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Competition Rules and Criteria – Men’s, Women’s, and Juniors Divisions
These rules are established to maintain the integrity, quality, and cultural authenticity of the Samoan nifo ‘oti and ailao. They ensure safety, fairness, and proper representation of the Samoan warrior art form.
Age Division Rules Younger competitors who move up to an older age division cannot return to a younger category the following year, even if they still meet the age requirement.
All warriors (including Junior and Intermediate) must have three knives:
1 single knife
1 pair of double knives
All knives must be made of hard metal. Handles may be metal or wood.
Only solid blades are allowed.
Blades with the middle portion cut out are not permitted.
All knives must have a minimum of two metal rivets securing the blade to the handle.
Knives must have hooks large enough to hook together safely at all angles.
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All warriors (including Junior and Intermediate) must have three knives:
1 single knife
1 pair of double knives
All knives must be made of hard metal. Handles may be metal or wood.
Only solid blades are allowed.
Blades with the middle portion cut out are not permitted.
All knives must have a minimum of two metal rivets securing the blade to the handle.
Knives must have hooks large enough to hook together safely at all angles.
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Total length: Minimum 37 inches (hook tip to handle end).
Blade length: Minimum 14 inches (hook tip to the flare at the handle).
Blade length: Minimum 13 inches.
Single knife fireboard: Minimum 10″ x 2″
Double knife fireboards: Minimum 7.5″ x 1.5″
Fireboards may be larger, but not smaller.
All fireboards must be new at measurement.
No used fireboards allowed.
Borrowing knives during the competition is not allowed without approval from the Organizing Committee.
(Violation may disqualify both warriors.)
After measurement, competitors cannot switch to shorter knives or knives without hooks.
Fireboards must be attached during measurement.
Knives that do not meet specifications may result in point deduction or disqualification.
Knife weight is the competitor’s preference.
All competitors must attend the backstage orientation meeting.
Men’s and Women’s Divisions: failure to attend knife measurement without prior approval results in elimination.
Must be approved by the event director.
Special effects and outside assistance do not count toward scoring.
Junior & Intermediate: Maximum 4 minutes.
Seniors: Minimum 4 minutes, maximum 6 minutes.
All competitors must perform to the event-provided drummers.
All competitors must perform to the event-provided drummers.
Must follow the competition dress code on and off stage.
No alcohol or drugs allowed inside the center.
Smoking/vaping only in designated areas.
Only TOA OLE AFI–approved knife throwers may toss knives.
Only 20 seconds allowed between the single-knife and double-knife routines.
In case of a tie, the head judge’s score will determine the winner.
If the fire goes out and cannot stay lit, judging stops and the routine ends.
Must wear a competition-style lavalava, covering the buttocks completely.
No short or suggestive costumes.
Final approval by TOA Director Chief Pati Levasa.
Costume must cover the midriff and buttocks fully.
No exposed undergarments.
Samoan necklace (shells, leaves, beads).
“Pale” head crown (leaves, flowers, shells).
Samoan necklace (shells, leaves, beads).
“Pale” head crown (leaves, flowers, shells).
Vili Tasi (one-hand spin)
Vili Lua (two-hand spin)
Kakai: left, right, in, out, overhand transitions
Toss up & catch behind the back
Under the legs motion
Around the neck
Around the ankle & catch under the leg
Feet stamping & body movemenHead & upper body strength/energy
Strong warrior stage presence
Standing motions
Kneeling motions
Lying down motions
Female competitors may not lie on their back with feet in the air
Hooked double-knife moves
Exciting entrance and exit
Height of throws
Difficulty of motions (with no drops)
Speed of spins and transitions
Power, energy, and authenticity of Samoan warrior movement
Three (3) points deducted per drop.
Applies to all divisions.