Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 165-X-4 — Toughman

165 Alabama Athletic Commission

Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-4-.01 Definitions

(1) “Body Jewelry” – Means any tangible object affixed to, through, or around any portion of the contestant’s body.

(2) “Official” - Unless otherwise indicated is an exclusive term collectively meaning “Inspectors” “judges,” “referees,” and “timekeepers.”

History

• Author: Matt Bledsoe; Brandon Owens
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §41-9-1020.
• New Rule: Filed March 29, 2010; effective May 3, 2010. Repealed and New Rule: Filed December 27, 2013; effective January 31, 2014. Amended: Filed June 20, 2018; effective August 4, 2018.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-4-.02 Licenses

(1) Contestants.

(a) All contestants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

(b) No contestant may participate in more than one (1) Bout on the first day of a two (2) day event.

(c) No contestant may participate in more than twelve (12) minutes of a two (2) day event nor the day of a one (1) day event.

(d) No contestant shall have been licensed as a professional boxer or professional mixed martial artist in Alabama or any other jurisdiction.

(e) Contestants shall be registered with the Commission as a toughman Contestant.

(f) Contestants shall apply for licensure with the Commission. All applications shall be accompanied by the applicant’s photo identification and licensure fee of thirty dollars ($30), payable by cash, certified check, cashier’s check, personal check, or money order.

(g) Contestant licenses shall expire on December 31 of the year issued.

(h) Temporary licenses, in the form of a receipt, shall be issued to contestant applicants when applications are made in the presence of the Commission. Temporary licenses shall expire within ninety days (90) of its issuance.

(2) Promoters. All promoters must submit applications to the Commission and these applications must be approved by the commission.

(a) Promoters of tough man contests must be licensed by the Commission.

1. Promoters applications shall be accompanied by the applicant’s photo identification and licensure fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), payable by cash, certified check, cashier’s check, personal check, or money order.

2. Promoters licenses shall expire on December 31 of the year issued.

(b) Promoters must:

1. Provide a ring meeting the requirements of the Commission.

2. Provide gloves, headgear, and groin protectors for the contest.

3. Provide insurance described in this chapter.

4. Provide for medical personnel described in this chapter.

5. Register contestants within 48 hours of the start of the contest to the commission.

(3) Schedule of Fees. Annual fees for participant licenses, promoter’s licenses, and match permits are as follow:

(i) Promoters $250.00

(ii) Returned Check $30.00

History

• Author: Matt Bledsoe, Brandon Owens, Joseph B. McCormick
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §41-9-1020.
• New Rule: Filed July 19, 2010; effective August 20, 2010. Repealed and New Rule: Filed December 27, 2013; effective January 31, 2014. Amended: Filed June 20, 2018; effective August 4, 2018. Amended: Published May 29, 2020; effective July 13, 2020.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-4-.03 Bonds

(1) Promoter’s License Surety Bond.

(a) Before any promoter’s license is issued authorizing the promotion of toughman matches in Alabama, the applicant shall make and deliver to the commission a security bond executed by a surety corporation authorized to transact business in this state.

(b) Any and all bond applications shall be on a form provided by the Commission, and shall be accompanied by an enforceable power of attorney. The Commission may also require certificate of “good standing” issued by the Commissioner of Insurance.

(c) If any company issuing a bond shall be removed from doing business in this state, it shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Insurance to notify the Alabama Athletic Commission within 30 days.

(d) The bond shall be in such amount as the commission may determine based upon the payment of officials’ fees, fees necessary to secure the proper medical supervision of any toughman show in Alabama, and/or the estimated potential damages, penalties, taxes or expenses resulting from promotional activities contemplated in Alabama.

(e) Whenever the commission shall determine that a previously approved bond has for any cause become insufficient, the commission may require an additional bond or bonds to be given, conforming with the requirements of these rules.

1. Unless the additional promoter’s license bond or bonds are given within the time fixed by written demand therefore, or if the promoter’s license bond of a licensee is canceled, the license of such person shall be summarily suspended without notice or hearing.

(2) Match Permit Bond.

(a) Before any match permit is issued authorizing the sale of tickets and the ancillary contracting necessary to promote a toughman contest in Alabama, the applicant shall make and deliver to the commission a security bond executed by a surety corporation authorized to transact business in this state. The purpose of the bond is to ensure that each Contestant competing in Alabama is paid their entire purse, and that full payment of other contractual liabilities is made.

(b) Any and all bond applications shall be on a form provided by the commission, and shall be accompanied by an enforceable power of attorney. The commission may also require a certificate of ‘good standing’ issued by the Commissioner of Insurance.

(c) If any company issuing a bond shall be removed from doing business in this state, it shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Insurance to notify the Alabama Athletic Commission within 30 days.

(d) The bond shall be in such amount as the commission may determine based upon the estimated contractual liabilities against the licensed promoter for damages and expenses resulting from non-payment of contract liabilities, including but not limited to the total amount of each competing Contestant’s purse or other services contracted for or from promotional activities conducted within Alabama.

(e) Whenever the commission shall determine that a previously approved bond has for any cause become insufficient, the commission may require additional bond or bonds to be given, conforming with the requirements of these rules.

1. Unless the additional match permit bond or bonds are given within the time fixed by written demand therefor, or if the match permit bond of a licensee is canceled, the match permit of such person shall be summarily suspended and without notice or hearing.

(3) Match Permit Application.

1. Applications for a match permit must be made in writing and received by the Commission at least thirty (30) days in advance of the date for such toughman match, contest, or exhibition. Any licensed promoter who has held a toughman match, contest, or exhibition in the state within the previous twelve months may apply for subsequent match permits no less than 15 days in advance of the proposed date of each subsequent professional mixed martial arts match, contest, or exhibition.

2. Each match permit application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable cashier’s check or money order in the amount of $250.00 and made out to the Commission.

3. A match permit fee will be calculated by the Commission. Match permit fee shall be calculated at five percent (5%) of gross receipts from ticket sales to the toughman match, contest, or exhibition. For television and broadcasts, match permit fee shall be calculated at three percent (3%) of gross receipts from television and broadcast revenue for the first one million dollars ($1,000,000) of revenue and one percent (1%) of the next two million ($2,000,000). Broadcast fees will cap at fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).

(i) Ticket sales include the face value all tickets, orders, and lots sold for the event, and the fair value or face value of any promotional tickets, orders, and lots sold or provided at no cost.

(ii) The promoter must complete and submit to the Commission a Match Permit Fee Form provided by the Commission at the conclusion of the match, contest, or exhibition. The Commission will calculate the Permit Fee and notify the promoter.

(iii) Two percent (2%) of tickets may be complimentary and exempt from the match permit fee.

4. Each application for a match permit shall be accompanied with an appropriate security bond as provided for in these rules.

5. Each match permit application should be accompanied with copies of all contracts with all participants and officials, and any other contracts which the promoter has entered into for the match, contest, or exhibition.

6. Applicants for a match permit will be notified of the date, time, and place of documents submitted by the applicant will be reviewed by the Commission.

(i) Applicants or their designated and licensed representative(s) may attend the meeting and answer any questions the Commission has concerning the proposed event.

(ii) The Commission shall notify the applicant that his or her application has been approved or denied within seven (7) days of the Commission’s decision.

(4) Complaints and Actions to Recover Damages.

(a) Any person claiming that he or she has been damaged by a breach of the conditions of a bond given by a licensee as provided in these rules shall notify the Commission.

(b) The Commission may take disciplinary action against the licensee.

(c) Reports of unsanctioned events shall be logged on a complaint database and given a claim number. The Executive Director or other Commission appointed representative(s) may work with the Attorney General’s Office and federal, state, and/or local law enforcement agencies to terminate illegal event.

(d) Complaint against a bout result.

1. A petition to change a decision or the ruling of the chief official shall be in writing and filed by a contestant or the contestant’s manager within five (5) business days from the date the decision was rendered.

2. The Commission may hold a hearing to change the decision or the ruling of the chief official at any time within fourteen (14) days from the date the decision was written. A majority of the Commissioners shall be required prior to holding a hearing.

3. If the Commission determines that any of the above occurred with regards to any contest then the decision rendered shall be changed as the Commission may direct, and shall notify the national registry of the change.

(e) Complaints against a licensee. Finality of the Decision. A decision rendered at the end of any event is final and shall not be changed unless the Commission determines that any of the following occurred:

1. There was collusion or fraud affecting the result of any contest, or,

2. The compilation of the score cards of the referee and judges reveals a clerical or mathematical error which caused the decision to be given to the wrong mixed martial artist.

3. There was a violation of the laws or rules and regulations governing toughman events in this state which affected the results of any contest.

4. The chief official may in his or her discretion change a referee’s decision if, in his or her judgment, a palpable and self-evident error has been committed.

5. Video Instant-Replay. When available, video instant-replay may be used to ensure the accuracy of a fight ending sequence and at no other point in the bout. Once video instant-replay is employed, the bout, match, or exhibition is over. When used, the Chief Inspector shall review whether the cause of the bout’s end was by means of legal or illegal striking. Bouts ending due to illegal (intentional or unintentional foul) shall be resolved in the manner listed in chapter 165-X-4-.08 for each distinct type of foul. The secondary referee, outside the ring, may consult with the Chief Inspector on the correct outcome of the bout, but the decision rests solely with the Chief Inspector.

History

• Author: Matt Bledsoe, Brandon Owens, Joseph B. McCormick
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §41-9-1020.
• New Rule: Filed December 27, 2013; effective January 31, 2014. Amended: Filed June 20, 2018; effective August 4, 2018.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-4-.04 Medical Requirements

(1) Age. No fighter will be allowed over 37 years of age or under 18 years of age.

(2) Rounds. No fighter will be allowed to participate who has fought 200 or more rounds in toughman contests, elimination boxing or a combination of the two.

(3) Medical Examinations.

(a) Pre-Fight Examination. At the time of weigh-in, or at such other time as is then announced, all contestants must pass a pre-fight medical examination and a commission designated physician must complete a Pre-Fight Medical Examination Form. The examining physician shall deliver all Pre-Fight Examination Forms to the Athletic Commission or to its authorized representative no more than five (5) days after the weigh-in.

(b) Pregnancy Testing.

1. Each female contestant, during the pre-fight physical, will be required to submit to a pregnancy test administered under the direction of the examining physician, or such physician’s authorized assistant. The cost of such test shall be the responsibility of the promoter. No contestant shall be allowed whose pregnancy test indicates they are pregnant.

2. Female contestants submitting written documentation acceptable to the examining physician may be waived from the pre-fight physical pregnancy test requirement. Such documentation shall be limited to:

(i) A copy of a lab report from a recognized clinical laboratory and dated within ten (10) days of the pre-fight physical attesting that the contestant is not pregnant, or

(ii) A statement from a state licensed physician, on such physician’s letterhead stationery, stating that the contestant has undergone certain medical procedures rendering her medically improbable of bearing children.

(c) Failed Pre-Fight Physical.

1. Whenever a contestant examination indicates that he or she is unfit for competition, because of any weakness or disability discovered by the physician, an immediate report of such evidence must be made to the Commission. In such case, the contestant shall be prohibited from participating in the event.

2. The examining physician shall deliver all pre-fight examination reports to the Commission or to its authorized representative immediately after the weigh-in.

3. Any contestant who fails his or her pre-fight physical for medical reasons or for lack of general conditioning shall be placed on immediate medical suspension and reported to the Commission.

(d) Hydration Testing.

1. At the official weigh-in, all contestants’ hydration shall be tested by the appointed event physician.

(e) Minimum Uncorrected Visual Acuity.

1. A contestant must have a minimum uncorrected visual acuity of 20/200 in both eyes. Any person who applies for a license or renewal of license to compete as a professional contestant in Alabama may, upon the request of the Commission, be required to present evidence of his/her visual acuity.

(f) Additional Medical Examinations.

1. Upon recommendation of the examining physician or the medical advisory panel, the Commission may require a contestant to undergo additional medical examinations performed by a state licensed physician to determine the contestant’s medical fitness to compete.

(g) Drugs Prohibited.

1. The administration or use of any drugs, alcohol, stimulants, or injections in any part of the contestant’s body, either prior to or during a match, is prohibited unless such drugs are administered by a physician and with the approval of the commission.

(h) The Commission may order a contestant to undergo a drug screening at any time. A Drug Screen Form must be completed by an approved laboratory and submitted to the Commission within seven (7) days of the order.

(i) Post Contest Inactive Period.

1. No contestant shall be permitted to engage in another contest or exhibition in this state for a period of seven (7) days after competing in a contest or exhibition.

(j) Head Injury.

1. Any contestant who suffers a knockout, concussion, or other serious head injury should be examined by the Ringside Physician. The Physician shall immediately report to the Commission or its representative, the condition of such contestant and whether or not additional medical attention is advised.

(k) Consecutive Losses.

1. Six or More Consecutive Losses. A contestant who has lost six (6) or more consecutive fights shall have their ability to register summarily suspended. Suspension will be listed as “Indefinite Pending Hearing.”

2. Three or More Consecutive Losses by TKO, KO, or DQ. A contestant who has lost three (3) consecutive fights by knock-out, technical knock-out, or disqualification shall have their registration summarily suspended pending a hearing by the Commission. Suspension will be listed as “Indefinite Pending Hearing.”

3. History of Poor Performance. Any contestant whose history of poor performance is evidenced by consecutive losses, listed above, shall not be approved to compete again.

(l) Verification of Contestant Experience.

1. Contestant shall sign an affidavit attesting to the following as true:

(i) Contestant is not a professional boxer or mixed martial artist.

(ii) Contestant has not lost his or her last six (6) consecutive fights.

(iii) Contestant has not lost three (3) consecutive fights by TKO, KO, or DQ.

(m) General Responsibilities and Provisions.

1. During the performance of any promotion, it shall be the promoter’s responsibility to ensure the compliance with all laws and rules governing toughman and elimination tough man in Alabama. Such responsibilities shall include, but will not be limited to the following:

(i) Medical Insurance.

(I) The promoter shall provide for the contestants’ insurance covering ambulance services, medical, surgical, and hospital care with a minimum limit of $20,000 for injuries sustained while participating in said program and for a $20,000 death benefit awarded to the estate of any contestant should death occur from injuries received while participating in the contest or exhibition.

(ii) Physician.

(I) A ringside physician shall be present at all events. A Commission designated ringside physician must be at ringside each bout. A Commission designated ringside physician shall be either a M.D. or D.O.

1. Physicians not having completed the Ringside Physician Certification shall be licensed as “Non-Ringside Physicians,” but may serve at ring or cage side so long as a minimum of one certified Ringside Physician is present.

(II) All “Ringside” physicians serving ring or cage side shall obtain ARP/ACSM Certified Ringside Physician (CRP) certification. All physicians having completed the CRP shall be licensed as a “Ringside Physician.”

(iii) Ambulance Service.

(I) The promoter shall provide continuous ambulance service with a state-certified EMT attendant and a state-certified paramedic, who shall provide a resuscitator, stretcher, backboard, oxygen, and such other medical equipment reasonably expected for immediate trauma care, and who shall be present before the start of each contest and shall remain on site until the end of the program.

(II) For the purposes of this section, a program of toughman begins with the commencement of the first contest or exhibition and ends when the last contestant leaves the site of the program.

(III) The chief referee and/or Commission appointed supervisor shall meet with the EMT and paramedic prior to the beginning of the match, contest, or exhibition. During such meeting the chief referee or Commission supervisor will instruct the EMT and paramedic concerning the match, contest, or exhibition, placement of the stretcher and any other information necessary to ensure prompt and appropriate immediate care.

(IV) An ambulance shall be able and available to immediately transport any severely injured contestant to an appropriate medical facility. No other scheduled contest or exhibition may proceed until there is an ambulance and paramedic at the facility, that has met with the chief referee and/or the Commission appointed supervisor as described in subparagraph (III), above.

History

• Author: Matt Bledsoe; Brandon Owens, Joseph B. McCormick
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §41-9-1020.
• New Rule: Filed December 27, 2013; effective January 31, 2014. Amended: Filed June 20, 2018; effective August 4, 2018.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-4-.05 Conduct Of Promotion

(1) General Safety. It shall be the promoter’s responsibility to ensure safety for the Contestants, officials, media and fans and to comply with all safety standards required by the commission.

(a) Arena Security. Arena security is the responsibility of the promoter and such security measures provided by the promoter shall be sufficient to maintain order. At a minimum, two (2) sworn off duty law enforcement officers shall be retained for security.

(b) Obtain Ring. The promoter will provide a ring for the show and that the ring or cage must pass the certification requirements established the commission.

(c) Extra Gloves. Each promoter must have an extra set of gloves of the appropriate weight available to be used in case a glove is broken or otherwise damaged during the course of the contest or exhibition of toughman.

(2) Ringside Physician.

(a) Providing a physician. It shall be the responsibility of the commission representative to assign one or more physicians at ringside during each tough man or mixed martial arts contest.

1. The physicians assigned must be on the roster of physicians authorized to conduct pre-fight physicals and serve as ringside physicians created by the Alabama Athletic Commission.

2. At least one ringside physician must have in his or her possession any medical supplies and equipment reasonably anticipated to provide first-aid medical assistance for the type of injuries reasonably anticipated to occur in professional tough man or professional mixed martial arts matches.

3. The promoter shall compensate assigned ringside physicians in an amount to be mutually agreed upon by the promoter.

(3) Arena.

(a) Drinks. No tough man match will be allowed to commence or continue, without specific authorization from the commission, in any arena where concessionaires dispense or serve beverages in containers other than plastic, paper cups or aluminum cans.

(b) Arena safety. No tough man match will be allowed to commence or continue in any arena which appears to the commission appointed supervisor to be unsafe or where the commission appointed supervisor has reason to believe that such building or location does not conform to any applicable laws, ordinances and regulations in the city or unincorporated county area.

(4) Media Guidelines.

(a) Promoter Responsibilities For Media Personnel. It shall be the responsibility of the promoter to provide access to any sanctioned event to media professionals for print, television, radio and online media. The promoter has a duty to provide unencumbered access to media professionals while ensuring their personal safety at the event.

1. Promoters of tough man events shall provide media personnel with easily identifiable credentials that are clearly visible to state inspectors.

2. Promoters of tough man events shall provide a four-foot (4’) wide open buffer zone between credentialed media and the ring apron.

3. Promoters shall ensure the safety of credentialed media professionals by requiring them to remain outside the four-foot (4’) buffer zone at all times.

(i) Promoters shall provide security in the general area of credentialed media to insure they are allowed to perform their job functions with a clear view of the action and without hindrance from ticket holders, fight staff or others.

(5) Show.

(a) Marketing Prohibited Without Prior Commission Approval. Commission approval or authorization must be obtained prior to selling tickets, making announcements, or distributing advertisements concerning any show, show date, contestants, or toughman matches. Violations shall be referred to the investigations hearing of the commission for disciplinary action.

(b) Rounds scheduled.

(1) No tough man match shall have any rounds lasting longer than one (1) minute with a one (1) minute resting period.

(2) No tough man match shall be permitted for more than three (3) rounds duration.

History

• Author: Matt Bledsoe; Brandon Owens
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §41-9-1020.
• New Rule: Filed December 27, 2013; effective January 31, 2014.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-4-.06 Ring, Cage, And Equipment

(1) General Provisions.

(a) Any dimension in this rule, where the unit of measurement is “inches,” shall be considered only as a general and approximate guideline. Where such dimension guidelines are exceeded, the Commission appointed supervisor shall have the authority to allow or disallow any such variance from the established guideline.

(2) The Ring or Cage.

(a) Ring Size. The ring must be a square and not less than sixteen feet (16’) or more than twenty feet (20’) on a side within the ropes. The ring platform (floor) must extend beyond the ropes at least eighteen inches (18”) on all sides (apron).

(b) Safety Padding. The ring floor shall be padded with one-inch (1”) thick slow recovery foam matting, or other soft material approved by the commission or its authorized representative, and shall extend over the edge of the ring platform with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Padding material that tends to gather in lumps may not be used.

(c) Ring Mat. The mat and covering shall be kept clean and free from disagreeable odors at all times. The corners must be covered by a pad long enough to cover all the rope joints.

(d) Platform Height. The ring platform shall not be more than fifty-four inches (54”) from the floor of the building and shall be provided with suitable steps for use by the contestants.

(e) Ringside Tables. Each promoter shall be responsible for employing a safety plan to protect contestants who might fall outside of elevated rings. Except where deemed impractical, the floor of those sides not so protected shall be covered with protective matting.

(f) Ring Posts. Ring posts shall be made of some strong material, preferably metal pipe, three inches (3”) in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a height of at least fifty-eight inches (58”) above the ring floor.

(g) Ring Certification. Rings uses in tough man matches in Alabama must be certified by the chief referee and/or the commission representative in attendance at the show.

1. Any ring judged unsafe by the chief referee and/or the commission representative or not otherwise meeting basic standards as defined in commission rules, or which is deemed by the chief referee or commission representative to be improperly stabilized will not be certified.

2. Failure to obtain certification will result in immediate and summary suspension of the match permit.

(h) Cages. Cages shall be allowed as long as they meet the minimum requirements of cages used for mixed martial arts and are deemed acceptable to the Chief Inspector of the event.

(3) Ring Ropes.

(a) Rope Dimensions. Ring ropes shall be four (4) in number, at least one inch (1”) in diameter, the lower rope eighteen inches (18”) above the ring floor and the top rope fifty-two inches (52”) from the ring floor. The two remaining ropes will be evenly spread between the top and bottom ropes. All four ropes shall be wrapped in soft material.

(b) Rope Lanyards. Each ring rope on each side of the ring shall be connected with two (2) rope lanyards.

(c) Ring Lighting. The ring shall be amply illuminated by the overhead lights, which shall be so arranged that shadow shall be eliminated and discomfort from heat and glare minimized for persons in and near the rings.

(4) Bell.

(a) The bell shall be approved by the Commission and it shall be of sufficient size to enable its sound to be heard by both contestants and the referee.

(5) Ring/Cage Equipment.

(a) The promoter shall provide a sufficient number of water buckets for the use of all contestants. Each bucket shall be sterilized before being used. Additionally, the promoter shall provide, resin, stools, and such other articles as are required for the conduct of each bout.

(6) Contestants in elimination toughman contests must wear:

(a) Sixteen (16) ounce gloves. Larger gloves may be approved by the Commission;

(b) Headgear approved by USA Boxing;

(c) Groin protectors approved by the Commission.

History

• Author: Matt Bledsoe, Brandon Owens, Joseph B. McCormick
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §41-9-1020.
• New Rule: Filed December 27, 2013; effective January 31, 2014. Amended: Filed June 20, 2018; effective August 4, 2018.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-4-.07 Officials

(1) General Provisions.

(a) The Commission shall appoint to each contest a chief inspector, a referee, three judges, two corner inspectors, and two timekeepers.

(b) The referee or three judges shall determine the outcome of all contests, matches, or exhibitions. A majority vote of the judges will determine the outcome of a contest that does not result in a knockout, TKO, or disqualification.

(c) No manager, promoter, matchmaker, trainer, second, or contestant shall be allowed to officiate at any contest.

(d) Officials must be physically fit and mentally sharp.

(e) All tough man events must have, at minimum, two referees.

(2) Officials’ Fees.

(a) All fees and travel expenses shall be paid by the promoter conducting the match, contest, or exhibition and shall be on the following schedule:

1. Payment shall be made to the commission appointed inspector no later than at the weigh-in, and shall be by cashier’s check or money order

2. When assigned by the Commission or the Commission Executive Director, the fee for a chief official who will perform the duties of the commission representative shall be $350.00

3. When the gross aggregate purse of the match, contest, or exhibition does not exceed $50,000, the fee for each referee shall be $250.00 and the fee for each judge shall be $150.00.

4. When the gross aggregate purse of the contest, is between $50,000 and $100,000, the fee for each chief official shall be $400.00

5. When the gross aggregate purse of the contest is between $50,000 and $100,000, the fee for each referee shall be $350.00 and the fee for each judge shall be $200.00.

6. When the gross aggregate purse of the contest is between $100,000 and $300,000, the fee for each chief official shall be $500.00

7. When the gross aggregate purse of the contest is between $100,000 and $300,000, the fee for each referee shall be $450.00 and the fee for each judge shall be $250.00.

8. When the gross aggregate purse of the contest exceeds $300,000, the fee for the chief official, referees and judges shall not exceed $5,000 for each official.

9. Except as provided in the 7(c) below, [sanctioned championship bouts], payment for the timekeeper and countdown person shall be the same as payment for each assigned judge.

10. Travel expenses for officials required to travel a distance of fifty (50) miles or greater to the site of a match, contest, or exhibition shall be set by the commission appointed supervisor, provided that such amount shall not exceed the usual and customary amount allowed by state guidelines for state employees. Hotel rooms may be required, but only when the distance traveled exceeds 100 miles.

(a) In the event one or more of the referees assigned to a tough man match, contest, or exhibition become incapacitated, or in an emergency situation where he or she become unavailable, the remaining referee[s] shall referee the remaining contests of the program and, at the discretion of the commission assigned supervisor, may be compensated in a greater amount not to exceed the total amount originally intended for the unavailable referee[s]. In such a situation, the compensation to be paid to the incapacitated or unavailable referee shall be reduced accordingly.

(b) The compensation schedule set forth in (a) above shall not apply in a sanctioned championship bout. The commission shall set compensation to be paid to the tough man referees and judges officiating at sanctioned championship bouts. In making this determination, the commission may consider any standards or recommendations made by a recognized boxing association or organization. Nevertheless, the Commission shall retain full authority to set the compensation schedule for tough man referees and judges in championship bouts regardless of a recommendation by such an association.

(3) Chief Inspector.

(a) Chief Inspector’s Authority. The Chief Inspector shall have complete authority over each professional contest, match, or exhibition in this state.

(b) Chief Inspector’s Duties. The Chief Inspector assigned to a contest, match, or exhibition shall have the following duties:

1. The Chief Inspector shall attend the weigh-in and contest, match, or exhibition.

2. The Chief Inspector shall ensure that all rules and regulations of the Commission and the Alabama Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts Act are strictly followed and enforced.

(4) Corner Inspectors.

(a) Corner Inspector’s Authority. A Corner Inspector shall be assigned to the red corner and a Corner Inspector shall be assigned to the blue corner to observe the fighters assigned to the corresponding corners before, during, and after each match.

(b) Corner Inspector’s Duties.

1. Corner inspectors shall observe fighters in dressing room while wrapping hands, securing gloves, and warming up.

2. Corner Inspectors shall observe fighters, trainers, and seconds, before, during and between rounds.

3. Corner Inspectors shall be responsible for identifying and reporting all rules violations to the chief official and referee.

(5) Referee.

(a) Referee’s Authority. The referee is the chief official of the contest and has general supervision over the contest, match, or exhibition.

(b) Referee’s Duties. The referee assigned to a contest, match, or exhibition shall have the following duties:

1. Before the contest, the referee shall ask the name of each contestant’s chief second and shall hold that chief second responsible for the conduct of the contestant during the contest.

2. Before each bout the referee shall call the contestants and their chief second together for final instructions. Referees must then instruct toughman contestants that wrestling and rough tactics will not be tolerated, and instruct the contestants to protect themselves at all times. The contestants, after receiving final instructions, shall touch gloves and retire to their corners.

3. Any referee or judge assigned to a match who becomes unable to officiate shall notify the chief inspector twelve (12) hours before the start of the contest.

(c) Referee License. Referees applying for licensure shall meet the following requirements:

1. An applicant shall demonstrate to the Commission that he or she has experience in refereeing, and shall produce a list of all professional matches that he or she has served as referee, the judges who scored the matches, and the results of the matches. The applicant may be required to provide a list of amateur matches that he or she has served as referee, the judges who scored the matches, and the results of the matches.

2. The Commission may contact the persons listed to determine whether applicant is qualified for licensure.

(6) Judges.

(a) Judge’s Authority. Each judge shall determine the outcome of each contest, match, or exhibition in this state that does not end in knockout, TKO, or disqualification.

(b) Judge’s Duties. The judges assigned to a contest, match, or exhibition shall have the following duties:

1. The judges shall score the contest, match, or exhibition according to the rules and regulations of the Commission.

2. The judges shall score the contest, match, or exhibition fairly.

3. The judges shall deduct points as directed by the referee.

(c) Judge License. Judges applying for licensure shall meet the following requirements:

1. An applicant shall demonstrate to the Commission that he or she has experience in judging, and shall produce a list of all professional matches that he or she has served as official judge, the referees who refereed the matches, and the results of the matches. The applicant may be required to provide a list of amateur matches that he or she has served as official judge, the referees who refereed the matches, and the results of the matches.

2. The Commission may contact the persons listed to determine the whether the applicant is qualified for licensure.

(7) Timekeepers

(a) Timekeepers’ Authority. At tough man matches, there shall be appointed to each contest, match or exhibition two (2) Timekeepers: a Clock Timekeeper who keeps time of the match, and a Countdown Timer who starts the official count once a contestant is knocked down.

(b) Clock Timekeeper’s duties. The timekeeper starts the clock and rings the bell at the beginning of each round. Ten (10) seconds before the end of the round, the Clock Timekeeper shall alert the referee to the impending end of the round.

(c) Countdown Timekeeper’s duties. The Countdown Timekeeper keeps official count when a contestant is knocked down until the referee picks up the count.

(d) Timekeepers License. Timekeepers applying for licensure shall meet the following requirements:

1. An applicant shall demonstrate to the Commission that he or she has experience in timekeeping, and shall produce a list of all professional matches that he or she has served as official timekeeper, the referees who refereed the matches, and the results of the matches. The applicant may be required to provide a list of amateur matches that he or she has served as official timekeeper, the referees who refereed the matches, and the results of the matches.

2. The Commission may contact the persons listed to determine whether the applicant is qualified for licensure.

History

• Author: Matt Bledsoe; Brandon Owens
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §41-9-1020.
• New Rule: Filed December 27, 2013; effective January 31, 2014.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-4-.08 Conduct Of Contest

(1) Tournament Format. All elimination tournaments must be single elimination. No contestant losing a bout in the tournament may fight again in the same tournament.

(2) Rules of Bouts.

(a) Rounds and Duration.

1. Rounds will be limited to one (1) minute in duration with a one (1) minute rest period between each round.

2. All bouts are limited to three (3) rounds.

(b) Three Knockdown Rule. Any contestant who is down three (3) times in the same round shall lose the bout by Technical Decision.

(c) Standing Eight Count. Referee may, in the referee’s sole discretion, issue a standing eight count to a contestant.

(d) Judging. Judges will use a Ten Point Must system. If a bout ends in a tie, Judges shall re-evaluate their scorecards with the input of the referee to determine a winner.

(3) Weight Classifications.

1. Contestants shall not compete against an opponent weighing more or less than ten pounds (10 lbs.) of their official weight.

2. Weigh-ins. Official weigh-ins may completed up to three (3) hours of their assigned time of competition.

(4) Fouls.

(a) In general, a referee has wide discretion in how to punish an offending contestant who fouls his or her opponent.

1. If the referee determines that a foul is unintentional, he or she may simply caution the offending boxer to be attentive to rules concerning fouls.

2. If the foul is determined to be intentional, the referee may issue a warning to the offending boxer, or may deduct one or more points from the offending boxer.

(a) Fouls, whether intentional or unintentional, are defined as follows:

1. Hitting below the belt;

2. Holding an opponent with one hand while hitting said opponent with the other hand, injuring the opponent;

3. Hitting an opponent who is “down” or who is getting up after being “down”;

4. Holding an opponent or deliberately maintaining a clinch;

5. Butting with the head or shoulder or using the knee, injuring the opponent;

6. Hitting with the inside or butt of the hands, the wrists, or the elbows, injuring the opponent;

7. Hitting or “flicking” with open gloves;

8. Wrestling or roughing at the ropes;

9. Purposely going down without being hit;

10. Striking deliberately at that part of the body surrounding the kidneys;

11. The use of abusive or profane language;

12. Jabbing an opponent’s eyes with the thumb of glove;

13. Rabbit punches (hitting the back of the head or neck);

14. Failure to obey the referee;

15. If the referee feels that boxer has conducted himself/herself in an unsportsmanlike manner, the referee may stop the bout and disqualify the boxer.

(c) Intentional Foul. At the referee’s discretion, any foul defined in sub-paragraph (b) may be called “intentional.”

1. Upon the first occurrence of such intentional foul and during the same round as such intentional foul occurs, the referee may, at his or her discretion and without previous warning, disqualify the offending contestant or deduct one (1) point from the offending contestant.

2. Upon the second occurrence of such intentional foul, the referee may, at his or her discretion and without previous warning disqualify the offending contestant or deduct two (2) points from the offending contestant.

3. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the injury is severe enough to terminate the bout immediately, the boxing causing the injury shall lose by disqualification.

4. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee will immediately notify the judges of the foul and the injury, and deduct two (2) points from the contestant who caused the foul. Point deduction for an intentional foul that causes injury to a contestant is mandatory.

5. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the injury results in the bout being stopped later in the round, the injured contestant:

(i) If ahead on the score cards, will win by Technical Decision (TW), or

(ii) If behind or even on the score cards, the bout will be judged a Technical Draw (TD).

(d) Unintentional Foul. Except as provided below, no point will be deducted from the score or other disciplinary action taken against either contestant for an unintentional foul unless a previous warning has been given to the offending contestant. For the purposes of this subparagraph, unintentional fouls are actions as described by sub-paragraph (b) above, which in the judgment of the referee were not intentionally caused.

1. If an unintentional foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout, the bout result will be announced in accordance with the rules in effect at the time of the bout.

2. If an unintentional foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout after four (4) rounds have been completed, the bout will result in a Technical Decision (TW), awarded to the contestant who is ahead on the score cards at the time the bout is stopped.

(i) Partial or incomplete rounds will be scored. If no action has occurred, the round shall be scored as an even round.

(e) Cuts and Lacerations. A cut or laceration caused by either an intentional or an unintentional foul may only be treated during the one (1) minute break between rounds, provided however that the referee may a call a brief time-out and request a physician’s evaluation of the cut to determine if the bout shall be allowed to continue. During such time-out, the cut may not be treated by the physician or any other person.

(5) Scoring.

(a) When Contestant Considered Knocked Down. A contestant shall be deemed down when, after a scoring blow was struck, and:

1. Any part of the downed contestant’s body, other than his or her feet, makes contact with the ring floor;

2. He or she is hanging over the ropes in a defenseless manner (a referee can count the boxer out either on the ropes or on the floor);

(b) When Contestant Considered Not Knocked Down. A knockdown will not be scored or counted when:

1. The referee indicated that the contestant fell after slipping or being tripped.

2. The referee or the commission supervisor determines that the blow was struck after the bell sounded ending the round.

(c) Deducting Points for Fouls.

1. A judge shall be careful to correctly deduct any point or points from the scorecard as commanded by the referee.

2. When one or more points is to be deducted from a contestant’s score, the judge shall first record his or her actual score for the round (gross points before any points are deducted) and shall then deduct the appropriate number of points from that score to arrive at a net score for the round. The net-score for the round, after points are deducted, may result in neither contestant receiving a 10-point score.

(d) The 10 Point Must System.

1. The 10 Point Must system shall be used as the standard scoring of a bout.

(7) Low Blows: Intentional or Unintentional.

(a) Recuperation Time. Any contestant struck by a low blow may, at the discretion and after consultation with the ring physician, be given up to five (5) minutes to recuperate.

1. During such recuperation the injured contestant may sit on a stool inside the ring, or in a neutral corner, but may not rest in his assigned corner.

2. Only the referee is allowed to assist the injured contestant during the five-minute rest period.

3. The uninjured fighter, during any such rest period, may not be assisted and shall remain in the neutral corner furthest from the contestant.

(b) Bout Stopped by Low Blow. Except as provided in sub-paragraph (5)(b)(15) of this rule, no contestant injured by a low blow may be awarded the contest.

1. If a contestant falls to the ring floor or otherwise indicates an unwillingness to continue because of a claim of a low-blow, he shall be declared the loser by a technical knockout.

History

• Author: Matt Bledsoe, Brandon Owens, Joseph B. McCormick
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §41-9-1020.
• New Rule: Filed December 27, 2013; effective January 31, 2014. Amended: Filed June 20, 2018; effective August 4, 2018.