The implementation follows several high-profile incidents that have sparked intense debate within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. Most notably, viral footage from a recent ADCC open event showed a competitor being deliberately slammed onto a hardwood gymnasium floor while attempting a triangle submission with the referee failing to intervene or reset the competitors to the mat’s center.
Marco Alvarado, coach of the slammed competitor, expressed frustration with the incident:
“That’s my student and he didn’t mind getting slammed he’s a monster but intentionally turning to the hardwood floor just straight up dirty.”
The controversy intensified when separate footage from the ADCC European Trials showed a competitor employing smothering techniques—covering an opponent’s mouth and nose—which sparked debate about tactics that blur the line between legitimate competition strategy and questionable conduct.
Critics like Dan Lukehart have warned that ADCC’s previous approach created dangerous conditions by design.
“It’s the behavior that the organization incentivizes,”
he noted, adding that allowing slams out of submissions while permitting matches to continue outside the matted area made dangerous incidents “inevitable rather than accidental.”
The newly instituted Code of Conduct addresses these concerns through clearly defined expectations:
Respect for Officials: Referees and judges must be treated with respect at all times with their scoring and decisions considered final. Disputes must be handled professionally through proper channels via video review with Head Judge Jay Regalbuto or his designee. Yelling at, aggressively confronting or disparaging officials may result in immediate removal from events.
Respect for Opponents and Teams: All competitors and coaches must be treated with dignity with no verbal or physical taunting, mocking or unsportsmanlike behavior permitted before, during or after matches. Physical contact beyond the match itself is strictly prohibited including post-match confrontations.
Safe Competition Standards: Illegal techniques as defined by the ADCC ruleset for each division are strictly prohibited with athletes responsible for knowing and following their division’s rules. Applying submissions after the tap or referee stoppage is considered a serious offense that may result in disqualification and suspension. Reckless behavior or intent to injure will not be tolerated.
Conduct of Coaches and Parents: Coaches and parents must model sportsmanship and self-control at all times with instructions required to be constructive and non-hostile. No profanity or abusive language may be directed at referees, opponents, their coaches or the coach’s own athlete. Only designated coaches may approach officials and taunting or threatening competitors, their coaches or families is strictly prohibited with violations resulting in removal from the venue.
Language and Behavior: Profanity, slurs or threatening language—whether on the mat, in the stands or online—are strictly prohibited.
Zero Tolerance for Bullying or Harassment: Any form of harassment, intimidation or bullying—verbal, physical or digital—will result in removal and possible ban from future events.
Accountability: Competitors must register according to their current belt rank and ensure accuracy on Smoothcomp. Registering under an outdated or incorrect rank is considered sandbagging and may result in disqualification or suspension.
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism from the grappling community. Competitors like Mahmoud Jabr, who had previously cited safety concerns as reasons for avoiding ADCC events, may now reconsider their stance given the explicit safety protocols.
The timing is particularly significant as ADCC had already announced the elimination of slams in open events for 2025, suggesting the organization is responding to community feedback. The comprehensive Code of Conduct represents a broader commitment to professionalizing the sport’s fastest-growing competitive platform.
Many practitioners have called for more comprehensive referee training and stricter enforcement of safety protocols as ADCC’s influence in the grappling world continues to expand. The organization’s handling of implementation and enforcement will likely significantly impact its reputation and athletes’ willingness to participate in future events.
