Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 177-2-3 - DefinitionsThe words used in this rule shall have the following meanings, unless the content indicates a different meaning:
3.1. "Commission" -- means the West Virginia State Athletic Commission.3.2. "Contestant" - means a fighter that competes in a Mixed Martial Arts event, match, or exhibition or any form thereof. A contestant can be either a professional or amateur contestant.3.3. "Deputy" -- means an individual appointed and trained by the Commission to represent the Commission in its absence.3.4. "Event" -- means a series of matches in which contestants compete.3.5. "Match" -- means a fight between contestants.3.6. "Mixed Martial Arts" (MMA) -- means a combative sporting contest, the rules of which allow two competitors to attempt to achieve dominance over one another by utilizing a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, striking, grappling, and the application of submission holds.3.7. "Permit" -- means a document allowing an event to occur.3.8. "Promoter" -- means any individual, club, corporation or association engaged in the promotion of regularly scheduled or individual MMA shows or contests.3.9 "Professional" means: 3.9.a. A contestant who has competed in a minimum of 4 bouts in any amateur ring sport and has developed the skills to be able to compete for money. Amateur matches which cannot be verified by the Commission do not count toward the minimum number of matches required;3.9.b. A person who has been licensed as a professional MMA contestant by West Virginia or another state to compete in a sanctioned event and has competed as a professional MMA contestant in a sanctioned event in West Virginia or another state; or3.9.c. A person who has been licensed as a professional in any ring sport other than MMA, has fought in a minimum of two professional fights, and has developed the necessary skill to be licensed as a professional MMA contestant.3.10. "Amateur" - means a fighter who has not been licensed as a professional fighter in the State of West Virginia or any other jurisdiction.