teams may present four competitors instead of three. However, it is recommmended that both teams each have one alternate in one reserve. If a team has elects to have no alternates available it may still compete. However it does so at it's own risk. Should a situation arise where an alternate is needed and none is available, either the opposing team can choose which team member will go again in place of an alternate or the team may forfeit that bout.

Format
Teams will fight in a round robin format. All members of one team must fight against all members of the opposing team.

Team Weight Classes
Ultra Light - 0 to 125
Light - over 125 to under 200
Middle - over 200 to under 275
Heavy - over 275 to 350
Ultra Heavy - over 350

Point System
A win in a bout between contestants in the same team class is worth 5 points. A win by a contestant in a weight class lower than that of his or her opponent will earn an extra point for each additional weight class above his or her own. Example. If and Ultra Light Competitor winds against an Ultra Heavy competitor, the Ultra Light competitor would earn the base five points plus four points (one point for every weight class over Ultra Light) for a total of nine points. Conversely, win by a contestant in a weight class higher than that of his or her opponent will lose a point for each additional weight class below his or her own. Example. If and Ultra Heavy competitor wins against an Ultra Light competitor, the Ultra Heavy competitor would earn the base five points minus four points (one point for every weight class under Ultra Heavy) for a total of one point. The team with the most points wins.

Attire
Teams must for their competitors provide Kesho Mawashi. These Kesho Mawashi are a team uniform and must be identical within that team. Individual Mawashi must be of the same primary fabric (ideally silk) as the team Kesho Mawashi.
Men - Team Mawashi worn in the traditional manner
Women - Team Mawashi worn in the traditional manner with a matching sports-bra type top (made with same fabric as Mawashi). Supportive undergarments may be worn beneath the top but should not be visible. NOTE: It is illegal to grab, pull or otherwise use this garment to move or control an opponent.

Steroids
While we are not planning on test for steroids at this time, we reserve the right to do so. Steroid usage is unwelcome and grounds for disqualification.