Taekwondo scoring rules explained simply

Taekwondo scoring rules come down to one idea: you score by landing clean, strong techniques on the trunk protector or the head of your opponent. A punch to the trunk is worth 1 point, a kick to the trunk 2, and a kick to the head 3, with extra points for turning kicks. This guide is for parents, beginners and new coaches who want to follow a match without getting lost.

Points for each technique

Here is the World Taekwondo scale for Olympic style sparring (kyorugi).

Technique	Points
Punch to the trunk protector	1
Kick to the trunk protector	2
Turning kick to the trunk protector	4
Kick to the head	3
Turning kick to the head	5
Gam-jeom (penalty) against a fighter	1 to the opponent

A few points to help you read it:

• Punches only score on the trunk, with a straight, strong punch using the front of the fist. Punches to the head are not allowed.
• Kicks must be delivered with the foot, below the ankle bone.
• Turning kicks (back kick, spinning hook kick and similar) earn two more points than the same target hit with a simple kick.
• Head kicks are worth more because they are harder to land. Age categories may have their own rules on head contact, so check what applies to your child.

Penalties: the gam-jeom

There is one type of penalty, the gam-jeom. Each one gives 1 point to the opponent. The referee gives it for prohibited acts such as:

• stepping out of the competition area
• falling down
• grabbing, holding or pushing the opponent
• avoiding or delaying the fight
• lifting the knee to block a kick
• kicking below the waist
• attacking a fallen opponent
• punching the head
• misconduct by the fighter or the coach

A fighter who collects too many gam-jeom loses on penalties. The exact limit depends on the match format, so look it up in the current rulebook.

How a round and a match are won

The format now used at most World Taekwondo events is the best of three rounds.

• Each round is scored on its own. The fighter with more points wins the round.
• The first fighter to win two rounds wins the match.
• A round can end early when one fighter builds a large enough points gap.
• If a round is level, the rulebook gives a list of criteria to separate the fighters, such as who scored with the higher value techniques.

A match can also end by knockout, by referee decision to stop the contest, by withdrawal or by disqualification.

Round length and rest time depend on age and event level. Local events and children's competitions often use shorter rounds.

What the electronic system decides

In modern competition, fighters wear an electronic body protector and sensor socks. At many events they also wear an electronic head guard. The systems used in official competition are those recognised by World Taekwondo. Daedo and KPNP are the well-known ones.

The electronic system decides:

• whether a kick to the trunk was valid, based on contact and impact level
• whether a kick to the head was valid, where electronic head guards are used

The required impact level for the trunk depends on the weight and age category.

What the referees and judges still decide

Electronics do not run the match alone. People still decide a lot.

• Corner judges score punches with a handset. They also add the extra points for a turning kick once the system has registered the hit.
• The centre referee starts and stops the fight, gives gam-jeom, counts after a knockdown and looks after safety.
• Video replay. A coach can ask for a review of certain decisions. The number of requests is limited.

So when a parent asks, "why did that kick not score?", there are two possible answers. Either the system did not register enough clean contact, or the technique was not valid under the rules.

Why this matters at training

Children and beginners who understand the scoring enjoy sparring more. They know what they are trying to do. Coaches can help by using the real point values in training games and, where the club has them, by sparring with protectors that count the score. A training protector such as FU FIGHT counts valid hits automatically and shows the score in an app. It is a training tool, not a system for official competition, but it makes the rules concrete from the first lessons.

One last reminder: rules change. Always check the current official World Taekwondo rulebook and the regulations of your national federation.

FAQ

Why is a head kick worth more than a body kick?

It is harder to land and carries more risk for the attacker. The rules reward that difficulty with 3 points, or 5 for a turning kick.

Can you score with a punch to the head?

No. Punches to the head are prohibited and lead to a gam-jeom. Only punches to the trunk protector can score.

Do the rules differ for children?

Often, yes. Round length, head contact and protective gear can vary by age group and by federation. Ask the organiser or your national federation before each event.

To make scoring concrete in your classes, request the free documentation pack and the demo videos on the FU FIGHT site.