CHAPTER 1
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GENERAL RULES
Purpose. The Rules are promulgated and
adopted for the purpose of effecting and enforcing the Combative Sports Law,
providing for the efficient and proper administration of the Commission's
activities, duties and responsibilities, and enforcing the Rules themselves.
The Rules further serve to protect the health, safety and welfare of persons
participating in, viewing or performing any activity related in any way to an
Event, as well as, the members of the general public in the State of
Arkansas.
1.1
Authority. In accordance with Arkansas Code Annotated
§
17-22-101
et seq., the following Rules are promulgated and adopted by the Commission.
1.1.1 All activities, events, hearings,
persons and meetings under, subject to or arguably falling within the
Commission's jurisdiction shall be subject to these Rules.
1.1.2 These Rules shall be liberally
construed and broadly applied within the constraints of due process and any
long-arm statutes of the State of Arkansas so as to do substantial justice and
operate to protect the health, safety and welfare of the person participating
in or performing any activity related in any way to an Event and members of the
general public.
1.1.3 These Rules
are supplemental to, not in limitation of, the Commission's authority and power
provided by the Combative Sports Law and all other laws, ordinances and rules
of the State of Arkansas, counties and municipalities thereof.
1.1.4 The Commission, including through its
Committees and Designated employee(s), shall, in its sole discretion and on a
case by case basis, have the authority to add to, deviate from or create an
exception to these Rules upon receipt of a duly submitted request or in such
other circumstances as the Commission, in its sole discretion, deems necessary
or prudent under the circumstances. The Commission's prior addition to,
deviation from or exception to these Rules shall not be construed or operate to
require or obligate the Commission to add to, deviate from or create an
exception to these Rules under the same or similar circumstances in the future.
No person shall rely upon or use as a basis for their non-compliance with these
Rules the Commission's prior or subsequent additions to, deviations from or
exceptions to these Rules.
1.1.5
The Commission and Inspectors are permitted in any Event without charge for the
purpose of checking and insuring compliance with these Rules. This does not
provide preferential seating for those not assigned directly to the
Event.
1.2
Revocation of Prior & Rules. Upon adoption of
these Rules, the Commission's prior administrative rules are revoked and
superseded by these Rules.
1.3
Supplementation, Amendment, Interpretation &
Limitations. Any Rule may be supplemented or amended from time to
time by the Commission and are subject to further interpretation by the
Commission or the Commission's members, Inspectors or agents as necessary from
time to time.
1.3.1 The Rules provided for
herein do not limit the actions permitted to be taken by the Commission,
Committee or the Commission's members, Inspectors or agents from time to time
for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the Combative Sports Law, Rules or
the protection, safety and welfare of the public, spectators, Officials, or
Contestants.
1.3.2 The
interpretation of any Rule shall be at the sole discretion of the Commission on
a case by case basis and such interpretation shall be final and binding with
respect to the matter requiring an interpretation, with the over-riding concern
to be the health, safety and welfare of participants and the public, and
whether or not the situation is correctable.
1.3.3 During the performance of official
Commission duties or in any other circumstance in which the Commission may be
deemed to be taking official action, the Commission and its members, Inspectors
and agents are specifically prohibited from providing legal advice to a person
or entity subject to the jurisdiction of or regulation by the
Commission.
1.4
Commission Office. The Commission shall maintain for
the transaction of its business a main office at a location to be designated
from time to time by the Commission.
1.5
Meetings. The
Commission shall meet at the times and places designated by the Chairman from
time to time, but not less than once per calendar quarter, for the purpose of
conducting the Commission's business. Committees shall meet at the times and
places designated by the Committee Chairman for the purpose of conducting the
Committee's business. At each Commission or Committee meeting, every Member
entitled to vote shall have the right to one vote on each matter presented for
voting, whether in person, electronically, or telephonically. A quorum of the
full Commission or Committee shall be necessary for voting to decide any matter
required to be voted upon by the Commission or Committee, as the case may be. A
quorum of any meeting of the Commission or Committee shall consist of a
majority of the Members thereof. Unless otherwise stated in these Rules or
authority is otherwise granted by the Commission, the vote of the majority of
the quorum in attendance at Commission or Committee meeting shall decide any
question presented at the meeting and requiring a vote thereon.
1.6
Per Diem and Expense
Reimbursement for Members & Inspectors. Members are entitled
to only the State approved per diem. Inspectors or other officials assigned by
ASAC shall be entitled to the fees established in the Rules. In addition to the
per diem or reimbursement of actual expenses provided for hereunder, the
Member, Inspector or other appointed officials shall be entitled to
compensation for mileage at the rate prescribed in Arkansas' state employee
travel rules, excepting that employees shall receive salary as established in
the hiring policies of Arkansas. In order to receive the per diem, expenses and
mileage compensation hereunder, the Member or Inspector must have attended the
meeting or event for official business at the specific request of the
Designated employee(s), Chairman or duly authorized Member. Members shall
receive the per diem only, travel expenses and mileage compensation hereunder
for attendance at Commission meetings.
1.7
Assessments for
Reimbursement. If the per diem, expenses and mileage reimbursement
paid by the Commission to the Member, Inspector, Judge, Doctor, Referee, and
Timekeeper is necessitated by attendance at an Event or any other activity,
hearing or meeting conducted by the Commission or Committee for the purpose of
investigating or administering any complaint or suspected violation of the
Combative Sports Law or Rules, the Commission, Committee or Designated
employee(s) may assess the costs of the per diem, expenses and mileage
reimbursement against the person(s) or entity(ies) necessitating such
attendance of the Commission member(s) and inspector(s), with any such
assessment being in addition to any other sanctions, fees or other action taken
by the Commission, Committee or Designated employee(s).
1.8
Designated
employee(s). The Designated employee(s) shall have the following
duties, powers and authority in addition to the other duties, powers and
authority expressed or implied by the Commission these Rules and the laws of
the State of Arkansas:
1.8.1 The Designated
employee(s) shall be present at all Commission meetings and record the minutes
of such meetings. In the absence of the Designated employee(s), the Chairman,
or the Vice-Chairman in the absence of the Chairman, shall appoint a commission
member to keep the minutes.
1.8.2
The Designated employee(s) is directed and authorized to do all acts and take
steps as may be necessary for the operation and enforcement of Arkansas Code
§
17-22-101
et seq., these Rules, and any other rule or directive promulgated by the
Commission including, without limitation, the appointment, hiring, and
licensure of Inspectors to assist the Designated employee(s) in enforcement of
the Combative Sports Law and these Rules.
1.8.3 The Designated employee(s) is directed
to keep a full and true record of all proceedings of the Commission, preserve
at its general office all its books, documents and papers. The Designated
employee(s) shall insure that at least one Commission member always has access
to all Commission records.
1.8.4
The Designated employee(s) shall collect monies on behalf of the Commission and
is authorized to incur such expenses, and make such expenditures, as may be
necessary to carry out and effectuate the Designated employee(s)'s duties and
powers.
1.9
Disciplinary or Other Administrative Action. Any
action above that of a verbal warning or written reprimand, on any matter
involving a Licensee or person subject to licensure or regulation under these
Rules may be taken by the Commission, Committee, Designated employee(s) or
Inspector subject to a hearing. If negative action such as Revocation or
Suspension of licensure is proposed, a notice of hearing letter will be mailed
to such person's last known address pursuant to Arkansas Code §§
25-15-208
and -212.
1.9.1 Any contract or agreement,
whether concerning an amateur or professional event or bout, that is the basis
for a complaint or disciplinary action must be in writing, contain any written
provisions required in these Rules, and properly executed by the parties. A
copy of the contract shall be provided to the Commission before any
investigation or disciplinary action will be taken.
1.10
Prohibited
Activities. No person shall engage in any activity, which is
performed wholly or partially within the State of Arkansas and subject to
regulation under the Arkansas Combative Sports Law or these Rules, without
fully complying with the Combative Sports Law, these Rules and possessing a
valid license from the Commission for such activity.
1.10.1 No person holding a license issued by
the Commission shall participate or engage in any activity for which an Event
license has not been issued or has been denied or revoked by the
Commission.
1.10.2 No person
holding a license issued by the Commission shall participate or engage in any
activity in connection with an Event while having within their body any alcohol
or Drug or while otherwise under the influence of alcohol or a Drug. Provided
however, participation may be allowed if the Licensee possesses a current and
valid prescription from a Doctor for the Drug and the Drug does not, in the
sole discretion of the Commission, result in an impediment or impairment of the
performance of Licensee's duties or responsibilities nor result in an unfair
competitive advantage.
1.10.3 No
person shall be allowed to participate or perform services in connection with
an Event, unless the person has proof of identification and a current license
for their activity. Acceptable proof of identification includes driver's
license, passport, state issued identification card, federal identification
boxing card, or any other identification required by the designated
employee(s).
1.10.4 No person shall
interfere with or hinder an Official's performance of his or her duties or
threaten physical harm to any person present at an Event or any activity
related or associated with an Event, except physical harm may be threatened
between Contestants within the boundaries of other applicable laws.
1.10.5 Judges, Timekeepers, Referees, and
Doctors may not have a direct or indirect financial interest in any Contestant
participating in a specific match or bout or in an Event for which they are
providing services.
1.10.6 No
Professional shall compete against an Amateur.
1.10.7 No person shall use abusive language,
use profanity or otherwise conduct themselves in a manner which is
disrespectful to the Commission, Commissioners, Officials, any person at an
Event or otherwise engage in disruptive conduct.
1.11
Definitions.
The definitions found in Arkansas Code §
17-22-101
et seq., as amended from time to time, shall apply to the Commission's Rules,
as well as, all Commission activities and the following definitions are
supplemental thereto. The following words or terms shall have the meaning
ascribed thereto, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
1.11.1 "ABC" means The Association of Boxing
Commissions.
1.11.2 "Act" means Act
781 of the 2009 Arkansas Legislative Session and Act 1096 of the 2013 Arkansas
Legislative Session, and subsequent amendments.
1.11.3 "Administrator" or "Designated
employee(s)" means the Designated employee, Program Manager or Managing
Director of the Arkansas State Athletic Commission.
1.11.4 "Amateur" means a Contestant who has
never, directly or indirectly, received or competed for any Purse exceeding the
lesser of $100 or the actual expenses incurred by the Contestant for training
and travel relating to a particular contest, Exhibition or Event.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Combative Sports Contestants shall be
considered an Amateur if the Contestant meets the eligibility requirements, as
amended from time to time, of USA Boxing, if applicable to Contestant, and the
International Olympic Committee ("IOC"), if the IOC regulates the Contestant's
Combative Sport.
1.11.5 "Announcer"
means a person who announces the names of the officials, judges, sponsors,
Contestants, Contestants' weights, decisions of each contest, and otherwise
provides information to the spectators during an Event.
1.11.6 "Certified" means a Judge or Referee
who has completed the necessary certification requirements and testing, of the
ABC or other certifying entity recognized by the Commission, or other criteria
developed and approved by the Commission; with such certification having been
offered within the state at least once during a 12 month period prior to said
Certification being required for Professional Referees and Judges. Certified
can also mean a doctor who has completed the necessary certification
requirements and testing, if required, of the American Association of Ringside
Physicians or International Association of Ringside Physicians and is currently
certified by either organization.
1.11.7 "Chairman" means the Chairman of the
Commission or Sub-committee, as the case may be or context may
indicate.
1.11.8 "Chief Second"
means the Second designated by the Contestant as the primary advisor or
assistant to the Contestant during a contest.
1.11.9 "Combative Sports Law" means Arkansas
Code §
17-22-101
et seq., as amended from time to time.
1.11.10 "Combative Sports Tax" means the five
percent (5%) tax, or other such tax rate established by the Combative Sports
Law, upon the Gross Receipts derived from an Event.
1.11.11 "Commission" means the Arkansas State
Athletic Commission or one of its duly appointed sub-committees, members,
inspectors or agents, as the case may be or context may indicate.
1.11.12 "Committee" means any committee or
sub-committee duly appointed by the Commission from time to time, either
through a full vote of the members of the Commission or through establishment
and appointment by the Chairman, to assist the Commission with the
administration of the Commission's affairs, business and duties. Each committee
or sub- committee shall be comprised of at least one, but not all, Commission
member and if deemed necessary and duly appointed, any other non- Commission
member. The Chairman shall not have the authority to appoint non- Commission
members to any committee or sub-committee without the consent and affirmative
vote of the Commission.
1.11.13
"Contestant" means any participant who competes or otherwise participates in an
Event through the use or display of their combative sports or other
skills.
1.11.14 "Count" means
either an Eight Count or Ten Count given by the Referee to a Contestant who has
suffered a Knock-down.
1.11.15
"Deadwood" the numerical difference between tickets printed and tickets sold,
given away or otherwise used.
1.11.16 "Disciplinary Committee" means the
Committee established for the purpose of investigating, hearing and deciding
complaints, alleged violations of the Rules and other matters subject to
regulation by the Commission.
1.11.17 "Disqualification" means a combative
sports contest ending with the Referee disqualifying a Contestant or the
Commission disqualifying a Contestant for any violation of these Rules or other
rules or directives. A Disqualification is a loss. A Disqualification may be
officially reported using the abbreviation "DQ."
1.11.18 "Doctor" means a medical doctor or
doctor of osteopathy, who is currently licensed by the State of Arkansas to
practice medicine, if applying for a license under these Rules or engaging in
any activity related to an Event, or licensed to practice medicine in any state
or territory of the United States of America, if not applying for a license
under these Rules or engaging in any activity related to an Event.
1.11.19 "Down" or "Knock-down" occurs when,
as the result of a legal blow as determined by the Referee, any part of a
Contestant's body, except the Contestant's feet, touches the floor of the ring,
or when, as the result of a legal blow as determined by the Referee, any part
of a Contestant's body, except the Contestant's feet, would have (as determined
by the Referee) touched the floor of the ring but for the Contestant being
supported by the ropes or cage.
1.11.20 "Draw" means a combative sports
contest ending with either an equal number of judges having scored the same
Contestant as both the winner and loser, or ending with all judges having
scored the Contestants with the same score. A Draw may be officially reported
using the abbreviation "D."
1.11.21
"Drug" means any illegal chemical or chemical compound or controlled substance
or legally prescribed chemical or chemical compound regulated or within the
jurisdiction of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, federal Food & Drug
Administration or federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and any
successor agency thereto and any substance banned by the World Anti-Doping
Agency at the time and for the specific event.
1.11.22 "Eight Count" means a count of eight
(8) given by the Referee to a Contestant who has suffered a Knock-down. An
Eight Count starts at the time the Contestant is Down and shall continue to the
count of eight (8) even after the Contestant returns to a non-Down position
following a Knock-down. Each count one (1) through eight (8) should be
approximately one (1) second in length but may be fractionally longer or
shorter depending on the circumstances.
1.11.23 "Elimination Tournament" means an
Event in which:
1.11.23.1 None of the
Contestants are, nor have they at any time been, licensed as a Professional
Contestant or otherwise competed as an unlicensed Professional Contestant
anywhere in the world;
1.11.23.2
Each bout or contest is scheduled for three (3) or fewer one (1) minute rounds
with at least one (1) minute of rest between each round;
1.11.23.3 Bouts or contests, which are part
of the Elimination Tournament, are scheduled for not more than two (2)
consecutive calendar days;
1.11.23.4 Contestants in the Elimination
Tournament are limited to twelve (12) minutes or less of Combative Sports
activity on the second day and no more than three (3) minutes of competition on
the first day of the Elimination Tournament; and
1.11.23.5 Contestants in the Elimination
Tournament are prohibited from continuing in the same Elimination Tournament
after their first loss by Knockout or Technical Knockout.
1.11.23.6 "Event" means a contest, Exhibition
or Elimination Tournament involving sparring, boxing, kickboxing, martial arts,
mixed martial arts, or any other type of combative sport including, without
limitation, any combination of the foregoing which is subject to regulation by
the Combative Sports Law or these Rules.
1.11.24 "Event Coordinator" means any person
who is not an employee of the Promoter, but is otherwise engaged by the
Promoter or does actually arrange on behalf of or for the benefit the Promoter
any of the following
(i)
advertising;
(ii) labor;
(iii) lodging;
(iv) transportation;
(v) venue;
(vi) venue setup or tear-down;
(vii) any other activity associated with an
Event which has the potential to misinform or mislead the Contestants, Seconds,
Officials or public attending the Event.
1.11.25 "Exhibition" means a combative sports
contest, exhibition or other display of the Contestant's skills in which
neither Contestant strives to win, which ends with no decision being rendered
by the Judge(s), no score being kept or recorded, no winner or loser being
determined by any person(s) and does not exceed three (3) rounds.
1.11.26 "Female" generally means a person
designated as such on her State or Federal ID.
1.11.27 "Full Contact Rules" means Kickboxing
Event in which kicks to only the body and head are permitted and kicks below
the waist are prohibited.
1.11.28
"Good Cause" means, without limitation,
(i) A
Doctor's refusal to approve a contestant to compete;
(ii) Failure to pay any sum due to the
Commission or Official;
(iii)
Failure to pay any Contestant for whom a contract exists;
(iv) Suspension or revocation of a license
issued by another state or country;
(v) Failure to observe or comply with any
Rule; or
(vi) Any other fact or
circumstance the Commission, in its sole discretion, deems to be a reasonable
basis for taking or refusing to take any action.
1.11.29 "Gross Receipts" means the total
money, remuneration or other thing or service of value received for admission
to an event.
1.11.30 "Inspector"
means any person duly appointed and designated by the Commission or Designated
employee(s) who may issue licenses, collect license fees, or oversee the proper
execution of the Arkansas Combative Sports Law and Rules.
1.11.31 "International Rules" means
Kickboxing Event in which kicks to the body, head and below the hip are
permitted; however, kicks to the groin are prohibited.
1.11.32 "Judge" means a person responsible
for scoring an Event.
1.11.33
"Knockout" means a combative sports contest ending with a Contestant suffering
a Knock-down and immediately thereafter either failing to return to a non- Down
position before the referee completes a Ten Count or the Referee terminating
the Ten Count and ending the contest due to the Referee's determination the
Contestant is unfit to continue the contest. A Knockout may be officially
reported using the abbreviation "KO."
1.11.34 "Lights-out Suspension" means
suspension for ninety (90) calendar days or longer if deemed advisable by the
Doctor or Commission.
1.11.35
"Majority Decision" means a combative sports contest ending with a majority of
the judges scoring the contest in favor of one contestant with the remaining
judge scoring the Contestants with the same score. A Majority Decision may be
officially reported using the abbreviation "MDec."
1.11.36 "Majority Draw" means a combative
sports contest ending with a majority, but not all, of the judges scoring the
Contestants with the same score. A Majority Draw may be officially reported
using the abbreviation "MD."
1.11.37 "Male" generally means a person
designated as such on his State or Federal ID.
1.11.38 "Manager" means any person who,
directly or indirectly, controls or administers the affairs of a Professional
Contestant with respect to his or her combative sports affairs or otherwise
advises a Professional Contestant with respect to his or her combative sports
affairs.
1.11.39 "Martial Arts" or
"Mixed Martial Arts" means any discipline in which the participants utilize the
exertion of pressure, grappling, holds, kicks, punches, blows, strikes, or any
combination of the foregoing techniques including, without limitation, any form
of Judo, Kung Fu, Karate, Tae Kwan do, Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, or any other
discipline.
1.11.40 "Matchmaker"
means person who arranges, contracts or negotiates or inquires about the
possibility of an arrangement, contract or negotiation for a Contestant's
participation in any bout or contest related to an Event.
1.11.41 "Member" means any member of the
Commission or Committee, as the case may be or context may indicate.
1.11.42 "Minimum Suspension" means a
suspension of thirty (30) calendar days or longer if deemed advisable by the
Doctor or Commission.
1.11.43 "No
Decision" and "No Contest" mean a combative sports contest or Exhibition ending
with no decision being rendered by the judge(s) or no scores having been
maintained or recorded and no winner or loser otherwise determined by any
person. A No Decision or No Contest may be officially reported using the
abbreviation "NC."
1.11.44
"Official" means any individual who performs an official function during or
related in any way to an Event including but not limited to Announcers,
Commissioners, Doctors, Inspectors, Judges, Referees, and
Timekeepers.
1.11.45 "Person" means
a Female, Male or legal entity, as the case may be or context may
indicate.
1.11.46 "Professional"
means a Person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age. Provided however,
the term Professional does not include the following (i) A person who claims to
be an Amateur and meets the definition of an Amateur; (ii) A person who solely
competes in Amateur Events or Elimination Tournaments.
1.11.47 "Professional Event" means an Event
in which at least one of the Contestants is a Professional; however,
Professional Event does not include Elimination Contests.
1.11.48 "Promoter" means any person or other
legal entity or organization, and in the case of a legal entity includes any
officer, manager, director and employee thereof, who is responsible for or
actually arranges, organizes, produces, sponsors or stages any Event.
1.11.49 "Purse" means any form of payment or
other remuneration provided to a person or entity, directly or indirectly, in
exchange for or related in any way to a Contestant's participation in a
combative sports activity including, without limitation, reimbursement for
expenses and travel, as well as, any amount paid, directly or indirectly, from
or related to broadcast, Internet, media, radio, television, and cable
rights.
1.11.50 "Referee" means the
person at an Event who is or will be inside the ring or other competition area
and is in charge of enforcing these Rules and the other rules relevant to the
bouts or heats during an Event.
1.11.51 "Rule" means any rule or regulation
promulgated or adopted by the Arkansas Athletic Commission from time to
time.
1.11.52 "Sanctioning Body" is
a sport governing body which can have a variety of functions, one of which
would be to maintain a list of division/regional champions, issuance of
disciplinary action for rule infractions and deciding on rule changes that can
be used within the State of Arkansas for the sport the Body governs.
1.11.53 "Second" means any person aiding,
assisting, or advising a Contestant during an Event.
1.11.54 "Split Decision" means a combative
sports contest ending with one Contestant scored as the winner by the majority
of the judges. A Split Decision may be officially reported using the
abbreviation "SD."
1.11.55
"Standing Eight Count" means a count of eight (8) given at the referee's
discretion to a Contestant who has not suffered a Knock-down in the moments
preceding the referee beginning the count.
1.11.56 "Submission" means a combative sports
contest ending by the Referee stopping the contest during the Contestant's
execution and continuous application of a legal hold or mixed martial technique
from which a Contestant's opponent cannot work free and which poses imminent
risk of either loss of consciousness or serious physical injury. A Submission
may be officially reported using the abbreviation "TKO," if due to strikes, or
"Submission" and should generally be also notated with the method or technique
resulting in the Submission.
1.11.57 "Tapout" or "Tap Out" means a
combative sports contest ending by the Contestant verbally indicating or
physically tapping or patting either the contest area floor or any part the
opponent's body in an effort to signal the Referee that Contestant no longer
wishes to continue participating in the contest. A Tapout may be officially
reported using the abbreviation "TKO," if due to strikes, or
"Submission."
1.11.58 "Technical
Knockout" means a combative sports contest ending with
(i) Contestant or Contestant's Second making
a verbal or physical request to the Referee for an immediate end to the
contest;
(ii) Contestant refusing
to continue participating in the contest; or
(iii) The Referee ending the contest due to
the Referee's determination the Contestant is either unfit to continue the
contest or is unable to safely and intelligently defend against an attack by
the Contestant's opponent. A Technical Knockout may be officially reported
using the abbreviation "TKO."
1.11.59 "Ten Count" means a count of ten (10)
given by the Referee to a Contestant who has suffered a Knock-down. A Ten Count
starts at the time the Contestant is Down and shall continue to the count of
ten (10), unless the Contestant returns to a nonDown position and is in the
opinion of the Referee fit to continue the bout before the Referee reaches the
count of ten (10). Each count one (1) through ten (10) should be approximately
one (1) second in length but may be fractionally longer or shorter depending on
the Referee and circumstances.
1.11.60 "10 Point Must System" means a system
of scoring whereby the winner of each round must receive ten (10) points, while
the loser of the round receives nine (9) points, eight (8) points if knocked
down once or clearly and thoroughly dominated by the opponent without being
knocked down, seven (7) points if knocked down more than once and thoroughly
dominated by the opponent. A Contestant may not receive less than seven (7)
points in a round, unless the reason for receiving less than seven (7) points
is due to the deduction of a point or point(s). If there is no clear winner of
the round or the Judge scores the round evenly, each Contestant will be awarded
ten (10) points. Although a Contestant may win the round, a point deduction for
the commission of a foul may result in less than ten (10) points being awarded
to that Contestant. No fractions of a point shall be awarded to or deducted
from any Contestant. The winner of each round should be the Contestant
delivering or displaying, as legally permitted under the rules applicable to
the combative sport, any combination of the most clean or effective
punches/strikes/legal holds/take downs, effective aggressiveness, effective
defense, and good ring generalship.
1.11.61 "Timekeeper" means the person
responsible for keeping the official time for each round or heat, intervals
between rounds or heats, and all counts after a Contestant is Down during an
Event.
1.11.62 "Technical Zone" A
restricted area extending perpendicular from all points from the edge of the
ring apron, cage or out of bounds line on any surface upon which an event or
competition takes place. In case of prior cited problems in a particular venue
or with a promoter, ASAC can require up to ten (10) feet for the Technical
Zone.
1.11.63 "Twenty Count" means
a count of twenty (20) given by the Referee to a Contestant who has, as a
result of actions which do not violate these Rules or the rules of the contest,
been knocked through or has otherwise fallen through the ropes during a
contest. A Twenty Count starts at the time the Contestant is Down and shall
continue to the count of twenty (20), unless the Contestant returns unassisted
to a non- Down position inside the Ring and is in the opinion of the Referee
fit to continue the bout before the Referee reaches the count of twenty (20).
Each count one (1) through twenty (20) should be approximately one (1) second
in length but may be fractionally longer or shorter depending on the Referee
and circumstances.
1.11.64
"Unanimous Decision" means a combative sports contest ending with one
Contestant scored as the winner by all judge(s). A Unanimous Decision may be
officially reported using the abbreviation "UD."
1.12
License Fees:
The following non-refundable, non-prorated fees shall be required and remitted
to the Commission with each application for a license as follows:
1.12.1 Announcer - $20.00
1.12.2 Contestant - $20.00
1.12.3 Doctor - NO FEE
1.12.4 Event Coordinator - $100.00
1.12.5 Event Permit License -
$50.00
1.12.6 Federal Boxing ID -
$20.00
1.12.7 Inspector - NO
FEE
1.12.8 Judge - $15.00
1.12.9 Manager - $50.00
1.12.10 Matchmaker - $100.00
1.12.11 National Mixed Martial Arts ID -
$20.00
1.12.12 Promoter -
$100.00
1.12.13 Referee -
$25.00
1.12.14 Second -
$15.00
1.12.15 Timekeeper -
$15.00
1.13
Medical and Age Requirements for Licensure.
1.13.1 No contestant will be licensed or
participate as a contestant in any event under these rules without the
following blood work for HIV 1 & 2, Hepatitis BsAg, and Hepatitis C. Blood
work is considered valid for 6 months. Blood work results are only accepted
from the original source (laboratory or medical provider) or approved
commissions and results sent directly to the Arkansas Athletic Commission. The
Arkansas Athletic Commission must have received the bloodwork at least ten (10)
days prior to an Event. The cost of the testing shall be borne by the
contestant. The Commission in its discretion may allow submission until the
event in individual cases upon showing of good cause.
1.13.2 No contestant age forty (40) and above
will be licensed or participate in any event or bout as a contestant under
these rules, with the exception of USA Boxing sanctioned and regulated events,
without a comprehensive physical exam by a physician to include an EKG test and
dilated eye exam by applicable licensed medical professional. The costs of the
exam and tests shall be borne by the contestant and be considered good until
the expiration date of the contestant's license. The Arkansas Athletic
Commission must receive the results of the physical exam on a form specified by
the Commission at least ten (10) days prior to an Event. The Commission in its
discretion may allow submission until the event in individual cases upon
showing of good cause.
1.13.3 In
addition to, or in lieu of the requirements of 1.13.2, a contestant age forty
(40) and above may be required by the Commission to provide satisfactory
documentation of MRI of the head, stress test by cardiologist and a dilated eye
exam by applicable licensed medical professional. These additional requirements
are in the sole discretion of the Commission and shall be based upon criteria
including, but not limited to, whether the contestant is an amateur or
professional, the contestant's number of lifetime events or bouts, win-loss
record, number of KO's or TKO's, and recentness of any KO's or TKO's. The cost
of these tests or physicals will be borne by the contestant and be considered
good until the expiration date of the contestant's license. The Arkansas
Athletic Commission must have received medical documentation of any required
tests or physicals at least ten (10) days prior to an Event. The Commission in
its discretion may allow submission until the event in individual cases upon
showing of good cause.
1.13.4 The
age difference between a contestant age forty (40) above and his opponent shall
be no more than ten (10) years older or ten (10) years younger. However, in no
case shall a contestant age 40 and above compete against an opponent under age
thirty-five (35). The Commission in its discretion may waive this rule upon
good cause shown.
1.14
Uniformed Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses
Licensure.
1.14.1 As used in this
subsection, "uniformed service veteran" means a former member of the United
States Uniformed Services discharged under circumstances other than
dishonorable.
1.14.2 The Board
shall grant expedited licensure to an individual who is the holder in good
standing of a license with a similar scope of practice issued by another state,
territory, or district of the U. S. and is:
1.14.2.1 A uniformed service member stationed
in the State of Arkansas;
1.14.2.2
A uniformed service veteran who resides in or establishes residency in t the
State of Arkansas; or
1.14.2.3 The
spouse of:
1.14.2.3.1 A person under 1.14.2.1
or 1.14.2.2 above;
1.14.2.3.2 A
uniformed service member who is assigned a tour of duty that excludes the
uniformed service member's spouse from accompanying the uniformed service
member and the spouse relocates to this state; or
1.14.2.3.3 A uniformed service member who is
killed or succumbs to his or her injuries or illness in the line of duty if the
spouse establishes residency in the state.
1.14.3 The Commission shall grant an
expedited license process upon receipt of all the below:
1.14.3.1 Payment of the initial licensure
fee;
1.14.3.2 Evidence that the
individual holds a license with a similar scope of practice in another state;
and
1.14.3.3 Evidence that the
applicant is a qualified applicant under 1.14.2.
1.14.4 The expiration date of a license for a
deployed uniformed service member or spouse will be extended for one hundred
and eighty (180) days following the date of the uniformed service member's
return from deployment.
1.15
Licensure Prohibiting
Criminal Offenses.
1.15.1 An
individual may not be eligible to receive or hold a license issued by the
Commission if that individual has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to or been
found guilty of any of the offenses detailed in Arkansas Code § 17-3-102
et. seq. by any court in the State of Arkansas, or of any similar offense by a
court in another state, or of any similar offense by a federal court, unless
the conviction was lawfully sealed under the Comprehensive Criminal Record
Sealing Act of 2013, Arkansas Code §
16-90-1401 et.
seq. or otherwise sealed pardoned or expunged under prior law.
1.15.2 The Commission may grant a waiver as
authorized by Arkansas Code § 17-3-102 in certain circumstances. Because
of the time-sensitive nature of waiver requests, the Commission designates the
Chair to grant waivers in between meetings of the Commission. If the Chair is
unavailable, the Co-Chair. If the Co-Chair is unavailable, any available
Commissioner may grant a waiver.
1.15.3 The Commission is not authorized to
conduct criminal background checks but may inquire about criminal convictions
upon application or renewal of a license. Any applicant or licensee which
provides false information to the Board regarding a criminal conviction may be
subject to suspension, revocation or denial of a license.
1.15.4 A request for a waiver must be made in
writing by an applicant for licensure or renewal at a minimum of ten (10) days
before a scheduled event.
1.15.5
Notwithstanding any other rule, the Commission shall not license a person who
at the time of application is a registered sex offender designated as Level 2
or higher on the Arkansas Sex Offender Registry pursuant to Arkansas Code
§
17-22-302(c).
1.16
Workforce
Expansion Act fee waiver
1.16.1
The Commission shall waive the initial licensing fee if the applicant:
1.16.1.1 Is receiving assistance through the
Arkansas Medicaid Program; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; the
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; the
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program; or the Lifeline Assistance
Program;
1.16.1.2 Was approved for
unemployment within the last twelve (12) months; or
1.16.1.3 Has an income that does not exceed
two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty income guidelines.
1.16.2 The term "initial licensing
fee" does not include fees for other than initial licensing. It does not
include licensing fees following the first or initial time in which an
applicant receives a license by the Commission.
CHAPTER 2
- GENERAL RULES FOR BOXING,
KICKBOXING, MARTIAL ARTS, MIXED MARTIAL ARTS, MUAY THAI, & ELIMINATION
TOURNAMENT
2.1 All Rules in this
Chapter and Chapter 1 of these apply to the combative sport of Boxing,
Kickboxing, Martial Arts, Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, and Elimination
Tournaments; provided however, in the event of a conflict between this Chapter
and Chapter 1, the Rules in this Chapter prevail.
2.2
Prohibited
Substances. The use or administration of Drugs, stimulants,
depressants, prescription, non-prescription or any other substances by or to a
Contestant during or prior to participation in an Event is prohibited, except
as follows or as otherwise permitted by these Rules:
2.2.1 All ice used during a contest shall be
in an enclosed or sealed container.
2.2.2 Electrolyte drinks or water may be
administered to a Contestant during a contest; provided however, if an
electrolyte drink is to be administered during a contest, a Second or
Contestant shall have the Commission or Inspector examine and approve such
electrolyte drink and its container prior to use. The Commission or Inspector
retains sole discretion to approve or disallow any electrolyte drink.
2.2.3 Discretionary and limited use of
petroleum jelly shall be allowed immediately prior to and during a contest only
on the Contestant's facial area extending to the lower ear lobes and shall not
be used on any other part of the Contestant. The excessive use of petroleum
jelly is strictly prohibited, and the referee shall direct removal of any
excessive petroleum jelly.
2.2.4
The ringside Doctor shall monitor the use and application of any foreign
substances administered to a Contestant before or during a contest. The chief
second shall surrender, immediately upon request, to the Commission or the
Doctor any substance for laboratory analysis. The Commission or Inspector may
inspect, at any time, any bags, substances or materials brought into the corner
during a Contest.
2.2.5 In case of
a cut, the topical use only of the following is allowed, each to be in their
original container which is clearly labeled in accordance with United States
Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Agency regulations:
2.2.5.1 A solution of adrenaline 1/1000
concentration;
2.2.5.2
Avitene/Microfibril/Collagen Hemostat; and
2.2.5.3 Thrombin or its generic form when
available.
2.3
Licensure. Every
Contestant, Doctor, Event Coordinator, Inspector, Judge, Manager, Matchmaker,
Promoter, Referee, Second, Timekeeper, or Official, unless exempted by these
Rules, is required to apply for and receive a license from the Commission
before participating or engaging in an activity related in any way to an Event
or the licensed activity.
2.3.1 Applicant
shall complete and submit an application approved or provided by the
Commission.
2.3.2 Each applicant
shall be familiar with the Arkansas Combative Sports Law and these
Rules.
2.3.3 Before issuing or
denying any license, the Commission may examine the applicant or other
witnesses and request any and all information the Commission deems relevant to
the application.
2.3.4 Each
applicant for a Contestant's professional boxing license shall simultaneously
apply for or currently possess a valid Federal Boxing ID.
2.3.5 Each applicant shall provide the
Commission with his or her legal name, as maintained by the Social Security
Administration and Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America or
such similar governmental agency for the country of the applicant's
residence.
2.3.6 Each applicant
shall provide at least one (1) government issued form of identification bearing
both applicant's photograph and legal name and one (1) form of government
issued identification proving the applicant's age.
2.3.7 Each applicant shall provide the
Commission with the physical address of his or her residence and notify the
Commission of any change in the same.
2.3.8 Each applicant and person licensed
under these Rules shall use the same name, which shall be his or her legal
name, in connection with each Event; provided however, Contestants shall not be
prohibited from also using a "ring name" or "alias" in promotional materials
and when being announced prior to a bout or Event.
2.3.9 Each licensee whose license is lost,
stolen, or cannot otherwise be produced upon request shall apply and pay for a
new duplicate license from the Commission.
2.3.10 No license issued under these Rules is
transferable to another person.
2.3.11 The Commission may deny, revoke or
suspend any license for good cause.
2.3.12 The Commission may reject any
applications submitted without the required licensing fee and all information
required by the Commission.
2.3.13
In addition to all other requirements, each applicant and person licensed under
these Rules shall, at any time requested by the Commission, Designated
employee(s), Inspector, or Doctor, submit to a test of breath and/or body
fluids for the presence of any alcohol, Drug, Hepatitis A, B or C, or HIV. The
Commission shall pay for all costs associated with a test required under this
subpart. The applicant or licensee shall pay all costs associated with tests
required for initial licensure or renewal of a license and shall reimburse the
Commission for all positive tests and tests indicating a violation of these
Rules. A positive test for the presence of alcohol, Drugs or infectious
diseases or the refusal of a licensee to immediately submit to a test shall
result in an immediate suspension of the licensee's license with such
suspension continuing until a hearing before the Commission for reinstatement.
In addition to suspension or revocation of the License, a positive test for
alcohol, Drugs or infectious diseases or the refusal of the licensee to submit
to testing may also result in the imposition of a monetary fine. Prior to
reinstatement following a violation of this subpart, the Licensee shall submit
to a test for the presence of alcohol, Drugs or infectious diseases, the
results of which shall be negative. World Anti-Doping Agency list of banned
substances for combative sports will be the same list used by ASAC.
2.3.14 Unless and until Arkansas Code §
17-22-302(d),
which requires all licenses issued by the Commission to expire on June 30 of
each year, is repealed, amended or otherwise permits the Commission to set an
alternate expiration date for its licenses, all licenses issued by the
Commission shall expire on June 30 of each year; provided however, if the
Commission is permitted by the Act to establish its own expiration date for
licenses issued by the Commission, then such licenses shall expire one (1) year
from the date of issuance or as otherwise determined or established by the
Commission at the time of issuance.
2.3.15 If available through the Commission's
website or through other approved electronic means designated by the
Commission, applications may be submitted via web- based or electronic means
and may be subject to credit card, debit card or other processing fees in
addition to the licensing fees.
2.4
Event License.
Promoters are subject to these Rules including, without limitation, any Amateur
Event not exempted from these Rules shall submit a written application for and
receive an Event License prior to each Event as follows:
2.4.1 Each application shall be on a form
established by the Commission or if no form is established, then with such
information as the Commission may require;
2.4.2 Each application shall be submitted
with a non-refundable application fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each Event
Permit Fee.
2.4.3 Each application
shall be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the proposed Event
date;
2.4.4 Each application may
apply for only one (1) Event License; however, each application may provide for
alternate Event dates not more than ninety (90) days following the first
proposed Event date;
2.4.5 Each
application shall be directed to the Designated employee(s);
2.4.6 Each application shall be
simultaneously submitted with:
2.4.6.1 Proof
of financial responsibility by submitting a surety bond of at twenty thousand
dollars ($20,000) written by a bonding company or other Commission approved
corporate surety authorized to do business in the State of Arkansas
guaranteeing payment of all obligations, including without limitation gross
receipts taxes, arising out of the Event, with such bond or bonds being of such
type that a claim may be made thereupon, if such claim is filed with ASAC no
later than ninety (90) days after the Event. Bonds may be issued for as long as
one year, but in no case valid for less than ninety (90) days. Provided,
however, the amount of the bond required hereunder may be increased by the
Commission or Designated employee(s) on an Event by Event basis when seating
capacity of the venue exceed one thousand (1,000) seats.
2.4.6.2 In lieu of the required surety bonds,
cash, certificates of deposit, irrevocable letters of credit, or other security
acceptable to the Commission, which alternate security shall be retained by the
Commission for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days after the Event for
which the Commission issued the Event License. If no claim, written or verbal,
is submitted to the Commission before the one hundred eightieth (180th) day
following the Event for which the Commission issued the Event License, then the
Commission shall return the alternate security to the Promoter or other person
posting the alternate security. The Commission shall not return the alternate
security until any and all claims filed before the one hundred eightieth
(180th) are resolved by the Commission.
2.4.7 An application shall be
rejected if the granting of such application would result in the Promoter
having more than six (6) Events simultaneously approved by the Commission. The
exception that a licensed, bonded promoter may have up to two annual shows
permitted in addition. If a promoter has more than two annual shows and wishes
to have them licensed simultaneously, then all events over the two annual shows
shall be included in the total of six (6) listed above; and
2.4.8 An application shall be rejected if,
within the twelve (12) months preceding the application date, the Promoter has
without good cause (insufficient ticket sales shall never be considered good
cause) cancelled two (2) or more approved Events.
2.4.9 Unless otherwise permitted under these
Rules, Events shall not take place over more than one (1) day.
2.5
Event
Procedures. The following shall be applicable to every Event:
2.5.1 Audit & Taxes. The provisions of
the Act shall be followed with respect to remittance of taxes to the Commission
and such shall be subject to audit by the Commission at any time.
2.5.2 Bouts, Heats & Rounds. Each Event
shall consist of a minimum of twenty-four (24) scheduled rounds and a maximum
of seventy-two (72) scheduled rounds.
2.5.2.1
Non-championship and non-title bout(s), which are not an Exhibition, shall be
neither less than four (4) scheduled rounds nor more than ten (10) scheduled
rounds. Championship or title bouts shall be neither less than eight (8)
scheduled rounds nor more than twelve (12) scheduled rounds. The number of
rounds approved for each bout will be determined by the past experience of the
Contestants.
2.5.2.2 The duration
of each round shall be three (3) minutes with a one (1) minute rest period
between each round.; provided however, each bout or contest between two (2)
female Contestants may, but is not required to, have rounds of two (2) minutes
in duration with a one (1) minute rest period between each round.
2.5.2.3 A boxing bout shall end only by
Disqualification, Draw, Knockout, Majority Decision, Majority Draw, No
Decision, No Contest, Split Decision, Technical Knockout or Unanimous Decision
or Referee Stoppage, or in MMA, it may also end upon Doctor stoppage or tap
out.
2.5.3 Credentials
& Tickets. No person, excluding Contestants, Seconds and Officials, shall
be admitted to any Event without a ticket or credential issued and documented
by the Promoter. No credential may be sold, exchanged or bartered and a
manifest for all credentials, including the name of the person to whom the
credential was issued and the reason, must be maintained and produced for the
Commission at each Event upon request by the Commission, made at a reasonable
time the day of the event.
2.5.3.1 All
credentials shall be clearly designated by the Promoter as required by these
Rules and the Commission.
2.5.3.2
Promoters are prohibited from accepting cash or other remuneration or
consideration for admission to an Event without issuance of a ticket reflecting
the price paid therefor.
2.5.3.3
All tickets shall reflect the price thereof and Event date.
2.5.3.4 All tickets shall be consecutively
numbered, individually bar coded or otherwise numbered in a manner easily
grouped, counted and identifiable by the Commission.
2.5.3.5 All tickets shall have a stub
indicating the price and row or seat number, which shall be detached and
retained for later auditing and accounting by the Commission, or bar code
scanned and records thereof maintained in a Commission approved manner and a
ticket manifest or similar record shall be produced upon request.
2.5.3.6 All tickets shall have a coupon or
portion thereof which may be retained by the purchaser thereof.
2.5.3.7 All ticket stubs, except
electronically redeemed tickets, must be deposited into a locked container at
the Event entrance(s). Each ticket container must remain in the possession of
the ticket-taker until after the close of the Event and only be surrendered by
the said ticket-taker in the presence of the promoter or Inspector. The
Inspector may, at his discretion, require the ticket box be opened only in his
presence. If the Inspector deems necessary, all admission ticket stubs shall,
immediately after the ticket container is opened, be sorted by price and
counted by the Commission, the Inspector, or by a person authorized by the
Inspector.
2.5.3.8 Unless otherwise
designated by the Promoter to have a higher value and for purposes of
calculating the gross receipts tax, complimentary, give away or promotional
Event tickets representing five percent (5%) or less of the Event tickets sold
shall be exempted from the gross receipts tax; complimentary, give away or
promotional Event tickets representing greater than five percent (5%) and not
more than ten percent (10%) of the Event tickets sold shall have the same value
as the least expensive five percent (5%) of Event tickets sold; and
complimentary, give away or promotional Event tickets exceeding ten percent
(10%) of the total Event tickets sold shall have the same value as the highest
priced Event ticket sold. The Commission reserves the right to tax all
complimentary tickets at the value of the highest priced Event ticket if the
Commission deems the Promoter implements or utilizes a scheme or ticketing
process which attempts to or actually evades taxes under the Act or these
Rules, after a Reprimand has been made against the promoter.
2.5.3.9 If a promoter offers for sale,
exchange, or barter, premium or exclusive seating including, but not limited
to, tables or couches, the promoter must declare the total fair-market value of
such seating and provide an invoice, manifest, or other record of such sale,
exchange, or barter. If such premium or exclusive seating is sold, exchanged,
or bartered as part of a larger transaction e.g., advertising or sponsorship
packages, the fair market value shall not be declared as less than the least
value in dollars for the premium or exclusive seating if such seating for the
event has been the sole the subject of a sale, exchange, or barter. The
promoter's declared fair market value will be used when calculating gross
receipts.
2.5.4 Event
Compensation. In order to receive compensation hereunder, the person must have
attended the Event for official Commission business at the specific request of
or assignment by the Designated employee(s), Chairman or duly authorized
Member. At such time as ASAC has certified training open to officials and
assigns officials to an Event, compensation for the Officials can be
established by ASAC. Until such time the Promoter can negotiate such rates
directly with officials. Said officials must be approved by ASAC. The following
fees may be increased or decreased from time to time by the Commission. In
addition to any other sum to which the following persons may be entitled under
these Rules and by agreement with the Promoter, the following persons shall
receive compensation for attendance and performance of their duties at an Event
as follows with such sums to be paid directly to the following by the Promoter
through remittance of cash, certified check, cashier's check, or other check or
order for immediately available funds to the Commission Official in charge of
the Event prior to the beginning of each Event. Such Commission Official shall
distribute the sum to the following persons immediately after conclusion of the
Event, with the exception that the Inspector Fee must be paid by the promoter
to the State and a warrant/direct deposit for payment by ASAC will be issued to
the Inspector.
2.5.4.1 Announcer -
Negotiable
2.5.4.2
Inspector/Supervising Commission Official - $100 per day of Event (All event
days at which an Inspector serves will be charged to the Promoter).
2.5.4.3 Referee - Negotiable
2.5.4.4 Judge - Negotiable
2.5.4.5 Doctor - Negotiable
2.5.4.6 Timekeeper - Negotiable
2.5.5 Officials. The Promoter
shall be responsible for selecting and obtaining the Officials, except the
Inspectors and Commission Representatives who will be assigned solely by the
Commission. At such time, after holding ABC Certified Referee and Training
within the State, twelve months after such training, professional referees and
judges shall must be certified in order to officiate. All Officials are subject
to Commission approval and the Commission or Designated employee(s) may
disallow or re-assign any Official or otherwise require Promoter to use only
the Officials appointed by the Commission or Designated employee(s). The
minimum Officials required for each Event are:
2.5.5.1 One (1) Announcer;
2.5.5.2 One (1) Commission
Representative;
2.5.5.3 One (1)
Doctor;
2.5.5.4 One (1)
Inspector;
2.5.5.5 Three (3)
Judges;
2.5.5.6 One (1) Referee;
and
2.5.5.7 One (1)
Timekeeper.
2.6
Rings, Mats & Contest
Areas. The ring shall:
2.6.1 Not
be less than sixteen (16) feet square;
2.6.2 Have an apron or floor area outside the
ropes which extends at least two (2) feet beyond the ropes on all sides;
variances can be granted;
2.6.3
Have a floor area, both inside and outside the ropes, padded with ensolite or
other similar closed-cell foam of at least one (1) inch thickness and approved
by the Commission;
2.6.4 Have a top
covering made of canvas or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the
ring platform;
2.6.5 Not have a
floor covering consisting of a material which tends to gather in lumps or
ridges;
2.6.6 Not be more than five
(5) feet above the ground, unless previously approved by the
Commission;
2.6.7 Have at least two
(2) sets of steps for use by Contestants and Officials;
2.6.8 Have posts made of metal not less than
three (3) inches in diameter and at least eighteen (18) inches away from the
ropes;
2.6.9 Have turnbuckles and
corners protected with a urethane pad covered with a material similar to the
ring floor covering or plasticized rubber or vinyl;
2.6.10 Have at least four (4) ropes, not less
than one inch in diameter and evenly spaced twelve (12) inches apart, with the
lower rope being eighteen (18) inches above the ring floor, unless five (5)
ropes are used in which case the lowest rope shall be six (6) inches above the
ring floor, and all ropes wrapped in soft plasticized rubber, vinyl or cloth
material; see specifications under different formats of combative
competition.
2.6.11 Have ropes
connected to one another using ties constructed of a soft material placed at
least every six (6) feet; and
2.6.12 Have sufficient strength and safety in
both the floor and support structure to safely hold the actively moving weight
of all Contestants, Officials, Seconds and other persons and equipment which
may be simultaneously inside the Ring. Liability for structure failure shall
fall upon promoter for ASAC evaluation.
2.7
Ring Access.
Access to the Ring shall be only as follows:
2.7.1 Prior to and immediately following a
bout, only the Announcer, Announcer assistant, Authorized Media personnel,
promoter, Contestants, Doctor, Inspectors, Commission representatives and
persons authorized by the Commission shall be allowed inside the ring or on the
ring apron, unless otherwise specified by promoter.
2.7.2 At least one (1) minute before the
start of the first round of each bout, only the Announcer, Contestants,
Contestants' chief Seconds, and the Referee may be inside the ring and the
Referee shall clear the ring of all other individuals.
2.7.3 During a round, only Contestants and
the Referee are permitted inside the ring.
2.7.4 In between rounds only Contestants, one
Second from each Contestant, Referee and one individual holding a ring
card/round indicator are permitted inside the ring.
2.7.5 The Referee and/or Commission may order
the ring be cleared of any or all persons at any time, either before, during or
after a bout.
2.8
Technical Zone. The Technical Zone shall be:
2.8.1 Under the exclusive control of the
Commission, Designated employee(s) and Inspectors at each Event;
2.8.2 ASAC can require, following a prior
problem with the same issue, that the area be separated from the spectator
areas on all sides using a barrier approved in advance by the
Commission;
2.8.3 Utilized only by
Contestants, Officials, and other properly credentialed individuals;
2.8.4 Clear of all alcoholic beverages, paid
spectator seats and non-essential persons;
2.8.5 Protected by Promoter's security or
staff personnel from access by anyone other than persons permitted by the
Commission, Designated employee(s) or Inspector assigned to the Event, which
admitted persons shall be properly credentialed prior to entry; and
2.8.6 A seating and arrangement diagram can
be required in advance by ASAC.
2.9
Amateur Events.
Announcers, Contestants, Doctors, Matchmakers, Officials, Promoters and Seconds
for Events or bouts in which all of the Contestants are Amateurs are exempted
from these Rules when the Regulatory Body is a federally recognized and
International Olympic Committee-contributing organization or provided all of
the following conditions are met:
2.9.1 The
Event or bout is regulated and sanctioned by and conducted in accordance with
all of the rules and regulations of an amateur sanctioning body which are
deemed to be at least as stringent as the Rules in effect by ASAC, approved in
writing and on file with the Commission at least thirty (30) days in advance of
proposed event;
2.9.2 Ensure that
at least once prior to the beginning of the first bout and immediately prior to
the start of the main event, the statement, "This Event is Sanctioned by the,"
with such blank being filled in with the name of the approved sanctioning body
sanctioning the Event and immediately followed by an announcement of the name
of the presiding Commission representative in attendance and the names of the
Referee and Judges for the bout;
2.9.3 A Doctor or other Commission approved
health care provider will be present at all times during the Event;
2.9.4 The Commission and Inspectors are
permitted in the Event without charge for the purpose of checking and insuring
compliance with these Rules; and
2.9.5 The Designated employee(s) is provided
written notice at least five (5) business days prior to the weigh-in, Event or
bout whichever is earlier, and the notice includes:
2.9.5.1 Date, time and location of the Event
and weigh-ins;
2.9.5.2 Name and
contact information for the organization sanctioning the Event;
2.9.5.3 Name and contact information of the
Doctor or other Commission approved health care provider attending the Event;
and
2.9.5.4 Names of all the
Contestants participating in the Event.
2.10
Exhibition
Events. All provisions of these Rules shall apply to Exhibitions,
except the portions hereof relating to Judges and scoring.
2.11
Announcers. All
Events must have a licensed Announcer who should:
2.11.1 Announce the names of the Contestants,
Contestants' weights, names of Officials, decisions of the Referee and Judges,
as well as, provide additional information requested by the Commission or
Promoter or of general interest to the spectators;
2.11.2 Ensure that at least once prior to the
beginning of the first bout and immediately prior to the start of the main
event, the statement, "This Event is Sanctioned by the Arkansas State Athletic
Commission," immediately followed by an announcement of the name of the
presiding Commission representative in attendance and the names of the Referee
and Judges for the bout;
2.11.3 Be
familiar with the official possible results of each bout under these Rules and
announce the official result, as indicated on the scorecard received from the
Commission representative or Inspector, immediately following each bout;
and
2.11.4 Immediately return the
scorecard to the Commission representative or Inspector after announcing the
official result of the bout. All professional bouts shall have the scorecards
retrieved after each round and delivered to the Commission representative at
ringside.
2.12
Contestants. Contestants shall:
2.12.1 Sign all necessary forms and releases
and otherwise authorize the Commission and any of its representatives, agents
or Inspectors to inquire, receive and discuss Contestant's medical history,
medical conditions and test results with any health care provider;
2.12.2 Prior to participating in each Event,
submit to and pass a pre-fight physical administered by the Doctor;
2.12.3 If female, submit to and produce a
negative pregnancy test within thirty-six (36) hours prior to participating in
each Event, with the cost of such pregnancy test being paid solely by the
Promoter and the results of which being verified by the Doctor;
2.12.4 Prior to participating in each Event,
truthfully complete and submit to the Commission a medical history
questionnaire approved by the Commission;
2.12.5 Prior to participating in each Event,
secure hair, which is long enough to interfere with vision or safety of either
Contestant, with soft and non-abrasive material;
2.12.6 Not use facial cosmetics while
participating in an Event;
2.12.7
Not wear any type of body piercing, spectacles, hard contact lenses, dentures,
or removable dental work while participating in an Event;
2.12.8 Not wear headgear or any other thing
on the head while competing in an Event, unless competing in an Amateur Event
or Elimination Tournament;
2.12.9
Wear a fitted mouthpiece during each round;
2.12.10 Wear groin protection or foul
protector while participating in an Event; rule is optional for
females.
2.12.11 Wear
non-transparent shorts, a skirt or other article of clothing below the waist
which cover the genitals and groin protection/foul protector while
participating in an Event;
2.12.12
If male, not wear a shirt or other article of clothing above the waist while
participating in an Event;
2.12.13
If female, wear a non-transparent article of clothing which hides at least the
areolae of the breasts while participating in the Event and which is not
reasonably anticipated to, during normal contest activities, become dislodged,
transparent or otherwise not continuously hide the areolae of the breasts while
participating in an Event;
2.12.14
Remain at the Event and submit to an evaluation by the Doctor immediately
following Contestant's bout and prior to receiving the Purse;
2.12.15 Be given a mandatory rest
period/suspension of a minimum of seven (7) days, which period shall be longer
if recommended by the Doctor, following their participation in an Event and
shall not be permitted to participate in an Event if they have competed in
Arkansas or another jurisdiction at any time within the seven (7) days prior to
an Event; Seven (7) days shall be counted from Saturday to Saturday.
2.12.16 Be given a minimum sixty (60) day
Suspension following Contestant's loss by Knockout or minimum thirty (30) day
suspension following a loss by Technical Knockout.
2.12.17 If Contestant's last five (5)
consecutive bouts within a twelve (12) month period were losses via Knockout or
Technical Knockout, not be granted a license or shall have a license
indefinitely suspended until submission of a recent computed axial tomography
scan and certification by a board certified Doctor, specializing in neurology,
that Contestant is fit to participate in a Combative Sport;
2.12.18 Be allowed no more than two (2)
Seconds in the corner during a contest, one of whom shall be designated the
chief Second if the event is MMA; be allowed no more than four (4) Seconds in
the corner during a contest, one of who shall be designated a 'cut man' if the
event is professional boxing;
2.12.19 If gloves are required to be worn
during participation in the combative sport in which the Contestant is
participating, wear gloves of the same weight as their opponent, with such
glove weight being the weight required to be worn by the heavier
Contestant;
2.12.20 If gloves are
required to be worn or hands required to be wrapped or covered during
participation in the combative sport in which the Contestant is participating,
Contestant must obtain an inspection by an Inspector and certification of
inspection prior to participating in the contest;
2.12.21 Upon demand by the Commission or
Inspector, produce for inspection the Handwraps, if any, used by the Contestant
in the contest;
2.12.22 Enter the
ring or cage within five (5) minutes following the announcement of their name
by the Announcer;
2.12.23 Not
violate any contract or breach any agreement relating to participation in an
Event; and
2.12.24 If the Doctor
recommends the Contestant be transported to the hospital and Contestant
refuses, then remain onsite and be examined by the Doctor at least once more
between thirty (30) and forty-five (45) minutes after first refusing transport
to the hospital and then remain onsite and continue to be observed by the
Doctor as long as recommended by the Doctor. If the Contestant is asked by the
doctor to return and does not, Contestant shall be suspended for a minimum of
thirty (30) days or more upon request of the physician.
2.13
Doctors.
Doctors shall:
2.13.1 At least two (2) hours,
but not more than up to seven (7) hours prior to the scheduled start of the
first bout for each Event to which they are assigned or are otherwise
participating, administer a pre-fight physical for each Contestant, which
physical consists of the following:
2.13.1.1
Review of Contestants' answers to medical questions on the pre-fight Commission
forms;
2.13.1.2 Visually testing
and observation for contagious or potentially contagious skin, eye, ear, nose
or throat borne infections, contagions or other diseases including, without
limitation, those associated with the scientific family staphylococci or any
form of conjunctivitis or trachoma, any of which, in the Doctor's sole opinion,
represent a health risk to the Contestant or Contestant's opponent or may be
transmitted or worsened through participation in an Event;
2.13.1.3 Blood pressure and pulse;
2.13.1.4 Visual observation of head, eyes
with a focus on proper dilation and movement, ears, nose and throat;
2.13.1.5 Audible observation of lungs and
heartbeat; and
2.13.1.6 Physical
examination of abdomen and orthopedic focusing on joints.
2.13.2 Record the results of each
Contestant's pre-fight physical on a form provided by the Commission and sign
an attestation that such Contestant is in satisfactory physical condition to
compete in the Event or if Contestant is unfit to compete in the Event,
prohibit the Contestant from competing and notify the Inspector and Commission
of the condition(s) preventing the Contestant from competing in the
Event.
2.13.3 Sit near the entrance
to the ring or cage and not leave ringside after the beginning of the first
bout, except during intermissions, until after checking the last Contestant
following the announcement of the decision in the final bout of an
Event.
2.13.4 Immediately enter the
ring or cage and attend to any Contestant who loses by Knockout, or Technical
Knockout.
2.13.5 Enter the ring or
cage and make a recommendation to the Referee as to a Contestant's fitness to
continue upon Referee's request for such opinion.
2.13.6 Perform post-bout medical evaluations
of all Contestants and complete the Commission provided forms for the post-bout
evaluations.
2.13.7 Conduct a
post-bout examination including a recommendation for rest periods and medical
disqualifications exceeding the mandatory suspensions provided for by these
Rules, if deemed necessary.
2.13.8
Following each post-bout examination or at any time during an Event, express
their professional medical opinion as to whether a Contestant should go to a
hospital for further treatment or observation and if so recommended, direct the
onsite emergency medical personnel to immediately perform such
transport.
2.14
Event Coordinators. At the discretion and under the
direction and control of the Promoter and if licensed by ASAC, may in
connection with an Event perform, negotiate, obtain or assist with setup for
any of the following:
2.14.1 Event Site or
Event Site rental;
2.14.2 Required
equipment or supplies;
2.14.3
Concessions;
2.14.4 Advertising or
marketing;
2.14.5 Media coverage of
the Event;
2.14.6
Ticketing;
2.14.7 Event
staff;
2.14.8 Security;
2.14.9 Officials; and
2.14.10 Doctor, ambulance and onsite
paramedics or medical personnel.
2.15
Inspectors. The
Commission may be represented in person by Commission member(s) and duly
appointed Inspector(s) at any Event for the purpose of supervising, enforcing
and ensuring compliance with the Law and these Rules. Inspectors shall not have
any direct or indirect financial interest in or familial connection with any
Contestant participating in any Event to which they have been assigned.
Appointment of Inspectors shall be at the discretion and instruction of the
Commission or Designated employee(s). The Commission or Designated employee(s)
may waive the Inspector's fee required by these Rules. The Inspector shall
perform any duties as assigned, from time to time by the Commission or
Designated employee(s). Before and during an Event to which the Inspector has
been assigned, the Inspector shall:
2.15.1
Check all persons in attendance and participating in the Event for the
appropriate credentials and Commission Licenses;
2.15.2 Be present, if required by the
Commission or Designated employee(s), at the weighins to supervise the same and
ensure completion of the required forms and compliance with these
Rules;
2.15.3 Ensure compliance
with these Rules by inspecting all Contestants, Contestants' hand wraps,
contestants' equipment, and seconds' equipment and materials prior the
beginning of a contest;
2.15.4
Certify compliance with these Rules by signing, in a manner and using a device
directed by the Commission or Designated employee(s) when available, each
Contestant's Handwraps and equipment/gloves prior to each Contestant's
participation in a contest;
2.15.5
Inspect each Contestant's gloves prior to the start of each bout or contest, to
insure no foreign or prohibited substances have been applied to the Contestant
or gloves;
2.15.6 Ensure compliance
with these Rules by observing the conduct of Contestants, Officials, Seconds,
any other licensed persons or persons subject to regulation under the Act or
these Rules; and
2.15.7 Complete
all other forms and reports and tests required by the Commission.
2.16
Judges. If a Judge becomes incapacitated and is unable
to complete the scoring of a contest, a timeout shall be called and an
alternate, qualified Judge shall be immediately assigned to score the contest
from that point. If the Judge's incapacity is not noticed during a round or if
an alternate Judge cannot be immediately assigned, the Referee shall score the
round(s). The Judge assigned to each Event shall:
2.16.1 Have no direct or indirect financial
interest or familial relationship to any Contestant participating in a contest
being scored by the Judge;
2.16.2
Sit on a high stool if possible or other appropriate seating between the ring
or cage posts, not on the same side as another judge, with a clear view of the
Contestants competing during the bout;
2.16.3 Remained focused on the contest and
score, on Commission provided scorecards, each round of each bout using the 10
Point Must System;
2.16.4 Sign each
scorecard per round and ensure the same is provided to the Commissioner or
Inspector at ringside by submitting the same to the Referee after each round
and the contest's end, even if by TKO or KO;
2.16.5 Be specifically trained or have
experience in the combative sport for which they desire to be a licensed Judge;
and
2.16.6 Pass any written or
verbal test, which may be required by the Commission, covering the Act, these
Rules and the rules of the combative sport to be scored by the Judge.
2.17
Managers. Managers shall:
2.17.1 Have a fiduciary obligation to deal
fairly with and act in the best interests of the Contestant(s) they
represent;
2.17.2 Ensure the
Contestant(s) they represent observe and comply with the suspensions issued by
the Commission;
2.17.3 Ensure the
Contestant(s) they represent comply with the Act and these Rules; and
2.17.4 If in attendance at an Event where a
Contestant is both competing and represented by the Manager, must attend the
instructions and rules meeting prior to the contest.
2.18
Matchmakers.
Matchmakers shall:
2.18.1 Contact, solicit or
negotiate a Contestant for the purpose of obtaining the Contestant's
participation in or attempting to obtain the Contestant's participation in an
Event;
2.18.2 Match the Contestants
as to weight and experience in a manner consistent with these Rules;
2.18.3 Cooperate with and obey the
instructions of the Inspector during the Event;
2.18.4 Be licensed by Commission, even if
Matchmaker is hired/employed by the Promoter and be jointly responsible along
with Promoter for matches made and compliance with the Act and these Rules;
and
2.18.5 If a designated
matchmaker is in charge of making matches, then both the promoter and
matchmaker will be subject to disciplinary action by the Commission for failure
to exercise objective and subjective good judgment in the arrangement or
pairing of a match, whether the person knew or should have known one Contestant
was substantially outclassed by the opponent.
2.19
Officials. The
Officials for each Event shall:
2.19.1 Be
licensed in accordance with these Rules;
2.19.2 Have specific training or a
fundamental understanding of the rules governing the Event which they
officiate;
2.19.3 Not
simultaneously participate in multiple licensed capacities at an Event which
they officiate except for the positions of referee who may substitute for a
judge;
2.19.4 Not act as or
otherwise be a Contestant, Event Coordinator, Manager, Matchmaker, Promoter or
Second at, for or in connection with any Event in which they also act as an
Official. In order for a Promoter or Event Coordinator or Matchmaker to act as
a corner, permission must be obtained from the opposing camp.
2.20
Promoters. A Promoter shall as a condition of
licensure or continued licensure:
2.20.1 At
all times comply with the Act, these Rules, and the instructions and directives
of the Commission, Committee, Designated Employee(s) and Inspector(s) assigned
to the Event.
2.20.1.1 Simultaneously with
submission of the Promoter's license application, submit to the Commission
proof of having reached the age of twenty-one (21) years or in the case of a
legal entity, be owned, operated and controlled by no individual less than
twenty-one (21) years of age, and said entity shall sign an affidavit stating
that entity has read the Act and the Rules and understands them, prior to
issuance of a Promoter's license.
2.20.2 At least ten (10) days prior to an
Event, provide the following to the Commission at Promoter's sole expense:
2.20.2.1 Proof of payment of premiums for and
a Certificate of Coverage evidencing medical, surgical and hospital care
insurance covering each Contestant during the Event, with a deductible of no
more than $1000, with such insurance having a minimum limit of $10,000 per
Contestant for injuries sustained while participating in a contest and $10,000
per Contestant's estate if the Contestant's death results from injuries
received while participating in a contest. Deductibles for the required
insurance shall not be greater than $1,000 and shall be paid by the Promoter;
in the event the insurance deductible is not paid by the Promoter, then a claim
therefore may be made against the security posted with the Commission. Neither
the insurance premium nor deductible shall be deducted from a Contestant's
purse. Promoter shall also supply to Contestants all information necessary for
filing a claim.
2.20.2.2 The name
and contact information for the entity with whom Promoter has contracted to
provide an ambulance or authorized emergency vehicle for medical transport, at
least two (2) emergency medical technicians or paramedics, and appropriate
medical equipment all to be on site for the duration of the Event.
2.20.2.3 Name and contact information of the
Doctor working the Event activities. Promoter shall be familiar with the
Doctor's required examinations under these Rules and provide adequate time for
the Doctor's examinations and reporting prior to the Event.
2.20.2.4 A proposed list of Contestants
including, without limitation, the Contestant's properly spelled, full legal
name and date of birth.
2.20.2.5
Notice and detailed explanation of any proposed Contestant's disabilities,
physical impairments or any other facts or factors which may possibly affect
the competitiveness of the bout or which the Commission should be made
aware.
2.20.2.6 The proposed
matchups for the Event along with proof of the records of each Contestant from
a recognized and Commission approved source within the industry. Contestants'
records are to be delivered directly to the Commission from the authorized
source for final approval of bouts. Promoters are encouraged to furnish the
proposed bouts and records as early as possible to facilitate changes in any
uneven or unapproved bouts. If the Commission obtains the records directly from
the industry source, Promoter shall reimburse the Commission for all charges.
If alternate fighters are desired, promoter must furnish the required
information five (5) full business days prior to weigh-ins or the event,
whichever is earlier. The Commission has the discretion to accept and consider
alternate fighter submissions upon good cause shown up to the day before the
bout.
2.20.2.7 Time, date and
location of the weigh-ins for the Event. NOTE: for either professional boxing
or MMA, fighters must weigh in at the same time.
2.20.2.8 Name and contact information for the
Officials obtained and proposed for assignment to the Event.
2.20.3 Supervise and be directly
responsible for the conduct of the Promoter's agents, contractors, employees
and volunteers. Any violation of the Combative Sports Law or these Rules by the
Promoter's agents, contractors, employees or volunteers is deemed a violation
by Promoter.
2.20.4 Provide
evidence, satisfactory to the Commission, that Promoter possesses sufficient
knowledge of the Promoter's responsibilities and duties under the Combative
Sports Law and these Rules, as well as, the has the ability and intent to
comply therewith.
2.20.5 Prior to
Commission event approval, all advertising or social media must carry the words
'subject to ASAC approval". Not advertise, unless authorized by Commission or
clearly stated to be tentative event subject to Commission approval, or sell
any tickets to an Event, unless the Event License application has been granted
and Event License Fee paid to the Commission.
2.20.6 Ensure the maintenance of adequate
public safety at all Events and advise the Commission prior to the Event of
Promoter's proposed provisions for armed off-duty or on-duty law enforcement
personnel.
2.20.7 If a promoter has
had a previous incident wherein glass-bottled drinks, cans or bottles were used
as weapons, then Commission has the authority to specify what types of items
can be available.
2.20.8 Promoter
can be required, after a prior reprimand to ensure no container of any type,
other than soft plastic cups or paper cups, is used by anyone within 150 feet
of the Technical Zone. Provided however, drinks may be in plastic bottles
within 150 feet of the Technical Zone if the venue is fitted with netting or
other barrier which prevents or otherwise makes it exceedingly difficult for
hurling or throwing of the same into the Technical Zone.
2.20.9 Refer decisions or interpretations of
any Rules, requiring an immediate decision, to the Designated employee(s) or
Inspector assigned to the Event, who shall have the ability to decide the same,
except as pertains to the sole arbiter of a match: the referee.
2.20.10 Comply with the Event Compensation
requirements of these Rules and otherwise bear all financial responsibility for
the Event.
2.20.11 After a prior
problem with the same issue from the same promoter, prior to the beginning of
each professional Event and at the discretion of the Commission or Designated
employee(s), Promoter shall remit the guaranteed portion of each Contestant's
Purse in cash, certified check, cashier's check, or other check or order for
immediately available funds to the Commission Official in charge of the Event
and such Commission Official shall distribute the amount remitted to the
Contestants immediately after conclusion of the Event. Each Contestant will
sign a form acknowledging receipt of the Purse amount remitted to the
Commission Official.
2.20.12 For
professional Events (or for amateur events in which a contract is written), the
contract with each Contestant which must contain the following:
2.20.12.1 Is executed in duplicate on either
Commission forms or Commission approved forms;
2.20.12.2 States the Purse guaranteed, and
any sums not guaranteed or otherwise contingent on any prerequisite or
subsequent act;
2.20.12.3 States
the name of the Contestant's opponent;
2.20.12.4 States the number and duration of
rounds and rest period in between, location and times the Contestant is
scheduled to appear, Contestant's weight limit, and all other pertinent details
governing the Contestant's participation in the Event;
2.20.12.5 States a weight limit for the
contest, which weight limit shall be the same as that stated on the opponent's
contract unless the difference between the Contestant's contracted weight and
the opponent's contracted weight is clearly written on the Contract,
acknowledged in writing by the Contestant and falls within the weight
differences permitted by these Rules;
2.20.12.6 Payment of the Purse and other sums
if the opponent fails to appear at the weigh-in or bout or fails to make the
contracted weight; and
2.20.13 For each Event, provide the following
at Promoter's sole expense:
2.20.13.1
Commission approved scales for the weigh-ins;
2.20.13.2 Instant pregnancy testing kits for
each female Contestant;
2.20.13.3 A
Ring/Cage complying with these Rules and properly set up at least two (2) hours
prior to the scheduled start of the Event;
2.20.13.4 A brand new, unopened pair of
properly weighted gloves, of the same make and model, for use solely by the
Contestants in each championship or title bout;
2.20.13.5 In addition to any required new
gloves, at least six (6) pairs of gloves approved by the Commission of the
proper weight for each Contestant weight class participating in the Event;
however, if only one Bout in the Event requires gloves of a certain weight,
then only four (4) pairs of gloves of that weight are required;
2.20.13.6 Sufficient buckets for use by the
Contestants;
2.20.13.7 Stools for
use by the Contestants and Seconds;
2.20.13.8 Preferably latex-free protective,
waterproof gloves for use by the Officials and Seconds;
2.20.13.9 An adequate (a minimum of ten (10)
supply of clean towels (or unlimited white paper towels) for use by the
Officials in keeping corners clear of excessive water and other use by the
Officials;
2.20.13.10 All ringside
chairs and tables for Officials as instructed by Commission, and in compliance
with these Rules;
2.20.13.11 A
Boxing & Wrestling approved bell and device for ringing the bell or for
MMA, approved air horn;
2.20.13.12
At least two (2) stopwatches and a whistle/ or wooden 'clacker' (two pieces of
wood) for use by the Timekeeper;
2.20.13.13 A public address system for use by
the Announcer, Commission and if desired, Referee;
2.20.13.14 A separate dressing room for each
corner's Contestants and for each sex, if requested when Contestants of both
sexes are participating;
2.20.13.15
A separate room or area for physical examinations, unless the physical
arrangements of the Event site make an additional room impossible;
2.20.13.16 A separate dressing room shall be
provided for Officials, unless the physical arrangements of the Event site make
an additional dressing room impossible;
2.20.13.17 Adequate security personnel; High
stools for use by the judges or appropriate other seating;
2.20.13.18 An ambulance or authorized
emergency vehicle with immediate transport authority to the nearest hospital
from the Event Site, at least two (2) emergency medical technicians or
paramedics, and appropriate medical equipment for life support and emergency
treatment of Contestant including, without limitation a gurney, backboard, neck
brace, and automatic defibrillator all to be on site and at ringside for the
duration of the Event;
2.20.13.19
An Event site that conforms to the applicable laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations of the state, county, city, town, or village where held;
and
2.20.13.20 Public rest rooms,
which shall not also be used as dressing rooms, physical examinations, or
weigh-ins unless approved by ASAC.
2.20.14 Not allow any bout or heat to begin
until the Doctor, Commissioner in charge of the Event, Judges, all emergency
medical personnel and Timekeeper are all present at ringside;
2.20.15 Ensure the Promoter or Promoter's
representative is readily accessible and available to the Officials and
Commission during the entirety of the Event, which Promoter or Promoter's
representative should be identified to the Commission and Officials prior to
the start of the Event;
2.20.16 If
the Doctor recommends or requires a Contestant go to the hospital at any time
during or after the Event, then require and ensure that the emergency personnel
crew and ambulance onsite for the Event immediately transport the Contestant
and the Event shall not continue until a replacement ambulance and emergency
personnel are again onsite;
2.20.17
Not violate any contract or breach any agreement relating to an
Event;
2.20.18 Be permitted to act
as a Matchmaker for their Events, but not for any event Promoted by another
Promoter without also being issued a Matchmaker's license;
2.20.19 Be subject to disciplinary action, a
verbal warning, and then a written reprimand by the Commission for failure to
exercise objective or subjective good judgment in the arrangement or pairing of
a match, whether the person knew or should have known one Contestant was
substantially outclassed by the opponent.
2.21
Referees.
Before the Commission issues a Referee's license, the applicant for a Referee's
license must certify as to having read the Act and being familiar with these
Rules. The Commission may require the applicant for a Referee's license to take
and pass a written test, to be conducted by the Commission covering the Act,
these Rules and any other rules of the combative sport for which the Referee
intends to referee a bout. The Referee shall:
2.21.1 Be trained or possess sufficient
knowledge in the specific combative sport for which the Referee will be
refereeing;
2.21.2 Be the sole
arbiter of a bout and be the only individual, other than the doctor, or a
fighter's corner authorized to stop a bout;
2.21.3 Be permitted, in the Referee's sole
discretion if the case of a professional bout and if available, to within one
(1) minute following the end of a round or any Referee decision bringing an end
to the contest utilize instant replay or otherwise refer to or consult a 2-
camera live recording of the action in the round just ended for the sole
purpose(s) of:
2.21.3.1 Deciding if a cut was
the result of a legal blow or accidental head-butt;
2.21.3.2 Deciding if the Contestant returned
to a non-Down position before the end of the Ten Count; or
2.21.3.3 Deciding if a foul assessed against
a Contestant during the round was actually a foul;
2.21.4 If the Referee utilizes instant replay
or otherwise refers to or consults a live recording of the action in the round
just ended, such reviewed video shall, while being reviewed, be viewed solely
by the Referee and no other persons at the Event.
2.21.5 Be permitted after reviewing the
instant replay or live recording of the action and before the beginning of the
next round or immediately following expiration of the time permitted for
review, to reverse the reviewed decision during the round just ended and if a
decision is reversed, the contest shall continue consistent with the reversal
without further review;
2.21.6 Be
charged with the enforcement of all Rules applicable to the Event and governing
the conduct of the Contestants and Seconds while Contestant is participating in
the Event;
2.21.7 Not begin any
round until a Commission representative, each Judge, each Timekeeper and the
Doctor are each at ringside and acknowledge being ready to begin the
round;
2.21.8 Obtain the name of
each Contestant's chief Second prior to the bout and require the chief Second
to control the activities in that Contestant's corner in compliance with these
Rules;
2.21.9 Be approved by the
Commission prior to the Event;
2.21.10 Inspect each Contestant and
Contestant's gloves, prior to the start of each bout or contest, to ensure no
foreign substances have been applied to the Contestant or gloves;
2.21.11 Provide instructions and go over the
rules with the Contestants and Seconds in the dressing room prior to the start
of the bout or contest; or if promoter approves in the instructions done inside
the Cage/Ring.
2.21.12 Assess fouls
and point deductions, when appropriate for infraction(s) of these Rules or the
rules applicable to the particular combative sport, against Contestants during
the round in which the foul occurs and instruct Judges to mark their scorecards
accordingly; provided, the Referee should, but is not required to, warn the
Contestant prior to deducting a point;
2.21.13 Call a time out and instruct the
Timekeeper to cease the timing of the round during the assessment of a point
deduction or for other good cause as deemed necessary in the Referee's sole
discretion, provided the Referee may not call a time out for the sole purpose
of allowing a Contestant additional time to recover after an opponent strikes a
legal blow;
2.21.14 Disqualify
Contestants, when appropriate for infraction(s) of these Rules or the rules
applicable to the particular combative sport, and instruct Judges to mark their
scorecards accordingly; provided however, the Referee should, but is not
required to, warn the Contestant and first deduct a point or points prior to
disqualifying a Contestant;
2.21.15
For professional and amateur bouts, a scorecard from each Judge after each
round and deliver the same to the Commission representative or Inspector at
ringside, unless directed by the Commission representative or Inspector to
receive and deliver the scorecards at the end of the bout, and when receiving
the scorecard, ensure the judge has computed each Contestant's score for each
round and the judge's name and signature appear on the scorecard;
2.21.16 Ensure a bout or contest moves to its
proper completion in compliance with these Rules;
2.21.17 Be authorized to stop a bout at any
time if individuals refuse to clear the Ring and Technical Zone upon command,
dispute a decision by an Official, or seek to encourage spectators to object to
a decision either verbally, physically, or by engaging in disruptive conduct,
and if the individual involved in disruptive conduct or encouraging disruptive
conduct is a Second, the Referee shall be authorized to direct point(s) to be
deducted from the Contestant's score or disqualify the Contestant, or if the
conduct occurred after the decision was announced, the Commission may take such
disciplinary action as it deems necessary including, without limitation,
changing the decision;
2.21.18
Obtain the appropriate starting point for all Counts from the Timekeeper if
possible under the circumstances; however, the Referee's Count shall be the
official count;
2.21.19 Shall
assess the condition of the Down Contestant during a Count and make a
determination as to whether the Down Contestant is fit to continue the contest
and is able to safely and intelligently defend against an attack by the
Contestant's opponent if allowed to continue;
2.21.20 Continue the original Count whenever
a Contestant, who has been Down, rises and falls again without being hit
again;
2.21.21 If the non-Down
Contestant fails to remain in the neutral corner during a Count, stop said
Count until the non-Down Contestant returns to the neutral corner;
2.21.22 Rule the contest a double Knockout,
if all Contestants, who have been simultaneously Knocked down, remain down
until completion of the Ten Count.
2.22
Seconds/Corner.
Seconds shall:
2.22.1 Assist, as necessary,
their Contestant before, during and after a contest;
2.22.2 If the Chief Second, be in charge of
each person in the Contestant's corner and be responsible for the conduct of
and can suffer violations as well other Seconds in Contestant's
corner;
2.22.3 If the Chief Second,
ensure the presence in the Contestant's corner during the contest a stool, pair
of scissors, clean towel, clean water bucket, drinking water, and a roll of
permissible tape;
2.22.4 If the
Chief Second, ensure no more than two Seconds enters the ring between rounds;
If a cut man is approved in a professional event, the method of delivering care
inside or outside the platform shall be cleared in advance.
2.22.5 Before and during each round, ensure
the entire ring platform and ropes are cleared of all obstructions, including
buckets, stools, towels, excess water and other articles;
2.22.6 Remain seated in their Contestant's
corner during any round;
2.22.7
Make all items present or intended to be present in a Contestant's corner
available for inspection by the Commission, Doctor and Inspectors;
2.22.8 Comply with the instructions of the
Officials;
2.22.9 Leave the ring
upon instruction from the Referee, Official and before the start of any
round;
2.22.10 Not by word or
action attempt to heckle or annoy his Contestant's opponent during or
immediately prior to any contest;
2.22.11 Not knock or pound on the ring or
contest area floor during any round of a contest;
2.22.12 Not render aid to a Contestant who is
Down or has not returned to a non-Down position following a Count before the
Doctor has examined the Contestant;
2.22.13 Not assist or interfere with a
Contestant who is subject to a Count until the referee has finished with the
Contestant;
2.22.14 Not enter the
ring until the bell has sounded at the end of the round or if a fight has been
stopped;
2.22.15 Not dump, spray or
toss excessive water on any fighter between rounds;
2.22.16 Not use any illegal or prohibited
substances;
2.22.17 Not throw a
towel or any other object into the ring, cage or contest area during a
round;
2.22.18 Not step onto the
ring apron during any round of a contest, unless desiring to have their
Contestant declared the loser by Technical Knockout; and
2.22.19 Not enter the ring or climbing on the
cage during any round of a contest, unless desiring to have their Contestant
declared the loser by Disqualification and subjecting themselves and their
Contestant to disciplinary action.
2.23
Timekeepers.
Timekeepers shall:
2.23.1 Prior to the start
of each contest, ensure the presence of at least two (2) stopwatches and a
whistle and a properly functioning bell or airhorn for MMA;
2.23.2 Sound the bell only at the beginning
and end of each round;
2.23.3
Immediately after sounding the bell at the start of each round, start a
stopwatch to keep time during the round and stop and start the stopwatch as
directed by the Referee during a round;
2.23.4 At exactly ten (10) seconds before the
end of each round rap the hammer three (3) times (or use wood clacker) on the
table or ring floor loudly enough to be heard by the Contestants, Referee and
Seconds;
2.23.5 Sound the bell one
(1) time at the beginning and end of each round;
2.23.6 Immediately at the end of each round,
except the final round, begin a stopwatch to keep the time during the rest
period;
2.23.7 At exactly ten (10)
seconds before the end of each rest period, sound a whistle loudly enough to be
heard by the Contestants, Referee and Seconds and loudly announce, "Seconds
out;"
2.23.8 Immediately upon a
Contestant being Down or knocked out of the ring or contest area, begin an
audible Count loudly enough to be heard by the Referee and continue the same
until the Referee begin the audible Count;
2.23.9 Sit at a ringside table designated by
the Commission and within arms-length of the bell;
2.23.10 If a bout ends before the scheduled
number of rounds, inform the Referee and Commission of the exact time the bout
was stopped; and
2.23.11 Be
familiar with and perform such other duties as set forth in these
Rules.
CHAPTER
3
- BOXING
3.1 All
Rules in this Chapter, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2 of these Rules apply to the
combative sport of Boxing; provided however, in the event of a conflict between
this Chapter, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2, the Rules in this Chapter
prevail.
3.2
Uniform
Rules of Boxing. Unless otherwise approved or exempted by the
Commission in writing prior to an Event, every Boxing Event shall be conducted
under the Uniform Rules of Boxing as adopted and amended and appended thereto
by the ABC on July 3, 2008.
3.3
Federal ID Cards, Results & Suspensions. The
Commission hereby adopts by reference the rules and guidelines in effect on the
effective date of these Rules for the ABC with respect to issuance of
identification cards, suspension of licenses, and Event results reporting
required by the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and the Muhammad Ali
Boxing Reform Act.
3.4
Licensure. Each applicant for a Contestant's
professional boxing license shall simultaneously apply for or currently possess
a valid Federal Boxing ID.
3.5
Promoters. A Promoter shall as a condition of
licensure or continued licensure:
3.5.1 At all
times comply with the Act, these Rules, and the instructions and directives of
the Commission, Committee, Designated employee(s) and Inspector(s) assigned to
the Event.
3.5.2 If for
professional boxing or any other Event permitted to be placed on the national
Boxing ID Registry recognized by the ABC or other recognized and Commission
approved source within the industry, then the Commission shall place the Event
and all pertinent Event information in such registry. The Commission will
charge the Promoter for the expenses associated with the Commission's
action.
3.6
Referees. Before the Commission issues a Referee's
license, the applicant for a Referee's license must certify as to having read
the Act and being familiar with these Rules. The Commission may require the
applicant for a Referee's license to take and pass a written test, to be
conducted by the Commission covering the Act, these Rules and any other rules
of the combative sport for which the Referee intends to referee a bout. The
Referee shall:
3.6.1 Instruct the non-Down
Contestant to go to the nearest neutral corner immediately after a Knock-down
and remain in such neutral corner until the Referee issues instructions for the
continuation of the bout;
3.6.2
Immediately after a Contestant is Down, issue an audible Count to the Down
Contestant until completion of either an Eight Count or Ten Count, as warranted
by the circumstances, r32egardless of whether the bell sounds during the Count;
provided, if each Contestant is Down at the same time, the Count shall continue
for so long as one (1) Contestant remains Down or until, in the Referee's
discretion, a Contestant requires immediate medical attention;
3.6.3 Immediately after a Contestant has, as
a result of actions which do not violate these Rules or the rules of the
contest, been knocked through or has otherwise fallen through the ropes during
a contest, issue an audible Twenty Count to such Contestant, and continue such
Twenty Count until the Contestant returns unassisted and unhindered to a
non-Down position inside the ring; provided, if the Contestant is assisted by a
Second, the Contestant shall be disqualified and if the Contestant fails to
enter the ring before completion of the Twenty Count, the Contestant shall lose
by Knock Out.
3.7
Headgear. During a bout, Amateur Contestants shall
wear U.S.A. Boxing approved headgear and gloves weighing at least twelve (12)
ounces.
3.8
Gloves. Contestants weighing up to and including 147
lbs. shall wear gloves weighing eight (8) ounces, while Contestants weighing
more than 147 lbs. shall wear gloves weighing ten (10) ounces; provided
however, if agreed to in a writing signed by a Contestant and Contestant's
opponent prior to the weigh-ins and the weight of the gloves is the same for
both the Contestant and Contestant's opponent, Contestants may wear gloves
weighing more than the weight required by this subsection. Gloves shall:
3.8.1 Be examined and approved by the
Commission, Referee and Inspector before each contest;
3.8.2 Be clean, properly constructed and
consisting of evenly distributed, uniform padding;
3.8.3 Have manufacturer's tag or otherwise
have the weight of the glove proven to the Commission's and Inspector's
satisfaction prior to each bout;
3.8.4 Boxing - Not expose any part of the
hand or fingers below the wrist, nor allow for individual outlines or
individual insertion of Contestant's fingers;
3.8.5 If equipped or secured by laces, have
the laces tied on the outside of the back of the wrist of the gloves and have
any plastic or other covering removed from the tips of the laces, and
3.8.6 Have the laces or hook and loop
fastening system properly wrapped and covered by tape approved by the
Commission and Inspector prior to each contest.
3.9
Hand wraps.
Contestant's hand wraps shall:
3.9.1 Consist
of dry cotton gauze not more than 20 yards in length and not more than two (2)
inches in width per hand; if synthetic, only 10 yards in length if Commission
approved synthetic, with tape as below.
3.9.2 Have the cotton gauze held in place by
white athletic tape not more than eight (8) feet in length and not more than
two (2) inches in width per hand;
3.9.3 Not have any portion of the tape
covering any part of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist;
however, a single thickness of tape may pass one (1) time between each finger
for the purpose of securing the gauze;
3.9.4 Consist of a continuous layer of the
same permitted material followed by a continuous layer of the other permitted
material without alternating layers of permitted material, except if the gauze
is applied first, then a single strip of tape which does not pass both over and
under the hand may be used to secure the gauze;
3.9.5 Be applied to each Contestant in the
dressing room under the supervision of an Inspector and under the observation
of an opponent's Second if the opponent's Second notifies the Inspector of such
desire to observe prior to the beginning of the hand wrap
application;
3.9.6 Not have any
water or any other substance other than the white athletic tape may be applied
to the gauze or any other portion of the hand wrap;
3.9.7 Not consist of, contain or have any
other material or substance, other than as permitted by this subchapter, placed
on, in, under or around the hand wrap; and
3.9.8 Not have any other material or
substance, other than as permitted by this subchapter, placed on, in, around or
under Contestant's hand prior to wrapping.
3.10
Boxing Weight
Classes. The weight classes are as follows:
3.10.1 Flyweight - up to 112 lbs.
3.10.2 Super Flyweight - over 112 to 115
lbs.
3.10.3 Bantamweight - over 115
to 118 lbs.
3.10.4 Super
Bantamweight - over 118 to 122 lbs.
3.10.5 Featherweight - over 122 to 126
lbs.
3.10.6 Super Featherweight -
over 126 to 130 lbs.
3.10.7
Lightweight - over 130 to 135 lbs.
3.10.8 Super Lightweight - over 135 to 140
lbs.
3.10.9 Welterweight - over 140
to 147 lbs.
3.10.10 Super
Welterweight - over 147 to 154 lbs.
3.10.11 Middleweight - over 154 to 160
lbs.
3.10.12 Super Middleweight -
over 160 to 168 lbs.
3.10.13 Light
Heavyweight - over 168 to 175 lbs.
3.10.14 Cruiserweight - over 175 to 200
lbs.
3.10.15 Heavyweight - over 200
lbs.
3.11
Weight Differences. Contestants shall not fight
outside their contracted weight or weight class without approval of the
Commission and agreement by the Contestants to compete at the weight
differential. For ALL types of events, the weight spread between any two
contestants, cannot exceed the table below. If these weights are more lenient
than what the promoter desires, the promoter can use his classes or divisions,
or if he chooses, he can use the table below nand develop a catchweight.
Regardless of contracted weights, no Contestant may participate in an Event
where the difference between the weights of the Contestant and his or her
opponent at the time of weigh-in exceeds the following allowance(s):
3.11.1 112 lbs. or under - 3 lbs.
3.11.2 113-118 lbs. - 4 lbs.
3.11.3 119-126 lbs. - 5 lbs.
3.11.4 127-135 lbs. - 6lbs.
3.11.5 136-147 lbs. - 8 lbs.
3.11.6 148-160 lbs. - 10 lbs.
3.11.7 161-175 lbs. - 12 lbs.
3.11.8 176-200 lbs. - 15 lbs.
3.11.9 201 lbs. or over - no limit
3.12
Weigh-Ins. Contestants failing to meet their
contracted weight shall have two (2) hours after their initial weigh-in within
which to meet the contracted weight. If in an attempt to make weight, a
contestant shows evidence of dehydration, having taken diuretics, or other
drugs, or having used any other harsh modality, the Commission shall disqualify
the Contestant on the advice of the Doctor. All weigh-ins shall be conducted:
3.12.1 Not more than 36 hours prior to nor
less than 5 hours before the start of an Event, or as otherwise determined by
the Commission to protect the health, safety and welfare of the
Contestants;
3.12.2 By the
Designated employee(s) or an Inspector with weights recorded by the
same;
3.12.3 In the presence of
other Contestants to the extent practicable with only approved Contestants
permitted to weigh in;
3.12.4 At a
specific time set by the Promoter and approved by the Commission, generally
between the hours of 2 p.m. of the day before the Event and 12 noon the day of
the Event; or no less than 5 hours before fight start; and
3.12.5 Using "slide weight/balance" scales,
digital scales or other scales as approved in advance by the Commission, which
Commission may require to be certified by the Arkansas Division of Weights and
Measures within the Arkansas Bureau of Standards of the State Plant
Board.
CHAPTER 6
- MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
6.1 All Rules in this Chapter, Chapter 1, and
Chapter 2 of these Rules apply to the combative sport of Mixed Martial Arts;
provided however, in the event of a conflict between this Chapter, Chapter 1,
and Chapter 2 the Rules in this Chapter prevail.
6.2
Licensure.
6.2.1 Persons under the age of 18 will not be
issued a license other than cases WHEN and IF certain criteria are met, except
a Contestant's license at the discretion of the Commission. Persons 16 years of
age, but not yet 18, may be issued a Contestant's license provided a notarized,
written consent from the person's parent or legal guardian is submitted with
the application the criteria below have been met. No professionals shall be
licensed under the age of 18.
6.2.2
Each applicant for an AR Contestant's Martial Arts or Mixed Martial Arts
license shall simultaneously apply for or currently possess a valid National
Mixed Martial Arts ID.
6.3
Judges. Judges
shall modify the 10 Point Must System by not automatically deducting a point
each time a Contestant is Knocked Down; but instead, shall consider the
Knockdown as part of the overall scoring criteria for the round.
6.4
Promoters.
Promoters shall provide at least one (1) pair of fingernail clippers and two
(2) nail files for each Event;
6.5
Referee. Referees shall:
6.5.1 In the event a foul is committed by a
Contestant:
6.5.1.1 Call a timeout;
6.5.1.2 Check the fouled Contestant's
condition and safety; and
6.5.1.3
Assess either a warning or point deduction, as the Referee may deem necessary,
to or against the Contestant committing the foul and notify both corners'
Seconds, Judges, and the Officials at ringside and call time in for a
continuation of the contest;
6.5.1.4 Following a point deduction for the
commission of a foul, restart the Contestants from the same positions in
approximately the same area of the ring or cage where the Contestant committed
the foul; provided however, if a both Contestants are Down and a foul is
committed by the Contestant on bottom, the contest shall continue without the
Referee calling a timeout, unless the top Contestant is injured, so as not to
jeopardize the top Contestant's superior positioning at the time and the
Referee shall verbally notify the bottom Contestant of the foul and whether
such is a warning or will result in the deduction of a point, then immediately
following the end of the round, the Referee shall assess any point deductions
and notify both corners' Seconds, Judges and ringside Officials;
6.5.1.5 Disqualify a Contestant if the foul
is flagrant and severe enough, in the Referee's opinion, to warrant such
penalty.
6.5.2 Neither
initiates nor issues a Count to a Contestant who is Down;
6.5.3 Return the Contestants to a standing
position or separate the Contestants whenever neither Contestant is actively
engaged in offensive maneuvers for an unreasonable period as determined solely
by the Referee; and
6.5.4 If a
Contestant's mouthpiece is involuntarily dislodged during competition, call
time, have the mouthpiece cleaned and reinserted at the first opportune moment,
without interfering with the immediate action.
6.6
Seconds. A
Contestant's Chief Second may throw a white, cotton towel into the contest area
only if:
6.6.1 The contest is being held
inside a cage;
6.6.2 The Chief
Second has first signaled or otherwise attempted to obtain the Referee's
attention to stop a Mixed Martial Arts contest for a period of at least five
(5) continuous seconds without obtaining the Referee's attention or without the
Referee stopping the contest;
6.6.3
Throwing the towel into the cage can be done without injuring or interfering
with a Contestant or Referee; and
6.6.4 Intending to stop the contest with the
Contestant losing via Technical Knockout.
6.7
Timekeepers.
Timekeepers shall not begin a Count when an opponent is Down.
6.8
Cages.
6.8.1 Have a floor area, both inside and
outside the ropes, padded with ensolite or other similar closed-cell foam of at
least one (1) inch thickness and approved by the Commission;
6.8.2 Have a top covering made of canvas or
similar material tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform;
6.8.3 Not have a floor covering consisting of
a material which tends to gather in lumps or ridges;
6.8.4 Not be more than seven (7) feet above
the ground
6.8.5 Have at least two
(2) sets of steps for use by Contestants and Officials;
6.8.6 Have posts made of metal not less than
three (3) inches in diameter
6.8.7
Have turnbuckles and corners protected with a urethane pad covered with a
material similar to the ring floor covering or plasticized rubber or
vinyl;
6.8.8 Have sufficient
strength and safety in both the floor and support structure to safely hold the
actively moving weight of all Contestants, Officials, Seconds and other persons
and equipment which may be simultaneously inside the Ring. Liability for
structure failure shall fall upon promoter for ASAC evaluation.
6.9
Cage
Access. Access to the Cage shall be only as follows:
6.9.1 Prior to and immediately following a
bout, only the Announcer, Announcer assistant, Authorized Media personnel,
promoter, Contestants, Doctor, Inspectors, Commission representatives and
persons authorized by the Commission shall be allowed inside the cage, unless
otherwise specified by promoter and approved by Commission.
6.9.2 At least one (1) minute before the
start of the first round of each bout, only the Announcer, Contestants,
Contestants' chief Seconds, and the Referee may be inside the cage and the
Referee shall clear the cage of all other individuals.
6.9.3 During a round, only Contestants and
the Referee are permitted inside the cage.
6.9.4 In between rounds only Contestants, one
Second from each Contestant, Referee, doctor and one individual holding a ring
card/round indicator are permitted inside the cage.
6.9.5 The Referee and/or Commission may order
the ring be cleared of any or all persons at any time, either before, during or
after a bout.
6.10
Cage, Mats & Contest Areas. In addition to or
contradiction of Chapter One, the ring or cage shall:
6.10.1 The cage must be enclosed by fencing
made of a material that will prevent a Contestant from falling or breaking
through the fenced area and such fencing must be covered using a non-abrasive,
plasticized rubber or vinyl material;
6.10.2 The cage must have properly padded
posts made of metal not less than three (3) inches nor more than six (6) inches
in diameter. The platform of the cage cannot be less than three (3) feet off
the floor nor higher than seven (7) feet off the floor.
6.10.3 The cage must have sufficient strength
in both the floor and support structure to safely hold the actively moving
weight of all Contestants, Officials, Seconds and other persons and equipment
which may be simultaneously inside the Ring;
6.10.4 The cage must, be circular or have at
least five equal sides with the shortest straight-line distance between any two
opposite sides no less than eighteen (18) feet across.
6.10.5 The cage must, have one (1) or more
entry point with a gate secured using pins or latches which do not intrude into
the contest area, are not tied together and do not fall out or become
unattached during a round by the vibration or movement inside the cage;
and
6.10.6 The cage must be
constructed in such a manner so as to provide a clear view into the cage from
outside the cage.
6.11
Additional Contest Endings. A contest may also end via
Submission or by Tapout.
6.12
Contestants. Contestants shall:
6.12.1 Only wear shorts or trunks without a
zipper or metal fastener;
6.12.2
Not wear shoes or any padding on the feet;
6.12.3 Wear open fingered, gloves weighing
not less than four (4) ounces, nor more than eight (8) ounces for Professional
contests and not less than six (6) ounces for Amateur contests;
6.12.4 Have closely trimmed, dulled, rounded
and smoothed fingernails;
6.12.5 Be
permitted up to two (2) Seconds inside the cage during the rest
period
6.12.6 Have petroleum jelly
nowhere other than immediately around the eye sockets, check bones (not on or
past the temple of the head) and nose.
6.13
Weight Classes.
Contestants shall use the following weight classes:
6.13.1 Flyweight up to 125lbs.
6.13.2 Bantamweight - 125.1 lbs. but less
than 135 lbs.
6.13.3 Featherweight
- 135.1 lbs. but less than 145 lbs.
6.13.4 Lightweight - 145.1 lbs. but less than
155 lbs.
6.13.5 Welterweight -
155.1 lbs. but less than 170 lbs.
6.13.6 Middleweight - 170.1 lbs. but less
than 185 lbs.
6.13.7 Light
Heavyweight - 185.1 lbs. but less than 205 lbs.
6.13.8 Heavyweight - 205.1 lbs. but less than
265 lbs.
6.13.9 Super Heavyweight -
265 lbs. and up
6.14
Bouts, Heats & Rounds. Non-championship and
non-title bout(s) shall be scheduled for three (3) rounds. Championship or
title bouts shall be scheduled for five (5) rounds. If agreed in a writing
signed by the Contestant and Contestant's opponent prior to the weigh-ins and
the bout is scored a Draw at the end of the scheduled rounds, a Professional
bout may be extended by successive individual "overtime" rounds until a winner
is declared in accordance with these Rules.
6.15
Duration of
Rounds. The duration of each amateur round shall be three (3)
minutes with a one (1) minute rest period between each round. The duration of
each professional round shall be five (5) minutes with a one (1) minute rest in
between each round.
6.16
Injuries & Point Deduction for Fouls. If an injury
sustained during competition as a result of:
6.16.1 An accidental low blow, the Referee
shall call timeout and the Contestant who has been struck with the low blow
shall be allowed up to five (5) minutes to recover from the foul without
assistance from any Second and continue the contest, provided if the Contestant
can continue before the expiration of the five (5) minute recovery period, the
Referee shall as soon as practical restart the contest and if the Contestant
cannot continue after the expiration of the five (5) minute recovery period,
the Referee shall call an end to the contest with the outcome determined by as
provided for by these Rules for any other accidental foul severe enough for the
Referee to immediately stop the bout;
6.16.2 A legal maneuver and is severe enough
for the Referee to terminate a bout, the injured Contestant shall lose by
Technical Knockout;
6.16.3 An
intentional foul and is severe enough for the Referee to terminate a bout, the
Contestant causing the injury shall lose by Disqualification;
6.16.4 An intentional foul and the bout is
allowed to continue, the Referee shall notify the judges to automatically
deduct two (2) points from the contestant who committed the foul;
6.16.5 An intentional foul and the bout is
allowed to continue, but causes the injured Contestant to be unable to continue
at a subsequent point in the bout, the injured Contestant shall win by
Technical Decision, if the Contestant is ahead on the Judges' cards at the time
of stoppage, the bout shall be declared a Technical Draw, if the injured
Contestant is even or behind on the Judges' cards at the time of
stoppage;
6.16.6 A Contestant's
attempt to foul an opponent, the Referee shall not take any action and the
injury shall be treated in the same as an injury produced by a fair
blow;
6.16.7 Any accidental foul,
the Referee shall call timeout and the Contestant suffering from the accidental
foul may be allowed up to five (5) minutes to recover from the foul without
assistance from any Second and continue the contest; however, if the Contestant
cannot continue after the expiration of the five (5) minute recovery period or
the accidental foul is severe enough for the Referee to immediately stop the
bout, the Referee shall call an immediate end to the bout and the bout shall be
ruled a No Contest if the bout is stopped before the end of two (2) rounds in a
three (3) round bout or if stopped before the end of three (3) rounds in a five
(5) round bout, provided there will be no scoring of an incomplete round;
or
6.16.8 Any accidental foul, the
Referee shall call timeout and the Contestant suffering the accidental foul may
be allowed up to five (5) minutes to recover from the foul without assistance
from any Second and continue the contest; however, if the Contestant cannot
continue after the expiration of the five (5) minute recovery period or the
accidental foul is severe enough for the Referee to immediately stop the bout,
the Referee shall call an immediate end to the bout and a Technical Decision
shall be awarded to the Contestant who is ahead on the score cards at the time
the bout is stopped if the bout is stopped after the end of two (2) rounds of a
three (3) round bout, or after the end of three (3) rounds of a five (5) round
bout, provided incomplete rounds shall not be scored, except the Judges shall
deduct points as directed by Referee if such point deductions were the result
of a Contestant's action in the incomplete round.
6.17
Fouls. The
following acts constitute fouls:
6.17.1
Intentionally head-butting an opponent;
6.17.2 Intentionally gouging or poking an
opponent's eye;
6.17.3
Biting;
6.17.4 Hair
pulling;
6.17.5 Fish
hooking;
6.17.6 Groin
attacks;
6.17.7 Putting a finger
into any orifice, cut or laceration;
6.17.8 Small joint manipulation;
6.17.9 Striking the spine or the back of the
head;
6.17.10 Amateurs in MMA
cannot elbow or knee to the head in any position. Elbows or knees to the head
are not considered a foul in professional MMA, excepting that in no case can
elbows be thrown in a clock-face 12-6 motion (vertical strike);
6.17.11 Throat strikes including, without
limitation, squeezing the trachea;
6.17.12 Clawing, pinching or twisting the
flesh;
6.17.13 Grabbing the
clavicle;
6.17.14 Kicking the head
of a grounded opponent;
6.17.15
Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent;
6.17.16 Stomping a grounded
opponent;
6.17.17 Kicking to the
kidney with the heel;
6.17.18
Spiking the head or neck of an opponent to the floor of the ring or
cage;
6.17.19 Intentionally
throwing an opponent out of the ring or cage;
6.17.20 Holding or grabbing the shorts or
gloves of an opponent;
6.17.21
Spitting at an opponent;
6.17.22
Engaging in un-sportsmanlike conduct;
6.17.23 Holding the ropes or fencing of the
cage;
6.17.24 Attacking an opponent
on or during the break;
6.17.25
Attacking an opponent under the care of the Referee;
6.17.26 Attacking an opponent after the bell
has sounded the end of the round;
6.17.27 Flagrantly disregarding the Referee's
instructions;
6.17.28 Timidity,
including, without limitation, non-defensive avoidance of contact with an
opponent;
6.17.29 Intentionally or
repeatedly dropping or spitting out the mouthpiece;
6.17.30 Faking an injury;
6.17.31 If in an Amateur bout, any elbow
strike or knee strike to the head or neck; and
6.17.32 If in an Amateur bout, any neck
cranks or techniques designed to hyperextend, manipulate or attack the spine or
neck.
CHAPTER
7
- MUAY THAI
7.1
All Rules in this Chapter, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2 of these Rules apply to the
combative sport of Muay Thai; provided however, in the event of a conflict
between this Chapter, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2, Rules in this Chapter
prevail.
7.2 Muay Thai is Combative
Sport in which a Contestant shall utilizes strikes using gloved fists, elbows,
feet, shin and knees. In a Muay Thai bout, it is permissible, unless otherwise
designated as a foul, for a Contestant to strike an opponent's legs, arms,
body, face, and head using the gloved fists, elbows, feet, shin and knees.
Spinning back fist blows are allowed, so long as contact is made only with the
padded part of the glove.
7.3
Licensure.
7.3.1
Persons under the age of 18 will not be issued a license other than cases WHEN
and IF certain criteria are met, except a Contestant's license at the
discretion of the Commission. Persons 16 years of age, but not yet 18, may be
issued a Contestant's license provided a notarized, written consent from the
person's parent or legal guardian is submitted with the application the
criteria below have been met. No professionals shall be licensed under the age
of 18.
7.3.2 Each applicant for an
AR Contestant's Martial Arts or Mixed Martial Arts license shall simultaneously
apply for or currently possess a valid National Mixed Martial Arts
ID.
7.4
Contestants. Contestants are permitted to wear single
elastic bandages around their wrists, ankles or feet to protect and avoid
sprains. A Contestant is permitted to utilize a wrap on their ankles under the
same restrictions as their hand wraps.
7.5
Fouls. The
following acts constitute fouls:
7.5.1 All
fouls specified for Mixed Martial Arts under these Rules;
7.5.2 Striking a downed opponent;
7.5.3 Holding or stepping on one of the ropes
while fighting, elbowing, or striking; and
7.5.4 Performing any hold or technique not
ordinarily considered by the World Muay Thai Council as part of the Muay Thai
technique.
7.6
Rounds & Duration. A Professional bout shall be
five (5) scheduled rounds with the duration of each round being three (3)
minutes with a two (2) minute rest period between each round. An Amateur bout
shall be three (3) scheduled rounds with the duration of each round being two
(2) minutes with a one (1) minute rest period between each round.
7.7
Seconds. During
a bout, Seconds are not allowed to advise, help or instruct their Contestant
nor signal the condition of the Contestant to interested parties.
7.8
Weight Classes.
Contestants shall use the following weight classes:
7.8.1 Mini-Flyweight up to 105 lbs.
7.8.2 Junior-Flyweight - over 105 lbs. up to
108 lbs.
7.8.3 Flyweight - over 108
lbs. up to 112 lbs.
7.8.4 Junior
Bantamweight - over 112 lbs. up to 115 lbs.
7.8.5 Bantamweight - over 115 lbs. up to 118
lbs.
7.8.6 Junior Featherweight -
over 118 lbs. up to 122 lbs.
7.8.7
Featherweight - over 122 lbs. up to 126 lbs.
7.8.8 Junior Lightweight - over 126 lbs. up
to 130 lbs.
7.8.9 Lightweight -
over 130 lbs. up to 135 lbs.
7.8.10
Junior Welterweight - over 135 lbs. up to 140 lbs.
7.8.11 Welterweight - over 140 lbs. up to 147
lbs.
7.8.12 Junior Middleweight -
over 147 lbs. up to 154 lbs.
7.8.13
Middleweight - over 154 lbs. up to 160 lbs.
7.8.14 Super Middleweight - over 160 lbs. up
to 168 lbs.
7.8.15 Light
Heavyweight - over 168 lbs. up to 175 lbs.
7.8.16 Cruiserweight - over 175 lbs. up to
190 lbs.
7.8.17 Heavyweight - over
190 lbs. up to 200 lbs.
7.8.18
Super Heavyweight - over 200 lbs.
7.9
Weight
Differences. Contestants shall not fight outside their contracted
weight or weight class without approval of the Commission and agreement by the
Contestants to compete at the weight differential. Regardless of contracted
weights, no Contestant may participate in an Event where the difference between
the weights of the Contestant and his or her opponent at the time of weigh-in
exceeds the following allowance(s) in the table below. For ALL types of events,
the weight spread between any two contestants, cannot exceed the table below.
If these weights are more lenient than what the promoter desires, the promoter
can use his classes or divisions, or if he chooses, he can use the below table
and develop a catchweight.
7.9.1 112 lbs. or
under - 3 lbs.
7.9.2 113-118 lbs. -
4 lbs.
7.9.3 119-126 lbs. - 5
lbs.
7.9.4 127-135 lbs. - 6
lbs.
7.9.5 136-147 lbs. - 8
lbs.
7.9.6 148-160 lbs. - 10
lbs.
7.9.7 161-175 lbs. - 12
lbs.
7.9.8 176-200 lbs. - 15
lbs.
7.9.9 201 lbs. or over - No
limit
7.10
Weigh-Ins. Contestants failing to meet their
contracted weight shall have two (2) hours after their initial weigh-in within
which to meet the contracted weight. If in an attempt to make weight, a
contestant shows evidence of dehydration, having taken diuretics, or other
drugs, or having used any other harsh modality, the Commission shall disqualify
the Contestant on the advice of the Doctor. All weigh-ins shall be conducted:
7.10.1 Not more than 36 hours prior to nor
less than 5 hours before the start of an Event, or as otherwise determined by
the Commission to protect the health, safety and welfare of the
Contestants;
7.10.2 By the
Designated employee(s) or an Inspector with weights recorded by the
same;
7.10.3 In the presence of
other Contestants to the extent practicable with only approved Contestants
permitted to weigh in;
7.10.4 At a
specific time set by the Promoter and approved by the Commission, generally
between the hours of 2 p.m. of the day before the Event and 12 noon the day of
the Event; or no less than 5 hours before fight start and
7.10.5 Using "slide weight/balance" scales,
digital scales or other scales as approved in advance by the Commission, which
Commission may require to be certified by the Arkansas Division of Weights and
Measures within the Arkansas Bureau of Standards of the State Plant
Board.
7.11
Gloves.
7.11.1
Contestants weighing up to and including 122 lbs. shall wear gloves weighing
six (6) ounces, while Contestants weighing more than 122 lbs. up to and
including 147 lbs. shall wear gloves weighing eight (8) ounces, while
Contestants weighing more than 147 lbs. shall wear gloves weighing ten (10)
ounces; provided however, if agreed to in a writing signed by a Contestant and
Contestant's opponent prior to the weigh-ins and the weight of the gloves is
the same for both the Contestant and Contestant's opponent, Contestants may
wear gloves weighing more than the weight required by this
subsection.
7.11.2 Gloves shall:
7.11.2.1 Be examined and approved by the
Commission, Referee and Inspector before each contest;
7.11.2.2 Be clean, properly constructed and
consisting of evenly distributed, uniform padding;
7.11.2.3 Have manufacturer's tag or otherwise
have the weight of the glove proven to the Commission's and Inspector's
satisfaction prior to each bout;
7.11.2.4 Not expose any part of the hand or
fingers below the wrist, nor allow for individual outlines or individual
insertion of Contestant's fingers;
7.11.2.5 Have the thumb attached or be
thumbless;
7.11.2.6 If equipped or
secured by laces, have the laces tied on the outside of the back of the wrist
of the gloves and have any plastic or other covering removed from the tips of
the laces; and
7.11.2.7 Have the
laces or hook and loop fastening system properly wrapped and covered by tape
approved by the Commission and Inspector prior to each contest.
7.12
Hand
wraps. Contestant's hand wraps shall:
7.12.1 Consist of dry cotton gauze not more
than 20 yards in length and not more than two (2) inches in width per hand; if
synthetic, only 10 yards in length if Commission approved synthetic, with tape
as below.
7.12.2 Have the cotton
gauze held in place by white athletic tape not more than eight (8) feet in
length and not more than two (2) inches in width per hand;
7.12.3 Not have any portion of the tape
covering any part of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist;
however, a single thickness of tape may pass one (1) time between each finger
for the purpose of securing the gauze;
7.12.4 Consist of a continuous layer of the
same permitted material followed by a continuous layer of the other permitted
material without alternating layers of permitted material, except if the gauze
is applied first, then a single strip of tape which does not pass both over and
under the hand may be used to secure the gauze;
7.12.5 Be applied to each Contestant in the
dressing room under the supervision of an Inspector and under the observation
of an opponent's Second if the opponent's Second notifies the Inspector of such
desire to observe prior to the beginning of the hand wrap
application;
7.12.6 Not have any
water or any other substance other than the white athletic tape may be applied
to the gauze or any other portion of the hand wrap;
7.12.7 Not consist of, contain or have any
other material or substance, other than as permitted by this subchapter, placed
on, in, under or around the hand wrap; and
7.12.8 Not have any other material or
substance, other than as permitted by this subchapter, placed on, in, around or
under Contestant's hand prior to wrapping.
CHAPTER 8
- ELIMINATION
TOURNAMENTS
8.1 All Rules in this
Chapter, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2 apply to Elimination Tournaments; provided
however, in the event of a conflict between this Chapter, Chapter 1, and
Chapter 2, the Rules in this Chapter prevail.
8.2
Licensure.
Persons under the age of 18 will not be issued a license.
8.3
Promoters.
Promoters of Elimination Tournaments shall:
8.3.1 Provide at least six (6) pairs of
sixteen (16) ounce gloves; and
8.3.2 Provide at least six (6) U.S.A. Boxing
approved headgears.
8.4
Contestants. All Contestants in an Elimination
Tournament shall:
8.4.1 Wear sixteen (16)
ounce gloves;
8.4.2 Wear U.S.A.
Boxing approved headgear, which is provided by the Promoter;
8.4.3 At least eighteen (18) years of
age;
8.4.4 Not be currently nor
have at any other time been licensed in Arkansas or any other jurisdiction as a
Professional;
8.4.5 Not participate
in more than one (1) bout during the first day of a two (2) day
Event;
8.4.6 Not participate in
more than twelve (12) minutes the second night of a two (2) night Event, nor
the day of a one (1) day Event; and
8.4.7 Not participate if Contestant has been
a winner of more than three (3) in the past twelve (12) months or five (5) in
the past five (5) years of any combination of Amateur Combative Sports or
Elimination Contest, unless the event is restricted only to winners of previous
such Events.
8.5
Not Professional. Competing for or winning a prize in
an elimination tournament shall not deem the Contestant a Professional under
these Rules.
8.6
Licensing. Contestant Licenses issued to Contestants
in Elimination Tournaments shall be designated and marked with an Elimination
Contest Only restriction.
8.7
Weight Classes. The Rules in Chapter 1 regarding
maximum weight differences between Contestants shall not be applicable to
Elimination Tournaments Contestants competing in Elimination Contests shall use
the following weight classes:
8.7.1
Lightweight - 140 up to 160 lbs.
8.7.2 Middleweight - over 160 up to 185
lbs.
8.7.3 Heavyweight - over 185
up to 265 lbs.
8.7.4 Super
Heavyweight - over 265 lbs.
8.8
Rounds &
Duration. Each bout shall be scheduled for three (3) rounds of one
(1) minute in duration with a one (1) minute rest period between each round.
Elimination Tournaments may be a one (1) or two (2) day Event.
8.9
Standing Eight
Count. Referees may, in the Referee's sole discretion, issue a
Standing Eight Count to a Contestant.
8.10
Three Knockdown
Rule. A Contestant who is Down three (3) times in the same round
shall lose the bout by Technical Knockout.
8.11
No Draws. If at
the end of the scheduled number of rounds, a bout is scored a Draw, the Judges
shall reevaluate their scorecards and with the input of the Referee select a
winner.
8.12
Single
Elimination. Elimination Tournaments shall be single elimination
Events whereby a Contestant who has lost a bout during the Event may not
thereafter participate in another bout during the Event; provided however, if
the Contestant's loss was not by Knockout or Technical Knockout, then Promoter
may, but is not required, allow the Contestant to participate again in the same
Event.
8.13
Matchmaking. At the start of each day of the
Elimination Tournament the Promoter shall match Contestants closely in their
weight class; however, the Commission must approve all bouts and
matches.
8.14
Weight
Differences. Contestants shall not fight outside their contracted
weight or weight class without approval of the Commission and agreement by the
Contestants to compete at the weight differential. Regardless of contracted
weights, no Contestant may participate in an Event where the difference between
the weights of the Contestant and his or her opponent at the time of weigh-in
exceeds the below listed allowance(s). For ALL types of events, the weight
spread between any two contestants, cannot exceed the table below. If these
weights are more lenient than what the promoter desires, the promoter can use
his classes or divisions, or if he chooses, he can use the table below and
develop a catchweight.
8.14.1 112 lbs. or
under - 3 lbs.
8.14.2 113-118 lbs.
- 4 lbs.
8.14.3 119-126 lbs. - 5
lbs.
8.14.4 127-135 lbs. - 6
lbs.
8.14.5 136-147 lbs. - 8
lbs.
8.14.6 148-160 lbs. - 10
lbs.
8.14.7 161-175 lbs. - 12
lbs.
8.14.8 176-200 lbs. - 15
lbs.
8.14.9 201 lbs. or over - No
limit
8.15
Weigh-Ins. Contestants failing to meet their
contracted weight shall have two (2) hours after their initial weigh-in within
which to meet the contracted weight. If in an attempt to make weight, a
contestant shows evidence of dehydration, having taken diuretics, or other
drugs, or having used any other harsh modality, the Commission shall disqualify
the Contestant on the advice of the Doctor. All weigh-ins shall be conducted:
8.15.1 Not more than 36 hours prior to nor
less than 5 hours before the start of an Event, or as otherwise determined by
the Commission to protect the health, safety and welfare of the
Contestants;
8.15.2 By the
Designated employee(s) or an Inspector with weights recorded by the
same;
8.15.3 In the presence of
other Contestants to the extent practicable with only approved Contestants
permitted to weigh in;
8.15.4 At a
specific time set by the Promoter and approved by the Commission, generally
between the hours of 2 p.m. of the day before the Event and 12 noon the day of
the Event; or no less than five (5) hours before fight start and
8.15.5 Using "slide weight/balance" scales,
digital scales or other scales as approved in advance by the Commission, which
Commission may require to be certified by the Arkansas Division of Weights and
Measures within the Arkansas Bureau of Standards of the State Plant
Board.
8.16
Gloves. Gloves shall:
8.16.1 Be examined and approved by the
Commission, Referee and Inspector before each contest;
8.16.2 Be clean, properly constructed and
consisting of evenly distributed, uniform padding;
8.16.3 Have manufacturer's tag or otherwise
have the weight of the glove proven to the Commission's and Inspector's
satisfaction prior to each bout;
8.16.4 Not expose any part of the hand or
fingers below the wrist, nor allow for individual outlines or individual
insertion of Contestant's fingers;
8.16.5 Have the thumb attached;
8.16.6 If equipped or secured by laces, have
the laces tied on the outside of the back of the wrist of the gloves and have
any plastic or other covering removed from the tips of the laces; and
8.16.7 Have the laces or hook and loop
fastening system properly wrapped and covered by tape approved by the
Commission and Inspector prior to each contest.
8.17
Hand wraps.
Contestant's hand wraps shall:
8.17.1 Consist
of dry cotton gauze not more than 20 yards in length and not more than two (2)
inches in width per hand; if synthetic, only 10 yards in length if Commission
approved synthetic, with tape as below.
8.17.2 Have the cotton gauze held in place by
white athletic tape not more than eight (8) feet in length and not more than
two (2) inches in width per hand;
8.17.3 Not have any portion of the tape
covering any part of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist;
however, a single thickness of tape may pass one (1) time between each finger
for the purpose of securing the gauze;
8.17.4 Consist of a continuous layer of the
same permitted material followed by a continuous layer of the other permitted
material without alternating layers of permitted material, except if the gauze
is applied first, then a single strip of tape which does not pass both over and
under the hand may be used to secure the gauze;
8.17.5 Be applied to each Contestant in the
dressing room under the supervision of an Inspector and under the observation
of an opponent's Second if the opponent's Second notifies the Inspector of such
desire to observe prior to the beginning of the hand wrap
application;
8.17.6 Not have any
water or any other substance other than the white athletic tape may be applied
to the gauze or any other portion of the hand wrap;
8.17.7 Not consist of, contain or have any
other material or substance, other than as permitted by this subchapter, placed
on, in, under or around the hand wrap; and
8.17.8 Not have any other material or
substance, other than as permitted by this subchapter, placed on, in, around or
under Contestant's hand prior to wrapping.