How long is a sqay bout?
I · Intermediate · The Loba fight · 2 of 5The players face each other on the starting line on their toes and bow. The referee starts with "Legyasha" and stops with "Wordiga". A bout is five minutes, extended to seven if there is no score or a tie; for boys under 17 and under 19 it is seven, extended to ten. Then comes sudden death: the first point wins.
How it works
- Start: bow, then Legyasha.
- Stop: Wordiga.
- Most bouts: 5 minutes, up to 7.
- Older boys: 7 minutes, up to 10.
- Sudden death: first point wins.
- Sudden death time: 1 or 2 minutes.
- Time out: 30 seconds a coach.
- After a stop: score or foul announced.
The glossary has the starting the bout, the bout duration, the sudden death (sqay), the time out (sqay), the Legyasha and the Wordiga.
Tricky cases
Nobody scores in sudden death. Result?
The referees and chief jury pick the player who attacked more with good technique.
How long is sudden death for under 14?
One minute.
Can coaches stop the bout?
Yes, with one 30-second time out.
What is the word for bow?
Katashah.
Why the rule exists
Extra time and sudden death make sure every bout ends with a winner.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Older boys | 7 minutes | L Q 3 |
| Under 14 | 1-minute sudden death | L Q 3 |
| Time out | 30 seconds | L Q 6 |
From the rule book
International Council of Sqay, Sqay Rule Book (Rules and Regulations), pages 2, 3, 6 and 16. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: ICSQAY Sqay Rule Book, Sqay Federation of India copy.