If your question is not listed shoot us an email at [email protected]

Q: Should I weigh-in wearing my Gi?

A: You can weigh-in without the Gi also for Gi divisions.

Q: Is there any weight allowance during weigh-ins?

A: There is absolutely no weight allowance permitted.

• Failure to make weight will result in disqualification.
• Division changes are not allowed on the event day.
• No further modifications will be accepted after the deadline for amendments published on the Smoothcomp event page.

Q: What if I qualify for two different weight classes?

A: If you qualify for multiple weight divisions, you must weigh under your lowest weight division to compete in both.

Q: When is the earliest weigh-in available?

A) You can weigh-in as soon as the doors open, typically around 8:30am/9am on event day. When it is possible to weigh in the evening before the event it will be published in the weigh-in page of the event on Smoothcomp

Q: When is the latest weigh-in time?

A) You must complete weigh-in at least 90 minutes before your division begins.

• Please note, it's your responsibility to check when YOUR DIVISION STARTS (NOT your initial match in the division, as this may change due to no-shows).
• For example, if your division starts at 3:30pm, you must arrive no later than 2:00pm If you have not weighed in yet, you should arrive even sooner as times keep changing during the day.
• We always encourage early arrival for weigh-in.
• Please, during competition day and the day before please check regularly your updated match time in Smoothcomp as that may have have moved.

Q: Can I register for Absolute divisions on the event day?

A) No, all registrations for absolute or any other division (takedown included) must be completed before registration closes.

Q: Am I allowed to compete wearing a t-shirt?

A) No, t-shirts are not permitted for competition.

Q: Can I wear socks during competition?

A) No, socks are not allowed during competition.

Q; Can I wear a rashguard underneath my Gi?

A) Yes, short or long sleeves. Spats are allowed too.  Please check the Athlete Duties section on the event page on Smoothcomp for further details.

Q: Are there any restrictions on Gi colors?

A) No, any color Gi is acceptable. Please check the Athlete Duties section on the event page on Smoothcomp for further details.

Q: Are there restrictions on No-Gi colours?

A) No restrictions.  Please check the Athlete Duties section on the event page on Smoothcomp for further details.

Q: Can I wear shorts with pockets?

A) No, shorts with pockets or zippers are not permitted.

Q: Can I walk around barefoot?

A) For hygienic reasons the answer to this question is a resounding no; footwear must be worn at all times unless on the mats.

Q: Can I compete without wearing a top?

A) No, topless is not allowed. Please check the Athlete Duties section on the event page on Smoothcomp for further details.

Q: Can I wear wrestling boots on the mats?

A) No, footwear of any kind is not allowed during competition.

Q: Am I allowed to wear a groin guard?

A) No, groin guards are prohibited.  Please check the Athlete Duties section on the event page on Smoothcomp for further details.

Q: Is wearing a gum shield mandatory?

A) No, it is not mandatory but recommended.

Q: What if I don't have an opponent?

A) You may move to a qualifying division if available. Otherwise, a full refund will be issued past the registration change deadline.

Q: How long does it usually take for refunds to process?

A) It depends on the payment processor (Paypal vs Stripe) If you are due a refund and you haven't received it after 5 working days, feel free to request information on the status of the refund at [email protected]. Please, don't send refund request on IG or FB or any other social platform as that will almost surely delay the refund process.

Q: Are there any food outlets or venues for competitors to buy food or do we need to bring our own?

A: It depends on the venue where the competition is held. We publish precise information on the event page on Smoothcomp.

Probably you don’t want to eat before your matches. A slice of bread with honey is known to be enough.

Q: Is there a medical tape or strapping provided for competitors or do we need to bring and provide our own?

A: Our medics do have all the necessary kit to treat any combat related injury. We recommend you to bring your own finger tape if you want to use it in your fights.

Q: Are there shower facilities and changing rooms for all competitors once they’ve finished?

A: Of course, there are hot showers, toilets, changing/locker rooms.

Q: Am I right in thinking there are photographers at the event taking snaps throughout the day and these’ll be provided/shared on the website for us to check and get?

A: That’s correct. We cannot guarantee that each competitor will have a picture, but all the available pictures will be downloadable  from our Facebook page. Please allow us a few days to upload them. Other pictures may be available through purchase from professional photographers on site. The organiser is not related to these photographers in any way. Please reach out to the photographer directly if interested.

Q: Are any of the matches streamed? I have some family who can’t make it but said they’ll love to check it out.

A: When possible, we live stream as many mats as possible on our YT channel.

Q: When do brackets become available?

A: Brackets are published in Smoothcomp usually 48 hours before the event.

Q: As a competitor, what if I am the only one in my category?

A: If we cannot offer you any match you will get a 100% cash refund. To receive the refund, please email us at [email protected]

Q: What if I don't have any match becasue all the other competitors in my brackets did not show up?

A: If you don't have any match you get a 100% cash refund. To receive the refund, please email us at [email protected]

Q: I have family and friends to invite. Are there discounts on tickets?

A: We keep spectator prices as low as possible for everyone. Organising these events requires a substantial effort.

Q: As a competitor, when should I arrive at the venue?

A: As a competitor, it's essential to have completed your weigh-in at least one hour before before the scheduled start time of your bracket. The bracket's start time is regularly published and updated on Smoothcomp and they do change during the day due to pullouts and no-shows. An estimated start time will be provided as soon as all brackets are sorted. Typically, participants arrive a couple of hours ahead of the planned start time to allow for the necessary preparations: weigh-in, dressing, warming up, logistics.

Q: Do I need to bring an ID for the weigh-in?

A: Yes, bring your Smoothcomp ID on your phone: https://smoothcomp.com/id

Q: How do I find my Mat?

A: Each Mat has a number sign that is displayed at the score table, which is located next to each Mat. Usually, a bracket is played on the same Mat.

Q: When should my coaches arrive?

A: Coaches are welcome to arrive at any time. The doors open simultaneously for competitors, spectators, and coaches. We offer free entry for up to two coaches per Academy. If you could kindly provide us with their names, we will include them on the list for admission. At Mat side there will be one chair for each competitor's coach.

Q: As a competitor, what should I do when I arrive at the venue?

A: If you're a competitor, simply bypass the regular queue and inform the staff at the door that you're a competitor. Proceed to the weigh-in area to complete your weigh-in, and you will be provided with a bracelet indicating that you have checked in. This check-in status will also be reflected on Smoothcomp, informing other competitors that you have arrived. Now you may want to locate your Mat, warming up and getting your mind ready for the fight.

Q: Can I buy a registration as a present to a friend?

A: Yes, that is possible. Please reach out to [email protected] and we will create a personalised voucher code for you. The voucher is generated immediatly and delivered to you via email in the form of a code. To create the voucher we only need to know if your friend will attend both formats (Gi, NoGi) or if you prefer to gift a voucher for a certain amount.

Q: If there is conflicting information between Smoothcomp and ukgrapplers.com regarding the event, which source should be considered authoritative?

A: We try to keep our website and the event published here on Smoothcomp congruent. When some information is misaligned, the event page on Smoothcomp is always the correct one. If you are in doubt feel free to let us know at [email protected]

Q: This is my first competition, what should I know?

A: Congratulations on entering your first competition! Here are some essential tips to help you prepare:

1. **Know the Rules**: Familiarize yourself with the rules of your brackets. Each tournament may have its own set of rules and regulations regarding scoring, time limits, and permitted techniques.

2. **Prepare Mentally and Physically**: Competing can be nerve-wracking, so it's essential to prepare mentally as well as physically. Visualize yourself performing well and stay focused on your game plan.

3. **Warm Up Properly**: Arrive early on the day of the competition to warm up properly. Warm-up exercises can help prevent injuries and prepare your body for the physical demands of competition.

4. **Stay Calm and Focused**: It's natural to feel nervous, but try to stay calm and focused on the task at hand. Take deep breaths, visualize success, and trust in your preparation.

5. **Have Fun**: Remember to enjoy the experience! Competing is a great opportunity to test your skills, learn from your experiences, and meet other athletes in the community.

6. **Learn from Every Match**: Whether you win or lose, each match is an opportunity to learn and improve. Take note of what went well and areas where you can make adjustments for future competitions.

7. **Stay Positive**: Keep a positive attitude, regardless of the outcome. Competing is a valuable learning experience, and every match brings you one step closer to achieving your goals.

Above all, believe in yourself and your abilities. Good luck, and have a great first competition!