IFMA AMATEUR RULES
IFMA is the IOC-recognised world governing body for Muaythai and runs international competition between national federations, including Senior and Youth World Championships and continental championships. It also runs an Elite "Olympic performance pathway" and works within the Olympic Movement. IFMA's Rules & Regulations for International Competition (v3.057, revised 11 May 2026) are one rulebook split by division, from Elite down to U8 and Masters 35+, 40+ and 45+; the rulebook does not use the word "amateur", so "IFMA amateur rules" is this site's label.
AT A GLANCE
- Rounds (Elite, U24, Masters 35+)
- 3 × 3 minutes
- Rounds (U18, U16, Masters 40+/45+)
- 3 × 2 minutes
- Rounds (U14)
- 3 × 1.5 minutes
- Rounds (U12 and younger)
- 3 × 1 minute
- Rest
- 1 minute (1.5 minutes in Masters)
- Headgear
- Mandatory, all divisions
- Shin guards
- Mandatory, all divisions
- Elbow guards
- Mandatory, all divisions
- Groin guard
- Mandatory
- Body protector
- U24 and younger, Masters 40+/45+ (not Elite or Masters 35+)
- Elbows
- Allowed in Elite, U24, U18, U16 and Masters
- Head strikes
- No elbow or knee to head in U14; none at all in U12 and younger
- Clinch
- Broken by referee on "yaek"
- Scoring
- 10-point must
MANDATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Headgear, shin guards and elbow guards are mandatory in every division and are supplied by the organiser; the shin guards and elbow guards are made of cloth with Velcro fixing, and cheek protectors, chin guards and face shields are not allowed. A groin guard and a gum shield are mandatory. Body protectors are mandatory in U24 and younger divisions and Masters 40+/45+, and are not worn in Elite or Masters 35+. Female athletes in Elite and Masters 35+ must wear a chest protector; it is optional in other divisions.
ROUND STRUCTURE
Every IFMA bout is three rounds, and no additional round may be given; the Technical Delegate may adjust the formats for selected multi-sport events only, subject to IFMA Executive Committee approval. Round length depends on division: 3 minutes for Elite, U24 and Masters 35+; 2 minutes for U18, U16 and Masters 40+/45+; 1.5 minutes for U14; and 1 minute for U12 and younger. Rest is 1 minute, or 1.5 minutes in the Masters divisions.
ELBOWS, KNEES AND THE CLINCH
Elbows are legal in Elite, U24, U18, U16 and Masters divisions, where athletes wear cloth elbow guards. In U14, elbow and knee strikes to the head are banned, and in U12 and younger divisions no strikes to the head are allowed at all. The clinch is allowed, but the referee breaks it on the command "yaek" and both athletes must step back. Holding the opponent's leg and pushing forward more than two steps without striking is a foul.
SCORING
IFMA uses a 10-point must system: 10 points go to the better (more skilful in Muaythai) athlete, and the opponent receives proportionately less (9-8-7). One score is awarded for each Muaythai skill that strikes a scoring target without being blocked, and a round goes to the athlete who uses more scoring skills than the opponent; if the athletes are equal, the more forceful skills decide it. Strikes landed with a lack of force do not score. IFMA's rules also provide for real-time, strike-by-strike scoring (rule 29.4).
TEAMS AND ENTRY
Athletes compete as members of their national team, and each national team can enter one athlete per division. An athlete must belong to a National Association that is a member of IFMA, and IFMA requires nationality (passport) and Khan-level certification.
SOURCES
Rules checked against the published rulebooks on 24 October 2026.