Nutrition in Combat Sports

114 R. Kordi and W.A. Wallace
are different among combat sports. The following is an example from the rules of
the International Judo Federation:
[T]he same bleeding injury may be treated by the doctor on two occasions. The third time
that the same bleeding injury occurs, the referee, after previous consultation with Judges,
shall end the contest for the contestant’s own safety and he shall declare the opponent to
be the winner by Kiken-gachi. In any case where the bleeding cannot be contained and
isolated, the opponent shall be the winner by Kiken-gachi. [39 ]
However, according to the International Federation of Associated Wrestling
Styles (FILA) rules:
if the laceration is rather severe and the injured competitor cannot be cared for in the two
minutes allowed time, the competition should be terminated for this competitor and he or
she should be sent to the emergency room. [40]
All health care providers must follow the guidelines of “universal precautions”
(search http://www.who.int/en/ for these guidelines). Other persons who deal with
bleeding in sports setting such as coaches or referees must follow these principles.
For example, “guidelines for bleeding injuries” provided by the Medical Commission
of the International Amateur Boxing Association is summarized in Box 7.1. Similar
principles should be followed in all combat sports when it is applicable.
Box 7.1 Infection control guidelines for bleeding injuries provided by Medical
Commission of the International Amateur Boxing Association 38
Coaches and referees must use sterile gauze when examining cuts or
lacerations. The used gauze should be burned or possibly flushed down a
toilet. Sponges, which have been immersed in dirty water or have been on
the floor should never be used to wipe the boxer’s face.
In the case of bleeding, it is recommended that the referee consult the
Medical Jury.
The use of disposable gloves is advisable when examining an injured
boxer.
Splashes of blood on the skin should immediately be washed away with
soap and water.
Splashes of blood in the eyes or mouth should immediately be rinsed away
with plenty of water.
If other surfaces are accidentally contaminated (e.g., the floor of the ring)
they should be cleaned with fresh solution of 1 part household bleach to 10
parts water. Such solutions must not come into contact with the skin.
Each boxer must have his own sponge, towel, and clean water.
The practice of wiping the opponent’s face after a bout should be discontinued.
It is not only unhygienic, but can also lead to serious infection;
above all there is the possibility of contracting AIDS.