Black Penalty Card in Gatka

Ultimate Disciplinary Action

In the regulated sport of Gatka, the Black Penalty Card represents the highest level of disciplinary sanction imposed upon a player, coach or technical official for grave misconduct, violations or unsporting behaviour that threatens the integrity or safety of the competition.

This penalty was introduced in the 4th Edition (October 2025) of the WGF International Rules Book to strengthen the enforcement of rules and ensure fair play across all national and international competitions.

Purpose of the Black Card

The Black Card is designed to:

• Deter intentional violations of rules or ethics

• Address dangerous, aggressive or criminal behaviour

• Penalize severe indiscipline or unsporting actions

• Maintain respect for the referees, officials and opponents

• Uphold the spiritual and cultural ethos of Gatka as a sacred martial art rooted in Sikh traditions

Offences That May Attract a Black Card

The Black Card may be issued for the following major violations:

1. Intentional Attempt to Injure or Harm

• Deliberately striking with excessive force or targeting prohibited areas

• Unsafe or dangerous techniques despite warnings

2. Verbal or Physical Abuse

• Use of abusive, provocative, or threatening language towards referees, opponents, officials, or spectators

• Any form of physical assault or intimidation

3. Stuntbazi (Unregulated or Show-off Actions)

• Display of flashy, dangerous, or non-regulated techniques to show off or intimidate

• Violations of traditional discipline and decorum of the bout

4. Doping or Substance Abuse

• Failing a drug test or being found guilty of using performance-enhancing substances

5. Age Fraud or Identity Manipulation

• Playing in the wrong age category with forged documents

• Impersonation or misrepresentation of identity

6. Repeated Disregard for Referee Decisions

• Accumulating multiple Red Cards

• Persistent protest, defiance, or refusal to accept penalties

Consequences of a Black Card

• Immediate disqualification from the match and ejection from the tournament

• Suspension for 1 to 5 years, depending on the gravity of the offence

• Forfeiture of any titles, medals or recognitions won during the tournament

• Report to higher disciplinary committee of AGF and WGF for further action

• Ban on future participation if deemed necessary

• Fine amounting to Rs 2100, if Jury of Appeal deems it necessary

Note: A Black Card may be issued without prior Yellow or Red Cards if the offence is considered grave enough by the Jury of Appeal or Chief Referee.

Administrative Protocol

• The Black Card to be issued by the Chief Referee or decided by Jury of Appeal

• A written incident report must be submitted by the officiating team

• The concerned individual or team may appeal to the Technical Disciplinary Committee

• The decision of the WGF or AGF Disciplinary Panel shall be final and binding