Starting in the Spring of 2024 we are introducing a new approach to splitting gender in the Youth divisions. Historically we did not separate by gender - only subdividing larger divisions of 8+ by belt first (ex: Grey with Grey, White with White), then weight when applicable. This approach allowed us to offer more children the maximum of 4 matches during the day.
Thanks to feedback from coaches and parents, we have been able to get a better understanding as to how (and at what age) splitting gender becomes more important and can supersede the desire for more/maximum matches. Inevitably splitting by gender will result in fewer matches for a Youth competitor, but it can mean more equitable and safer matches as well. Additionally, with the introduction of Double Elimination for all ages (Youth and Adult), we are no longer running Round-Robin across all Youth divisions (please read more about that here) which means fewer divisions are set up in a way where everyone is getting four matches regardless of results.
Please understand, this is NOT an exact science. It will undoubtedly require our Bracketing Team to work even harder in the mornings to make sure we get everyone into a fair and equitable division without slowing down the day. We will all do our best, but we can not make any guarantee that a division will not be mixed. Thus, there is always a chance that your boy may fight a girl, or vice versa.
Before we get into the details, there is one major general rule we will follow:
REGARDLESS OF AGE, DIVISIONS WILL NOT BE SPLIT BY GENDER IF IT WILL LEAVE ONE COMPETITOR ALONE.
If there are two competitors left in a division, one of each gender, we WILL run it for competitors 9 years old and younger with no discussion. For competitors who are 10 and older, we will discuss with each competitor and their respective coaches/parents to determine if they can both move to other divisions or if keeping them together is the best and safest option.
Short Explanation of our Policy:
- All Divisions 9 and Under are inherently MIXED Gender, BUT will be split when division size allows
- All Divisions 10 and Up (with 4 or more competitors) are inherently SPLIT Gender, BUT may be mixed/combined in certain cases
- Divisions will never be split by gender if it leaves one competitor alone. We may give that single competitor the option to move, or we may run the division as-is with no discussion.
Extended Explanation of our Policy:
(1) All Divisions 9 and Under are inherently MIXED Gender, BUT will be split when possible:
Any child that wants to move up in weight or age in order for the opportunity to fight only their gender may do so
- Competitors who are alone will be handled on a case-by-case basis as we always do, weighing different options in higher weight/age/belt classes as well as the possibility of setting up exhibition matches.
- Ages 4-5, 6-7, & 8-9: In these divisions we will maximize # of potential matches and only split gender as long as it is not giving one gender significantly more matches than another (had they been split). For example, a division of 7 kids with 2 girls and 5 boys will not be separated by gender, as the girls would have significantly fewer unique matches/opponents.
(2) All Divisions 10 and Up are inherently SPLIT Gender, but may be mixed/combined in certain cases:
- 10-11, 12-13, 14-15: In these divisions we will split by gender as long as a competitor is not left alone. If the sole competitor so chooses, they may move up in age, weight, and/or belt if that affords them same-gender matches, but they are NOT required.
- Divisions of 2 or 3 will run as scheduled (see below)
- Divisions of 4 will be split gender if it’s a an even split between boys and girls. We will NOT split if doing so would leave a competitor alone
- Divisions of 4+ will be split as long as no one is left alone
When possible we will split divisions by Gender first, but if large enough we will then split by Belt (for White & Gray) and finally weight.
Examples Splitting Gender (Ages 10 and Up):
If a division has…
2 Competitors Who Are Opposite Genders - Both competitors will be given the option of moving up in weight, age, or belt in order to (1 class max). Otherwise they will compete together.
3 Or More Competitors with one of a singular gender (ex: 2 boys, 1 girl) - The singular gender will be given the option of moving up in weight, age, or belt (1 class max) in order to compete with the same gender. If there is no safe and ideal alternative, they will compete in their proper division.**
4 Or More Competitors where there are only 2 competitors of a specific gender (ex: 5 boys, 2 girls) - They WOULD be split gender, as this seems to be the prevailing preference amongst parents/coaches. While keeping them together would offer more matches, this policy would result in the genders split and the division of 2 running a best 2-of-3 division.
** We will NOT jettison a boy from a division with two other girls simply to separate gender. They will only be moved if we have a safe and agreeable alternative which would likely consist of the boy moving up in age, weight, or belt.
Policy Updates
As we deploy and test this policy, we reserve the right to update it as necessary. Any major updates will be noted here.