General information

GLOBAL GRAPPLING SERIES — CALIFORNIA, USA

ELITE DIVISION

Weigh-in: November 19, 2026

Competition: November 20, 2026

Location: California, USA

*GENERAL INFORMATION*

The tournament is open to athletes from all countries and will feature only the Elite Division: Adult Men, Advanced.

Athletes must be aged 18 or older, born in 2008 or earlier. Eligibility is determined by the athlete’s year of birth, not their actual age on the competition date.

The tournament will be held under Global Grappling Series rules.

The exact venue address, weigh-in location, and detailed schedule will be announced separately.

*WEIGHT CATEGORIES*

The competition will feature seven weight categories:

* Up to 62 kg.

* Up to 66 kg.

* Up to 71 kg.

* Up to 77 kg.

* Up to 84 kg.

* Up to 92 kg.

* Over 92 kg and up to 130 kg inclusive.

Official weight limits are set in kilograms.

Each athlete may register in only one weight category.

*QUALIFICATION FOR THE GRAND FINAL*

The winner of each of the seven weight categories will qualify for the Global Grappling Series Grand Final.

The following expenses will be covered for each winner:

* Round-trip travel to the Grand Final.

* Accommodation.

* Grand Final registration.

Travel and accommodation arrangements will be coordinated individually with the winners.

*REGISTRATION FEES*

* Standard registration: September 1–November 10, until 11:59 PM — USD 109.

* Late registration: November 11–15, until 11:59 PM — USD 129.

An athlete’s registration is confirmed only after the registration fee has been paid.

The number of participants is limited. Registration may close early if the participant limit is reached.

*REFUND POLICY*

Refunds are available only before registration closes. Athletes will receive a refund of 95% of the amount paid.

Registration fees are non-refundable after registration closes.

*PAYMENT METHOD*

Payment must be made through the tournament registration page on Smoothcomp.

Available payment options through PayPal, including card payments, will be displayed at checkout.

*COACHES AND ACCREDITATION*

Coaches must register on the tournament page on Smoothcomp.

To access the coaching and competition areas, accompany athletes, and coach them during matches, coaches must:

* Register on the tournament page.

* Attend the rules seminar.

* Complete the coach accreditation process.

* Obtain a personalized coach badge.

The time and location of the seminar will be announced separately.

Registration alone, without attending the seminar and completing accreditation, does not grant access to the coaching or competition areas.

Coach badges are strictly personal and may not be transferred to another person. Any badge used in violation of this rule will be revoked.

*PROFILE PHOTO REQUIREMENTS*

Athletes and coaches must upload a clear photograph of their face. The face must occupy 70–80% of the image.

Team logos, group photos, and full-body photos are not permitted.

Any photo that does not meet these requirements must be replaced before the athlete is admitted to the competition or the coach receives accreditation.

*WEIGH-IN — NOVEMBER 19*

The official weigh-in will take place on November 19, the day before the tournament, strictly according to the announced schedule.

At the weigh-in, athletes must:

* Present a passport or identification document.

* Wear shorts and a T-shirt.

* Meet the weight limit of their registered category.

No weight allowance will be granted.

An athlete who does not make weight for their registered category may request a transfer to the appropriate category. Transfers are subject to availability and approval by the organizers.

*COMPETITION — NOVEMBER 20*

The tournament will take place on November 20 under Global Grappling Series rules.

Each athlete must be in the warm-up area according to the schedule. Match times are subject to change.

Athletes and coaches are responsible for monitoring the schedule and mat calls and for entering the competition area on time.

If an athlete fails to appear on the mat within two minutes of being called, while their opponent is already on the mat, the absent athlete will be disqualified for failure to appear.

*ATHLETE UNIFORM*

The mandatory uniform consists of:

* Shorts.

* Spats extending below the knees.

* A close-fitting rashguard or T-shirt that covers the torso and reaches the shorts.

Spats must be worn under the shorts. Spats do not replace shorts; shorts must be worn over them.

Competing with a bare torso is prohibited.

Shorts must cover at least the middle of the thigh, and their bottom hem must be no more than 10 cm above the knee. Pockets, buttons, and plastic or metal zippers are prohibited.

*PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND HYGIENE*

Knee pads and ankle supports are permitted, provided they contain no metal or plastic components.

Footwear, protective headgear, hair clips, jewelry, groin protectors, and other protective equipment made of hard materials that could cause injury are prohibited.

Long hair must be secured with a soft hair tie or braided.

Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed short.