Submission Challenge
Rules & Divisions

Know the rules before you step on the mat.

Submission Challenge runs certified ICO rulesets. Download the official submission-only and points rulesets below — free, no strings attached.

Submission Only Ruleset

No points. No advantages. Finish the fight.

The official ICO submission-only ruleset used at Submission Challenge. Matches are decided by submission — clean, simple, and built for competitors who want to hunt the finish.

  • Win by submission or referee decision criteria
  • Legal and illegal techniques by age and belt level
  • Match lengths, overtime and stalling policy
  • Gi and no-gi specific adjustments

Points Ruleset

Classic scoring. Positional dominance rewarded.

The official ICO points ruleset covering scoring values, advantages, penalties, and referee mechanics for every division we run.

  • Full point values for takedowns, passes, sweeps and control
  • Advantages, penalties and disqualification criteria
  • Referee signals and scoreboard procedure
  • Age, belt and weight-class specific rules

Full Competitor Guide

Divisions, age & weight classes, weigh-in policy, bracket format, and everything a first-timer needs to know.

Download guide
Next event: Fargo, ND — September 12, 2026
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