The full rules for the
JKA are listed here, but this a quote to what I was refering. Note these rules are for point sparring only, not contact karate. So they probly get real weak as you read on.
"
4. In following cases, a full point can be scored, even if not all criteria mentioned
above are accomplished.
(1) “Deai”: attacking the opponent after he/she starts his/her attack and still be faster
(2) Breaking the opponent’s posture
(3) Attack combined with a throw
(4) Continuous techniques that all reach their aim
(5) The opponent is defenseless."
Pins left the other guy defenseless, breaking the posture depending on the judges some make you go for the pin others you just had to apply the locks effectively while standing, and some was just bringing your opponent to the ground. Any time you threw someone and finished with a strike you got a point. and of course a KO counted as leaving them defenseless. Some instructors are pretty specific on what qulaifies for what and some let you get away with allot by very loose interpetation of the rules...