Required and Recommended Safety Equipment

NASKA approved headgear; hand and footpads, mouthpieces, groin cups (for male competitors only) and chest guards (for all competitors 17 year old and younger) are mandatory for all competitors in sparring divisions.  The competitor’s equipment will be checked and if it is deemed unsafe, he/she will be asked to change the equipment before he/she can compete.  Hand Pads:  A soft padded surface must cover the fingers, wrist and any striking surface of the hand.  Foot Pads:  A soft padded surface must cover the instep, sides, toes, ankle and back of the heel of the foot.   The bottom of the foot does not have to be padded.  (NASKA has approved the use of “Ringstar sparring shoes in all sparring divisions, with the same stipulations placed on other approved sparring gear.) Head Gear:  The front, sides and back of the head must be covered by a soft padded surface.  In addition to the head hear, a face shield is required  for all competitors 17 yrs. & under.  Chest Guard: All 17 and younger competitors must wear an approved chest protector in sparring. The chest guard must sufficiently cover the abdomen and upper chest such that the sternum is completely protected.  Rib guards that cover only the abdomen area are not approved chest guards. Insufficiently padded gloves, foot, chest and head hear will not be allowed.  Equipment must be in a good state of repair and must be free of heavy taping, tears or any other repairs that may cause injury.  The tournament’s official rules arbitrator ultimately determines the approval or denial of the equipment.  A properly fitted mouthpiece is required.  Shin pads, elbow pads and rib/chest guards are highly recommended for additional safety to all sparring competitors in all divisions.