What moves are illegal in sambo?
A · Advanced · Penalties and officials · 1 of 2Banned techniques include throwing an opponent onto the head, locks on the spine, neck, fingers or toes, chokes in Sport Sambo, strikes in Sport Sambo and holds after the whistle. Each brings a warning and a point to the opponent; a repeat means withdrawal. Unethical conduct, such as biting, swearing, cheating or refusing to shake hands, means disqualification with no place.
How it works
- Throw on the head: banned.
- Spine, neck locks: banned.
- Finger or toe locks: banned.
- Chokes: banned in Sport.
- Penalty: warning, point to opponent.
- Repeat: withdrawal.
- Two minutes late: withdrawal.
- Misconduct: disqualification.
The glossary has the prohibited technique, the withdrawal, the disqualification, the leg lock, the chokehold and the strike.
Tricky cases
An athlete is two minutes late to the mat. Result?
Withdrawal.
Medical time runs out. Result?
Withdrawal: two minutes in Sport, three in Combat.
A banned move injures the opponent so they cannot go on. Result?
Disqualification.
Does a disqualified athlete keep a medal?
No.
Why the rule exists
The banned list protects joints and the neck that cannot bear sambo's force.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat | Withdrawal | L SS 33 |
| Combat withdrawal | From competition | L CS 33 |
| Misconduct | DSQ | L SS 34 |
From the rule book
FIAS, International SAMBO Rules: Sport SAMBO, articles 32 to 34, with FIAS, International SAMBO Rules: Combat SAMBO, articles 32 to 34. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: FIAS International SAMBO Rules (Sport and Combat).