What are fouls in silambam?
I · Intermediate · The stick fight · 3 of 4The referee or ring chairman can warn, take points or disqualify for power hits, banned targets, leaving the court, wrong cuts, ignoring instructions and outside coaching. A yellow card warns; a red costs 2 points; a black disqualifies, after the referee consults the judges and ring chairman. A coach's yellow counts against the player.
How it works
- Power hits: foul.
- Banned targets: foul.
- Leaving the court: foul.
- Outside coaching: foul.
- Yellow card: warning.
- Red card: 2 points off.
- Black card: disqualification.
- Coach's yellow: applies to the player.
The glossary has the fouls (silambam), the cards (school games), the warnings and penalties (WSA), the disqualification and appeal, the coach conduct and the court (silambam).
Tricky cases
How many WSA warnings make a penalty?
Two; two penalties disqualify.
Can a WSA fighter appeal a disqualification?
Yes, through the coach or manager to the chief referee, whose word is final.
A WSA fighter is late for a bout. Result?
Automatic disqualification.
Can a coach stand on the mat?
No.
Why the rule exists
Cards give the referee a scale of punishment, from warning to removal, so a small fault is not treated like a dangerous one.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| School games | Three cards | L S 4 |
| WSA | Warnings and penalties | L W 21.5 |
| WSA extra fouls | Kicks, grabs, pushing | L W 21.5 |
From the rule book
SGFI Silambam Rules and WSA Silambam Sports Rules: SGFI chapter 4, fouls and misconduct and the referee's duties; WSA article 21.5. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: SGFI Silambam Rules; WSA Silambam Sports Rules (web page).