What happens when a taekwondo athlete is knocked down?
I · Intermediate · Knock downs, replay and entry · 5 of 7The referee calls "Kal-yeo", sends the attacker away and counts aloud in Korean, one number a second. The count always goes to eight, even if the athlete is up at once. An athlete who has not shown they want to continue by eight loses, and the referee counts on to ten before declaring the result.
How it works
- What it is: a legitimate scoring technique makes any part of the body other than the soles of the feet touch the floor.
- Staggered: it is also a knock down when an athlete is staggered and shows no intention or ability to continue.
- The referee's judgement: the referee may treat any contact as a knock down where going on would be dangerous.
- The count: from "Ha-nah" (one) to "Yeol" (ten), at one-second intervals, with the clock stopped.
- Eight is compulsory: the referee "must count until 'Yeo-dul (eight)' before resuming the match".
- Ready to go on: the athlete shows it by gesturing several times in a fighting position with clenched fists.
- Too late: showing the will to continue after the count of eight does not count.
- The result: the opponent wins because the referee stops the contest (RSC).
- No count needed: the referee may decide the winner without counting, or during the count, when an athlete is unable to continue.
- Both down: the count goes on while either has not recovered. If neither recovers by ten, the score before the knock down decides.
- Afterwards: a significant head injury or concussion brings a suspension of 30 days for seniors, 40 for juniors and 50 for cadets.
The glossary has the knock down entry, the referee stops contest entry, the referee, the referee's commands, the head kick and the contest.
Tricky cases
An athlete is knocked down, springs up at "three" and raises their fists. Does the contest restart at once?
No. The referee continues to eight, then restarts with "Kye-sok" if the athlete has recovered.
An athlete raises their fists at the count of nine. Can they continue?
No. Showing the will to continue after eight is not valid.
An athlete is knocked down by a punch to the face. Is there a count and a loss?
A knock down under this rule needs a legitimate attack. A punch to the head is a prohibited act, and if the athlete cannot continue the puncher loses.
An athlete is up at eight and willing, but the referee thinks they are not fit. Who decides?
The referee, who may go on counting and end the contest.
Why the rule exists
The rule book says it plainly: "The primary purpose of counting is to protect the contestant." The eight seconds give the referee time to look at the athlete, which is why they cannot be skipped by an athlete who jumps up and wants to carry on.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Any contest | Count to eight is compulsory | WT Article 18.1.3; Explanation 2 |
| Seniors, juniors, cadets | 30, 40 or 50 days' suspension for concussion | WT Article 18.2.5 |
| A second concussion in 90 days | 90 days' suspension | WT Article 18.2.6 |
| A third in 180 days | 180 days' suspension | WT Article 18.2.6 |
From the rule book
World Taekwondo, Competition Rules & Interpretation (in force 1 June 2026), Articles 17 and 18 with their explanations. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WT Competition Rules & Interpretation, 1 June 2026 (PDF).