Description
By registering for this event, you agree to the following terms, conditions, and event guidelines (as detailed on the event page in Smoothcomp).
EVENT DETAILS
| ITEM | INFORMATION |
| Event | Merseyside Open |
| Date | Sunday, 21st June 2026 |
| Venue | Greenbank Sports Academy, Greenbank Lane, Liverpool, L17 1AG |
EVENT SCHEDULE (APPROX.)
| ACTIVITY | TIME |
| Doors Open | 8:00am |
| Weigh-ins Begin | 8:00am |
| Spectator Entry | 8:00am |
| Matches Begin | 9:00am |
REGISTRATION
This is a pre-registration only event. No late or on-the-day sign-ups will be accepted.
- Registration may close early if venue capacity is reached.
- Each registration period is capped at 250 competitors.
| PERIOD | CLOSES |
| Early Bird | Saturday, 28th March 2026 |
| Normal | Saturday, 2nd May 2026 |
| Late | Thursday, 11th June 2026 |
SPECIAL OFFER
We are proud to support experienced athletes by offering discounts on registration.
| ELIGIBILITY | DISCOUNT |
| BJJ Brown Belt | 50% off |
| BJJ Black Belt | 50% off |
| Pro MMA Fighter* | 50% off |
*Pro MMA Fighters must have 3+ professional fights.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
| CONDITION | DETAIL |
| Minimum Fights | Pro MMA fighters must have at least 3 professional fights. |
| Prior Support | You must have supported Empire Grappling in the past to qualify. |
| Availability | Limited places are available per event. |
| Right to Refuse | Empire Grappling reserves the right to deny this discount if necessary. |
| Retroactive Discounts | Discounts cannot be applied after payment has been made. |
| Automatic Application | Offer is not automatic on Smoothcomp. |
| Claim Process | To claim, email info@empiregrapplingevents.com before making payment with the following: |
| 1) Which event would you like to register for? | |
| 2) A link to your Smoothcomp profile to confirm your belt ranking (please ensure your profile is set to public). | |
| 3) A link to your Tapology profile confirming you are a Pro MMA fighter with 3+ Pro MMA bouts. |
AMENDMENTS
| ACTION | DEADLINE | METHOD |
| Division Changes | Sunday, 14th June 2026 – 10:00pm | Smoothcomp only |
🎥 Tutorials: How to Amend | How to Cancel
WEIGH-INS
| DETAIL | RULE / REQUIREMENT |
| Location | On the day only |
| With my Gi? | You can weigh-in without your Gi |
| Coverage | One weigh-in covers all divisions |
| Timing | Open usually from 8:00am until 60 minutes before division |
| Allowance | Zero allowance |
| Failure | Missed weight or late weigh-in = disqualification |
IDENTIFICATION CHECKS
To ensure athlete safety, fairness, and accurate division placement, ID checks are being introduced at Empire Grappling events.
| AGE GROUP | ACCEPTED ID |
| Adults (18+) | Driving Licence, Passport, or other government-issued photo ID |
| Children (under 18) | Birth Certificate or Passport |
Implementation will begin with random spot checks at upcoming events. By mid-2026, ID verification will become mandatory for all athletes during check-in.
⚠️ Failure to provide valid ID when requested may result in disqualification without refund.
ATHLETES
| ITEM | INFORMATION |
| Fees | All taxes and admin included |
| Waiver | May be required on the day |
| Minimum Matches | 2 per athlete (Gi and No-Gi), unless prevented by injury or withdrawal |
| Absolute Divisions | Straight knockout format |
REFUND AND CREDIT POLICY
| CONDITION | REFUND / CREDIT | METHOD |
| Withdraw more than 28 days before event | 100% Refund | Smoothcomp |
| Withdraw 7–27 days before event | 100% Credit | Smoothcomp |
| Amendments deadline → 24 hrs post brackets | 50% Credit | Smoothcomp |
| After deadlines | No refund/credit | N/A |
| DEADLINE TYPE | DATE |
| Refund | Sunday, 24th May 2026 |
| Credit | Sunday, 14th June 2026 |
⚠️ Credits can only be used once. If used and then withdrawn, the credit is lost and will not be reissued (including unused portions).
⚠️ Withdrawals made after the 50% credit window are not eligible for refunds or credits under any circumstances.
⚠️ Registrations are non-transferable.
🎥 Tutorial: How to Withdraw
COUPON CODES
| DETAIL | RULE |
| Validity | 24 months (2 years) |
| Usage | Single use only |
| Replacement Policy | No replacement if used and later withdrawn |
BRACKETS AND SCHEDULE
| ITEM | DETAIL |
| Release Date | Tuesday, 16th June 2026 |
| Display | Live order on venue screens and Smoothcomp mobile |
| Courtesy Calls | May be made, but athlete must be ready |
| Bullpen Arrival | 20–30 mins before match |
| Presence | Must be weighed in and present 60 mins before division start |
MEDALS AND TEAM TROPHIES
| AWARD TYPE | NOTES |
| Medals | Awarded once division is complete. All medallists must be present. |
| Team Trophies | Academy Champions |
| Affiliation Champions | |
| Gi Academy Champions | |
| No-Gi Academy Champions | |
| Kids Academy Champions | |
| Kids Affiliation Champions | |
| Eligibility | Awards given to individual academies only (not combined affiliations) |
| Additional | #1 Athlete of the Event (only if there is a clear winner) |
VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF
We welcome referees and event staff.
| ROLE | BENEFITS |
| Referees and Staff | Competitive pay + lunch allowance |
| Athlete Volunteers | Free registration in exchange for setup/pack-down or event help |
📧 To apply, email: info@empiregrapplingevents.com
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
By registering, you confirm:
- You accept the risks of martial arts, including potential injury, loss, or death.
- You waive all claims against Empire Grappling, venues, sponsors, and participants.
- You are in good physical health and able to compete safely.
- In an emergency, you authorise licensed medical staff to treat you at your expense.
- You consent to being filmed, photographed, and recorded for promotional purposes, including by attending public.
- For minors, the legal guardian grants permission for participation.
⚠️ Violations may result in disqualification, forfeiture of fees, and bans from future events.
CODE OF CONDUCT
| RULE | ENFORCEMENT |
| Zero tolerance for abuse, threats, or disrespect | Offenders will be removed immediately |
| Teams/individuals causing issues | May face future bans |
| Severe incidents | Authorities may be contacted |
IMPORTANT NOTICE
If government restrictions or similar prevent the event, all entry fees will be converted into credit for a future Empire Grappling event.
POLICIES AND CONTACT
| ITEM | DETAIL |
| Policies | Privacy, Data Protection, Safeguarding, Risk Assessments |
| Documents | Available at Empire Grappling Documents |
| info@empiregrapplingevents.com | |
| Company | Empire Grappling Events Ltd |
📧 Still have questions? Contact us at info@empiregrapplingevents.com
