Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-4-.06

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

Section 165-X-4-.06 - Ring, Cage, And Equipment

(1) General Provisions.

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

(2) The Ring or Cage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(3) Ring Ropes.

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

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

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

(4) Bell.

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

(5) Ring/Cage Equipment.

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

(6) Contestants in elimination toughman contests must wear:

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

(b) Headgear approved by USA Boxing;

(c) Groin protectors approved by the Commission.

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

Authors: Matt Bledsoe, Brandon Owens, Joseph B. McCormick

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 41-9-1020.