Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 022 - Athletic Commission
Rule 022.00.05-001 - Revised Rules and Regulations

Universal Citation: AR Admin Rules 022.00.05-001

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024

At the Arkansas State Athletic Commission meeting held on October 6, 2005, the following amendments to its rules and regulations were proposed. This finding is made by the Agency because the Agency is in need of clarifying its rules and regulations regarding its operations, licenses, and fees in order to be able to continue to perform its statutory duties assigned by Ark. Code Ann. Sec. 17-22-201 et seq.

I. RULES GOVERNING THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION

(1) The Commission shall maintain for the transaction of its business a main office at the location to be designated by the Commission.

(2) The Commission shall select a secretary who shall be under the direction of the Commission and shall be bonded for a sum not to exceed the maximum annual salary prescribed for such position in the biennial appropriation for the Commission. The Secretary of the Commission is requited to refer all protest and complaints to the Chairman of the Commission. The Chairman of the Commission shall have the power to decide the importance of protest and complaints and can order a meeting of the Commission on all important subjects, directing the Secretary to get whatever information he may desire.

(3) The Commission may hold such meetings as it may deem necessary for the transaction of business. A quorum of the Commission shall be necessary for the transaction of business. The Secretary shall be present at all meetings of the Commission or the Chairman (and in his absence, the Vice-Chairman) shall appoint a commission member to keep the minutes.

(4) The Secretary is directed and authorized to do all acts and take steps as may be necessary for the operation and enforcement of the law and such rules and regulations as are, or may be hereafter, promulgated by the Commission. He shall keep a full and true record of all proceedings of the Commission, preserve at its general office all its books, documents and papers, collect and disburse all monies, and is authorized to incur such expenses, and make such expenditures, as may be necessary. All disbursements shall be made by voucher, signed by the Secretary and countersigned by the Chairman of the Commission.

(5) Members of the Commission shall be entitled to per diem as allowed by state law in lieu of actual expenses for each day spent in attending meetings of the Commission or in attending other official business of the Commission, plus mileage at the rate prescribed in state travel regulations.

(6) The Chairman shall have the power to designate the place and time of its meeting.

(7) As a condition to the issuance of a license to a sponsoring unit for holding matches, exhibitions, or other performances authorized by Ark. Code Ann. 17-22-101 ct seq.; the applicant for the license shall file with the State Athletic Commission a bond in the sum of one thousand dollars ($1000) written by a corporate surety authorized to do business in this state, or cashiers check or letter of credit from a bank, conditioned that the licensee shall pay all taxes and other charges due the state and its political subdivisions on account of such matches or exhibitions.

(8) The Commission shall appoint an inspector from the sponsoring unit or may select an inspector to act on the behalf of the sponsoring unit and Commission for the transaction of its business and the adherence of the safety regulations.

(9) The Commission may be represented in person by the inspector at all events to supervise and check the counting of the receipts, or to enforce any or all rules and regulations of the Commission, and to see that the rules set forth by the Commission be carried out.

II. DEFINITIONS

(1) The "Commission" - as used in these rules and regulations is understood to mean the State Athletic Commission.

(2) "Sponsoring unit" - shall be understood to mean the local sponsor or any statewide patriotic organization chartered by a special act of Congress, chartered civil club, or non-profit corporation.

(3) "Promoter" - means any person, club, organization, corporation or association, and in the case of a corporate promoter includes any officer, director, employee or stockholder thereof, including kick-boxing, which are conducted for purses or where an admission is charged except where all contestants are amateurs.

(4) "Exhibition" - means any matches, bouts, contests, shows or performances that have to do with wrestling, boxing, sparring, martial arts, karate, judo or any combination thereof, including kick-boxing, which are conducted for purses or where an admission is charged except where all contestants are amateurs.

(5) The word "official" - means any announcers, judges, managers, physicians, referees, seconds, and timekeepers.

(6) "Inspector" - means the person designated by the sponsoring unit and approved by the Commission or the person appointed by the Commission to serve as inspector who shall issue licenses, collect license fees, and oversee the proper execution of all rules pertaining to any exhibition.

(7) "Good Cause" - as used in A.C.A. 17-22-305 is hereby defined to mean:

(a) A physician's refusal to approve contestants to compete, failure on the part of promoter and/or sponsoring units to pay all sums due to the Arkansas Athletic Commission.

(b) Suspensions and/or revocations issued by other states and countries to ensure the safety and welfare of professional boxers and kick boxers.

(c) Suspension or revocations of promoters, matchmakers, and any other persons who are designated by the National Association of Boxing Commissioners as officially recognized to have a suspended and/or revoked license.

(d) Good cause shall also mean failure to remit the prescribed fees set out by the Arkansas Athletic Commission.

(8) "Semi-professional" - means a person engaging in an activity regulated by Ark. Code Ann. 17-22-101 et seq. For pay or gain but not as a full-time occupation.

(9) "ABC" - means Association of Boxing Commissioners

III. TICKETS OF ADMISSION

(1) No person shall be admitted to exhibitions or matches or any combination thereof authorized by the Commission without a ticket, excluding participants.

(2) PRESS TICKETS - All tickets issued to the press shall be marked "Press".

(3) COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS - All complimentary tickets should be marked "complimentary".

(4) EMPLOYEES - All employees shall be so designated.

(5) PRICE AND DATE REQUIREMENT ON TICKETS - All tickets, exclusive of press, employee, participants and complimentary tickets, shall have the price and date of event plainly printed in large type thereon. They shall be consecutively numbered and shall have a coupon attached, which may be held by the purchaser thereof.

(6) The promoter or sponsoring units holding a license to conduct, hold, or give exhibitions or matches must provide a depository for ticket stubs, which shall be locked. All admission tickets shall be deposited at the point of entrance.

(7) PROHIBITION ON ACCEPTING CASH FOR ADMISSION CHARGE - The promoter and sponsoring unit are prohibited from accepting cash for admission without the issuance of a ticket to any exhibitions or matches, licensed by the Commission. Each person passing into the said exhibition or match must be provided a ticked, which must be torn, with half deposited into a suitable lock box.

(8) REQUIREMENTS ON POSSESSION OF TICKET BOX - Every admission ticket box 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 authorized inspector. The inspector may, at his discretion, require that the ticket box be opened in his presence.

(9) DUTY OF INSPECTOR IN REFERENCE TO CONTENTS OF TICKET BOX - All admission tickets, as soon as the ticket box is opened, shall be assorted as to price and counted by a member of the Commission, the inspector, or by a person authorized by the inspector. The total amount of admission of gate receipts shall be ascertained and a complete report of same shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Commission by the inspector, together with sworn fee statement and fee. In the case of an audited statement, provided by the facility in which the exhibition is held, this statement may be provided to the inspector in lieu of verifying the lock box.

(10) A fee in amount of five percent (5%) of total gross receipts, including all complimentary tickets except those issued to the press, will be collected and paid to the Commission.

(11) A fee in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total gross receipts shall be remitted to the Commission, and at the discretion of the Commission can be required to be paid either by the sponsoring unit or paid by the licensed promoter. The Commission can file claims against either of the bonds posted (by promoter and the sponsoring unit) in order to satisfy all fees and the five percent (5%). A sponsoring unit failing to remit all required fees to the Commission shall not be allowed to sponsor another event until all fees have been remitted.

(12) The sponsoring unit is required to ensure that all licensing fees and gross receipts are collected from the participants.

(13) The Commission or the inspector may be present to supervise and check the counting of the tickets for any exhibition or match held within the State of Arkansas where a purse is given or when an admission charge is made directly or indirectly.

(14) The sponsoring unit or the inspector shall also complete the Commission's "Event Reporting Form" when the event features professional boxers or kick-boxers. The "Event Reporting Form" will list all fighters and the result of each bout and any injuries or suspensions, as well as the names of judges, referees, and other licensed officials. The report must be delivered in person or by phone or fax to the Commission secretary or chairman within twenty-four (24) hours of the first business day after the event. It is the sponsoring unit's responsibility to see this report is filed.

(15) Professional boxers and kick-boxers shall be required to furnish the Commission or the sponsoring unit with two (2) passport sized recent photographs, along with a photocopy of a picture identification such as a passport or drivers license further identifying the applicant. These photographs shall be affixed to the license and once the boxer is licensed, it will serve at all future fights as valid identification. No professional boxer will be allowed to compete without a valid identification. Each license is valid for one (1) year and shall expire on June 30 of each year. As good cause for suspension or refusal to issue a license is the failure to furnish the Commission or the sponsoring unit two (2) passport sized recent photographs which shall be affixed to the license once the boxer is licensed.

IV. CONDUCT OF THE EXHIBITION OR MATCH

(1) The Commission may hold, for a period of forty-eight (48) hours: pending a decision, the box office receipts and remuneration of the contestant involved in any exhibition or match, which has been stopped by the referee, or by a member of the Commission, or an authorized representative of the Commission, or an authorized public official, for the violation of any law or the rules and regulations of the Commission.

(2) The Commission shall hold the manager, promoter, or matchmaker responsible for the action of the contestants.

(3) Spectator seats shall not be closer than eight feet (8') from the outside edge of the apron of the ring, unless otherwise determined and approved by the Commission. The ringside area (corral) with barrier shall be under the jurisdiction of the inspector for the use of designated working officials, participants, seconds, judges, referees, physicians, announcer, media representatives, Commission representatives and guests. Promoters are responsible to see that the working area is controlled and free of nonessential individuals. The inspectors shall be provided seating next to the announcer and in each corner of a participant.

(4) The Commission shall have the power to grant a hearing to any sponsoring unit, promoter, contestant, or other licensed party affected in any way by a Commission ruling. All hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the Administration Procedure Act A.C.A. 25-15-101 et seq.

(5) The Commission may prescribe such application forms as it deems necessary for sponsoring units, promoters, or other persons required to be licensed.

(6) The Commission will designate prior to the event or exhibition whether the Commission, its designated inspector or the sponsoring unit is to complete an "Event Reporting Form" for professional boxers, kick-boxers, or martial arts events.

(7) All promoters of professional boxing, kick-boxing, or mixed martial arts shall be required to furnish to the Commission, no later than five (5) days before the event, the proposed card for the show. The promoter must also obtain the professional records of each participant from the recognized source within the industry and approved by the Commission. The records are to be delivered directly to the Commission Office 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 bouts.

(8) Fighter Accident and Health Insurance as required by the Federal Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 shall be furnished to the Commission on a standard Accord Insurance Form no later than five (5) days prior to the event.

(9) Boxing Contracts between opponents or manager/opponents shall be furnished to the Commission no later than five days prior to the event.

V. LICENSES

(1) The Commission shall have the authority to appoint and issue annual licenses to all boxers, wrestlers, managers, matchmakers, promoter, referee, physician, timekeeper, judges, or other person arranging, participating in, or otherwise dealing in matches and exhibitions regulated by the Commission. Under no circumstances will a license be issued to a participant under the age of eighteen (18). Fees for said licenses shall be established by the Commission.

(2) APPLICATION FOR LICENSES TO SPONSOR EVENT - The application for a license to sponsoring unit must be signed by the Sponsoring Office and the chairman of the Executive Committee of the organization and be accompanied with the minutes of the meeting, at which the action of the committee was approved.

(3) POWER OF INQUITY BY COMMISSION - Before acting upon any application for a license, the Commission may, in its discretion, examine the applicant or other witnesses.

(4) FILES PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS - All papers and documents filed with the Commission shall be the property of the State Athletic Commission.

(5) TERM OF LICENSES - All Licenses granted by the State Athletic Commission shall expire annually on June 30th.

(6) REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL BOXERS - Each professional boxer and/or kick-boxer from outside Arkansas should register with his home state's Commission to receive an identification card containing a recent photo, social security number, and any computer identification number assigned to the boxer by a boxer industry registry. They will the present this card as proof of identification when licensing in Arkansas. Professional boxers and kick-boxers from Arkansas must follow the procedure in paragraph III.15. Boxers must present the ID card to inspector no later than the weigh-in for the event, and ID cards shall be renewed every year upon application.

(7) EXHIBITION OF LICENSE - Professional boxers and kick-boxers must present ID cards to the inspector. It shall be the duty of all licensed participants to have their licenses card ready for presentation at any time previous to an exhibition, should they be called for; by an inspector of the State Athletic Commission. Failure to produce this license could subject them to a disciplinary hearing.

(8) RESPONSIBILITY - All sponsoring units, promoters, and matchmakers shall be held absolutely responsible to the State Athletic Commission for all exhibitions and matches held or given under their sponsorship.

(9) FOR THE PROPER MAINTENANCE OF DISCIPLINE AND ORDER - All sponsoring units or promoters holding a license; to conduct, or give wrestling, boxing, sparring, karate, judo exhibition, or any combination thereof; shall provide a suitable number of officers within the club or arena to maintain and preserve order and see to it that no illegal gambling or betting is allowed on any match or exhibition.

(10) FINANCIAL REPORT - The "Gate Receipts Form" report shall be made out at the expiration of each exhibition, and this report shall be either handed to the inspector in that locality or shall be mailed to the Secretary or Chairman of the Commission. Forms for this purpose are to be furnished by the State Athletic Commission and can be obtained upon application.

(11) No party will be privileged to operate in any capacity except that for which he is licensed. License fees are as follows:

Announcers	$15.00	Boxers	$30.00
Cornermen	$15.00	Wrestlers	$30.00
Judges	$15.00	Managers	$50.00
Timekeepers	$15.00	Sponsors	$50.00
Federal ID	$20.00	Matchmaker	$100.00
Semi-Pro	$20.00	Promoters	$100.00
Referees	$25.00

(12) Any events for which State Athletic Commission Rules and Regulations are not currently in place, either by State Code or by Existing promulgation of Rules, may petition the Commission in writing. Such petition shall include, at a minimum, the event format, proposed rules, and safety precautions. The Commission may appoint a Committee for review of the proposal or it may be reviewed and approved by the Commission as a whole. If the Commission deems the proposed event unsafe, then the promoter will be given the opportunity to offer further evidence and explanation of said rules or to amend them to satisfy the concerns of the Commission.

VI. RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING PROFESSIONAL BOXING MATCHES

(1) No fight will be more than twelve (12) rounds each, of which is three (3) minutes of action and one (1) minute of rest.

(2) The scoring system will be ten (10) point must. The scoring will be done by three (3) judges. The referees will be a non-scoring official. The score sheets must be collected by the inspector or Commission representative and forwarded with the other documentation to the Commission.

(3) In the event that one boxer is knocked down, there will be a mandatory eight (8) count when the referee feels it is necessary.

(4) The three (3) knock down rule will be in effect unless waived by fighters and the Commission. The fight may be stopped any time the referee considers it necessary for the safety of either contestant.

(5) After two (2) minutes and fifty (50) seconds of the round, if a boxer is knocked down by a clean punch, the bell will not sound until he gets up. If he does not get up before the count of ten (10), he will lose by KO.

(6) The bandages will be put on in the dressing rooms under the supervision of the ABC official and one representative of the other boxer.

(7) The use of adhesive tape over the knuckles is prohibited; adhesive tape will be allowed only on the dorsum (back) of the hand. The tape must be at least one (1) inch below the knuckles. The use of water or any liquid or material on the bandage is prohibited.

(8) During the fight, it is absolutely prohibited for a boxer to drink anything but water. The use of drugs, stimulants, etc. during or before the fight is cause for disqualification, which is in compliance with the state's laws. Both boxers may be required to submit to a mandatory drug test.

(9) Only discretional use of Vaseline and nothing else will be allowed on the face, arms or any part of the body.

(10) In case of a cut, only the use of the following is allowable:

(a) A Solution of adrenaline 1/1000

(b) Avetine

(ANY OTHER SOLUTION IS PROHIBITED)

(11) In case of a cut, the referee may consult the medical officer to determine if the fight shall be stopped or can continue. If the chief physician steps on the ring apron, the referee must have the injured boxer examined by this physician. Final authority rest with the referee.

(12) When a cut is produced by a legal punch and the fight is stopped, the wounded boxer will lost by technical knockout, inscribing in its records TKOC to show the cut.

(13) If an accidental butt occurs during the first three (3) rounds of a fight and the butted fighter cannot continue, the fight will be declared a technical draw.

(14) If an accidental butt occurs after the completion of the third round and the butted fighter cannot continue; a technical decision will be rendered by the judges and the winner will be the boxer who is ahead on points.

(a) The round in which the fight is stopped will be scored by the judges.

(15) If a boxer is accidentally butted and can continue:

(a) The referee must stop the action and inform the ABC representative and officials that the cut is the result of an accidental butt.

(b) If in a later round as a result legal blows, the cut is worsened and the boxer cannot continue, a technical decision will be rendered and the boxer ahead on the points at the time the bout is stopped will be declared a winner. The round in which the fight is stopped will be stopped by the judges.

(16) On a clear and intentional butt whereby the fight is stopped because of a cut, the boxer doing the butting will lose by disqualification (even if he is the injured one).

(17) In case of a clear and intentional butt and the fight can continue, the boxer who initiated the butt will have a two (2) point deduction. The referee must stop the action and inform the judges of the two (2) point deduction.

(18) There will be no disqualification on fouls to the body. The referee will order deduction of pints and will give all necessary time for recovery to the boxer who is hurt after consulting with the ring doctor. If the boxer does not continue the fight, he will lose by abandonment. Only in the extremely clear intentional fouls, a disqualification might be mandated.

(19) Intentional fouls shall be penalized firmly by the referee. The referee may disqualify the offending boxer if the intentional foul or fouls are flagrant and/or continual.

(20) There will be a deduction of points by the referee after two (2) warnings for the same foul. A point or points will be taken at the time of the third warning for the same foul or where there is a continued flagrant fouling by a boxer after a deduction of points from the fouling boxer.

(21) Handlers must not interfere with or move a boxer who has been KO'd until he recovers consciousness or until they are instructed to do so by the ring doctor.

(22) Before the fight begins, the referee must be informed who the chief second is. During the rest minute, only one (1) second is allowed in the ring.

(23) The throwing of towels, sponges, etc. into the ring by the Corner, by the Chief Second will be a cause to stop the fight.

(24) In the event of a problem not stated in these rules, or when both parties are not in agreement, the ABC representative on hand shall issue the final decision.

(25) The weigh-in should be at least six (6) hours before the fight to allow both fighters time to make weight.

(26) Gloves will be at least eight (8) ounces thumb attached.

(27) If the mouth piece comes out during the fight, the referee shall get it replaced at the first lull in the action.

(28) The physicals administered to all participants prior to the fight, must include, at a minimum, the criterion listed on the physicals form attached and can be amended as evidence dictates. At least one physician shall remain ringside during action and an ambulance must be on standby.

(29) All officials except the announcer shall be assigned by the Commission.

(30) The Commission will comply with the Federal Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996.

(31) The promoter shall provide health insurance at a level not to fall below the level stated in Ark. Code 17-22-208(4)

The contestants participating in the contest are to be insured by the promoter for no less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for medical and hospital expenses to be paid to the contestants to cover injuries sustained in the contest and for no less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) to be paid in accordance with the statues of descent and distribution of personal property if a contestant dies as a result of injuries sustained in the elimination contest.

VII. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING RING SPORTS

(1) The ring must have at least three (3) padded ropes, between 14' to 22' square and feature a minimum of 1/2" padding.

(2) The Commission physician shall have the power to stop a professional wrestling, professional or semi-professional boxing or kick-boxing event, or any martial arts match, bout or exhibition if in his opinion a contestant has been injured in such a way that to continue the contest might prove dangerous to his future health.

(3) The Commission physician shall examine and weigh in the participants and complete and sign the "Physicians Report". The sponsoring unit is responsible for returning the "Physicians Report" to the Commission.

(4) The physician shall examine a contestant who claims injury and refuses to continue a contest, and if in the opinion of the physician, the contestant is unable to continue, the referee must decide in favor of his opponent.

(5) The referee shall, before each bout, call contestants together for final instructions. The principals, after shaking hands, shall retire to their corners and await the bell. The referee shall inspect the contestants, and shall make sure that no foreign substances have been applied to their bodies to the detriment of an opponent, and that fingernails have been trimmed well below the tips. The referee shall decide all falls, and has the power to stop a bout at any time because of injury or weak physical condition of one of the contestants.

(6) WEIGHT CLASSES FOR RING SPORTS:

(a) Junior Flyweight - not over 108 pounds

(b) Flyweight - not over 112 pounds

(d) Junior Featherweight - not over 122 pounds

(e) Featherweight - not over 126 pounds

(f) Junior Lightweight - not over 130 pounds

(g) Lightweight - not over 135 pounds

(h) Junior Welterweight - not over 140 pounds

(i) Welterweight - not over 147 pounds

(j) Junior Middleweight - not over 154 pounds

(k) Middleweight - not over 160 pounds

(l) Lightweight - not over 175 pounds

(m) Cruiserweight - over 175 pounds, not to exceed 195 pounds

(n) Heavyweight - over 195 pounds

Any variances must be granted in writing by the Commission

(7) TIMEKEEPER - The timekeeper must be seated outside the ring close to the gong. He shall indicate the beginning and the time limit of each bout by striking the bell with the hammer.

VIII. RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING WRESTLING MATCHES

The General Rules and Regulations heretofore promulgated to general rings sports shall, unless clearly non-applicable, apply to wrestling matches.

(1) WEIGHTS AND CLASSES

(a) The weights and classes as heretofore provided for boxers shall apply to wrestlers.

(b) The limitation of weights as heretofore placed for boxers shall apply to wrestling bouts.

(2) CONTESTANTS

(a) All contestants shall report to the director of bouts in the hall or arena at least an hour before entering the ring, and they must be ready to enter the ring immediately upon the finish of the preceding bout. Contestants must be clothed in neat and clean athletic apparel. Trunks and tights must be well fitting and whole, with high waistband. If short trunks only are used with legs bare, the length of the leg of the trunk shall be no less than three (3) inches from the crotch and two (2) pairs, one over the other must be used. Shoes must be of soft tops and soft soles, with eyelet laces only. No apparel other than the above specified, except a bathrobe, may be worn in the ring.

(b) The use of grease or other substances; which might handicap an opponent is prohibited. The fingernails must be trimmed well below the tips.

(c) When call upon by the Commission the contestant must furnish proof that he is the person represented, and give a true record of all his matches for any period requested.

(d) Nay hold, grip, trip, or lock is allowed except the following, which are defined as fouls:

1. Strangle hold

2. Scratching

3. Gouging

4. Biting

5. Striking with the clenched fist

6. Pulling hair

7. Kicking (except that it is legal to push with feet)

8. The use of profane language

9. The failure to obey the referee

10. After a decision has been rendered by the referee, shall a contestant continue to inflict punishment upon his opponent, it shall be the privilege of the referee to reverse his decision and give the fall or match to the injured contestant.

(e) Should any boxer or wrestler be thrown from the ring by the use of foul tactics and injured in such a way that he is unable to return, and should this condition be caused by a foul, inflicted by opponent, he automatically will be awarded the final decision.

(f) The referee shall warn a contestant committing a foul. If a hold is secured by a foul method, the referee shall break the hold and order the contestants to the center of the ring in an erect position. If a hold is broken by a foul method, the referee shall order the offender to the center of the ring in an erect position. If a contestant persists in using foul tactics after being warned, the referee is empowered to fine the offender, subject to the approval of the Commission, such fines to be collected by the Commission and either retained or paid to the offender's opponent. In extreme cases, after repeating warnings, the referee has the power to disqualify the offender and award the bout to his opponent. The referee should however, keep the bout going as long as possible. Contestants losing on a foul will be fined or suspended, or both, as directed by the Commission.

(g) When wither wrestler is half off the mat, or under, through, or over the ropes, the contestants shall be deemed outside the ring, and be ordered to the center of the mat. The wrestler outside shall be given a count of ten (10) to return to the ring, and shall be given a fair opportunity to return to the ring by his opponent. The wrestler inside the ring shall protect himself at all times.

(h) If a wrestler be thrown or fall through the ropes, off the ring floor, he shall be allowed a count of twenty seconds to climb back in the ring. If he is not back in the ring on his feet at the end of twenty seconds, the referee shall count him out as if his shoulders were down.

(3) FALLS AND DECISIONS

(a) Both shoulder blades momentarily pinned to the mat shall constitute a fall. By momentarily is meant pinned to the mat for the referee's silent count of three (3) seconds. Conceding a fall or quitting because of receiving punishment by means of legitimate holds constitutes a fall.

(b) The referee shall slap on the back or shoulders the wrestler securing a fall.

(c) Matches may be for one (1) fall, or the best of two (2) out of three (3). With a time limit not to exceed two (2) hours, except by special permission of the Commission. Unless otherwise directed by the Commission, all matches will be decided by the falls only, and if there is no fall in a one-fall match, or one (1) each in a three-fall match, it shall be declared a draw. The Commission may direct that a decision may be rendered by the referee, or it may direct that two judges be used, which case the decision will be rendered by a majority both of the judges and the referee.

(d) No contestants shall be permitted to grasp or hang on the clothing, mats, or ropes for support or to get outside the ring unless his opponent has a hold on him. If, after being warned by the referee, the offender persists in any of these tactics, the contestant shall be brought to the center of the mat, and the offending contestant placed on his hands and knees beneath his opponent.

(e) No wrestler having trachoma or any infectious or contagious disease shall be permitted, under any circumstances, to engage in any wrestling contest.

(f) The boxing rules heretofore adopted by the Commission to govern boxing shall, whenever applicable, and unless amended by these rules, apply to all wrestling contests.

IX. RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SEMI-PROFESSIONAL BOXING MATCHES

(1) QUALIFICATION OF CONTESTANTS - All contestants must be eighteen (18) years old or older. They cannot have any previous professional boxing experience and cannot have over five (5) sanctioned amateur wins in the last five (5) years. They must also pass their physical examination.

(2) FORMAT

(a) All semi-professional bouts are two (2) night events with fighters paired by blind draw.

(b) All contestants shall fight once the first night. The final night will be an elimination tournament where bouts will be set up according to Item 3 below. Bouts will be staggered to ensure adequate rest time to all contestants. Each fight will be scheduled for three (3) rounds, to a maximum of ninety (90) seconds each. One (1) minute rest period between rounds.

(c) Winners who cannot participate the second night because of medical disqualification or who do not wish to continue for other reasons; the contestant who they defeat has the right of refusal to resume fighting in the tournament, then the promoter can pick any other defeated contestant at their option.

(3) SEQUENCE OF FIGHTS

(a) All contestants are selected by "pick of the hat" and no one is aware of who fights whom until immediately prior to the fight. This is true during both nights.

(b) The first night all fighters fight one (1) time.

(d) Standard Queensbury rules are used. The three (3) knockdown rule in one (1) round shall apply and standard eight (8) count shall be normal.

(4) LIMITATIONS OF SKILLS - The promoter shall specify, at the time of applying for a contest permit, what skills will be utilized during the course of the contest. Only one skill per bout shall be allowed. There shall be declared a champion for each skill. Those permitted skills shall be boxing and kick-boxing.

(5) SAFETY - The prevailing amateur rules for the particular sport shall apply with regard to bandages, gloves, protective equipment, shoes, and clothing, providing no requirement shall be less than the requirements in these rules.

X. RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING MIXED MARTIAL ARTS EVENTS

The following Rules offer an approved version for said competitions. The promoter applying for a license must indicate in writing to the Commission any desired variations or they will be held accountable for following the set of Rules below. If not specifically altered by the Rules below, the general procedures, safety precautions, and licensing requirements as previously set forth shall be in effect.

1. CONTESTS AND EXHIBITIONS

(a) A licensed promoter must submit a $50 sanctioning permit fee.

(b) Mixed martial arts contests and exhibitions may be held in a ring or in a fenced area. A ring used for a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts must meet the following requirements:

(d) The ring floor must extend at least 12 inches beyond the ropes. The ring floor must be padded with insolate or another similar closed-cell foam. Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform, with a top covering of canvas, duck, vinyl, or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges may not be used.

(e) The ring platform must not be more than 5 feet above the floor of the building unless approved by the Commission and must have suitable steps for the use of the participants.

(f) Ring posts shall be made of metal, not more than 3 inches in diameter. Ring posts shall be at least 18 inches away from the ring ropes.

(g) There must be four ring ropes, not less than 1 inch in diameter and wrapped in soft material.

(h) There must not be any obstruction or object, including, without limitation, a triangular border, on any part of the ring floor.

(i) A fenced area used in a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts must meet the following requirements:

1) The fenced area must be circular or have at least eight equal sides and must be no smaller than 16 feet wide and no larger than 32 feet wide.

2) The floor of the fenced area must be padded with insolate or another similar closed-cell foam, with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the platform of the fenced area. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges may not be used.

3) The platform of the fenced area must not be more than 5 feet above the floor of the building and must have suitable steps for entrance.

4) Fence posts must be made of metal, not more than 6 inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to between 4 and 7 feet above the floor of the fenced area, and covered properly.

5) The fencing used to enclose the fenced area must not be made of a material that will prevent a participant from falling out of the fenced area or breaking through the fenced area onto the floor of the building or onto the spectators, including, without limitation, chain link fencing coated with viny1.

6) Any metal portion of the fenced area must be covered and padded in a manner approved by the Commission and must not be abrasive to the participants.

7) The fenced area must have at least on entrance.

8) There may not be obstruction on any part of the fence surrounding the area where the participants are competing.

(j) Spectator seats shall not be closer than 6 feet from the outside edge of the apron of the ring, unless otherwise and approved by the Commission. The ringside area shall be under the jurisdiction of the Commission for the use of designated working officials, participants, seconds, judges, referees, physicians, announcer, media representatives and Commission representatives. Promoters are responsible to see that the working area is controlled and free of nonessential individuals. The inspectors will be provided in each corner of a participant.

(k) Except with the approval of the Commission:

1) A non-championship contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts must not exceed three rounds in duration.

2) A championship contest of mixed martial arts must be five rounds in duration

3) A period during a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts must be 5 minutes in duration. A period of rest following a round during a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts must be 1 minute in duration.

2. MIXED MARTIAL ARTS PARTICIPANTS

(a) Participants must wear shorts, wrestling singlet, or a martial arts uniform approved by the Commission.

(b) Participants may not wear shoes or any padding on the feet during a contest or exhibition.

(c) For contest or exhibitions, each participant must wear gloves that weigh not less than 4 ounces and no more than 8 ounces.

3. CLASSES AND WEIGH CATEGORIES

(a) Except with the approval of the Commission, the classes for the participants competing in contests or exhibitions of mixed martial arts and the weights for each class are shown in the following schedule:

1. Fly weight up to 125 lbs.

2. Bantam weight over 125 to 135 lbs.

3. Feather weight over 135 to 145 lbs.

4. Light weight over 145 to 155 lbs.

5. Welter weight over 155 to 170 lbs.

6. Middle weight over 170 to 185 lbs.

7. Light Heavy weight over 185 to 205 lbs.

8. Heavy weight over 205 to 265 lbs.

9. Super Heavy weight all over 265 lbs.

(b) Participants shall not fight outside their weight classification without approval of the Commission and both participants agree to compete at the weight differential.

4. WEIGH-IN

(a) Within 36 hours before an event, or as otherwise determined by the Commission to benefit the safety and health of the participants, the Commission, or an inspector shall weigh in each participant. The weigh-in shall occur in the presence of other participants to the extent practicable.

(b) Only those participants who have been approved for the event shall be permitted to weigh in.

5. PRE-BOUT PHYSICALS

(a) Within 36 hours before an event, each participant shall be given medical examination by a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO). Commission shall appoint the physician. The examination shall include the following:

1. Blood Pressure,

2. head,

3. eyes,

4. ears,

5. nose,

6. throat,

7. lungs,

8. chest,

9. heart,

10. abdomen, and

11. Orthopedic,

(b) If upon examination a participant is determined to be unfit for competition, the participant shall be prohibited from competing and the Commission or an inspector shall be notified.

(d) An event shall not begin until a physician is present. The physician shall not leave until the decisions in the final event have been announced and all injured boxers have been attended to.

(e) The physician shall sit near the steps that lead into the ring or an opening to the fenced area and the event shall not begin until the physician has taken his seat. The physician shall remain at that location for the entire event.

(f) Each participant shall remain at the event site until released by the physician.

6. FOULS

(a) The following acts constitute fouls in a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts:

1. Butting with the head,

2. Eye gouging of any kind,

3. Biting,

4. Hair pulling,

5. Fish hooking,

6. Groin attacks of any kind,

7. Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent,

8. Small joint manipulation,

9. Striking to the spine or the back of the head,

10. Striking downward using the point of the elbow,

11. Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea,

12. Clawing, pinching, or twisting the flesh,

13. Grabbing the clavicle,

14. Kicking the head of a grounded opponent,

15. Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent,

16. Stomping a grounded opponent,

17. Kicking to the kidney with the heel,

18. Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck,

19. Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced area,

20. Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent,

21. Spitting at an opponent,

22. Engaging in any un-sportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent,

23. Holding the ropes or the fence,

24. Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area,

25. Attacking an opponent on or during the break,

26. Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee,

27. Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the period of a contest or exhibition,

28. Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee,

29. Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury,

30. Interference by the corner,

31. Throwing in the towel during competition,

(b) The Commission shall appoint all referees and judges.

(c) If a participant fouls his opponent during a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts, the referee may penalize him by deducting points from his score, whether or not the foul was intentional. The referee may determine the number of points to be deducted in each instance and shall base his determination on the severity of the foul and its effect upon the opponent:

1. When the referee determines that it is necessary to deduct a point or points because of a foul, the referee shall warn the offender of the penalty to be assessed.

2. The referee shall, as soon as is practical after the foul, notify the judges and both participants of the number of points, if any, to be deducted from the score of the offender.

3. Any point or points to be deducted for any foul must be deducted in the round in which the foul occurred and may not be deducted from the score of any subsequent round.

4. A participant may not be declared the winner of a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts based on his claim that his opponent fouled him by hitting him in the groin. If a participant falls to the floor of the ring, fenced area, or otherwise indicates that he is willing to continue because of a claim of being attack to the groin, the contest or exhibition must be declared a technical knockout in favor of the participant who is willing to continue.

(d) If a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts is stopped because of an accidental foul, the referee shall determine whether the participant who has been fouled can continue or not. If the participant's chance of winning is not seriously jeopardized because of the foul and if the foul did not involve a conclusive impact to the head of the participant who has been fouled, the referee may order the contest or exhibition continued after a recuperative interval of not more than 5 minutes. Immediately after separating the participants, the referee shall inform the Commission of his determination that the foul was accidental.

(e) If the referee determines that a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts may not continue because of an injury suffered as the result of an accidental foul, the contest or exhibition must be declared a no contest if the foul occurs during:

1. The first two rounds of a championship contest or exhibition, or

2. The first three rounds of a championship contest or exhibition;

3. If an accidental foul renders a participant unable to continue the contest or exhibition after;

4. The completed second round of a non-championship contest or exhibition; or

5. The completed second round of a championship contest or exhibition, the outcome must be determined by scoring the completed rounds and the round during which the referee stops the contest or exhibition.

(f) If fair blows aggravate an injury inflicted by an accidental foul later and the referee orders the contest or exhibition stopped because of the injury, the outcome must be determined by scoring the completed rounds and the round during which the referee stops the contest or exhibition.

(g) Each judge of a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts that is being judged shall score the contest or exhibition and determine the winner through the use of the following system:

1. The 10 point must system;

2. The better participant pf a round receives 10 points and his opponent proportionately less;

3. If the round is even, each receives 10 points;

4. No fraction of points may be given; or

5. Points for each round must be awarded immediately after the end of the period of an exhibition or contest in the round.

(h) After the end of the contest or exhibition, the announcer shall pick up the scores of the judges from the Commission.

(i) The majority opinion is conclusive and if there is no majority, the decision is a draw.

(j) When the Commission has checked the scores, the Commission shall inform the announcer of the decision. The announcer shall inform the audience of the decision over the speaker system.

7. RESULTS OF CONTESTS OR EXHIBITIONS

(a) A contest of mixed martial arts may end under the following results; Submission by:

1. Physical tap out,

2. Verbal tap out

(b) Knockout or Technical Knockout by the referee stopping the contest,

1. Unanimous decision

2. Split decision

3. Majority decision

(d) Draw, including:

1. Unanimous draw

2. Majority draw

(e) Technical decision

(f) Technical draw

(g) Disqualification

(h) Forfeit, or

(i) No contest

8. TECHNICAL KNOCKOUTS AND KNOCKOUTS

(a) A participant who lost a bout by technical knockout shall be suspended for a minimum 30 calendar days.

(b) A participant who lost a bout by knockout shall be suspended for a minimum of 45 calendar days.

9. TIMEKEEPERS

(a) No licensed timekeeper shall act as a timekeeper at any boxing, mixed martial arts, elimination tournament, or kickboxing match in this State unless the match is held in accordance with the rules in this Chapter.

(b) The timekeeper shall have during the performance of the timekeeper's duties a bell and at least two (2) stopwatches. In addition, the timekeeper shall have a whistle, and a hammer or wooden mallet.

(c) The timekeeper shall be located within arm length of the bell in a seat designated by the Commission. No match shall begin or continue unless the timekeeper is in his designated seat.

(d) The timekeeper shall not use the whistle, bell or other instrument during the progress of a round, except in the manner and at the time authorized in this chapter.

(e) Ten seconds before the beginning of each round, the timekeeper shall give warning to the seconds of each participant by blowing the whistle. Ten seconds before the end of each round, the timekeeper shall give warning by pounding three times on the ring floor or the table where the timekeeper is stationed.

(f) If directed by the referee, the timekeeper shall take time out.

(g) The timekeeper shall strike the bell to signify the beginning and ending of each round.

(h) If a match ends before the scheduled number of rounds, the timekeeper shall inform the referee and the Commission of the exact duration of the match.

(i) The timekeeper shall be familiar with and perform such other duties as set forth these rules.

(j) In the event that an automatic time keeping machine is available, it may be used, provide however, that manual time keeping be maintained in the event of equipment failure.

10. ANNOUNCERS

(a) Boxing, mixed martial arts, elimination tournaments, and kickboxing events must have a licensed announcer.

(b) Announcers shall announce the names of the officials, the participants' correct weights, the decisions of the referee and judges. Promoters shall provide equipment and facilities for announcing.

(c) Introductions and announcements made to the public must include the statement "Sanctioned by the Arkansas State Athletic Commission."

(d) At the end of each event, the inspector shall deliver the scorecards to the announcer who shall announce the results and immediately return the cards to the inspector.

(e) No promoter shall permit any individual to act as an announcer without an announcer's license.

11. SECONDS

(a) No licensed second shall act as a second at any boxing, mixed martial arts, elimination tournament, or kickboxing match in this State unless the match is held in accordance with the rules of this chapter.

(b) Seconds must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

(c) Each participant shall be allowed no more than four seconds, one of whom shall be designated the chief second. The chief second shall be in charge of the participant's corner and be responsible for the conduct of all seconds, and shall be held responsible for any violation committed by any second.

(d) The chief second of any participant shall have at the ringside a stool, a pair of scissors, a towel, a clean water bucket, a container of drinking water and/or electrolyte drinks, and tape and bandages.

(e) First aid and other ring equipment of a second shall in all cases and at all times before, during, and after use, is available for inspection by the physician and the Commission whose decision shall be final as to the propriety of its use.

(f) Seconds shall not by word or action attempt to heckle or annoy his participant's opponent. Seconds shall not knock or pound on the ring floor.

(g) No second shall attempt to render aid to a participant who has been counted out during the course of a match before the physician has examined the participant.

(h) If any second enters the ring during a bout, the participant of that second shall lose the bout by disqualification. If a second mounts the ring apron during any bout, the participant of that second shall lose the bout by technical knockout (TKO).

(i) The excessive or undue spraying of water on any fighter between rounds is prohibited.

(j) Only one second shall be allowed in the ring. No second shall enter the ring until the bell indicates the end of a round. The second shall leave the ring at the sound of the timekeeper's whistle, which indicates ten (10) seconds remaining before the start of the next round. Prior to the beginning of each round, the entire ring platform and ropes shall be cleared of all obstructions, including buckets, stools, towels, and other articles; and none of these articles shall again be placed on the ring platform until the bell has sounded indicating the end of the round.

12. MOUTHPIECES

A round shall not begin until the participant's protective mouthpiece is in place. If, during a round, the mouthpiece falls out of the participant's mouth, the referee shall, at the next lull, stop the bout and escort the participant to the corner. The mouthpiece is to be rinsed. A second in that participant's corner should replace the mouthpiece inside the participant's mouth and the contest shall continue. If the referee determines that the participant intentionally ejected the mouthpiece, the referee may direct the judges to deduct points from that participant's score for the round.

13. USE OR ADMINISTRATION OF ANY SUBSTANCE

(a) The use or administration of drugs, stimulants, or non-prescription preparations by or to a participant during a contest is prohibited, except as provided in subsection (c) and (d) of this section.

(b) Participants may consume electrolyte drinks or water during the course of a contest. A licensed second or participant shall have an inspector and/or the Commission examines and approves electrolyte drinks before they are administered. The administering of substance other than electrolyte drinks and/or water to a participant during a contest is prohibited.

(c) Discretionary use of petroleum jelly and nothing else shall be allowed on the face, arms, or any other part of the participant's body. The excessive use of petroleum jelly is strictly prohibited and the referee shall cause any excessive petroleum jelly to be removed.

(d) In case of a cut, only the topical use of the following is allowed:

a. A solution of adrenaline 1/1000, avetine, and thrombin

(e) The ringside physician shall monitor the use and application of any foreign substances administered to a participant before or during a contest. The chief second shall surrender to the Commission or the physician, immediately upon request, any substance for laboratory analysis.

14. CONTESTS

(a) Beginning one (1) minute before the first round begins, only the referee, participants, and the chief second may be in the ring. The referee shall clear the ring of all other individuals.

(b) Once a contest has begun, only referees, participants, seconds, judges, physicians, and the announcer and the announcer's assistants, inspectors, or the Commission shall be allowed in the ring.

(c) The referee and/or Commission may order that the ring and technical area be cleared at any time. Either before, during, or after a contest, of any individual not authorized to be present in those areas.

(d) The referee may stop a bout at any time if individuals refuse to clear the ring and technical area, dispute a decision by an official, or seek to encourage spectators to object to a decision verbally, physically, or by engaging in disruptive conduct. If the individual involved in disruptive conduct or encouraging disruptive conduct is the second of a participant, the referee may order points deducted from that participant's score or disqualify the participant. If the conduct occurred after the decision was announced, the Commission may change the decision, declare a no contest, or take disciplinary action pursuant to the rules of this chapter, including immediate suspension of the participant's or official's license pending a hearing, and immediate expulsion from the event.

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Arkansas Administrative CodeAgency 022 - Athletic CommissionRule 022.00.05-001 - Revised Rules and Regulations

Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 022 - Athletic Commission
Rule 022.00.05-001 - Revised Rules and Regulations