Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-8-.08

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

Section 165-X-8-.08 - Conduct Of Contest, Match Or Exhibition

(1) Professional Bare-Knuckle Boxers.

(a) False Name. No boxer shall enter any agreement or contract with a promoter, compete in any match, contest, or exhibition, or otherwise participate in any capacity in a boxing or MMA program under any name which does not appear on his or her ABC Issued 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, contest, or exhibition in this state when the boxer knows that his or her boxing license, issued by this Commission is under suspension.

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

(d) Diuretics Prohibited. The use of any herbal, prescription or non-prescription diuretic by any boxer within twelve hours prior to the weigh-in is strictly prohibited.

(e) Weigh-In.

1. In all contests and exhibitions, contestants shall weigh-in in the presence of the chief official appointed to preside over the contest or exhibition. The weigh-in shall not take place less than six (6) hours nor more than thirty-six (36) hours prior to the contest or exhibition.

(i) All official weigh-ins shall be conducted at a time and place designated by the Commission. Attendance to weigh-ins is strictly limited to Commissioners, licensees, and officials scheduled to participate in the contest or exhibition.

(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, contest, or exhibition.

2. (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 (2) pounds in order to make contract weight unless such bare-knuckle boxer is re-examined by the ringside physician and receive clearance from the ringside physician prior to entering the ring.

3. (160/3) No over-contract-weight contestant appearing at the initial weigh-in and weighing 135.1 pounds but less than 160 pounds will be allowed to lose in excess of three (3) pounds in order to make contract weight unless such bare-knuckle boxer is reexamined by the ringside physician and receives clearance from the ringside physician prior to entering the ring.

4. (190/4) No over-contract-weight contestants appearing at the initial weigh-in and weighing 160.1 pounds but less than 190 pounds will be allowed to lose in excess of four (4) pounds in order to make contract weight unless such bare-knuckle boxer is reexamined by the ringside physician and receive clearance from the ringside physician prior to entering the ring.

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

Atomweight	up to and including 105 lbs.
Straw Weight	over 105 to 115 lbs.
Flyweight	over 115 to 125 lbs.
Bantamweight	over 125 to 135 lbs.
Featherweight	over 135 to 145 lbs.
Lightweight	over 145 to 155 lbs.
Super Lightweight	over 155 to 165 lbs.
Welterweight	over 165 to 170 lbs.
Super Welterweight	over 170 to 175 lbs.
Middleweight	over 175 to 185 lbs.
Super Middleweight	over 185 to 195 lbs.
Light Heavyweight	over 195 to 205 lbs.
Cruiserweight	over 205 to 225 lbs.
Heavyweight	over 225 to 265 lbs.
Super Heavyweight	over 265 lbs.

(g) Weight Spread. No bare-knuckle boxing contest or exhibition may be scheduled, and no bare-knuckle boxer may engage in a bare-knuckle boxing contest or exhibition without the approval of the Athletic Commission or the Commission's representative if the difference in weight between the bare-knuckle boxers exceeds the contracted weight class of each contest.

1. Any agreement to proceed with a bare-knuckle 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 signed by such participant.

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

(i) Ring Attire. Bare-knuckle boxers shall appear and compete in proper ring attire.

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

(i) Male bare-knuckle 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 properly adjusted and tied prior to entering the ring.

(II) During the course of the match, contest, or exhibition the upper belt of this gear may not rise above the trunk waistline so as to protect the bare-knuckle boxer from normal body blows.

(III) The use 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 bare-knuckle boxer, hold an appropriately sized breast protector of a turtle-shell style.

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

(II) During the course of the match, contest, or exhibition the upper belt of this gear may not rise above the trunk waistline so as to protect the boxer from normal body blows.

2. The belt-line of the trunks shall not extend above the waistline and the hem may not extend below the knee.

3. Bare-knuckle boxers in the same match, contest, or exhibition shall wear different color trunks.

4. Each bare-knuckle boxer shall use a mouthpiece and no round may start without a bare-knuckle boxer's mouthpiece in place.

(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.

5. Shoes shall be of soft material and shall not be fitted with spikes, cleats, hard soles, or hard heels. Shoelace knots will be secured with adhesive tape.

6. When deemed necessary by the referee all bare-knuckle 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.

7. The wearing of body jewelry will be strictly prohibited during all contests.

8. The wearing of any facial or body cosmetic is strictly prohibited during all contests.

(j) Profanity. Use of profanity by a bare-knuckle boxer, manager or second is prohibited. Any use of profanity after a warning by the referee or chief official may result in disqualification of the contestant, or ejection from the facility and a penalty point may be deducted from the contestant.

(k) Entering Ring. All contestants must be ready to enter the ring immediately upon the conclusion of the preceding contest or exhibition on a scheduled fight card.

1. Failure to enter the ring when requested and, after warning by the inspector or chief official of the program, may result in disciplinary action by the Athletic Commission.

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

1. Regulations against fouls, as defined in these rules will be strictly enforced.

2. Wrestling and/or roughhousing in the ring will not be tolerated. Fighting from a clinch is, however, permitted. Any bare-knuckle boxer who intentionally lifts his or her opponent and then drops such opponent on the floor of the fighting surface will be subject to immediate disqualification.

3. Bare-knuckle 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) Under-Conditioned Fighter. A contestant deemed under-conditioned by the referee, Commission or any designated representative of the Commission, shall be suspended for ninety (90) days.

1. If it should be determined by the referee that a contestant did not give a good faith effort to display their skills they shall be subject to disciplinary action.

(n) Penalty for Disqualification. Any bare-knuckle boxer who is disqualified for any reason by the referee or chief official of the program will be subject to disciplinary action by the Athletic Commission.

1. Any bare-knuckle boxer disciplined by the Athletic Commission because of a loss by disqualification has a right to a hearing and must request a hearing in writing to the Athletic Commission within fifteen days of the disqualification.

(o) Fines. Any bare-knuckle 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, contest, or exhibition.

(2) Seconds.

(a) Number Allowed. Each bare-knuckle boxer must have two (2) seconds, unless the Commission permits otherwise. Each contestant shall have one (1) chief second and each chief second must have a complete first aid kit. The seconds must be neatly attired. Persons holding a manager's or trainer's license in this state may participate in a contest as a second without applying for or obtaining a second's license. The promotion assigned cutman shall not count toward a competitor's number of cornermen.

(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 bell 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 bell has sounded the end of a round.

(c) Assisting Contestant during Bout. During rounds, seconds are prohibited from assisting or interfering with the contestants.

(d) Throwing Towels. Seconds are prohibited from tossing a towel into the ring.

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

(3) Between Round Care. Between rounds care of a bare-knuckle boxer will be strictly enforced by the commission.

(a) Licensees Allowed in Ring between Rounds. One (1) licensee and one (1) cutman shall be allowed in the ring with the bare-knuckle boxer during the rest period between rounds and no more than two (2) licensees, exclusive to the corner inspector and approved media personnel, will be allowed on the apron during that time.

(b) Swinging Towel. Fans may be used between rounds. Towels may not be used to fan the contestant. Motorized fans must be approved by the Commission, prior to use at a contest or exhibition.

(c) Corner Kit. The use of an unapproved preparation during the match, contest, or exhibition is prohibited. The only substances and materials allowed in the corner are limited to the following:

1. Ice;

2. Water;

3. Cotton swabs;

4. Gauze pads;

5. Clean towels;

6. Vaseline or surgical lubricant approved by the Commission;

7. Enswell;

8. Avitene or Adrenaline;

9. Athletic tape approved by the Commission.

1. Any variance to the materials must be approved by the Commission.

2. 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, and disciplinary action against the bare-knuckle boxer, manager, second and/or trainer.

(d) Excessive Lubricant. The use of excessive lubricant on the body, arms or face of a boxer shall be prohibited. The referee shall determine whether excessive lubricant is on the bare-knuckle boxer's body, arms or face.

(e) Rehydration of Contestant during Bout. Water shall be used to hydrate a bare-knuckle boxer between rounds. Honey, electrolyte glucose, sugar or any other substance mixed with water is prohibited. of the

(4) Referee.

(a) Stopping a Match. No one other than the referee may stop a fight during or between rounds. The referee shall have the authority to stop a contest at any time if one bare-knuckle boxer is unable or no longer able to defend himself or herself.

(b) Pre-match Instructions. Referees shall meet with the contestants and with each chief second appointed by the contestants prior to the beginning of the match, contest, or exhibition 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.

(c) 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.

(d) Touching Contestants. The referee shall not touch the competing bare-knuckle boxers, unless a contestant fails to obey the break command.

(e) Count. The referee's count is the official count. When a contestant is knocked down, the referee shall order the opponent to retire to the farthest neutral 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.

(f) Count for Dazed Contestant. Should a contestant who is down rise before the count of ten (10) and again go down without being struck then the referee shall resume the count where he or she stopped.

(g) Saved by the bell. A bare-knuckle boxer cannot be saved by the bell in any round, including the final round of any contest.

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

2. The one-minute rest period, delayed by the count in (g)(1) above, shall not begin until the bell has sounded ending the round.

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

(h) Bare-knuckle Boxers Knocked Out of the Ring.

1. Any bare-knuckle boxer knocked out of the fighting surface or onto the floor shall receive a twenty (20) second count.

2. During the time that any such bare-knuckle boxer is outside the ring, he or she shall not be assisted by any member of their corner, and if such assistance is offered, it shall end the match, contest, or exhibition with that bare-knuckle boxer losing by a technical knockout.

3. As a general precaution, to protect the safety of the boxer and to prevent any potential injury, a bare-knuckle 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.

(i) Standing Eight Count. There shall be no standing eight count.

(j) Knock-Out. If the contestant fails to rise before the count of ten (10), the referee shall declare said contestant the loser by a knockout.

(k) 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 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.

1. 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.

(5) Fouls.

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

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

1. Hitting the opponent below the belt;

2. Hitting an opponent who is down or is getting up after being down;

3. Deliberately maintaining a clinch without other action;

4. Wrestling or kicking the opponent;

5. Putting a finger into any orifice of the opponent or into any cut or laceration on an opponent, including fish-hooking;

6. Pulling the opponents hair;

7. Manipulating the opponent's fingers;

8. Striking an opponent who is helpless as the result of blows but is supported by the ropes and does not fall;

9. Butting the opponent with the head, shoulder, knee, or elbow;

10. Hitting the opponent with the elbow or forearm;

11. Striking the opponent's body over the kidneys;

12. Hitting the opponent on the back of the head or neck;

13. Gouging the opponent's eye in any manner;

14. Using abusive language in the ring;

15. Hitting during a break, which is signaled by the referee's command or physical act to separate two contestants;

16. Hitting the opponent after the bell has sounded, ending the round;

17. Using the ropes to gain an advantage over the opponent;

18. Pushing the opponent around the ring or into the ropes;

19. Timidity, including intentionally spitting out the mouthpiece;

20. Biting the opponent;

21. Headlocks;

22. Throat punches or strikes directly towards the throat of an opponent;

23. Fingers outstretched toward an opponent's face or eyes; and

24. 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 contestant, impedes fair and competitive play, or is unsportsmanlike.

25. Taunting a "downed" fighter;

26. Interfering with a fighter under the care of the referee or ringside physician.

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

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

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

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

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

5. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the injury results in the bout being stopped later in the round, the injured bare-knuckle 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).

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

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

2. If an unintentional foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout after one-half, plus one second of the scheduled rounds has 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. If stoppage due to an unintentional foul occurs prior to the completion of one-half, plus one second of the scheduled rounds, the bout will result in a Technical Draw (TD).

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

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

(6) Scoring.

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

1. Any part of the downed bare-knuckle boxer's body, other than his or her feet or a single hand, makes contact with the fighting surface floor;

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

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

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

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

(c) Deducting Points for Fouls.

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

2. When one or more points is to be deducted from a bare-knuckle 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. The net-score for the round, after points are deducted, may result in neither fighter receiving a 10-point score.

(d) The 10 Point Must System.

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

(7) Low Blows: Intentional or Unintentional.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(8) Timekeepers.

(a) Number Assigned per Bout. Two (2) licensed timekeepers, assigned by the Commission, shall be required at each event; one (1) to keep time and one (1) to count for the knockdowns.

(b) Announcement Responsibilities.

1. The bell shall be sounded at the beginning and at the end of each round. Except as provided in (d) below the timekeeper shall not sound the bell during the process of the round.

(i) Regardless of the sounding of the bell, 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."

2. Timekeepers shall alert the referee by striking the table ten (10) seconds prior to the end of each round.

3. Timekeepers shall blow their whistle ten (10) seconds prior to the end of each one (1) minute rest period.

(d) Countdown Responsibilities. When a bare-knuckle boxer is down, the timekeeper shall rise and start his or her count, counting by one (1) for each second until ten (10) is reached. After the referee has taken control of the count, the timekeeper shall be seated and cease counting.

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

(9) After the Contest, Match, or Exhibition.

(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 Announcement. In all preliminary contests decided by the judges' scorecards, 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 decided by the judges' scorecards, the total points given each contestant by the three (3) individual judges will be announced.

(c) Finality of the Decision. A decision rendered at the end of any boxing contest is final and shall not be changed unless the Commission determines that any of the following occurred:

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

2. The compilation of the score cards of the referee and judges reveals a clerical or mathematical error which caused the decision to be given to the wrong bare-knuckle boxer.

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

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

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

(d) Appeal of Decision.

1. A petition to change a decision or the ruling of the chief official 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.

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

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

Ala. Admin. Code r. 165-X-8-.08

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVIII, Issue No. 05, February 28, 2020, eff. 4/13/2020.

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

Authors: Dr. John Marshall, Joel R. Blankenship, Larry Bright, Stan Frierson, Shane Sears

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