Mini+Tournament+Information

**MINI-TOURNAMENTS **  According to the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) website, “ She-hahp (tournaments) are controlled competitive environments that allow practitioners to display and improve their skills in a safe environment. Although some may think it is all about "who is better", that is only a part of their purpose in Songahm Taekwondo.” The ATA created regions across the United States to regulate the number of tournaments that occur every tournament year. Wisconsin is a member of Region 102West, which hosts eight regional tournaments every two years. Most of these tournaments are held in Illinois and Indiana, making it very difficult and expensive for Wisconsin students to experience tournaments.  Within the state of Wisconsin, the ATA instructors choose to host Mini-Tournaments to help their students experience competitions, build and strengthen relationships within the state, and provide a unique experience for ATA martial artists.  There are a few differences between regional tournaments and mini-tournaments. At a regional tournament, students can receive points towards State and World Champion by placing within their division. Mini-tournaments do not award points for State and World Champion, allowing for less pressure on students and allowing all individuals to have a fun competition experience. Regional tournaments range from 400 competitors to 1,000 competitors; mini-tournaments range from 50 to 150 competitors. At a Wisconsin mini-tournament, only students from Wisconsin participate. Regional tournaments are open to ATA students from across the country.  Despite the few differences, mini-tournaments are run and judged in the same fashion as regional tournaments to maintain consistency with ATA rules and regulations. A complete set of tournament rules and regulations can be found on the ATA website at [|http://www.ataonline.com/the%5Fring/rules/index.asp]. Some important facts about ATA competitions: · Tournaments are open to ATA students in good standing. Other martial arts styles and schools are not allowed to compete. · Judges must complete a certification session in which the rules and processes of how to run a ring are covered. · Students learn in their schools and clubs how a tournament is run and what happens at a tournament.  <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';">As is the case with other sports, competitors are required to pay a small competition fee in order to participate in the tournament. For the mini tournament, the competition fees are established by the school and club owners in the state. The cost for a traditional competition (forms and one-step/sparring) is $20.00 and the cost for a weapons competition is $10.00. Tiny Tiger students (under the age of 6) also have the opportunity to compete and their competition fees are the same. This fee helps to cover the cost of the materials needed, for the facilities, and other expenses. Judges are volunteers and are not paid for their judging. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';">Regional tournaments typically begin at 7:30 a.m. and often do not end until 5:00 p.m. Mini-tournaments, being much smaller in size, usually last for 3 hours. The basic schedule for a tournament is as follows: <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Black Belt/Judges meeting <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Opening Ceremonies <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Formal Bow-In <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Introduction of High Ranks <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Speeches <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Demonstration Team Performance <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Official Start of the Tournament <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Competition <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Tiny Tigers <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Kids (from lowest to highest ranks) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Adults (from lowest to highest ranks) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Black belts (divisions are all day) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> Closing Ceremonies/Formal Bow-Out <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';">For competition, students are broken into divisions according to their rank, age, and gender. Mini-tournaments typically consist of 16 divisions. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">AMERICAN TAEKWONDO ASSOCIATION **