W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-42

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 177-1-42 - Combat Area

42.1. The ring shall be not less than 16 nor more than 24 feet square within the ropes, the ring floor to extend beyond the ropes not less than 18 inches. The ring posts shall not be nearer to the ring ropes than 18 inches. The ring shall be padded with felt, corrugated paper, matting or other soft material to a thickness of not less than 1 inch padding extending 1 foot beyond the ring ropes, with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges shall not be used.

42.2. The ring shall not be more than 4 feet above the floor of the building or ground of an outdoor arena and shall be provided with suitable steps for the use of contestants. Ring posts shall not be more than 3 inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building or ground to a height of 58 inches above ring floor.

42.3 The Commission shall determine all seating arrangements at ringside necessary to effectuate the match. A promoter may submit a proposed seating arrangement to the Commission one week before the event.

42.4. Matches may also take place in a cage that has been approved by the Commission. The cage shall meet the requirements set forth by the Commission and is subject to inspection prior to each match by a Commission representative such as a referee.

42.4.a. Cages. -The cage specifications shall meet the following requirements.

42.4.a.1. The fighting area floor shall be no smaller than 18 feet by 18 feet and no larger than 32 feet by 32 feet. The fighting area floor shall be padded in a manner as approved by the Commission, with at least one inch layer of foam padding. Padding shall extend beyond the fighting area and over the edge of the platform. The floor must be covered with canvas, vinyl or other plastic rubberized material. The Commission shall have discretion to approve the flooring materials prior to use at the event. The fighting area floor 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.

42.4.a.2. Post 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 floor and shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the Commission. The fighting area floor shall be enclosed by a fence made of such material as will not allow a contestant 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 Commission and shall not be abrasive to the contestants. The fence shall provide two separate entries onto the fighting area floor.

W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-42