UNAA Rules

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Are listed at the bottom of this page.

New or Adjusted Rules are in Bold.

This guide helps summarize UNAA rules and guidelines so that UNAA Gyms and members have an easier time knowing the key points to being in the UNAA!

Area Qualifiers will be held by all UNAA (Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association) qualified gyms at dates of their choosing based upon scheduling availability with UNAA. Each Area qualifier will advance the TOP 3 OR 50% of each class, whichever is Greater.

Regionals will advance the TOP 3 or TOP 20% from each class to World Finals. UNAA requires that all gyms who are accepted into the UNAA abide by our rules.

Ninja Gym Competition Format

To be considered for an Area Qualifying gym, each gym must have a minimum of at least 7 of the following obstacles: Please note that this list can be updated at any time.

Upper Body: Rings, Rope (Climb/Swing/Junction), Rock Wall, Laches, Cargo Net, Cliffhanger, Peg Board, Wing Nut, Fidget Spinner, Devil Steps, Grips, Salmon Ladder, Ring Toss, Swing Ladder, Flying Squirrel, Ring Hop, Flywheel, Dragon Back, Unstable Bridge, Floating Doors, Flying Bar, Pipe Slider, Body Prop, Rumbling Dice, Spider Flip, Door Knop Grasper, Invisible Ladder, Pole Graspers, Silk Sliders, Board Hopper, Bar Hopper.

Lower Body: Balance Beam, Quintuple Steps, Warped Wall, Precision Bars, Balance Bars/Steps, Slackline, Spider Climb, Jumping Spider, Spinning Log, Balance Tank, PVC Pipe.

Gyms are expected to have a waiver, insurance, and an acceptable level of safe and padded fall areas.

Each Area Qualifying gym may create its own course using between 10 and 15 obstacles total. All gyms MUST use Ninja Master Scoring system and MUST use Ninja Master REGISTRATION.*

Here is the link for details: registration system

Here is the YouTube Channel full of tutorials.

*There is NO additional Cost to add Registration.*

The Reason: to better manage the scoring and leaderboard. With over 100 gyms entering in athletes, misspelled, nicknames, wrong names…etc, it became too difficult to track. By using Ninja Master REGISTRATION, it is a simple click of a button after setting up your event. Then ALL athletes register and are automatically entered into the competition, NO manual entries needed. This eliminates mistakes and coordinates all entries through one uniform system. Once again meeting Ninja USA requirements.

ALL gyms MUST have at least ONE Coach from their gym to take the UNAA Ninja Coach Certification. This will INCLUDE the Protect Youth Sports child safe program. We are trying to make our sport as safe for our kids as possible and this is one way we can be sure to make that happen. Here is the link to the Ninja Coach Certification: Ninja Coach Certification

By taking the NCC program, gyms can get a discount on Insurance for their Ninja Gym through FL Dean insurance. Use the Code “UNAA” for the discount. Contact Bob Clark for more details.

Competition Format

RULES

The UNAA has a point system for scoring.

There will be a maximum of 3 Fails per course. After 3 Fails, the athlete’s run is over. They may finish the course but will not receive a score for the remaining obstacles. Their time will end with the last Obstacle Completed. Each Obstacle will be worth 1 point for full completion. For more difficult obstacles, each obstacle can be worth 2 points and have a halfway point, which must be clearly marked with a tape mark or other. Completion of halfway is worth 1 point and is NOT considered a Fail. But a 1 point Completion.

Score is then determined by points gained, and time of full run. Points are the highest priority when determining final score with time being a second priority. Most points, with the fastest time wins. We no longer will offer a RETRY. Finish or fail an obstacle and move on to the next.

Some examples of halfway mark: worth 1 point.

Salmon ladder – 3 rungs out of 6 rungs

Peg Board – Peg in the 10th hole out of 20 holes

20 ft Rope Climb – hand goes past 10ft mark

It is up to the discretion of the gym to determine 2-point obstacles, but we Highly recommend trying to incorporate as Many as possible, at least 50% of the course. This is to create boundaries of Fair Play and more opportunities to incorporate harder obstacles without worry of all athletes failing it…. But to push those athletes to attempt those more difficult obstacles.

This deters athletes that want to Skip the difficult obstacles but will reward those that at least TRY to get one point.

If athlete times out before completing last obstacle, time is reverted to last obstacle completed.

ALL athletes must begin at the starting point of each obstacle (i.e. trampoline; box; platform; starting line) before moving on to next obstacle.

What is a Fail?

If it is a 1-point obstacle, and they do NOT complete the obstacle, it is a FAIL.

If it is a 2-point obstacle, and they do NOT get to the Halfway Mark, it is a FAIL, but if they get to or surpass the halfway mark and fall before completing the obstacle, it is NOT a fail. It is awarded as a 1-point completion. Complete obstacle, 2 points.

If an athlete Fails the first three obstacles , but then continues and completes at least one obstacle, they may qualify to move on. IE. If only 3 athletes are in a class and ALL 3 fail the First 3 obstacles, the athlete that completes the most remaining obstacles in the shortest time wins. If an athlete does not complete at least one obstacle after the 3 fails, they are not able to qualify.

Qualifying Rules: Areas

Top 3 or 50% of each class will advance to Regionals.

In the case of an odd number we round down so that athlete must beat 50% or more of the class

Qualifying Rules: Regionals

Top 3 athletes or Top 20% from each class will advance from Regionals to World Finals. 20% will NOT be rounded up. 20 athletes = 4 qualify, 25 = 5 qualify, 30 = 6 qualify, etc.

In the event of a TIE, all athletes in a qualifying position will move on and those that move into a qualifying position because of the TIE will also move on.

Gyms at their discretion may set their own maximum time for the entire course.

Participants may go to Any location and as many Area Qualifiers as they choose, as well as attend any Regionals they wish. Once qualified, you may still compete, but your time will not bump another participant.

Participating Athletes (All Classes)

Any Employees or Owners of the host gym, Please see FAQ at bottom of page.

You must be 6 or older to compete in UNAA. Age is determined on how old they are on January 1, 2025 or year of Finals event, for ALL age groups.

All athletes for the 2024-2025 Season 10 shall compete in their appropriate class. Any athletes in the Age group classes may move up to the next age group if they so choose. Once they have moved up to that class, they MUST remain in that class for the duration of the year. Each course is age appropriate and if an athlete competes up – no accommodations will be made for height adjustments.

Athletes must CHOOSE ONE Class to compete in and will remain in that class for duration of the season. 13+ may compete in Amateur or Pro class if they so choose but will HAVE to remain in that class for the duration of the season.

Competing in multiple classes is NOT allowed!

You may only video your own athletes. Any video taken of another athlete and used for video protest will not be allowed.

Only the following people may submit a request for an athletes video review:

- Athletes, parents and coaches can only submit a protest regarding themselves or their athlete.

- The facility judge may request for a course review.

- The parent or coach may request a review of another athlete if that athlete is present and agrees to allow review of their video.

New Classes For Season 10

- Intermediate

This class is for those coming out of Amateur Class, but not quite ready for the PRO class. Any Amateur that has placed TOP 10 in UNAA Finals events must move up to the INTERMEDIATE Class or to the PRO CLASS. Once they choose to move and compete in PRO, they must stay in PRO for the Duration of the season.

For those who are in PRO CLASS and have not qualified for a UNAA World Finals in the previous years or placed in the lower 20% at UNAA World Final Prelims, may move down to INTERMEDIATE CLASS if they choose.

For INTERMEDIATES in Season 10 that place TOP 10 in UNAA World Finals 2025, must move up to PRO Class.

Age Groups- If you are 16 as of Jan 1, 2025 and have placed Top 10 in 15U age group at UNAA Finals, you must move up to Intermediate or you may move up to Pro, but must remain in that class for the duration of the Season.

- Over 50

Ok old guys and gals... are you getting tired of getting beat up by the 40 year olds? Well, Anyone age 50 or older as of Jan 1, 2025 may compete in this class.

- OPEN KIDS - Age 6 to 13 (open to both male and female)

- OPEN ADULT- Age 14+ ( open to both male and female)

Athletes and parents sometimes drive Long distances to compete....for a 4 minute run and done.

The OPEN classes will allow another class for them to compete in. It allows athletes to compete in Multiple events now. Gyms should charge half price for these classes, but it is up to each individual gym to choose.

This allows athletes to compete regardless of gender. Its basically a fun class with a purpose.

Gyms may create a new course for the Open Class or may use the same course as used in another age category. If a gym chooses to do the same course, the OPEN class Must run at the end of the competition after all athletes have run. This way no athlete has an advantage of running the course before others. We recommend changing up the course for the Open class, just enough so it is not identical for the other classes that ran.

Athletes may compete in this class throughout the season until Regionals. If an athlete qualifies in any class for Regionals, they may not compete in this class at Regionals, but may continue to compete in it for Areas.

Once athletes are competing in Regionals, those that qualified must not compete in the Open class. Anyone that competed in the Open Class but did Not qualify for Regionals, may compete in the Open Classes at the Regional. Those that place Top 3 in the Open Class in Regionals, now qualify for UNAA World Finals in the Open Class. This gives those who may have just missed Regionals another chance to still try to qualify in the Open Class for Finals.

CLASS LIST

7 and Under Boys

7 and Under Girls

9 and Under Boys

9 and Under Girls

11 and Under Boys

11 and Under Girls

13 and Under Boys

13 and Under Girls

15 and Under Boys

15 and Under Girls

(16+ now go to Adult classes)

Amateur Men

Amateur Women

Intermediate Men

Intermediate Women

Pro Men

Pro Women

40 - 49 Men

40 - 49 Women

Over 50 Men (limited to only competitors age 50 and over)Over 50 Women (limited to only competitors age 50 and over)

Open Class

Any Adult (13 or older) may compete in Pro Class or Amateur class but MUST compete in PRO if athlete in the last THREE years has been to the National Finals on ANW, been in the Top 10 Pro class at UNAA Finals, WNL Finals, FINA Finals, or NSN Finals. If you meet any ONE of these requirements you are considered PRO.

Amateur to Pro – If you were an Amateur in UNAA and made Top 5 at the UNAA World Finals, you must now compete as a PRO.

If any qualified PRO athlete violates these rules and is “competing down” into the Amateur classes, they will be disqualified from the competition and required to forfeit all earnings.

Gym Personnel (owners, and employees) can compete in UNAA Area and Regional qualifiers at their own gym. Any gym personnel competing in their own Area Qualifier or Regional MUST run FIRST in their own competition AND must not test or be involved in design of course.

Transgender Policy:

Transgender athletes are welcome in UNAA. Any transgender athlete competing in UNAA Competitions must compete in their gender assigned at birth and follow The Fairness in Womens Sports Act: 461

The Act requires that athletic teams or sports be expressly designated as for males, men or boys; females, women or girls, or coed or mixed. It also requires that teams or sports designated for females must not be open to “students of the male sex.”

We have created an Open class, specifically for any and All genders so they are able compete in UNAA.

Performance Enhancing Drugs and Anti Doping Policy:

UNAA follows the World Obstacle and the WADA code regarding performance enhancing drugs and doping in sports.

https://worldobstacle.org/anti-doping/

https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list

Judges:

All UNAA gyms will have at least 2 judges on hand for each athlete’s run. ALL judges will be required to watch a Short video on UNAA Judging. (Video coming soon) At least One judge from Every gym is required to have at least the Level 1, UNAA Coaches Certification. Level 2 UNAA Coaches Certification is also now available. One Judge (Head Judge) will have one reliable timer and focus on the athlete’s full completion of each obstacle. The other Judge will be responsible for keeping time using Ninja Master. Head Judges can pause the runs for emergencies, course malfunctions, or equipment malfunctions only.

UNAA gyms will have obstacles marked clearly with a marking device to determine the start and finish of each obstacle and halfway mark, to ensure competitors full knowledge of the course, and will also provide a walk-through of each course. Athletes will need to CLEAR the end-marker as this decision resides with the Head Judge at each qualifier. UNAA gyms will be responsible for having enough staff on hand to judge if one of the judges is competing.

World Finals will be judged by designated personnel of the UNAA.

Note for UNAA Head Judges. A head judge’s purpose is primarily two tasks, one ensuring athletes complete the obstacle in a fair manner. Two, the head judge is there to determine if an athlete “clears” the end marker. A head judge may make a call at any time utilizing the “ask it or risk it rule”. The “ask it or risk it” rule means the responsibility of asking if something is legal is on the athlete or risk being called for it. Judges also do not have to allow a loophole once it is found. Judges reserve the right to make any call they deem necessary in order to complete the obstacle as it was intended.

At World Finals, UNAA does allow a protest, but must follow protest protocol.

Protest Protocol at UNAA World Finals:

To protest a call, you must pay the $100 fee and fill out a Protest form. This must be done within 60 minutes of the time of the run. That form will then be taken to the Head Judge for review. If there is a video to review, they will watch the video and make the decision based on the review. The Head Judge may take the video to the Judge of that particular course, if available. If the decision is overturned, the protester will receive their money back. If the call stands, the protester does Not get the money back. No videos will be accepted of Other athletes unless that athlete is present and willing to allow the review.

General Course Rules:

Courses must contain at least 3 upper body, 3 lower body obstacles, and one balance obstacle.

Each course must have a minimum of 10 total obstacles and up to 15.

COURSE DESIGNERS are not allowed to compete in their own competitions. Courses are not to be revealed until the day of competition. 7U, 9U, and 11U must have separate courses. 13U and 15U may compete on adult courses, with adjustments for age appropriate. So a Kids course and an Adult course are required at each UNAA competition, but each gym May have as many different courses for age and skill level as they choose and are able.

Max times can be set. This will be determined at the beginning of the competition.

Inadvertent collisions with safety material or other obstructions within the course can be forgiven, however, this decision remains with the Head Judge

Supporting Structure of obstacles may not be used at any time. This is defined by the Head Judge. Some examples of support structures are, chains supporting grips, material holding obstacles together, Eyebolts holding grips to chains, or anything else that would be considered NOT part of an obstacle.

Performance Enhancement Items:

The UNAA allows general climbing chalk and general athletic tape to assist competitors. Gloves and sticky finger products are NOT allowed. Competitors will be allowed to wear chalk bags on the course. However, each chalk bag will be considered part of your person. Gyms may also provide chalk. UNAA does allow WOD and Done hand tape or athletic tape to cover rips and tears.

Obstacles:

Obstacles listed on Page 1 under Ninja Gym rules are considered “standard obstacles”. UNAA Gyms can format their course in any order that they wish. Use of not listed, also known as “non-standard” obstacles, are permitted in competition. Non-standard obstacles should be deemed fair and safe to all athletes, by the Gym in charge of the competition.

Sportsmanship and Safety:

UNAA follows the guidelines of World Obstacle and IOC for Ethics – Safe Sport and Protect Youth Sports

World Obstacle Conduct Guidelines

World Obstacle Safe Sport

Protect Youth Sports (Child Safety Training - (protectyouthsports.com)

FAQ:

: If there is a Tie for a qualifying position, does the next person move up?

A: In the Case of a Tie both competitors qualify and the next person in line may be moved up also. (except at World Finals)

Q: If there are 13 competitors in a class at an Area Qualifier and 3 are employees, how is that handled?

A: If there are 13 competitors, 6 qualify. But if 3 of those 6 are employees, then you may move up 3 more since employees cannot take the place of another competitor, therefore 9 would qualify.

Q: If a competitor is an Employee, does he have to run 1st in the class or 1st for the day?

A: Employees Must run 1st in the day so that ANY competitor not from the gym can see how an employee will run the course.

Q: How many qualify if someone places in the top and has already qualified at another competition?

A: If an athlete places in a Qualifying position but has already qualified, then the next person in line moves up to that position. If there are 12 in class, 6 qualify. If one of those 6 has Already qualified, then 7th place moves up into qualifying position.

Q: How do the league points on the leaderboard get calculated?

A: You can find an explanation of leaderboard points here:

UNAA Leaderboard points explanation

The UNAA reserves the right to change these rules at any time in order to keep the sport safe and fair. For questions contact us here: https://ultimateninja.net/contact/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Are listed at the bottom of this page.

New or Adjusted Rules are in Bold.

This guide helps summarize UNAA rules and guidelines so that UNAA Gyms and members have an easier time knowing the key points to being in the UNAA!

Regionals will advance the TOP 3 or TOP 20% from each class to World Finals. UNAA requires that all gyms who are accepted into the UNAA abide by our rules.

Ninja Gym Competition Format

To be considered for an Area Qualifying gym, each gym must have a minimum of at least 7 of the following obstacles: Please note that this list can be updated at any time.

Lower Body: Balance Beam, Quintuple Steps, Warped Wall, Precision Bars, Balance Bars/Steps, Slackline, Spider Climb, Jumping Spider, Spinning Log, Balance Tank, PVC Pipe.

Gyms are expected to have a waiver, insurance, and an acceptable level of safe and padded fall areas.

Each Area Qualifying gym may create its own course using between 10 and 15 obstacles total. All gyms MUST use Ninja Master Scoring system and MUST use Ninja Master REGISTRATION.*

Here is the link for details: registration system

Here is the YouTube Channel full of tutorials.

*There is NO additional Cost to add

Registration.*

The Reason: to better manage the scoring and leaderboard. With over 100 gyms entering in athletes, misspelled, nicknames, wrong names…etc, it became too difficult to track. By using Ninja

Master REGISTRATION, it is a simple click of a button after setting up your event. Then ALL athletes register and are automatically entered into the competition, NO manual entries needed.

This eliminates mistakes and coordinates all entries through one uniform system. Once again meeting Ninja USA requirements.

By taking the NCC program, gyms can get a discount on Insurance for their Ninja Gym through FL Dean insurance. Use the Code “UNAA” for the discount. Contact Bob Clark for more details.

Competition Format

RULES

The UNAA has a point system for scoring.

Some examples of halfway mark: worth 1 point.

Salmon ladder – 3 rungs out of 6 rungs

Peg Board – Peg in the 10th hole out of 20 holes

20 ft Rope Climb – hand goes past 10ft mark

This deters athletes that want to Skip the difficult obstacles but will reward those that at least TRY to get one point.

If athlete times out before completing last obstacle, time is reverted to last obstacle completed.

ALL athletes must begin at the starting point of each obstacle (i.e. trampoline; box; platform; starting line) before moving on to next obstacle.

What is a Fail?

If it is a 1-point obstacle, and they do NOT complete the obstacle, it is a FAIL.

Qualifying Rules: Areas

Top 3 or 50% of each class will advance to Regionals.

In the case of an odd number we round down so that athlete must beat 50% or more of the class

Qualifying Rules: Regionals

Top 3 athletes or Top 20% from each class will advance from Regionals to World Finals. 20% will NOT be rounded up. 20 athletes = 4 qualify, 25 = 5 qualify, 30 = 6 qualify, etc.

In the event of a TIE, all athletes in a qualifying position will move on and those that move into a qualifying position because of the TIE will also move on.

Gyms at their discretion may set their own maximum time for the entire course.

Participating Athletes (All Classes)

Any Employees or Owners of the host gym, Please see FAQ at bottom of page.

You must be 6 or older to compete in UNAA. Age is determined on how old they are on January 1, 2025 or year of Finals event, for ALL age groups.

Competing in multiple classes is NOT allowed!

You may only video your own athletes. Any video taken of another athlete and used for video protest will not be allowed.

Only the following people may submit a request for an athletes video review:

- Athletes, parents and coaches can only submit a protest regarding themselves or their athlete.

- The facility judge may request for a course review.

- The parent or coach may request a review of another athlete if that athlete is present and agrees to allow review of their video.

New Classes For Season 10

- Intermediate

For INTERMEDIATES in Season 10 that place TOP 10 in UNAA World Finals 2025, must move up to PRO Class.

- Over 50

Ok old guys and gals... are you getting tired of getting beat up by the 40 year olds? Well, anyone age 50 or older as of Jan 1, 2025 may compete in this class.

- OPEN KIDS - Age 6 to 13 (open to both male and female)

- OPEN ADULT- Age 14+ ( open to both male and female)

Athletes and parents sometimes drive Long distances to compete....for a 4 minute run and done.

This allows athletes to compete regardless of gender. Its basically a fun class with a purpose.

CLASS LIST

7 and Under Boys

7 and Under Girls

9 and Under Boys

9 and Under Girls

11 and Under Boys

11 and Under Girls

13 and Under Boys

13 and Under Girls

15 and Under Boys

15 and Under Girls

(16+ now go to Adult classes)

Amateur Men

Amateur Women

Intermediate Men

Intermediate Women

Pro Men

Pro Women

40 - 49 Men

40 - 49 Women

Over 50 Men (limited to only competitors age 50 and over)Over 50 Women (limited to only competitors age 50 and over)

Open Class

Amateur to Pro – If you were an Amateur in UNAA and made Top 5 at the UNAA World Finals, you must now compete as a PRO.

If any qualified PRO athlete violates these rules and is “competing down” into the Amateur classes, they will be disqualified from the competition and required to forfeit all earnings.

Transgender Policy:

Transgender athletes are welcome in UNAA. Any transgender athlete competing in UNAA Competitions must compete in their gender assigned at birth and follow The Fairness in Womens Sports Act: 461

We have created an Open class, specifically for any and All genders so they are able compete in UNAA.

Performance Enhancing Drugs and Anti Doping Policy:

UNAA follows the World Obstacle and the WADA code regarding performance enhancing drugs and doping in sports.

https://worldobstacle.org/anti-doping/

https://www.wada ama.org/en/prohibited-list

Judges:

The other Judge will be responsible for keeping time using Ninja Master. Head Judges can pause the runs for emergencies, course malfunctions, or equipment malfunctions only.

UNAA gyms will be responsible for having enough staff on hand to judge if one of the judges is competing.

World Finals will be judged by designated personnel of the UNAA.

Judges reserve the right to make any call they deem necessary in order to complete the obstacle as it was intended.

At World Finals, UNAA does allow a protest, but must follow protest protocol.

Protest Protocol at UNAA World Finals:

No videos will be accepted of Other athletes unless that athlete is present and willing to allow the review.

General Course Rules:

Courses must contain at least 3 upper body, 3 lower body obstacles, and one balance obstacle.

Each course must have a minimum of 10 total obstacles and up to 15.

Max times can be set. This will be determined at the beginning of the competition.

Inadvertent collisions with safety material or other obstructions within the course can be forgiven, however, this decision remains with the Head Judge

NOT part of an obstacle.

Performance Enhancement Items:

Obstacles:

Sportsmanship and Safety:

UNAA follows the guidelines of World Obstacle and IOC for Ethics – Safe Sport and Protect Youth Sports

World Obstacle Conduct Guidelines

World Obstacle Safe Sport

Protect Youth Sports (Child Safety Training - (protectyouthsports.com)

FAQ:

Q: If there is a Tie for a qualifying position, does the next person move up?

A: In the Case of a Tie both competitors qualify and the next person in line may be moved up also. (except at World Finals)

Q: If there are 13 competitors in a class at an Area Qualifier and 3 are employees, how is that handled?

A: If there are 13 competitors, 6 qualify. But if 3 of those 6 are employees, then you may move up 3 more since employees cannot take the place of another competitor, therefore 9 would qualify.

Q: If a competitor is an Employee, does he have to run 1st in the class or 1st for the day?

A: Employees Must run 1st in the day so that ANY competitor not from the gym can see how an employee will run the course.

Q: How many qualify if someone places in the top and has already qualified at another competition?

Q: How do the league points on the leaderboard get calculated?

A: You can find an explanation of leaderboard points here:

UNAA Leaderboard points explanation

The UNAA reserves the right to change these rules at any time in order to keep the sport safe and fair. For questions contact us here: https://ultimateninja.net/contact/