Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Eastern Visayas Region

2025 EVRAA ARNIS GUIDELINES AND GROUND RULES

February 26 – March 3, 2025

I. COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATION:

The DepEd-PEKAF Arnis Guidelines and Ground Rules shall be adapted for the purpose
of the Department of Education school sports competition for EVRAA Meet 2025 leading to
Palarong Pambansa and other sports competition for Arnis.
The DepEd-PEKAF guidelines shall be a modified Sports Arnis competition rules of the
Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation and the Department of Education Eskrima Kali Arnis
Federation (DEEKAF) for the purposes of school sports event.

II. ELIGIBILITY:
1. ATHLETES
1.1 Eligibility of Athletes must adhere to the Rules and Guidelines for the National
Accreditation and Screening (RSAC) requirements for eligibility.
1.2 Athlete Records of Participation, training, and competition

2. COACHES/CHAPERON
2.1 Eligibility of coaches, and chaperon must adhere to the Rules and Guidelines for the
Regional Accreditation and Screening of athletes, coaches, and Chaperon for the EVRAA.
2.2 Coaches/Chaperons must be DepEd accredited in accordance with Technical
Guidelines and RSAC requirements.
2.3 Coaches are required to attend the solidarity meeting, failure to attend shall forfeit
their right to protest.

III. PARTICIPANTS: TEAM COMPOSITION:

Elementary Level
Boys: 3 Players and 1 Coach
Girls: 3 Players, 1 Coach and 1 Chaperon

Secondary Level

Boys: 5 Players and 1 Coach

Girls: 5 Players, 1 Coach and 1Chaperon
IV. DISQUALIFICATIONS:
1. Participants do not qualify in the RSAC Eligibilities and age requirements.
2. Participants do not qualify for the weight category based on the official entry submitted
during the officials weigh in for secondary; and
2. Other disqualification provided on DepEd/PEKAF rules and regulation
V. SPORTS EVENT:
FULL CONTACT SECONDARY LEVEL – There shall be a maximum of five (5)
participants distributed evenly in the different weight divisions for both Secondary boys and
girls. Each division/team is allowed only one (1) entry in each weight category.

ANYO ELEMENTARY and SECONDARY –

1. Five (5) Players will come from the Team members in the Likha Anyo team event
2. Three (3) players for elementary who will qualify in the RSAC age requirements for both
boys and girls

VI. CATEGORIES:

FULL CONTACT (BLADED WEAPON CONCEPT) PADDED STICK SECONDARY LEVEL

BOYS CATEGORY GIRLS
43 kgs. – 47 kgs. Pin weight 37 kgs. – 40 kgs.
Over 47 kgs. – 51 kgs. Bantamweight Over 40 kgs. – 44 kgs.
Over 51 kgs. – 55 kgs. Featherweight Over 44 kgs. – 48 kgs.
Over 55 kgs. – 60 kgs. Extra Lightweight Over 48 kgs. – 52 kgs.
Over 60 kgs. – 65 kgs. Half Lightweight Over 52 kgs. – 56 kgs.

ANYO COMPETITION CATEGORY

INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTARY BOYS AND GIRLS NON-TRADITIONAL ANYO

No. EVENT CATEGORY
A Individual Likha Anyo Single Weapon 1 player per individual category
B Individual Likha Anyo Double Weapon 1 player per individual category
C Individual Likha Anyo Espada y Daga 1 player per individual category

TEAM ELEMENTARY BOYS AND GIRLS NON-TRADITIONAL ANYO

No. EVENT CATEGORY
A Team (Synchronized) Likha Anyo Single Weapon 3 players per team category
B Team (Synchronized) Likha Anyo Double Weapon 3 players per team category
C Team (Synchronized) Likha Anyo Espada y Daga 3 players per team category
D Pair (Mixed with two players) Double Weapon 1 boy and 1 girl team category

INDIVIDUAL SECONDARY BOYS AND GIRLS NON-TRADITIONAL ANYO

No. EVENT CATEGORY
A Individual Likha Anyo Single Weapon 1 player per individual category
B Individual Likha Anyo Double Weapon 1 player per individual category
C Individual Likha Anyo Espada y Daga 1 player per individual category

TEAM SECONDARY BOYS AND GIRLS NON-TRADITIONAL ANYO

No. EVENT CATEGORY
A Team (Synchronized) Likha Anyo Single Weapon 3 players per team category
B Team (Synchronized) Likha Anyo Double Weapon 3 players per team category
C Team (Synchronized) Likha Anyo Espada y Daga 3 players per team category
VII. EQUIPMENT

For the purpose of this standard, all equipment shall adhere to the specifications of
DEAAP/PEKAF or its approved equivalent and by no means shall be substituted without prior
consent of the Tournament/Sports Manager. No competitors shall be allowed to compete
without the basic standard protective gears as follows:

 Head gear, color coded in red and blue

 Body vest color coded in red and blue
 Groin protector both male/female
 Hand and arms guard protectors color coded in red and blue
 Hand gloves
 Rubber footwear
Each Team in the secondary division are requested to bring own personal full contact
complete protective gears for the fast flow of the game and following the health
protocol.

VIII. WEAPONS for ANYO

A player may have the option to choose any of the following weapons:

1. Wooden stick/yantok – The cane (stick) made of wood or rattan should measure not less than
60cm. (24 inches) and not more than 90cm. (36 inches.)

2. Wooden Replica of a Bladed Weapon – The wooden replica should measure not less than
60cm. (24 inches) and not more than 90cm. (36 inches) in full length and should be ethnic Filipino in
origin.

3. Metallic Unbladed Replica of a Bladed Weapon – The metallic replica should measure not
less than 60cm. (24 inches) and not more than 90cm. (36 inches) in full length and should be ethnic
Filipino in origin.

4. Metallic/wooden Unbladed dagger – The metallic or wooden dull dagger should measure not
less than six (6) inches and not more than twenty-four (24) inches and should be Filipino in origin.

IX. UNIFORM/COSTUME
1. Participants are required to wear the standard uniform for Full Contact
- White plain T-shirt (athlete’s name, school/club logo, division and region may
appear on provided that it does not dominate the over-all appearance of the shirt.
- Plain red pants (school/club logo may appear on the pants).
- Rubber soled shoes.
2. Anyo Competition Costume: Participants are required to wear the official regional/team
delegation uniform or Arnis uniform (white T-shirt and Red pants)

X: PROTEST, PENALTIES AND SANCTION:

1. ANYO COMPETITION
1.1. Violation of time limit shall cause the participant/s deduction of point. A deduction of
zero point five (0.5) should be given in short of the minimum one (1) minute time limit or in
excess of the maximum of two (2) minute time limit.
 1.2 Stepping and/or going out of the boundary lines will cause the performer/s a deduction
of zero point five (0.5) per stepping violation.
1.3 Performer/s who accidentally lose grip of the weapon/s or disarms should be given a
deduction of zero point five (0.5) for every violation.
1.4 Failure to execute the Pugay at the start/end of performance would mean a zero point
five (0.5) deduction.
1.5 Performances without musical accompaniment will be penalized with zero point five
(0.5) deduction in the average score.
1.6 There shall be NO preliminary performances for the anyo/forms competition, any
introductory combative movements prior to the first pugay/salutation will NOT be allowed
and will be considered as TIME VIOLATION. A deduction of zero point five (0.5) shall be
given.
1.7 Dangerous acrobatic moves/routines shall be considered as foul or paglabag and shall be
given a deduction of zero point five (0.5) for every violation such as Body Drops but NOT
limited to the following:
1.7.1 Front Drop
1.7.2 Side Drop
1.7.3 Combo Body Drop
1.7.4 V-Twist Drop
1.7.5 Suicide Drop
1.8 Stunts and fancy moves may be considered legal and allowed provided that an
athlete/performer landed on one or both feet after the execution. If body/legs lands first
after the stunts it shall be given of zero point five (0.5) for every violation.
1.9 Demeaning Acts which are deemed derogatory, disrespectful, and detrimental to the
integrity of sport and martial art will NOT be allowed and will be considered as a
FOUL/VIOLATION. Examples of such acts:
1.9.1 Improper execution of Focus shout during the performance (such overly exaggerated,
excessive, irritating, and offensive shouting/screaming (shall be given a deduction of zero
point five (0.5).
2.0 Finishing in place different from where the form was started = half (0.5) point
deduction unless judges have been notified in advance that will this occur.

2. Queries/Protest and Complaint on Technicalities

2.1. Queries shall be done immediately after the competition and before the next match
begins. Evidence justification through Video cameras is just a secondary basis for clarification
and must be taken in three angles (top, front and back view). Final decision is based on the
deliberation of the officiating officials of that match or bout.
2.2. Protest shall be done immediately after the match/bout and shall be made in writing
within 2 hours by the coach duly signed by the athletic manager or authorized
representative of the delegation addressed to the Technical Committee.
2.3. Any action made otherwise shall be nullified.
2.4. Coaches/Chaperons who failed to attend the solidarity meeting shall waive his/her
rights for queries and protest.
2.5. “JUDGEMENT CALL CANNOT BE PROTESTED”

3. FULL CONTACT EVENT:

3.1. Every contestant who contravenes the rules shall be warned or penalized. The nature of
the penalty will be announced by the referee after the appropriate consultation within the referee
panel.
 3.2. Warning maybe imposed for attempted minor infractions of the rules. Warning may also
be imposed for the first instance of any minor infractions.
3.3. The following skill of penalties shall operate minor violation (paglabag) - prolonged
grabbing, pushing, body pushing.
3.4. Major violation ( sinadyang paglabag) – hitting the groin, back of the head, sweeping,
throwing, punching, etc., thrusting and butting technique, feigning of injury, and uncalled remarks,
excessive contact, hitting injured parts, whether it is intentional or unintentional; the referee/judges
has the discretion to imposed disqualification from the match even on first offense, depending the
gravity of the offense.
3.5. A penalty can be directly imposed for a rules infraction but once given, repeats of that
category infractions must be accompanied by an increased in severity of penalty imposed.
3.6. Dishonorable disqualification may be invoked from the following:
a). When a contestant commits an act which harms the prestige of Arnis. Such as:
Throwing of Arnis stick, spitting, etc.
b). When an action/s of a contestant are considered to be dangerous and
deliberately violate the rules concerning prohibited behavior.

XI. CONDUCT OF THE COMPETITION:

1. General Guidelines in FULL CONTACT Event

1.1 The Conduct of the Competition for Full Contact Bladed Weapon Concept shall be on a
two-out-of-three round system. Each round shall be held for a continuous One (1) minute.

1.2 Players are required to show artistic arnis movements unique to their styles for at least
one (1) second when the referee says “HANDA”. Failure to do this – First Offense will be given
BABALA or warning. Second and succeeding offenses shall be considered as PAGLABAG or foul.

1.3 A SCORE: shall mean a strike with a padded stick using one hand only, delivered to a
specific body point and is counted upon confirmation of Two (2) or Three (3) Judges by raising of
color-coded flags (2 same color – majority, 3 – same color and unanimous), simultaneously recorded
on the score sheet. Every hit in the encounter, confirmed by the judges will be stopped by the
referee to award score for the bladed concepts must be observed.

1.4 (DRAW SCORE) Match Tie – Breaker

 A match is won when one competitor accumulates the majority of the points
earned after the one (1) minute round expires. In the event that the scores, disarms,
and fouls are the same at the end of the round, the ADVANTAGE POINT Principle
shall be applied to break the tie.
 In every match, the first legitimate score is immediately recorded by the
judges/recorder to the scorecard and documents the corresponding point to the
player who gets the advantage point.
 The Advantage Point Principle: The Advantage Point is the very first score gained by
either one of the two players. If the red player is the first to score in the round, the
red player gets the advantage point and if the blue player is the first to score in the
round, the player gets the advantage point.
 In the event that the time expires, and NO score was made, 30 seconds extension or
SUDDEN DEATH shall apply. This applies in every round. (First to score wins the
match, first to commit foul/violation losses the match). If NO score and violation still
exist a one-time TOSS COIN principle shall be applied. The Red player has the right
to choose first which side of the coin. The coin must land flat on the floor.
 1.5 Injuries
In case of minor/major injury caused by accidental blow/hit both intentional and
unintentional the referee must stop (hinto) the match and call the attention of the medical doctor
and decides/suggest giving the injured player a little time to rest before he/she can continue the
game, the decision as stated shall be suspended for a while. However, the rest period shall not be
more than two (2) minutes after which the medical doctor must declare the fitness of the injured
player to continue or discontinue the game.

2. GENERAL RULES OF THE GAME FOR LABANAN

BLADED WEAPON CONCEPT MECHANICS OF THE MATCH

2.1 Bladed weapon concept of sparring is characterized by point system, in which a

contestant who successfully landed a legal strike/technique with one hand shall be awarded
by point immediately.
2.2 The normal duration of a match is 3 rounds, continuous 1 minute per round with
a 15 seconds rest interval for secondary level.
2.3 The timing of the bout starts when a referee gives the signal to start (Handa) and
stops each time he calls “Hinto”
2.4 The Timekeeper shall signal by an early audible gong or whistle indicating time-
up.
2.5 Contestants are encouraged to demonstrate twirling technique before engaging
into blows
2.6 A score is awarded when a technique is performed according to the following
criteria to a scoring area:
a.) Sporting attitude – refers to a non-malicious attitude of great concentration
obvious during delivery of the scoring technique.
b.) Vigorous application – defines the power, speed of the techniques and the will
for it to succeed
c.) Fighting awareness – is the state of continued commitment in which the
constant maintains total concentration, observation and awareness of the total opponent’s
potentiality to counter-attack.
d.) Good timing – means delivering a technique when it will have the greatest
potential effect.
e.) Distancing – delivering a technique at the precise distance where it will have
the greatest potential effect. Thus, if the technique is delivered on an opponent who is
rapidly moving away, the potential effect of the blow is reduced.
2.7 A legitimate strike is given a point if it is delivered to a specific body point in
form, with power, right timing, with art, distance and intent.
2.8 Spontaneous strike is allowed, but the judges can only give one (1) point per
encounter but in accordance with the guidelines on legitimate strike.
2.9 Attacks are limited to the following areas:
a.) head
b.) face
c.) chest
d.) abdomen
e.) side of the body
f.) extremities
3. PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR

3.1. The following are forbidden:

a.) Techniques which make contact with the throat, groin and back of the head.
b.) Techniques which make maliciously obvious in excessive contact.
c.) Intentional attack to the injured parts of the opponent.
d.) Prolonged and purposeless grabbing.
e.) Wrestling, clinching, violent pushing, sweeping, throwing, kicks, knee, punch,
thrusting, butting, elbow smash, head butting.
f.) Hitting an opponent who is in the act of rising, who signals to surrender.
g.) Failure to step back when ordered to break.
h.) Use of the prohibited drugs such as stimulants, steroids, opiates and the likes.
i.) Removal of headgear in between rounds will result in deduction of 1 point from
the score.
j.) Striking when the opponents’ back is turned. Failure to conform will result to a
foul deduction. The deduction will be given to the athlete who caused the intential
foul.
k.) Pushing the Mask/Headgear is NOT allowed. A warning shall be given in the first
offense and a point deduction for the second offense thereafter.
l.) Diving shall be deemed as a dangerous/hazardous move and will NOT be allowed
during the play. NO point shall be awarded for the above-mentioned technique and
will automatically be considered as a foul upon first engagement (NO warning shall
be given)
m.) Improper use and abuse of Athlete’s Personal Time-out/Pagsa-ayos. A warning
shall be given on the first offense and a Foul/Maling Gawi for the second offense.

3.2. Any discourteous behavior such as provocation and uncalled remarks. Any competitor/s,
coach or official members of a team who have discourteously towards any members of the judging
panel by words, gestures, etc., can earn the immediate disqualification of the whole group from the
tournament.
3.3. In addition, attention is drawn to the coach’s behavior. He shall at all times, during the
competition, remain in his position and must not by words or deed, interrupt or course to be
interrupt the smooth operation of the competition. In the event that the coach contravenes the
rules, then his/her competitor/s will be penalized accordingly.

4. CONDUCT AND ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPETITION FOR ANYO EVENT:

Non-Traditional Form; Anyo performance both in Secondary and Elementary Level which
can incorporate weapons release/throws, kicks, jumps rolls and other creative acrobatic movements
provided that must follow the principle of Eskrima Kali Arnis and that at least (80%) of the
performance shall emphasize sticks weapon being used and arnis skills/technique are emphasized.
Music accompaniment is allowed.

4.1. Anyo performance is a demonstration or combination of prearrange or choreographed

sets of body movements, offensive and defensive technique through striking, blocking,
thrusting using stick wooden replica or metallic unbladed replica of a bladed weapon.
4.2. When there is time that may cause a delay, the management has the right to order the
performer to perform even without music. Only Filipino ethnic music is allowed,
4.3. The time duration of the performance shall have minimum one (1) minute and a
maximum of two (2) minutes performance. The official time shall start at the time the
 performer/s executes the salutation (Pugay) and it shall officially end when the performer/s
executes the ending salutation (Pugay)
4.4. The conduct of the competition shall be one (1) round Anyo performance for both
Secondary and Elementary level (boys/girls)
4.5. Score in the LIkha Anyo competition shall have a numerical value from 7-10 with an
increment of 0.1.

XII. DETERMINATION OF WINNER:

1. FULL CONTACT CRITERIA FOR DECISION

1.1. In every bout there should be a winner. The referee will call for a hatol, judges will raise
the flag red or blue as winner o his/her judgement.
1.2. Majority of the colors raised by the judges will be declared the winner.
1.3. If at the end of the 2nd bout scored tie is established the decision is a draw (table)
third round will be called by the referee.

2. DETERMINING THE WINNER IN ANYO COMPETITION:

2.1. There shall be Five (5) judges. The highest and the lowest score will be removed and the
remaining scores of the Three (3) judges will be added together to get the average score.
2.2. In case of tie, the highest and the lowest score of the Five (5) Judges shall be backed and
added together to break the tie.
2.3. In case another Tie: Repeat performance.
2.4. The ranking of participants is based from the net score obtained which is determined by
deducting all identified point deduction/s committed if any in accordance with the rules.

3. CRITERIA IN JUDGING THE ANYO COMPETITION:

In assessing the performance of a performer/s in anyo competition, the following criteria must be
observed.

3.1. PERFORMANCE STANDARD (60%)

 Coordination of Movements/Synchronization
(COM for Individual Events: The harmonization and dexterity of the movements
of arms, legs, head, body and weapons of the performer. It is the well-balanced
actions, steps, stances and movements (sense of balance)
 (Synchronization for Team Events): the precise timing, indistinguishable,
identical, harmonic, and rhythmic movements of the arms, legs, head, body and
weapons of the performers/team during the duration of the performance.
However, symmetrical angles of delivery, including the arms, legs, head, body
weapons, footwork and other movements of the performers/team are also
allowed.

 Artistic Execution and Mastery

The graceful, elegant, refined, stylish, animated, execution and comprehensive
knowledge of the martial art skills and movements of the performer/s including
speed and power.

 Bearing, Stage Presence and Over-all Performance

The over-all manner, composure, attitude, poise and posture of the
performer/s during the performance.
 3.2 CONTENT STANDARD (40%)

 Degree of Difficulty of Techniques and Movements

The selection and magnitude of variety, complicatedness, complexity, intricacy of
the movements of the arms, body, and legs in executing martial art techniques of
the whole performance.

 Creativity and Interpretation

The originality, inventiveness and imaginativeness of the forms and movements
together with the understanding and version of martial arts, movements without
sacrificing effectiveness.

XII. SAFETY PROTOCOLS

1. Observe COVID-19 Safety and Health Protocols.
2. Use of prescribe/official safety gears and equipment per Team is required.
3. STRICTLY adhere to CHILD PROTECTION POLICY.
4. Presence of Medical Team throughout the duration of competition.

XIV. SELECTION OF COACHES AND PLAYERS FOR THE PALARONG PAMBANSA 2025
 Total number of gold medals from both full contact and creative anyo competition
shall be the basis of the selection of the over-all champion. Synchronized/team/pair
anyo is considered as one in the medal count. In case there is a tie in the number of
medals, the team/synchronized/pair anyo shall be count as three medals for the
team and two medals for the pair anyo.
 Selection pf players will be based from the total number of gold medals of both full
contact and anyo event for secondary division in accordance of their category and
anyo only for the elementary division. In case of tie in the number of medals of
players, the champion coach, technical officials and tournament manager shall
decide for the selection.
 Selection of coaches will based from the overall champion.
 There are different overall winners and selection of players int elementary girls,
elementary boys, secondary girls and secondary boys.
 Total Number of Medals in Ranking:
 Elementary Girls: 7 Gold, 7 Silver, and 7 Bronze Medals
 Elementary Boys: 7 Gold 7 Silver, and 7 Bronze Medals
 Secondary Girls: 11 Gold, 11 Silver and 16 Bronze Medals
 Secondary Boys: 11 Gold, 11 Silver and 16 Bronze Medals
NOTE: A player who failed to meet the weight requirement during the in-house training
cannot play due to unavoidable circumstances shall be replaced immediately by the next in
rank (Silver) player. This is to avoid disqualification in the Palarong Pambansa 2025.

Prepared by:

DENNIS M. MATUGUINA
Tournament Director ( Arnis )
EVRAA Meet 2025
Maasin City
 GENERAL SCHEDULE OF ARNIS ACTIVITIES

DATE ACTIVITIES
February 26, 2025 Arrival of Technical Officials
February 27, 2025 Solidarity/Weigh-in/pairing/Order of Anyo performance
February 28, 2025 Arnis Ceremonial Program
Start of Anyo Competition
March 2, 2025 Continuation of Anyo competition and Full Contact event
March 3, 2025 Final for the Full Contact and Awarding of Winners

NAME OF COACH
NAME OF DIVISION (Indicate Elem. Or Sec.Boys or SIGNATURE
girls)

BAYBAY CITY

BILIRAN

BORONGAN CITY

CALBAYOG CITY

CATBALOGAN CITY

EASTERN SAMAR

LEYTE

MAASIN CITY

NORTHERN SAMAR
 ORMOC CITY

SAMAR

SOUTHERN LEYTE

TACLOBAN CITY

DENNIS M. MATUGUINA
Regional Sports Manager (Arnis)
EVRAA