IRISH TAEKWON-DO ASSOCIATION

Meeting Note: ITA Examiners Conference 15 September 2012

Venue:North Mon Secondary School, Cork

Attendees:

Chair: Master Kenneth Wheatley

Participants: Mr Stephen Ryan; Mr. Adrian Byrne; Mr. Jamie Rigney; Mr. Tim Forde; Master Patrick O’Rourke; Mr. Stephen Smullen; Mr. Carl Smullen; Mr. Hong Keat Looi; Mr. Niall Jones; Ms. Anne-Marie Kinsella; Mr. Kevin Kinsella; Mr. Adrian O’Mahoney; Mr. Pat Barry; Mr. Mark Buckley; Master Neil Franks; Mr. Francis Plunkett; Mr. Terry Donnelly

Master Wheatley welcomed everyone, thanked them for their attendance and encouraged all in attendance to be frank and open in the discussions.

Minutes of the last meeting:

There were no discussion points from the previous meeting minutes.

Scoring system review – proposed by Mr. Donnelly

Power and special scores and requirements

This topic generated a lot of discussion and resulted in several adjustments to the current format.

Candidates can choose to reduce the height or length of their chosen special technique resulting in a reduction of the special technique score by up to 50%

-Two additional options to be added to current five options for special technique:

  • Suspended (speed) break
  • Two target break (must be performed with both feet off the ground, can be 2 feet or hand and foot)

-Student to provide own material for breaking.

  • Minimum2cm of timber for senior(18 and over)
  • Minimum1cm of timber for junior(Under 18)

-Scoring breakdown for special techniquebreaking to change:

Max Score / Pass
Execution / 15 / 9
Break / 25 / 14

-Explanation of execution criteria to be broken out in detail by Technical Committee.

-Exceptions process to be implemented for individuals who have a genuine impediment to completing the above options. These will be addressed on a case by case basis.

Protocol for special/power

-ForearmGuarding block to start and finish.

-A single measure is permitted.

-Allowed to touch board.

Free sparring scores/weighting

This was another area that generated a lot of discussion. The general consensus was that the free sparring section of the grading requires more weighting to bring it closer to the patterns section. There was some discussion about how to achieve this. The outcome was to increase the sparring score by 50 marks by reducing the following sections:

Foot / Hand / Theory
Minus 20 marks / Minus 20 marks / Minus 10 marks

It was requested that it be noted that this topic will need to be revisited in the future.A review to take place after December Black Belt Grading

Age for black belt eligibility

There were strong and differing opinions regarding the age limit for black belt eligibility which generated a healthy debate and which led to an agreed solution.

-13 years old is the minimum age for candidate to present for Black Belt Grading.

Clubs can create a system within their own club to recognise and reward an individual member who has reached a high grade level at a young age, as a motivational tool. But this cannot be a black belt or junior black belt.

Requirements for each grade: ITF bylaw requirements, ITA requirements, credit system

It was felt that the introduction of a credit system for black belt grading eligibility should be reviewed at a later date.Discussions focused on the lack of support at tournaments by officials. It was agreed that the credit system should be revisited.

Examiner Requirements

There is only one change to the criteria for the selection of the Examiners Panel.

-The examiner must have used the scoring system previously i.e. at the preliminary grading.

-An examiner must have experience in and have used the weighted grading system.

Pass/fail criteria

The pass – fail criteria to remain however if a candidate fails 3 or more sections a discussion will take place between the examining panel at the summing up meeting before the results are announced.

Failing patterns results in automatic fail of grading

Capping number of attempts for patterns/break/special/step sparring etc.

The number of attempts for each section is capped to two attempts.

The candidate may leave the floor to re-compose themselves if necessary.

Standardisation of narration during black belt gradings

-Narrators to issue commands in Korean.

-Narrators to clarify in English only if required.

-Call sheet to be provided in Korean and English.

-Examiners to account for individuals who do not understand the commands in Korean in the theory section of the scoring system.

-Candidates lose up to 10 points from their theory test score if they do not know their Korean terminology.

Designated person (Technical Director)at grading to flag issues with candidates such as disabilities, second tries etc. to panel members

It is the applicant’s and relevant instructor’s responsibility to highlight issues on the application form. The senior examiner will inform the other members of the panel to issues that are highlighted on the application forms.

Application forms for Black Belt Gradings should include all information about a candidate

Dan syllabus to replace call sheets

The technical committee is to propose the syllabus for fundamental movements per grade from first kup and above. This is to be implemented for the grading in June 2013.

Call sheet to remain for December 2012 grading.

Dan Syllabus proposal to be circulated to examiners in January 2013 for consensus.

Examining of self defence sections

It was agreed that more clarity is required for the self defence section of the black belt grading.

Mr. Carl Smullen will define the principles of self defence and provide them for the black belt guidelines document.

The scoring criteria will change to the following:

Max Score / Pass
Effectiveness of defensive technique / 20 / 13
Appropriateness of response to level of threat / 20 / 13

Facebook

Guidance for acceptable behaviour on the use of social media for ITA instructors is required.

Mr. Plunkett will forward suggested guidelines to the board on the use of Facebook

AOB

Mr Donnelly is currently completing an online training course covering child protection. He will post the details on his website for anyone interested in completing the course.

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