Kentucky Administrative Regulations (Last Updated: August 1, 2016)

Chapter 27. Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission

201 KAR 27:016reg. General requirements for all mixed martial arts matches, shows, or exhibitions

Latest version.

Section 1. Show Date. (1) A promoter shall request a show date by completing and submitting to the commission the Show Notice Form, which is incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 27:011, Section 23(1)(a).

(2) The Show Notice Form shall be submitted for approval no less than thirty (30) calendar days before the requested show date.

(3) A promoter shall not advertise a show until the date has been approved by the commission. Approval is effective upon the commission:

(a) Placing the event on the Calendar of Events available on the commission’s Web site at http://ins.kbwa.ky.gov/ecal.asp; or

(b) Providing written notice that the event is approved.

(4) An advertisement shall not include the name or image of any contestant who does not hold a valid license issued by the commission.

Section 2. Program and Changes. (1) If a contestant is unable to participate in a show for which the contestant has a contract, the contestant shall immediately notify the promoter and the commission. The commission may request evidence to show the reasons for the failure to participate. Repeated and unexcused absences or cancelation may result in discipline.

(2) The proposed card for a show shall be filed with the commission at least five (5) business days prior to the show date. Notice of a change in a program or substitution in a show shall be immediately filed with the commission.

(3) If the commission determines that a proposed bout may not be reasonably competitive, the bout may be denied. The commission’s determination shall be based upon the contestants’ previous fighting experience, including:

(a) The number of bouts the contestants have competed in;

(b) The number of rounds the contestants have competed in;

(d) The contestants’ performance in previous bouts, including the applicant’s won-loss record;

(e) The level of competition the contestants have faced; and

(f) The contestants’ medical histories.

Section 3. Compensation. (1) If a show or exhibition is cancelled with less than twenty-four (24) hours' notice to the commission, ring officials shall be paid one-half (1/2) the compensation agreed upon prior to the bout.

(2) Before the commencement of a show or exhibition, the promoter shall tender to the inspector a certified check or money order made payable to each ring official. The schedule of compensation for a ring official is at least as follows:

(a) For a professional mixed martial arts show or a mixed professional and amateur mixed martial arts show:

1. Judge: $150 each unless the show card has twelve (12) or fewer bouts, in which case each judge’s pay shall be $100;

2. Timekeeper: $100 unless the show card has twelve (12) or fewer bouts, in which case the timekeeper’s pay shall be seventy-five (75) dollars;

3. Physician: $350;

4. Referee: $150; and

5. Bout assistant: seventy-five (75) dollars; or

(b) For an amateur mixed martial arts show:

1. Judge: fifty (50) dollars;

2. Timekeeper: fifty (50) dollars;

3. Physician: $350;

4. Referee: seventy-five (75) dollars; and

5. Bout assistant: seventy-five (75) dollars.

(3) Each contestant’s compensation agreement shall be in writing and submitted to the commission for approval not less than two (2) calendar days prior to the date of the proposed show.

Section 4. Pre-Fight. (1) A contestant shall weigh in stripped at a time set by the commission, which shall not be more than thirty-six (36) hours before the first scheduled bout of the show. A contestant shall produce to the inspector one (1) form of picture identification at the weigh-in. The inspector and the promoter or a representative of the promoter conducting the show shall be in attendance to record the official weights.

(2) A contestant shall check in with the commission at least one (1) hour prior to the event start time. A contestant shall produce one (1) form of picture identification at check-in.

(3) A contestant shall attend a pre-fight meeting as directed by the commission.

(4) A contestant shall remain in the locker room area until it is time to compete unless approved by the inspector. The promoter shall supply a separate locker room for males and females.

(5) A contestant shall submit an original or certified copy of his or her HIV Antibody, Hepatitis B Antigen, and Hepatitis C Antibody test results to the commission at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the event.

(a) The results of these tests shall be no more than 180 days old.

(b) A person with a positive test result shall not compete.

(6) A contestant shall undergo a pre-fight physical conducted by a physician. Prior to undergoing the physical, a contestant shall submit a completed Pre-Fight Medical Questionnaire, which is incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 27:011, Section 23(1)(b), under penalty of perjury.

(7) A contestant shall not assume or use the name of another and shall not change his or her ring name nor be announced by any name other than that which appears on his or her license except upon approval of the inspector.

(8) A contestant shall report to and be under the general supervision of the inspector in attendance at the show and shall be subject to orders given by the inspector.

Section 5. The Cage. (1) The area between the cage and the first row of spectators on all sides and the locker room shall be under the exclusive control of the commission.

(2) Commission staff and licensees shall be the only people allowed inside the areas under the control of the commission.

(3) There shall be an area of at least six (6) feet between the edge of the cage floor and the first row of spectator seats on all sides of the cage. A partition, barricade, or similar divider shall be placed:

(a) Between the first row of the spectator seats and the six (6) foot area surrounding the cage; and

(b) Along the sides of the entry lane for contestants to enter the cage and the spectator area.

(4) A bout or exhibition of mixed martial arts shall be held in a fenced area meeting the following requirements:

(a) The fenced area shall be circular or have equal sides and shall be no smaller than twenty (20) feet wide and no larger than thirty-two (32) feet wide.

(b) The floor of the fenced area shall be padded with closed-cell foam, with at least a one (1) inch layer of foam padding, with a top covering of a single canvas or a synthetic material stretched tightly and laced to the platform of the fenced area, unless the event is held outdoors, in which case only canvas shall be used.

(c) The platform of the fenced area shall not be more than six (6) feet above the floor of the building and shall have steps suitable for the use of the contestants.

(d) Fence posts shall be made of metal, shall not be more than six (6) inches in diameter, and shall extend from the floor of the building to between five (5) and seven (7) feet above the floor of the fenced area, and shall be properly padded.

(e) The fencing used to enclose the fenced area shall be made of a material that shall prevent a contestant from falling out of the fenced area or breaking through the fenced area onto the floor of the building or onto the spectators, and the fencing shall be coated with vinyl or a similar covering to minimize injuries to a contestant.

(f) Any metal portion of the fenced area shall be properly covered and padded and shall not be abrasive to the unarmed combatants.

(g) The fenced area shall have at least one (1) entrance.

(h) There shall not be a protrusion or obstruction on any part of the fence surrounding the area in which the contestants are to be competing.

(i) Any event held outdoors while the heat index is or exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit shall be conducted under a roof or cover that casts shade over the entire cage.

(j) A cage shall have a canvas mat or a synthetic material, unless the event is held outdoors, in which case only canvas shall be used.

Section 6. Equipment. (1) A bell or horn shall be used by the timekeeper to indicate the time.

(2) In addition to the cage and cage equipment, the promoter shall supply:

(a) A public address system in good working order;

(b) Chairs for judges and timekeepers elevated sufficiently to provide an unobstructed view of the cage and the cage floor;

1. A stool or chair;

2. A clean bucket;

3. Towels;

4. Rubber gloves; and

(d) A complete set of numbered round-cards, if needed.

(3) A scale used for any weigh-in shall be approved in advance by the inspector.

Section 7. Contestant Equipment and Attire. (1) A contestant shall be clean and neatly clothed in proper ring attire, and the trunks of opponents shall be of distinguishing colors.

(2) A contestant shall not use a belt that contains a metal substance during a bout. The belt shall not extend above the waistline of the contestant.

(3) A contestant shall not wear shoes or any padding on his or her feet during the bout.

(4) A contestant shall wear a properly fitted:

(a) Groin protector; and

(b) Double-arch mouthpiece.

(5) A contestant shall have long hair secured by a soft, non-abrasive material so that the hair does not interfere with the vision or safety of either contestant.

(6) A contestant shall use a minimum of cosmetics.

Section 8. Weight Classes. (1) Except with the approval of the commission, the classes for contestants competing in bouts or exhibitions of mixed martial arts and the weights for each class are shown in the following schedule:

CLASS	WEIGHT
Flyweight	Up to 125 lbs.
Bantamweight	Up to 135 lbs.
Featherweight	Up to 145 lbs.
Lightweight	Up to 155 lbs.
Welterweight	Up to 170 lbs.
Middleweight	Up to 185 lbs.
Light Heavyweight	Up to 205 lbs.
Heavyweight	Up to 265 lbs.
Super Heavyweight	Over 265 lbs.

(2) After the weigh-in, a contestant shall not change weight in excess of eight (8) percent prior to the bout.

(3) After the weigh-in, a contestant shall not re-hydrate by the use of intravenous fluids unless approved by the inspector. A contestant may be subject to a random urine specific gravity test to determine compliance with this subsection.

Section 9. Fight Length. Unless the commission approves an exception:

(1) A non-championship bout or exhibition of mixed martial arts shall not exceed three (3) rounds in duration;

(2) A championship bout of mixed martial arts shall not exceed five (5) rounds in duration;

(3) The length of a round in a professional bout or exhibition of mixed martial arts shall be a maximum of five (5) minutes in duration, and a period of rest following a round shall be one (1) minute in duration; and

(4) The length of a round in an amateur bout or exhibition of mixed martial arts shall be a maximum of three (3) minutes in duration, and a rest period following a round shall be ninety (90) seconds in duration.

Section 10. Judging and Scoring. (1) Each judge of a bout or exhibition of mixed martial arts shall score the bout or exhibition and determine the winner through the use of the following system:

(a) The better contestant of a round shall receive ten (10) points, and the opponent shall receive proportionately less.

(b) If the round is even, each contestant shall receive ten (10) points.

(d) Points for each round shall be awarded immediately after the end of the period of unarmed combat in the round.

(2) After the end of the bout or exhibition, the announcer shall pick up the scores of the judges from the commission’s representative.

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

(4)(a) When the commission’s representative has checked the scores, he shall inform the announcer of the decision.

(b) The announcer shall then inform the audience of the decision.

(5) Unjudged exhibitions shall be permitted with the prior approval of the commission.

(6) A bout of mixed martial arts may end in the following ways:

(a) Submission by:

1. Physical tap out; or

2. Verbal tap out;

(b) Technical knockout by the referee or physician stopping the bout;

1. Unanimous decision;

2. Split decision;

3. Majority decision; and

4. Draw, including:

a. Unanimous draw;

b. Majority draw; and

c. Split draw;

(d) Technical decision;

(e) Technical draw;

(f) Disqualification;

(g) Forfeit; or

(h) No contest.

Section 11. Fouls. (1) The following acts shall constitute fouls in mixed martial arts:

(a) Butting with the head;

(b) Eye gouging;

(d) Hair pulling;

(e) Fishhooking;

(f) Groin attacks;

(g) Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent;

(h) Small joint manipulation;

(i) Striking to the spine or the back of the head;

(j) Striking downward using the point of the elbow;

(k) Throat strikes including grabbing the trachea;

(l) Clawing, pinching, or twisting the flesh;

(m) Grabbing the clavicle;

(n) Kicking the head of a grounded opponent;

(o) Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent;

(p) Stomping the head of a grounded opponent;

(q) Kicking to the kidney with the heel;

(r) Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his or her head or neck;

(s) Throwing an opponent out of the fenced area;

(t) Holding the shorts of an opponent;

(u) Spitting at an opponent;

(v) Engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent;

(w) Holding the fence;

(x) Using abusive language in the fenced area;

(y) Attacking an opponent on or during the break;

(z) Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee;

(aa) Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the period of unarmed combat;

(bb) Intentionally disregarding the instructions of the referee;

(cc) Timidity, such as intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury;

(dd) Interference by a contestant’s corner staff; and

(ee) The throwing by a contestant's corner staff of objects into the cage during competition.

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

(3) If the referee determines that it is necessary to deduct a point or points because of a foul, he shall warn the offender of the penalty to be assessed.

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

(5) Any point or points to be deducted for any foul shall be deducted in the round in which the foul occurred and shall not be deducted from the score of any subsequent round.

(6)(a) If a bout or exhibition of mixed martial arts is stopped because of an accidental foul, the referee shall determine if the contestant who has been fouled is able to continue.

(b) If the contestant's chance of winning has not been seriously jeopardized as a result of the foul, and if the foul does not involve a concussive impact to the head of the contestant who has been fouled, the referee may order the bout or exhibition continued after a recuperative interval of not more than five (5) minutes.

(c) Immediately after separating the contestants, the referee shall inform the commission’s representative of his or her determination that the foul was or was not accidental.

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

(a) The first two (2) rounds of a bout or exhibition that is scheduled for three (3) rounds or less; or

(b) The first three (3) rounds of a bout or exhibition that is scheduled for more than three (3) rounds.

(8) If an accidental foul renders a contestant unable to continue the bout or exhibition, the outcome shall be determined by scoring the completed rounds, including the round in which the foul occurs, if the foul occurs after:

(a) The completed second round of a bout or exhibition that is scheduled for three (3) rounds or less; or

(b) The completed third round of a bout or exhibition that is scheduled for more than three (3) rounds, the outcome shall be determined by scoring the completed rounds.

(9) If an injury inflicted by an accidental foul later becomes aggravated by fair blows and the referee orders the bout or exhibition stopped because of the injury, the outcome shall be determined by scoring the completed rounds and the round during which the referee stops the bout or exhibition.

(10) A contestant committing a foul may be issued a violation by an inspector.

Section 12. Prohibitions. The following shall be prohibited:

(1) Battle royal type events; and

(2) Use of excessive grease or other substance that may handicap an opponent.

Section 13. Non-Contestant Participants. (1) A promoter shall provide a minimum of two (2) security guards on the premises for each show.

(2) Judges, physicians, referees, and timekeepers shall be selected, licensed, and assigned to each show by the commission. The following shall be required:

(a) Three (3) judges;

(b) One (1) timekeeper;

(c) One (1) physician, unless more than eighteen (18) bouts are scheduled, in which case a minimum of two (2) physicians shall be required; and

(d) One (1) referee, unless more than eighteen (18) bouts are scheduled, in which case a minimum of two (2) referees shall be required.

Section 14. Judges. (1) A judge shall arrive at least one (1) hour prior to the start of a show.

(2) At the beginning of a bout, the judges shall locate themselves on opposite sides of the ring and shall carefully observe the performance of the contestants.

(3) At the conclusion of the bout, the judges shall render their decision based on the requirements of Section 10 of this administrative regulation.

(4) Upon request of the referee, the judges shall assist in determining:

(a) Whether or not a foul has been committed;

(b) Whether or not each contestant is competing in earnest; and

Section 15. Timekeeper. (1) The timekeeper shall be seated outside the ring near the bell and shall take the cue to commence or take time out from the referee.

(2) The timekeeper shall be provided with a whistle and a stop watch approved by the commission.

(3) Ten (10) seconds before the start of each round, the timekeeper shall give notice by sounding the whistle.

(4) The timekeeper shall indicate the starting and ending of each round by sounding a horn or striking the bell with a metal hammer.

(5) If a bout terminates before the scheduled limit, the timekeeper shall inform the announcer of the exact duration of the bout.

(6) Ten (10) seconds prior to the end of each round, the timekeeper shall give warning by striking a gavel three (3) times.

Section 16. Physicians and Healthcare Requirements. (1) There shall be at least one (1) physician licensed by the commission at ringside at all times during a bout. A bout shall not begin or continue if a physician is not at ringside.

(2) The physician shall have general supervision over the physical condition of each contestant at all times while on the premises of a show or exhibition.

(3) The physician’s pre-bout duties are as follows:

(a) A physician shall make a thorough physical examination of each contestant within eight (8) hours prior to a bout.

1. The physician’s examination shall include a review of the Pre-Fight Medical Questionnaire of each contestant.

2. The physician shall deliver to the inspector the form Pre-Fight Examination, which is incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 27:011, Section 23(1)(c), that documents the results of the examination prior to the contestant entering the ring.

(b) The physician shall ensure that all equipment required by subsection (5) of this section is present before the start of the first bout or exhibition.

(c) The physician shall prohibit a contestant from competing if the physician reasonably believes the contestant is physically unfit for competition or impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance.

(4) The physician’s duties during the bout or exhibition are as follows:

(a) The physician shall remain at ringside during the progress of any bout or exhibition unless attending to a person.

(b) The physician shall observe the physical condition of each contestant during a bout or match.

(d) The physician shall order the referee to pause or end a bout or exhibition if necessary to prevent serious physical injury to a contestant.

(5) The physician shall have at ringside medical supplies necessary to provide medical assistance for the type of injuries reasonably anticipated to occur in a mixed martial arts show. The physician shall not permit a referee to begin a bout if the medical supplies are not present. At a minimum, these medical supplies shall include:

(a) A clean stretcher and blanket, placed under or adjacent to the ring throughout each bout;

(b) Spine board;

(d) Oxygen apparatus or equipment; and

(e) First aid kit.

(6) The promoter shall ensure that a certified ambulance with an emergency medical technician is on the premises of a show at all times. A show shall not begin or continue if the ambulance and emergency medical technician are not on the premises.

(7) The physician shall make a thorough physical examination of each contestant after each bout. The physician shall deliver the form Post-Bout Examination, which is incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 27:011, Section 23(1)(d) that documents the results of the examination.

Section 17. Announcers. (1) The announcer shall have general supervision over all announcements made to spectators. The announcer shall announce the name of contestants, their weight, decisions at the end of each match or bout, and any other matters as are necessary. No person other than the official announcer shall make an announcement, unless deemed necessary by an inspector.

(2) If a match or bout is stopped before its scheduled termination, the announcer shall immediately confer with the referee and judges and then shall immediately announce the decision.

(3) The announcer shall not enter the ring during the actual progress of a match or bout.

Section 18. Referees. (1) The referee shall be the chief official of the show, be present in the ring at all times, and have general supervision over each contestant, manager, and second during the entire event.

(2) The referee shall have the authority to disqualify a contestant who commits a foul and award the decision to the opponent. The referee shall immediately disqualify a contestant who commits an intentional or deliberate foul that causes serious physical injury to an opponent.

(3) The referee’s duties and responsibilities shall be as follows:

(a) The referee shall, before starting a bout or match, ascertain from each contestant the name of the contestant's chief second. The referee shall hold the chief second responsible for the conduct of the chief second's assistants during the progress of the bout or match.

(b) The referee shall call the contestants together in the ring immediately preceding a bout or match for final instructions. During the instructional meeting, each contestant shall be accompanied in the ring by the contestant's chief second only.

(c) The referee shall inspect the person, attire, and equipment of each contestant and make certain that no foreign substances that are prohibited by KRS Chapter 229 or 201 KAR Chapter 27 have been applied on a contestant’s body or equipment or used by a contestant.

(d) The referee shall stop a bout or match at any time if the referee has reasonable grounds to believe either contestant:

1. Is unable to protect himself or herself from possible injury;

2. Is not competing in earnest; or

3. Is colluding with another person to affect the results of the bout.

(e) The referee may take one (1) or more points away from a contestant who commits an accidental foul, and the referee may permit a rest period not exceeding five (5) minutes for the contestant who was fouled.

(f) The referee shall not touch a contestant during the bout or match except upon failure of a contestant to obey the referee's orders or to protect a contestant.

(g) The referee shall decide all questions arising during a bout or match that are not otherwise specifically covered by KRS Chapter 229 or 201 KAR Chapter 27.

Section 19. Trainers and Seconds. (1) A trainer or second shall be equipped with a first aid kit and the necessary supplies for proper medical attendance upon the contestant.

(2) There shall be no more than three (3) persons total serving as a trainer or second in any bout and only two (2) shall be allowed in the ring at the same time.

(3) A trainer and a second shall leave the ring at the timekeeper's ten (10) seconds whistle before the beginning of each round and shall remove all equipment from the ring. Equipment shall not be placed on the ring floor until after the bell has sounded at the end of the round or period.

(4) A trainer and a second shall wear surgical gloves at all times while carrying out their duties.

Section 20. Medical Prohibitions. (1) A contestant who has been repeatedly knocked out and severely beaten shall be retired and not permitted to compete again if, after subjecting the contestant to a thorough examination by a physician licensed by the commission, the medical advisory panel determines action is necessary to protect the health and welfare of the contestant.

(2) A contestant who has suffered five (5) consecutive defeats by knockout or medical stoppage shall not be allowed to compete again until the contestant has been evaluated and subsequently cleared for further competition by the medical advisory panel.

(3) A contestant who has been knocked out shall be prohibited from all competition for a minimum of sixty (60) days.

(4) Any contestant who has suffered a technical knockout may be prohibited from competition for up to thirty (30) days if the contestant’s health or safety would be jeopardized without the prohibition.

(5) A contestant shall receive a mandatory seven (7) day rest period from competition after competing in an event. Day one (1) of the rest period shall commence on the first day following the bout in which the contestant competed.

(6)(a) A female mixed martial artist shall submit proof that she is not pregnant prior to her bout. The proof may be either:

1. An original or certified copy of the result of a medical test taken no more than one (1) week before the day of the match that shows she is not pregnant; or

2. From an over-the-counter home pregnancy test taken while on the premises of the show that tests for human chorionic gonadotropin.

(b) A female mixed martial artist shall be prohibited from competing if:

1. She is pregnant; or

2. She fails to comply with this section.

Section 21. Insurance. (1) A promoter shall provide insurance for a contestant for any injuries sustained in the mixed martial arts event.

(2) The minimum amount of coverage per contestant shall be $5,000 health and $5,000 accidental death benefits.

(3) A certificate of insurance coverage shall be provided to the commission no less than two (2) business days before the event.

(4)(a) The deductible expense under the policy for a professional mixed martial artist shall not exceed $1,000.

(b) The deductible expense for an amateur mixed martial artist shall not exceed $500.

Section 22. Other Provisions. (1) A contestant shall not compete against a member of the opposite gender.

(2) Each show shall be video recorded and retained by the promoter for at least one (1) year. Upon request of the commission, the promoter shall provide the video recording of a show to the commission.

(3) A promoter shall maintain an account with the recognized national database as identified by the commission and shall submit contestants names to that database upon approval of the show date. The promoter shall be responsible for the costs associated with the use of this service.

(4) A mixed martial arts promoter, official, or contestant whose license is suspended or revoked due to disciplinary actions shall be prohibited from attending all mixed martial arts events sanctioned by the commission during the term of the suspension or revocation.

(5) A bout or exhibition of mixed martial arts shall be conducted pursuant to the official rules for the particular art unless the official rules conflict with KRS Chapter 229 or 201 KAR Chapter 27.

(a) If an official rule conflicts with KRS Chapter 229 or a requirement in 201 KAR Chapter 27, the statute or administrative regulation shall prevail.

(b) The sponsoring organization or promoter shall file a copy of the rules that shall apply at the show with the commission along with the thirty (30) day show notice required in Section 1 of this administrative regulation.

(6) A contestant shall report to and be under the general supervision of an inspector in attendance at the show and shall be subject to orders given by an inspector.

(7) No more than two (2) fifteen (15) minute intermissions shall be allowed at any show.

Section 23. Prohibitions and Restrictions. (1) The following shall be prohibited:

(a) Battle royal type events;

(b) Use of excessive grease or other substance that may handicap an opponent; and

(2) Knees to the head shall be permitted, but shall only be used and delivered from a standing position.

(3) A professional mixed martial arts contestant found to be competing during an amateur mixed martial arts show shall have his or her license suspended for a period of not less than one (1) year.

(4) A promoter who allows a professional to compete against an amateur shall have his or her license suspended for a period of not less than one (1) year.

(5) Smoking shall be prohibited inside the gymnasium, room, or hall in which the ring is located.

(6) Alcohol shall be prohibited inside the six (6) foot area alongside the ring[~~(1) The authority shall license each person approved to participate as a professional contestant in a mixed martial arts contest.~~

~~(2) An applicant for a mixed martial arts license shall complete and submit to the authority the form, Application for License as a Professional Mixed Martial Arts Contestant.~~

~~(3) Applications shall not be mailed to the authority.~~

~~(4) The license fee for each participant shall be twenty (20) dollars.~~

~~(5) All licenses shall expire on December 31 of the year issued.~~

~~Section 2. The schedule for compensation to be paid prior to the commencement of the main event to officials participating in a professional mixed martial arts show shall be as follows:~~

~~(1) Judge for mixed martial arts: $150. If there are twelve (12) or fewer bouts on a pro/am card, the judge’s pay shall be $100.~~

~~(2) Timekeeper for mixed martial arts: $100. If there are twelve (12) or fewer bouts on a pro/am card, the timekeeper’s pay shall be seventy-five (75) dollars.~~

~~(3) Physician for mixed martial arts:~~

~~(a) $300: up to ten (10) schedule bouts;~~

~~(b) $350: eleven (11) to fifteen (15) scheduled bouts; or~~

~~(c) $400: over fifteen (15) scheduled bouts.~~

~~(4) Referee for mixed martial arts: $150.~~

Section 3. Before the commencement of the main event of a mixed martial arts show or exhibition, the promoter of the show or exhibition shall tender to the inspector or an employee of the authority a certified check or money order made payable to each official who will officiate the show or exhibition in the amount prescribed by the schedule of compensation for officials established in Section 2 of this administrative regulation.

Section 4. If a show or exhibition is cancelled with less than twenty-four (24) hours' notice to the authority, officials shall be paid one-half (1/2) the compensation required by Section 2 of this administrative regulation.

~~Section 5. The promoter shall submit a request for a show date on the MMA Show Notice Form no less than thirty (30) calendar days before the requested date for approval by the authority.~~

~~(1) There shall not be advertising of the event prior to this approval.~~

~~(2) Once the show date has been approved, all advertisements shall include the promoter's license number.~~

Section 6. The proposed program for a show shall be filed with the authority at least five (5) business days prior to the date of the show. Notice of a change in a program or a substitutions in a show shall be filed immediately with the authority.

~~Section 7. Each contestant compensation agreement shall be in writing and submitted to the authority for approval not less than five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the proposed show.~~

Section 8. A contest or exhibition of a mixed martial art shall be conducted pursuant to the official rules for the particular art unless the official rules conflict with KRS Chapter 229 or 201 KAR Chapter 27.

~~(1) If an official rule conflicts with KRS Chapter 229 or a requirement in 201 KAR Chapter 27, the statute or administrative regulation shall prevail.~~

(2) The sponsoring organization or promoter shall file a copy of the official rules with the authority along with the thirty (30) day show notice required in Section 5 of this administrative regulation.

~~Section 9. (1) Before the commencement of a show, all changes or substitutions shall be:~~

~~(a) Announced from the cage; and~~

~~(b) Posted in a conspicuous place at the ticket office.~~

~~(2) A purchaser of tickets shall be entitled, upon request, to a refund of the purchase price of the ticket, provided the request is made before the commencement of the show.~~

~~Section 10. (1) The area between the cage and the first row of spectators on all sides and the locker room shall be under the exclusive control of the authority.~~

~~(2) Alcohol or smoking shall not be allowed in the areas under the control of the authority.~~

~~(3) Authority staff and licensees shall be the only people allowed inside the areas under the control of the authority.~~

~~Section 11. (1) There shall be an area of at least six (6) feet between the edge of the cage floor and the first row of spectator seats on all sides of the cage.~~

~~(2) A partition, barricade, or similar divider shall be placed:~~

~~(a) Between the first row of the spectator seats and the six (6) foot area surrounding the cage; and~~

~~(b) Along the sides of the entry lane for contestants to enter the cage and the spectator area.~~

~~Section 12. A contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts shall be held in a fenced area meeting the following requirements:~~

~~(1) The fenced area shall be circular or have equal sides and shall be no smaller than twenty (20) feet wide and no larger than thirty-two (32) feet wide.~~

(2) The floor of the fenced area shall be padded with closed-cell foam, with at least a one (1) inch layer of foam padding, with a top covering of a single canvas or a synthetic material stretched tightly and laced to the platform of the fenced area, unless the event is held outdoors, in which case only canvas shall be used.

~~(3) The platform of the fenced area shall not be more than six (6) feet above the floor of the building and shall have steps suitable for the use of the contestants.~~

(4) Fence posts shall be made of metal, shall not be more than six (6) inches in diameter, and shall extend from the floor of the building to between five (5) and seven (7) feet above the floor of the fenced area, and shall be properly padded.

(5) The fencing used to enclose the fenced area shall be made of a material that shall prevent a contestant from falling out of the fenced area or breaking through the fenced area onto the floor of the building or onto the spectators, and the fencing shall be coated with vinyl or a similar covering to minimize injuries to a contestant.

~~(6) Any metal portion of the fenced area shall be properly covered and padded and shall not be abrasive to the unarmed combatants.~~

~~(7) The fenced area shall have at least one (1) entrance.~~

~~(8) There shall not be a protrusion or obstruction on any part of the fence surrounding the area in which the contestants are to be competing.~~

~~(9) Any event held outdoors while the temperature is or exceeds a heat index of 100 degrees Fahrenheit shall be conducted under a roof.~~

~~(10) A cage shall have a canvas mat or a synthetic material, unless the event is held outdoors, in which case only canvas shall be used.~~

~~Section 13. A bell or horn shall be used by the timekeeper to indicate the time.~~

~~Section 14. In addition to the cage and cage equipment, the promoter shall supply the following items, which shall be available for use as needed:~~

~~(1) A public address system in good working order.~~

~~(2) Chairs for judges and timekeepers elevated sufficiently to provide an unobstructed view of the cage and the cage floor.~~

~~(3) Items for each contestant’s corner, to include:~~

~~(a) A stool or chair;~~

~~(b) A clean bucket;~~

~~(c) Towels; and~~

~~(d) Rubber gloves.~~

~~(4) A complete set of numbered round-cards.~~

~~(5) A clean stretcher and a clean blanket, placed under or adjacent to the cage, throughout each program.~~

~~(6) First aid oxygen apparatus or equipment.~~

~~Section 15. A scales used for weigh-in shall be approved in advance by the authority.~~

Section 16. A promoter shall provide a minimum of two (2) security guards for the premises where contests or exhibitions are conducted and the locker room or rooms to ensure that adequate protection against disorderly conduct has been provided. Any disorderly act, assault, or breach of decorum on the part of a licensee at the premises shall be prohibited.

~~Section 17. All emergency medical personnel and portable medical equipment shall be stationed at cageside during the event.~~

~~(1) There shall be resuscitation equipment, oxygen, a stretcher, a certified ambulance, and an emergency medical technician on site for all contests.~~

~~(2) If the ambulance is required to leave the event, a contest shall not continue until an ambulance is once again present and medical personnel are at cageside.~~

~~Section 18. (1) There shall be at least one (1) physician licensed by the authority at cageside before a bout shall begin.~~

~~(2) The physician shall have at cageside medical supplies necessary to provide first aid medical assistance for the type of injuries reasonably anticipated to occur in a mixed martial arts show.~~

~~Section 19. A promoter shall provide insurance for his contestant for any injuries sustained in the mixed martial arts event.~~

~~(1) The minimum amount of coverage per contestant shall be $5,000 health and $5,000 accidental death benefits.~~

~~(2) A certificate of insurance coverage shall be provided to the authority no less than two (2) business days before the event.~~

~~(3)(a) Payment of a deductible under the policy shall be the responsibility of the contestant not to exceed an expense of $1,000.~~

~~(b) A deductible expense above $1,000 shall be the responsibility of the promoter.~~

~~Section 20. A promoter shall submit written notice to a local hospital with an on-call neurosurgeon that a mixed martial arts show is being held.~~

~~(1) This notice shall include the date, time, and location of the event.~~

~~(2) A copy of this notice shall be filed with the authority no less than two (2) business days before the event.~~

~~Section 21. Judges, physicians, referees, and timekeepers shall be selected, licensed, and assigned to each show by the authority. For each show, the authority shall assign:~~

~~(1) Three (3) judges;~~

~~(2) One (1) timekeeper;~~

~~(3) One (1) physician, unless more than eighteen (18) bouts are scheduled, in which case a minimum of two (2) physicians shall be required; and~~

~~(4) One (1) referee, unless more than eighteen (18) bouts are scheduled, in which case a minimum of two (2) referees shall be required.~~

~~Section 22. Unless the authority approves an exception:~~

~~(1) A nonchampionship contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts shall not exceed three (3) rounds in duration;~~

~~(2) A championship contest of mixed martial arts shall not exceed five (5) rounds in duration; and~~

(3) A period of unarmed combat in a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts shall be a maximum of five (5) minutes in duration, and a period of rest following a period of unarmed combat in a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts shall be one (1) minute in duration.

~~Section 23. Weight Classes of Contestants; Weight Loss after Weigh-in.~~

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

~~CLASS~~	~~WEIGHT~~
~~Flyweight~~	~~Up to 125 lbs.~~
~~Bantamweight~~	~~Up to 135 lbs.~~
~~Featherweight~~	~~Up to 145 lbs.~~
~~Lightweight~~	~~Up to 155 lbs.~~
~~Welterweight~~	~~Up to 170 lbs.~~
~~Middleweight~~	~~Up to 185 lbs.~~
~~Light Heavyweight~~	~~Up to 205 lbs.~~
~~Heavyweight~~	~~Up to 265 lbs.~~
~~Super Heavyweight~~	~~Over 265 lbs.~~

~~(2) After the weigh-in of a contestant competing in a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts:~~

~~(a) Change in weight in excess of three (3) pounds shall not be permitted for a contestant who weighed in at 145 pounds or less;~~

~~(b) Change in weight in excess of four (4) pounds shall not be permitted for a contestant who weighed in at over 145 pounds; and~~

~~(3) A change in weight above that established in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection shall not occur later than two (2) hours after the initial weigh-in.~~

~~Section 24. The following shall be prohibited:~~

~~(1) "Battle royal"; and~~

~~(2) Use of excessive grease or another substance that may handicap an opponent.~~

Section 25. Contestants Repeatedly Knocked Out or Otherwise Defeated. (1) A mixed martial arts contestant who has been repeatedly knocked out or severely beaten shall be retired and not permitted to compete again if, after a thorough examination by a physician, the authority decides the action is necessary in order to protect the health and welfare of the contestant.

(2) A mixed martial arts contestant who has suffered six (6) consecutive defeats by knockout shall not be allowed to compete again until he has been investigated by the authority and examined by a physician.

~~(3) A mixed martial arts contestant whose license is under suspension in another jurisdiction shall not participate in a contest until review and approval by an inspector or employee of the authority.~~

~~(4) A mixed martial arts contestant who has been knocked out shall be prohibited from competition for sixty (60) days.~~

~~(5)(a) A mixed martial arts contestant who has suffered a technical knockout may be prohibited from competition for up to thirty (30) days.~~

~~(b) In determining how many days to prohibit the contestant from competition, the inspector shall consider the nature and severity of the injuries that resulted in the TKO.~~

Section 26. A person over the age of thirty-nine (39) shall not participate as a contestant in a mixed-martial arts match without a comprehensive physical performed by a physician licensed by the authority. The results of the physical and a medical authorization or release shall then be completed and submitted to the authority no later than fifteen (15) business days prior to the scheduled board meeting

Section 27. A contestant shall report to and be under the general supervision of the inspector or employee of the authority in attendance at the show and shall be subject to orders given by the inspector or employee of the authority.

Section 28. A contestant shall produce one (1) form of picture identification. A contestant shall not assume or use the name of another, and shall not change his ring name nor be announced by a name other than that which appears on his license, except upon approval of the inspector or employee of the authority.

~~Section 29. A contestant shall submit HIV Antibody and Hepatitis B Antigen and Hepatitis C Antibody test results at or before pre-fight physical.~~

~~(1) The results of these tests shall be no more than 180 days old.~~

~~(2) A person with positive test results shall not compete.~~

~~Section 30. A contestant shall not compete against a member of the opposite sex.~~

~~Section 31. (1) A contestant shall not use a belt that contains a metal substance during a bout.~~

~~(2) The belt shall not extend above the waistline of the contestant.~~

~~Section 32. Proper Attire for a Mixed Martial Arts Contestant. A mixed martial arts contestant shall:~~

~~(1) Be clean, neatly clothed in proper ring attire, and the trunks of opponents shall be of distinguishing colors;~~

~~(2) Not wear shoes or any padding on his feet during the contest;~~

~~(3) Wear a groin protector;~~

~~(4) Wear a kidney protector if available; and~~

~~(5) Wear a mouthpiece.~~

~~Section 33. (1) The authority may request that a contestant submit to a drug screen for controlled substances at the contestant’s expense.~~

(2) If the drug screen indicates the presence within the contestant of controlled substances for which the contestant does not have a valid prescription, or if the contestant refuses to submit to the test, the authority shall:

~~(a) Suspend or revoke the license of the contestant;~~

~~(b) Impose a fine upon the contestant; or~~

~~(c) Impose both penalties established in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection.~~

~~(3)(a) The administration of or use of any of the following shall be prohibited in any part of the body, before or during a contest or exhibition, to or by any unarmed combatant:~~

~~1. Alcohol;~~

~~2. Stimulant; or~~

~~3. Drug or injection that has not been approved by the authority.~~

~~(b) The following types of drugs, injections, or stimulants shall be prohibited before or during a contest or exhibition, to or by an unarmed combatant:~~

~~1. Afrinol or a product pharmaceutically similar to Afrinol;~~

~~2. Co-Tylenol or a product pharmaceutically similar to Co-Tylenol;~~

~~3. A product containing an antihistamine and a decongestant;~~

~~4. A decongestant other than a decongestant listed in paragraph (d) of this subsection;~~

5. An over-the-counter drug for colds, coughs, or sinuses other than those drugs listed in paragraph (d) of this subsection. This includes Ephedrine, Phenylpropanolamine, and Mahuang and derivatives of Mahuang; and

6. A drug identified on the most current edition of the Prohibited List published by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The most current edition of the Prohibited List may be obtained, free of charge, at the Internet address www.wada-ama.org;

~~(c) The following types of drugs or injections are not prohibited:~~

~~1. Aspirin and products containing aspirin; and~~

~~2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.~~

~~(d) The following types of drugs or injections are approved by the authority:~~

~~1. Antacids, such as Maalox;~~

~~2. Antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals prescribed by a physician;~~

~~3. Antidiarrheals, such as Imodium, Kaopectate, or Pepto-Bismol;~~

~~4. Antihistamines for colds or allergies, such as Bromphen, Brompheniramine, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Chlor-Trimeton, Dimetane, Hismal, PBZ, Seldane, Tavist-1, or Teldrin;~~

~~5. Antinauseants, such as Dramamine or Tigan;~~

~~6. Antipyretics, such as Tylenol;~~

~~7. Antitussives, such as Robitussin, if the antitussive does not contain codeine;~~

~~8. Antiulcer products, such as Carafate, Pepcid, Reglan, Tagamet, or Zantac;~~

~~9. Asthma products in aerosol form, such as Brethine, Metaproterenol (Alupent), or Salbutamol (Albuterol, Proventil, or Ventolin);~~

~~10. Asthma products in oral form, such as Aminophylline, Cromolyn, Nasalide, or Vanceril;~~

~~11. Ear products, such as Auralgan, Cerumenex, Cortisporin, Debrox, or Vosol;~~

~~12. Hemorrhoid products, such as Anusol-HC, Preparation H, or Nupercainal;~~

~~13. Laxatives, such as Correctol, Doxidan, Dulcolax, Efferyllium, Ex-Lax, Metamucil, Modane, or Milk of Magnesia;~~

~~14. Nasal products, such as AYR Saline, HuMist Saline, Ocean, or Salinex;~~

~~15. The following decongestants:~~

~~a. Afrin;~~

~~b. Oxymetazoline HCL Nasal Spray; or~~

~~c. Another decongestant pharmaceutically similar to a decongestant listed in clauses a. or b. or this subparagraph.~~

~~(3) An unarmed combatant shall submit to a urinalysis or chemical test before or after a contest or exhibition if the authority or a representative of the authority directs him to do so.~~

(f) A licensee who violates a provision of this section shall be subject to disciplinary action by the authority. In addition to any other disciplinary action by the authority, if an unarmed combatant who won or drew a contest or exhibition is found to have violated the provisions of this section, the authority may, in its sole discretion, change the result of that contest or exhibition to a no decision.

~~Section 34. Method of Judging. (1) Each judge of a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts shall score the contest or exhibition and determine the winner through the use of the following system:~~

~~(a) The better contestant of a round shall receive ten (10) points, and his opponent shall receive proportionately less.~~

~~(b) If the round is even, each contestant shall receive ten (10) points.~~

~~(c) No fraction of points shall be given.~~

~~(d) Points for each round shall be awarded immediately after the end of the period of unarmed combat in the round.~~

~~(2) After the end of the contest or exhibition, the announcer shall pick up the scores of the judges from the authority’s desk.~~

~~(3) The majority opinion shall be conclusive and, if there is no majority, the decision shall be a draw.~~

~~(4)(a) When the authority’s representative has checked the scores, he shall inform the announcer of the decision.~~

~~(b) The announcer shall then inform the audience of the decision over the speaker system.~~

~~(5) Unjudged exhibitions shall be permitted with the prior approval of the authority.~~

~~Section 35. The following acts shall constitute fouls in mixed martial arts:~~

~~(1) Butting with the head;~~

~~(2) Eye gouging;~~

~~(3) Biting;~~

~~(4) Hair pulling;~~

~~(5) Fishhooking;~~

~~(6) Groin attacks;~~

~~(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 including 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 the head of 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 fenced area;~~

~~(20) Holding the shorts of an opponent;~~

~~(21) Spitting at an opponent;~~

~~(22) Engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent;~~

~~(23) Holding the fence;~~

~~(24) Using abusive language in the 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 unarmed combat;~~

~~(28) Intentionally disregarding the instructions of the referee;~~

~~(29) Timidity, such as intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury;~~

~~(30) Interference by the corner; and~~

~~(31) The throwing by a contestant's corner staff of objects into the cage during competition.~~

Section 36. (1) If a contestant fouls his opponent during a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts, the referee may penalize him by deducting points from his score, regardless of whether or not the foul was intentional. The referee shall 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.

~~(2) If the referee determines that it is necessary to deduct a point or points because of a foul, he shall warn the offender of the penalty to be assessed.~~

~~(3) The referee shall, as soon as is practical after the foul, notify the judges and both contestants of the number of points, if any, to be deducted from the score of the offender.~~

~~(4) Any point or points to be deducted for any foul shall be deducted in the round in which the foul occurred and shall not be deducted from the score of any subsequent round.~~

Section 37. (1)(a) If a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts is stopped because of an accidental foul, the referee shall determine if the contestant who has been fouled is able to continue or not.

(b) If the contestant's chance of winning has not been seriously jeopardized as a result of the foul, and if the foul does not involve a concussive impact to the head of the contestant who has been fouled, the referee may order the contest or exhibition continued after a recuperative interval of not more than five (5) minutes.

~~(c) Immediately after separating the contestants, the referee shall inform the authority’s representative of his determination that the foul was or was not accidental.~~

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

~~(a) The first two (2) rounds of a contest or exhibition that is scheduled for three (3) rounds or less; or~~

~~(b) The first three (3) rounds of a contest or exhibition that is scheduled for more than three (3) rounds.~~

(3) If an accidental foul renders a contestant unable to continue the contest or exhibition, the outcome shall be determined by scoring the completed rounds, including the round in which the foul occurs, if the foul occurs after:

~~(a) The completed second round of a contest or exhibition that is scheduled for three (3) rounds or less; or~~

~~(b) The completed third round of a contest or exhibition that is scheduled for more than three (3) rounds, the outcome shall be determined by scoring the completed rounds.~~

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

~~(5) A contestant committing a foul may be issued a violation by the inspector or employee of the authority.~~

~~Section 38. A contest of mixed martial arts may end in the following ways:~~

~~(1) Submission by:~~

~~(a) Physical tap out; or~~

~~(b) Verbal tap out;~~

~~(2) Technical knockout by the referee or physician stopping the contest;~~

~~(3) Decision via the scorecards, including:~~

~~(a) Unanimous decision;~~

~~(b) Split decision;~~

~~(c) Majority decision; and~~

~~(d) Draw, including:~~

~~1. Unanimous draw;~~

~~2. Majority draw; and~~

~~3. Split draw;~~

~~(4) Technical decision;~~

~~(5) Technical draw;~~

~~(6) Disqualification;~~

~~(7) Forfeit; or~~

~~(8) No contest.~~

~~Section 39. Within twenty-four (24) hours of the conclusion of a show, the promoter shall, pursuant to KRS 229.031(1), complete and submit to the authority the form MMA Event Report.~~

~~Section 40. The following requirements apply to all bouts between female contestants:~~

~~(1) A contestant shall not wear facial cosmetics during the bout;~~

~~(2) A contestant with long hair shall secure her hair with soft and nonabrasive material;~~

~~(3) Weight classes shall be those established in section 23 of this administrative regulation;~~

~~(4) A contestant shall wear a properly-fitted:~~

~~(a) Groin protector; and~~

~~(b) Mouthpiece;~~

~~(5) A contestant shall provide the results of a pregnancy test indicating a negative finding that was taken within one (1) week prior to the bout;~~

~~(6) A promoter shall provide a separate locker room for female contestants; and~~

~~(7) A physician examining a female contestant shall be accompanied by a female authority representative when in the female locker room.~~

~~Section 41. (1) Each contestant shall attend a pre-fight meeting as directed by a representative of the authority.~~

~~(2) Each contestant and official shall check in with a representative of the authority no less than one (1) hour prior to the starting time of the event.~~

~~(3) Each contestant shall stay in the locker room area until it is time for them to compete.~~

~~Section 42. (1) Each show shall be video recorded and retained by the promoter for at least one (1) year.~~

~~(2) Upon request of the authority, the promoter shall provide the visual recording of a show to the authority.~~

Section 43. A promoter shall maintain an account with the recognized national database as identified by the authority, and submit contestants’ names to that database upon approval of the show date. The promoter shall be responsible for the costs associated with the use of this service.

~~Section 44. All nonsanctioned activities, such as concerts, shall be completed prior to the scheduled start time of the event.~~

~~Section 45. Incorporation by Reference. (1) The following material is incorporated by reference:~~

~~(a) "Application for License as a Mixed Martial Arts Contestant", 3/12;~~

~~(b) "MMA Show Notice Form", 10/11; and~~

~~(c) "MMA Event Report", 10/11.~~

(2) This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority office at 500 Mero Street, Capitol Plaza Tower, Room 509, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm].

CHAD E. MILLER, Chairman

DAVID A. DICKERSON, Secretary

APPROVED BY AGENCY: July 14, 2016

FILED WITH LRC: July 15, 2016 at noon

PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on August 24, 2016, at 4:00 p.m., at the Office of Occupations and Professions, 911 Leawood Drive, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing no later than five (5) working days prior to the hearing of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing is received by that date, the hearing may be canceled. The hearing is open to the public. Any person who wishes to be heard will be given an opportunity to comment on the proposed administrative regulation. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted if received at or before 11:59 p.m. on August 31, 2016. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation by the above date to the contact person.

CONTACT PERSON: Barry Dunn, Executive Director, Office of Legal Services, Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero Street, 5th Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone (502) 564-7760, fax (502) 564-3969, email Barry.Dunn@ky.gov.

Regulatory Impact Analysis and Tiering Statement

Contact Person: Barry Dunn

(1) Provide a brief summary of:

(a) What this administrative regulation does: This regulation sets forth the rules and requirements that govern mixed martial arts ("MMA").

(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation: This regulation is necessary to set forth the rules governing MMA events in one regulation.

(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes: This regulation conforms with KRS 229.171 which grants the KBWC authority to control and manage shows and exhibitions. KRS 229.180 also authorizes the KBWC to adopt and promulgate, amend or abrogate any and all rules and regulations considered by it necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions provided in KRS 229. In addition it conforms with KRS 229.021, 229.031, 229.071, 229.081, 229.091, 229.101, 229.111, and 229.131.

(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administrative of the statutes: Consistent with the statutory requirement, the primary intent of this amendment is to ensure the safety of those licensed by the commission and provide consistency in the regulation of MMA matches, shows, and exhibitions.

(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:

(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation: This amendment provides easier-to-understand guidance for the requirements of mixed martial arts shows and exhibitions. The changes delete redundancies and make unarmed combat practices more consistent. This amendment incorporates sections from 201 KAR 27:100, governing amateur mixed martial arts, which are being contemporaneously repealed. Changes include all licensing being moved to the licensing regulation, 201 KAR 27:008. Sections concerning equipment, attire, prohibitions, and similar rules have been consolidated and are no longer scattered throughout the regulation. Specific changes also include that change of weight after a weigh-in is now measured in percentage and not pounds; the compensation agreement must be submitted to the commission two days in advance instead of five; and drug testing has been moved to a separate regulation and all discipline action has been moved to a separate regulation to ensure sports are treated fairly and consistently.

(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation: This amendment is necessary to foster the continued growth of MMA throughout the Commonwealth by clearly setting forth the rules governing the subject MMA events.

(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes: KRS 229.180 also authorizes the commission to adopt and promulgate, amend or abrogate any and all rules and regulations considered by it necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions provided in KRS 229.

(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administrative of the statues: This amendment elaborates on statutory requirements to clearly set forth the rules governing MMA events, and improve the understanding, health, and safety of all entities.

(3) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation: This regulation impacts the KBWC, mixed martial arts and amateur mixed martial arts contestants, and their managers and promoters. The commission licenses around 300 people associated with mixed martial arts in a given year.

(4) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (3) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:

(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (3) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment: No significant action will need to be taken in order to comply with this amendment.

(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (3): There are no costs associated with the implementation in this amendment.

(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (3): This amendment will benefit these entities by more clearly setting forth the rules governing MMA matches, shows, and exhibitions.

(5) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:

(a) Initially: No cost.

(b) On a continuing basis: No cost.

(6) What is the source of the funding to be used for implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation: No additional funding is required for implementation and enforcement.

(7) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment: No increase in fees or funding is necessary for the implementation of this amendment.

(8) State whether or not this administrative regulation established any fees or directly or indirectly increased any fees: This regulation does not establish any fees.

(9) TIERING: Is tiering applied? Tiering is not applied in this regulation because mixed martial arts is scored and governed by the same rules.

FISCAL NOTE ON STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

1. What units, parts or divisions of state or local government (including cities, counties, fire departments, or school districts) will be impacted by this administrative regulation? The Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission.

2. Identify each state or federal statute or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation. KRS 229.021, 229.031, 229.071, 229.081, 229.091, 229.101, 229.111, 229.131, 229.171, and 229.180 provide the statutory authority for this administrative regulation.

3. Estimate the effect of this administrative regulation on the expenditures and revenues of a state or local government agency (including cities, counties, fire departments, or school districts) for the first full year the administrative regulation is to be in effect. This amendment will have no fiscal impact.

(a) How much revenue will this administrative regulation generate for the state or local government (including cities, counties, fire departments, or school districts) for the first year? This amendment will generate no revenue.

(b) How much revenue will this administrative regulation generate for the state or local government (including cities, counties, fire departments, or school districts) for subsequent years? This amendment will generate no revenue.

(c) How much will it cost to administer this program for the first year? The KWBC does not anticipate any net change in the cost to administer this program in the first year.

(d) How much will it cost to administer this program for subsequent years? The KWBC does not anticipate any net change in the cost to administer this program in subsequent years.

Note: If specific dollar estimates cannot be determined, provide a brief narrative to explain the fiscal impact of the administrative regulation.

Revenues (+/-): N/A

Expenditures (+/-): N/A

Other Explanation: N/A.

Notation

RELATES TO: KRS 229.021, 229.031, 229.071[~~(1)~~], 229.081, 229.091, 229.101, 229.111, 229.131, 229.171, 229.180[~~(1)~~]

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 229.021, 229.031, 229.071, 229.081, 229.091[~~(1)~~], 229.101, 229.111, 229.131[~~229.151(1)~~], 229.171[~~(1)~~], 229.180[~~(1)~~]

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 229.171(1) authorizes the commission to exercise sole jurisdiction over all boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and wrestling shows, exhibitions, and licensees in the commonwealth[(2) authorizes the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority to provide the sole direction, management, control, and jurisdiction over all professional boxing, sparring, and wrestling matches or exhibitions to be conducted, held, or given with the Commonwealth. KRS 229.151(1) grants the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority regulatory oversight over professional boxing, wrestling, and other professional full-contact competitive bouts within the Commonwealth. KRS 229.180(1) authorizes the authority to promulgate administrative regulations necessary or expedient for the performance of its regulatory function. KRS 229.021 and 229.071(2) and (3) authorize the authority to grant annual licenses to applicants for participation in professional matches if the authority determines that the financial responsibility, experience, character, and general fitness of the applicant indicate that participation by the applicant is in the public interest. KRS 229.091(1) provides that every licensee shall be subject to the administrative regulations promulgated by the authority]. This administrative regulation establishes the requirements for mixed martial arts shows and for participants in mixed martial arts shows[~~contests subject to state regulation~~].

                    
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