Jeff Curran Invitational (JCI) – Divisions

Weight Classes (in pounds):

  • Atomweight: Up to, including 105 lbs
  • Strawweight: 105.1 to 115 lbs
  • Flyweight: 115.1 to 125 lbs
  • Bantamweight: 125.1 to 135 lbs
  • Featherweight: 135.1 to 145 lbs
  • Lightweight: 145.1 to 155 lbs
  • Welterweight: 155.1 to 170 lbs
  • Middleweight: 170.1 to 185 lbs
  • Light Heavyweight: 185.1 to 205 lbs
  • Heavyweight: 205.1 to 265 lbs
  • Super Heavyweight: Over 265 lbs

Weigh-In Rules:

  • Same-Day Weigh-Ins: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • 1 lb allowance for all non-title matches
  • No allowance for title matches
  • Failure to make weight results in a forfeit
  • No reimbursement for travel compensation if weight is missed
  • JCI promotes safe, natural weight management; extreme weight cuts are discouraged

Ways to Win

  • Tap out: Opponent submits verbally or physically (e.g., tapping hand, body, or mat)
  • Break: A legal submission results in an obvious joint or bone break, or renders the opponent physically unable to continue
  • Sleep: A legal choke or strangle causes the opponent to lose consciousness
  • Disqualification (DQ): Opponent commits a DQ-worthy foul (e.g., illegal technique, slamming, unsportsmanlike conduct)
  • Verbal Tap: Due to injury or inability to continue (non-foul related)
  • Judges’ Decision: For overtime period only

Judging

  • Judged Round:
    • If no submission in regulation, the match moves to one overtime period, scored by three outside judges
    • The mat referee determines the athlete offered position choice based on:
      1. Effectiveness toward finishing the match by submission
      2. Least number of warnings
      3. Coin toss if no clear aggressor or warnings balance out
    • Position choices: Neutral (standing separated), top position in opponent’s closed guard, or bottom position holding opponent in closed guard
    • 3 Official JCI Judges will score the overtime round using a 10 point must system:
      1. Primary criterion: Near finishes / Effective Attacks
      2. Secondary criterion: Position & mat command (used only if no clear winner by primary criterion)
  • Participant Expectations:
    • Submission is the goal; this is not a point-based event
    • Defensive play or stalling is negatively considered for overtime coin toss
    • Patience and counter-attacking are distinguished from stalling; clean, technical Jiu-Jitsu is rewarded
  • Foul Procedure:
    • Referee is the sole decision-maker for rules enforcement, match action, injury timeouts, warnings, restarts, disqualifications
    • Warnings issued for infractions; multiple warnings may lead to disqualification or loss of position choice in overtime
    • Disqualifications possible for harmful illegal techniques, intentional injury, disregard of referee’s direction, or unsportsmanlike conduct
  • Mat Boundaries & Reset Protocol:
    • Referee manages mat space and athlete safety
    • Neutral Position Resets: If no clear advantage/control, reset to standing in the center
    • Submission or Dominant Position Resets: Attacking athlete chooses restart position to preserve momentum, grip, angle, and positioning

Uniforms

Men’s Matches (No-Gi):

  • Tops:
    • Rash guards optional (short or long sleeve, form-fitting, designed for grappling/MMA)
    • T-shirts not allowed
  • Bottoms:
    • Compression shorts, grappling shorts, spats, Vale Tudo shorts, or Gi pants
    • Gi pants: Drawstrings tied securely, tucked in or taped down
    • Must be free of pockets, zippers, buttons, or loose material
    • Made from appropriate grappling/MMA material
  • Improper attire may result in disqualification or delay until corrected

Women’s Matches (No-Gi):

  • Tops:
    • Sports bra-style top or rash guard (form-fitting, full coverage, secure, designed for grappling/MMA)
    • No loose-fitting shirts or t-shirts
  • Bottoms:
    • Compression shorts, grappling shorts, spats, Vale Tudo shorts, or Gi pants
    • Gi pants: Drawstrings tied securely, tucked in or taped down
    • Must be free of pockets, zippers, buttons, or loose material
    • Made from appropriate grappling/MMA material
  • Improper attire may result in disqualification or delay until corrected

Supportive Gear Policy:

  • Permitted: Joint braces, sleeves, soft supports (knees, elbows, ankles, wrists), athletic tape (moderate, for support), finger tape, wrist/ankle taping (non-excessive), soft knee pads
  • Prohibited: Braces with metal stays/rigid shells, tape/supports enhancing grip or limiting movement, taping fingers to restrict mobility, groin cups
  • Inspection: All gear/tape subject to referee/staff inspection; referee has final approval

Hygiene

  • Requirements:
    • Athletes must be clean (no visible dirt, paint, grease, residue)
    • Nails trimmed short (hands and feet)
    • Long hair tied back and secured
    • Gear freshly laundered, odor-free
    • No contagious skin conditions or open wounds (e.g., ringworm, staph, cold sores)
    • Subject to skin checks by referees/event staff
    • No body lotions, oils, greasy substances, or excessive hair products
    • Wrestling shoes not permitted; matches competed barefoot
  • Consideration: Wear deodorant
  • Enforcement: Failure to meet standards may require correction or risk disqualification

Coaching

  • Guidelines:
    • One coach per athlete allowed mat-side, seated/kneeling in designated spot
    • No pacing, standing, or walking around mat area
    • Verbal coaching allowed (respectful, constructive); no screaming, taunting, or arguing with referees
    • Coaches may not touch athletes or interfere with match
    • No coaching during medical timeouts
  • Multiple Athletes Per Team:
    • Max three coaches for teams with multiple athletes
    • Exceptions for back-to-back matches discussed/approved by Jeff Curran pre-event
  • Warnings & Removal:
    • Unprofessional/disruptive behavior may result in warnings or removal
    • Serious violations may penalize or disqualify the athlete
  • Training Partners & Warm-Up Passes:
    • One backstage pass per athlete for warm-up/preparation (starting 4 matches prior)
    • Not allowed mat-side unless an official coach
    • Must return to spectator area after match begins
    • Must have a purchased ticket
  • Coaching is a privilege; coaches must contribute to a respectful, focused environment