Competitors are divided into the following experience classes based on their bout history:

• • Elite: At least one professional bout.

  • Open (Class A): 13+ amateur bouts.

  • Intermediate (Class B): 6-12 amateur bouts.

  • Novice (Class C): 0-5 amateur bouts.

  • Development (Class D): 0-2 amateur bouts.

     

Class-D is a newly introduced division designed for beginners seeking ring experience in a forgiving, semi-contact environment. It emphasizes precision and technique over power and damage. Deliberate strikes to the head and face, as well as elbow strikes, are strictly prohibited.

Yes, we allow you to change your weigh division or experience class.  We call them “transfers”.  Depending on the timing of your request there may be a fee (below).  Contact us via Support. 

• Requests received within 48 hours of registration: FREE
• Requests received one month prior to the initial weigh-in: $15
• Requests received within one month of the tournament: $25
• Requests received within seven (7) days of the initial weigh-in: $45

• Requests received on the day of the initial weigh-in: $75

• The Class-D transfer fee shall be a flat fee of $10 per request

No.  To ensure fairness, athletes must use the US Open® Officially Licensed gloves available for purchase at the site. Competitors 146 lbs and under will use 10 oz gloves, and those 147 lbs and over will use 12 oz gloves. We don’t loan gloves for sanitary reasons. 

If the tournament is scheduled for 3 or more days (excluding weigh-in day) then there will be an inital weigh-in and a second weigh-in on the morning of the finals (last day of competition).  This is to promote gradual, safe weight cutting. 

If you fail to make weight initially, you are allowed one additional opportunity to re-weigh within one hour. You are not permitted to cut more than 2 lbs to make this re-weigh. 

Athletes who fail to make weight may request a voluntary transfer to a weight division that corresponds with their recorded weight. The transfer shall not be complete unless the athlete or their designee submits the appropriate fee.

If an athlete fails to make weight at the second weigh-in (when applicable), the bout may only continue with the consent of both opponents and if the weight discrepancy between both athletes is less than five (5) lbs. (2.27 kg). In this circumstance, the athlete who failed to make weight shall forfeit one (1) point in the first round as a penalty for failing to make weight.

Elbow strikes are only permitted in Adult Elite, Adult Open (Class A), and Junior Open (Class A) divisions. They are strictly prohibited in the Intermediate, Novice, and Development classes, as well as the Bantam and Pee-Wee age divisions.

The US Open utilizes a 10-9-8 scoring system. Judges award points based on clean strikes (punches, kicks, knees, or elbows) that land on an unprotected part of the body. A score of 10-9 represents slight dominance, 10-8 represents undisputable dominance, and 10-7 represents tremendous dominance.

In general, US Open entry fees are non-refundable. However, you may receive a refund of your registration fee and optional add-ons (excluding the Registration Protection Fee) under the following circumstances:

• You are the sole registrant in your weight class and cannot be matched or transferred.

• You opted in for Registration Protection at the time of registration and requested a refund at least one month before the initial weigh-in.

• (Rare situation) The US Open Organizing Committee decides, at its discretion, that a refund is in the best interest of the event.

The US Open reviews each registrant’s application for discrepancies and false claims. We will investigate all allegations of cheating and  will initiate a disciplinary action.  If found responsible, athletes can face serious penalties including disqualification,  suspension, or permanent ban.  If you suspect cheating, report it to us HERE.

Absolutely, just pay close attention to the experience classes and register accordingly.  Contact us through Support if you need assistance.