Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Dept. 85 | Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Department 85 — Rules of Georgia Athletic & Entertainment Commission

Chapter 85-1 Professional Boxing

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.01 Definitions {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.01}

(1) "Applicant" means any persons, corporations, organizations or associations required to be licensed before promoting, holding, organizing, participating in, or competing in a professional boxing match.

(2) "Body jewelry" means any tangible object affixed to, through, or around any portion of the contestant's body.

(3) "Federal Identification Card" means an identification card issued by the commission pursuant to O.C.G.A 43-4B-12 or any such card issued by another boxing commission as required by 15 USC 6305 , et seq.

(4) "Official" unless otherwise indicated is an exclusive term collectively meaning "judges," "referees," and "timekeepers."

(5) "Sanctioning Organization" means a national or internationally organization generally recognized in the boxing community and which: ranks boxers within each weight class; sanctions and approves championship matches in those weight classes; and awards championship status and championship prizes (belts, rings, plaques, etc.) to the winner of those matches.

(6) "Special Event" means a boxing card or boxing show, which has among its contests a championship match, a pay-per-view or subscription television match, a national televised match, or any other match of significance to boxing in this state as designated by the commission.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 31-31, 43-4Bet seq., 43-8Aet seq
History. Original Rule entitled "Definitions" adopted. F. May 30, 1984; eff. June 19, 1984.
Amended: F. June 11, 1987; eff. July 1, 1987.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 1999; eff. July 1, 1999.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.02 Licenses {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.02}

(1) General Provisions .

(a) Terms and Agreements . Every license issued is subject to the terms, conditions, and agreements set forth in the application as well as those set forth in the application as well as those set forth in these rules and the statute governing professional boxing in Georgia.

(b) Applications Forms . Applications for annual license shall be submitted to the commission on a form prescribed by the commission.

Unless otherwise agreed to by the commission, incomplete applications, will not be considered for approval.
Applications submitted without proper payment as provided in these rules will not be considered for approval.

(d) Participant License: When Due . Except as provided in (3)(a) below [Promoter's License] all participant applications must be submitted no later than the weigh-in preceding the first professional appearance in Georgia within any calendar year of such participant.

(e) Participant License: Approval/Denial . Annual licenses for Contestants, corner persons, managers, and matchmakers may be approved or denied by the commission appointed supervisor assigned to each boxing show, or in the case of such applications presented in the staff office, approved or denied by the secretary of state staff assigned to assist the commission.

Any individual denied a license by the commission appointed supervisor or by the secretary of state staff assigned to assist the commission can appeal the denial of the license to the commission. The appeal will be presented to the commission during their next regularly scheduled meeting at which time the commission will vote to sustain or override the initial denial.

(f) Background Investigation . The commission may request a general background investigation of any applicant for any license. Such investigation may include searching for any past criminal record, and such investigation may be conducted by an appropriate law enforcement agency.

(g) Denial of License . The commission may deny a license application from any person who has violated any of its rules or regulations or violated any of the provisions of O.C.G.A. 43, Chapter 4B or whose application contains false statements or material omissions.

Unless otherwise ruled by the commission the denial of any license application shall remain in effect for a period of twelve months, and such applicant may not re-apply for a license from the commission during that period.

(h) Expiration Date . Annual licenses are valid until December 31, of the year issued for boxing and June 30 of the year issued for Mixed Martial Arts.

(i) Verbal or physical abuse of official or commission appointed supervisor . Any licensee who verbally or physically abuses an official or the commission appointed supervisor of a match shall be suspended indefinitely and his or her license may be revoked.

If a Commission member (Board Member, Director, and/or Staff Member) is in any way attacked, harassed, threated, or abused, etc. by any fighter, promoter, or any person acting on their behalf, those individuals will be subject to action by the Commission

(2) License Fees :

(a) How Paid . Unless otherwise agree to by the commission, application for a promoter's licenses and/or match permit shall be accompanied by a certified check for the required fee. Participant licenses, except for the promoter's license, shall be paid at the time of the application.

(b) Schedule of Fees . Annual fees for participant licenses are as follow:

Promoter $150.00
Mixed Martial Arts Promoter $500.00
Matchmaker $50.00
Manager $50.00
Boxer/MMA Contestant $20.00
Second/Trainer $20.00
Timekeeper $20.00
Referee $20.00
Judge $20.00
MMA Sanctioning Org $1000.00
Physician $0.00
Trainer $50.00

(d) All fees shall be paid by purse deduction, certified check, cashiers check, or personal check. NO cash will be accepted by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission or its representatives

(3) Promoter's License

(a) Application for a promoter's license must be made in writing and received by the commission no less than 30 days in advance of the proposed date for promoting any professional boxing match in the state of Georgia.

(b) Unless otherwise agreed to by the commission, each application for a promoter's license shall be accompanied with a cashier's check (or money order) in the amount of $150.00 and made out to the Georgia Athletic & Entertainment Commission.

(c) Each application for a promoter's license shall be accompanied with an appropriate security bond as provided for in these rules.

(d) Any licensed promoter who partners or joint-ventures with any other person, organization, or group for the promotion of a boxing show in Georgia (thereby establishing that person, organization, or group as the show's "co-promoter") will be considered the principal promoter of the show and will be solely responsible for all financial obligations incurred in its production. Provided however that contracts may be filed with the commission delimiting each party's financial responsibility.

(e) Agreements between the promoter and any other party or co-promoter for payment of any purse will NOT be honored by the commission and without the co-promoter or any other party filing with the commission an approved security bond in the amount of the total deferred obligation.

(f) Agreements between the promoter and any other party (or co-promoter) for payment of any regulatory fees, match permit fees, license fees, and or taxes will NOT be honored by the commission without prior approval by the commission and without the co-promoter or other party filing with the commission an approved security bond or some combination thereof in the amount of the total deferred obligation.

(g) Applications for a promoter's license shall be signed in the presence of a commission representative, or shall be signed in the presence of and verified by a notary public.

(h) The Promoter shall provide the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission or the commission secretary a video of the event, match or exhibition within 10 days of the event, match, or exhibition

(4) Co-Promoters License

(a) Any co-promoter of a boxing promotion associating with a licensed promoter for one or more promotion(s) shall obtain a promoter's license from the commission. There shall be no limitation on the number of days prior to a match when a co-promoter's license application may be submitted to the commission.

(b) Rules and requirements of the commission shall be the same for co-promoters as for promoters, provided however that the commission may require from each co-promoter, in addition to the promoter's license bond, a suitable match permit bond or such other financial security as defined by these rules.

(c) Agreements between the co-promoter and the promoter for payment of any purse shall be filed with and must be approved by the commission.

(d) Agreements between the co-promoter and the promoter for payment of any regulatory fees, match permit fees, license fees, and taxes shall be filed with and must be approved by the commission.

(e) Applications for a co-promoter's license shall be signed in the presence of a commission representative, or shall be signed in the presence of and verified by a notary public.

(5) Programs for Charity .

(a) A person who wishes to present a program of boxing for charitable purposes must file with the commission a letter of intent to present the program as one benefiting a charitable organization. The letter of intent must contain the name of the charity, charitable fund or organization which is to benefit from the program and the amount or percentage of the receipts of the program which is to be paid to the charity. The letter of intent must be signed by the promoter and co-signed by an authorized representative of the charity targeted to benefit from the show.

(b) Within three business days after such a program is held, the promoter shall furnish to the commission:

A certified copy of the ticket manifest showing the number of tickets sold. The manifest shall give a breakdown disclosing the number of tickets sold in each price range, and the number of complimentary tickets given for the show;
A certified and itemized statement of the show's gross receipts from sponsorships ticket sales, advertisements, or any other source;
A statement disclosing the itemized and total gross expenditures in connection with the show;
A statement co-signed by the promoter and the authorized representative of the charity, disclosing the net amount paid to the charitable fund or organization

May suspend or revoke the promoter's license, and/or
Will not thereafter issue a match permit to the promoter for the holding of any program for charitable purposes.

(6) Match Permit .

(a) Applications for a match permit must be made in writing and received by the commission at least 30 days in advance of the date proposed for such professional boxing match provided however that any licensed promoter who has held a professional boxing match in the state of Georgia within the previous twelve months may, at the discretion of the commission, be allowed to apply for a subsequent match permit no less than 15 days in advance of the proposed date of each subsequent professional boxing match.

(b) Unless otherwise agreed to by the commission, each match permit application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable cashier's check (or money order) in the amount of $50.00 and made out to the Georgia Athletic & Entertainment Commission.

(c) As provided by statute [43-4B-20], the commission will calculate an additional match permit fee which will then be assessed to the promoter. This additional fee will be calculated at five percent (5%) of the gross proceeds exclusive of any federal taxes.

(d) For all events approved by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission for Mixed Martial Arts a regulatory fee shall be assessed that will be calculated at five percent (5%) of the gross proceeds exclusive of any federal taxes.

The term gross proceeds means the total revenue received solely from the sale of tickets used or intended to be used by the audience physically attending any event required to be licensed under this chapter.
The gross proceed tax and regulatory fee must be accompanied by a form approved by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission that will calculate the tax
Failure to pay the gross proceeds tax or regulatory fee above within thirty (30) days will result in a 20% late fee and may cause the commence liquidation action against the security bond(s) on file with the commission.

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

(f) Each match permit application should be accompanied with copies of all contracts for contestants, arena rental, and any other contracts which the promoter has entered into for that particular show.

(g) Applicants for a match permit will be notified of the date, time, and place for the next scheduled meeting of the commission during which meeting documents submitted by said applicants shall be reviewed.

Applicants or their designated representative(s) may be required to attend such meeting and to answer during that meeting additional questions concerning the proposed event.
Once the commission determines that all safety requirements pertaining to the individual Contestants have been or will be met, that all the rules governing the conduct of the professional boxing matches in Georgia will be adhered to, that the promoter has shown through previous experience the ability and resources to conduct a show, and that no harm to the health, welfare, morals or safety of the citizens of Georgia will result from the holding of such event, then the match permit will be issued.
If the match permit is denied, written notice will be available to the applicant writing two days of said commission meeting.

(7) Boxers . Boxers applying to be licensed in Georgia shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Head Injury . The commission will not issue a professional boxer's license to any person when the commission has reason to believe that such person has previously been diagnosed with or has suffered sub-dural hematoma or any level of intra-cerebral hemorrhage.

Each boxer knows or should know his or her medical history and is in a better position to protect themselves against permanent brain damage than the evaluating commission or examining physician. It is the absolute obligation of any boxer who has previously suffered any head injury as described in subparagraph 7(a) above to report that injury to the physician conducting the pre-fight physical.

(b) General Physical Evidencing Good Physical Health . Applications to be licensed as a boxer shall be accompanied by a signed statement from a licensed physician that the applicant is in good physical health, has no abnormalities, or deficiencies which would prevent athletic competition or endanger the applicant's health when engaging in athletic competition.

Neurological Examination . Any boxer who has competed in over 200 rounds during his or her professional career must submit such additional proof of neurological fitness as specified in Rule 4.01(a) [Medical Requirements].
Ophthalmological Examination . Any boxer who has competed in over 200 rounds during his or her professional boxing career must submit additional proof of ophthalmological fitness as specified in Rule 4.01 (b) [Medical Requirements].
Hepatitis Testing . All contestants in all bouts shall complete testing for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. The initial test for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C detection shall be conducted within 180 days prior to licensure. In addition to the pre-licensure test, any boxer shall be re-tested for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C prior to his or her participation in each boxing match in the state if the match is scheduled to occur more than 180 days after the date of the most recent test results submitted to the commission.

(i) Any contestant who tests positive for Hepatitis B may appeal the denial of a license by submitting a verifiable doctor's written statement, on the doctor's letterhead stationery, that the Hepatitis is non-contagious. The appeal will be presented to the commission during their next regularly scheduled meeting at which time the commission will vote to sustain or override the initial denial.

Age Restrictions . Applicants for a boxer's license shall be no more than 37 years of age, provided however that the commission may, in its discretion, issue a license to an applicantboxer who is more than 37 years of age and who submits satisfactory evidence that his or her health, ability and physical condition is sufficient to ensure the applicant's safety. Such medical evidence shall include, but is not limited to:

(i) A detailed dilated ophthalmological examination, conducted by a state licensed ophthalmologist. The intent of this examination is to assure both the boxer and the commission that no ophthalmological complications exist potentially hampering the boxer's ability to protect himself or herself in the ring, and to ensure that no ocular damage from previous bouts is evidenced. This exam must, at a minimum, include a careful dilated examination of the retinal periphery utilizing indirect ophthalmoscope.

(ii) A detailed neurological examination, conducted by a state licensed neurologist. Whether auxiliary neuro-diagnostic tests, such as electroencepha-lography (EEG), computerized tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are utilized is left to the discretion and the clinical opinion of the examining physician.

(iii) A detailed cardiovascular examination to establish cardiovascular endurance. A poorly conditioned boxer is at increased risk of injury because of exhaustion, which may impede his or her ability to mount an active offense or defense. Whether auxiliary cardiovascular tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), are utilized is left to the discretion and clinical opinion of the examining physician.

The minimum uncorrected visual acuity in Georgia is set at 20 / 200 in both eyes. Any person who applies for a license or renewal of a license to compete as a professional boxer in the state may, upon the request of the commission, be required to present evidence of their visual acuity.

(c) Out-of-State Suspensions . Any Contestant who at the time of his or her application is under medical or administrative suspension from any other commission, where such suspension is recorded in the boxing registry, is ineligible for licensure in Georgia.

(8) Trainer . A trainer is someone who is responsible for the day to day training of mixed martial artists and boxers. A trainer should possess a minimum of five years experience in combative sports and be approved by the Commission of the Secretary of the Commission. If denied by the Secretary of the Commission, the applicant may appeal to the full Commission. Only trainers licensed by the Commission may make the recommendation to the Commission on whether a contestant is prepared for their first amateur mixed martial arts bout or to turn professional in boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts. A trainer shall be present in the corner of the contestant unless otherwise authorized by the Commission, Secretary of the Commission, or the Chief of Officials.

(9) Suspensions and Revocations .

(a) The commission may revoke, suspend, place on probation or take other disciplinary action against the license of any licensee who has violated any of its rules or regulations or any of the provisions of O.C.G.A. 43, Chapter 4B or whose application contains false statements or material omissions.

Any person who has had his or her license revoked by the commission may not petition for reinstatement or apply for a new license until one (1) year after the revocation. Any petition for reinstatement or application for a license filed within the 1-year period may be denied without a hearing.

(b) Contestant Under Suspension: Prohibition From Participating Outside Georgia . No Contestant shall enter any agreement or contract with a promoter, compete, or attempt to compete in any professional boxing match outside Georgia when such Contestant knows that his or her license issued by this commission is under suspension.

(10) Falsifying an Application . Upon a finding by the majority of the commission that any licensee or applicant has knowingly made a misleading, deceptive, untrue or fraudulent representation in regard to a professional match contest or exhibition of boxing or any document connected therewith or practiced fraud or deceit or intentionally made any false statement in obtaining a license to participate or promote a professional match contest or exhibition of boxing or made a false statement or deceptive registration with the commission then the commission shall have the authority to refuse to grant a license to an applicant, revoke the license of a person licensed by the commission, or discipline a person licensed by the commission.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §43-4bet. seq
History. Original Rule entitled "Ring and Equipment" adopted. F. May 30, 1984; eff. June 19, 1984.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 1999; eff. July 1, 1999.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Licenses" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 16, 2003; eff. Jan. 5, 2004.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.
Amended: F. June 9, 2010; eff. July 1, 2010, as specified by the Agency.
Amended: F. Jun. 28, 2012; eff. July 18, 2012.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sep. 3, 2014; eff. Sept. 23, 2014.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 21, 2017; eff. Dec. 11, 2017.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.03 Bonds {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.03}

(1) Promoter's License Surety Bond.

(a) Before any promoter's license is issued authorizing the promotion of professional boxing matches in the state of Georgia, 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 Georgia Athletic & Entertainment Commission within 30 days.

(d) The bind 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 professional boxing show in the state of Georgia, and/or the estimated potential damages, penalties, taxes or expenses resulting from promotional activities contemplated in the state of Georgia.

(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.

Unless the additional promoter's license bond or bonds are given within the time fixed by written demand therefor, or if the promoter's license bond of a licensee is canceled, the license of such person shall be immediately revoked by the operation of law 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 professional boxing show in the state of Georgia, 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 Georgia 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.

(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 the state of Georgia.

(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.

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

(3) 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 may enter a complaint with the commission.

(b) Such complaint shall be a written statement of the facts constituting the complaint and should be made within 90 days of the alleged breach. If the commission determines that the complaint is prima facie a breach of the bond and the matter cannot be amicably resolved within 15 days, the commission shall endeavor to contact all known additional potential complainants regarding the breach of the bond.

Complaints may be registered and filed with the commission after the ninety day period, but such late complaints shall state a reasonable and good cause for the delayed submission.

(c) Additional complaints must be filed within 30 days following the initial public notification of a breach of the bond.

(d) Upon the filing of such complaint in the manner provided in these rules, the commission shall investigate the charges made and at its discretion order a hearing, giving the party complained of notice of the filing of such complaint and the time and place of such hearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, the commission shall report its findings and render a conclusion upon the matter complained of to the complainant and respondent in the case, who shall have 15 days thereafter in which to make effective and satisfy the commission's conclusions.

(e) If such settlement is not effected within such a time, the commission or the complainant may bring an action to enforce the claim. If the complainant is not satisfied with the ruling of the commission, he or she may commence and maintain an action against the principal and surety on the bond of both parties complained of as in any civil action.

(f) If the bond or collateral posted is insufficient to pay in full the valid claims of complainants, the commission may direct that the proceeds of such bond(s) shall be divided pro rata among such complainants.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 31-31, 43-4Bet seq., 43-8Aet seq
History. Original Rule entitled "Medical Requirements" adopted. F. May 30, 1984; eff. June 19, 1984.
Amended: F. Mar. 25, 1985; eff. Apr. 14, 1985.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 1999; eff. July 1, 1999.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Bonds" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.04 Medical Requirements {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.04}

(1) Medical Examination.

(a) Neurological Examination.

All boxers intending to compete in Georgia who have competed in over 200 rounds during their professional career, according to the number of rounds disclosed on such boxer's official ring record, and prior to competing in Georgia, must submit to the commission the results of a detailed neurological examination performed within the previous twelve months by a board certified and state licensed neurologist. Such examination shall include a careful examination for signs of any trauma induced neurological damage along with any other specific test or tests requested by the neurologist. Any boxer not submitting said results prior to the match may be allowed to compete provided however that such boxer's license will, at the conclusion of the match, be medically suspended until such time as his neurological examination requirement is fulfilled.
The commission may require impact testing or other medical diagnostic test to determine a neurological baseline for combat sports. The Commission may order subsequent medical testing as the Commission physicians deem necessary.

(b) Eye Examination.

The minimum uncorrected visual acuity to be able to box in Georgia is set at 20 / 200 in both eyes. Any person who applies for a license or renewal of license to compete as a professional boxer in the state may, upon the request of the commission, be required to present evidence of their visual acuity.
All boxers intending to compete in Georgia who have competed in over 200 rounds during their professional career, according to the number of round disclosed on such boxer's official ring record, and prior to competing in Georgia, must submit to the commission results from a complete ophthalmological examination performed within the previous twelve months by a board certified state licensed ophthalmologist. Such examination shall include a careful dilated examination of the retinal periphery utilizing indirect ophthalmoscope sufficient to identify any sign of previous trauma or retinal damage along with any other specific test or tests requested by said ophthalmologist. Any boxer not submitting said results prior to the match may be allowed to compete provided however that such boxer's license will, at the conclusion of the match, be medically suspended until such time as this ophthalmological requirement is fulfilled.

(i) The commission may require an up-date examinations submitted pursuant to sub-paragraphs (a) [Neurological Examination] and (b) [Eye Examination] of this rule after each successive 100 fought rounds after the previous submission, as disclosed on such boxer's official ring record.

(2) Pre-fight Examination.

(a) At the time of weigh-in, or at such other time as is then announced, all contestants must pass a thorough and complete pre-fight medical examination and have a commission designated physician complete the pre-fight medical examination form prepared by the commission.

Each female Contestant, during the pre-fight physical, will be required to pass a pregnancy test administered under the direction of the examining physician, or such physician's authorized assistant. The cost of such test, unless the Contestant's contract or bout agreement states otherwise, shall be the responsibility of the promoter. For purposes of this subparagraph the term "pass" shall mean that the Contestant is not pregnant.
Female Contestants submitting written documentation acceptable to the examining physician may be waived from the pre-fight physical pregnancy test requirement. Such documentation will be limited to:

(i) a copy of a lab report from a recognized clinical laboratory and dated within ten 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.

(b) Whenever a Contestant's examination indicates that he or she is unfit for competition, because of any weakness or disability discovered by the physician, then an immediate report of such fact must be made to the promoter and to the commission. In such case the Contestant shall be prohibited from participating in the match.

(c) The examining physician shall deliver all pre-fight examination reports to the commission or to its authorized representative immediately after the weigh-in.

(d) Any Contestant who failed his or her pre-fight physical for medical reasons or for lack of general conditioning will be reported within two business days to the boxing registry.

(3) Additional Medical Examinations. The commission may at any times require any Contestant to undergo such additional medical examinations performed by a state licensed physician as may be necessary to determine such Contestant's medical fitness to compete.

(4) Before Contest: Illness or Injury. Should a Contestant who is already under contract to compete on an announced card, because of illness or injury, become unable to compete in such contest, he or she or his or her manager must immediately report said injury to the promoter and the commission. The commission may then require said Contestant to submit to an examination conducted by a commission designated physician.

(5) Medical Suspensions by Other Commission. Medical suspensions by other boxing commissions recognized by the Association of Boxing Commissions and which are published by any boxing registry approved for such purposes by the Association of Boxing Commissions shall be recognized and honored by the commission.

(6) Drugs Prohibited. 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. The commission may order drug screens at any time and at the expense of the Contestant.

(7) Time Between Bouts. Except as specifically authorized by the commission or commission representative, no Contestant shall be permitted to engage in another contest or exhibition in any jurisdiction for a period of seven (7) days after competing in Georgia.

(8) Head Injury. Any Contestant who suffers a knock out, concussion, or other serious head injury, should be examined by the ringside physician. The physician shall immediately report to the commission the condition of such Contestant and whether or not additional medical attention is advised.

(9) Knock Out and Technical Knock Out.

(a) After the first knock out, there shall be a 60 day medical suspension. After the second knock out, there shall be a 60 day medical suspension and a CAT scan, EKG or other medical testing may be required before such suspension is removed from the registry. Any boxer losing by knockout (LKO) in two or more consecutive fights may be suspended for a period of 6 months.

(b) Unless otherwise ordered by the attending ringside physician, there shall be a 30 day medical suspension after a technical knockout.

Technical knock outs caused by a severe cut may result in either a 45 day or 60 day medical suspension.
Technical knock outs caused by a blow anywhere other than the head may, at the discretion of the attending ringside physician, result in a suspension of less than 30 days.

(10) Under-Conditioned Fighter. An under-conditioned fighter will be suspended for 90 days.

(11) Consecutive Losses.

(a) A boxer who has lost 6 consecutive fights, according to the boxers official ring record compiled and maintained by the boxing registry, may be suspended pending a hearing by the commission.

(b) A boxer who has lost 6 consecutive fights by knock-out, technical knock-out, or any combination of either result, according to the boxer's official ring record compiled and maintained by the boxing registry, shall be suspended pending a hearing by the commission. (Suspension will be listed as an "Indefinite Pending Hearing")

Any boxer whose history of poor performance is identified by the subparagraphs (a) and/or (b) above may be approved to compete against any other boxer who exhibits a similar history of poor performance.

(12) Verification of Contestant Experience

(a) A trainer or manager for a contestant with the following situations shall submit, on a letter approved by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission, their testament that a Contestant is prepared for a professional contest

Pro Debut
Has not competed in the last 12 months
Has lost their last 6 events by TKO, KO, DQ, or Decision

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 31-31, 43-4Bet seq., 43-8Aet seq
History. Original Rule entitled "Conduct of Promotion" adopted. F. May 30, 1984; eff. June 19, 1984.
Amended: F. Mar. 25, 1985; eff. Apr. 14, 1985.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 1999; eff. July 1, 1999.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Medical Requirements" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 16, 2003; eff. Jan. 5, 2004.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.
Amended: F. Jun. 28, 2012; eff. July 18, 2012.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.05 Conduct of Promotion {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.05}

(1) General Responsibilities and Provisions. During the performance of any promotion it shall be the promoter's responsibility to ensure the compliance with all laws and rules governing professional boxing in Georgia. Such responsibilities shall include, but will not be limited to, the following:

(a) Medical Insurance. The promoter shall provide for the participants 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 said contest.

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

For the purposes of this section, a program of boxing begins with the commencement of the first bout and ends when the last Contestant leaves the site of the program.
The chief referee and/or the commission appointed supervisor shall meet with the EMT prior to the beginning of the show. During such meeting the commission supervisor will instruct the EMT concerning the show, placement of the stretcher and any other information necessary to ensure prompt and appropriate immediate care should such care be needed.
Such ambulance shall be able and available to immediately transport any severely injured Contestant to an appropriate medical facility.
If the ambulance or EMT is required to leave the site of the show for any reason, no boxing will be allowed to continue until another ambulance or replacement MET returns to the site.

(c) General Safety. It shall be the promoter's responsibility to insure safety for the Contestants, officials and fans and to comply with all safety standards required by the commission.

(d) 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, 2 sworn off-duty law enforcement officers shall be retained for security.

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

(f) 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.

(g) Ring & Glove Certification. It is the promoter's responsibility to ensure that the ring and gloves selected for use during each show meet the commission's rules and regulations concerning proper certification should be resolved no less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the show.

(h) Advanced Advertising. In addition to the requirements in this Chapter, no contestant or celebrity shall be advertised by any promoter before said promoter has in his or her possession a written commitment from said contestant or celebrity and before said promoter has filed a copy of such written commitment with the commission.

(i) Suggesting Benefits for Charitable Organization. No promoter may advertise, hold out, or suggest in any fashion that a portion of the proceeds of any proposed show will be donated to a charitable organization without first complying with the commission's rules governing "programs for charity."

(j) Main Event Start Time. The final bout for all events sanctioned by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission shall start at the discretion of the Commission on the date for which the event permit is approved.

(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 the contest.

The physicians assigned must be on the roster of physicians authorized to conduct pre-fight physicals and serve as ringside physicians created by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission.
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 boxing matches.
The promoter shall compensate assigned ringside physicians in an amount to be mutually agreed upon.

(3) Arena.

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

(b) Arena safety. No boxing 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.

(c) Dressing rooms. The only people allowed in the Contestant's dressing room are the Contestant, manager, commission representatives including appointed commissioners, approved physician(s), news media representatives, and promoters.

Promoters may be required by the commission appointed supervisor to post a guard at the entrance to the dressing rooms to aid in enforcement of dressing room security.
If requested by the commission, a separate dressing area should be provided for all referees and judges.

(4) 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 matches.

(b) Rounds scheduled.

Unless otherwise approved by the commission, promoters shall schedule no less than twenty-four (24) rounds of boxing on one (1) program. For a mixed martial arts program, promoters shall schedule twenty-four (24) rounds total, or at least seven (7) bouts that comprise a minimum of twenty-one (21) rounds total. The rounds must be scheduled and approved by the Commission three (3) days prior to the event. An emergency bout must be provided in case any of the scheduled bouts are not held.
No boxing match shall have any rounds lasting longer than three (3) minutes.

(i) All contests or exhibitions in professional boxing featuring male boxers will be required to have 3 minutes rounds with 1 minute rest period between rounds.

(ii) All contests or exhibitions in professional boxing featuring female boxers will be required to have 2 minute rounds with 1 minute rest periods between rounds.

No boxing or exhibition shall be permitted for more than 10 rounds duration, except in a championship match, which shall not exceed 12 rounds.

(c) Card Approval. Requests for preliminary approval of cards should be received by the commission no less than ten days prior to the date of the contest. The Final card must be received by the commission no less than three days prior to the date of the contest.

Substitutions to the final card will only be allowed after sufficient evidence documenting a medical reason why such substitution is required.

(i) Substitutions can occur if the promoter is actively working to search for a replacement. The Executive Director and the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Commission must approve the proposed bout.

No substitution will be allowed during the final seven hours prior to the beginning of the show.

(5) Purse.

(a) Method of Payment. Except as otherwise stated below, purses shall be paid by certified or cashiers check immediately after the contest. Payments of percentage contracts shall be made as soon as the amount can be determined. If requested by the Commission or by any Contestant, all purse payments shall be made in the presence of the authorized commission representative.

After notification and approval by the Commission, arrangement for the payment of any purse greater than $50,000.00 shall be mutually agreed to by the promoter and the Contestant.
Should a promoter default on payments to Contestants, only that amount disclosed on the contract or bout agreement filed with the Commission and in advance of the bout will be covered by any bond on file with the Commission.

(b) Minimum Payment per Contracted Round. All contestants shall be guaranteed a purse equal to or exceeding $50.00 per contracted round.

(c) Authorized Purse Deductions. Promoters may deduct from any contestant's purse, the total amount of fees or fines owed to the Commission by said Contestant, including, but not limited to, fees required to issue to such contestant a federal identification card and/or state license, where such fees or fines have not previously been paid by said contestant. Any such deduction shall immediately be remitted to the Commission.

(6) Contracts.

(a) Contract or Bout Agreement: Unless agreed upon in advance by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission, all bout agreements must be on the form approved by the Commission.

The amount of guarantee or percentage promised; the number and time limit of rounds; which and where the official weigh-in will be conducted; when and where the Contestants are scheduled to appear; weight; and all other reasonably expected to be an issue of agreement within professional boxing contracts and agreement.

(i) Weights expressed on bout agreements for all four and six round bouts shall allow no less than a +/-2 pounds variance of the contracted weight.

(ii) Weights expressed on bout agreements for all championship (12 rounds) matches shall be absolute and shall not allow for any variance.

Signature of the promoter or his or her designated representative, and the Contestant or his or her designated representative.
All bout agreements will state the following in bold type: Each Contestant applying for a license is required to obtain on their own a Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C blood test and must present to the Commission representative no later than at the weigh-in the result of such test conducted within 180 days of the proposed match.

(b) Contract or Bout Agreement: Required Form for Submission. All information appearing on any handwritten agreements or contracts shall be typed or printed clearly.

(c) Contract or Bout Agreement: File with Commission. One copy of each signed written agreement or contract, once executed by both parties and within three calendar days of such execution, shall be filed with the Commission.

No boxing match shall be allowed to commence prior to execution of a signed contract or bout agreement by both parties or before said contract or bout agreement is submitted to the Commission.

(d) Violations: Grounds for Suspension. Violation by either party of any written bout agreement or contract may be grounds for suspension of any license issued by the Commission and may, in addition to such suspension result in a fine imposed by the Commission.

(7) Failure to Perform.

(a) Promoter Failure to Perform. The failure of a promoter to perform according to the terms of the contract; to produce contestants or special added attractions as advertised; to pay the contestants their contractual guarantee, or percentage; or the failure of a promoter to live up to his or her agreement with his or her contestants or performers who did perform as scheduled is prohibited.

(b) Contestant Failure to Perform. The failure of a contestant under contract with a licensed promoter to perform according to the terms of said contract; or the failure of a contestant to live up to his or her agreement with a person to which the contestant is under contractual agreement is prohibited.

Violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) within this subsection shall, for the first offense, be grounds for administrative suspension of not less than 90 days and a fine of not more than the contracted purse amount disclosed on the bout agreement or contract.
The second and/or any subsequent violation by any person of either paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) within this subsection may, in addition to any suspension by the Commission, subject the violator to a fine of not more than the contracted purse amount as disclosed on the bout agreement or contract plus not more than an additional $10,000. Said fine to be imposed by the Commission.
Any person or license holder violating on three or more occasions either paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) within this subsection shall have his or her license suspended indefinitely. Provided, however, that any action by the Commission to enforce or attempt to enforce the provisions of this sub-paragraph will be taken only after notice and hearing according to the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," Title 50, Chapter 13 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-4, 43-4B-7, 43-4B-11, 43-4B-14, 43-4B-19
History. Original Rule entitled "Conduct of Bout" adopted. F. May 30, 1984; effective June 19, 1984.
Amended: F. Mar. 25, 1985; eff. Apr. 14, 1985.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 1999; eff. July 1, 1999.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Conduct of Promotion" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 16, 2003; eff. Jan. 5, 2004.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. July 1, 2013; eff. July 21, 2013.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 16, 2015; eff. Jan. 5, 2016.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 29, 2016; eff. Apr. 18, 2016.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 21, 2017; eff. Dec. 11, 2017.
Amended: F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.06 Ring and Equipment {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.06 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.06}

(1) General Provisions. 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 .

(a) Ring Size. The ring must be a square and not less than 16 feet nor more than 20 feet on a side within the ropes. The ring platform (floor) must extend beyond the ropes at least 18 inches on all sides (apron).

A ring size greater than 20 feet on a side within the ropes shall only be allowed after unanimous agreement of all the boxers contracted to appear on the show. For purposes of the subparagraph, the term "all boxers" shall be limited to those boxers contracted to a compete in bouts of eight rounds or more.

(b) Safety Padding. The ring floor shall be padded with 1-inch 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 54 inches 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 boxers 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 in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a height of at least 58 inches above the ring floor.

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

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

(h) Rope 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.

(3) Ring Ropes.

(a) Rope Dimensions . Ring ropes shall be four in number, at least one inch in diameter, the lower rope 18 inches above the ring floor and the top rope 52 inches 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 rope lanyards.

(4) Gong. The gong 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 Equipment. 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 a re required for the conduct of each bout.

(6) Scales. Scales shall be furnished by the promoter. The commission may require that the scales be certified. Residential bathroom scales of the type generally used in private residences will not meet certification requirements of the commission and will not be allowed for use at any weigh-in.

(7) Hand Wrapping: Gauze and Tape.

(a) Contestants desiring to stabilize the metacarpal bones may use no more than six inches of adhesive tape, not more than two inches in width, across the back of each hand, provided however that the commission inspector or representative must sign each piece of tape prior to placing gauze over such tape.

(b) Stabilization tape may not extend beyond a line one inch on the posterior side of the knuckle.

(c) Gauze shall be of soft surgical-type gauze not more than two inches in width, held in place by surgeon's tape for each hand. All contestants will have their hands wrapped in the dressing room [or some other suitable place in the general vicinity of the dressing room] under the examination of a representative from the commission. Whenever requested by any party, hand wrapping shall take place only in the presence of one or more representatives from the opposing contestants camp.

(d) Under no condition will any adhesive tape be allowed to extend a position within one inch of the posterior line of knuckles. Provided however that a thin "butterfly" of tape between the fingers will be allowed to stabilize the placement of gauze.

(e) Stacking the process of layering on top of the boxer's wrapped hand additional layers of gauze and tape is prohibited.

(8) Gloves.

(a) Weight Allowed In Bout . Unless otherwise approved by the commission, contestants in all weight categories up to and including welterweights (up to 147 pounds) shall use 8 ounce gloves. In heavier classes, 10 ounce gloves must be worn.

(b) Brand-Name Certification Required. The commission is authorized to certify boxing gloved by brand-name or manufacturer and gloves not so certified may not be used. Each promoter desiring to use for the first time in Georgia a brand of gloves or gloves manufactured by a company not previously certified for use in Georgia are advised to seek prior certification.

(d) Glove Approval. Gloves shall be examined by the referee and/or the commission representative prior to the start of the matches.

(e) Glove Style. Only gloves of the "thumb-attached" or thumbless variety will be used, and all gloves must be laced with the knot on the top [or exterior] side of the wrist. Thumbless gloves may be worn only if both boxers in a particular match agree.

(f) Skinning of Gloves. "Skinning" (the practice of tying gloves in such a manner as to force a portion of the padding back from the fist area to over the contestant's wrist) is prohibited. Any glove tied in such a manner will be required to be re-tied.

(g) New Gloves: Main Event Bouts. The promoter shall furnish new gloves for all main events.

(9) Taping of Gloves. Unless otherwise permitted by the commission appointed supervisor, glove laces shall not be covered by tape except under the direct supervision of a commission approved inspector or official.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 31-31, 43-4Bet seq., 43-8Aet seq
History. Original Rule entitled "Licenses" adopted. F. May 30, 1984; eff. June 19, 1984.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 1999; eff. July 1, 1999.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Ring and Equipment" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.07 Officials (Referees, Judges, and Timekeepers) {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.07 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.07}

(1) General Provisions.

(a) Each official must be licensed by the Commission prior to working in any professional boxing match.

(b) Each official will be assigned or appointed by the Commission.

(d) A referee and three judges shall officiate all boxing bouts. A majority vote of the judges will determine the outcome of the contest.

(e) No active manager, promoter, trainer, or contestant shall be allowed to officiate at any contest.

(f) Any referee or judge assigned to a match who becomes unable to officiate shall notify the Commission assigned supervisor before 2:00 p.m. on the day of the contest.

(2) Compensation for boxing referees and judges.

(a) All payments of fees, including travel expenses when required, to boxing referees and judges shall be paid by the promoter conducting the show and shall be on the following basis:

Payment shall be made to the Commission appointed supervisor no later than at the weigh-in, and shall be by cashiers check or money order.
When assigned by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission or the Commission Secretary, the fee for a chief official who will perform the duties of the Commission representative shall be $300.00.
When the gross aggregate purse of the show does not exceed $50,000, the fee for each referee shall be $150.00 and the fee for each judge shall be $150.00.
When the gross aggregate purse of the show is between $50,000 and $100,000, the fee for each chief official shall be $400.00.
When the gross aggregate purse of the show is between $50,000 and $100,000, the fee for each referee shall be $200.00 and the fee for each judge shall be $200.00.
When the gross aggregate purse of the show is between $100,000 and $300,000, the fee for each chief official shall be $500.00.
When the gross aggregate purse of the show is between $100,000 and $300,000, the fee for each referee shall be $250.00 and the fee for each judge shall be $250.00.
When the gross aggregate purse of the show exceeds $300,000, the fee for each chief official, referees and judges shall be set by the Commission.
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.
Travel expenses for officials required to travel over a distance 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 at the discretion of the Commission.

(b) In the event one [or more] of the referees assigned to a boxing show 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 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.

(c) 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 boxing 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. Nevertheless, the Commission shall retain full authority to set the compensation schedule for boxing referees and judges in championship bouts regardless of a recommendation by such association.

(3) Referees and Judges.

(a) General Provisions for Referees.

The referee is the chief official of the contest and has general supervision over the bout.
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.
Before each bout the referee shall call the contestants and their chief second together for final instructions. Referees must then instruct boxing contestants that wrestling and rough tactics will not be tolerated and instruct the boxers to protect themselves at all times. The contestants, after receiving final instructions, shall shake hands and retire to their corners.

(b) Referee's Power.

The referee is the only person empowered to stop a fight during or between rounds.
The referee may stop a bout by disqualifying both contestants if he or she reasonably believes the contestants are not boxing in earnest.

Pre-Show Instructions. Referees shall meet with the contestants and with each chief second appointed by the contestants prior to the beginning of the show and during that meeting shall inform each party of the rules applicable to each fight as well as the in-ring conduct expected from each contestant and second assisting in the corner of each contestant.
Pre-Bout Confirmation of Officials and Physician. Prior to calling for the sounding of the bell to begin each bout, the referee in the ring will confirm that the ringside physician as well as each judge assigned to the bout is in place at ringside.
Touching Contestants. The referee shall not touch the competing boxers except when one or both fails to obey the break command.
Count: How to Proceed. The referee's count is the official count. When a contestant is knocked down, the referee shall order the opponent to retire to the furthest corner of the ring, pointing to that corner. Once the opponent has so retired to the farthest neutral corner the referee will immediately pick up the timekeeper's count. The referee shall then audibly announce the passing of each second, accompanying the count upward with motions of his or her arm, indicating the count with visual finger counts at the end of each second. The referee may cease counting if the opponent fails to remain in the neutral corner until the count is complete. No contestant who is knocked down shall be allowed to resume boxing until the referee has finished counting eight. The contestant may take the count either on the floor or standing.
Count: Continue for Dazed Contestant. Should a contestant who is down rise before the count of 10 and again go down without being struck then the referee shall resume the count where he or she stopped.
Saved by the Bell. A boxer cannot be saved by the bell in any round including the final round of any boxing contest.

(i) When any round ends before a contestant who was knocked down rises, the bell shall not ring and count shall continue. If the contestant rises before the count of ten, the bell shall ring ending the round.

(ii) The one-minute rest period, delayed by the count in (i) above, shall not begin until the bell has sounded ending the round.

(iii) A knockdown will not be awarded or scored if the blow was struck after the bell ending the round has sounded.

Boxers Knocked Out of the Ring.

(i) Any boxer knocked out of the ring shall receive a twenty (20) second count.

(ii) During the time that any such boxer is outside the ring, he or she shall not be assisted by any member of their corner and such assistance, if offered shall end the match with that boxer losing by a technical knockout.

(iii) As a general precaution, to protect the safety of the boxer and to prevent any potential injury, a boxer knocked out of the ring may have his or her fall stopped or slowed by any person without penalty, provided that such assistance shall only be to prevent injury from the fall and not to assist the boxer in returning to the ring.

Standing Eight Count. There shall be no standing eight count.
Knock-Out. If the contestant fails to rise before the count of 10 the referee shall declare said contestant the loser by a knockout.
Failure to Answer Bell. A contestant shall not leave the ring during any 1 minute rest period between rounds. If any contestant fails or refuses to resume boxing when the bell sounds signaling the commencement of the next round, the referee shall award a decision of technical knockout to his opponent as of the round which has last been finished.

(i) If the circumstances indicate to the referee the need for investigation or punitive action, the referee may withhold giving a decision and may recommend the purse or purses of either or both boxers should be withheld pending a Commission hearing.

The referee shall have the authority to stop a contest at any time if one of the boxers is unable or no longer able to defend himself.

(4) Fouls. In general, a referee has wide discretion in how to punish an offending boxer who fouls his or her opponent. If the referee determines that a foul is unintentional, he or she may simply caution the offending boxer to be attentive to the rules concerning fouls. If the foul is determined to be intentional, the referee may issue a warning to the offending boxer, may deduct one or more points from the offending boxer. The referee may also disqualify any boxer who intentionally fouls his or her opponent.

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

Hitting below the belt;
Holding an opponent with one hand while hitting said opponent with the other hand;
Hitting an opponent who is "down" or who is getting up after being "down";
Holding an opponent or deliberately maintaining a clinch;
Butting with the head or shoulder or using the knee, injuring the opponent;
Hitting with the inside or butt of the hands, the wrists, or the elbows, injuring the opponent;
Hitting or "flicking" with open gloves;
Wrestling or roughing at the ropes;
Purposely going down without being hit;
Striking deliberately at that part of the body surrounding the kidneys;
The use of abusive or profane language;
Jabbing an opponent's eyes with the thumb of glove;
Rabbit punches (hitting the back of the head or neck);
Failure to obey the referee;
Any physician action which may injure a contestant other than sportsmanlike boxing.

(b) Intentional Foul. At the referee's discretion, any foul defined in subparagraph (a) may be called "intentional."

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 boxer or deduct one (1) point from the offending boxer.
Upon the second occurrence of such intentional foul, the referee may, at his or her discretion and without previous warning disqualify the offending boxer or deduct two (2) points from the offending boxer.
If an intentional foul causes an injury and the injury is severe enough to terminate the bout immediately, the boxer causing injury shall lose by disqualification.
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 boxer who caused the foul. Point deduction for an intentional foul that causes injury to a boxer is mandatory.
If an intentional foul causes an injury and the injury results in the bout being stopped later in the round, the injured boxer;

(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).

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

If an unintentional foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout result will be announced in accordance with the Uniform Championship Rules in effect at the time of the bout. (Editor's Note: Currently the Uniform Championship Rules state that a bout stopped before four completed rounds be reported as a "No Contest.")
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 boxer 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.

(d) Cuts and Lacerations. A cut or laceration caused by either an intentional or an unintentional foul may only be treated during the one-minute break between rounds, provided however that the referee may 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) Contestant: When Considered Knocked Down. A contestant shall be deemed down when, after a scoring blow was struck and:

Any part of the downed boxer's body, other than his or her feet, makes contact with the ring floor;
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) A knockdown shall not be scored when:

The referee indicated that the boxer fell after slipping or being tripped.
The referee or the Commission supervisor determines that the blow was struck after the bell sounded ending the round.

A judge shall be careful to correctly deduct any point or points from the scorecard as commanded by the referee.
When one or more points is to be deducted from a boxer'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. Not withstanding the provisions in (d) below [10 Point Must System], the net score for the round, after points are deducted, may result in either boxer receiving a 10-point score.

(d) The 10 Point Must System.

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

(6) 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.

During such recuperation the injured boxer may sit on a stool inside the ring, or in a neutral corner, but may not rest in his assigned corner.
Only the referee is allowed to assist the injured boxer during the five minute rest period.
The uninjured fighter, during any such rest period, may not be assisted and shall remain in the neutral corner furthest from the boxer.

(b) Bout Stopped by Low Blow: Decision. Except as provided in sub-paragraph (4)(a)15. [unsportsmanlike conduct] of this rule, no contestant injured by a low blow may be awarded the contest.

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.

(7) Timekeepers.

(a) Number Assigned per Bout. Two licensed timekeepers, assigned by the Commission, shall be required at each event; one to keep time and one to count for the knockdowns.

(b) Duration of Rounds. Except as provided in (3)(c)6. above [Saved by the Bell], the timekeeper shall ensure that each round featuring male boxers last no more and no less than three minutes, and that each round featuring female boxers lasts no more and no less than two minutes.

The gong shall be sounded at the beginning and at the end of each round. Except as provided in (d) below [emergency suspension of round], the timekeeper shall not sound the gong during the process of the round.

(i) Regardless of the sounding of the gong, the referee in the ring is the sole authority to announce when the round begins. Each boxer will remain in their assigned corner. The referee, once he or she is satisfied that each boxer is prepared to begin and that no condition exists which may present a medical hazard to either boxer, will announce "FIGHT."

(ii) The timekeeper will immediately start the clock at the referee's command of "FIGHT."

Timekeepers shall alert the referee by striking the table 10 seconds prior to the end of each round.
Timekeepers shall blow their whistle 10 seconds prior to the end of each one-minute rest period.

(d) Countdown Responsibilities. When a boxer is down, the timekeeper shall rise and start his or her count, counting one for each second until 10 is reached. After the referee has taken control of the count, the timekeeper shall be seated and cease counting.

(e) Emergency Suspension of Round: Responsibility to Announce. If the referee is absent from the ring or temporarily incapacitated the timekeeper shall immediately sound the gong for temporary discontinuance of the contest.

(8) Chief Official.

(a) Chief Officials will assume the role of the Commission representative for events to which they are assigned.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-4, 43-4B-7, 43-4B-11, 43-4B-14, 43-4B-19
History. Original Rule entitled "Forms" adopted. F. May 30, 1984; effective June 19, 1984.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 1999; eff. July 1, 1999.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Officials (Referees, Judges, and Timekeepers)" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 16, 2003; eff. Jan. 5, 2004.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.
Amended: F. Dec. 23, 2008; eff. Jan. 12, 2009.
Amended: F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.08 Conduct of Bout {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.08 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.08}

(1) Boxers .

(a) False Name . No boxer shall enter any agreement or contract with a promoter, compete in any match, or otherwise participate in any capacity under any name which does not appear on his or her Federal ID card.

(b) Prohibition if Under Suspension . No boxer shall enter any agreement or contract with a promoter, compete, or attempt to compete in any match in Georgia when such boxer knows that his or her boxing license issued by this commission or by any other boxing commission is under suspension.

(c) Pregnancy . No boxer shall enter any agreement or contract with a promoter, compete, or attempt to compete in any match in Georgia when such boxer knows that she is pregnant.

(d) Weigh-In .

Preliminary Weigh-In. All fighters must video record a Preliminary Weigh-in one week prior to the Official weigh-in. That video must be reported to the promoter.

a. The promoter should save these recordings for 1 year.

b. Fighters are required to be within 10% of their scheduled weight.

c. Should either or both of the contestants weigh more than 10% above their scheduled weight, the promoter may increase the weight class limit, with the consent of both parties.

Official Weigh In. In all contests or exhibitions, contestants shall weigh in at a previously agreed upon time and in the presence of an authorized commission representative, provided however that such weigh-in shall not take place less than six hours nor more than 36 hours prior to the contest or exhibition.

a. All official weigh-ins, unless otherwise agreed to in advance by the commission, shall be conducted outside the view of the general public.

b. Ceremonial weigh-ins may be conducted in such manner and at such place as agreed to by all parties involved in the promotion or match.

c. The weigh in will last for 2 hours after the agreed upon time.

d. Contestants who have not arrived in the first hour will be placed on the clock and their hour to cut weight will start. When the contestant arrives, and weighs in, the contestant will only have the remaining time of the 2-hour weigh in window to cut any weight if they missed their agreed upon weight.

Missing Weight

a. Any fighter who does not make weight at an Official Weigh-In may be fined, and may further be subject to denial of Commission approval to fight at the failed weight class during his/her next bout.

b. Any fighter who twice does not make weight at an Official Weigh-In may be fined, and may further be subject to denial of Commission approval to fight at the failed weight class during his/her next two bouts.

c. Any fighter who does not make weight at an Official Weigh-In three times may be fined, and may further be subject to denial of Commission approval to fight at the failed weight class for all future fights.

(e) Over-weight boxers . The use of any herbal, prescription or non-prescription diuretic by any boxer within twelve hours prior to the weigh-in is strictly prohibited.

(135/2) No over-contract-weight contestant appearing at the initial weigh-in and weighing 135 pounds or less will be allowed to lose in excess of two pounds in order to make contract weight. Any such boxer must be re-examined by the ringside physician and receive clearance from the ringside physician prior to entering the ring.
(160/3) No over-contract-weight contestant appearing at the initial weigh-in and weighing 135 pounds but less than 160 pounds will be allowed to lose in excess of three pounds in order to make contract weight. Any such boxer must be re- examined by the ringside physician and receive clearance from the ringside physician prior to entering the ring.
(190/4) No over-contract-weight contestants appearing at the initial weigh-in and weighing 160 pounds but less than 190 pounds will be allowed to lose in excess of four pounds in order to make contract weight. Any such boxer must be re- examined by the ringside physician and receive clearance from the ringside physician prior to entering the ring.

(f) Weight Classes . Weight classes for professional boxers shall be:

Flyweight-112 lbs. or under
Bantamweight-over 112 lbs.-118 lbs.
Featherweight-over 118 lbs.-126 lbs.
Lightweight-over 126 lbs.-135 lbs.
Welterweight-over 135 lbs.-147 lbs.
Middleweight-over 147 lbs.-160 lbs.
Light Heavyweight-over 160 lbs.-175 lbs.
Cruiserweight-over 175 lbs-200 lbs.
Heavyweight-over 200 lbs. Editor's Note: Championship Belts will be awarded according to the weigh classifications recognized by the sanctioning body awarding the belt.

(g) Weight Spread . No boxing contest or exhibition may be scheduled, and no boxer may engage in a boxing contest or exhibition without the approval of the commission or the commission's representative if the difference in weight between the boxers exceeds the following allowance.

Up to 118 lbs-not more than 3 pounds
118 lbs to 126 lbs-not more than 5 pounds
126 lbs.-135 lbs.-not more than 6 pounds
135 lbs.-147 lbs.-not more than 7 pounds
147 lbs.-200 lbs.-not more than 9 pounds
200 lbs. and over (Heavyweight)-no limit

(i) Any agreement to proceed with a boxing contest or exhibition where the weight spread exceeds the limit established in this rule shall be entered on each participant's bout contract and shall be initialed or signaled by such participant.

(h) Appearance Time . All contestants must be in the dressing room at least 60 minutes before the event is scheduled to begin.

(i) Ring Attire . Boxers shall appear and compete in proper ring attire.

All boxers will be required to wear such protective gear as deemed necessary by the commission.

(i) Male boxers shall wear a standard kidney protection belt designed for male boxers which includes a groin protection cup of such construction as to prevent any claim of injury caused by an unintentional blow.

(I) This gear shall be firmly adjusted and tied prior to entering the ring.

(II) During the course of the match the upper belt of this gear may not rise above the trunk waist line so as to protect the boxer from normal body blows.

(III) The use during any boxing match of a protective belt commonly referred to as a training protective belt (which incorporates an oversized torso protection shield) is prohibited.

(ii) Female boxers may wear a standard kidney protection belt designed for female boxers and which provides the necessary pelvic and ovary protection and shall wear a sports bra with an interior pocket which can, at the option of the boxer, hold an appropriately sized breast protector of a "turtle-shell" style.

(I) This gear shall be firmly adjusted and tied prior to entering the ring.

(II) During the course of the match the upper belt of this gear may not rise above the trunk waist line so as to protect the boxer from normal body blows.

The belt-line of the trunks shall not extend above the waistline and the hem may not extend below the knee.
Boxers in the same match should wear different color trunks.
Each boxer shall use a mouthpiece and no round may start without a boxer's mouthpiece in place. All amateur contestants shall use a mouthpiece that uses dual arch technology or protects both the upper and lower teeth

(i) If the mouthpiece is dislodged during competition, the referee will call time and have the mouthpiece replaced at the first opportune moment without interfering with immediate action.

(ii) Points may be deducted by the referee, if the referee feels the mouthpiece is purposely spit out.

Shoes shall be of soft material and shall not be fitted with spikes, cleats, hard soles, or hard heels. Shoe lace knots will be secured with adhesive tape.
When deemed necessary by the referee all boxers shall have their hair secured in a manner that does not interfere with the vision and safety of either contestant.

(i) Provided however that no object can be worn to secure the contestant's hair which may cause injury to either contestant.

The wearing of body jewelry will be strictly prohibited during all contests.
The wearing of any facial or body cosmetic is strictly prohibited during all contests.

(j) Profanity . Use of profanity by a boxer or his or her manager or second is prohibited and if indulged in after a warning by the referee or commission representative the offender, if a boxer may be disqualified and the match given to his or her opponent, or if a manager or second such person may be ejected from the ring or arena and a penalty point may be deducted from the boxer.

(k) Contestants: Entering Ring . All contestants must be ready to enter the ring immediately upon the conclusion of the preceding bout.

Failure to enter the ring when requested and, after warning by the inspector or commission representative supervising the match, may result in a fine not to exceed one-half of the contracted purse amount.

(l) Contestants: Demeanor During the Round . Each boxer shall take care to avoid fouling their opponent or illegally striking their opponent.

Regulations against fouls, as defined in these rules will be strictly enforced.
Wrestling and/or roughhousing in the ring will not be tolerated. Any boxer who intentionally lifts his or her opponent and then drops such opponent on the ring floor will be subject to immediate disqualification.
Boxers are at all times to follow the instructions of the referee. Any call for a break should immediately result in a clean break.

(m) Penalty for Disqualification . Any boxer who is disqualified for any reason by the referee or the commission representative supervising the show and is therefore unable to fulfill the terms of their contract will forfeit their entire purse and will be subject to a fine not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the contracted amount of the purse.

Any boxer who has forfeited their purse because of a loss by disqualification (LDSQ) has a right to appeal during either the next two scheduled commission meetings, and must so notify the commission in writing within fifteen days of the disqualification of their intent to appeal. Failure to notify the commission within the fifteen day period of the intention to appeal the forfeiture will be tantamount to a waiver of any further appeal rights.
The contracted purse amount withheld from any boxer because of disqualification will be held by the promoter or be held in escrow by the commission until such time as the appeal is heard or waived.

(i) Monies held in escrow by the commission pursuant to this rule are the property of the promoter unless after an appropriate appeal an amount is awarded by the commission to the boxer.

(ii) After the appeal hearing or acceptance of a waiver negating any appeal hearing monies held in escrow will be distributed appropriately.

(n) Any boxer can be fined, have his or her license suspended or have his or her license revoked in the event that a majority of the commission determines that the boxer did not utilize his or her best efforts in a match.

(2) Seconds .

(a) Number Allowed . Each boxer must have two or three seconds, except if the commission permits otherwise. Each contestant shall have one chief second and each chief must have a complete first aid kit. The seconds must be neatly attired. Persons holding a manager's or trainer's license may act as seconds without the necessity of a second's license.

(b) Leaving the Ring: When . Seconds shall leave the ring enclosure at the sound of the timekeeper's whistle. They shall leave the ring platform promptly when the gong sounds for the beginning of each round and immediately remove all obstructions, including stools, buckets, and any other corner equipment. None of these articles shall be replaced on the ring floor until the gong has sounded the end of a round.

(c) Assisting Contestant During Bout: Prohibited . During the progress of the rounds, seconds shall not throw water on the contestant or in any way assist or interfere the contestant.

(d) Throwing Towel: Prohibited . Seconds are forbidden from tossing a towel into the ring in token defeat of their boxer.

(e) Ejection and Disqualification . Violations of the provisions of this subparagraph may be followed by ejection of the offender from the ring corner, and may result in the disqualification of their contestant by the referee.

(3) Between Round Care . Between round care of a boxer will be strictly enforced by the commission.

(a) Second: Only One Allowed in Ring . Only one person will be allowed in the ring with the boxer during the rest period between rounds and no more than two people, exclusive to the commission inspector and approved media personnel, will be allowed on the apron during that time.

(b) Swinging Towel: Prohibited . Fans may be used between rounds but the swinging of towels is prohibited.

(c) Corner Kit: Substances Allowed . The use of an unapproved preparation during the match is prohibited. The only substances and materials allowed in the corner are:

Ice;
Water;
Cotton swabs;
Gauze pads;
Clean towels;
Vaseline or surgical lubricant approved by the commission;
Enswell;
Avitine or Adrenalene
Athletic tape as approved by the commission;

(i) Any variance to (3) (c) must be requested in writing and filed with the commission which, after consultation with a medical consultant or the ringside physician, will render its decision on the request.

(d) Corner Kit: Substances Prohibited . Substances such as Monsell's solution, other iron or bismuth compounds, collodion, silver nitrate, ammonia or smelling salts will not be used and the use of such modalities will result in disqualification, suspension or fine of the boxer, manager and/or trainer.

(e) Excessive Lubricant . The use of excessive lubricant on the body, arms or face of a boxer will not be tolerated.

(f) Re-hydration of Contestant During Bout . Only water will be permitted to ease dehydration of a boxer between rounds. Honey, electrolyte glucose, sugar or any other substance mixed with water is prohibited.

(4) After the Bout .

(a) Contestants to Leave Ring . When the decision of the referee or judges has been announced both contestants and their seconds shall at once leave the ring and retire to their dressing rooms.

(b) Decision: How to Announce . In all preliminary bouts up to and including the semi-main event, the announcer will announce if the decision is "unanimous," "a majority decision," or "a draw." In main events and championship contests the total points given each contestant by the three individual judges will be announced.

(c) Decision: How to Change . A decision rendered at the termination of any boxing contest is final and shall not be changed unless following the rendition of a decision the commission appointed secretary determines that any one of the following occurred:

There was collusion or fraud affecting the result of any contest, or,
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 boxer.
There was a violation of the laws or rules and regulations governing professional boxing in Georgia which affected the results of any contest.
The commission supervisor may in his or her discretion change a referee's decision if in his or her judgement a palpable and self-evident error has been committed.

(d) Decision: How to Appeal Commission Supervisor's Ruling .

A petition to change a bout decision or the ruling of the commission appointed supervisor shall be in writing and filed by a boxer or the boxer's manager within five (5) business days from the date the decision was rendered.
If a petition to change a bout decision or the ruling of the commission appointed supervisor is not filed in writing within five (5) business days of the decision, the commissioner may, upon the vote of no less than a majority of the commissioners present, hold a hearing to change the decision at any time.
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 within two (2) business days of the change.
The commission's findings of fact and rile in such matters shall be final and may not be appealed.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §43-4bet. seq
History. Original Rule entitled "Kickboxing or Contact Karate" adopted. F. June 11, 1987; eff. July 1, 1987.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Championship Rules" adopted. F. June 11, 1999; eff. July 1, 1999.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Conduct of Bout" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 16, 2003; eff. Jan. 5, 2004.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jul. 1, 2013; eff. July 21, 2013.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Oct. 27, 2020; eff. Nov. 16, 2020.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.09 Forms {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.09 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.09}

(1) Application for Promoter's License.

(a) The promoter's application shall ask all questions required by O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 4B and such other questions as are required by the commission. These questions shall include, but not be limited to:

Name, mailing and/or residence address, and appropriate telephone numbers for the person making application. If the "person" making application is a business entity then the nature of the enterprise shall be disclosed along with certain officers' names.
Certain questions deemed necessary by the commission to ascertain if the applicant has an existing criminal record along with certain demographic questions necessary for verification purposes.
Certain questions deemed necessary by the commission to ascertain applicant's prior professional or amateur sports licensing activity.

(b) The application for a promoter's license will be signed by the applicant, or in the case of an organization an officer of that organization. Said signature and application shall be signed in the presence of a commission representative or signed in the presence of and certified by a notary public.

(2) Application for a Match Permit.

(a) The application for a match permit shall be printed in such a manner as to be clearly differentiated from any other application form used by the commission. The match permit application shall ask all questions required by O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 4B and such other questions as are required by the commission. The questions shall include, but not be limited to:

Date, time and location of the proposed event.
Name, mailing address and residence address, and appropriate telephone numbers for the promoter making application. If the promoter making application is a business entity then the nature of the enterprise shall be disclosed along with certain officers' names.
Name and appropriate telephone numbers for the matchmaker engaged to assist with the promotion of the proposed event.
Questions ascertaining a brief description of the proposed event, including but not limited to the proposed "fight-card."

(b) The application for a match permit will be signed by the promoter making application for said match permit, or in the case of an organization an officer of such promotion organization. Said signature and application shall be signed in the presence of a commission representative, or signed in the presence of and certified by a notary public.

(3) Applications for Surety Bond.

(a) Two separate security bond application forms have been approved by the commission. One such form is associated with the promoter's applications, the other such form is associated with match permit applications.

(b) Only forms approved by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission (Georgia Boxing Commission) may be submitted to the commission as evidence of compliance of the security bond requirements in O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 4B. Said forms include language to ensure payment of certain financial obligations incurred by the promoter.

(4) Application for a Matchmaker's License.

(a) The matchmaker's application shall ask all questions required by O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter B and such other questions as are required by the commission. These questions shall include, but not be limited to:

Name, mailing and/or residence address, and appropriate telephone numbers for the person making the application. If the "person" making application is a business entity then the nature of the enterprise shall be disclosed along with the officers' names.
Certain questions deemed necessary by the commission to determine if the applicant has an existing criminal record along with certain demographic questions necessary for verification purposes.
Certain questions deemed necessary by the commission to ascertain applicant's prior professional or amateur sports licensing activity.

(b) The application for a matchmaker's license shall be signed by the applicant, or in the case of an organization an officer of that organization. Said signature and application shall be signed in the presence of a commission representative, or signed in the presence of and certified by a notary public.

(5) Application for Contestant's License.

(a) The Contestant's application shall ask all questions required by O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 4B and such other questions as are required by the commission. These questions shall include, but not be limited to:

The national identification number assigned by a boxing registry approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions to issue such number.
Name, mailing and/or residence address, and appropriate telephone numbers for the person making application.
Certain questions deemed necessary by the commission to determine if the applicant has an existing criminal record along with certain demographic questions necessary for verification purposes.
Certain questions deemed necessary by the commission to determine the applicant's prior medical history and current medical status.

(b) Each application for a Contestant's license shall be signed by the applicant, or by said applicant's authorized agent or manager.

(6) Application for Manager's License.

(a) The manager's application shall ask all questions required by O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 4B and such other questions as are required by the commission. These questions shall include, but not be limited to:

Name, mailing and/or residence address, and appropriate telephone numbers for the person making applications. If the "person" making the application is a business entity then the nature of the enterprise shall be disclosed along with certain officers' names.
Certain questions deemed necessary by the commission to determine if the applicant has an existing criminal record along with certain demographic questions necessary for verification purposed.
Certain questions deemed necessary by the commission to ascertain applicant's prior experience as a manager.

(b) Each application for a manager's license shall be signed by the applicant.

(7) Application for Official's or Assistant's License.

(a) This application shall ask all questions required by O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 4B and such other questions as are required by the commission. These questions shall include, but not be limited to:

Name, mailing and/or residence address, and appropriate telephone numbers for the person making application.
Certain questions deemed necessary by the commission to determine if the applicant has an existing criminal record along with demographic questions necessary for verification purposes.

(b) Each application for an official's or assistant's license from the commission shall be signed by the applicant.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 31-31, 43-4Bet seq
History. Original Rule entitled "General Waiver" adopted. F. June 11, 1987; eff. July 1, 1987.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Forms" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.10 Championship Rules {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.10 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.10}

(1) Functions of Commission.

(a) The commission shall have and exercise sole discretion, management, control, and supervision over all professional boxing matches in the state of Georgia.

(b) The commission shall enforce such rules and regulations as shall be necessary or proper for the holding of professional boxing matches in the state of Georgia.

(c) It is within the commission's power and authority to prescribe and enforce penalties for any violations of these rules or the statute governing the regulation of professional boxing in the state of Georgia, subject to judicial review.

(2) Investigations, Hearings, and Subpoena Power.

(a) The commission or any agent designated by it may make investigations and the commission may hold hearings and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses.

(b) The commission may order the production of books, papers or records for any hearing.

(c) When a hearing takes place, the commission may administer oaths to and examine any witness for the purpose of examining the question for which the hearing has been called.

(d) Unless otherwise controlled by law or these rules, if the commission finds a violation of its rules or the statute governing the regulation of professional boxing in this state has occurred, the commission may impose a disciplinary fine of not less than $500.00 nor more than $25,000.00 for the first offense and not less than $750.00 nor more than $75,000.00 for any subsequent offense. In addition to any fine, the commission may suspend or revoke any license.

(e) Within thirty days after the imposition of a fine and/or suspension or revocation by the commission, a licensee is entitled to judicial review, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-13-19 .

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4Bet seq
History. Original Rule entitled "Championship Rules" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.11 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.11 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.11}

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4Bet seq
History. Original Rule entitled "Investigations, Hearings, and Subpoena Powers" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.12 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.12 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.12}

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4Bet seq
History. Original Rule entitled "Petition for a Declaratory Ruling" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.13 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.13 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.13}

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4Bet seq
History. Original Rule entitled "General Waiver" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 2002; eff. Jan. 1, 2003, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.14 Military Spouses and Transitioning Service Members {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-1-.14 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-1-.14}

As used in this rule, the following terms shall mean:

a. "Commission" means the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission.

b. "License" means any license or permit issued by the Commission.

c. "Military" means the United States armed forces, including the National Guard.

d. "Military spouse" means a spouse of a service member or transitioning service member.

e. "Service member" means an active or reserve member of the armed forces, including the National Guard.

f. "Transitioning service member" means a member of the military on active duty status or separation leave who is within 24 months of retirement or 12 months of separation.

Effective July 1, 2017, military spouses and transitioning service members may qualify for expedited processing of the license application by showing that the applicant is a military spouse or transitioning service member and that the applicant has paid the fee and meets the requirements for a license under the law and rules for the type of license for which the applicant has applied."

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §43-4b et. seq
History. Original Rule entitled "Military Spouses and Transitioning Service Members" adopted. F. August 22, 2017; eff. September 11, 2017.

Chapter 85-2 Amateur Mixed Martial Arts

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.01 Conduct of Promotion {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-2-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.01}

If you are interested in staging an amateur mixed martial arts event in the future, you must notify this office in writing of the date and location of the event. If charging admission then you must receive an approved Mixed Martial Arts Event permit from the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission and abide by the permit requirements.

(a) To be considered for potential approval, you must:

submit a written list of the name, address, age, height, weight, trainer and training gym of each contestant;
submit a writing from each contestant that he or she has never engaged in a professional style mixed martial arts event;
submit writing from the contestant's trainer that the contestant is skilled enough and healthy to compete;
submit an approved GAEC physical form and pre-fight physician's report from a licensed physician and a statement from that physician that the contestant is healthy to compete;
obtain GAEC approval of the referee;
have an ambulance and EMT's on site at all times when competition is ongoing;
have a licensed physician on site at all times when the competition is ongoing;
agree to abide by any other conditions which the Commissioner may impose on this new activity as events are reviewed and amendments may be made;
obtain approval from a sanctioning organization licensed by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission;
agree in writing that you will follow the following bout rules;
you must receive prior written approval for the sale of intoxicating beverages. If approved, plastic cups and bottles must be used.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Conduct of Promotion" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.02 Weight Classes {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-2-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.02}

(1) Male:

(a) Flyweight (111.9 lbs. and below);

(b) Bantamweight (112-117.9 lbs.);

(d) Featherweight (122-125.9 lbs.);

(e) Super Featherweight (126-129.9 lbs.);

(f) Lightweight (130-134.9 lbs.);

(g) Super Lightweight (135-139.9 lbs.);

(h) Welterweight (140-146.9 lbs.);

(i) Super Welterweight (147-153.9 lbs.);

(j) Middleweight (154-159.9 lbs.);

(k) Super Middleweight (160-166.9 lbs.);

(l) Light Heavyweight (167-174.9 lbs.);

(m) Super Lt Heavyweight (175-182.9 lbs.);

(n) Cruiserweight (183-189.9 lbs.);

(o) Super Cruiserweight (190-194.9 lbs.);

(p) Heavyweight (195-209.9 lbs.);

(q) Super Heavyweight (210-249.9 lbs.);

(r) Absolute (250 lbs and above).

(2) Female:

(a) Flyweight (104.9 lbs. and below);

(b) Bantamweight (105-113.9 lbs.);

(d) Lightweight (123-131.9 lbs.);

(e) Welterweight (132-140.9 lbs.);

(f) Middleweight (141-149.9 lbs.);

(g) Light Heavyweight (150-158.9 lbs.);

(h) Cruiserweight (159-167.9 lbs.);

(i) Heavyweight (168 lbs. and above).

(3) Maximum weight difference between two fighters will be the combination of two adjacent weight divisions.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Weight Classes" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.03 Rounds {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-2-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.03}

Amateur MMA bouts will consist of three 3-minute rounds with a one minute rest period in between rounds.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Rounds" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.04 Equipment {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-2-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.04}

a) Mouth guard

b) Open finger gloves (minimum 7 oz.)

c) Groin protections (male and female)

d) Shin pads

a. Advanced Amateur fights do not require shin pads.

e) Instep pads

f) Breast protection (female)

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Equipment" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.
Amended: F. Feb. 19, 2015; eff. Mar. 11, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.05 Rules {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-2-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.05}

(1) LEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE STANDING:

a. Closed hand strikes to head and body;

b. Kicking to body;

c. Knees to body and legs;

d. Throws/Take downs/Sweeps;

e. Standing Submissions;

f. Chokes;

g. Armbars;

h. Shouldering.

(2) LEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE ON THE GROUND:

a. Closed hand strikes to body and legs;

b. Submissions (chokes, armbars, straight leg locks ONLY).

(3) ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE STANDING:

a. Elbows;

b. Knees to head;

c. Reserved;

d. Kicks to knees;

e. Stomps on feet;

f. Groin strikes;

g. Hitting back of head;

h. Spine strikes;

i. Slamming;

j. Throws onto head or neck;

k. Throws against a joint;

l. Throwing out of competition area;

m. Neck cranks;

n. Holding ropes;

o. Pinching, biting, gouging, and any "dirty fighting".

(4) ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE ON GROUND:

a. Any striking to head;

b. Elbows;

c. Neck cranks;

d. Heel hooks;

e. Finger locks;

f. Toe locks;

g. Choking with hand on throat;

h. Smothering (hand over mouth);

i. Spine locks;

j. Hammer locks;

k. Fish hooks;

l. Groin strikes;

m. Spine strikes;

n. Slamming;

o. Throwing out of competition area;

p. Pinching, biting, gouging, and any "dirty fighting".

(5) ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

a. No Vaseline on the body;

b. No shoes;

c. No shirts for male contestants;

d. No metal zippers on shorts.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Rules" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 28, 2014; eff. June 17, 2014.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.06 Advanced Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Rules {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-2-.06 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.06}

(1) Three or more verifiable amateur mixed martial arts fights are required to compete in these rules. Non mandatory . For fighters seeking to turn professional .

(2) LEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE STANDING:

(a) Closed hand strikes to head and body;

(b) Kicking to body;

(d) Throws/Take downs/Sweeps;

(e) Standing Submissions;

(f) Chokes;

(g) Armbars;

(h) Shouldering.

(3) LEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE ON THE GROUND:

(a) Closed hand strikes to head, body, and legs;

(b) Submissions (chokes, armbars, straight leg locks ONLY).

(4) ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE STANDING:

(a) Elbows;

(b) Knees to head;

(d) Kicks to knees;

(e) Stomps on feet;

(f) Groin strikes;

(g) Hitting back of head;

(h) Spine strikes;

(i) Slamming;

(j) Throws onto head or neck;

(k) Throws against a joint;

(l) Throwing out of competition area;

(m) Neck cranks;

(n) Holding ropes;

(o) Pinching, biting, gouging, and any "dirty fighting".

(5) ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE ON GROUND: THE ADVANCED RULES ALLOW STRIKES TO THE HEAD ON THE GROUND AFTER 3 CONFIRMED FIGHTS.

(a) Elbows;

(b) Neck cranks;

(d) Finger locks;

(e) Toe locks;

(f) Choking with hand on throat;

(g) Smothering (hand over mouth);

(h) Spine locks;

(i) Fish hooks;

(j) Groin strikes;

(k) Spine strikes;

(l) Slamming;

(m) Throwing out of competition area;

(n) Pinching, biting, gouging, and any "dirty fighting".

(6) ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

(a) No Vaseline on the body;

(b) No shoes;

(d) No metal zippers on shorts.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled " Advanced Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Rules" adopted. F. Dec. 11, 2008; eff. Dec. 31, 2008.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.07 Applications {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-2-.07 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.07}

(1) Each applicant for a mixed martial artist license shall submit to the Commission such application and supporting documentation including Applicant Affidavit of the applicant's amateur fighter's record on forms prescribed by the Commission.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Applications" adopted. F. Jan 27, 2014; eff. February 16, 2014.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.08 Officials {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-2-.08 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-2-.08}

(1) All MMA Officials will be required to take and pass a Commission approved certification course once every two years to be eligible to work in Georgia.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Officials" adopted. F. Feb. 19, 2015; eff. Mar. 11, 2015.

Chapter 85-3 Professional Mixed Martial Arts

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.01 Weight Classes of Mixed Martial Artists {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.01}

(a) Mixed martial artists shall be divided into the following classes:

Flyweight under 125.9 pounds;
Bantamweight 126 lbs. - 134.9 pounds;
Featherweight 135 lbs. - 144.9 pounds;
Lightweight 145 lbs. - 154.9 pounds;
Welterweight 155 lbs. - 169.9 pounds;
Middleweight 170 lbs. - 184.9 pounds;
Light Heavyweight 185 lbs. - 204.9 pounds;
Heavyweight 204 lbs. - 264.9 pounds; and
Super Heavyweight over 265 pounds.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Weight Classes of Mixed Martial Artists" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.02 Fighting Area {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.02}

The fighting area, made of canvas, hybrid canvas or 14-ounce vinyl shall be no smaller than 18 feet by 18 feet and no larger than 32 feet by 32 feet. The fighting area shall be padded in a manner as approved by the Commissioner, with at least one inch layer of foam padding. Padding shall extend beyond the fighting area and over the edge of the platform. No other vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering shall be permitted.
The promoter shall ensure that fighting area is wiped clean of all liquids and bodily fluids between each round and at the conclusion of each bout.
The fighting area shall not be more than four feet above the floor of the building and shall have suitable steps or ramp for use by the participants. Posts shall be made of metal not more than six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of 58 inches above the fighting area canvas and shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the Commissioner.
The fighting area shall be enclosed by a fence made of such material as will not allow a fighter to fall out or break through it onto the floor or spectators, including, but not limited to, vinyl coated chain link fencing. All metal parts shall be covered and padded in a manner approved by the Commissioner and shall not be abrasive to the contestants.
The fence shall provide two separate entries onto the fighting area.
Instead of a fenced in area, the Commissioner may approve the use of a ring with five ring ropes and an adequate apron area outside of the fighting area.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §43-4bet. seq
History. Original Rule entitled "Fighting Area" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 28, 2018; eff. Apr. 17, 2018.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.03 Stools {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.03}

(1) A ring stool of a type approved by the Commissioner shall be available for each contestant.

(2) An appropriate number of stools or chairs, of a type approved by the Commissioner, shall be available for each contestant's seconds. Such stools or chairs shall be located near each contestant's corner.

(3) All stools and chairs used must be thoroughly cleaned or replaced after the conclusion of each bout.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Stools" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.04 Equipment {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.04}

For each bout, the promoter shall provide a clean water bucket and a clean plastic water bottle in each corner.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Equipment" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.05 Specifications for Bandages on Mixed Martial Artist's Hands {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.05}

(1) In all weight classes, the bandages on each contestant's hand shall be restricted to soft gauze cloth not more than 13 yards in length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than 10 feet of surgeon's tape, one inch in width, for each hand.

(2) Surgeon's adhesive tape shall be placed directly on each hand for protection near the wrist. The tape may cross the back of the hand twice and extend to cover and protect the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist.

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

(4) Bandages and tape shall be placed on the contestant's hands in the dressing room in the presence of the inspector and in the presence of the manager or chief second of his or her opponent.

(5) Under no circumstances are gloves to be placed on the hands of a contestant until the approval of the inspector is received.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Specifications for Bandages on Mixed Martial Artist's Hands" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.06 Mouth Pieces {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.06 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.06}

(1) All contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. The mouthpiece shall be subject to examination and approval by the attending physician.

(2) The round cannot begin without the mouthpiece in place.

(3) If the mouthpiece is involuntarily dislodged during competition, the referee shall call time, clean the mouthpiece and reinsert the mouthpiece at the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Mouth Pieces" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.07 Protective Equipment {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.07 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.07}

(1) Male mixed martial artists shall wear a groin protector of their own selection, of a type approved by the Commissioner.

(2) Female mixed martial artists are prohibited from wearing groin protectors.

(3) Female mixed martial artists shall wear a chest protector during competition. The chest protector shall be subject to approval of the Commissioner.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Protective Equipment" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.08 Gloves {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.08 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.08}

(1) The gloves shall be new for all main events and in good condition or they must be replaced.

(2) All contestants shall wear four, five or six ounce gloves, supplied by the promoter and approved by the commission. No contestant shall supply their own gloves for participation.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Gloves" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.09 Apparel {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.09 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.09}

(1) Each contestant shall wear mixed martial arts shorts, biking shorts, or kick-boxing shorts.

(2) Gis or shirts are prohibited during competition.

(3) Shoes are prohibited during competition.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Apparel" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.10 Appearance {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.10 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.10}

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.
Jewelry or piercing accessories are prohibited during competition.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Appearance" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 28, 2014; eff. June 17, 2014.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.11 Round Length {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.11 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.11}

(1) Each non-championship mixed martial arts contest shall be three rounds, of five minutes duration, with a one minute rest period between each round.

(2) Each championship mixed martial arts contest shall be five rounds, of five minutes duration, with a one minute rest period between each round.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Round Length" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.12 Stopping a Contest {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.12 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.12}

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

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Stopping a Contest" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.13 Judging {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.13 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.13}

(a) All bouts will be evaluated and scored by three judges.

(b) The 10-Point Must System will be the standard system of scoring a bout. Under the 10-Point Must Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round and nine points or less must be awarded to the loser, except for a rare even round, which is scored (10-10).

(c) Judges shall evaluate mixed martial arts techniques, such as effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area, effective aggressiveness and defense.

(d) Evaluations shall be made in the order in which the techniques appear in (c) above, giving the most weight in scoring to effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area and effective aggressiveness and defense.

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

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

(g) Fighting area control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location and position of the bout. Examples of factors to consider are 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.

(h) Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing a legal strike.

(i) Effective defense means avoiding being struck, taken down or reversed while countering with offensive attacks.

(j) The following objective scoring criteria shall be utilized by the judges when scoring a round:

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;
A round is to be scored as a 10-9 Round when a contestant wins by a close margin, landing the greater number of effective legal strikes, grappling and other maneuvers;
A round is to be scored as a 10-8 Round when a contestant overwhelmingly dominates by striking or grappling in a round.
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 time the fighters are either standing or on the ground, as follows:

If the mixed martial artists spent a majority of a round on the canvas, then:

i. Effective grappling is weighed first; and

ii. Effective striking is then weighed

If the mixed martial artists spent a majority of a round standing, then:

i. Effective striking is weighed first; and

ii. Effective grappling is then weighed

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

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Judging" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.14 Warnings {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.14 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.14}

(1) The referee shall issue a single warning for the following infractions. After the initial warning, if the prohibited conduct persists, a penalty will be issued. The penalty may result in a deduction of points or disqualification.

(a) Holding or grabbing the fence;

(b) Holding opponent's shorts or gloves; or

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Warnings" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.15 Fouls {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.15 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.15}

(a) The following are fouls and will result in penalties if committed:

Butting with the head;
Eye gouging of any kind;
Biting or spitting at an opponent;
Hair pulling;
Fish hooking;
Groin attacks of any kind;
Intentionally placing a finger in any opponent's orifice;
Downward pointing of elbow strikes;
Small joint manipulation;
Strikes to the spine or back of the head;
Heel kicks to the kidney;
Throat strikes of any kind;
Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle;
Kicking the head of a grounded fighter;
Kneeing the head of a grounded fighter;
Stomping of a grounded fighter;
The use of abusive language in fighting area;
Any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to opponent;
Attacking an opponent on or during the break;
Attacking an opponent who is under the referee's care at the time;
Timidity (avoiding contact, or consistent dropping of mouthpiece, or faking an injury);
Interference from a mixed martial artist's seconds;
Throwing an opponent out of the fighting area;
Flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions;
Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his or her head or neck.

(b) Disqualification occurs after any combination of three or the fouls listed in (a) above or after a referee determines that a foul was intentional and flagrant.

(c) Fouls will result in a point being deducted by the official scorekeeper from the offending mixed martial artist's score.

(d) Only a 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.

(e) A fouled fighter has up to five minutes to recuperate.

(f) If a foul is committed, the referee shall:

call time;
check the fouled mixed martial artist's condition and safety; and
assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner's seconds, judges and the official scorekeeper.

(g) If a bottom contestant commits a foul, unless the top contestant is injured, the fight shall continue, so as not to jeopardize the top contestant's superior positioning 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 corners' seconds, the judges and the official scorekeeper.
The referee may terminate a bout based on the severity of a foul. For such a flagrant foul, a contestant shall lose by disqualification.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Fouls" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.16 Injuries Sustained During Competition {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.16 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.16}

(a) 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.

(b) If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul is severe enough to terminate a bout, the contestant causing the injury loses by disqualification.

(c) If an injury is sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee shall notify the scorekeeper to automatically deduct two points from the contestant who committed the foul.

(d) If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul cause 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 or she is ahead on the score cards. If the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the time of stoppage, the outcome of the bout shall be declared a technical draw.

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

(f) If an injury sustained during competition 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 if stopped before three rounds have been completed in a five round bout.

(g) If an injury sustained during competition 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 have been completed.

(h) 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 scorekeeper calculates the final score.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Injuries Sustained During Competition" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.17 Types of Bout Results {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.17 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.17}

(a) The following are the types of bout results:

Submission by:

i. Tap Out: When a contestant physically uses his hand to indicate that he or she no longer wishes to continue; or

ii. Verbal tap out: When a contestant verbally announces to the referee that he or she does not wish to continue;

Technical knockout by:

i. Referee stops bout;

ii. Ringside physician stops bout; or

iii. When an injury as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate a bout;

Knockout by failure to rise from the canvas;
Decision via score cards:

i. Unanimous: When all three judges score the bout for the same contestant;

ii. Split Decision: When two judges score the bout for one contestant and one judge scores for the opponent; or

iii. Majority Decision: When two judges score the bout for the same contestant and one judge scores a draw;

Draws:

i. Unanimous - When all three judges score the bout a draw;

ii. Majority - When two judges score the bout a draw; or

iii. Split - When all three judges score differently and the score total results in a draw;

Disqualification: When an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul is severe enough to terminate the contest;
Forfeit: When a contestant fails to begin competition or prematurely ends the contest for reasons other than injury or by indicating a tap out;
Technical Draw: When an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul cause the injured contestant to be unable to continue and the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the time of stoppage;
Technical Decision: When the bout is prematurely stopped due to injury and a contestant is leading on the score cards; and
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 via the score cards.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Types of Bout Results" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.18 Licensing {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.18 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.18}

(a) All mixed martial arts events shall be subject to licensing requirements of 85-1-.02 .

(b) The fee for a mixed martial artist license and other license fees shall be set forth in 85-1-.02 .

(c) Each applicant for a mixed martial artist license shall submit to the Commission such application and supporting documentation including Applicant Affidavit of the applicant's amateur fighter's record on forms prescribed by the Commission.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Licensing" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 24, 2014; eff. Feb. 13, 2014.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.19 Bond Procedure {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.19 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.19}

All mixed martial arts events shall be subject to the bond procedure requirements of 85-1-.03

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Bond Procedure" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.20 Inspectors {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.20 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.20}

All mixed martial arts events shall be subject to the presence, duties and compensation of inspectors as required by 85-1-.07.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Inspectors" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.21 Health and Safety Rules {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.21 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.21}

(a) All mixed martial arts events shall be subject to the uniform medical requirements of 85-1-.04.

(b) All mixed martial arts events shall be subject to the additional health and safety requirements of 85-1-.05 .

(c) All mixed martial arts events shall be subject to the emergency medical facilities and equipment requirements of 85-1-.05 .

(d) All mixed martial arts events shall be subject to the insurance requirements of N.J.A.C. 85-1-.05 .

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Health and Safety Rules" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.22 Weighing of Mixed Martial Artists {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.22 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.22}

Weighing of all mixed martial artists shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements for professional boxers of 85-1 Appendix Band 85-1-.08(1)(d).

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Weighing of Mixed Martial Artists" adopted. F. June 11, 2007; eff. July 1, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.23 Officials {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-3-.23 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-3-.23}

(1) Compensation for MMA Referee's and Judges

a. All payments of fees, including travel expenses when required, to MMA referees and judges shall be paid by the promoter conducting the show and shall be on the following basis:

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

b. When the gross aggregate purse of the show does not exceed $50,000, the fee for the head referee shall be $300.00, the secondary referee shall be $150.00 and the fee for each judge shall be $150.00.

c. Travel expenses for officials required traveling a distance of fifty (50) miles or greater to the site of a show 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.

(2) All MMA Officials will be required to take and pass a Commission approved certification course once every two years to be eligible to work in Georgia.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Officials" adopted. F. May 28, 2014; eff. June 17, 2014.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Feb. 19, 2015; eff. Mar. 11, 2015.

Chapter 85-4 Full Contact Kickboxing, International Rules Kickboxing, and Thai Boxing (muay Thai Kickboxing)

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.01 Ring or Cage {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.01}

(1) The ring shall be not less than 16 feet on a side within the ropes. In world and national title bouts, the Commission recommends and may require that the ring be not less than 18 feet but not more than 20 feet on a side within the ropes.

(2) The ring floor shall extend beyond the ropes not less than 18 inches. The ring floor shall be padded in a manner approved by the Commission. Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform.

(3) A Cage will be considered only after approval of the commission. If a cage is approved, the Cage must also meet approval of the commission representative and the commission appointed referee.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Ring or Cage" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.02 Height of Ring or Cage {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.02}

The ring or cage platform shall not be more than fifty four inches above the floor of the building and shall be provided with suitable steps for use of the contestants. Ring or cage posts shall be of metal, not more than eight inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a height of 58 inches above the ring floor and shall be properly padded.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Height of Ring or Cage" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.03 Ring Ropes or Cage Fence {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.03}

(1) Ring ropes shall be at least four in number and not less than one inch in diameter. The lowest rope must be positioned 18 inches above the ring floor, unless the ring is also being used in conjunction with mixed martial arts or boxing in which case the lowest rope will meet the approval of the commission representative and the commission approved referee. The highest rope must be 52 inches above the floor.

(2) The circumference of all ropes must be wrapped with a padding of not less than one inch and of a type and construction approved by the Commission.

(3) The Cage Fence shall meet commission approval.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Ring Ropes or Cage Fence" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.04 Ring Equipment & Hand Protection {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.04}

(1) Promoters shall provide all necessary non-personal equipment (subject to approval by the Commission) for use by seconds and contestants in all Commission sanctioned bouts. This necessary non-personal equipment shall include the ring and corner posts.

(2) Promoters shall also provide the padded protection equipment to be worn on the hands of each contestant to ensure that matched contestants wear equipment of the same size, shape, style and manufacture.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Ring Equipment & Hand Protection" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.05 Bell {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.05}

There shall be a bell or gong positioned at ringside. The bell or gong must make a clear tone so that its sound may be heard by the contestants.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Bell" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.06 Rounds {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.06 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.06}

(1) Full Contact Kickboxing (Also known as Full Contact Karate or American Rules Kickboxing)- Amateur and Professional Bouts shall consist of two minute rounds for men and two minute rounds for women. The maximum number of rounds for professional Full Contact Kickboxing bouts is 10 (Title Fights Only), and the maximum number of rounds for amateur full contact kickboxing bouts is five.

(2) International Rules Kickboxing (Also known as low-kick kickboxing) - Amateur and Professional Bouts shall consist of two minute rounds for men and two minute rounds for women. The maximum number of rounds for professional international rules kickboxing bouts is 10 (Title Fights Only), and the maximum number of rounds for amateur international rules kickboxing bouts is five.

(3) Thaiboxing (also known as Muay Thai Kickboxing) - Professional bouts shall consist of three (3) or five (5) three (3) minute rounds for men and three (3) or five (5) two (2) minute rounds for women. Amateur bouts shall consist of three (3) or four (4) two (2) minute rounds for men and women.

(4) All rest period time between rounds is 60 seconds.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Rounds" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.07 Contestants' Equipment {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.07 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.07}

(1) Contestants shall provide all necessary personal equipment (subject to approval by the Commission) for use by themselves and their seconds in all Commission sanctioned bouts. This necessary personal equipment shall include appropriate shorts or trousers, tape and bandages to be wrapped around the hands to prevent sprains and knuckle separations, padded protective equipment to be worn on the feet (Full Contact division), a groin protector for men and a breast protector for women (recommended), two Commission-approved mouth pieces, and water bottles.

(2) Contestants shall wear contrasting colored uniforms.

(3) Bandaging of each competitor'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 a Commission official. Cloth hand-bandages, maximum length of 3.5 yards, may be used if approved by the Commission representative.

(4) The weight and type of padded protective equipment to be worn on the contestant's hands and feet shall be determined by the Commission in advance of the event. Matched contestants must wear padded protective equipment on the hands of an identical size, shape, and style and manufacture as provided by the promoter.

(5) Male contestants must wear a foul-proof groin protector. Abdominal guards are also acceptable. Female contestants must wear a sports or athletic bra. In addition, foul-proof breast protectors or plastic breast covers can be worn. The Commission recommends that female contestants also wear pelvic protection.

(6) All contestants must wear a Commission approved individually fitted mouthpiece.

(7) Contestants with long hair may wear Commission approved hair stays.

(8) All contestants weighing under 147 lbs must use eight-ounce (8 oz) regulation gloves for men and ten-ounce (10 oz) regulation gloves for women. All fighters weighing more than 147 lbs must use ten-ounce (10 oz) regulation gloves for men and women.

(a) Professional contestants may have the option to compete in 4 oz MMA gloves, pending both contestants agree to this, and the Commission is informed ahead of the event.

(b) Amateur contestants may have the option to compete in 7 oz MMA gloves, pending both contestants agree to this, and the Commission is informed ahead of the event.

(9) The use of braces, supports, or additional padding or bandages other than the type prescribed by the rules are subject to approval only after inspection by the referee and Commission representative.

(10) All contestants must follow the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission Dress Code for the Rules under which their bout is fought:

(a) Thai Boxing - Shorts, Gloves.

(b) International Kickboxing - Shorts, Compulsory Foot-Guards, Gloves.

(11) The promoter and/or fighter will provide all amateur Muay Thai fighters with headgear, approved by the Commission, designed to less the impact of strikes directed to the head and reduce the likelihood of cuts. Three (3) or more verifiable amateur Muay Thai fights are required to compete without having to wear headgear. If three (3) amateur Muay Thai fights cannot be verified then both contestants must wear the headgear.

(a) Both the contestants must have three (3) or more verifiable amateur Muay Thai fights for the headgear not to be worn. If one (1) fighter does not have the required documented fights, then both contestants must wear headgear.

(12) Advanced Amateur fights do not require shin pads.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Contestants' Equipment" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 21, 2013; eff. Dec. 11, 2013.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 21, 2015; eff. June 10, 2015.
Amended: F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.08 Weight Divisions {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.08 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.08}

(1) Official weight divisions for International Kickboxing, Full Contact Kickboxing and Thai Boxing are as follows; Division Weight Range Flyweight - 111 lb and under Super Flyweight 111.1- 115.0lb Bantamweight 115.1- 118.0 lb Super Bantamweight 118.1-122.0 lb Featherweight 122.1-126.0 Super Featherweight 126.1- 131.0 lb Lightweight 131.1-134.0 lb Super Lightweight 134.1-140.0 lb Welterweight 140.1- 148.0 lb Super Welterweight 148.1-154 lb Middleweight 154.1-159.0 lb Super Middleweight 159.1-167.0 lb Lt Heavyweight 167.1- 173.0 lb Super Lt Heavyweight 173.1-183.0 lb Cruiserweight 183.1- 190.0 lb Super Cruiserweight 190.1-198 lb Heavyweight 198.1-209 lb Super Heavyweight + 209 lb

(2) No contest shall be scheduled and no contestants shall engage in a bout between the opposite sexes, or where the weight difference exceeds an allowance of 3.5 percent of the division weight without the approval of the commission representative

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-4B-50 and 43-4B-52
History. Original Rule entitled "Weight Divisions" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.09 Weigh-In {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.09 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.09}

(1) Contestants shall be weighed in on scales approved by the Commission at such a time and place as may be formally designated by the Commission in advance of all scheduled bouts. Contestants must weigh in a minimum of 6 hours before the event. All contestants must attend the designated weigh-in proceedings unless otherwise excused by the Commission.

(2) By special permission of the Commission preliminary (undercard) contestants may be allowed to weigh-in not later than one hour before the scheduled time of the first match on the card.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-4B-50 and 43-4B-52
History. Original Rule entitled "Weigh-In" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.10 Officials {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.10 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.10}

Each bout shall be conducted by a referee (number to be determined based on bout count), three judges, a physician, a timekeeper, a scorekeeper, inspectors, a Commission representative, and a medical transport unit. The Commission shall determine the qualifications and standards for all officials. The Commission secretary or the Commission shall assign all officials. Compensation will be set by the commission and shall not exceed compensation as outlined in 85-1-.07.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Officials" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.11 Referee {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.11 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.11}

(1) The referee shall be charged with the general supervision of the bout. He or she shall enforce the rules, promote safety of the contestants, and ensure fair play.

(2) Before starting a contest, the referee shall ascertain from each contestant the name of his or her chief second and shall hold the named 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 the chief second only.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Referee" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.12 Judges {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.12 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.12}

The judges shall be stationed at ringside at locations designated by the Commission representative in charge. The judges shall work in conjunction with the referee and are charged with scoring the outcome of each round of a bout.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Judges" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.13 Physician and Paramedics {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.13 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.13}

(1) A licensed medical doctor shall conduct pre-fight physicals on all contestants and referees. A licensed physician shall sit at the immediate ringside of all bouts. No bout shall be allowed to proceed unless the physician is in his or her seat. The physician shall not leave until after the decision in the final bout. He or she shall be prepared to assist if any serious emergency arises and shall render temporary or emergency treatments for cuts and minor injuries sustained by the contestants.

(2) No manager or second shall attempt to render aid to a contestant during the course of a round before the physician has had an opportunity to examine the contestant who may have been injured. Time out shall be called for such examinations.

(3) No event shall take place, amateur and/or professional, without a team of equipped, qualified paramedics present at each bout.

(4) No event shall take place, amateur and/or professional, without a fully equipped paramedic ambulance on standby at the venue.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-4B-50 and 43-4B-52
History. Original Rule entitled "Physician and Paramedics" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.14 Bouts {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.14 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.14}

(1) A bout begins when the bell sounds to start the first round and ends when the bell sounds to conclude the final round. No persons other than the contestants and the referee may be inside the ring during the progress of a round.

(2) Fighters are allowed 3 people in their corner, one chief cornerman, two seconds. All 3 must remain seated during the rounds. Only the chief cornerman may give direction to the fighter during the round. Cornermen or seconds may not place their hands on the ring apron, the ropes or any part of the ring during the rounds. Cornermen or seconds may not enter into any verbal dispute with the referee or officials during the bout. All bouts shall be governed by the rules and regulations of the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Bouts" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.15 Fouls {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.15 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.15}

(1) Any contestant guilty of foul tactics in a bout shall be given an immediate warning and points deducted from the contestant's total score as determined by the referee. The use of foul tactics also may result in disqualification of the contestant.

(2) The following tactics are considered illegal techniques (fouls):

(a) Thaiboxing (Or Muay Thai)

All forms of biting.
All strikes, blows and punches executed with the palm side of the gloves.
All kicks to the back and the back of the neck.
Any form of butting with the head.
All attacks (strikes, punches, kicks) against the joints.
Kicks to the groin.
Attacking a downed opponent, or an opponent who touches the floor with his/her gloves.
Spitting out one's mouth guard.
Any kind of throwing above the waistline.
Holding the opponent's leg while executing more than one striking or punching techniques.

(b) International Rules Kickboxing

All forms of biting.
All strikes, blows and punches executed with the palm side of the gloves.
All kicks to the back and the back of the neck.
Any form of butting with the head.
All attacks (strikes, punches, kicks) against the joints.
Kicks to the groin.
Attacking a downed opponent, or an opponent who touches the floor with his/her gloves.
Spitting out one's mouth guard.
Any kind of throwing above the waistline.
Holding the opponent's leg while executing more than one striking or punching techniques.
Holding the ropes and attacking an opponent, also in clinching situations.
Any form of throwing (excluding foot sweeps).
Any form of clinching or holding the opponent.
All types of strikes with the elbows.
Any form of kicking with the knees.

All forms of biting.
All strikes, blows and punches executed with the palm side of the gloves with the exception of a spinning backfist for professionals only.
All kicks to the back and the back of the neck.
Any form of butting with the head.
All attacks (strikes, punches, kicks) against the joints.
Kicks to the groin.
Attacking a downed opponent, or an opponent who touches the floor with his/her gloves.
Spitting out one's mouth guard.
Any kind of throwing above the waistline.
Holding the opponent's leg while executing more than one striking or punching techniques.
Holding the ropes and attacking an opponent, also in clinching situations.
Any form of throwing (excluding foot sweeps).
Any form of clinching or holding the opponent.
All types of strikes with the elbows.
Any form of kicking with the knees.
All kicks against the thighs or under the waistline are prohibited, excluding foot sweeps.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Fouls" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.16 Permitted Strikes {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.16 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.16}

(1) Full Contact Kickboxing

(a) All forms of boxing in combination with kicks above the waist to the body and the head.

(b) Rear (reverse) kicks to the body or the head, spinning back kicks to the body and to the head with full contact to knock out the opponent, also foot sweeps, are permitted.

(2) International Rules Kickboxing

(a) All forms of boxing in combination with kicks above the waist to the body and the head.

(b) Rear (reverse) kicks to the body or the head, spinning back kicks to the body and to the head with full contact to knock out the opponent, also foot sweeps, are permitted.

(3) Thaiboxing (or Muay Thai)

(a) All forms of boxing in combination with kicks above the waist to the body and the head.

(b) Rear (reverse) kicks to the body or the head, spinning back kicks to the body and to the head with full contact to knock out the opponent, also foot sweeps, are permitted.

(d) Kicks with the shin to the thighs, body and the head.

(e) Knee attacks to the body (knees to head are permitted with prior acceptance by each opponent and approval by the commission in professional bouts).

(f) Clinching and attacking at the same time with knees or any legal strikes. Clinch will be broken by referee for inactivity or if viewed as a stalling tactic.

(g) Elbow strikes to the body (elbows to head are permitted with prior acceptance by each opponent and approval by commission in professional bouts).

(h) Leg catching is legal and one step or one strike. Leg must be released after one step or one strike. Driving or "plowing" the opponent across the ring is illegal.

(i) Flat throws below the waist line, only in clinching situations. No elevating throws, such as hip tosses or reaps.

(j) The use of spinning backfist only with focus on the opponent.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Permitted Strikes" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.17 Minimum Kick Requirement {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.17 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.17}

In thaiboxing and international rules kickboxing, there is no minimum kick requirement per round by the Commission. In full contact kickboxing the minimum kick requirement is 6 kicks for amateur contestants and 8 kicks for professional contestant per round. Full Contact Kickboxing contestants must make their best effort with an above the belt kick for the kick to be counted against their kick requirement. The referee may encourage the fighters to increase their activity (including kicking). Judges should take note of referees warnings and encouragements and score against the fighter who is not performing the more effective techniques.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Minimum Kick Requirement" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.18 Timidity {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.18 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.18}

(1) A contestant who intentionally refuses to engage an opponent for a prolonged period of time, or who deliberately clinches or holds onto an opponent shall receive an immediate warning from the referee. If the contestant continues to utilize such passive tactics after receiving one warning during the round, points shall be deducted from the contestant's total score as determined by the referee.

(2) If the contestant repeats the passive tactics, either in the same round or in the following rounds, he or she may be considered guilty of a foul and penalized accordingly.

(3) In professional bouts, the contest will not be stopped by the loss of a mouthpiece until there is a clear break from the action. Repeated losing of the mouthpiece or intentional spitting out of the mouthpiece will constitute a foul and will be penalized accordingly.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Timidity" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.19 Accidental Fouls {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.19 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.19}

(1) If a bout is stopped because of an accidental foul, the referee shall determine whether or not the contestant who has been fouled can continue. The referee may consult with the attending physician. If the contestant's chances have not been seriously jeopardized as a result of the foul, the referee may order the bout continued after a reasonable interval.

(2) On the other hand, if by reason of accidental foul a contestant shall be rendered unfit to continue the contest, the bout shall be terminated. The scorekeeper shall tally all scores, subtracting all penalties. If the injured contestant is behind on points in the majority opinion of the judges, then the referee shall declare the contest to be a technical draw. But if the injured contestant has a lead in points, then the referee shall declare him or her to be the winner by technical decision.

(3) Further, should an accidental foul terminate a bout during the first round, the referee shall declare the contest to be a technical draw.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Accidental Fouls" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.20 Stopping the Contest {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.20 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.20}

(1) The referee or the attending ringside physician shall have the power to stop a contest. The referee shall have the power to stop a contest at any stage if he or she considers the bout too onesided, or if either contestant is in such condition that to continue might subject him or her to serious injury. In either case, the referee shall declare the fit contestant to be the winner by technical knockout.

(2) Should both contestants be in such condition that to continue might subject them to serious injury, the referee shall declare the contest to be a technical draw.

(3) In cases where a contestant receives a cut eye from a fair blow, or an accidental foul, or any other injury which the referee believes may incapacitate the contestant, the referee must call the attending physician into the ring for examination of the contestant before the referee decides whether to stop the contest. Time will be called during the examination.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Stopping the Contest" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.21 Failure to Compete {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.21 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.21}

In any case where the referee decides that the contestants are not honestly competing, or that the knockout or the foul has been a prearranged termination of the contest, he or she shall neither finish the knockout count nor disqualify a contestant for fouling nor render a decision. Instead, the referee shall stop the bout and declare the contest ended not later than before the end of the last round. The referee shall then order the purses of both contestants held pending investigation and disposition of funds by the Commission.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-4B-50, 43-4B-52 and 43-4B-54
History. Original Rule entitled "Failure to Compete" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.22 Failure to Resume Contest {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.22 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.22}

(1) No contestant shall leave the ring during the one-minute rest period between rounds. Should a contestant fail or refuse to resume the contest when the bell sounds denoting the start of the next round, the referee shall declare the contestant's opponent to be the winner by knockout as of the round which last ended.

(2) However, should the referee decide that the circumstances surrounding the bout's termination require investigation, or disciplinary action, then the referee shall not make a decision, but rather shall order the purses of both contestants held pending investigation and disposition of funds by the Commission.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-4B-50, 43-4B-52 and 43-4B-54
History. Original Rule entitled "Failure to Resume Contest" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.23 Knock Downs {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.23 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.23}

(1) A contestant shall be declared knocked down if any portion of the contestant's body other than the feet touch the floor, or if the contestant hangs helplessly over the ropes. "Flash" knock downs in Thai boxing will not be considered knock downs. Flash Knock downs are considered knock downs in which the contestant returns to his/her feet almost immediately.

(2) A contestant shall not be declared knocked down if he or she is punched, thrown, or accidentally slips to the floor. The determination as to whether a contestant is pushed, thrown or slips to the floor, rather than being knocked down, shall be made by the referee.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Knock Downs" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.24 Counting {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.24 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.24}

(1) Whenever a contestant is knocked down, the referee shall order the contestant's opponent to retire to the farthest corner of the ring, pointing to the corner and immediately begin the count over the knocked down contestant. The referee will audibly announce the passing of each one-second interval, indicating its passage with a downward motion of the arm.

(2) Any time a contestant is knocked down, the referee shall automatically begin a mandatory eight-count and then, if the contestant appears able to continue, will allow the bout to resume. The timekeeper, through effective signaling, shall give the referee the correct one-second intervals for the count. The referee's count is the only official count.

(3) Should a contestant be knocked down three times in one round from blows to the head, the referee shall stop the contest and declare the contestants opponent to be the winner by technical knockout. The three knock down rule may be waived by agreement between Commission, promoter, and contestants prior to the bout in championship bouts.

(a) Whenever a contestant is knocked out primarily as a result of a kick, whether or not the kick occurred in combination with punches, the referee shall declare the contestant's opponent to be the winner by either kick knockout or technical kick knockout, whichever is appropriate and shall be entered into the fighter's official record as a TKO.

(4) Should a contestant who is down rise before the count of ten is reached and then go down immediately without being struck, the referee shall resume the count where it was left off.

(5) If the contestant taking the count is still down when the referee calls the count of ten, the referee shall wave both arms to indicate that the contestant has been knocked out and will signal that the contestant's opponent is the winner.

(6) A round's ending before the referee reached the count of ten will have no bearing on the count. The contestant must still rise before the count of ten to avert a knockout.

(7) Should both contestants go down at the same time, the referee shall continue to count as long as one of the contestants is down. If both contestants remain down until the count of ten, the contest will be stopped and the referee shall declare the bout to be a technical draw. However, if one contestant rises before the count of ten and the other contestant remains down, the first contestant to rise shall be declared the winner by knockout. Should both contestants rise before the count of ten, the round will continue.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Counting" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.25 Standing Eight-Count {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.25 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.25}

There shall be no standing eight count.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Standing Eight-Counting" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.26 Communicating the Count {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.26 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.26}

As soon as a contestant has been knocked down, the timekeeper shall begin calling the count, from one to ten, while the referee directs the contestant's opponent to a neutral corner. When the referee has finished directing the opponent to a neutral corner, he or she shall return to the knocked down contestant and count over him or her, picking up the count from the timekeeper.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Communicating the Count" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.27 Falling From the Ring {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.27 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.27}

(1) A contestant who has been wrestled, pushed, or who has fallen through the ropes during the contest, may not be helped back into the ring. The referee shall allow reasonable time for the return. When on the ring platform outside the ropes, the contestant must enter the ring immediately. Should the contestant stall for time outside the ropes, the referee shall start the count without waiting for the contestant to re-enter the ring.

(2) Once a fallen contestant re-enters the ring, the referee may either resume the contest or start the round from the moment that the contestant is back in the ring.

(3) Whenever a contestant falls through the ropes, the contestant's opponent must retire to the farthest corner, as directed by the referee and remain there until ordered to resume the contest.

(4) A contestant who deliberately wrestles or throws an opponent from the ring, or who hits an opponent who is partly out of the ring and thus prevented by the ropes from assuming a position of defense, may be penalized.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Falling from the Ring" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.28 Wiping the Gloves {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.28 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.28}

Before a fallen contestant resumes competition, after having been knocked to, slipped to, or fallen to the floor, the referee shall wipe the contestant's gloves free of any foreign substance.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Wiping the Gloves" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.29 Consulting the Physician {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.29 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.29}

(1) The referee may, at his or her discretion, request the physician to examine a contestant during the bout. Should the examination occur during the course of a round, the clock shall be stopped until the examination is completed.

(2) If after consulting with the physician, the referee decides that further contact below the belt, whether from fair or foul blow, will result in injury to a contestant's knee, he or she shall prohibit striking below the belt for the remainder of the bout.

(3) Also, the physician shall have the power to order the referee to stop the bout, at any time, due to the incapacitation of one or both contestants. The referee will then render the appropriate decision.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Consulting the Physician" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.30 Scoring {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.30 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.30}

(1) The judges shall score all contests and determine the winner through the use of the 10-Point Must System. In this system the winner of each round receives ten points and the opponent receives a proportionately smaller number. But in no circumstances shall a judge award the loser of each round fewer than seven points. If a round is judged even, each contestant shall receive ten points. No fraction of points may be given.

(2) Judges should base their scores on the relative effectiveness of each contestant in a given round.

(3) Generally, sweeps should not be given the same weight as an official knockdown. Judges should watch for the technique's effectiveness in slowing down a contestant.

(4) Further, a contestant who aggressively presses an opponent throughout a round, but cannot land a threatening kick or punch, should not be judged as favorably as the contestant who back-pedals throughout the round but counter-attacks with visible impact.

(5) More specifically, the judges shall award points to contestants on the basis of round-by-round outcomes and in accordance with the following scores:

(a) 10 points to 10 points whenever neither contestant dominates the other with superiority in effectiveness.

(b) 10 points to 9 points whenever the winning contestant dominates the losing contestant with a marginal superiority in effectiveness.

(c) 10 points to 8 points whenever the winning contestant dominates the losing contestant with exceptional above-the-belt kicking technique, or whenever the winning contestant dominates the losing contestant with a significant superiority in effectiveness as might be indicated by one knockdown.

(d) 10 points to 7 points whenever the winning contestant dominates the losing contestant with an overwhelming superiority in effectiveness as must be indicated by more than one knockdown.

Following each round and at the termination of the contest, the referee shall pick up the ballots of the judges. The referee shall then deliver the ballots to the scorekeeper who shall tally all scores, subtract all penalties and deliver the totals to the Commission representative assigned to verify them. The majority opinion of the three judges, less penalty points, shall be conclusive. If there is no majority opinion, then the decision shall be a draw.

(6) When the Commission representative has completed verifying and totaling the scores, the announcer then in turn shall inform the audience of the decision over the public address system. The referee shall raise the winner's hand.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Scoring" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.31 Licensing {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-4-.31 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-4-.31}

All kickboxing promoters and events shall be subject to 85-1-.02.

If kickboxing is added to an approved mixed martial arts or boxing event, no additional fees or permits are required.

Each applicant for a kickboxing license shall submit to the Commission such application and supporting documentation including Applicant Affidavit of the applicant's amateur fighter's record on forms prescribed by the Commission.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-4B-50
History. Original Rule entitled "Licensing" adopted. F. May 24, 2011; eff. June 13, 2011.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 24, 2014; eff. Feb. 13, 2014.

Chapter 85-5 Bare-Knuckle Boxing

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.01 Definitions {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-5-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.01}

(1) "Applicant " means any persons, corporations, organizations or associations required to be licensed before promoting, holding, organizing, participating in, or competing in a professional bare-knuckle boxing match.

(2) "Federal Identification Card" means an identification card issued by the Commission pursuant to O.C.G.A. 43-4B-12 or any such card issued by another boxing Commission as required by 15 USC 6305 , et seq.

(3) "Official" unless otherwise indicated is an exclusive term collectively meaning "judges," "referees," and "timekeepers."

(4) "Special Event" means a bare-knuckle boxing card or bare-knuckle boxing show, which has among its contests a championship match, a pay-per-view or subscription television match, a national televised match, or any other match of significance to boxing in this state as designated by the Commission.

(5) " Bare-Knuckle Boxing " means combat between two individuals in which contestants score points in rounds of two or three minutes by striking with wrapped hands, but without padded fists, the head and upper torso of the opponent or by knocking the opponent down and rendering the opponent unconscious or incapable of continuing the contest by such blows, which contest is held in a ring supervised by a referee and scored by three judges.

(6) " Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission " means Commission.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-4, 43-4B-7, 43-4B-11, 43-4B-12, 43-4B-13, 43-4B-14, 43-4B-18.1, 43-4B-19, 43-4B-20
History. Original Rule entitled "Definitions" adopted. F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.02 Licenses {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-5-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.02}

(1) General Provisions .

(a) Terms and Agreements . Every license issued is subject to the terms, conditions, and agreements set forth in the application as well as those set forth in these rules and the statute governing professional boxing in Georgia.

(b) Applications Forms . Applications for annual license shall be submitted to the Commission on a form prescribed by the Commission.

(c) Expiration Date . Annual licenses are valid until December 31, of the year issued for boxing and bare-knuckle boxing and June 30 of the year issued for Mixed Martial Arts.

(d) Verbal or physical abuse of official or Commission appointed supervisor . Any licensee who verbally or physically abuses an official or the Commission appointed supervisor of a match shall be suspended indefinitely and his or her license may be revoked.

If a Commission member (Board Member, Director, and/or Staff Member) is in any way attacked, harassed, threated, or abused, etc. by any fighter, promoter, or any person acting on their behalf, those individuals will be subject to action by the Commission.

(2) License Fees :

(a) Schedule of Fees . Annual fees for participant licenses are as follow:

Promoter $150.00
Event Permit $50.00
Matchmaker $50.00
Manager $50.00
Bare-Knuckle Contestant $20.00
Second/Trainer $20.00

(b) Application Fees tendered to the Commission are not refundable.

(3) Promoter's License .

(a) Application for a promoter's license must be made in writing and received by the Commission no less than 30 days in advance of the proposed date for promoting any professional bare-knuckle boxing match in the state of Georgia.

(b) Each application for a promoter's license shall be accompanied with an appropriate security bond as provided for in these rules.

(4) Match Permit .

(a) Application for a match permit must be made in writing and received by the Commission no less than 30 days in advance of the proposed date for promoting any professional bare-knuckle boxing match in the state of Georgia.

(b) Each application for a promoter's license shall be accompanied with an appropriate security bond as provided for in these rules.

(c) As provided by statute [43-4B-20], the Commission will calculate an additional match permit fee which will then be assessed to the promoter. This additional fee will be calculated at five percent (5%) of the gross proceeds exclusive of any federal taxes.

The term gross proceeds means the total revenue received solely from the sale of tickets used or intended to be used by the audience physically attending any event required to be licensed under this chapter.
The gross proceed tax and regulatory fee must be accompanied by a form approved by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission that will calculate the tax.
Failure to pay the gross proceeds tax or regulatory fee above within thirty (30) days will result in a 20% late fee and may cause the commence liquidation action against the security bond(s) on file with the Commission.

(5) Contestants . Contestants applying to be licensed in Georgia shall meet the following requirements:

(a) General Physical Evidencing Good Physical Health. Physical is valid for one year.

(b) Ophthalmological Examination. The ophthalmological exam is valid for one year.

(d) Age Restrictions. Contestants 38 years of age and older are subject to the following requirements for license:

Ophthalmological Examination: A detailed dilated ophthalmological examination, conducted by a state licensed ophthalmologist. The intent of this examination is to assure both the boxer and the Commission that no ophthalmological complications exist potentially hampering the boxer's ability to protect himself or herself in the ring, and to ensure that no ocular damage from previous bouts is evidenced. This exam must, at a minimum, include a careful dilated examination of the retinal periphery utilizing indirect ophthalmoscope.
Hepatitis and HIV Testing: All contestants in all bouts shall complete testing for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
Neurological Examination: A detailed neurological examination, conducted by a state licensed neurologist. Whether auxiliary neuro-diagnostic tests, such as electroencephalography (EEG), computerized tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are utilized is left to the discretion and the clinical opinion of the examining physician.
Cardiovascular Examination: A detailed cardiovascular examination to establish cardiovascular endurance. A poorly conditioned boxer is at increased risk of injury because of exhaustion, which may impede his or her ability to mount an active offense or defense. Whether auxiliary cardiovascular tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), are utilized is left to the discretion and clinical opinion of the examining physician.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-4, 43-4B-7, 43-4B-11, 43-4B-12, 43-4B-13, 43-4B-14, 43-4B-18.1, 43-4B-19, 43-4B-20
History. Original Rule entitled "Licenses" adopted. F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.03 Bonds {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-5-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.03}

(1) Promoter's License Surety Bond .

(a) Before any promoter's license is issued authorizing the promotion of professional bare-knuckle boxing matches in the state of Georgia, 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) 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 professional boxing show in the state of Georgia, and/or the estimated potential damages, penalties, taxes or expenses resulting from promotional activities contemplated in the state of Georgia.

(d) 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.

Unless the additional promoter's license bond or bonds are given within the time fixed by written demand therefor, or if the promoter's license bond of a licensee is canceled, the license of such person shall be immediately revoked by the operation of law 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 professional bare-knuckle boxing show in the state of Georgia, 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 Georgia 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) 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 the state of Georgia.

(d) 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.

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

(3) 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 may enter a complaint with the Commission.

(b) Such complaint shall be a written statement of the facts constituting the complaint and should be made within 90 days of the alleged breach. If the Commission determines that the complaint is prima facie a breach of the bond and the matter cannot be amicably resolved within 15 days, the Commission shall endeavor to contact all known additional potential complainants regarding the breach of the bond.

Complaints may be registered and filed with the Commission after the ninety day period, but such late complaints shall state a reasonable and good cause for the delayed submission.

(c) Additional complaints must be filed within 30 days following the initial public notification of a breach of the bond.

(d) Upon the filing of such complaint in the manner provided in these rules, the Commission shall investigate the charges made and at its discretion order a hearing, giving the party complained of notice of the filing of such complaint and the time and place of such hearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Commission shall report its findings and render a conclusion upon the matter complained of to the complainant and respondent in the case, who shall have 15 days thereafter in which to make effective and satisfy the Commission's conclusions.

(e) If such settlement is not effected within such a time, the Commission or the complainant may bring an action to enforce the claim. If the complainant is not satisfied with the ruling of the Commission, he or she may commence and maintain an action against the principal and surety on the bond of both parties complained of as in any civil action.

(f) If the bond or collateral posted is insufficient to pay in full the valid claims of complainants, the Commission may direct that the proceeds of such bond(s) shall be divided pro rata among such complainants.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-4, 43-4B-7, 43-4B-11, 43-4B-12, 43-4B-13, 43-4B-14, 43-4B-18.1, 43-4B-19, 43-4B-20
History. Original Rule entitled "Bonds" adopted. F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.04 Medical Requirements {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-5-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.04}

(1) Medical Examination

(a) General Physical Evidencing Good Physical Health. Physical is valid for one year.

(b) Ophthalmological Examination. The ophthalmological exam is valid for one year.

(2) Pre-fight Examination .

(a) At the time of weigh-in, or at such other time as is then announced, all contestants must pass a thorough and complete pre-fight medical examination and have a Commission designated physician complete the pre-fight medical examination form prepared by the Commission.

Each female Contestant, during the pre-fight physical, will be required to pass a pregnancy test administered under the direction of the examining physician, or such physician's authorized assistant. The cost of such test, unless the Contestant's contract or bout agreement states otherwise, shall be the responsibility of the promoter. For purposes of this subparagraph the term "pass" shall mean that the Contestant is not pregnant.

(b) Whenever a Contestant's examination indicates that he or she is unfit for competition, because of any weakness or disability discovered by the physician, then an immediate report of such fact must be made to the promoter and to the Commission. In such case the Contestant shall be prohibited from participating in the match.

(c) Any Contestant who failed his or her pre-fight physical for medical reasons or for lack of general conditioning will be reported within two business days to the official registry.

(3) Additional Medical Examinations . The Commission may at any time require any Contestant to undergo such additional medical examinations performed by a state licensed physician as may be necessary to determine such Contestant's medical fitness to compete.

(4) Medical Suspensions by Other Commission . Medical suspensions by other Commissions recognized by the Association of Boxing Commissions and which are published by any boxing or mixed martial arts registry approved for such purposes by the Association of Boxing Commissions shall be recognized and honored by the Commission.

(5) Drugs Prohibited . 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. The Commission may order drug screens at any time and at the expense of the Contestant.

(6) Time Between Bouts . Except as specifically authorized by the Commission or Commission representative, no Contestant shall be permitted to engage in another contest or exhibition in any jurisdiction for a period of seven (7) days after competing in Georgia.

(7) Knock-Out and Technical Knock-Out .

(a) After the first knock-out, there shall be a minimum 60-day medical suspension. After the second knock-out, there shall be a minimum 120-day medical suspension.

The ringside physician may require additional testing following a knock-out, such as a CAT scan, EKG or other medical testing before such suspension is removed from the registry.
Any contestant losing by knock-out in two or more consecutive fights may be suspended for a period of 6 months.

(b) Unless otherwise ordered by the attending ringside physician, there shall be a minimum 30-day medical suspension after a technical knock-out.

Technical knock-outs caused by a severe cut may result in either a 45-day or 60-day medical suspension.
Technical knock-outs caused by a blow anywhere other than the head may, at the discretion of the attending ringside physician, result in a suspension of less than 30 days.

(8) Under-Conditioned Fighter . If the Commission, Executive Director, or Chief Official determines a fighter is under-conditioned, then based on lack of skills will be suspended for 180 days.

(9) Consecutive Losses .

(a) A contestant who has lost 6 consecutive fights by knock-out, technical knock-out, or any combination of either result, according to the contestant's official ring record compiled and maintained by the boxing registry, shall be suspended 365 days.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-4, 43-4B-7, 43-4B-11, 43-4B-12, 43-4B-13, 43-4B-14, 43-4B-18.1, 43-4B-19, 43-4B-20
History. Original Rule entitled "Medical Requirements" adopted. F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.05 Conduct of Promotion {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-5-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.05}

(1) General Responsibilities and Provisions . During the performance of any promotion, it shall be the promoter's responsibility to ensure the compliance with all laws and rules governing professional boxing, bare-knuckle boxing, and/or MMA in Georgia. Such responsibilities shall include, but will not be limited to the following:

(a) Medical Insurance . The promoter shall provide for the participants 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 will participating in said contest.

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

For the purposes of this section, a program of boxing, bare-knuckle boxing and MMA begins with the commencement of the first bout and ends when the last Contestant leaves the site of the program.
The chief ringside physician shall meet with the EMT prior to the beginning of the show. During such meeting the Commission physician will instruct the EMT concerning the show, placement of the stretcher and any other information necessary to ensure prompt and appropriate immediate care should such care be needed.
Such ambulance shall be able and available to immediately transport any severely injured Contestant to an appropriate medical facility.
If the ambulance or EMT is required to leave the site of the show for any reason, no boxing will be allowed to continue until another ambulance or replacement EMT returns to the site.

(c) General Safety . It shall be the promoter's responsibility to insure safety for the Contestants, officials and fans and to comply with all safety standards required by the Commission.

(d) 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, 2 sworn off duty law enforcement officers shall be retained for security.

(e) Obtain Ring . The promoter will provide a ring for the show and that ring must pass the certification requirements established the Commission.

(f) Ring Certification . It is the promoter's responsibility to ensure that the ring for use during each show meets the Commission's rules and regulations concerning proper certification, this should be resolved no less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the show, and to maintain certification throughout and during the show.

(g) Advanced Advertising . In addition to the requirements in this Chapter, no contestant or celebrity shall be advertised by any promoter before said promoter has in his or her possession a written commitment from said contestant or celebrity and before said promoter has filed a copy of such written commitment with the Commission.

(h) Main Event Start Time . The final bout for all events sanctioned by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission shall start at the discretion of the Commission on the date for which the event permit is approved.

(2) Ringside Physician

(a) Providing a physician . It shall be the responsibility of the promoter to assign one or more physicians at ringside during the contest.

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

(3) Arena

(a) Drinks . No bare-knuckle boxing 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 or paper cups.

(b) Arena safety . No bare-knuckle boxing 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.

(c) Dressing rooms . The only people allowed in the Contestant's dressing room are the Contestant, manager, seconds, Commission representatives including appointed Commissioners, approved physician(s), and promoters.

Promoters may be required by the Commission appointed supervisor to post a guard at the entrance to the dressing rooms to aid in enforcement of dressing room security.
If requested by the Commission, a separate dressing area should be provided for all referees and judges.

(4) 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 matches.

(b) Rounds Scheduled

Unless otherwise approved by the Commission, promoters shall schedule no less than twenty-four (24) rounds of bare-knuckle boxing on one (1) program. The rounds must be scheduled and approved by the Commission three (3) days prior to the event. An emergency bout must be provided in case any of the scheduled bouts are not held.
No bare-knuckle boxing match shall have any rounds lasting longer than three (3) minutes.

i. The maximum number of rounds for any given bare-knuckle boxing match is six (6) rounds, totaling eighteen (18) minutes.

ii. A one (1) minute rest period between rounds.

(c) Card Approval . Requests for preliminary approval of cards should be received by the Commission no less than ten days prior to the date of the contest. The Final card must be received by the Commission no less than three days prior to the date of the contest.

Substitutions can occur if the promoter is actively working to search for a replacement. The Executive Director and the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Commission must approve the proposed bout.
No substitution will be allowed during the final seven hours prior to the beginning of the show.

(5) Contracts

(a) The amount of guarantee or percentage promised; the number and time limit of rounds; when and where the official weigh-in will be conducted; when and where the Contestants are scheduled to appear; weight; and all other reasonably expected to be an issue of agreement within professional bare-knuckle boxing contracts and agreements.

Weights expressed on bout agreements for all non-championship bouts shall allow no less than a +/-2 pounds variance of the contracted weight.
Weights expressed on bout agreements for all championship bouts shall be absolute and shall not allow for any variance.

(b) Contract or Bout Agreement: File with Commission . One copy of each signed written agreement or contract, once executed by both parties and within one week of the event, shall be filed with the Commission.

(c) Violations: Grounds for Suspension . Violation by either party of any written bout agreement or contract may be grounds for suspension of any license issued by the Commission and may in addition to such suspension result in a fine imposed by the Commission.

(6) Failure to Perform

(a) Promoter Failure to Perform . The failure of a promoter to perform according to the terms of the contract; to produce contestants or special added attractions as advertised; to pay the contestants their contractual guarantee, or percentage; or the failure of a promoter to live up to his or her agreement with his or her contestants or performers who did perform as scheduled is prohibited.

(b) Contestant Failure to Perform . The failure of a contestant under contract with a licensed promoter to perform according to the terms of said contract; or the failure of a contestant to live up to his or her agreement with an person to which the contestant is under contractual agreement is prohibited.

Violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) within this subsection shall, for the first offense, be grounds for administrative suspension of not less than 90 days and a fine of not more than the contracted purse amount disclosed on the bout agreement or contract.
The second and/or any subsequent violation by any person of either paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) within this subsection may, in addition to any suspension by the Commission, subject the violator to a fine of not more than the contracted purse amount as disclosed on the bout agreement or contract plus not more than an additional $10,000. Said fine to be imposed by the Commission.
Any person or license holder violating on three or more occasions either sub-paragraph (a) or sub-paragraph (b) within this subsection shall have his or her license suspended indefinitely. Provided however that any action by the Commission to enforce or attempt to enforce the provisions of this sub-paragraph will be taken only after notice and hearing according to the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," Title 50, Chapter 13 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-4, 43-4B-7, 43-4B-11, 43-4B-12, 43-4B-13, 43-4B-14, 43-4B-18.1, 43-4B-19, 43-4B-20
History. Original Rule entitled "Conduct of Promotion" adopted. F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.06 Ring and Equipment {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-5-.06 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.06}

(1) The Ring

(a) Ring Size . The ring may be a square, circle, or triangle and not less than 16 feet nor more than 20 feet on a side within the ropes. The ring platform (floor) must extend beyond the ropes at least 18 inches on all sides (apron).

(b) Safety Padding . The ring floor shall be padded with 1-inch-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 always kept clean and free from disagreeable odors. The corners must be covered by a pad long enough to cover all the rope joints.

(d) Ringside Table . Each promoter shall be responsible for employing a safety plan to protect boxers 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.

(e) Ring Post . Ring posts shall be made of some strong material, preferably metal pipe, three inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a height of at least 58 inches above the ring floor.

(f) Ring Ropes . Ring ropes shall be four (4) or five (5) in number, at least one inch in diameter, the lower rope 18 inches above the ring floor and the top rope 52 inches from the ring floor. The two (2) or three (3) remaining ropes will be evenly spread between the top and bottom ropes. All four (4) or five (5) ropes shall be wrapped in soft material.

(g) Ring Equipment . 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.

(2) Contestant Equipment

(a) Hand Wraps. Hand wraps shall include the wrist and are restricted to twelve (12) yards of soft gauze bandage per hand and not more than two (2) inches in width, held in place by not more than ten (10) yards of surgical tape, no more than one (1) inch (25.4 mm) width. The surgical tape shall not be applied within one (1) inch of the knuckles.

No tape or gauze will extend past the fighter's knuckle when a clenched fist is made.
No tape or gauze is allowed between or on the fighter's fingers (with the exception of the thumb, as follows).

i. The thumb of a fighter may include a single wrap of tape when the wrist is being wrapped.

Wrapping of the wrist shall not extend more than three (3) inches past the wrist juncture.

(b) Ring Attire

Male contestants shall not wear any form of clothing on their upper body.
Male and female competitors shall wear the appropriate shorts, shoes (boxing or wrestling shoes), and mouthpiece.
Male competitors shall also wear the appropriate groin protection.
Female participants shall attire to prevent the showing of cleavage as much as possible and are approved to wear a short-sleeved (above the elbow) or sleeveless form-fitting rash guard and/or sports bra(s).

i. No loose-fitting tops and/or breast protectors shall be allowed.

Female competitors will follow the exact requirements for bottom covering as the male competitors, minus the requirement for groin protection.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-4, 43-4B-7, 43-4B-11, 43-4B-12, 43-4B-13, 43-4B-14, 43-4B-18.1, 43-4B-19, 43-4B-20
History. Original Rule entitled "Ring and Equipment" adopted. F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.07 Officials {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-5-.07 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.07}

(1) General Provisions .

(a) Each official will be assigned or appointed by the Commission.

(b) A referee and three judges shall officiate all bare-knuckle boxing bouts. A majority vote of the judges will determine the outcome of the contest.

(d) Any referee or judge assigned to a match who becomes unable to officiate shall notify the Commission assigned supervisor before 2:00 p.m. on the day of the contest.

(2) Referees and Judges.

(a) Referees

Referee Power: The Referee is the sole Arbiter of the assigned bout.
Referee Duties.

i. Pre-show Instructions. Referees shall meet with the contestants and with each chief second appointed by the contestants prior to the beginning of the show and during that meeting shall inform each party of the rules applicable to each fight as well as the in-ring conduct expected from each contestant and second assisting in the corner of each contestant.

ii. Pre-Bout Confirmation of Officials and Physician. Prior to calling for the sounding of the bell to begin each bout, the referee in the ring will confirm that the ringside physician as well as each judge assigned to the bout is in place at ringside.

iii. Count: How to Proceed. The referee's count is the official count. When a contestant is knocked down, the referee shall order the opponent to retire to the furthest corner of the ring, pointing to that corner. Once the opponent has so retired to the farthest neutral corner the referee will immediately pick up the timekeeper's count. The referee shall then audibly announce the passing of each second, accompanying the count upward with motions of his or her arm, indicating the count with visual finger counts at the end of each second. The referee may cease counting if the opponent fails to remain in the neutral corner until the count is complete. No contestant who is knocked down shall be allowed to resume until the referee has finished counting eight. The contestant may take the count either on the floor or standing.

iv. Saved by the Bell. A bare-knuckle boxer cannot be saved by the bell in any round including the final round of any bare-knuckle boxing contest.

v. Contestant knocked out of the ring.

(I) Any contestant knocked out of the ring shall receive a twenty (20) second count.

(II) During the time that any such contestant is outside the ring, he or she, shall not be assisted by any member of their corner and such assistance, if offered, shall end the match with that contestant losing by a technical knock-out.

(III) As a general precaution, to protect the safety of the contestant and to prevent any potential injury, a contestant knocked out of the ring may have his or her fall stopped or slowed by any person without penalty, provided that such assistance shall only be to prevent injury from the fall and not to assist the contestant in returning to the ring.

vi. Standing Eight Count. There shall be no standing eight count.

vii. Knock-Out. If the contestant fails to rise before the count of 10 the referee shall declare said contestant the loser by a knock-out.

viii. Failure to Answer Bell. A contestant shall not leave the ring during any one (1) minute rest period between rounds. If any contestant fails or refuses to resume bare-knuckle boxing when the bell sounds signaling the commencement of the next round, the referee shall award a decision of technical knock-out to his opponent as of the round which has last been finished.

(b) Judges

Three (3) judges are assigned to each bout.
Judges shall evaluate the bout based on effective striking, effective aggressiveness, and control of the fighting area.
10 Point Must System.

(3) Timekeepers

(a) One (1) timekeeper shall be at each event.

(b) Announcement Responsibilities

The gong shall be sounded at the beginning and at the end of each round.
Timekeepers shall alert the referee by striking the table 10 seconds prior to the end of each round.
Timekeepers shall blow their whistle 10 seconds prior to the end of each one-minute rest period.

(c) Emergency Suspension of Round: Responsibility to Announce. If the referee is absent from the ring or temporarily incapacitated the timekeeper shall immediately sound the gong for temporary discontinuance of the contest.

(4) Compensation

(a) All payments of fees, including travel expense when required, shall be paid by the promoter conducting the show and shall be on the following basis:

40 rounds or less of bare-knuckle boxing: Chief official is $300, Referee is $200, Judge is $150, Timekeeper is $150, and Inspector is $100.
41 to 70 rounds of bare-knuckle boxing: Chief official is $350, Referee is $250, Judge is $200, Timekeeper is $200, and Inspector is $125.
70+ rounds of bare-knuckle boxing: Chief official is $400, Referee is $300, Judge is $250, Timekeeper is $250, and Inspector is $150.
Televised rounds of bare-knuckle boxing: Chief official is $500, Referee is $500, Judge is $300, Timekeeper is $200, and Inspector is $150.
Pay-Per View events of bare-knuckle boxing: Fee's set by the Commission.
Events with over 40 rounds may have additional officials brought in to work the event.

(b) The Commission may raise or lower the pay schedule by $50 increments based on inflation or deflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index published by the United States Department of Labor.

(c) Travel expenses for officials required to travel over a distance 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 at the discretion of the Commission.

(5) Fouls. In general, a referee has wide discretion in how to punish an offending bare-knuckle boxer who fouls his or her opponent. If the referee determines that a foul is unintentional, he or she may simply caution the offending bare-knuckle boxer to be attentive to rules concerning fouls. If the foul is determined to be intentional, the referee may issue a warning to the offending bare-knuckle boxer or may deduct one or more points from the offending bare-knuckle boxer. The referee may also disqualify any bare-knuckle boxer who intentionally fouls his or her opponent.

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

Hitting the opponent below the belt.
Hitting an opponent who is down or is getting up after being down.
Deliberately maintaining a clinch without other action.
Wrestling or kicking the opponent.
Putting a finger into any orifice of the opponent or into any cut or laceration on an opponent, including fish hooking.
Pulling the opponent's hair.
Manipulating the opponent's fingers.
Striking an opponent who is helpless as the result of blows but is supported by the ropes and does not fall.
Butting the opponent with the head, shoulder, knee, or elbow.
Hitting the opponent with the elbow or forearm.
Striking the opponent's body over the kidneys.
Hitting the opponent on the back of the head or neck.
Gouging the opponent's eye in any manner.
Hitting during a break, which is signaled by the Referee's command or physical act to separate the fighters.
Hitting the opponent after the bell has sounded, ending the round.
Using the ropes or cage to gain an advantage over the opponent.
Pushing the opponent around the fighting area or into the ropes/cage.
Timidity, excessive clenching, including intentionally spitting out the mouthpiece, running from an opponent, or other similar behavior.
Biting the opponent.
Headlocks.
Throat punches or strikes directly toward the throat of an opponent.
Fingers outstretched toward an opponent's face or eyes.
No throws or takedowns.
Engaging in any other action not described in this subsection that is deemed an intentional foul by the Referee on the basis that the action poses a danger to the safety of either fighter, impedes fair and competitive play, or is unsportsmanlike.
Spinning back fists.
Hammer-fists.

(b) Intentional Foul. At the referee's discretion, any foul defined in subparagraph (a) may be called "intentional."

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 boxer or deduct one (1) point from the offending boxer.
Upon the second occurrence of such intentional foul, the referee may, at his or her discretion and without previous warning disqualify the offending boxer or deduct two (2) points from the offending boxer.
If an intentional foul causes an injury and the injury is severe enough to terminate the bout immediately, the boxer causing the injury shall lose by disqualification.

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

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

a. Currently the Uniform Championship Rules state that a bout stopped before four completed rounds will be reported as a "No Contest."

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 boxer who is ahead on the score cards at the time the bout is stopped.

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

(6) 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.

During such recuperation the injured boxer may sit on a stool inside the ring, or in a neutral corner, but may not rest in his assigned corner.
Only the referee is allowed to assist the injured boxer during the five minute rest period.
The uninjured fighter, during any such rest period, may not be assisted and shall remain in the neutral corner furthest from the boxer.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-4, 43-4B-7, 43-4B-11, 43-4B-12, 43-4B-13, 43-4B-14, 43-4B-18.1, 43-4B-19, 43-4B-20
History. Original Rule entitled "Officials" adopted. F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.08 Conduct of Bout {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-5-.08 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.08}

(1) Bare-Knuckle Boxers .

(a) Federal Identification Card . All bare-knuckle boxers must have a valid national Federal Identification Card issued by their home state per the Association of Boxing Commissions.

(b) Prohibition if Under Suspension . No bare-knuckle boxer shall enter any agreement or contract with a promoter, compete, or attempt to compete in any match in Georgia when such bare-knuckle boxer knows that his or her combat sports license issued by this Commission or by any other boxing Commission is under suspension.

(c) Pregnancy . No bare-knuckle boxer shall enter any agreement or contract with a promoter, compete, or attempt to compete in any match in Georgia when such boxer knows that she is pregnant.

(d) Weigh-In .

Preliminary Weigh-In. All fighters must video record a Preliminary Weigh-in one week prior to the Official Weigh-in. That video must be reported to the promoter.

i. The promoter should save these recordings for 1 year.

ii. Fighters are required to be within 10% of their scheduled weight.

iii. Should either or both of the contestants weigh more than 10% above their scheduled weight, the promoter may increase the weight class limit, with the consent of both parties.

Official Weigh-In. In all contests or exhibitions, contestants shall weigh-in at a previously agreed upon time and in the presence of an authorized Commission representative, provided however that such weigh-in shall not take place less than six hours nor more than 36 hours prior to the contest or exhibition.

i. All official weigh-ins, unless otherwise agreed to in advance by the Commission, shall be conducted outside the view of the general public.

ii. Ceremonial weigh-ins may be conducted in such manner and at such place as agreed to by all parties involved in the promotion or match.

iii. The weigh-in will last for 2 hours after the agreed upon time.

iv. Contestants who have not arrived in the first hour will be placed on the clock and their hour to cut weight will start. When the contestant arrives, and weighs-in, the contestant will only have the remaining time of the 2-hour weigh-in window to cut any weight if they missed their agreed upon weight.

Missing Weight

i. Any fighter who does not make weight at an Official Weigh-In may be fined and may further be subject to denial of Commission approval to fight at the failed weight class during his/her next bout.

ii. Any fighter who twice does not make weight at an Official Weigh-In may be fined and may further be subject to denial of Commission approval to fight at the failed weight class during his/her next two bouts.

(e) Weight Classes .

Strawweight: 100-107 lbs.
Flyweight: 108-115 lbs.
Bantamweight: 116-125 lbs.
Featherweight: 126-135 lbs.
Lightweight: 136-145 lbs.
Welterweight: 146-155 lbs.
Middleweight: 156-165 lbs.
Super Middleweight: 166-175 lbs.
Light Heavyweight: 176-185 lbs.
Middle Heavyweight: 186-205 lbs.
Cruiserweight: 206-225 lbs.
Heavyweight: 226-265 lbs.
Super Heavyweight: 266 lbs. and up

(f) Weight Spread . No bare-knuckle boxing contest or exhibition may be scheduled if the difference in weight between the boxers exceeds the following allowance.

Up to 118 lbs.-not more than 3 pounds
118 lbs. to 126 lbs.-not more than 5 pounds
126 lbs.-135 lbs.-not more than 6 pounds
135 lbs.-147 lbs.-not more than 7 pounds
147 lbs.-200 lbs.-not more than 9 pounds
200 lbs. and over (Heavyweight)-no limit

(g) Contestants: Entering Ring . All contestants must be ready to enter the ring immediately upon the conclusion of the preceding bout.

(h) Contestants: Demeanor During the Round . Each contestant shall take care to avoid fouling their opponent or illegally striking their opponent.

(i) Penalty for Disqualification . Any bare-knuckle boxer who is disqualified for any reason by the referee or the Commission representative supervising the show and is therefore unable to fulfill the terms of their contract will forfeit their entire purse and will be subject to a fine not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the contracted amount of the purse.

Any bare-knuckle boxer who has forfeited their purse because of a loss by disqualification has a right to appeal during either the next two scheduled Commission meetings, and must so notify the Commission in writing within fifteen days of the disqualification of their intent to appeal. Failure to notify the Commission within the fifteen-day period of the intention to appeal the forfeiture will be tantamount to a waiver of any further appeal rights.

(2) Seconds .

(a) Number Allowed . Each bare-knuckle boxer may have up to three seconds, except if the Commission permits otherwise. Each contestant shall have one chief second and each chief must have a complete first aid kit.

(b) Leaving the Ring: Seconds shall leave the ring enclosure at the sound of the timekeeper's whistle. They shall leave the ring platform promptly when the gong sounds for the beginning of each round and immediately remove all obstructions, including stools, buckets, and any other corner equipment. None of these articles shall be replaced on the ring floor until the gong has sounded the end of a round.

(c) Assisting Contestant During Bout: Prohibited . During the progress of the rounds, seconds shall not throw water on the contestant or in any way assist or interfere the contestant.

(d) Throwing Towel: Prohibited . Seconds are forbidden from tossing a towel into the ring in token defeat of their boxer.

(e) Ejection and Disqualification . Violations of the provisions of this subparagraph may be followed by ejection of the offender from the ring corner and may result in the disqualification of their contestant by the referee.

(3) Between Round Care . Between round care of a boxer will be strictly enforced by the Commission.

(a) Second: Only One Allowed in Ring . Only one person will be allowed in the ring with the bare-knuckle boxer during the rest period between rounds and no more than two people, exclusive to the Commission inspector and approved media personnel, will be allowed on the apron during that time.

(b) Corner Kit: Substances Allowed . The use of an unapproved preparation during the match is prohibited. The only substances and materials allowed in the corner are:

Ice
Water
Cotton Swabs
Gauze Pads
Clean Towels
Vaseline or surgical lubricants
Enswell
Avitene or adrenaline

(c) Corner Kit: Substances Prohibited . Substances such as Monsell's solution, other iron or bismuth compounds, collodion, silver nitrate, ammonia or smelling salts will not be used and the use of such modalities will result in disqualification, suspension or fine of the boxer, manager and/or trainer.

(d) Excessive Lubricant . The use of excessive lubricant on the body, arms or face of a boxer will not be tolerated.

(e) Re-hydration of Contestant During Bout . Only water will be permitted to ease dehydration of a boxer between rounds. Honey, electrolyte glucose, sugar or any other substance mixed with water is prohibited.

(4) After the Bout .

(a) Contestants to Leave Ring . When the decision of the referee or judges has been announced both contestants and their seconds shall at once leave the ring and retire to their dressing rooms.

(b) Decision: How to Change . A decision rendered at the termination of any boxing contest is final and shall not be changed unless following the rendition of a decision the Commission appointed secretary determines that any one of the following occurred:

There was collusion or fraud affecting the result of any contest, or,
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 bare-knuckle boxer.
There was a violation of the laws or rules and regulations governing professional bare-knuckle boxing in Georgia which affected the results of any contest.
The Commission supervisor may in his or her discretion change a referee's decision if in his or her judgement a palpable and self-evident error has been committed.

A petition to change a bout decision or the ruling of the Commission appointed supervisor shall be in writing and filed by a bare-knuckle boxer or the bare-knuckle boxer's manager within five (5) business days from the date the decision was rendered.
If a petition to change a bout decision or the ruling of the Commission appointed supervisor is not filed in writing within five (5) business days of the decision, the Commissioner may, upon the vote of no less than a majority of the Commissioners present, hold a hearing to change the decision at any time.
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 within two (2) business days of the change.
The Commission's findings of fact and rile in such matters shall be final and may not be appealed.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-4, 43-4B-7, 43-4B-11, 43-4B-12, 43-4B-13, 43-4B-14, 43-4B-18.1, 43-4B-19, 43-4B-20
History. Original Rule entitled "Conduct of Bout" adopted. F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.09 Championship Bouts {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-85-5-.09 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-85--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 85-5-.09}

(1) Functions of Commission.

(a) The Commission shall have and exercise sole discretion, management, control, and supervision over all professional bare-knuckle boxing matches in the state of Georgia.

(b) The Commission shall enforce such rules and regulations as shall be necessary or proper for the holding of professional bare-knuckle boxing matches in the state of Georgia.

(c) It is within the Commission's power and authority to prescribe and enforce penalties for any violations of these rules or the statute governing the regulation of professional bare-knuckle boxing in the state of Georgia, subject to judicial review.

(2) Investigations, Hearings, and Subpoena Power.

(a) The Commission or any agent designated by it may make investigations and the Commission may hold hearings and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses.

(b) The Commission may order the production of books, papers or records for any hearing.

(c) When a hearing takes place, the Commission may administer oaths to and examine any witness for the purpose of examining the question for which the hearing has been called.

(d) Unless otherwise controlled by law or these rules, if the Commission finds a violation of its rules or the statute governing the regulation of professional bare-knuckle boxing in this state has occurred, the Commission may impose a disciplinary fine of not less than $500.00 nor more than $25,000.00 for the first offense and not less than $750.00 nor more than $75,000.00 for any subsequent offense. In addition to any fine, the Commission may suspend or revoke any license.

(e) Within thirty days after the imposition of a fine and/or suspension or revocation by the Commission, a licensee is entitled to judicial review, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-13-19 .

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-4B-4, 43-4B-7, 43-4B-11, 43-4B-12, 43-4B-13, 43-4B-14, 43-4B-18.1, 43-4B-19, 43-4B-20
History. Original Rule entitled "Championship Bouts" adopted. F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.