Washington Administrative Code
Title 36 - Licensing, Department of (Professional Athletics)
Chapter 36-14 - Professional and amateur martial arts
Section 36-14-105 - Guidelines for martial arts weight classes and weight difference allowance
The following guidelines shall be used for contests unless the department waives the weight difference allowance in writing.
| Weight Class | Weight Difference Allowance | |
| Flyweight | up to and including 125 pounds | not more than 5 lbs. |
| Bantamweight | over 125 to 135 pounds | not more than 10 lbs. |
| Featherweight | over 135 to 145 pounds | not more than 10 lbs. |
| Lightweight | over 145 to 155 pounds | not more than 10 lbs. |
| Welterweight | over 155 to 170 pounds | not more than 15 lbs. |
| Middleweight | over 170 to 185 pounds | not more than 15 lbs. |
| Light Heavyweight | over 185 to 205 pounds | not more than 20 lbs. |
| Heavyweight | over 205 to 265 pounds | not more than 60 lbs. |
| Super Heavyweight | over 265 pounds | no limit |
A one pound allowance for nontitle bouts is acceptable but only if provided for in the written bout contract.
The department may approve catch weight bouts, subject to their review and discretion. For example, the department may still decide to allow the contest if it feels that the contest would still be fair, safe and competitive if a set catch weight is set in advance at 163 pounds, for example.
In addition, if one athlete weighs in at 264 pounds while the opponent weighs in at 267 pounds, the department may still decide to allow the contest if it feels that the contest would still be fair and competitive. This would be despite the fact that the two athletes weighed in at differing weight classes.
Statutory Authority: RCW 43.24.023, 67.08.015, and 67.08.017. WSR 13-21-149, § 36-14-105, filed 10/23/13, effective 12/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 67.08.017, 67.08.105, and 43.24.023. WSR 02-20-094, § 36-14-105, filed 10/1/02, effective 1/1/03. WSR 13-21-003, § 36-14-105, filed 10/3/2013, effective 11/3/2013
