Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Safety and Professional Services
SPS 1-299 - Professional Services
SPS 190-199 - Unarmed Combat Sports
Chapter SPS 194 - Officials for mixed martial arts sporting events
Section SPS 194.04 - Referees' duties at events

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง SPS 194.04

Current through February 26, 2024

(1) Once assigned to an event a referee has all of the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Represent the department for the purpose of regulating mixed martial arts contestants and others in the contest area, pursuant to chs. SPS 192 to 196, the Association of Boxing Commissions' uniform rules of mixed martial arts, and ch. 444, Stats.

(b) Maintain, direct and control the bout at all stages.

(c) Before the bout, obtain the name of the chief second responsible for the conduct of any assistant second.

(d) Prevent a weakened or outclassed mixed martial arts contestant from receiving excessive punishment.

(e) Interpret the rules relevant to a bout, make a determination, and take action upon any circumstance of a bout not covered by a rule.

(f) Caution, warn or disqualify a mixed martial arts contestant for committing a foul.

(g) Act as the sole arbiter of the bout. The referee is the only official authorized to stop a bout pursuant to s. 444.12, Stats.

(h) Conduct rule meetings with each contestant.

(i) Consult with the ringside physician as needed during an event.

(j) Issue cautions and deduct points for committed fouls.

(k) Inspect the contest area before the beginning of any event.

(2) Attire for all mixed martial arts referees shall be dark trousers or coaching pants with a black pull over shirt with a collar. The referee's shoes shall be black and athletic so that the referee is able to maintain good footing on the surface of the contest area. Referees for title bouts may wear the assigned uniform of the championship body.

(3) The department shall assign the referee for an event. The department may not assign a person to act as a referee if it has reasonable proof that the person is any of the following:

(a) Not competent to act as a referee.

(b) Has a conflict of interest.

(c) Has been subject to a disciplinary action by the department or another jurisdiction that prohibits the person from acting as a referee.

(4) All referees are independent contractors and shall be assigned at the discretion of the commissioner, or department representative.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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