What actions get a Gam-jeom penalty?
Rule- USA
- USA Taekwondo
- Kyorugi (sparring)
- Youth 10-11
- Cadet 12-14
- 14 and under
- USATKD Kyorugi Rules 2026
- 2026 rules
- Coaches
Each Gam-jeom gives the opponent 1 point. A Gam-jeom for passive behavior (crossing the line, falling down, or running away or avoiding) in the last 10 seconds of a round gives the opponent 2 points. Any points scored with the prohibited act are cancelled.
Prohibited acts:
- Crossing the boundary line with any part of the foot (not if the opponent's foul pushed them out)
- Falling down (not if caused by the opponent's foul, a mutual collision, or straight after scoring with a turning kick)
- Avoiding or delaying: stalling, turning the back to run away, crouching or ducking below the waist to avoid kicks, pretending to be injured, or stopping the match to adjust protective gear. If neither athlete engages for 3 seconds after the referee's "Gong-gyeok" (attack) command, both get a Gam-jeom, or only the one who backed away.
- Grabbing, or pushing for longer than one quick push, pushing the opponent out, or pushing to stop them kicking
- Leg blocking and cut kicks: lifting the leg to block, kicking the opponent's leg to stop a kick, lifting the leg or kicking in the air more than 3 times or for more than 3 seconds to impede attacks
- Kicking below the waist
- Attacking after "Kal-yeo" (break)
- Hitting the head with the hand
- Butting or kneeing
- Attacking a fallen opponent
- In a clinch: hitting the trunk with the side or sole of the foot, or hitting the back of the head
- Misconduct by the athlete or coach
Head kicks draw a Gam-jeom in No Head Contact divisions, and in Light Head Contact divisions when the kick is more than light.
Added 21 Oct 2026