CHAPTER 10 - BOXING AUTHORITY

Section .0100 - Purpose

14B NCAC 10 .0101 SCOPE

The rules in this Chapter implement the provisions of G.S. 143, Article 68 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and establish the regulations and standards set forth by the Boxing Authority Section of the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division of the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety relative to the conduct, promotion, and performances of boxing, kickboxing, toughman or mixed martial arts matches held in North Carolina.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008; October 1, 2004;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0101 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0102 DEFINITIONS

The definitions contained in G.S. 143-651 apply to the rules in this Chapter in addition to the following:

(1) "Cage" means a fenced enclosure in which promotional organizations hold mixed martial arts competition.

(2) "Choke" means a submission technique which restricts blood flow in the carotid arteries, resulting in a competitor either tapping-out or losing consciousness including guillotine choke, rear-naked choke, leg triangle choke, and the arm triangle choke.

(3) "Fish-hooking" means the action of hooking (grasping) and pulling the inside of an opponent's cheek so as to control his head movement

(4) "Gi" means the traditional uniform worn when practicing aikido, jujitsu, judo and karate.

(5) "Grappling" means the techniques of throwing, locking, holding, and wrestling, as opposed to kicking and punching.

(6) "Guard" means a position in which one competitor lies on his back with his or her knees bent and legs open. If his or her opponent is between his or her legs, the opponent is in his or her guard. Depending upon the leg position of the fighter on his or her back, the guard is referred to as being an open, closed, half, butterfly, spider, or rubber-band guard.

(7) "Hammer-fist" means a strike with the small finger side of the fist, as if holding a hammer.

(8) "Kickboxing" means a striking sport which permits punches, kicks, and knees.

(9) "Mount" means a position in which a competitor gains top position and controls his or her opponent by sitting on top of him or her or from the side of the opponent.

(10) "Passing the guard" means a fighter's attempt to escape from his or her opponents guard in order to secure the mount position.

(11) "Spike, Spiking" means after lifting and inverting an opponent or attempting to slam him or her headfirst into the canvas.

(12) "Strikes" means a cumulative number of punches administered by a contestant to his or her opponent.

(13) "Submission" means a grappling technique which forces a contestant to tap-out. Techniques include chokes, and the hyperextension or over-rotation of a joint.

(14) "Tap-out" means the physical act of tapping the opponent, the mat, or one's self to signal a submission. When unable to physically tap-out, a submission may be vocal.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-651;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0102 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0103 North Carolina STATE BOXING AUTHORITY SECTION OF THE ALE DIVISION

(a) A Division representative shall:

(1) Approve, issue, withhold or deny licenses and permits according to the provisions of G.S. 143-654 and G.S. 143-655 and the rules set forth in this Chapter;

(2) Be present at all matches;

(3) Ensure that all matches are conducted in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 143, Article 68 and the rules set forth in this Chapter. This includes appointing or causing to be appointed licensed match officials and reviewing and approving or disapproving a match or fight card based on weights, abilities, records or physical condition of the prospective contestants. The Division representative shall not approve a match where it is reasonable to assume, based on weights, abilities, records or physical condition of the prospective contestants that the match would not be competitive.

(4) Ensure that all the requirements indicated in this Chapter to be the responsibility of the Boxing Authority Section of the Division are properly and timely carried out as set forth in this Chapter;

(5) Appoint the inspectors for each match for which he is responsible. There shall be a minimum of two referees, three judges (plus two kick count judges for kickboxing matches), one announcer, and one timekeeper present at each match;

(6) Inscribe the result of each match on the passport of each participant, if so requested;

(7) Have rubber gloves available for use by the seconds, physicians and officials; and

(8) Ensure that all officials are paid by the promoter prior to their leaving the premises of the boxing matches after the matches have been concluded; and that all officials acknowledge by signature, on a form provided by the Division, the receipt of payment.

(b) Each inspector shall observe and report the conduct of the seconds in the corner of his designated contestant during the course of the match and immediately report any violation or suspicious or improper behavior to the Division representative. Each inspector shall be present in his designated contestant's dressing room to insure that:

(1) No illegal drugs or foreign substances are ingested or used. Any use or suspected use of an illegal drug or foreign substance shall be immediately reported to the Division representative;

(2) Handwraps are applied in accordance with the rules in this Chapter;

(3) Gloves to be used are clean, sanitary and in good condition, and are laced and tied;

(4) A urine sample is collected, when necessary, in accordance with the prescribed protocol as designated by the rules in this Chapter; and

(5) Security is maintained for the protection of the contestant, and the public, and to ensure that the Division representative and inspectors can carry out the provisions of G.S. 143, Article 68 and the rules set forth in this Chapter.

(c) Forms for applications for licenses and permits are available from the Boxing Authority Section of the Division. These forms may be obtained by contacting, and shall be filed with:

NC ALE Boxing Authority Section

Department of Crime Control and Public Safety

4704 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-4704

Telephone (919) 733-3925.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-651(7a); 143-654; 150B-38; 150B-39;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008; October 1, 2004;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0103 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

SECTION .0200 - DRUGS AND FOREIGN SUBSTANCES

14B NCAC 10 .0201 DRUGS AND FOREIGN SUBSTANCES

(a) No contestant shall at any time, use or be under the influence of any drug or foreign substance that would increase or decrease his performance, or impair his or the physician's ability to recognize a potentially serious injury or physical condition. No substance, other than plain drinking water, shall be given to or ingested by a contestant during the course of a match.

(b) The following drug or foreign substance classifications are prohibited except as otherwise indicated:

(1) Stimulants--All stimulants are banned with the following exceptions:

(A) Caffeine--provided, however, that an amount greater than 12 mcg/ml in the urine is prohibited;

(B) Beta 2 Agonist--provided it is selected from the following list and is in aerosol or inhalant form only:

Drug Chemical Brand Name

(i) Mesylate Tornalate

(ii) Metaproterenol Sulfate Alupent, Metaprel

(iii) AlbuterolSulfate Ventolin, Proventil

(iv) TerbutalineSulfate Brethaire

(2) Narcotics;

(3) Anabolic Steroids, including human growth hormone;

(4) Diuretics;

(5) Alcohol;

(6) Local Anesthetics; and

(7) Corticosteroids.

(c) Whenever the Division representative has reason to believe that a contestant has ingested or used a prohibited drug or foreign substance, the Division representative shall request and the contestant shall provide, under the supervision of a physician, Division representative or inspector, a sample of his urine taken not more than 1 hour after the conclusion of the match. No contestant shall use substances or methods which would alter the integrity of the urine sample.

(d) Failure or refusal to provide a urine sample immediately upon request shall result in the revocation of the contestant's license. Any contestant who has been adjudged the loser of a match and who subsequently refuses or is unable to provide a urine sample shall forfeit his share of the purse to the Division. Any contestant who is adjudged the winner of a match and who subsequently refuses or is unable to provide a urine sample shall forfeit the win and shall not be allowed to engage in any future match in North Carolina. A no decision result shall be entered into the official record as the result of the match. The purse shall be redistributed as though the contestant found to be in violation of this Section had lost the match. If redistribution of the purse is not necessary or after redistribution of the purse is accomplished, the contestant found to be in violation of this Section shall forfeit his share of the purse to the Division.

(e) After each match the physician shall advise the Division representative as to whether or not he observed any behavior or other signs that would indicate the advisability of processing the urine sample. The Division representative shall make the final decision as to the processing of the urine sample.

(f) The following apply to the external use of drugs or foreign substances by contestants.

(1) No drug or foreign substance shall be used unless expressly provided for in the rules in this Chapter or as directed by a physician.

(2) The following drugs or foreign substances may be used by contestants under the conditions described in this Chapter:

(A) Petroleum Jelly--The use of petroleum jelly is allowed around the eyes. However, the use of petroleum jelly on the arms, legs and body of a contestant is prohibited.

(B) The use of a 1/1000 solution of Adrenalin and Avitine, or their generic equivalents, as approved by a physician, is allowed between rounds to stop bleeding of cuts and lacerations sustained by a contestant.

(3) Any contestant determined to have been using or under the influence of a prohibited drug or foreign substance and who has been adjudged the loser of a match shall forfeit his share of the purse to the Division. Any contestant determined to have been using or under the influence of a prohibited drug or foreign substance and who has been adjudged the winner of a match, shall forfeit the win and a no decision result shall be entered into the official record as the result of the match. The purse shall be redistributed as though the contestant found to be in violation of this Section had lost the match. If redistribution of the purse is not necessary or after redistribution of the purse is accomplished, the contestant found to be in violation of this Section shall forfeit his share of the purse to the Division. The following penalties shall be assessed against any contestant found to be in violation of this Section:

(A) For the first occurrence the contestant shall be penalized by suspending the contestant's license banning his participating in any manner, in any match for a period of 180 calendar days;

(B) For the second occurrence the contestant shall be penalized by suspending the contestant's license and banning his participation in any manner in any match for a period of one year;

(C) For the third occurrence the contestant shall be penalized by permanently revoking the contestant's license and banning permanently his participation in any manner in any match or activity regulated by G.S. 143, Article 68.

(4) No person licensed by the Division shall participate in or contribute to the act of violating this Section and any violation shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of all licenses held by such person. Any person found to be in violation of this Section shall forfeit his share of the purse or other compensation to the Division and shall be assessed the following penalty:

(A) The first occurrence shall be penalized by suspending the person's license and banning his participating in any manner, in any match for a period of 180 calendar days;

(B) The second occurrence shall be penalized by suspending the person's license and banning his participation in any manner, in any match for a period of one year;

(C) The third occurrence shall be penalized by permanently revoking the person's license and banning permanently his participation in any manner, in any match or activity regulated by G.S. 143, Article 68.

(g) Drugs, containers and other equipment used in conjunction with a match, regardless of why or how they are used or where they are located shall at all times be available for inspection by a physician, referee or Division representative and shall be seized if there is any evidence that they may have been used to violate or are in violation of any provision of G.S. 143, Article 68 or the Rules in this Chapter.

(h) Every person under the jurisdiction of the Division shall immediately advise the physician, referee or Division representative of any knowledge that any contestant scheduled to be engaged in any match has, in violation of this Section, ingested or is under the influence of any drug or foreign substance prohibited by the rules in this Chapter.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 9 .0104(aa)-(dd) Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 9 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0109);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0201 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

SECTION .0300 - PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

14B NCAC 10 .0301 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

(a) Pre-Match Examination-A pre-match physical examination shall be given to each contestant by a physician not more than four hours before the start of the program of matches. The physician conducting the pre-match physical examination shall submit to the Division representative the results of the pre-match physical on a form provided by the Division. The physician shall certify his professional assessment as to whether or not the contestant is physically and mentally fit to engage in the match. A contestant shall not be permitted to engage in a match unless he has been examined and pronounced fit to do so by a physician.

(b) Post-Match Examination-At the conclusion of a match and before each contestant leaves the premises, he or she shall be given a post-match examination by a physician. The physician conducting the post-match physical examination shall submit to the Division representative the results of the post-match physical examination on a form provided by the Division. The physician shall certify his professional assessment as to the contestant's physical condition, whether or not a medical suspension is necessary, and whether additional medical treatment or assessments are necessary.

(1) Temperature;

(2) Pulse; sitting, standing and running;

(3) Lungs;

(4) Heart; and

(5) Blood pressure.

(d) At the time of the pre-match physical examination, the promoter shall furnish to the physician a provided pregnancy test for all female contestants. The results of the pregnancy test shall be reported on a form provided by the Division. If the promoter does not have the test kits on site, the Division representative shall provide test kits, the cost of which shall be paid by the promoter. A contestant who tests positive for pregnancy shall not be cleared or allowed to compete in any match.

(e) A contestant shall not engage in any match if any of the following conditions are found by the physician:

(1) Hernia, or bubonocele;

(2) Organic heart murmurs;

(3) Active pulmonary lesions;

(4) Abnormal temperature as determined by the physician;

(5) Systolic pressure over 150 and diastolic pressure over 90;

(6) Infectious skin lesions, such as boils or infected wounds;

(7) Open wounds;

(8) Hand injuries, and fractures less than 6 weeks old, if, in the physician's opinion, the injury would be detrimental to the contestant's health or ability to effectively compete or exhibit;

(9) An indication that the contestant is using or is under the influence of narcotics, drugs, stimulants, depressants, alcohol, local anesthetics or such a high level of analgesics as to render the contestant unable to recognize if he is seriously injured. If the physician finds any indication or evidence that the contestant is using, is under the influence, of unauthorized drugs or foreign substances such that the physician cannot make a definite determination and therefore allows the match to proceed, the physician shall immediately advise the Division representative who shall ensure that a urine sample is taken and processed in accordance with the rules in this Chapter;

(10) Retinopathy or detached retina; provided however, that at the request, of the applicant the Division shall review individual cases of repaired retinal damage for the purpose of permitting the individual to engage in a boxing match in North Carolina. In order for the Division to consider the request the individual must provide to the Division such medical information as the Division deems appropriate which must include a written statement by the doctor performing the retinal repair that the retina is completely healed; that in his opinion, within a reasonable medical certainty, no unusual or extraordinary risk to the individual is anticipated as a result of the repaired retina; and that he authorizes the individual to engage in the sport of boxing, kickboxing or mixed martial arts. In the event the physician who made the repair is unavailable, the individual must authorize the Division and the Division's physician total and unlimited access to all medical records pertaining to the damage, repair of the damage and any subsequent treatment regarding the eyes. The Division shall direct its physician to review all information and to examine the individual seeking licensure and report the results and recommendation to the Division for consideration by the Division. Any costs associated with the review and examination of records or the individual shall be borne by the individual seeking licensure;

(11) Dental abscess;

(12) Ophthalmological problem;

(13) History of epilepsy or seizures;

(14) Blindness;

(15) History of kidney problems;

(16) Change in gait or balance; or

(17) History of any change in a CAT scan, electroencephalogram (EEG), or electrocardiogram (EKG).

(f) If at any time, the Division representative determines that the match may be adverse to the health of a contestant or referee, the Division representative shall order the contestant or referee to be medically examined by a physician. The physician conducting the medical examination shall submit to the Division the results of the examination on a form provided by the Division. The physician shall certify his professional assessment as to: the contestant's or referee's physical conditions, whether or not a medical suspension is necessary and the recommended length of suspension commensurate with the specified injury; and whether additional medical treatment or assessments are necessary.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 9 .0104(g)-(j) Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0105);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0301 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

SECTION .0400 - PERMITS, LICENSING AND CONTRACTS

14B NCAC 10 .0401 PERMITS

(a) No promoter shall be given tentative approval for or issued a permit if such person has an unpaid fine or any delinquent indebtedness outstanding to the Division.

(b) Each application for a permit shall be in writing, verified by the applicant, complete, and be accompanied by the required fee. The application for permit shall be on file with the Division at least 30 calendar days prior to the scheduled program of matches.

(c) Upon receipt of the application for permit, the Division representative shall review the application and, if the application is in compliance with the requirements of G.S. 143, Article 68 and the rules set forth in this Chapter, he shall give tentative approval to the promoter for the proposed date of the program. If the Division representative determines that the application for permit is not in compliance with Article 68 or the rules as set forth in this Chapter, he shall immediately advise the promoter that the application for permit has been disapproved and shall state the reasons that the application is not in compliance. The Division representative shall deny an application for permit if another program of matches has previously been scheduled for the same date, and he has determined that adequate staff would not be available to properly supervise both programs of matches.

(d) The promoter shall provide the proposed fight card not later than seven calendar days prior to the proposed date of the program. The promoter may advise the Division representative verbally of the names of the proposed contestants. The Division representative shall review the proposed fight card and, if he determines that all the proposed matches meet the requirements of Article 68, and the rules set forth in this Chapter, he shall approve the proposed fight card. If the Division representative determines that the proposed fight card is not in compliance with Article 68 or the rules set forth in this Chapter, he shall not approve the proposed fight card and shall immediately advise the promoter that the proposed fight card has been disapproved and the reasons for the disapproval.

(e) All other pre-match requirements of the promoter described in Article 68 and the rules set forth in this Chapter shall be accomplished before final approval is given and the permit issued. The final approval of the permit shall not be given unless the Division representative has observed that all requirements related to facilities, equipment, personnel, licensing and approvals, and procurement of insurance have been met by the promoter. Immediately upon determining that the promoter has met all the requirements as set forth in this Chapter, the Division representative shall issue the permit. If the Division representative determines that the promoter is not in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Rule, the Division representative shall rescind the tentative approval of the permit and the program of matches shall be canceled. If the program of matches is canceled, all tickets shall be refunded in accordance with the refund provisions set forth in the rules in this Chapter.

(f) A permit is only valid for the program of matches for which it was issued. A new permit is required for each program of matches. If, after the payment of the permit fee to the Division a program of matches is canceled for any reason, whether by the promoter or the Division, the permit fee shall not be refunded, provided however, that the fee shall be refunded if the cancellation by the Division was the result of an error made by the Division and which was through no fault of the promoter.

(g) A non-refundable permit fee shall be submitted with the application for permit and shall be based on the seating capacity of the premises to be utilized to present the program of matches. The following fee structure shall be utilized to determine the permit fee:

(1) Seating capacity is less than 2000--Fee=$150.00

(2) Seating capacity is 2000 or more but no greater than 5000--Fee=$300.00

(3) Seating capacity exceeds 5000--Fee=$$450.00

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-655;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 9.0105 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 9 effective November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0110);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0401 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0402 LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

(a) A person shall not be issued a license if such person has an unpaid fine or any delinquent indebtedness outstanding to the Division.

(b) A person shall not be issued a license who, in any jurisdiction, has been convicted of any act which would constitute a violation of G.S. 143, Article 68 or the rules set forth in this Chapter; or which would constitute any of the grounds set forth in G.S. 143, Article 68 for suspension or revocation of a license; or against whom such charges are pending before any regulatory body.

(c) A person shall not be issued a license who has been named in a pending administrative action or indictment for any act which would constitute a violation of G.S. 143, Article 68 or the rules set forth in this Chapter.

(d) A person shall not transfer or attempt to transfer, including by the use of a power of attorney, any rights, privileges, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities which by their nature are entitled to or encumbered by only those individuals holding a license to perform and be responsible for such activities.

(e) For the purposes of the rules in this Chapter, the requirements and responsibilities of a co-promoter are the same as that of a promoter, and wherever the term promoter is used it is deemed to include the term co-promoter.

(f) All applications for a license shall be in writing on a form provided by the Boxing Authority Section of the Division, verified by the applicant, complete, and accompanied by the required fee.

(g) Upon receipt of an application for a license, the Division representative shall review the application and, if the application is in compliance with the requirements of G.S. 143, Article 68 and the rules set forth in this Chapter, he shall issue the license. If the Division representative determines that the application is not in compliance, he shall notify the applicant and set forth the reasons for his finding that the application is not in compliance.

(h) An application for the renewal of a license shall be submitted on the same forms as referenced in this Rule and all of the requirements, standards, and criteria used to approve or disapprove an application for a new or initial license shall be used to approve or disapprove the application for the renewal of a license.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-655;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 9.0106 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified form 14A NCAC 12 .0111(a-h));

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0402 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0403 DUTIES OF CONTESTANTS

(a) A contestant shall not also be licensed as a judge, promoter or referee nor shall he act as judge, promoter or referee.

(b) A contestant shall not have any financial or pecuniary interest in his opponent.

(c) A contestant shall not be licensed as a contestant and the license of any contestant shall be suspended or revoked if such person:

(1) Is under 18 years of age;

(2) Has had cardiac surgery;

(3) Has not received ophthalmic examination within the immediate 12 month period prior to the date of the scheduled match and the results of the examination filed with the Division;

(4) Is found to have any blindness or whose vision is so poor as to cause a health hazard or impairment to his ability to effectively participate in a match;

(5) Has suffered cerebral hemorrhage or any other serious head injury. The Division representative shall, if he has cause to believe that a contestant may have suffered neurological injury, direct the contestant to undergo an EKG or CAT scan, and the interpretation and diagnosis shall be filed with the Division; or

(6) Is no longer able to competently perform based on his win/lose/draw record, his previous opponents and the results of such matches, his proposed opponent and the results of the matches between his proposed opponent and others, and his physical condition.

(d) A contestant whose most recent match was eight rounds or more in duration, shall not engage in a match with less than seven calendar days between matches. A contestant whose most recent match was less than eight rounds in duration, shall not engage in a match with less than 48 hours between matches.

(e) Any contestant who fails to appear at a match or fails to appear timely at a match for which he or his manager has contracted and does not provide a valid reason or, in the case of physical disability, furnish a physician's certificate, shall be suspended for a period to be determined by the Division. A valid reason for failure to appear or to appear timely at a match includes an unforeseen travel delay or other circumstance beyond the contestant's control. In making a determination as to the period of suspension, the Division shall consider the following factors:

(1) The relative importance of the match;

(2) The contestant's past record of punctuality and tardiness; and

(3) The reason or reasons for his failure to appear or appear timely.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-655;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 9 .0106 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0111(i));

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0403 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0404 DUTIES OF PROMOTERS AND MATCHMAKERS

(a) A promoter or matchmaker shall not act as a promoter or matchmaker for any boxing or kickboxing match in this State unless the match is held in accordance with the rules in this Chapter.

(b) Any person licensed as an individual shall have sole ownership of the license and the license is not transferable or assignable to another. If the person is no longer in business, the license is void.

(c) Any license issued to and in the name of a corporation is not transferable or assignable to another. If the corporation is no longer in business or no longer operates as the corporation, the license is void. If any officer of the corporation is added or deleted, the licensee shall, within 10 calendar days, notify the Division of the addition or deletion. A newly added officer shall submit an application for promoter or co-promoter license.

(d) Any license issued to a partnership is not transferable or assignable to another. If the partnership is no longer in business or no longer operates as the partnership, the license is void, provided however that if the business continues to operate but does not operate as a partnership and the sole remaining person was one of the licensed partners and all other previous licensed partners have, in writing, authorized the sole remaining person to have control and use of the licensed name, than the license may remain in force and effective until its expiration date, at which time the person shall apply as an individual.

(e) A promoter shall not be licensed as a judge or referee.

(f) An applicant for a promoter's license shall satisfy the following bonding requirements:

(1) An applicant for a promoter license shall deposit with the Division a bond or other security in the amount of ten thousand ($10,000) prior to being issued a promoter license. If the bond or other security is not maintained in full force and effect, the license is void.

(2) If the Division determines that the projected liability for a match may exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) the Division representative shall require an additional bond or additional security for the match. The additional bond or additional security shall be required and used only for the designated match and shall be released or returned 90 calendar days after the date of the match unless, as a result of violations or suspected violations, the Division representative determines that the additional bond or additional security shall be retained by the Division for a longer period.

(3) The bond and other security, or additional bond and additional security shall be filed with the Division for the purpose of providing surety that the promoter will faithfully perform and fulfill his obligations as described in Article 68, and the rules set forth in this Chapter. Any fault, negligence, error or omission, failure to fulfill contractual obligations, violation of any rules of the Division or any other act or failure to act may result in a claim for recovery from the bond and recovery from the other security. When the amount of recovery cannot be determined by the Division due to the failure of the promoter to perform as required by G.S. 143, Article 68 or the rules set forth in this Chapter, the Division shall recover the face value of the bond and other security and the additional bond and additional security, as appropriate provided however that the recovery shall not be greater than the amount of the bond and other security required to be deposited with the Division.

(4) A bond or additional bond is acceptable if the following conditions are met:

(A) The bond or additional bond has attached the Division Director as power of attorney, which power of attorney does not have an expiration date;

(B) The bond and additional bond provides surety in an amount equal to the face amount of the bond and additional bond and the aggregate annual liability are for the face amount of the bond and additional bond; and

(C) The bond and additional bond is made out in the name of the Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement, Boxing Authority Section and shall be negotiable on the authority of the Division representative;

(5) The bond and additional bond may not be canceled, unless the following conditions have been met, provided however, when an additional bond is required as referenced in this Paragraph, Part (f)(5)(B) in this Rule does not apply:

(A) The surety company has provided the Division at least a 60 calendar-day written notice of intent to cancel;

(B) The promoter's license has expired or the license has been returned to the Division with a request to cancel the license and canceled by the Division and the promoter has not filed an application for renewal of the license; and

(6) Other security may be provided in lieu of the bond or additional bond provided the following conditions are met:

(A) The security is in the form of cash, a certified check or direct obligations of the United States or this state;

(B) The certified check is made payable to the Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement, Boxing Authority Section and, the certified check and the direct obligations of the United States or this state shall be negotiable on the authority of the Division representative;

(D) The security may not be canceled or requested to be returned, unless the following conditions have been met, provided however, when an additional security is required as referenced in this Paragraph, Subpart (6)(D)(ii) of this Rule does not apply:

(i) The promoter has provided the Division at least a 60-calendar day written notice of request for return or release of the security;

(ii) The promoter's license has expired or the license has been returned to the Division with a request for cancellation and canceled by the Division and the promoter has not filed an application for renewal of the license, or the promoter has substituted a bond for the security and the bond indicates on its face that it will retroactively cover the promoter for all times and for all obligations of the promoter covered by the security for which the bond is being substituted;

(iii) A period of 90 calendar days has elapsed since the most recent match of the promoter; and

(iv) A period of one year has elapsed since the security was deposited with the Division.

In the event of substitution of a bond for the security on the deposit with the Division, Subparts (iii) and (iv) in this Part do not apply.

(g) More than one promoter may be involved in the promotion of a single program of matches. The promoter to whom the permit is issued shall be considered as the promoter of record and that promoter shall ensure that all the requirements and responsibilities of the promoter are accomplished as set forth in this Chapter, provided however that the bonds or other securities deposited with the Division of all promoters involved in the promotion of the program of matches are liable and may be used as surety against any claim or obligation involving the program of matches.

(h) A matchmaker shall make matches in which the contestants are of similar ability and skill.

(i) A matchmaker or promoter shall not contract with or negotiate with managers or contestants who are under suspension or whose licenses have been revoked in North Carolina or any other state.

(j) Contracts between contestants and the promoter shall be filed with the Division no later than at the time of weigh-in. All contracts between contestant and promoter must be executed on a form provided by the Division.

(k) After the application for a permit has been tentatively approved and a proposed match has been approved, the promoter may provide the names of the contestants for the approved match to the media. A promoter shall not advertise, sell or cause to be sold any tickets, distribute or cause to be distributed any complimentary tickets, enter into any contracts or in any way make any obligations, commitments or announcements relative to a match or program of matches unless the match or program of matches has been approved and the permit has been tentatively approved.

(l) The promoter shall, in the case of a substitution in a main event, post in a conspicuous place in front of the arena or directly over the cashier windows, notice of the substitution, and if time permits, shall advertise the substitution by radio and in a newspaper expected to have the widest circulation for the intended audience.

(m) A promoter may not pay, lend, or give a contestant an advance against his purse before a contest.

(n) The promoter shall ensure that each contestant scheduled to be engaged in a match has received the following examinations:

(1) A full dilated eye examination performed by a licensed ophthalmologist and submitted on a form provided by the Division within the past 12 months;

(2) HIV within the last 180 days;

(3) Hepatitis B surface antigens within the past 180 days; and

(4) Hepatitis C antibody.

If a contestant fails a Hepatitis B surface Antigen test, the contestant must pass a Hepatitis B "PCR" quantitative test. The quantitative limit must be within permissible limits according to the laboratory where test were administered. The test and results must not be older than 180 days from date of the receipt of report by the Division and must be submitted on letterhead of the laboratory, accompanied by contestant's declaration under penalty of perjury that the report represents the contestant's most recent HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C test results.

(o) The Division representative shall, if he has cause to believe that a contestant may have suffered cardiac or neurological injury, direct the contestant to undergo an EKG, EEG, or CAT scan. The interpretation and diagnosis shall be filed with the Division. The promoter shall ensure that this requirement is satisfied.

(p) The promoter shall acquire insurance as described in Paragraph (aa) of this Rule.

(q) The promoter shall advise all managers and contestants under contract for a match or program of matches of the time and place of the weigh-in as designated by the Division representative and of the time and place of their appearance for the match or program of matches.

(r) The promoter shall provide the arena equipment, seating, services, facilities, personnel, ushers, ticket sellers, security and other equipment or services necessary to provide for the correct handling of the program of matches.

(s) The promoter shall contract with and compensate the officials required to be present and rendering services during a program of matches including an announcer, a timekeeper, two referees, three judges, plus two kick count judges for kickboxing and a ringside physician. A physician shall be present at the weigh-in.

(t) The promoter shall ensure that all tickets have printed on them the admission price and no ticket is sold for a price higher than the price shown on its face. Each complimentary ticket shall have printed on its face the face value of the ticket and in no case shall the dollar value shown on the face of the ticket be $ 0.00. Each complimentary ticket shall be either marked "COMPLIMENTARY" in large letters on its face or shall be marked or punched in such a manner as to make it clear that the ticket is complimentary. A promoter may not issue complimentary tickets for more than four percent of the seats in the venue. The promoter shall collect a fee in the amount established by G.S. 143-655(b)(1) to attend matches regulated by the Division. The total amount of this fee shall be deposited with the Division after the conclusion of the program of matches. The promoter shall complete, certify and sign a form, supplied by the Division, indicating the total number of paid and complimentary tickets for the program of matches.

(u) A promoter shall not sell or issue, or cause to be sold or issued more tickets of admission for any match or program of matches than can be accommodated by the seating capacity of the premises where the match or program of matches is to be held.

(v) The following criteria and procedure shall be used for the refunding of the purchase price of tickets:

(1) The promoter shall refund the full purchase price of a ticket for a match or program of matches if:

(A) The match or program of matches is postponed or the main event or entire program of matches is cancelled; and

(B) The person presenting the ticket for refund has presented the ticket within 30 calendar days after the scheduled date of the cancelled match or program of matches.

(2) Within 10 calendar days after the expiration of the 30-calendar day period, the promoter shall pay all unclaimed ticket receipts to the Division. The Division shall hold the funds in the State Boxing Division Revenue Account for one year and make refunds during that time to any person presenting a valid ticket for a refund.

(3) Failure to comply with this Paragraph shall result in the forfeiture of the bond or other security and additional bond or additional security and revocation of the license of the promoter or co-promoter.

(w) The promoter shall retain all records necessary to justify and support the information submitted on any reports required by the Division for a period of two years following the date of the match or program of matches.

(x) The promoter shall provide at each program of matches the following:

(1) A minimum of two physicians. The Division representative may waive the two physicians requirement and require only one physician based on consideration of the match type, number of contestants, and the experience, size and skill of the contestants participating the program of matches. The Division shall note these findings on Division forms and provide the promoter with a copy;

(2) A portable defibrillator and canister of oxygen including all additional equipment necessary for proper operation;

(3) An ambulance with two attendants; and

(4) A clean stretcher and clean blanket which shall be in place at all times throughout the program of matches. No match shall begin or continue unless such equipment and personnel are on the premises, in a state of readiness and in a pre-designated readily assessable location known to the referee, physicians and the Division representative.

(y) The promoter shall have available at all times during the progress of a program of matches a person or persons capable of making emergency repairs, corrections and adjustments to the ring, lights and other necessary fixtures.

(z) The promoter shall supply the following items which shall be in good working order and available for use as

needed:

(1) A public address system;

(2) Chairs, located in accordance with the floor plan;

(3) A bell, positioned in a neutral location designated by the Division representative, for use by the timekeeper;

(4) Two stools, a clean water bucket and a clean water container for drinking purposes for each contestant's corner;

(5) Cleaning solution to clean blood and debris in the cage or ring. A solution of 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water is an acceptable solution; and

(6) A complete set of numbered round cards, which shall be of such size as to make them legible from all parts of the arena.

(aa) The promoter for the match shall acquire the insurance coverage described in this Chapter and file with the Division written evidence of insurance no later than 72 hours prior to the date of the match. The evidence of insurance shall specify the name of the insurance company, the insurance policy number, the effective date of the coverage and evidence that each contestant is covered by the insurance. Any deductible associated with the insurance policy shall be paid by the promoter. If the promoter fails to provide evidence of insurance as required in this Chapter the permit shall not be issued or, if issued, the permit shall be suspended and the program of matches shall be canceled. Each contestant in a match held in North Carolina shall be covered by insurance for medical, surgical and hospital care for injuries sustained while engaged in a match. The coverage shall be for an amount not less than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each contestant.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-655;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0106 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. December 1, 2009; March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0111(j)); November 1, 2004;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0404 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0405 DUTIES OF MANAGERS

(a) A person shall not act as a manager for any contestant without having first obtained a manager license.

(b) A manager shall not be licensed as a judge, or referee and nor shall he act as a judge or referee.

(d) A manager shall not act as a manager in any boxing or kickboxing match in this state which match is not sanctioned by the Division.

(e) A manager shall not attempt to select or insist upon the selection of any referee or judge in a match in which a contestant under his management is to appear, nor shall he have the name of any such referee or judge written into the contract governing such match.

(f) A manager shall not pay or contribute to the pay of any referee or judge.

(g) A manager shall not coach or assist a contestant during a match, or by word or action attempt to heckle or annoy his opponent. A manager shall not enter the corner or the ring at any time during the match. If any manager enters the corner or the ring during any match, he shall be immediately ejected by the referee, and the referee shall order the match to continue. However, a manager may be designated as a second for his contestant and, if so designated, shall comply with the requirements set forth for seconds in the rules in this Chapter.

(h) The manager shall furnish to his contestant a statement of distribution of the purse together with the contestant's share of the purse no later than 24 hours after the manager receives the purse and promoter's statement from the promoter. The manager shall retain a copy of his statement of distribution of the purse, certified by him to be correct, with receipted vouchers for all expenditures and deductions for a period of six months following the date of the match and shall present the copy to the Division for inspection if requested to do so.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-655;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0106 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0111(k));

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0405 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0406 DUTIES OF REFEREES

(a) If, during the course of a match, the referee receives an injury or is unable to continue acting in his capacity as referee, the representative shall:

(1) Select another person to act as referee for the remainder of the match and program of matches; or

(2) If a person is not available, cancel the remainder of the match and program of matches.

(b) A person who has financial or pecuniary interest in any contestant shall not be granted a referee license.

(c) A referee shall not be licensed as a promoter, manager, matchmaker, or contestant, nor shall he act as a promoter, manager, matchmaker or, contestant.

(d) A referee shall not act as a referee at any boxing, kickboxing, toughman or mixed martial arts match in this State unless the match is held in accordance with the Rules in this Chapter.

(e) Prior to being issued a license in accordance with Chapter 143, Article 68 of the North Carolina General Statues, each referee shall:

(1) Pass an examination composed and administered by the Association of Boxing Commission;

(2) have completed a seminar within one year prior to application for licensure and every year after licensure. Any seminar completed after licensure shall satisfy the seminar requirement for a period of one year from its completion. Seminars shall contain general emergency medical information applicable to contestants participating in matches. Proof of successful seminar completion shall be submitted to and maintained by the Division;

(3) Have either officiated previously in a Division approved sanctioned amateur competition and submit to the Division verification of satisfactory officiating experience from a Division approved sanctioned amateur organization or have officiated in another state or jurisdiction within five years prior to applying for licensure. The Division shall approve a sanctioning organization if the Division determines that the organization has standards compatible to the rules in this Chapter. The applicant shall submit to the Division verification of satisfactory officiating experience from the state or jurisdiction or the applicant shall otherwise demonstrate knowledge and proficiency. The Division may consider any other training and experience including attendance at seminars conducted by the Division as satisfying the prior officiating requirements. Once an applicant has completed this officiating experience requirement, the Division shall waive this requirement for subsequent applications for licensure;

(4) Submit to a physical examination to establish his or her physical fitness. The results of this examination shall be filed with the Division. The cost of the examination is the responsibility of the applicant. The results of the examination are valid for one licensing year.

All assigned referees must submit to a pre-match medical examination by a physician for general physical fitness. The Division representative shall ensure that this requirement is fulfilled the day of the match.

(f) Prior to the beginning of each match, and periodically for the duration of the match, the referee shall examine the contestants' gloves, equipment, and person to ensure that no unsafe or improper conditions exist. Before allowing a match to continue after a contestant has been knocked down, the referee shall wipe clean the surface of the gloves of the contestant who was knocked down.

(g) When a contestant receives an injury which the referee believes may incapacitate the contestant, the referee shall call time out and consult with the physician as to the advisability of allowing the match to continue. A person shall not attempt to render aid to a contestant who has been counted out during the course of a match before the physician has examined the contestant. However, the referee may remove the contestant's mouthpiece.

(h) The referee may:

(1) Terminate a match at any time when he considers that one of the contestants has such superior skills or ability as to make such match unreasonably dangerous to the other contestant;

(2) Disqualify a contestant who commits an intentional foul and award the decision to the opponent;

(3) Terminate a match and disqualify either or both contestants if he considers that either or both contestants are not competing in earnest;

(4) Terminate a match if either contestant has been injured and is in such condition that to continue the match might subject him to a more serious injury;

(5) Temporarily or permanently halt a match if he believes that a health hazard exists, which hazard could reasonably be anticipated to create a hazard to the contestants or the public; and

(6) Enforce discipline and the rules, as set forth in this Chapter, pertaining to the conduct and behavior of contestants, managers and seconds.

(i) The referee shall not touch the contestants, except for the failure of either or both contestants to obey the break command.

(j) The referee's remarks shall be limited to instructions to the contestants and to the chief seconds.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-655;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0106 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0111(l));

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0406 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0407 DUTIES OF JUDGES

(a) A judge shall not also be licensed as a promoter, manager, matchmaker, or contestant.

(b) A judge shall not have a financial or pecuniary interest in any contestant.

(c) A judge shall not act as a judge at any boxing or kickboxing match in this State unless the match is held in accordance with the rules in this Chapter.

(d) Three scoring judges and two kick count judges (if applicable) shall be assigned to officiate in each match. If five judges are not available, the Division representative may appoint a referee to act in the capacity of judge.

(e) The judges shall be located in seats designated for them by the Division representative.

(f) A match shall not begin or continue unless all judges are in their designated seats.

(g) Judges shall, if requested by the referee, assist in deciding whether fouls have been committed, and may bring other points to the attention of the referee at the end of a round.

(h) Each Judge shall:

(1) Be informed of and conversant with G.S. 143, Article 68 and the rules set forth in this Chapter;

(2) Observe at all times during the match the performance of the contestants;

(3) Appraise such performance fairly, accurately and expertly using G.S. 143, Article 68, and the rules set forth in this Chapter;

(4) Inscribe the result of such appraisal after each round on the round score card or match score card, whichever is appropriate, according to the scoring system adopted in this Chapter; and

(5) Complete and sign the match score card and deliver it to the referee at the conclusion of the match.

(i) Judges shall utilize forms provided by the Division for scoring.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-655;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0106 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0111(m));

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0407 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0408 DUTIES OF ANNOUNCERS

(a) A person shall not act as an announcer at any match held in North Carolina without first having obtained an announcer license.

(b) An announcer shall not act as an announcer at any boxing or kickboxing match in this State unless the match is held in accordance with the rules in this Chapter.

(c) The announcer shall make all announcements in the English language. He may also announce the match in another language after he has first made all announcements in the English language.

(d) The announcer shall be at all times, subject and responsible to the Division representative in the discharge of his duties and shall accept directions only from the Division representative.

(e) Announcers shall not make announcements or introductions of persons other than the contestants and officials unless authorized to do so by the promoter with the consent of the Division representative. Announcers shall not introduce an individual whose license has been revoked or is currently under suspension.

(f) After both contestants and their chief seconds are in the ring, the announcer shall announce the name of each contestant, his weight as determined at the weigh-in, and other announcements as directed by the Division representative.

(g) An announcer shall display impartiality in word and action while performing his duties.

(h) The number of the round shall be announced or displayed at the 1-minute interval between rounds.

(i) At the conclusion of each match, the announcer shall make the announcement of the win or draw in the manner and at the time as directed by the Division representative.

(j) In the event of a knockout or a technical knockout, the announcer shall obtain the result and the official time of the termination of the match from the Division representative and shall announce the result, the time and the round in which the knockout or technical knockout occurred.

(k) At the conclusion of each match and immediately after the announcements have been made, the announcer shall submit to the Division representative any match score cards used by the judges and the referee that he may have in his possession.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-655;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0106 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0111(n));

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0408 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0409 DUTIES OF TIMEKEEPERS

(a) A timekeeper shall not act as a timekeeper at any boxing or kickboxing match in this State unless the match is held in accordance with the rules in this Chapter.

(b) The timekeeper shall have with him during the performance of his duties a whistle, a 3-minute stopwatch, and a hammer or wooden mallet.

(c) The timekeeper shall be located within his arm length of the bell in a seat designated by the Division representative. A match shall not 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 contestant by blowing the whistle. Ten seconds before the end of each round, the timekeeper shall give warning by pounding twice on the ring floor.

(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 Division representative of the exact duration of the match.

(i) The timekeeper shall be familiar with and perform such other duties as set forth the rules in this Chapter.

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

(k) The knockdown timekeeper shall have with him during the performance of his duties a knockdown watch which shall be examined and checked as to accuracy for each match by the Division representative.

(l) The knockdown timekeeper shall be located adjacent to the timekeeper in a seat designated by the Division representative. A match shall not begin or continue unless the knockdown timekeeper is in his designated seat.

(m) The knockdown timekeeper shall count each second for knockdowns by striking the floor of the ring or a wooden striking-board with a hammer or wooden mallet and, by stating in a loud voice, the elapse of each second.

(n) The knockdown timekeeper shall be familiar with and perform such other duties as set forth in the rules in this Chapter.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-655;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0106 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0111(o));

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0409 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0410 DUTIES OF SECONDS

(a) A second shall not act as a second at any boxing or kickboxing match in this State unless the match is held in accordance with the rules of this Chapter.

(b) A second shall not have any financial or pecuniary interest in the opponent of his contestant.

(c) Each contestant shall be allowed no more than three seconds, one of whom shall be designated the chief second, with the exception of a championship match in which four seconds are allowed. 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 contestant shall have with him at the ringside the following articles:

(1) One stool;

(2) One pair of scissors;

(3) One towel;

(4) One clean water bucket;

(5) One container of drinking water;

(6) Tape and bandages; and

(7) Caustic to stop bleeding of minor cuts and lacerations.

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

(f) Seconds shall not coach or in any way assist a contestant during a round, or by word or action attempt to heckle or annoy his contestant's opponent. Seconds shall remain seated in place and silent during the fight period of any round and shall not knock or pound on the ring floor.

(g) A second shall not attempt to render aid to a contestant who has been counted out during the course of a match before the physician has examined the contestant.

(h) If any second enters the ring during any fight period of any match, he shall be immediately ejected by the referee, and the referee shall order the match to continue.

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

(j) Only one second is allowed in the ring. A second shall not enter the ring until the bell indicates the end of a round. He shall leave the ring at the sound of the timekeeper's whistle indicating the beginning of the next round is imminent. 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.

(k) All seconds working a corner must wear rubber or latex gloves.

(l) If a second leaves the designated corner area, his contestant shall be disqualified.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-655;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0106 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0111(p));

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0410 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0411 DUTIES OF TRAINERS

(a) The trainer shall prepare the contestant for the match in which he is to engage and shall provide information and direction so as to ensure that the contestant is in good physical condition and is prepared to utilize and display his skills to the best of his ability.

(b) A trainer shall not coach or in any way assist a contestant during a match, or by word or action attempt to heckle or annoy his participant's opponent.

(c) A trainer shall not enter the corner or the ring at any time during the match and shall remain seated and silent during the match.

(d) If any trainer enters the corner or the ring during any match, he shall be immediately ejected by the referee, and the referee shall order the match to continue.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0106 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0111(q));

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0411 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0412 DUTIES OF PHYSICIANS

(a) A physician shall not have a financial or pecuniary interest in any contestant participating in a match in which the physician is acting as a ringside physician.

(b) At least one physician shall be present at each match and render service and assistance as provided for in the rules in this Chapter. A physician shall be located near each contestant's corner in a designated seat for the duration of each match. A match shall not be allowed to begin or continue unless at least one physician is in his designated seat.

(c) The physician shall provide medical assistance for any illness or injury sustained by any person under the jurisdiction of the Division.

(d) If, at any time during the match, the physician is of the opinion that a contestant has received severe punishment or injury, or that to continue the match would pose the threat of unreasonable harm or injury to a contestant, the physician shall advise the referee that the match should be terminated.

(e) If, in the opinion of the physician, the referee has received an injury, the seriousness of which prevents him from continuing to officiate, the physician shall notify the Division representative who shall temporarily halt the match. The injured referee shall be attended by the physician until he is no longer in danger or has been transferred to the care of another physician or emergency medical personnel.

(f) In the event of injury to or illness of any person under the jurisdiction of the Boxing Authority Section of the Division and while located on the premises where a program of matches is being conducted, the physician shall have complete charge of such person and shall be accorded the full cooperation of the Division representative and all licensees present.

(g) Whenever a knockout occurs in any match, the physician shall examine the contestant knocked out immediately after the match. In the event of a knockout or other injury, the physician shall remain on the premises to provide medical attention as needed. When the physician is satisfied that the injured or knocked out contestant has recovered to the extent that the physician releases the contestant from his care, he shall, prior to releasing him, instruct him as to the danger signs of which the contestant should be aware and which would indicate the need to seek immediate medical attention.

(h) The physician shall not leave the premises until after the decision in the final match has been rendered and he is satisfied that his services are no longer necessary.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-655;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0106 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0111(r));

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0412 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0413 CONTRACTS AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

(a) A promoter or matchmaker shall not contract with or negotiate with managers or contestants who are under suspension or whose license has been revoked in North Carolina or any other state.

(b) All contracts shall be in writing and shall be filed with the Division within seven days after execution. The Division shall be notified immediately of any changes in contractual status, which change shall be in writing, signed by all parties of the contract and filed with the Division within seven calendar days after execution. Contracts between contestants and the promoter shall be filed with the Division no later than at the time of the weigh-in.

(c) Except as provided in G.S. 143-651(13)a, only a licensed manager may negotiate or contract for or on behalf of any contestant with any promoter or matchmaker under the jurisdiction of the Division. Any contract or negotiation entered into by any other person is unenforceable.

(d) A manager shall not negotiate, obligate or contract for matches for a contestant not under contract to him.

(e) Managers shall file changes in contractual status with the Division no later than at the time of the weigh-in.

(f) Contracts shall not be entered into which entitles a manager or group of managers to a total fee in excess of 33 1/3 percent of the gross earnings of the contestants, and no contract containing such a provision is valid or binding.

(g) Release of a contestant from a contestant or manager contract shall be in writing and filed with the Division.

(h) A manager of a contestant shall not sell, assign, transfer any interest, or in any way encumber, or attempt to sell, assign, transfer any interest or in any way encumber in whole or in part, any interest which he holds in any contract for services of the contestant without notice to the contestant and without notice to the Division.

(i) A person shall not sign a contract with a contestant as a promoter, manager, or matchmaker, unless the person has first applied for and been granted the appropriate license, or the contract is not valid.

(j) Each contract between a manager and a contestant shall contain provisions governing its duration, division of the contestant's purse, and any minimum sum guaranteed to the contestant by the manager. Each contract shall provide and if not included, shall be deemed to include, that it is automatically terminated if the license of either party is revoked by the Division or if the manager fails to renew his license before its expiration date. If the license of either party is suspended, the contract is not binding upon the other party during the period of suspension, provided however that if the manager's license is revoked or suspended for a period of greater than sixty days, the contract shall be automatically terminated.

(k) The Division may withhold any or all of any manager's share of a purse in the event of a contractual dispute as to entitlement to any portion of the purse until such dispute is resolved. If the Division deems it appropriate, the Division may compel interested parties over any disputed funds into the appropriate court for resolution of the dispute prior to release of all or any part of the funds.

(l) No manager shall attempt to select or insist upon the selection of any referee or judge in a match in which a contestant under his management is to appear, nor shall he have the name of any such referee or judge written into the contract governing such match.

(m) No manager shall pay or contribute to the pay of any referee, judge, or timekeeper.

(n) For accounting purposes, a promoter may make checks payable to contestants but shall immediately cash the checks. A contestant shall not be required to accept a payment by check in lieu of cash. The promoter shall retain receipted vouchers for all expenditures and deductions, for a period of six months, during which time the promoter shall provide to the Division upon demand a copy. The total amount of all purses, official fees and administrative costs shall be deposited in the form of American currency to the Division representative at least two hours before the start of the first match.

(o) The manager shall furnish to the contestant he manages a statement of distribution, together with the contestant's share of the purse, no later than 24 hours after the manager receives the purse and a statement from the promoter. The manager shall retain receipted vouchers for all expenditures and deductions, for one year following the expiration date of the contract between manager and contestant, during which time the manager shall provide to the Division upon demand a copy.

(p) A contract, which states that a contestant shall fight exclusively for one promoter or at the option of the promoter is not valid and the division shall not resolve disputes arising under any such promoter contract.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0107 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0112);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0413 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

SECTION .0500 - BOXING

14B NCAC 10 .0501 weigh-ins for boxing

(a) Contestants shall be classified by weight and may fight above or below his or her weight class in accordance with this Paragraph. The maximum amount of weight difference between the two contestants shall be decided by the lower weight class. A contestant shall not be permitted to compete if the difference in weight between the contestants exceeds the difference shown in the following schedule:

Weight class	Weights	Allowances
Flyweight	up to 112 pounds	not more than 3 pounds
Bantamweight	113 to 118 pounds	not more than 3 pounds
Featherweight	119 to 126 pounds	not more than 5 pounds
Junior Lightweight	127 to 130 pounds	not more than 7 pounds
Lightweight	131 pounds to 135 pounds	not more than 7 pounds
Junior Welterweight	136 to 140 pounds	not more than 9 pounds
Welterweight	141 to 147 pounds	not more than 9 pounds
Junior Middleweight	148 to 154 pounds	not more than 11 pounds
Middleweight	155 to 160 pounds	not more than 11 pounds
Light Heavyweight	161 to 175 pounds	not more than 12 pounds
Cruiserweight	176 to 190 pounds	not more than 15 pounds
Heavyweight	over 191 pounds	no limit

(b) Contestants in matches shall be weighed on the same scale at a time and place to be determined by the Division representative, in the presence of the opponent and the Division representative. Once the time and location of weigh-ins has been established, contestants shall be notified by the promoter or his or her designee. All contestants, shall be limited to shirt, shorts, and socks while being weighed in. The weigh-in shall occur 12 hours or less prior to the scheduled starting time of the first match of the program of matches. However, where a program of matches is scheduled to begin in the afternoon, the Division representative, if requested by the promoter, may approve an early weigh-in time of noon or later the day before the day of the program of matches if personnel is available. Substitution of a contestant or contestants shall not be allowed after the weigh-in.

(c) Failure of a contestant to be present at the weigh-in at the time and place designated by the Division representative shall result in the contestant's loss of right to view the weigh-in of his or her opponent.

(d) If the weight of any contestant in a match fails to meet the weight parameters as set forth in Paragraph (a) of this Rule at the time of the official weigh-in, he or she shall have two additional hours to meet the weight parameters provided that

(1) No contestant that weighs 147 pounds or less may lose more than two pounds in less than 12 hours before a match.

(2) No contestant weighing more than 147 pounds or less than 190 pounds, may lose more than three pounds in less than 12 hours before a match.

(3) No contestant weighing more than 190 pounds may lose more than four pounds in less than 12 hours before a match.

(4) Contestants may not gain weight after the official weigh-ins have begun to make weight parameters during the time of weigh-ins.

(e) At the time of weigh-in, each contestant in a match shall provide to the Division representative for inspection a picture identification issued by a federal, state or local unit of government, or other governmental authority.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0104);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0501 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Amended Eff. September 1, 2017;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0502 EQUIPMENT - BOXING

(a) Boxing Gloves--All boxing contestants shall wear thumb attached boxing gloves. Boxing gloves weighing a minimum of eight ounces shall be worn by contestants weighing 147 pounds or less. Boxing gloves weighing a minimum of 10 ounces shall be worn by contestants weighing more than 147 pounds. Spare boxing gloves, in good condition, must be kept on hand by the promoter. All gloves must pass the inspection of the referee or the Division representative, and the Division may require a brand new set of gloves for any match.

(b) Bandages and handwraps for boxing and kickboxing contestants shall meet the following requirements:

(1) In all weight classes except light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight, all bandages and handwraps applied to each hand of a contestant shall be restricted to soft cloth, not more than 10 yards in length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than 4 feet of surgical tape.

(2) In the light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight weight classes, all bandages and handwraps applied to each hand of a contestant shall be restricted to soft cloth, not more than 12 yards in length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than 8 feet of surgical tape.

(3) The use of six inches of adhesive tape, not more than one inch in width, shall be permitted across the back of each hand before bandaging or wrapping the hands, provided however, that the tape shall not be applied across the knuckles.

(4) All bandages and handwraps shall be applied and adjusted in the dressing room in the presence of the inspector. The inspector shall initial or in some other manner mark the bandage or handwrap on each hand so as to be able to determine at the conclusion of the match whether or not the bandage or handwrap was tampered with after the inspector initially examined the bandage or handwrap.

(1) Each contestant shall wear boxing trunks, the belt of which shall not extend above the waistline.

(2) Each contestant shall wear a protective cup, which shall be firmly adjusted before entering the ring.

(3) An individually fitted mouthpiece shall be in the contestant's mouth at all times during the fight period of each round as provided by the rules in this Chapter.

(4) Each contestant shall wear shoes made of soft material and not fitted with spikes, cleats, hard soles or hard heels.

(5) Each contestant shall wear an abdominal guard of standard type which provides sufficient protection to withstand any low blow.

(6) Although not required, female contestants may wear a protective pelvic girdle to cover the pubic area, coccyx and sides of the hips.

(7) Female contestants must wear a breast protector.

(8) All contestants shall be clean and present a neat appearance. This also applies to the contestants' ring apparel. If the Division representative determines the hair on the contestant's head or face presents any potential hazard to the safety of the contestant, his opponent or will interfere with the supervision of the match he shall notify the contestant of such determination at the time of the weigh-in. If, at the time the inspector makes the final inspection of the contestant before the match begins, the contestant has not made the necessary corrections, he shall not be permitted to fight and shall be disqualified.

Any contestant who fails to comply with the requirements in this Paragraph shall not be allowed to participate in a match and such failure to comply with the requirements in this Paragraph shall be grounds for suspension of the contestant's license.

(d) A boxing ring shall meet the following requirements:

(1) The ring shall be not less than 16 feet square nor more than 24 feet square within the ropes. The ring floor shall extend at least 18 inches beyond the ropes. The ring floor shall be padded to a thickness of at least 1 inch, and shall be padded with insulate or another similar closed-cell foam. Padding shall extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform, with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges shall not be used.

(2) The ring platform shall not be more than five feet above the floor of the building, and shall be provided with steps for use by contestants and ring officials.

(3) Ring posts shall be of a metal not less than three inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a height of 58 inches above the ring floor. Ring posts shall be at least 18 inches away from the ropes.

(4) There shall be four ring ropes, not less than one inch in diameter and wrapped in soft material. The ring ropes shall extend in parallel lines 18, 30, 42, and 54 inches in height above the ring floor.

(5) The floor plan and apron seating arrangements shall be approved by the Division representative. A crowd control barrier must be installed at least eight feet away from the ring, cage or fenced area and before the first spectator's seats. This barrier shall be capable of restraining spectators from entry to the ringside area. An isle shall be left clear from the contestant's dressing room to the ring. Clear access to the ring shall also be available for emergency medical personnel. Only match officials may sit at ringside. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at ringside.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0104(k)-(n) Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0106);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0502 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0503 SCORING - BOXING

(a) Rounds in a boxing match shall be as follows:

(1) The length of each round of a match shall be three minutes with one minute rest intervals between rounds.

(2) A match shall be scheduled for four, six, eight, or 10 rounds.

(3) A championship match shall be scheduled for 12 rounds and shall be sanctioned by a sanctioning organization.

(b) The following rules apply to scoring of boxing matches:

(1) Scoring shall be by the "10 point must" system. The winner of any round shall be awarded 10 points. The loser of any round shall be awarded one to nine points. When a round is even, each contestant shall be scored 10 points.

(2) The awarding or deducting of points by the judges and referee, the determination as to the occurrence of knockdowns, knockouts and fouls and the procedure to be used following such occurrence shall be accomplished in the following manner and based on the following criteria, which criteria is listed in the order of importance:

(A) The only fair punch is a punch delivered with the padded knuckle part of the glove to the front or side of the head or body above the belt, and the contestant who delivers such a punch shall be awarded points in proportion to its damaging effects.

(B) A clean knockdown shall be highly scored. A knockdown is scored as soon as it occurs. The contestant who takes advantage of the full nine-second count shall be credited with ring generalship that would not be credited to him if he arose immediately and, in a groggy condition, tried to continue. If he arises before the count of nine and handles himself well, either aggressively or defensively after he is on his feet, he shall be credited with ring generalship. If the contestant who is down arises during the count, the referee may, if he deems it advisable, step between the contestants for such period of time to assure himself that the contestant who has just arisen is able to continue. When so assured, he shall, without loss of time, order both contestants to proceed with the match. The following shall be used to determine when a knockdown has occurred and the procedure to be followed after a knockdown has occurred:

(i) A contestant shall be considered to be knocked down when:

(I) Any part of his body, other than his feet, is on the floor;

(II) He is hanging helplessly over the ropes;

(III) He is rising from a down position; or

(IV) At the conclusion of a round in a match, he leaves the ring and fails to be in the ring when the bell sounds indicating the beginning of the next round.

(ii) When a contestant is knocked down, the referee shall order the opponent to retire to the farthest neutral corner of the ring by pointing to that corner and shall immediately begin a 10-second count over the contestant who is down. He shall announce the passing of the seconds, accompanying the count with a downward motion of his arm. The knockdown timekeeper, by effective signaling, shall provide the referee the correct one second interval for his count. The referee's count is the official count.

(iii) If the contestant taking the count is still down when the referee calls the count of 10, the referee shall wave both arms to indicate that the contestant has been knocked out, provided however, that if the contestant is counted out by virtue of his failure to be in the ring when the bell sounds indicating the beginning of the next round, the match shall be terminated and the contestant who was counted out shall be declared the loser by technical knockout.

(iv) If a contestant is knocked down and is down at the time the bell rings to end the round, the knockdown timekeeper shall continue to count. If the downed contestant fails to rise before the count of 10, he shall be considered to have been knocked out in the next subsequent round. If a contestant is knocked down and is down at the time the bell rings in the final round, the knockdown timekeeper shall cease the count and the contest shall be deemed to be concluded.

(v) If both contestants are knocked down at the same time, counting shall be continued as long as either remains down.

(vi) A contestant who has been knocked down shall take a count of eight whether or not he has regained his feet before the count of eight has been reached. The referee may, if in his opinion a contestant has been dazed or hurt but remains standing, administer a standing eight-count. A standing eight-count is considered a knockdown.

(vii) If a contestant who is down arises before the count of 10 is reached, and then goes down immediately, without being struck, the referee shall resume the count where he previously stopped counting.

(viii) When a contestant is knocked out, the referee shall perform a full 10 second count before terminating the match, provided however that if, in the opinion of the referee or physician, the contestant requires immediate medical attention, the referee shall not be required to count to 10.

(ix) If a contestant is knocked out of or has fallen out of the ring the referee shall allow the contestant no more than 20 seconds, to re-enter the ring without the assistance of anyone, provided however, that if the contestant was knocked out of the ring as a result of a legal technique and is unable to regain his feet, the referee shall consider this to be a knockdown and shall begin a 10 second count. The opponent shall be ordered to retire to the furthest neutral corner, where he shall remain until signaled by the referee to continue with the match. If a contestant intentionally falls through the ropes, his seconds shall not assist him and, the contestant shall be considered to have been knocked down and the appropriate count and procedures for knockdowns shall be initiated by the referee. If a contestant, enters the ring and immediately goes down, the referee shall begin a 10 second count or shall continue a 10 second count started after the contestant was knocked out of the ring. Any contestant who does not immediately re-enter the ring shall be deemed to have been knocked down and the appropriate count and procedures used in the event of a knockdown shall be used. If, in the opinion of the referee, the contestant has been dazed or hurt but remains standing, the referee shall administer a standing eight-count.

(x) If the contestant who is not down and who has been ordered to a neutral corner fails to stay in the neutral corner the referee and knockdown timekeeper shall cease the count and shall not resume the count until the contestant has retired to the neutral corner.

(xi) If a towel is thrown into the ring when a contestant is down, the towel shall be ignored and the referee and knockdown timekeeper shall continue to count as if it had not appeared.

(d) The following rules apply to the determination of a win or draw:

(1) A contestant who knocks out his opponent shall be declared the winner of the match.

(2) If both contestants are knocked down at the same time and both contestants remain down until the count of 10, the match shall be considered a technical draw.

(3) A contestant who is awarded a technical knockout shall be declared the winner of the match.

(4) A contestant who is knocked down three times in any one round shall be considered to have lost the match by a technical knockout. If requested by a sanctioning body, this Rule shall be waived for a championship fight.

(5) When the winner of a match is to be determined by the number of points awarded or deducted or by the number of rounds awarded to each contestant, the scores for all rounds shall be compiled for each judge and the following criteria shall be used:

(A) Three wins shall be declared a win;

(B) Two wins and one draw shall be declared a win;

(D) One win and two draws shall be declared a draw;

(E) One win, one draw and one loss shall be declared a draw;

(F) One win and two losses shall be declared a loss;

(G) Three draws shall be declared a draw;

(H) Two draws and one loss shall be declared a draw;

(I) One draw and two losses shall be declared a loss; and

(J) Three losses shall be declared a loss.

(6) A contestant shall not be declared the winner of a match on a claim of low blow foul and a contestant shall not lose a match by reason of a low blow foul.

(7) No contestant shall be awarded a match based on an unintentional foul unless the foul was unintentional butting. If a match is temporarily halted because of an unintentional foul, the referee shall determine whether the contestant who has been fouled can continue. If the referee determines that the contestant can continue, the referee shall order the match to be continued. If the referee determines that the contestant is unable to continue the match as a result of an unintentional foul other than for butting, the match shall be terminated but no decision shall be rendered by the referee, who shall order the purses of both contestants withheld. The Division representative shall then rule as to the disposition of the purses based on the prior contractual agreement between the promoter and the contestants. If no such contractual provision exists, then the purses shall be disposed of as follows: If the unintentional foul occurs in any round during the first half of the match, the purses shall revert back to the promoter. If the unintentional foul occurs in any round during the second half of the match, the Division representative shall award the purses in accordance with the determination of win, loss or draw based upon the score cards of the judges. If a contestant is unintentionally butted in a match so that he cannot continue, the referee shall declare the result of the match using the following criteria:

(A) If the unintentional butt occurs prior to the scoring of the third round and the fouled contestant is unable to continue, the result shall be a technical draw.

(B) During a four or six round match, if the unintentional butt occurs in any round subsequent to the scoring of the third round or occurs prior to the scoring of third round but the contestant is not determined to be unable to continue until after the scoring of the third round, the determination of win, loss or draw shall be based upon the score cards of the judges.

(C) During an eight round match, if the unintentional butt occurs in any round subsequent to the scoring of the fourth round or occurs prior to the scoring of fourth round but the contestant is not determined to be unable to continue until after the scoring of the fourth round, the determination of win, loss or draw shall be based upon the score cards of the judges.

(D) During a 10 round match, if the unintentional butt occurs in any round subsequent to the scoring of the fifth round or occurs prior to the scoring of fifth round but the contestant is not determined to be unable to continue until after the scoring of the fifth round, the determination of win, loss or draw shall be based upon the score cards of the judges.

(E) During a 12 round match, if the unintentional butt occurs in any round subsequent to the scoring of the sixth round or occurs prior to the scoring of sixth round but the contestant is not determined to be unable to continue until after the scoring of the sixth round, the determination of win, loss or draw shall be based upon the score cards of the judges.

(8) When an injury is produced by a fair punch but because of the severity of the injury the match cannot continue, the injured contestant shall be declared the loser by a technical knockout.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0104(o)-(p)(3) Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0107);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0503 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0504 FOULS - BOXING

(a) In a boxing match, except in the case of punching while the opponent is down, a foul, whether intentional or unintentional, may result in a deduction of a point, as determined by the referee. The first offense of punching while down shall result in the deduction of two points from the score of the contestant who punches his opponent while his opponent is down, unless the first offense is determined by the referee to be a blatant disregard of the rule. If such determination is made by the referee, the contestant committing the foul shall be immediately disqualified and his opponent shall be declared the winner by disqualification. The second offense of punching while down shall result in the disqualification of the contestant committing the offense and his opponent shall be declared the winner by disqualification. In the case of all other fouls, the referee shall determine whether or not a point is to be deducted, using as his criteria the severity of the foul and its effect upon the opponent. When the referee determines that he shall deduct a point from a contestant, he shall immediately advise the contestant and judges of such action. The referee shall not tolerate continual and repeated commission of fouls by a contestant. The referee shall give warning to a contestant who continually and repeatedly commits fouls and when, in the opinion of the referee, the contestant has displayed persistent disregard for the rule governing the commission of fouls, the referee shall disqualify the contestant, terminate the match and provide such findings to the Division representative for appropriate action. Points for fouls shall be deducted in the round in which the fouls occurred. A contestant shall not be penalized in a subsequent round for fouls that occurred in a previous round. The following actions are considered to be fouls, the committing of which may result in a deduction of points:

(1) Major fouls consist of the following:

(A) Punching below the belt;

(B) Punching an opponent who is down or is getting up after being down;

(D) Holding or deliberately maintaining a clinch after several warnings;

(E) Wrestling or kicking;

(F) Striking an opponent who is helpless as a result of punches received and so supported by the ropes that he does not fall;

(G) Butting with the head or shoulder or using the knee;

(H) Punching with an open glove, or with the butt of the hand, the wrist or elbow and all backhand punches;

(I) Purposely going down without being punched;

(J) Striking deliberately at that part of the back near the spine and over the kidneys;

(K) The deliberate use of the pivot punch or rabbit punch or any punch struck at the back of the neck near the base of the skull and which is not the result of the opponent turning his head to avoid a punch;

(L) Jabbing the opponent's eyes with the thumb of the glove;

(M) The use of abusive language in the ring;

(N) Any unsportsmanlike trick or action causing injury to an opponent;

(O) Punching on the break;

(P) Punching after the bell has sounded ending the round;

(Q) Roughing at the ropes;

(R) Pushing an opponent around the ring or into the ropes;

(S) Tripping; or

(T) Intentional spitting out of the mouthpiece or allowing the mouthpiece to fall out of the mouth.

(2) Minor fouls include:

(A) Punching or flicking with the open glove; and

(B) Clinching after warning has been given.

(b) Points for aggressiveness shall be awarded to the contestant who sustains the actions of a round by the greatest number of skillful attacks.

(c) A contestant shall be awarded points for sportsmanlike conduct, close adherence to the rules and refraining from taking technical advantage of situations which are unfair to his opponent. Points shall be deducted from a contestant for unsportsmanlike conduct, disregard of the rules and taking technical advantage of situations which are unfair to his opponent.

(d) Points shall be given for clever defensive work such as avoiding or blocking a punch.

(e) Points shall be awarded where ring generalship is conspicuous. Ring generalship includes the ability to:

(1) Quickly recognize and take advantage of every opportunity presented;

(2) Cope with a diversity of situations;

(3) Anticipate and neutralize an opponent's form of attack; and

(4) Force an opponent to adopt a style of boxing at which he is not particularly skillful.

(f) Points shall be deducted when a contestant persistently delays the action of a match by clinching, holding or lack of aggressiveness.

(g) If a contestant refuses to continue a match while physically able to do so, the referee shall disqualify him, and award the match to his opponent. The referee shall provide a written report to the Division. If the Division determines that the contestant refused to continue a match while physically able to do so, the Division shall impose a period of suspension for a period not less than six months and may impose a civil penalty.

(h) In any case where the referee determines that both contestants are not honestly competing, that a knockdown is intentional and predetermined by both parties or a foul has been prearranged so as to cause the match to be terminated, he shall not finish the knockdown count or disqualify either contestant for fouling or render a decision, but shall instead terminate the match not later than the end of the round and order the promoter to surrender the purses of both contestants to the Division representative pending an investigation of the alleged violation. The announcer or referee shall inform the audience that no decision has been rendered.

(i) If, in the opinion of the physician, the referee or a judge has received an injury, or has become ill the seriousness of which prevents him from continuing to officiate, time out shall be called and another official shall be immediately assigned by the Division representative to replace the incapacitated person.

(j) A decision rendered at the conclusion or termination of any match is final and shall not be changed unless it is determined that any of the following occurred:

(1) There was collusion affecting the result of any match;

(2) The compilation of the round or match score cards of the referee and judges shows an error which indicates that the decision was awarded to the wrong contestant;

(3) There was a violation of the rules in this Chapter, relating to drugs or foreign substances; or

(4) There was a violation of G.S. 143, Article 68 or the rules set forth in this Chapter which violation affected the result of the match.

If it is determined that any of the above occurred, the decision rendered shall be changed in an equitable manner as directed by the Division.

(k) As a result of injuries or suspected injuries sustained or suspected to have been sustained in any match, the Division representative shall, based upon the recommendation of the physician, order a medical examination to be given to any contestant or referee at any time if he has cause to believe that the health or safety of the contestant or referee is in jeopardy.

(l) When it appears to a physician, for whatever reason and regardless of how the injury was sustained, that a contestant or referee is no longer able to safely continue to compete or officiate, the physician shall report such findings, in writing, to the Division representative. If the physician has so recommended, the contestant or referee shall not be permitted to participate until such time as he is certified as fit to participate by the physician.

(m) A participant, losing by knockout or having been rendered a decision of technical draw as a result of being counted out in any jurisdiction, shall be automatically suspended for a period of time to be determined by the Division representative based upon the recommendation of the physician, or 60 calendar days from the date of the knockout or technical draw, whichever is longer. A contestant shall not engage in any match, contact exhibition or contact sparring for training purposes during the suspension period. After the suspension period and prior to engaging in any match, contact exhibition or contact sparring for training purposes he shall be examined by a physician. The contestant shall advise the physician of the previous knockout or technical draw and shall provide medical records or his permission for the physician to consult with the physician who treated him at the time of the previous knockout or technical draw. The results of this examination shall be filed with the Division prior to any further matches being approved for the contestant.

(n) A contestant losing by technical knockout shall be automatically suspended for a period of time to be determined by the Division representative based upon the recommendation of the physician, or 30 calendar days from the date of the technical knockout, whichever is longer. A contestant shall not engage in any match, contact exhibition or contact sparring for training purposes during the suspension period without the approval of the physician.

(o) Any contestant who has lost six consecutive matches shall be automatically suspended and not be reinstated unless he has been examined and pronounced fit by a physician. In the case of repeated knockouts and severe beatings, the license of the contestant shall be revoked and shall not be reissued or renewed.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0104(p)(4)-(z) Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0108);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0504 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

SECTION .0600 - KICKBOXING

14B NCAC 10 .0601 wEIGH-INS-kickboxing

Kickboxing shall be classified by weight as shown in the following schedule. A contest shall not be permitted if the difference in weight between the contestants exceeds the difference shown in the following schedule:

Weight Class Weight Allowances

(1) Flyweight - 118 pounds or under not more than 4 pounds

(2) Bantamweight - over 118 pounds to 125 pounds not more than 5 pounds

(3) Featherweight - over 125 pounds to 132 pounds not more than 6 pounds

(4) Lightweight - over 132 pounds to 140 pounds not more than 7 pounds

(5) Light Welterweight - over 140 pounds to 148 pounds not more than 7 pounds

(6) Welterweight - over 148 pounds to 155 pounds not more than 7 pounds

(7) Light Middleweight - over 155 pounds to 164 pounds not more than 8 pounds

(8) Middleweight - over 164 pounds to 170 pounds not more than 9 pounds

(9) Light Heavyweight - over 170 pounds to 180 pounds not more than 10 pounds

(10) Heavyweight - over 180 pounds to 195 pounds not more than 12 pounds

(11) Super Heavyweight over 195 pounds no limit

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0108(a)-(b) Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0113);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0601 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0602 EQUIPMENT - kickboxing

(a) Each kickboxing contestant shall wear the following:

(1) Kickboxing type trunks or karate style long pants, the belt of which does not extend above the waistline;

(2) A protective groin cup, which shall be firmly adjusted before entering the ring;

(3) An individually fitted mouthpiece which shall be in the contestant's mouth at all times during the fight period of each round;

(4) Breast protectors for female contestants; and

(5) An abdominal guard which provides sufficient protection to withstand any low blow.

Female contestants may wear a protective pelvic girdle to cover the pubic area, ovaries, coccyx and sides of the hips.

(b) All contestants shall be clean and present a neat appearance. This also applies to the contestants' ring apparel. If the Division representative determines the hair on the contestant's head or face presents any potential hazard to the safety of the contestant, his opponent or will interfere with the supervision of the match, he shall notify the contestant of such determination at the time of the weigh-in. If, at the time the inspector makes the final inspection of the contestant before the match begins, the contestant has not made the necessary corrections, he shall not be permitted to fight and shall be disqualified.

(c) Any contestant who fails to comply with the requirements in this Rule shall not be allowed to participate in a match and such failure to comply with the requirements in this Rule shall be grounds for suspension of the contestant's license.

(d) All contestants shall wear thumb attached kickboxing gloves, and footpads. Kickboxing gloves weighing a minimum of eight ounces shall be worn by contestants weighing 147 lbs. or less. Kickboxing gloves weighing a minimum of 10 ounces shall be worn by contestants weighing more than 147 lbs. A supply of kickboxing gloves and footpads in good condition, shall be kept on hand by the promoter. All gloves and footpads must pass the inspection of the referee or the Division representative, and the Division may require a new set of gloves or footpads for any event. Laces of gloves shall be knotted on the back of the wrist with tape applied over the laces so as to prevent injury to the opponent.

(e) Wrapping of hands is required, and shall conform to the standards as described in Rule .0502(b) of this Section. Footpads are required and shall be of a soft material of a type and construction normally used for kickboxing.

(f) Shinguards are required and shall be of a soft material of a type and construction normally used for kickboxing. Shinguards shall be held in place at two locations using no more than two windings of one 2 inch surgical tape.

(g) The ring shall meet the requirements in Rule .0502(d) of this Section.

(h) The length of each round of a match shall be two minutes with one minute rest intervals between rounds with a 10 second warning signal.

(i) A match shall be scheduled for four, six, eight, or 10 rounds.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0108(c)-(k) Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0114);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0602 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0603 SCORING - kickboxing

(a) Scoring kickboxing shall be by the "10 point must" system. The winner of any round shall be awarded 10 points by the scoring judge, provided however that penalty points shall be deducted for fouls or for failure to execute the eight required kicks. The loser of any round shall be scored seven to nine points, provided however that penalty points may be deducted for fouls or for failure to execute the number of required kicks. Scoring using half points (0.5) is permitted.

(b) The awarding or deducting of points by the judges and referee, the determination as to the occurrence of knockdowns, knockouts and fouls and the procedure to be used following such occurrence shall be accomplished in the following manner and based on the following criteria, which criteria is listed in the order of importance:

(1) Offensive full-contact professional karate punching, kicking and striking techniques, with the exception of those techniques identified in this Chapter as fouls, are appropriate, and the execution of such techniques in an effective and timely manner shall be scored highly. Professional karate techniques include all techniques in various karate, kung fu, tae kwon do and similar fighting systems, which techniques may be executed according to the individual kickboxer's style or system of fighting.

(2) A clean knockdown shall be highly scored. A successful sweep is not considered a knockdown. The following shall be used to determine when a knockdown has occurred and the procedure to be followed after a knockdown has occurred:

(A) A contestant shall be considered to be knocked down when:

(i) Any part of his body, other than his feet, is on the floor;

(ii) He is hanging helplessly over the ropes;

(iii) He is rising from a down position;

(iv) He purposefully falls down without being hit; or

(v) At the conclusion of a round in a match, he leaves the ring and fails to be in the ring when the bell sounds indicating the beginning of the next round.

(B) When a contestant is knocked down, the referee shall order the opponent to retire to the farthest neutral corner of the ring by pointing to that corner, and shall immediately begin a 10-second count, of which eight seconds shall be mandatory, over the contestant who is down. He shall announce the passing of the seconds, accompanying the count with a downward motion of his arm. The assistant or knockdown timekeeper, by effective signaling, shall provide the referee the correct one second interval for his count. The referee's count is the official count.

(C) If the contestant taking the count is still down when the referee calls the count of 10, the referee shall wave both arms to indicate that the contestant has been knocked out, provided however, that if the contestant is counted out by virtue of his failure to be in the ring when the bell sounds indicating the beginning of the next round, the match shall be terminated and the contestant who was counted out shall be declared the loser by technical knockout.

(D) If a contestant is knocked down and is down at the time the bell rings to end the round, the knockdown timekeeper shall continue to count. If the downed contestant fails to rise before the count of 10, he shall be considered to have been knocked out in the subsequent round. If a contestant is knocked down and is down at the time the bell rings in the final round, the knockdown timekeeper shall continue to count and if the downed contestant fails to rise before the count of 10 the downed contestant shall be considered to have been knocked out in the final round.

(E) If both participants are knocked down at the same time, counting shall continue as long as either remains down.

(F) A contestant who has been knocked down shall take a count of eight whether or not he has regained his feet before the count of eight has been reached.

(G) The referee shall, if in his opinion a contestant has been dazed or hurt but remains standing, administer a standing eight-count. The referee shall order the opponent to retire to the farthest neutral corner of the ring by pointing to that corner, and shall immediately begin the eight second count. He shall announce the passing of the seconds, accompanying the count with a downward motion of his arm. The assistant or knockdown timekeeper, by effective signaling, shall provide the referee the correct one second interval for his count. The referee's count is the official count. A standing eight-count is considered a knockdown.

(H) If a contestant who is down arises before the count of 10 is reached, and then goes down immediately, without being struck, the referee shall resume the count where he previously stopped counting.

(I) When a contestant is knocked out, the referee shall perform a full 10 second count before terminating the match, provided however that if, in the opinion of the referee or physician, the contestant requires immediate medical attention, the referee shall not be required to count to 10. The referee shall waive his arms to indicate that the contestant is knocked out and shall immediately summon the physician.

(J) If a contestant is knocked out of or has fallen out of the ring the referee shall allow the contestant no more than 20 seconds, to re-enter the ring, without assistance of anyone, provided however, that if the contestant was knocked out of the ring as a result of a legal technique and is unable to regain his feet, the referee shall consider this to be a knockdown and shall begin a 10 second count. The opponent shall be ordered to retire to the furthest neutral corner, where he shall remain until signaled by the referee to continue with the match. If a contestant intentionally falls through the ropes, his seconds shall not assist him and, the contestant shall be considered to have been knocked down and the appropriate count and procedures for knockdowns shall be initiated by the referee. If a contestant enters the ring and immediately goes down, the referee shall begin a 10 second count or shall continue a 10 second count started after the contestant was knocked out of the ring. Any contestant who does not immediately re-enter the ring shall be deemed to have been knocked down and the appropriate count and procedures used in the event of a knockdown shall be used. If, in the opinion of the referee, the contestant has been dazed or hurt but remains standing, the referee shall administer a standing eight-count.

(K) When a contestant rises from being knocked down, the referee shall, if he deems it advisable, step between the participants for such period of time to assure himself that the contestant who has just arisen is able to continue. When so assured, he shall, without loss of time, order both participants to proceed with the match.

(L) Should the contestant who is not down and who has been ordered to a neutral corner, fail to stay in the neutral corner, the referee and knockdown timekeeper shall cease the count and shall not resume the count until the contestant has retired to the neutral corner.

(M) Unless otherwise agreed upon by the contestants and managers before the match, a towel thrown into the ring shall be ignored and the match shall commence as though it had not appeared.

(N) If a contestant slips, falls down or is pushed down, the referee shall immediately order him to his feet, clean his gloves of any dirt and debris and order the match to continue.

(O) If a contestant is knocked down three times during any one round, he shall be declared the loser by technical knockout, provided however, that this Part may be waived in advance for a championship match.

(3) Legal kicks are those which are attempts to land hard on a target area of the opponent's body with the intent to do damage. The determination of a legal kick shall be made by the kick count judge using flip cards. The minimum kick requirement shall be eight legal kicks delivered above the belt. For each legal kick less than the minimum number required, a contestant shall be penalized by the deduction of one point, not to exceed three points in any one round. Each knockdown in a round shall result in the reduction by one of the minimum number of kicks required for each participant. At the point of a knockdown, which shall be indicated by the referee performing the mandatory eight-count, both kick count judges shall flip a card to show the awarding of a kick to each participant, thereby reducing the number of required kicks remaining to be executed in order to meet the minimum. The scoring judges shall score the round, after which the point or points penalized for failure to execute the minimum number of kicks shall be deducted from the score.

(4) Sweeping is that technique used to throw the opponent off balance. When used, it must be an obvious attempt to unbalance the opponent's front leg and not be intended to injure the leg. Sweeps shall be executed with the arch part of the foot and delivered to the outside portion of the forward leg only. A sweep delivered to the inside, front or rear of the leg, or a kick directed to the inside region of the thigh, non-footpad to footpad or shin to shin sweeps are fouls and shall be so penalized. The low kick of French savate or coup de pied bas is considered a sweep and is subject to the same restrictions.

(1) A contestant who knocks out his opponent shall be declared the winner of the match.

(2) If both participants are knocked down at the same time and both participants remain down until the count of 10, the match shall be considered a technical draw.

(3) A contestant who is awarded a technical knockout shall be declared the winner of the match.

(4) A contestant who is knocked down three times in any one round shall be considered to have lost the match by a technical knockout. If requested by a sanctioning body, this Subparagraph shall be waived for a championship fight.

(5) When the winner of a match is to be determined by the number of points awarded or deducted or by the number of rounds awarded to each participant, the scores for all rounds shall be compiled for each judge and the following criteria shall be used:

(A) Three wins shall be declared a win;

(B) Two wins and one draw shall be declared a win;

(D) One win and two draws shall be declared a draw;

(E) One win, one draw and one loss shall be declared a draw;

(F) One win and two losses shall be declared a loss;

(G) Three draws shall be declared a draw;

(H) Two draws and one loss shall be declared a draw;

(I) One draw and two losses shall be declared a loss; and

(J) Three losses shall be declared a loss.

(6) If, as the result of a foul, whether unintentional or intentional, except for an unintentional butt, a contestant is unable to continue, the following procedure shall be used to determine the result of the match:

(A) If the foul occurs prior to the scoring of the first round the result shall be a technical draw;

(B) If the foul occurs in any round subsequent to the first round or the foul occurs in the first round but the contestant is not determined to be unable to continue until after the scoring of the first round, the winner shall be the contestant who is leading based upon the score cards of the judges.

(7) If, as the result of an unintentional butt foul, a contestant is unable to continue, the following procedure shall be used to determine the result of the match:

(A) If the foul occurs prior to the scoring of the third round and the fouled contestant is unable to continue, the result shall be a technical draw;

(B) If the foul occurs in any round subsequent to the third round or the foul occurs in the first, second or third rounds round but the contestant is not determined to be unable to continue until after the scoring of the third round, the winner shall be the contestant who is leading based upon the score cards of the judges;

(8) When an injury is produced by a fair strike but because of the severity of the injury the match cannot continue, the injured contestant shall be declared the loser by a technical knockout.

(9) If a contestant refuses to continue a match while physically able to do so, the referee shall disqualify him, and award the match to his opponent. The referee shall provide a written report to the Division. If the Division determines that the contestant refused to continue a match while physically able to do so, the Division shall impose a period of suspension for a period not less than six months and may impose a civil penalty.

(10) In any case where the referee determines that both participants are not honestly competing, that a knockdown is intentional and predetermined by both parties or a foul has been prearranged so as to cause the match to be terminated, he shall not finish the knockdown count or disqualify either contestant for fouling or render a decision, but shall instead terminate the match not later than the end of the round and order the promoter to surrender the purses of both participants to the Division director or his designee pending an investigation of the alleged violation. The announcer or referee shall inform the audience that no decision has been rendered.

(11) If, in the opinion of the physician, the referee or judge has received an injury, or has become ill, the seriousness of which prevents him from continuing to officiate, time out shall be called, and another official shall be immediately assigned by the Division representative to replace the incapacitated person.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0108(l)-(m)(4) Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0115);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0603 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0604 Fouls - kickboxing

(a) A kickboxing foul, whether intentional or unintentional, shall result in a warning or deduction of a point or points, as determined by the referee based on the following:

(1) The referee shall determine the severity of the penalty using as his criteria the intent of the contestant committing the foul and the result and effect of the foul upon the opponent.

(2) When the referee determines that he shall deduct a point or points from a participant, he shall immediately notify the Division representative or scorekeeper (if one is used), who shall ensure that the specified number of points are deducted from each of the judge's score cards at the end of the round.

(3) The referee shall not tolerate continual and repeated commission of fouls by a participant. The referee shall give warning to a contestant who continually and repeatedly commits fouls and when, in the opinion of the referee, the contestant has displayed persistent disregard for the rule governing the commission of fouls, the referee shall disqualify the participant, terminate the match and provide such findings to the Division for appropriate action.

(4) Points for fouls shall only be deducted in the round in which the fouls occurred. A contestant shall not be penalized in a subsequent round for fouls that occurred in a previous round.

(5) The following actions are fouls, the committing of which shall result in a deduction of points:

(A) Striking an opponent who is down or is getting up after being down;

(B) Holding an opponent with one hand and punching with the other;

(D) Butting with the head;

(E) Striking with the knee, elbow or palm-heel;

(F) Clubbing blows with the hand;

(G) Striking to the face with any part of the arm other than the gloved hand;

(H) Deliberately striking or kicking the groin area, women's breasts, women's ovaries, back of the head, neck or throat, or that part of the back near the spine and over the kidneys;

(I) The deliberate use of any scraping or rabbit blow;

(J) Flicking or jabbing the opponent's eyes with the thumb of the glove;

(K) Hitting with the open glove or with the wrist;

(L) The use of abusive language in the ring or corner, or spitting or biting;

(M) Kicking with the knee, or kicking into the knee or to the inside region of the thigh, and sweeps to the inside region of the leg or shin-to-shin sweeps;

(N) Linear or straight-in striking or kicking to the spine;

(O) Intentionally pushing, shoving or wrestling an opponent to the ring floor or out of the ring, or throwing or taking an opponent to the floor with foot sweeps that make contact with any area above the opponent's ankle knuckle;

(P) Attacking or striking on the break;

(Q) Striking after the bell has sounded ending the round;

(R) Intentionally delaying the contest through any action or failure to act;

(S) Leg checking which is the act of extending the leg to check an opponent's leg to prevent him from kicking;

(T) Grabbing or holding an opponent's leg or foot followed by a takedown, strike or kick;

(U) Pushing an opponent around the ring or into the ropes;

(V) Anti-joint techniques which is the act of striking or applying leverage against any joint;

(W) Holding the ropes with one hand while kicking, punching or defending with the other hand or the legs;

(X) Any unsportsmanlike action which causes or is intended to cause injury to an opponent; or

(Y) Intentional spitting out of the mouthpiece or allowing the mouthpiece to fall out of the mouth.

(b) Finality of decisions shall be governed by the following:

(1) A decision rendered at the conclusion or termination of any match is final and shall not be changed unless it is determined that any of the following occurred:

(A) There was collusion affecting the result of any match;

(B) The compilation of the round or match score cards shows an error which indicates that the decision was awarded to the wrong participant;

(D) There was a violation of the rules set forth in this Chapter which violation affected the result of the match.

(2) If it is determined that any of the above occurred, the decision rendered shall be changed in an equitable manner as directed by the Division.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0108(m)(5)-(p) Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0116);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0604 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0605 AMATEURS - KICKBOXING

(a) In addition to compliance with 14A NCAC 12 .0201, .0301, .0402, .0502 and .0601 through .0604 the following requirements shall apply to amateur kickboxing matches.

(1) Any contestant competing as an amateur may not currently or have ever been a professional fighter in any unarmed combat sport. This includes mixed martial arts, boxing, karate, or any other form of a striking sport.

(2) Amateur weigh-ins must be scheduled no earlier than 12 Noon the day of the event.

(3) Contestants must wear footpads and shinguards as meeting requirements of Rule .0602 in this Chapter.

(4) Contestants must wear 10 ounce competition headgear with no jar bar or excessive ear padding. Training headgear is not allowed.

(5) Foot wrappings: For each foot, contestants may use soft surgical bandage not over two inches wide, held in place by surgical adhesive tape, not over one and a half inches wide. Foot wrappings shall not exceed three to four windings of soft surgical bandages around the sole and instep and no more than four around the ankle.

(6) Kicks below the waist are not permitted.

(b) Matches shall be three, two minute rounds with a one minute rest period that includes a 10 second warning signal.

(d) The promoter of record must provide to the Division the name, address, date of birth, and social security number of every amateur contestant scheduled to compete in a program of matches. This information must be submitted no later than seven calendar days prior to the event.

(e) A contestant shall have a minimum of five recorded amateur matches prior to being submitted to compete as a professional kickboxing contestant.

(f) Contestants under 18 years of age may compete only in matches supervised by an Amateur Sport Organization that has been recognized by the Division. To obtain recognition, any Amateur Sports Organization shall establish and provide rules for the implementation of health and safety standards and all requirements related to the conduct of matches that are at least as restrictive as the applicable standards and requirements of the Division. Events open to the public where admission is charged for viewing must be conducted by a promoter licensed in accordance with the provisions of Rule .0402 of this Chapter.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12. 0605 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

SECTION .0700 - TOUGHMAN

14B NCAC 10 .0701 TOUGHMAN MATCH

Contestants and officials in toughman events shall comply with Rules .0201, .0301, and .0402 of this Chapter, except for the following exceptions or additional rules:

(1) Each contest shall be limited to three one-minute rounds.

(2) Each contest shall be scored by the 10 point must system as outlined in Rule .0503 of this Chapter.

(3) There shall be four weight classifications: lightweight (up to but not over 140 pounds); middleweight (over 140 pounds to but not over 160 pounds); light heavyweight (over 160 pounds to but not over 185 pounds); and heavyweight (over 185 pounds).

(4) Boxing gloves weighing a minimum of 16 ounces shall be worn by all contestants.

(5) Headgear and abdominal and groin protectors, provided by the promoter, shall be worn by all contestants.

(6) The seconds shall use clean towels and mouth pieces for each match.

(7) All equipment shall be inspected by the referee or the Division representative to insure that it provides for the safety of the contestants, and does not give either contestant an unfair advantage.

(8) A contestant shall not participate in more than four matches in the same calendar day. The ringside physician shall check and record a contestant's blood pressure prior to each program of matches.

(9) A contestant shall not be allowed to compete in a toughman match if he has:

(A) Been a competitor in professional boxing, kickboxing or mixed martial arts: or

(B) Been a winner of more than five amateur boxing, kickboxing or mixed martial arts or toughman matches or more than five of any combination of amateur boxing, kickboxing or mixed martial arts or toughman matches.

(10) Competing for or winning a prize in a toughman contest shall not, in itself, make the contestant a professional within the scope of the rules in this Chapter.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 09 .0109 Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. May 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0117);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0701 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

SECTION .0800 - MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

14B NCAC 10 .0801 Weigh inS-mIXED MARTIAL ARTS

The mixed martial arts weigh-ins shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of 14B NCAC 10 .0501, except for the following:

(1) Contestants shall be classified by weight and may fight above or below his or her weight class in accordance with this Item. The maximum amount of weight difference between the two contestants shall be decided by the lower weight class. A contestant shall not be permitted to compete if the difference in weight between the contestants exceeds the difference shown in the following schedule:

Weight class	Weights	Allowances
Straw weight	115 pounds or less	3 pounds
Flyweight	116 to125 pounds	3 pounds
Bantamweight	126 to 135 pounds	3 pounds
Featherweight	136 to 145 pounds	5 pounds
Lightweight	146 to 155 pounds	5 pounds
Welterweight	156 to 170 pounds	5 pounds
Middleweight	171 to 185 pounds	7 pounds
Light Heavyweight	186 to 205 pounds	7 pounds
Heavyweight	206 to 265 pounds	7 pounds
Super Heavyweight	over 265 pounds	no limit

(2) If the weight of any contestant fails to meet the weigh parameters as set forth in Item (1) of this Rule at the time of the official weigh-in, he or she shall have two additional hours to meet the weight parameters provided that:

(a) No contestant, weighing 145 pounds or less, may lose more than two pounds in less than 12 hours before a contest.

(b) No contestant, weighing more than 145 pounds or less than 186 pounds, may lose more than three pounds in less than 12 hours before a contest.

(d) Contestants may not gain weight after the official weigh-ins have begun to make weight parameters during the time of weigh-ins.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0801 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Amended Eff. September 1, 2017;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B Ncac 10 .0802 Appearance - Mixed MARTIAL ARTS

(a) Groin and breast protectors for mixed martial arts contestants:

(1) Male fighters must wear a groin protector which will protect them against injury from a foul blow.

(2) A female contestant may wear a protective girdle to cover the pubic area, coccyx and sides of the hip.

(3) Female contestants must wear a breast protector.

(b) At the time of the pre-bout physical, female contestants must submit a negative pregnancy test.

(c) Each contestant shall wear mixed martial arts shorts, biking shorts, or kick boxing shorts that must be approved by the Division representative as being safe and modest. The contestants may not wear the same color in the ring, cage or fenced area, without the approval of the Division representative. The Division shall approve the same color if the shorts can easily be distinguished by the judges with patterns or advertisements. Apparel or equipment which includes metallic or hard plastic or any edge or surface which could cause extraneous injury to the contestants is not allowed.

(d) "GI"s or shirts are permitted for male contestants only if both contestants wear the same attire. Female contestants shall wear a body shirt/blouse or any other attire approved by the Division representative as being safe and modest.

(e) Shoes are not permitted.

(f) Grappling shin guards are not permitted.

(g) Body grease, gels, balms or lotions may not be applied. Vaseline may be applied to the facial area at cage side or ringside in the presence of a inspector, referee, or Division representative. Any contestant applying anything prior to this may be penalized a point or disqualified.

(h) The contestant may not wear any jewelry or any other piercing accessories while competing in a match.

(i) Joint supports, made of neoprene only, may be worn. No metal supports may be worn.

(j) Finger and toe nail plates must be trimmed within 1/16 of an inch beyond the hyponychium.

(k) The Division representative shall determine whether head or facial hair presents any hazard to the safety of the contestant or their opponent or will interfere with the conduct of a match. Hair shall be secured with soft and non-abrasive material when the Division representative determines the hair could obstruct the fighter's vision. Facial hair may not be braided.

(l) The contestant may not wear any equipment that is not allowed in the rules in this Chapter.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1; 143-651(7a);

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0802 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0803 handwraps - MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) In all weight classes except light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight, all bandages and handwraps applied to each hand of a mixed martial arts contestant shall be restricted to soft cloth, not more than 10 yards in length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than four feet of surgical tape.

(b) In the light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight weight classes, all bandages and handwraps applied to the hand of a contestant shall be restricted to soft cloth, not more than 12 yards in length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than eight feet of surgical tape.

(c) The use of six inches of surgical tape, not more than one inch in with, shall be permitted across the back of the hand before bandaging or wrapping the hands, provided however, that the tape shall not be applied across the knuckles.

(d) The bandages shall be evenly distributed across the hand.

(e) Bandages and tapes shall be placed on contestant's hands in the dressing room and must be inspected by the inspector or Division representative.

(f) The manager or chief second of the opponent may elect to be present when hands are being wrapped.

(g) Gloves shall not be placed on the hands of a contestant until checked by the inspector or Division representative.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0803 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0804 GLoves - MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) For professional mixed martial arts contests each contestant must wear gloves that weigh not less than four ounces and not more than eight ounces.

(b) Amateur mixed martial arts contestants must wear gloves that weigh not less than six ounces and not more than eight ounces.

(c) The gloves shall be supplied by the promoter. The promoter shall use only models of gloves that have been approved by the Division representative as being clean, whole, sanitary and in good condition. Gloves shall not be twisted, cut, manipulated, altered, unfit or ill fitting in any manner. Gloves shall be constructed of soft leather material and shall be marked with the original manufacture's tag that indicates the correct weight of the glove.

(d) The gloves for every contest or exhibition that is designed as a championship match must be new, furnished by the promoter, and made to fit the hands of the contestants.

(e) Both contestants shall wear same size gloves.

(f) Gloves must be inspected and passed by the inspector, referee or Division representative prior to starting the bout. If gloves to be used in preliminary contest or exhibition have been used before, they must be whole, clean, and in sanitary condition. If a glove is found to be unfit, it must be replaced with a glove that meets the requirements of this Section.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0804 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0805 Ring Requirements -MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) Mixed martial arts may be held in a ring, cage or a fenced area with overhead lighting bright enough to illuminate the entire ring floor.

(b) The ring specifications for mixed martial arts must meet the following requirements:

(1) The ring may be no smaller than 20 feet square and no larger than 32 feet square within the ropes.

(2) One of the corners must have a blue designation, the corner directly across must have a red destination.

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

(4) The ring platform must be no more than four feet above the floor of the building and must have steps for the use of the contestants.

(5) Ring posts must be made of metal, not more than three inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of 58 inches above the ring floor, and must be padded in a manner to prevent contact of contestant's body to a metal surface. Ring posts must be 18 inches away from the ring ropes.

(6) There must be five ring ropes, not less than one inch in diameter and wrapped in soft material. The lowest rope must be no higher than 12 inches from the ring floor.

(7) There must not be any obstruction or object, including advertisement for sponsors, on any part of the ring floor.

(1) The fenced or cage area must be circular or have as many as eight equal sides;

(2) Two sides opposite of each other must each have a designated color, one side blue the opposite red;

(3) The fenced or cage area must be no smaller than 20 feet wide and no larger than 32 feet across within the ropes;

(4) The floor of the fenced area must be padded with ensolite or another similar closed-cell foam, with at least a one inch layer of foam padding, with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the platform of the fenced or cage area. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges must not be used;

(5) The platform of the fenced or cage area must not be more than four feet above the floor of the building and must have steps for use of the contestants;

(6) Fence posts must be made of metal, not more than six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to between five and seven feet above the floor of the fenced or cage area, and must be padded in a manner to prevent contact of contestant's body to any metal surface;

(7) A chain link fence, coated with vinyl, shall be used to enclose the fenced or cage area and made of a material strong enough that will prevent a contestant from falling out or breaking through the fenced or cage area onto the floor of the building or onto spectators;

(8) Any metal portion on the interior of the fenced or cage area must be covered and padded in a manner to prevent contact of contestant's body to any metal surface and must not be abrasive to the contestants;

(9) The fenced or cage area must have two entrances. The entrances must be padded or covered and padded so that is no exposed metal on the interior of the fenced or caged area;

(10) There must not be any obstruction on any part of the fence surrounding the area in which the contestants are competing;

(11) Any metal parts used to enforce the fenced or caged area wall must be positioned as to not interfere with the safety of the contestants;

(12) A crowd control barrier shall be installed at least eight feet away from the edge of the ring, cage, or fenced area and before the first spectator's seats. This barrier shall be capable of restraining spectators from entry to the ringside area.

(d) In venues that seat more than 12,000 spectators, the Division representative shall require the promoter of a mixed martial arts contest to place at least two video screens that will allow spectators to view action inside the ring, cage or fenced area.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0805 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0806 Duration and rounds - MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

Length and number of rounds shall be as follows:

(1) Non championship matches, exhibitions or mixed martial arts must not exceed three rounds of five minutes each with a one minute rest period that includes a 10 second warning signal.

(2) Championship bouts shall be five rounds of five minutes each with a one minute rest period that includes a 10 second warning signal.

(3) Amateur bouts shall be three rounds of three minutes each with a 60 second rest period that includes a 10 second warning signal.

(4) Amateur championship matches shall consist of five rounds of four minutes each with a 60 second rest period that includes a 10 second warning signal.

(5) A minimum number of 21 rounds must be scheduled for any mixed martial arts program of matches.

(6) "Pro/Am" events must have a combination of three professional bouts and five amateur bouts or five professional bouts and three amateur bouts scheduled. Professional bouts shall follow amateur bouts with no intermixing of the bouts.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0806 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0807 Seconds duties -MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) In a Mixed Martial Art contest there may be three licensed seconds positioned in a designated area by a cage or fenced area or positioned in each corner of a ring. For championship bouts there may be four licensed seconds.

(b) Only the contestants and referee shall enter the ring, fenced area or cage during a match.

(c) The referee may, in his or her discretion, stop a contest if an unauthorized person enters the ring, fenced area or cage during a round.

(d) Only three seconds may enter the ring, cage or fenced area.

(e) There may be no loud yelling or profanity from anyone working the corner.

(f) If a second leaves the designated area, the fighter shall be disqualified.

(g) A fighter getting knocked out of a ring and onto the floor must get back into the ring within 20 seconds. The referee shall disqualify a contestant that receives assistance from anyone to return to the ring, cage or fenced area.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0807 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0808 Scoring - MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) A mixed martial arts contest may end under the following results:

(1) Submission:

(A) Tap out: when a contestant physically uses his or her hand(s) to indicate that he or she no longer wish to continue.

(B) Verbal tap out: when a contestant verbally announces to the referee he or she does not wish to continue.

(2) Knockout "(KO)": failure to rise from the canvas. If the contestant was knocked out of the ring or cage as a result of a legal technique and is unable to regain his feet, the referee shall consider this to be a knockout.

(3) Technical knockout "(TKO)":

(A) Referee stops bout because contestant can no longer defend him or her self;

(B) Ringside physician advises referee to stop bout; or

(b) Bouts shall be scored by three judges. The "Ten-Point Must System" is the standard system of scoring a bout. The winner of the round is awarded 10 points and the loser of the round is awarded nine points or less, except for rare occasion of an even round, which is scored 10 to 10.

(c) Judges shall judge mixed martial art techniques, such as effective striking, effective grappling, and control of opponent, effective aggressiveness and defense as follow:

(1) Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of legal heavy strikes landed.

(2) Effective grappling is judged by considering the amount of successful executions of a legal takedown and reversal. Factors to consider are take downs from the standing position to a mount position, passing the guard to the mount position, and bottom position fighters using an active threatening guard.

(3) Effective control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location and position of the bout. Factors to be considered are: countering a grappler's attempt at a takedown by remaining standing and legally striking; take down an opponent to force a ground fight; creating threatening submission attempts; passing the guard to achieve a mount and creating striking opportunities.

(4) Effective aggressiveness means moving and landing legal strikes.

(5) Effective defense means avoiding being struck, take down or reversals while countering with offensive strikes.

(d) Decision via scorecards:

(1) Unanimous: when all three judges score the bout for the same contestant.

(2) Split decision: when two judges score the bout for one contestant and one judge scores for the opponent.

(3) Majority decision: when two judges score the bout for the same contestant and one judge scores the bout a draw.

(e) Draws:

(1) Unanimous: when all three judges score the bout a draw;

(2) Majority: when two judges score the bout a draw;

(3) Split when all three judges score it differently and the score total results in a draw.

(f) Disqualification: when an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul severe enough to terminate the contestant.

(g) Forfeit: when a contestant fails to begin competition or prematurely ends the contest for reasons other than injury or indicating a tap out.

(h) Technical draw:

(1) When an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue and the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the time of the stoppage.

(2) When an injury sustained during competition an a result of an unintentional foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue and a majority of rounds have been completed with the results of the scorecards being a draw.

(i) Technical decision: when the bout is prematurely stopped due to an injury and a contestant is leading on the scorecards.

(j) No contest: when a contestant is prematurely stopped due to accidental injury and a majority of rounds have not been completed.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0808 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0809 Fouls-MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) Procedures to determine fouls in a mixed martial arts contest:

(1) The referee shall issue a warning after the initial foul. After the initial warning a penalty shall be issued as a result of second foul. The penalty may be a deduction of points or disqualification depending on the severity of the foul. Any points deducted for any foul must be deducted in the round which the foul occurred.

(2) The referee as soon as practical after a foul, shall call time and notify which contestant is being penalized and the total points the contestant is being penalized.

(3) If a bottom contestant commits a foul and in the referee's judgment is not in control, unless the top contestant is injured, the bout shall continue, so as not to jeopardize the top contestant's superior positioning at the time.

(4) Only the referee can assess a foul and any point deductions. Judges may not deduct points for what they interpret is a foul.

(5) The referee shall check the fouled contestant's condition to see if he or she can still participate in the contest.

(6) Disqualification occurs after any combination of three fouls or if the referee determines the foul to be flagrant.

(b) Intentional foul:

(1) If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue a mandatory two point penalty shall be assessed to the contestant committing the foul.

(2) If an injury sustained by a contestant as a result of the intentional foul causes the contestant to be unable to continue at a subsequent point, the injured contestant shall win by a technical decision, if he or she is ahead on the score cards. If the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the time of the stoppage, the bout shall be declared a technical draw.

(1) If a bout is stopped because of an unintentional foul, the referee shall determine whether the contestant who has been fouled can continue or not. If the contestant's chance of winning has not been seriously jeopardized as a result of the foul and if the foul did not involve concussive impact to the head of the contestant who has been fouled, the referee may order the bout continued after a recuperative interval of not more than five minutes. Immediately after stopping the bout or at the end of the round the referee must immediately inform the inspector or Division representative of his determination that the foul was accidental and unintentional.

(2) If the referee determines either from his observation or that of the ringside physician that the bout may not continue because of the injury from the unintentional foul the bout shall be declared a no contest if the foul occurred:

(A) During the first two rounds of a non-championship bout, or

(B) During the first three round of a championship bout.

(3) If the unintentional foul renders the contestant unable to continue the bout, the outcome shall be determined by scoring the completed rounds and the round which the referee last stopped the bout. The second round must be completed in a non championship bout or the third round must be completed in a championship bout.

(4) If an injury from an intentional foul later becomes aggravated by fair blows and the referee orders the bout stopped because of the injury, the outcome must be determined by scoring the completed rounds and the round which the referee stops the contest.

(5) A contestant may not be declared the winner of a bout on the basis of his or her claim that the opponent fouled him or her unintentionally by hitting him or her in the groin. If after a recuperative interval of not more than five minutes, a contestant is unwilling to continue because of the claim of being hit in the groin, the bout shall be declared a no contest if the second round has not been completed in a three round bout or the third round has not been completed in a five round bout.

(d) The following are types of fouls in a mixed martial arts contest:

(1) Butting with the head.

(2) Eye gouging of any kind.

(3) Biting.

(4) Hair pulling.

(5) Fishhooking.

(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/single digit manipulation, finger and toe locks.

(9) Striking to the spine or back of head.

(10) Striking downward using the point of the elbow. (Arcing elbow strikes are permitted).

(11) Throat strikes of any kind, including grabbing the trachea.

(12) One or two handed chokes applied directly to the trachea or windpipe.

(13) Knuckle gouging to the face or any part of the body including into the throat.

(14) Clawing, twisting or pinching the flesh.

(15) Grabbing the clavicle.

(16) Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.

(17) Kicking the front of the opponents knee.

(18) Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.

(19) Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck.

(20) Stomping on a grounded opponent. A contestant is considered grounded when his or her torso or three points of his or her body is touching the canvas.(example: two legs and a hand are touching canvas.) This definition applies to Subparagraphs (d)(16), (d)(18), and (d)(20) of this Rule. A downed opponent may kick up to all legal striking points of the body.

(21) Kicking to the kidney with the heel.

(22) Throwing, lifting, pushing, or otherwise forcing an opponent out of the ring area or fence area.

(23) Holding the shorts or glove of an opponent.

(24) Spitting on an opponent.

(25) Engaging in any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.

(26) Holding the ropes or cage.

(27) Using abusive language or illicit gestures in the cage or ring area.

(28) Attacking an opponent on or during the break.

(29) Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee, medical personnel or other ring officials.

(30) Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded to end the round.

(31) Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee.

(32) Timidity, including avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece, delaying the contest due to improper equipment, or faking an injury.

(33) Interference from anyone working the corner or cornermen leaving their area.

(34) Throwing in the towel during competition.

(35) Any act in the judgment of the referee that is detrimental and places an opponent at a disadvantage.

(36) Rope or cage grabbing to avoid a submission hold, or continually holding the rope to rest or pull self from action, or gain advantage.

(e) Fighters may not grab the ring ropes or cage at any time the two fighters are in contract with each other during the match in an attempt to stall action, trap his opponent, escape a technique, or otherwise gain advantage in the match.

(f) Fighters may momentarily grab the ring ropes or cage to steady themselves or to gain/maintain their balance.

(g) If a fighter grabs or otherwise secures any ring rope with a hand, arm foot or leg during the match to avoid a submission hold, the referee shall stop the match and deduct a point from the fighter who so grabbed the rope.

(h) If a fighter continually holds the ring ropes to rest or pull himself from the action, avoid the bout's action, or otherwise gain advantage in the match, the referee shall deduct one point from the resting fighter the first time and two points each additional time.

(i) Excessive grabbing or other use of the ring ropes in violation of the Rules in this Chapter may result, in the referee's discretion, in a fighter's disqualification and an award of the bout to the fighter's opponent.

(j) The referee shall verbally instruct fighters to release the ring ropes or cage prior to warning, deducting points, or disqualifying a fighter for violating the Rules in this Chapter.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0809 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0810 Amateur-Mixed Martial Arts

(a) In addition to compliance with Rules .0201, .0301, .0402 and .0801 through .0809 of this Chapter, the following requirements apply to amateur mixed martial arts matches:

(2) Amateur weigh-ins must be scheduled no earlier than 10 AM the day of the match;

(3) Grappling shin guards are optional;

(4) Elbow strikes to the head are not allowed;

(5) Striking with the point of the elbow is not allowed;

(6) Knees to the head at anytime are not allowed;

(7) Kicks of any type to the head are not allowed; and

(8) A contestant may only strike to the head with his or her fist.

(b) The promoter of record shall provide to the Division the name, address, date of birth and social security number of every amateur contestants scheduled to compete in a program of matches. This information shall be submitted no later than seven calendar days prior to the event.

(c) A contestant shall have a minimum of five recorded amateur matches prior to being submitted to compete as a professional mixed martial arts contestant. This five match requirement shall be waived by the Division representative if the contestant has previously completely in at least five professional boxing or kickboxing matches or any combination there of.

(d) Contestants under 18 years of age may compete only in matches supervised and regulated by an Amateur Sports Organization that has been recognized by the Division. To obtain recognition, any Amateur Sports Organization shall establish and provide rules for the implementation of health and safety standards and all requirements related to the conduct of matches that are at least as restrictive as the applicable standards and requirements of the Division. Events open to the public where admission is charged for viewing shall be conducted by a promoter licensed in accordance with the provisions of Rule .0402 of this Chapter.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0810 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.

14B NCAC 10 .0811 Suspensions - MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) The following apply to determine the length of suspension for mixed martial arts contestants. The Division representative or ringside physician may increase or decrease the length of suspension if deemed appropriate:

(1) TKO (Technical Knockout) - 30 Days.

(A) Referee stoppage from submission or choke hold prior to verbal commitment or tap out.

(B) Referee stoppage from strikes prior to verbal commitment or tap out.

(2) KO (Knockout) - 60 Days.

(3) Second TKO/KO in 12 months and contestant has a losing record - 120 to 180 Days.

(4) TKO/KO and contestant has lost three or more of the last five fights in the first round - 180 to 365 Days.

(b) A contestant is designated as "High Risk" if one of the following criteria apply:

(1) 40 years of age or older;

(2) Has six consecutive losses or three consecutive losses in the first round by TKO/KO;

(3) Lost more than 25 total fights;

(4) Has a career duration of more than 350 rounds;

(5) Has suffered a severe concussion (Grade 3) or difficulty in a match where the ringside physician recommends more medical test; or

(6) Has been inactive for 30 or more months.

(c) Contestants designated as "High Risk" must provide the results of any or all of the following medical test to the Division representative prior to being approved to compete in a match based on the contestant's past medical history and suspensions:

(1) MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging);

(2) Complete Neurological Examination by a Neurologist;

(3) Overall physical conducted by a physician indicating that the contestant is physically fit to compete in a match;

(4) If the contestant is 40 years of age or older, cardiac examination and chest x-rays.

(d) A contestant may not compete until seven days have elapsed from his or her last match. The seven day period starts the day following the event in which he or she competed. The Division representative may waive this mandatory rest period if the contest ended in two rounds or less and contestant received no injuries.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0811 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.