Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-2-.06

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 165-X-2-.06 - Cage Or Ring And Equipment

(1) Fighting Area.

(a) The fighting area shall be no smaller than 18 feet by 19 feet and no larger than 32 feet by 32 feet. The fighting area canvas or synthetic/vinyl mat 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 vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering shall be permitted.

1. The fighting area canvas or synthetic/vinyl mat 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.

2. The fighting area canvas or synthetic/vinyl mat 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.

3. The fence shall provide two separate entries onto the fighting area canvas.

4. 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.

(2) Stools.

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

1. An appropriate number of stools or chairs, of a type approved by the Commissioner, shall be available for each contestant's seconds.

2. Such stools or chairs shall be located near each contestant's cornet.

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

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

(4) Specifications for Bandages on Mixed Martial Artist's Hands.

(a) 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.

1. 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.

2. The bandages shall be evenly distributed across the hand.

3. 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.

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

(5) Mouth Pieces.

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

1. The round cannot begin without the mouthpiece in place.

(i) 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.

(6) Protective Equipment.

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

1. Professional female mixed martial artists are prohibited from wearing groin protectors.

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

(7) Gloves.

(a) The gloves shall be new for all main events and in good condition or they must be replaced. In certain instances multiple pairs of gloves may be required for use in matches, bouts, and exhibitions.

1. 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.

(8) Scales.

(a) 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.

(b) Weigh-Ins for Championship and Televised Events.

1. The scale used for the official weigh-in shall be provided by the promoter.

2. The scale used for the weigh-in shall be an NTEP Certified Scale, which shall be registered with the Alabama Department of Agriculture, Weight & Measure Division.

3. The scale used for the official weigh-in shall be certified as being accurate, on the morning of the weigh-in, by the State of Alabama, Department of Agriculture, Weight & Measures Staff.

4. Documentation verifying the scales accuracy shall be submitted to the Executive Director no later than noon (12 pm) on the date the weigh-in is to occur.

5. No one shall be allowed on the scale once it is certified, until the Chief Inspector is present.

6. If a scale is moved after certification, it shall be recertified before any further weigh-ins can be performed on that scale.

7. Once certified, the promoter shall have a security member watch the scale until the time of weigh-in, to avoid tampering.

8. A "Ceremonial" scale may be used during a Ceremonial Weigh-in. The Ceremonial Scale shall not be used to record official weights and are strictly to be used for ceremonial purposes.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-2-.06

New Rule: Filed December 27, 2013; effective January 31, 2014.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVI, Issue No. 09, June 29, 2018, eff. 8/4/2018.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XL, Issue No. 11, August 31, 2022, eff. 10/15/2022.

Authors: J. Matt Bledsoe, Brandon Owens, Casey Sears, Joseph B. McCormick

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 41-9-1024.