What happens if someone is kicked in the head in para taekwondo?
I · Intermediate · The contest · 3 of 3Any head hit stops the bout and the commissioned doctor decides if the athlete can go on. Kicking the head is dangerous play: a gam-jeom, with a yellow card if intentional; three mean disqualification. If the hit came from the receiver's own unsafe play, such as crouching into a kick, the receiver gets the gam-jeom. Concussion brings a 45-day suspension.
How it works
- Head hit: kal-yeo, kye-shi, doctor decides.
- Accidental dangerous play: gam-jeom.
- Intentional: gam-jeom and yellow card.
- Three times: disqualification.
- Unsafe play: the receiver is penalised.
- Injury time: one minute, up to two.
- Knock down: count to eight compulsory.
- Concussion: 45-day suspension.
The glossary has the hit to the head, the dangerous play, the unsafe play, the injury time, the knock down (para taekwondo) and the concussion suspension.
Tricky cases
A kick slides off the shoulder to the head. Penalty?
A gam-jeom for accidental dangerous play.
Can the team doctor decide fitness?
No. Only the commissioned doctor.
A fighter stands up at three. Does the count stop?
No. The count to eight is compulsory.
Two concussions within 90 days?
A 90-day suspension.
Why the rule exists
Para fighters may not be able to block head strikes, so every head hit is treated as a safety event first.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous play | Gam-jeom, maybe yellow card | 15.4.9 |
| Unsafe play | Receiver penalised | 15.4.10 |
| Concussion | 45 days | 19.2 |
From the rule book
World Taekwondo, Para Taekwondo Competition Rules (23 October 2025), articles 15.4.9, 15.4.10 and 18 to 21. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WT Para Taekwondo Competition Rules.