FAQ

FAQ

DO I NEED ANY EXPERIENCE TO COMPETE?

Absolutely not! But tell your professor or coach that you want to compete so they can help prepare you for competition. Also please talk to your coach about weight classes or sign up procedures.

DO I NEED TO BELONG TO THE TXBJJF TO COMPETE?

No. Currently, the TXBJJF does not have a membership requirement, but you have to train at an approved TXBJJF approved academy. If your academy is not approved please get your coach to contact us at [email protected]

WHAT DO I WEAR WHEN I COMPETE?

Uniform must adhere to our requirements. Please refer to here for more information.

HOW DO I FIND THE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE?

It will be posted to our website. On the day of the tournament you can follow along on the Smoothcomp event page.

DO I GET A REFUND IF I REGISTERED AND I AM INJURED OR SICK?

A full no questions asked refund is available up until the Athlete Correction Deadline (This is usually the Tuesday night at 10pm before the event.) NOTE: No changes, refunds or credits are possible after this deadline. The athlete will be marked as a no show on the official results.

WHAT ARE DIVISIONS AND BRACKETS?

Each registered athlete is allocated into an age class and weight division as per their registration information and this information is shown on the Athlete’s List. Brackets are developed for each weight division and show matched opponents and the potential order of the matches.

HOW DO I FIND MY DIVISION AND BRACKET?

The athlete’s list and divisions live update on the Smoothcomp event page as people register. Brackets are released prior to the event date on the Smoothcomp event page, please refer to the event's important dates for release dates.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE DAY OF THE TOURNAMENT?

Please check the event page for important dates and times.

WHAT IF THERE IS NO ONE IN MY AGE DIVISION OR WEIGHT CLASS?

You will receive an email from the TXBJJF providing you with options for moving up a weight class, and/or to another age class, or to receive a refund. It is the athlete's responsibility to log into his/her account and make changes. You can do this under the "My Account" section and then choose "Edit"

CAN I CHANGE MY WEIGHT OR AGE CLASS AFTER I REGISTER?

You can change your weight or age class (for Masters) up to 10pm on the TUESDAY before the event date. No refunds/credits/changes will be given after this deadline.

CAN I GET A REFUND IF I DON’T COMPETE?

If, after you register, you can’t compete, you must request a refund before the Athlete Correction Date (usually 10PM Tuesday prior to tournament). No Refunds or Credits will not be granted after this date.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO COMPETE?

You should come prepared with enough food and water for the time that you are at the tournament. Some of our venues do not allow outside food into our events due to union/venue contracts, or may not have an on-site restaurant or vending machines. For hygiene reasons, you must wear footwear within the bull pen and mat side. Therefore, you should bring shoes or flip flops to wear beyond the bull pen. You may bring your gym bag mat side.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?

You should arrive at the gym no later than 60 minutes before you compete. If we can start a division early because all competitors are available we will do so. We will NOT start a division early if all competitors are not present. You should be prepared to be called to the bull pen 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled match time.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M LATE AND MISS MY MATCH?

Each division is called to the bull pen to report to a specific ring coordinator over the sound system. If you do not show at the bull pen, you will specifically be called to the bull pen three times. If you do not show after the third call you will be disqualified. You can NOT join your bracket after you have been disqualified.

WHAT IF I DECIDE I JUST DON’T WANT TO COMPETE THE DAY OF THE TOURNAMENT?

If you decide not to compete the day of the tournament you should tell your ring coordinator when you are called to the bull pen or one of the Ring Coordinator Supervisors. This will help us stay on schedule by not having to wait for someone to show at the bull pen that has decided not to compete. No Refunds or Credits are possible.

WHEN DO I WEIGH IN?

Before his/her first fight, the athlete will check his/her weight with the Gi. There is only one opportunity to check the weight. If the competitor does not make his/her weight, they will be immediately disqualified. Please make sure that you are in the correct weight division. You can not change divisions, if you do not make your designated division. No changes will be accepted in the tournament day, no refunds or credits are given.

IS THERE AN OVERWEIGHT ALLOWANCE?

There is no allowance for adults or kids. The weight displayed on your division is the maximum weight allowed. We do not have a minimum weight or weight range, the weight displayed on your bracket is the maximum allowable weight.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T MAKE WEIGHT?

If you don’t make weight you will be disqualified. There is no refund for not making weight and you can NOT change your weight class the day of the event or after the Athlete Correction Date. Kids are also disqualified but are given an exhibition match (no medal or points given), where they will get at least one match.

I’VE CHECKED IN AT THE BULL PEN AND BEEN CHECKED THROUGH. BUT I FORGOT MY WATER – CAN I LEAVE TO GO GET IT?

Preferably, you should NOT leave the bull pen once you are checked in and should have someone else bring you what you have forgotten. If you do have to leave you MUST tell your ring coordinator and you will be required to have you Gi checked when you return. If you are not available when your match is ready you will be disqualified.

CAN I LEAVE THE MATS IF I’M WAITING FOR MY NEXT MATCH?

Your ring coordinator will tell you where you should wait between your matches or if you have been eliminated. Usually they will have you remain mat side or ask you to wait in the bull pen area. If you are not available when your next match is ready you will be disqualified. If you have placed you should make your way to the medal podium as soon as possible.

IS THERE FIRST AID ON SITE?

All our tournaments have independent, professional first aid attendants whose only duties that day are to provide first aid services to athletes and spectators.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO THE REFEREES POSSESS?

Our referees are all brown/black belts that have certified through the IBJJF/TXBJJF Referee course. We aim to bring in the best referees with experience at the Worlds level.