Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Protector and Scoring System (PSS)
WT competition uses the Protector and Scoring System (PSS), an electronic scoring platform that registers valid strikes based on impact force, target location, and striking tool. The trunk protector, head protector, electronic socks, and electronic gloves all communicate wirelessly with the central scoring computer. A valid score is registered when the correct striking area (foot sensor or glove sensor) impacts the correct target (trunk or head protector sensor) with force exceeding the calibrated threshold. The force threshold is adjustable and is set by the Technical Delegate based on the competition level, weight category, and gender.
6.2 Point Values
- Punch to trunk protector: 1 point (Article 12.3.1) — delivered with the front of a closed fist (glove sensor) to the trunk protector.
- Kick to trunk protector: 2 points (Article 12.3.2) — any valid kick (foot sensor) to the trunk protector.
- Kick to head: 3 points (Article 12.3.3) — any valid kick to the head.
- Turning kick to trunk protector: 4 points (Article 12.3.4) — a valid turning kick doubles the awarded points.
- Turning kick to the head: 6 points (Article 12.3.4) — a valid turning kick to the head doubles the three-point head value. This is the highest-scoring single technique in taekwondo.
- Opponent penalised: 1 point awarded when a Gam-jeom is given to the opponent (Article 12.3.5).
Turning kicks are scored by doubling the value of the technique's target: four points to the trunk protector and six to the head (Article 12.3.4). Entries citing five points for a turning head kick reflect an edition superseded by the rules in force as of June 1, 2026.
6.3 Supplementary Scoring by Judges
Corner judges may award points for valid techniques that the PSS does not register electronically. This typically applies to techniques delivered at close range or unusual angles where sensor contact may be incomplete. A majority of judges must agree for a supplementary point to be awarded. The review jury may also correct obvious scoring errors identified during or after a round.
6.4 Scoring Technology Calibration
The PSS force thresholds are calibrated before each competition by the Technical Delegate and equipment officials. Different thresholds are set for different weight categories and genders to ensure that valid techniques register appropriately across divisions. For example, lighter weight categories use lower force thresholds than heavier divisions. The head protector threshold is typically set lower than the trunk protector threshold, reflecting the greater difficulty and risk of head kicks. Calibration tests are conducted using standardized impact tools, and the settings are documented in the competition technical report.
6.5 Determining the Winner
The competitor with the higher total score (including penalty points awarded from the opponent's gam-jeom) at the end of 3 rounds wins by final score. The complete hierarchy of victory conditions, in order of precedence, is:
- Knockout (KO): Opponent cannot rise within the 10-count.
- Referee Stop Contest (RSC): Referee determines a competitor is unable to continue safely.
- Point gap (PTG): 20-point difference at the completion of the 2nd round or any time during the 3rd (Article 16, Explanation #3).
- Referee's punitive declaration (PUN): Accumulation of ten Gam-jeom (Article 14.7).
- Disqualification (DSQ): An instant-disqualification offence, such as manipulating PSS sensor sensitivity (Article 14).
- Withdrawal: Competitor or coach voluntarily withdraws.
- Final score: Higher total at the end of 3 rounds.
- Golden Round: First to score in the 4th round (1 minute).
- Superiority decision: Judges evaluate initiative and technique quality if the Golden Round produces no score. This decision is final and cannot be appealed.