How do you score in silambam?
B · Beginner · The stick fight · 3 of 4Under school games rules every touch on the body, shoulder or ankle scores one point. Touches on the head, neck and face, from hip to mid-thigh or from elbow to fingers score nothing. Powerful hits are not allowed. Knocking the opponent's staff from their hand wins the fight. The WSA scores gentle touches between collarbone and belt and on the upper arms.
How it works
- Body: 1 point.
- Shoulder: 1 point.
- Ankle: 1 point.
- Head, neck, face: no points.
- Hip to mid-thigh: no points.
- Elbow to fingers: no points.
- Hard hits: not allowed.
- Staff knocked away: fight won.
The glossary has the scoring a touch, the stick drop, the fouls (silambam), the judges (silambam), the Kambu Sandai and the vettu.
Tricky cases
A deliberate strike to the head. Result?
Disqualification.
Does the WSA referee stop play after a touch?
Yes, to call hit or no hit.
A WSA fighter is injured and bleeding. Result?
The injured fighter is declared the winner.
Are hand or leg touches scored in the WSA?
No. They are fouls.
Why the rule exists
Light touches keep the fight a test of control, since a full blow with a staff can cause injury.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| School games | Body, shoulder, ankle | L S 4.26 |
| WSA | Collarbone to belt, upper arms | L W 21.4 |
| Head, deliberate | Disqualification | L S 4 |
From the rule book
SGFI Silambam Rules and WSA Silambam Sports Rules: SGFI chapter 4, points 22, 24, 26 and 27 and the prohibited targets; WSA article 21.4. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: SGFI Silambam Rules; WSA Silambam Sports Rules (web page).