Virginia Law

Part VIII. Event Licensing and Conduct Standards for Kick Boxing and Any Similar Contests

18VAC120-40-411. Application for a license to conduct a kick boxing event or similar contest.

A. At least 30 days before the date of any kick boxing or similar contest in the Commonwealth, the licensed promoter desiring to conduct the event shall deliver an application for a license to conduct a kick boxing event or similar contest to the department or its contractor. The application shall be on forms provided by the department and shall include:

1. The card of the contest to be exhibited, including the name of each contestant and the number of rounds each is scheduled to compete. The promoter may modify the card at any time up to the day of the event by providing the required documents for the additions to and the notice of the deletions from the card that accompanied the application.

2. Verification of all scheduled contestants' fight records and location of the contestants last five fights.

3. The date, location, and time of the event for which a license is sought. The department will consider the size and configuration of the location and may deny approval of the event license for safety reasons.

4. Evidence that all contestants scheduled to compete are covered by a health insurance policy that covers expenses for injuries incurred during the event and has a minimum coverage of $50,000 and an accidental death insurance benefit coverage in the minimum amount of $50,000.

5. Evidence of a surety bond filed with the department or its contractor conditioned on the payment of gate fees and penalties imposed by Chapter 8.1 (§ 54.1-828 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and on the fulfillment of the contracts made with the contestants. The bond shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the department and in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the total gate fee required by this chapter and § 54.1-833 A of the Code of Virginia if all seats were to be sold and (ii) the total amount due to all contestants for their appearance in the event. The bond shall not exceed $100,000 and shall be executed by a surety authorized to do business in the Commonwealth.

6. Acknowledgment that the promoter will provide a copy of the contract between the promoter and each of the contestants licensed at weigh-in.

7. A copy of each contract by the promoter for the sale of the rights to distribute in any manner such event by any video, telephonic, or other communication method involving the control of electrons or other charge carriers.

8. A statement that the applicant has read and understands this chapter and will conduct the event in full compliance with same.

9. Verification of status as a charity event as defined in this chapter.

B. In no case shall the applicant for an event license announce or advertise, either directly or indirectly, the event to the public until the department has approved the application and issued the event license.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.1. Equipment to be provided by promoters.

The promoter shall assure that each event shall have the following:

1. A fighting ring that will be in the shape of a square, a hexagon, or an octagon. A square ring shall not be less than 18 feet square inside the ropes and shall not exceed 20 feet square inside the ropes. A hexagon or octagon ring shall not be less than 18 feet (from any side to the opposite side) inside the ropes and shall not exceed 32 feet (from any side to the opposite side) inside the ropes.

The ring floor shall be padded with ensolite one inch thick or another similar closed-cell foam. The padded ring floor must extend at least 18 inches beyond the ropes and over the edge of the platform with a top covering of canvas or other similar material tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges shall not be used.

The ring platform shall not be more than five feet above the floor of the building and shall have suitable steps for use of the contestants in their corners and by the ringside physician in a neutral corner.

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

There shall be four ring ropes, no more than one inch in diameter, evenly spaced, with the bottom ring rope not less than 18 inches above the ring floor and the top ring rope not more than 52 inches above the ring floor. The bottom ring rope must be padded with a padding of closed cell padding of not less than 1/2 inch (it is recommended that all ring roped be padded of the same thickness and material). Ropes are to be connected with soft rope ties six feet apart. All ring ropes are to be tight and approved.

All corners must be padded with approved pads. All turnbuckles are to be covered with a protective padding.

A ring stool and bucket shall be provided for each contestant's corner. The ring shall have bright lights and light all four corners and middle of the ring equally. No lights shall shine into the face of the contestants or ringside judges, lights may only shine downward and not shine at any angle directly into the fighting ring area that may blind the contestants or judges.

The promoter shall provide a ringside restrictive barrier between the first row of ringside seats and the event official's area that will prevent the crowd from confronting either the contestants or event officials. The ringside barrier must be a minimum of eight feet from the outside edge of the ring.

2. A bell or gong located at the ring no higher than the floor level of the ring. The bell or gong must produce a clear tone easily heard by the contestants.

3. Locker rooms adequate in number and equipment to reasonably facilitate the contestant's activities before and after the contest. Separate locker rooms shall be provided when both male and female contestants are scheduled to compete. Locker rooms shall have restroom facilities easily available.

4. A fully equipped ambulance with a currently trained ambulance crew at the site of any event for the entire duration of the event.

5. A notice to the nearest hospital and the persons in charge of its emergency room of the date, time, and location of event.

6. Gloves of the proper weight that are set by weight classification by rule. Gloves must have laces to secure proper fit. Gloves must have an attached thumb to the body of the glove. Gloves must be clean, free of cuts, and have good laces, with no displacement or lumping of padding material. Gloves used in world title fights shall be new and taken from the package just prior to issuing to the contestants. Gloves shall be inspected by the event inspector or his designee before each contest and those found defective shall be replaced before the contest.

7. A clear plastic water bottle, a bucket containing ice, surgeon's adhesive tape, and surgical gauze for each contestant.

8. A sealed over-the-counter pregnancy test kit, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, for each female boxer that will be given to the event inspector or his designee.

9. A solution of one part bleach and nine parts water for disinfecting blood on the ring canvas or ropes shall be available ringside for use by staff stationed ringside to clean the ring canvas and ropes as needed.

10. The promoter shall provide each corner with biohazardous material bags and, after the event, shall discard all regulated medical waste in the proper manner in accordance with the Regulated Medical Waste Management Regulations (9VAC20-120) issued by the Virginia Waste Management Board and available from the Department of Environmental Quality.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 15, eff. May 14, 2009; Volume 32, Issue 25, eff. September 7, 2016.

18VAC120-40-411.2. Promoter to provide copy of contract with contestants at weigh-in; penalty for noncompliance; contents of contract.

A. The promoter shall provide a copy of his contract with each contestant scheduled to compete in the event to the event inspector at the time of the weigh-in.

B. Failure to provide a copy of the contract for a contestant at the weigh-in shall result in the contestant's disqualification to compete in the event.

C. Each contract shall contain the name of the promoter, the name of the contestant, the amount of compensation to be paid to the contestant by the promoter, the date, time and location of the event, weigh-in, and prefight physical and shall comply with the minimum provisions contained in the most current model contract developed by the Association of Boxing Commissions and contained in the federal Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 (15 USC § 6301 et seq.).

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.3. Equipment to be provided by seconds.

Each second shall provide the following equipment for use at the event:

1. A solution approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions to stop hemorrhaging;

2. Scissors; and

3. One extra mouthpiece.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.4. Equipment to be provided by each contestant.

Each contestant shall provide the following equipment:

1. Trunks for male contestants (two pair shorts for mixed martial arts, one being tight fitting) or long pants if required and trunks with tight upper body covering for female contestants;

2. Approved groin protector for male contestants and approved pelvic girdle and a padded sports bra for female contestants;

3. A mouth piece properly fitted to each contestant's mouth;

4. Foot pads when required; and

5. Shin pads when required.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.5. Contest approval; request for reconsideration.

A. The department or its contractor shall obtain information on each contestant from a martial arts registry and examine that information, for records, experience, and consecutive losses. Boxers or martial artists with 10 or more consecutive losses must obtain a special exception before being placed on the fight card. The results of the prefight physical, and any other pertinent information available including the boxing or martial arts severity index, will be used to determine, to the extent possible, that both contestants are substantially equal in skills and ability and are medically fit to compete. No contest shall take place without the approval of the event inspector and the ringside physician assigned to the event by the department or its contractor.

B. No contestant shall participate in a contest who has:

1. Been knocked out in the 60 days immediately preceding the date of the contest;

2. Been technically knocked out in the 30 days preceding the date of the contest;

3. Been a contestant in a boxing, kick boxing, or martial arts event of more than six rounds during the 15 days preceding the date of the contest or six or fewer rounds during the seven days preceding the date of the contest;

4. Suffered a cerebral hemorrhage;

5. Suffered a serious head injury or other serious physical injury. The department or its contractor may require an additional, specific medical examination to determine the contestant's suitability;

6. Been found to be blind in one eye or whose vision in one eye is so poor that a physician recommends the contestant not participate in the contest. A boxer or martial artist who is totally unsighted (uncorrected vision worse that 20/400) in one or both eyes shall be prohibited from competing; or

7. Been denied a license or approval to fight by another jurisdiction for medical reasons.

C. No contestant shall participant in an event while under suspension from a commission of another jurisdiction of the United States due to:

1. A recent knockout or series of consecutive losses;

2. An injury, requirement for a medical procedure, or physician denial of eligibility to compete;

3. Failure of a test for drugs or controlled substances; or

4. The use of false aliases or falsifying, or attempting to falsify, official identification cards or documents.

D. Any promoter or contestant may request reconsideration by the director of the event inspector's decision by immediately providing in writing additional information or contradictory evidence concerning the contestant's skill, ability, or medical fitness.

E. A contestant who is suspended by a commission of another jurisdiction of the United States may be allowed to compete if:

1. The contestant was suspended for a knockout, technical knockout, series of consecutive loses, an injury, a requirement of a medical procedure, or physician denial of certification and the time interval for knockouts and technical knockouts in subsection B of this section has been met and further proof of sufficiently improved medical or physical condition has been furnished;

2. The contestant was suspended for the failure of a drug test or the use of false aliases or falsifying, or attempting to falsify, official identification cards or documents and that a suspension was not, or is no longer, merited by the facts; or

3. The contestant was suspended for any reason other than those mentioned in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection and the department or the department's contractor notifies the suspending commission in writing and consults with the designated official of the suspending commission prior to the grant of approval for such contestant to participate in a contest.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 25, eff. September 7, 2016.

18VAC120-40-411.6. Event conduct standards for kick boxing and other similar contests.

A. Bandaging of each contestant's hands shall not exceed one roll of surgeon's adhesive tape, not over 1-1/2 inches wide, placed directly on the hand to protect the part of the hand near the wrist. The tape may cover the hand but not extend within 3/4 inch of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. Soft surgical bandage, not over two inches wide, held in place by not more than six feet of surgeon's adhesive tape for each hand shall be used. Up to one 10-yard roll of bandage may be used to complete the wrappings for each hand. Strips of tape may be used between the fingers to hold down the bandages, not to cover the knuckles. Bandages shall be adjusted in the locker room in the presence of the event inspector or his designee.

B. Any contestant who has signed a contract to compete on a promoter's program shall be subject to be called by the department to appear at any time to be weighed or to be examined by a physician designated by the department when the department has reason to believe the contestant may not be qualified or may not be medically sound to participate in the contest.

C. Each contestant who signs a contract to compete on a promoter's program shall appear at a time and place designated by the department or its contractor to be weighed on department-approved scales in the presence of each other and a representative designated by the department. Contestants shall have all weights removed from their bodies before the weigh-in but may wear shorts in the case of males, and shorts and shirts in the case of females.

D. Each contestant shall be examined immediately before the contest by a ringside physician assigned to the event who certifies in writing on a form provided by the department whether the contestant is physically fit to safely compete. The original health certificate will be submitted to the event inspector or his designee. In addition, each female contestant shall take a pregnancy test in the presence of a female inspector, using the pregnancy kit required by subdivision 8 of 18VAC120-40-411.1 or provide the ringside physician with a negative pregnancy test result taken not more than 24 hours prior to the event. The inspector will give the results to the physician and the results will be noted on the physical form. If the physician's certification fails to certify that the contestant is physically fit to safely compete, the contestant shall not participate in the contests. All contestants shall submit to a postfight physical if requested by the ringside physician or the department or its designee.

E. Discretional use of petroleum jelly is permitted on the face, arms or any other part of the body. In the case of a cut, topical use of a solution approved by the Association of Boxing commissions is permitted. All other solutions are prohibited.

F. Headgear is not permitted.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.7. Weight classes, weigh-ins and prefight meeting.

A. Weight classes are as follows:

B. No contestant may engage in a contest without the approval of the department or its contractor if the difference in weight between the contestants exceeds the allowance in subsection A of this section.

C. If one of the two contestants in a contest is above or below the weights shown in subsection A of this section, both contestants shall wear the gloves of the higher weight.

D. When weigh-ins occur within 24 hours, but not less than 12 hours prior to the event's scheduled start time, the contestant shall not exceed the weight specified in his contract with the promoter. If a contestant exceeds the weight specified in the contract he shall not compete unless he:

1. Loses the weight exceeded in the contract at least 12 hours prior to the event's scheduled start time;

2. Loses all but two pounds of the weight exceeded in the contract at least 12 hours prior to the event's scheduled start time and loses the final two pounds at least six hours prior to the event's scheduled start time; or

3. Renegotiates the contract.

Contestants who weigh-in 24 hours prior to the scheduled event shall be required to re-weigh two hours prior to the event's scheduled start time and will not be permitted to exceed the weight specified in the contract by more than 10 pounds.

E. When weigh-ins occur less than 12 hours prior to an event's scheduled start time, the contestant shall not exceed the weight specified in the contract. No contestant shall be permitted to lose more than two pounds within 12 hours of a contest. If a contestant weighs more than two pounds over the weight specified in the contract, he shall not compete unless he:

1. Loses up to two pounds at least six hours prior to the event's scheduled start time; or

2. Renegotiates his contract.

F. All contestants and their seconds must be present at the official weigh-in. The time, date, and location of the weigh-in will be approved by the department. Contestants will be allowed to witness their opponent's weigh-in. All contestants and their seconds must be present at the prefight meeting. Any second who does not attend the prefight meeting will not be permitted in the corner of their contestant.

G. All contestants will report to the event location and their locker rooms at the specified time on the night of the event. Once the contestant reports to the event facility and to the locker room he will be disqualified if he leaves the locker room before time for the bout or leaves the facility before the end of the bout.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 25, eff. September 7, 2016.

18VAC120-40-411.8. Access to contestant's locker rooms.

On the day of the contest, only the following individuals are allowed in the locker room of a contestant:

1. The contestant's licensed manager;

2. The contestant's licensed trainers, seconds, or cut men;

3. The promoter or the promoter's representatives;

4. Any representative of the department or its contractor in the conduct of his official duties; and

5. Any representative of a law-enforcement agency of competent jurisdiction while discharging his official duties.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.9. Referee's instructions to contestants.

The referee shall, before starting the contest, ascertain from each contestant the name of his chief second, and shall hold the chief second responsible for the conduct of the assistant seconds during the progress of the contest. The referee shall call contestants together before each bout for final instructions, at which time each contestant shall be accompanied by his chief second only.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.10. Number and conduct of seconds.

A. No contestant shall have more than three seconds.

B. All seconds must keep their shoulders below the ring floor level during the bout. Seconds are prohibited from standing up or leaning on the edge of the ring, mat or floor or slapping the ring, mat or floor while the bout is in progress, or touching the ring ropes until the bell sounds to end the round. Seconds must keep coaching volume down while the bout is in progress and are prohibited from negatively interfering with the officials in any physical or verbal way.

C. Only one second may be inside of the ring ropes between rounds.

D. Any excessive or undue spraying or throwing of water on any contestant by a second between rounds is prohibited. Seconds are responsible for wiping up any fluids in their corners between rounds.

E. Seconds shall not enter the ring until the bell signals the end of the round. Seconds shall leave the ring at the sound of the timekeeper's warning that 10 seconds remain before the start of the next round, removing all buckets, stools and other equipment promptly.

F. Seconds shall not use Monsol's solution, alcoholic beverages, stimulants, or other substances not approved by the department or its contractor during any contest.

G. Throwing in the towel is not permitted by any second. If a second enters the ring during the round, the contestant shall be disqualified by the referee. The referee is the only person who can stop the bout.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.11. Length of contest and duration of round.

In events where only kicks above the waist are allowed, the rounds shall be two minutes in length with a one-minute rest period between the rounds. In all other events the rounds shall be three minutes in length with a one-minute rest period between rounds. In mixed martial arts events, the rounds shall be five minutes in length with a one-minute rest period between rounds.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.12. Counting by referee during knockdowns and knockouts, determination of a knockdown.

A. A contestant who is knocked from his feet by a blow (leg sweeps and tripping are not considered blows) from his opponent may receive a count of 10 seconds from the referee. The count shall begin when the contestant is down or helpless on the ropes and after the opponent is in a neutral corner. If the contestant is unable or unwilling to reenter the contest before the count of 10, the referee shall rule a knockout and the contestant's opponent shall win the contest.

B. The referee may, at his discretion, administer an eight count to a contestant who has been stunned, but who remains standing. The referee will direct the contestant's opponent to a neutral corner, then begin the count, examining the stunned contestant during the count. If, after completing the standing eight count, the referee determines the contestant is able to continue, the bout shall resume. If the referee determines the contestant is not able to continue, the referee will stop the contest and declare the contestant's opponent the winner by technical knockout.

C. The referee shall administer a mandatory eight count to a contestant who is knocked down.

D. A contestant who leaves the ring during a round for any reason shall have a count of up to 20 seconds to reenter the ring unassisted and cannot be touched while out of the ring by his second or others. If the contestant does not reenter the ring before the count of 20, the contestant's opponent shall win the contest.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.13. Fouls, duties of the referee, and deduction of points.

A. The following are considered fouls:

1. Head butts.

2. Punches to the back of the head.

3. Striking to the spine area.

4. Slapping (striking with the lace side of the glove).

5. Spitting.

6. Biting.

7. Holding the opponent's head or arm and hitting, unless permitted by this chapter.

8. Knee strikes unless permitted by this chapter.

9. Strikes to the knees.

10. Elbow and forearm strikes unless permitted by this chapter.

11. Palm heel strikes.

12. Joint attacks.

13. Take downs, throwing or grappling unless permitted by this chapter.

14. Clubbing.

15. Strikes to the groin area.

16. Spinning sweeps (boot to boot sweeps are allowed as long as the user does not spin).

17. Karate chopping style strikes.

18. Striking the opponent while he has slipped or fallen to one knee or more.

19. Using abusive language.

20. Attacking on the break.

21. Striking after the bell that had indicated the end of the round.

22. Pushing or shoving unless permitted by this chapter.

23. Grabbing or holding onto an opponents leg, foot, or any other part of the body unless permitted by this chapter.

24. Spinning forearm or elbow. A spinning backhand is allowed. It must strike with the legal striking area of the glove. This portion is limited to the tapeline at the wrist to the end of the glove. It does not include either side of the glove or wrist.

B. Referees are responsible for enforcing the rules of the contest and shall not permit fouls or other unfair practices that may cause an injury to a contestant. Referees shall warn contestants who commit fouls during the contest.

C. If a contestant commits a foul in the ring, the referee shall have the discretion to determine the following:

1. Give the contestant who has fouled a warning.

2. Deduct one to three points from the contestant who committed the foul. The number of points to be deducted shall be determined by the referee based on his determination of the severity of the foul and its adverse effect on the opponent and shall be reported to the judges and both contestants as soon as practical. The points shall be deducted from the score of the round in which the fouls were committed.

3. Disqualify the contestant who committed the foul.

D. Any contestant who commits a foul after being warned by the referee may have points deducted by the referee or may lose the contest by disqualification by the referee.

E. The referee shall stop the contest when he determines that a foul has occurred and determine whether the fouled contestant is able to continue. The referee may order the contest suspended for a reasonable period of time to allow the fouled contestant to recover if the referee determines the contestant's chance of winning has not been seriously jeopardized.

F. The referee shall inform the event inspector or his designee of any accidental foul. The referee shall stop a contest when it is determined that an injury resulting from an accidental foul is so severe as to adversely affect the fouled contestant's chances of winning. Except as provided in subsection H of this section, the contest shall be a draw if the accidental foul occurs during the first four rounds of a bout scheduled for more than four rounds or before the half-way point of a bout scheduled for four rounds or less. The contest shall be determined by a tabulation of the scores of the completed rounds if after the fourth round of a bout scheduled for more than four rounds or after the middle of a bout scheduled for four rounds or less.

G. The referee shall stop a contest when it is determined that an injury resulting from an accidental foul has been aggravated by fair blows. The outcome of the contest shall be determined by scoring the completed rounds.

H. If the contestant who committed the foul knocks out or causes injury to his opponent and the opponent is unable to continue the bout, the referee will stop the bout. The judges' score cards will be totaled and the decision of the bout will be announced. If the foul is committed in the first round and the fouled contestant cannot continue, the contestant who fouled will be automatically disqualified.

I. If a contestant is injured from a foul and the bout continues but is later stopped in any round after the first round because of additional injury to the fouled area, the judges' score cards will be totaled. If the contestant who committed the foul is ahead on the score cards the bout will end in a technical draw. If the contestant who was fouled is ahead, he will be awarded a technical win.

J. If a contestant becomes injured by something other than a foul or legal strike and the injury occurs in the first round, the bout shall be stopped and declared a no contest. If the injury occurs in the second round or beyond the judges will be asked to score the portion of the round. All judges score cards will be collected and tallied. If the injured contestant is ahead on the score cards he will be awarded a technical draw. If the noninjured contestant is ahead on the score cards he will be awarded a technical knockout (TKO).

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.14. Scoring of contest, decisions and announcements of decisions.

A. Each contest shall be scored by the judges assigned by the department or its contractor. At the end of each round, the score and the score cards shall be presented to the event inspector or his designee who shall examine the score cards. At the end of the contest, the winner shall be the contestant who receives the highest score of the majority of the judges except as provided in 18VAC120-40-411.13. The contest is a draw if neither contestant scores so as to obtain a majority.

B. When the event inspector has examined the score cards and checked them for accuracy, he will inform the ring announcer of the decision.

C. The department shall not change a decision rendered at the end of any contest unless:

1. It is determined that there has been wrongful or illegal collusion affecting the results of the contest;

2. An error is found in the compilation of the score cards that shows that the decision favored the wrong contestant; or

3. The department determines through investigation there was a violation of this chapter that adversely impacted on the fairness of the contest or decision.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.15. Promoter to allow access to event and facilities.

A. The department may assign one or more representatives to each event to evaluate the contractor's performance or to assure compliance with Chapter 8.1 (§ 54.1-828 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

B. All event officials and representatives of the department assigned to an event, whether to monitor the contractor's performance or for any other authorized purpose, shall be granted immediate access by the promoter and the promoter's representatives to the licensed event and to any area or portion of the event facilities.

C. The promoter is responsible for security of the locker room area and shall not permit access except as specified in 18VAC120-40-411.8.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.16. Full contact rules.

A. All legal kicks and punches must be above the waist of each contestant.

B. Leg sweeps, boot to boot, to the inside and outside of the opponent's foot (not above the ankle) are permitted.

C. Foot pads are required and are to be supplied by each contestant. Foot pads must be secured to the foot with elastic strap and medical athletic tape and must cover both toes and heel. Laces must not be exposed.

D. Shin pads must be made of a soft material (dipped foam or cotton) and secured to the shin with elastic straps and medical athletic tape.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.17. International (low kick) rules.

A. Along with legal kicks and punches above the waist, contestants may also kick to the legs, but not to the knee.

B. Leg sweeps, boot to boot, to the inside and outside of the contestant's foot (not above the ankle) are permitted.

C. Kicks may be made with the shin or foot.

D. Kicks to the inside and outside of the contestant's legs are permitted.

E. Direct sidekicks to the legs are not permitted.

F. Foot pads are not permitted. Shin pads may be worn but are not mandatory. If used, shin pads must be made of a soft material (dipped foam or cotton) and must be secured to the shin with elastic straps and medical athletic tape.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.18. Muay Thai (Thai boxing) rules.

A. Along with legal kicks and punches above the waist, contestants may use legal kicks to the legs (not the knees) and elbows to legal target areas along with legal throws and take downs.

B. Use of knees and elbows is restricted to legal target areas below the neck. Use of knees and elbows to the head are permitted if prior approval by the department or its contractor is obtained.

C. Kneeing is permitted if one contestant is active within the clinch.

D. Kicks may be made with the shin or foot.

E. Kicks to the inside and outside of the fighter's leg are permitted.

F. Direct sidekicks to the legs are not permitted.

G. Contestants are permitted to catch their opponent's leg and take up to two steps. Contestants may strike anytime during the two steps, but must release the leg when they strike or by the end of the two steps.

H. Foot pads and shin pads are not permitted.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.19. San Shou (Sanda) rules.

A. Along with legal kicks and punches above the waist, contestants may use legal kicks to the legs (not the knees) and elbows to legal target area. Use of knees and elbows is restricted to legal target areas below the neck. Use of knees and elbows to the head is permitted if prior approval by the department or its contractor is obtained.

B. Leg sweeps, boot to boot, to the inside and outside of the contestant's foot (not above the ankle) are permitted.

C. Kicks may be made with the shin or foot.

D. Kicks to the inside and outside of the contestant's leg are permitted.

E. Direct sidekicks to the legs are not permitted.

F. Contestants are permitted to catch their opponent's leg and take up to two steps. Contestants may strike anytime during the two steps, but must release the leg when they strike or by the end of the two steps.

G. Kneeing is permitted if one contestant is active within the clinch.

H. Clinching without kneeing is permitted for five seconds to execute a throw, sweep or takedown.

I. All types of Judo and wrestling throws are permitted, except spiking one's opponent directly on the head.

J. Foot pads and shin pads are not permitted.

K. Bouts contested on a platform without ropes must be approved by the department or its contractor 30 days prior to the event.

L. Contests shall be scored as follows:

1. Two areas will be scored, stand up and takedowns. Both are scored by the use of a clicker counter by each judge.

a. Stand up -- Each judge will award a contestant one point for every effective strike delivered, with the exception of kicks that are caught and effective counter or throw or sweep delivered.

b. Takedown -- After each throw, takedown or sweep, the referee will stop the action and determine if points are to be awarded. The referee will indicate points awarded by pointing to the contestant with one hand and raising his other hand indicating the number of points to be awarded. The referee will also announce the number of points. Each judge will record the number of points, by clicking the appropriate number on their clickers.

2. Referee awarded points.

a. Zero points are awarded if:

(1) A throw is attempted, but the other contestant pulls the thrower down with him and neither can show control;

(2) One contestant uses a falling technique to attack unsuccessfully; or

(3) One contestant uses a flying offensive technique with a deliberately falling technique, the latter one will not score.

b. One point is awarded if the contestant being thrown uses a throw "counter technique" and reverses the beginning thrower in regards to position of control or command. The contestant who ends up in the controlling or commanding position within a count of one after both contestants hit the floor shall receive the one point. If both contestants end up side to side no points shall be awarded.

c. Two points are awarded:

(1) For any knockdown from a strike (punch or kick) if the technique is clean and the standing contestant does not touch the ring floor and the fallen contestant is not given a standing eight count and rises off the mat quickly after the knockdown;

(2) For any basic throw that is not high altitude or of extreme skill or difficulty and the thrower remains standing; or

(3) If the contestant is forced to fall by the opponent's techniques, including the opponent deliberately falling while dodging defensively.

d. Three points are awarded:

(1) For any high altitude or explosive or extremely difficult throw;

(2) For any knockdown from a strike or any technique that requires the referee to give the contestant a standing eight count; or

(3) If the opponent is knocked down by a dropping sweep, which causes the opponent to come off his feet and land on his back (the sweepers hands may touch the floor).

3. Judges scoring. At the end of each round, each judge will write the total number of points for each contestant on the scorecard. At the end of each round, the event inspector or his designee will award the winning contestant one point and the loosing contestant zero points for that round. At the end of the bout, unless the bout was stopped prior to the end of the scheduled rounds by knockout, technical knockout, or disqualification, the contestant with the most rounds won will be declared the winner. If the bout ends in a decision, the winner is the contestant who wins the most rounds.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.20. Mixed martial arts rules.

A. The fighting ring shall be in the shape of a square or an octagon. A square ring shall not be less than 18 feet square within the ropes and shall not exceed 20 feet square inside the ropes. An octagon ring shall not be less than 18 feet (from any side to the opposite side) inside the ropes and shall not exceed 32 feet (from any side to the opposite side) inside the ropes. It shall be canvas and padded in a manner approved by the department or its contractor. The fighting area shall not be more than four feet from the floor and shall have suitable steps or a ramp for use by the contestants. It may be enclosed by a fence made of material that will not permit a contestant to fall out or break through it onto the floor or in spectator area, including, but not limited to, vinyl coated chain link fencing. The fence shall provide two separate entries into the ring. All metal parts shall be covered and padded in a manner approved by the department or its contractor and shall not be abrasive to the contestants. Ring stools shall be of the type approved by the department or its contractor.

B. All contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. The mouthpiece shall be subject to examination and approval by the ringside physician. The round cannot begin without the mouthpiece in place. If the mouthpiece becomes involuntarily dislodged during competition, the referee shall call time and clean and reinsert the mouthpiece at the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action.

C. Male contestants shall wear a groin protector of a type approved by the department or its contractor. Female contestants shall wear a chest protector during competition, of a type approved by the department or its contractor.

D. Gloves shall be new for all main events and in good condition or they must be replaced. All contestants shall wear either four, five, or six ounce gloves that are supplied by the promoter and approved by the department or contractor. Contestants may not supply their own gloves.

E. Each contestant shall wear two pair of shorts with the top pair being either mixed martial art shorts, biking shorts, or kick boxing shorts. The second pair shall be worn underneath. Gi's or shirts and shoes are prohibited during competition.

F. All contestants shall be cleanly shaven immediately prior to competition, except that a contestant may wear a closely cropped mustache. Hair shall be trimmed or tied back in such a manner as not to interfere with the vision of either contestant or cover any part of a contestant's face.

G. Each nonchampionship contest shall consist of three five-minute rounds with a one-minute rest period between rounds. Each championship contest shall consist of five five-minute rounds with a one-minute rest period between rounds.

H. The referee and ringside physician are the sole arbiters of a bout and are the only individuals authorized to enter the ring area at any time during competition or to stop a contest.

I. All bouts will be evaluated and scored by three judges. The 10 point must system will be the standard system of scoring a bout. Judges will evaluate mixed martial arts techniques, such as effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area, and effective aggressiveness and defense. Scores will be weighted in the following order:

1. Effective striking, judged by determining the total number of legal heavy strikes landed by a contestant.

2. Effective grappling, judged by considering the amount of successful executions of a legal takedown or reversals. Factors considered will be take downs from standing position to mount position, passing the guard to mount position, and bottom position contestants using active, threatening guard.

3. Control of the fighting area, judged by determining who is dictating the pace and location and position of the bout. Factors considered will be countering a grappler's attempt at takedown by remaining standing and legally striking, taking down an opponent to force a ground fight, creating threatening submission attempts, passing the guard to achieve mount, and creating striking opportunities.

4. Effective aggressiveness and defense, judged by moving forward and landing a legal strike and avoiding being struck, taken down or reversed while countering with offensive attacks.

J. The following objective scoring criteria shall be utilized by the judges by the judges when scoring a round.

1. A round is to be scored as a 10-10 round when both contestants appear to be fighting evenly and neither contestant shows clear dominance in a round.

2. A round is to be scored as a 10-9 round when a contestant winning by a close margin lands the greater number of effective legal strikes, grappling and other maneuvers.

3. A round is to be scored as a 10-8 round when a contestant overwhelmingly dominates by striking or grappling in a round.

4. A round is to be scored as a 10-7 round when a contestant totally dominates by striking or grappling in a round.

K. Judges shall use a sliding scale and recognize the length of the time the contestants are either standing or on the ground as follows.

1. If the contestant spent a majority of a round on the canvas, the effective grappling is weighed first and effective striking second.

2. If the contestant spent a majority of a round standing, the effective striking is weighed first and effective grappling is second.

3. If a round ends with relatively even amount of standing and canvas fighting, striking and grappling are weighed equally.

L. The referee shall issue a single warning for the following infractions:

1. Holding or grabbing the fence or ropes;

2. Holding an opponent's shorts or gloves; or

3. The presence of more than one second on the fighting area perimeter.

If the prohibited conduct persists after a single warning, the infraction may result in a deduction of points or disqualification.

M. The referee shall deduct points for the following fouls:

1. Butting with the head;

2. Eye gouging of any kind;

3. Biting or spitting at an opponent;

4. Hair pulling;

5. Fish hooking;

6. Groin attacks of any kind;

7. Intentionally placing a finger in any opponent's orifice;

8. Downward pointing of elbows strikes;

9. Small joint manipulation;

10. Strikes to the spine or back of the head;

11. Heel kick to the kidneys;

12. Throat strikes of any kind;

13. Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle;

14. Kicking the head of a grounded contestant;

15. Kneeing the head of a grounded contestant;

16. Stomping of a grounded contestant;

17. Use of abusive language in the ring;

18. Any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to the opponent;

19. Attacking an opponent on or during the break;

20. Attacking an opponent who is under the referee's care at that time;

21. Timidity (avoiding contact, or consistent dropping of the mouthpiece, or faking an injury);

22. Interference from a contestant's second or corner person;

23. Throwing an opponent out of the ring;

24. Flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions; or

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

If a foul is committed, the referee shall call time, check the fouled contestant's condition and safety, assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner's seconds, judges and the event inspector or his designee. Disqualification will occur after any combination of three fouls or after the referee determines that a foul was intentional and flagrant. Fouls will result in a point being deducted by the event inspector or designated scorekeeper from the offending contestant's score. Only the referee can assess a foul. If the referee does not call the foul, judges shall not make that assessment on their own and cannot factor such into their scoring calculations. A fouled contestant has five minutes to recuperate.

If a bottom contestant commits a foul, but the top contestant is not injured and he maintains his position, the match shall continue, so as not to jeopardize the top contestant's superior position at the time. The referee shall verbally notify the bottom contestant of the foul. When the round is over, the referee shall assess the foul and notify both corner's seconds, the judges and the event official or his designee. The referee may terminate a bout based on the severity of a foul.

N. If an injury sustained during competition as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate a bout, the injured contestant loses by technical knockout. If an injury sustained during competition is a result of an intentional foul severe enough to terminate a bout, the contestant causing the injury loses by disqualification. If an injury is sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee shall deduct two points from the offending contestant and shall notify the event inspector or his designee. If an injury sustained during the competition as a result of an intentional foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue at a subsequent point in the contest, the injured contestant shall win by technical decision, if he is ahead on the scorecards. If the injured contestant is even or behind on the scorecards at the time the competition is stopped, the outcome of the bout shall be declared a technical draw.

If a contestant injures himself while attempting to foul the opponent, the referee shall not take any action in his favor, and the injury shall be treated in the same manner as an injury produced by a fair blow.

If an injury sustained during a bout as a result of an accidental foul is severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout shall result in a no contest if stopped before two rounds have been completed in a three round bout or before three rounds have been completed in a five round bout. If an injury sustained during a bout as a result of an accidental foul is severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout shall result in a technical decision awarded to the contestant who is ahead on the score cards at the time the bout is stopped only when the bout is stopped after two rounds of a three round bout or three rounds of a five round bout.

O. There will be no scoring of an incomplete round. However, if the referee penalizes either contestant, then the appropriate points shall be deducted when the event inspector or his representative calculates the final score.

P. Bouts may end in the following ways:

1. Submission by tap out – Contestant physically uses his hand to indicate that he no longer wishes to continue.

2. Verbal tap out – Contestant verbally announces to the referee that he does not wish to continue.

3. Technical knockout – Referee or ringside physician stops the bout when an injury as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate a bout.

4. Knockout – Contestant fails to rise from the canvas before a count of 10.

5. Draws – Unanimous when all three judges score the bout a draw. Majority when two of the judges score the contest a draw. Split when all the judges score the bout differently and the score total results in a draw.

6. Disqualification – An injury sustained during the competition as result of an intentional foul is severe enough to terminate the contest.

7. Forfeit – A contestant fails to begin competition or prematurely ends the contest for reasons other than injury.

8. Technical draw – An injury sustained during the 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.

9. Technical decision – The bout is prematurely stopped due to injury and a contestant is leading on the score cards.

10. No contest – When a contest is prematurely stopped due to accidental injury and a sufficient number of rounds have not been completed to render a decision by the score cards.

Q. Weight classes are as follows:

No contestant may engage in a contest without the approval of the department or the department's representative if the difference in weight between the contestants exceeds the allowance shown on the above schedule.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.

18VAC120-40-411.21. Rules for other contests.

Rules for aikido, karate, judo, tae kwon do or similar contests shall be the mixed martial arts rules set forth in 18VAC120-40-411.20 or other rules submitted with the event application, approved by the department, and agreed to by all licensees participating in the event.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007.