What happens when sambo athletes go off the mat?
Officials' detail · The contest · 1 of 1The bout area is an 8 m circle on an 11 m mat, with a safety area around it. Standing means only the feet touch the mat; anything else is a ground position. When athletes go out, the arbiter restarts them standing in the centre. A throw begun inside still scores if the defender's torso lands in the safety area.
How it works
- Mat: 11 by 11 m.
- Bout area: 8 m circle.
- Safety area: around it.
- Standing: feet only.
- Ground: anything else.
- Off mat standing: both feet outside.
- Restart: standing, centre.
- Edge throws: may still score.
The glossary has the SAMBO mat, the safety area, the off mat, the standing, the ground position and the bridge.
Tricky cases
A throw begins inside and lands outside. Scores?
Yes, if the defender's torso stays in the safety area.
One knee touches the mat. Standing or ground?
Ground.
Can an athlete step out on purpose?
No. That is a warning.
Where does the red athlete start?
The red corner, left of the table side referee.
Why the rule exists
Scoring edge throws rewards attacks made inside the circle.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bout area | 8 m | L SS 37.1 |
| Edge throw | Scores | L SS 31.6 |
| Leaving on purpose | Warning | L SS 32.7 |
From the rule book
FIAS, International SAMBO Rules: Sport SAMBO, articles 23.A, 31 and 37. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: FIAS International SAMBO Rules (Sport and Combat).