Sandbagging (grappling)

Sandbagging is a term used in martial arts to denote a practitioner who competes at a skill-bracket deemed less rigorous than their actual level of competitive ability.[1][2] The term is adopted similarly in golf and various forms of racing. In contrast to these sports however, it remains unclear whether the grappling "sandbagger" necessarily does so intentionally.[3] For example, in Judo or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where competition is generally divided by belt rank, a practitioner is conventionally not allowed to choose his or her own ranking and thus must compete at a level predetermined by his or her instructor.[4]

Sandbagging prohibitions

Some officiating organizations attempt to proactively curb the occurrence of sandbagging. These actions range from simple rule restrictions, such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation prohibiting those with a Judo black belt from competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu white belt divisions, to organizations such as the North American Grappling Association employing a special tracking system designed to record competitors nationally and potentially reassign them to a higher skill-level in all the NAGA events.[5][6]

References
  1. Greenhill, Paul (2008). "Should You Have Sympathy For the Sandbagger?". Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  2. "NO POINTS - NO POLITICS - NO SANDBAGGING Submit or Pin to Win!". A catch-as-catch-can wrestling promo mentioning sandbagging. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  3. "MASSIVE SHOUT-OUT TO 'ATOS VPF': BROWN, PURPLE & BLUES!". A blog post suggesting one might be an unintentional 'sandbagger'. July 4, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  4. "IBJJF Graduation System". Official IBJJF graduation system. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  5. "RULE BOOK GENERAL COMPETITION GUIDELINES COMPETITION FORMAT MANUAL" (PDF). Official IBJJF rulebook. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  6. "2009 Arnold World Grappling Championship". NAGA website discussing sandbagging in a promo. Retrieved May 31, 2012.


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