DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS
CORPORATIONS, SECURITIES, AND COMMERCIAL LICENSING BUREAU
UNARMED COMBAT
Filed with the secretary of state on
These rules take effect immediately upon filing with the secretary of state unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(6)(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the secretary of state.
(By authority conferred on the department of licensing and regulatory affairs by the Michigan unarmed combat regulatory act, 2004 PA 403, MCL 338.3601 to 338.3661a, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 2008-4,and2011-4, and 2019-2, MCL 445.2025,and445.2030, and 333.27001)
R 339.101, R 339.201, R 339.203, R 339.205a, R 339.225, R 339.226, R 339.230, R 339.232, R 339.261, and R 339.265 of the Michigan Administrative Code are amended, and R 339.104, R 339.204a, R 339.223b, R 339.223c, R 339.225a, R 339.226b, R 339.226c, R 339.230a, R 339.230b, R 339.232a, R 339.232b, and R 339.246b are added, as follows:
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
R 339.101 Definitions.
Rule 101. (1) As used in these rules:
(a) "Act" means the Michigan unarmed combat regulatory act, 2004 PA 403, MCL 338.3601 to 338.3661a.
(b) “Contest official” means a referee, judge, and timekeeper.
(b)(c) "Department representative" means an employee of the department, as defined by section 10(1) of the act, MCL 338.3610, or an inspector approved by the department who ensures compliance with the law and rules at an unarmed combat event.
(c)(d) "Down" means when any part of a boxer's body, except his or her feet, touches the ring floor, or when the boxer is hanging helplessly over the ropes as a result of a legal blow as ruled by the referee.
(d)(e) "Drug" means a controlled substance as regulated under sections 7101 to 7231 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7101 to 333.7231, and any substance referenced in section 48(5)(a) of the act, MCL 338.3648.
(e)(f) “Fight Record” means a record of a contestant’s previous fight results, including, but not limited to, wins, losses, knockouts, and technical knockouts, and any other information required by the department.
(f)(g) "Gong" means a bell, horn, buzzer, or other audible device approved by the department representative that has a clear tone loud enough for the contestants and referee to hear.
(g) (h) “Grounded” means when a mixed martial
artist has any part of the body, other than fingers and the soles of both feet,
touching the fighting area floor. A mixed martial artist is grounded if the
palm or closed fist of 1 hand, or any other body part, is touching the fighting
area floor.
(h) (i) “Kickboxing” means a form of
boxing in which blows are delivered with the hand and any part of the leg below
the hip, including the foot.
(j) “Manager” means a person who represents the
interest of a second person, by contract, agreement, or other arrangement
arrangements, in arranging for the establishment of a professional or
amateur contest in which that second person shall participate as a contestant. An
attorney licensed to practice in this state, if his or her participation is
restricted solely to legal representation of the interests of an amateur or professional
licensee, does not fall within this definition.
(i)(k) "Mandatory count of 8" means a required count of 8 given by a referee to a boxer who has been knocked down.
(j)(l) “Muay thai” means a form of boxing in which blows are delivered with the hand, any part of the leg below the hip, including the foot, and clinching.
(m) "No decision" means that neither contestant wins the contest.
(k)(n) "Reinstatement" means the granting of a license to a person whose license has been revoked or suspended as a result of a disciplinary actionin accordance withpursuant to chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a.
(l)(o) "Relicensure" means the granting of a license to a person whose license has lapsed for failure to renew the license within 60 days after the expiration date.
(m)(p) "Ring" or “cage” means the enclosure in which a contest takes place.
(n)(q) “Sanctioned” means a contest approved by USA Boxing or a public body charged with overseeing unarmed combat contests.
(o)(r) “Second” means an individual assisting a contestant during a contest, such as cornerman or a contestant’s cutman, and may include a manager serving in that capacity. An impartial cutman is not a second.
(p)(s) "Stalling and faking" means that a contestant is pulling his or her punches or holding an opponent or deliberately maintaining a clinch.
(q)(t) "Standing mandatory count of 8" means a count of 8 given at the discretion of a referee to a boxer who has been dazed by a blow and is unable to defend himself or herself.
(2) The terms defined in the act have the same meanings when used in these rules.
R 339.104 Kickboxing and muay thai events and contests; applicability of act and
rules.
Rule 104. (1) All kickboxing and muay thai events must adhere to the requirement for boxing events in section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.
(2) Unless specifically identified by these rules, all kickboxing and muay thai contests must adhere to the rules for boxing contests under part 2 of these rules.
PART 2. PROFESSIONAL
BOXING, AMATEUR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS, AND PROFESSIONAL MIXED MARTIAL ARTS,
AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL KICKBOXING, AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL MUAY THAI
R 339.201 Weight classifications for contestants.
Rule 201. (1) The department may refuse to permit a contest in which the contestants are not fairly matched. In determining if contestants are fairly matched, the department shall consider the following factors:
(a) The win-loss record of the contestants.
(b) The weight differential.
(c) The caliber of opponents.
(d) Each contestant’s number of contests.
(e) Any other factor relating to a contestant’s past conduct as a contestant, in this jurisdiction or another, that would reasonably give rise to concerns regarding the health and safety of the public or a contestant or contestants.
(2) Pursuant to section 54a(2)(e) of the act, MCL 338.3654a, boxing contestants shall be divided into the following classes, and there shall not be more than a 5-pound weight differential for contestants weighing up to 126 pounds, a 7-pound weight differential for contestants weighing 126.1 to 175 pounds, and a 15-pound weight differential for contestants weighing 175.1 pounds to 199 pounds. The weight differential applicable to the lowest weight contestant applies.
(a) Mini flyweight: Up to and including 105 pounds.
(b) Light flyweight: Over 105 pounds to 108 pounds.
(c) Flyweight: Over 108 pounds to 112 pounds.
(d) Super flyweight: Over 112 pounds to 115 pounds.
(e) Bantamweight: Over 115 pounds to 118 pounds.
(f) Super bantamweight: Over 118 pounds to 122 pounds.
(g) Featherweight: Over 122 pounds to 126 pounds.
(h) Super featherweight: Over 126 pounds to 130 pounds.
(i) Lightweight: Over 130 pounds to 135 pounds.
(j) Super lightweight: Over 135 pounds to 140 pounds.
(k) Welterweight: Over 140 pounds to 147 pounds.
(l) Super welterweight: Over 147 pounds to 154 pounds.
(m) Middleweight: Over 154 pounds to 160 pounds.
(n) Super middleweight: Over 160 pounds to 168 pounds.
(o) Light heavyweight: Over 168 pounds to 175 pounds.
(p) Cruiserweight: Over 175 pounds to 200 pounds.
(q) Heavyweight: Over 200 pounds.
(3) Pursuant to section 54a(2)(e) of the act, MCL
338.3654a, mixed martial arts contestants shall be divided into the following
classes, and there shall not be not more than a 3-pound weight
differential for contestants weighing up to 155 pounds and a 5-pound weight
differential for contestants weighing 155.1 pounds up to 205 pounds. The weight
differential applicable to the lowest weight contestant applies.
(a) Atomweight: Up to and including 105 pounds.
(a)(b) Strawweight: Up
to and including Over 105 pounds to 115 pounds.
(b)(c) Flyweight: Over
115 pounds to 125 pounds.
(c)(d) Bantamweight: Over
125 pounds to 135 pounds.
(d)(e) Featherweight: Over
135 pounds to 145 pounds.
(e)(f) Lightweight: Over
145 pounds to 155 pounds.
(f)(g) Super lightweight: Over
155 pounds to 165 pounds.
(g)(h) Welterweight: Over
165 pounds to 170 pounds.
(h)(i) Super welterweight: Over
170 pounds to 175 pounds.
(i)(j) Middleweight: Over
175 pounds to 185 pounds.
(j)(k) Super middleweight: Over
185 pounds to 195 pounds.
(k)(l) Light heavyweight: Over
195 pounds to 205 pounds.
(l)(m) Cruiserweight: Over
205 pounds to 225 pounds.
(m)(n) Heavyweight: Over
225 pounds to 265 pounds.
(n)(o) Super heavyweight: Over
265 pounds.
R 339.203 Licensing requirements; contestants.
Rule 203. (1) A contestant shall not have an active license as a timekeeper, judge, referee, promoter, or matchmaker.
(2) A contestant shall have an active license at the time of the contest.
(3) An applicant for a professional boxer license shall have the department’s determination that he or she is able to compete as a professional contestant and either of the following:
(a) A record of having fought a minimum of 7 amateur contests or 28 amateur rounds.
(b) An active professional boxer license in this state or another state, territory, country, or tribal nation.
(c) The commission’s approval based on proven competence.
(4) An applicant for a professional mixed martial artist license shall have the department’s determination that he or she is able to compete as a professional contestant and either of the following:
(a) A record of having fought a minimum of 5 sanctioned amateur contests.
(b) An active professional mixed martial artist license in this state or another state, territory, country, or tribal nation.
(c) The commission’s approval based on proven competence.
(5) An applicant for a professional kickboxing or muay thai contestant license shall have the department’s determination that he or she is able to compete as a professional contestant and either of the following:
(a) A record of having fought a minimum of 5 amateur contests. A kickboxing or muay thai applicant shall provide the department with contest results of 5 amateur contests.
(b) An active professional kickboxing or muay thai license in this state or another state, territory, country, or tribal nation.
(c) The commission’s approval based on proven competence.
R 339.204a Contest official duty of impartiality.
Rule 204a. (1) All contest officials shall remain impartial before, during, and immediately after an unarmed combat event.
(2) No event official shall in any manner publicly criticize or praise the performance of any other official 30 days before, during, or immediately after an unarmed combat event.
(3) No event official shall in any manner publicly criticize or praise the performance of any contestant 30 days before, during, or immediately after an unarmed combat event.
(4) No event official shall in any manner publicly criticize the appointment of any other event official 30 days before, during, or immediately after an unarmed combat event.
(5) No event official shall have any communication with a promoter or a promoter’s employee before a contest unless the communications relate to travel accommodations, hotel accommodations, or compensation for their services as an event official.
(6) No event official shall have any communication or financial relationship with a manager, second, trainer, or contestant 30 days before an unarmed combat event.
(7) No event official shall place wagers of any type on any event or contest involving unarmed combat.
R 339.205a Mixed martial artsringcage; dimensions and construction.
Rule 205a. (1) A promoter shall
ensure that a mixed martial arts ring cage meets all of the following
requirements:
(a) The ring cage canvas must be no smaller
than 18 feet by 18 feet wide and no larger than 32 feet
by 32 feet. across.
(b) Two sides opposite of each other must have a designated color. One side must be blue; the opposite side must be red.
(c) The floor of the ring cage area must be
padded with ensolite or another similar closed-cell foam, with at least a
1-inch layer of foam padding, with a top covering of canvas, duck, or similar
material tightly stretched and laced to the platform of the ring cage.
Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges must not be used.
(d) The platform of the ring cage must not
be more than 4 feet above the floor of the building and must have suitable steps
for use by the contestants and officials.
(e) Ring Cage posts must be made of metal,
not more than 6 inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to
5 to 7 feet above the floor of the ring cage, and shall must
be properly padded in a manner approved by the department.
(f) The fencing used to enclose the ring cage
must be made of a material that will prevent a contestant from falling out or
breaking through the ring cage onto the floor of the building or
onto spectators.
(g) Any metal portion on the interior of the ring cage
must be covered and padded in a manner approved by the department and must not
be abrasive to the contestants.
(h) The ring cage must have a minimum of 1
entrance. The entrance must be padded or covered so that there is not exposed
metal on the interior of the ring cage.
(i) There must not be any obstruction on any part of the ring
cage surrounding the area in which the contestants are competing.
(j) Any metal parts used to enforce the ring cage
wall must be positioned as to not interfere with the safety of the
contestants.
(k) There must be an area of at least 4 feet between the ring
cage and the first row of public seating that allows freedom of movement
of contest officials and department personnel.
(2) The area immediately surrounding the ring cage
is subject to the control of the department. Event security staff shall
control access. The seating around the apron of the ring cage must
not be sold. An area for credentialed media personnel may be allowed with the
approval of the department.
(3) There must be adequate space provided in each contestant's corner for seconds to sit during a round.
(4) The department may request a promoter of a mixed martial
arts event or contest to place at least 2 video screens that meet the approval
of the department, which will allow patrons to view action inside the ring cage.
R 339.223b Injuries and cuts; kickboxing.
Rule 223b. (1) If an intentional foul causes an injury that is severe enough to terminate the contest immediately, the contestant causing the foul shall lose by disqualification.
(2) If the referee determines that a contest may continue despite an injury caused by an intentional foul, the referee shall immediately inform the department representative and the judges. The judges shall deduct the points as determined by the referee or the department representative.
(3) If an injury caused by an intentional foul results in the contest being stopped later in the contest or a later round, the referee shall do either of the following:
(a) If the injured contestant is ahead in the scorecard, the referee shall declare the contestant winner by a technical decision.
(b) If the injured contestant is behind on or even on the scorecards, the referee shall declare the contest a technical draw.
(4) If a contestant injures himself or herself while attempting to intentionally foul his or her opponent, but can continue contesting, the referee shall take no action and treat the injury as if it was the result of a legal maneuver. If the referee determines the contestant who injured himself or herself while attempting an intentional foul is unable to continue to compete, the referee shall declare the contestant as having lost by a technical knockout or knockout.
(5) If an unintentional foul causes an injury that is severe enough to terminate the contest immediately and a contest has not completed the rounds necessary to score a technical decision, the contest shall result in a no decision.
(6) If an unintentional foul causes an injury severe enough to terminate the contest and the contest is considered official, the contest shall be awarded to the contestant ahead on the scorecards as a technical decision. For purposes of this subrule, “official” means when the contest completes 3 rounds of a 5 round contest or completed 4 rounds of a contest of any contest more than 5 rounds.
(7) If the injury from a contestant’s unintentional foul is not severe enough to immediately stop the contest but later becomes aggravated and causes the contest to be stopped, the contest shall be awarded to the contestant ahead on the scorecards as a technical decision.
(8) If the referee feels that a contestant has conducted himself or herself in an unsportsmanlike manner, the referee may stop the contest and disqualify the contestant.
(9) A physician shall immediately examine and administer aid to a contestant who is knocked out or injured, if, in the physician's professional judgment, there is a concern for the contestant's safety.
(10) If a contestant is knocked out or incapacitated, then the referee or second shall not handle the contestant, except for the removal of a mouthpiece, unless directed by the physician to do so.
(11) A contestant shall not refuse to be examined by a physician.
(12) A contestant who has been knocked out shall not leave the site of the event until 1 hour has elapsed from the time of the examination or until released by the physician.
(13) The attending physician shall file a written report with the department on each contestant who has been knocked out or injured.
R 339.223c Injuries and cuts; muay thai.
Rule 223c. (1) If the referee determines that a contest may not continue because of an injury caused by an intentional foul, the contestant who committed the intentional foul loses by disqualification.
(2) If the referee determines that a contest may continue despite an injury caused by an intentional foul, the referee shall immediately inform the department representative and the judges and shall deduct 2 points from the score of the contestant who committed the intentional foul.
(3) If an injury caused by an intentional foul results in the contest being stopped in a later round, either of the following must occur:
(a) If the injured contestant is ahead on the scorecards, the contestant wins by technical decision.
(b) If the injured contestant is behind or even on the scorecards, the contest must be declared a technical draw.
(4) If a contestant injures himself or herself while attempting to foul his or her opponent, the referee shall not take any action in his or her favor and the injury must be treated the same as an injury produced by a fair blow.
(5) If a contest is stopped because of an accidental foul, the referee shall determine whether the contestant who has been fouled can continue or not. If the contestant’s chance of winning has not been seriously jeopardized because of a foul and if the foul did not involve a concussive impact to the head of the contestant who was fouled, the referee may order the contest or exhibition continued after a reasonable interval. Before the contest or exhibition begins again, the referee shall inform the judges and department representative of his or her determination that the foul was accidental.
(6) If the referee determines that the contest may not continue because of an injury suffered as the result of an accidental foul, the contest must be declared a no decision if the foul occurs during the first 3 rounds of a contest that is scheduled for 6 rounds or less or the first 4 rounds if scheduled for more than 6 rounds.
(7) If an injury inflicted by an accidental foul later becomes aggravated by fair blows and the referee orders the contest stopped because of the injury, the outcome must be determined by scoring the completed rounds and the round during which the referee stops the contest.
(8) A physician shall immediately examine and administer aid to a contestant who is knocked out or injured, if, in the physician's professional judgment, there is a concern for the contestant's safety.
(9) If a contestant is knocked out or incapacitated, then the referee or second shall not handle the contestant, except for the removal of a mouthpiece, unless directed by the physician to do so.
(10) A contestant shall not refuse to be examined by a physician.
(11) A contestant who has been knocked out shall not leave the site of the event until 1 hour has elapsed from the time of the examination or until released by the physician.
(12) The attending physician shall file a written report with the department on each contestant who has been knocked out or injured.
R 339.225 Knockouts.; boxing.
Rule 225. (1) A contestant in a boxing contest who is knocked down shall take a minimum mandatory count of 8.
(2) If a contestant in a boxing contest is dazed by a blow and, in the referee's opinion, is unable to defend himself or herself, then the referee shall give a standing mandatory count of 8 or stop the contest. If on the count of 8 the contestant, in the referee's opinion, is unable to continue, then the referee may count him or her out on his or her feet or stop the contest on the count of 8.
(3) If there is a knockdown in a boxing contest, then the timekeeper shall immediately start the count loud enough to be heard by the referee, who, after waving the opponent to the farthest neutral corner, shall pick up the count from the timekeeper and proceed from there. The referee shall stop the count if the opponent fails to remain in the corner. The count shall be resumed when the opponent has returned to the corner.
(4) The timekeeper shall signal the count to the referee.
(5) If the contestant taking the count in a boxing contest is still down when the referee calls the count of 10, then the referee shall wave both arms to indicate that the contestant has been knocked out. The referee shall summon the physician and shall then raise the opponent's hand as the winner. The referee's count is the official count.
(6) If at the end of a round a contestant in a boxing contest is down and the referee is in the process of counting, then the gong indicating the end of the roundshallmust not be sounded, except for the last round. The gongshallmust onlybe soundedsound when the referee gives the command to box indicating the continuation of the contest.
(7) In the final round, the timekeeper's gongshall terminateterminates the fight contest.
(8) A referee shall award a technical knockout decision to the opponent if a contestant is unable or refuses to continue when the gong sounds to begin the next round. The decisionshall beis awarded in the round started by the gong.
(9) The referee and timekeeper shall resume their count at the point it was suspended if a contestant in a boxing contest rises before the count of 10 is reached and falls down immediately without being struck.
(10) If both contestants in a boxing contest go down at the same time, then countingshall continuecontinues as long as 1 of them is still down or until the referee or the ringside physician determines that 1 or both of the contestants need immediate medical attention. If both contestants remain down until the count of 10, then the contestshallmust stop and the decisionshall beis scored as a double knockout.
R 339. 225a Knockouts; kickboxing and muay thai.
Rule 225a. (1) In the event of a knockdown, the referee shall send the standing contestant to a neutral corner and administer a mandatory 8 count to the downed contestant.
(2) For purposes of this rule, a knockdown is either of the following:
(a) When a contestant touches the mat with anything other than the soles of his or her feet as the result of a legal and damaging strike.
(b) When a contestant is in a defenseless position grabbing the opponent or hanging on or over the ropes.
(3) If a contestant goes down from what the referee indicates is a slip but fails to rise after the referee’s repeated commands, the referee shall initiate a count of 10 and follow the procedures of a knockdown. If the contestant does not rise after a count of 10, the contest ends as a technical knockout.
(4) The referee shall have sole discretion in determining a knockdown versus a slip.
(5) If a contestant injures himself or herself and then fails to intelligently defend himself or herself by turning his or her back on the opponent, the referee may do either of the following:
(a) Treat the injury the same as 1 produced by a fair blow from the opponent and follow the procedures for a knockdown,
(b) Terminate the contest and declare the opponent winner by technical knockout.
(6) The 3-knockdown rule is in effect only when a contestant has been knocked down 3 times in the same round by strikes or kicks to the head. If a contestant is knocked down 3 times, the contest ends, and contestant is determined to have lost the contest by technical knockout.
(7) A standing 8 count in professional kickboxing or muay thai contests is not allowed.
(8) In an amateur kickboxing and muay thai contest, a referee may issue a standing 8 count to determine if a contestant can continue the contest.
(9) A contestant who has been knocked down shall not be saved by the bell in any round, including the final round.
R 339.226 Types of contest results for mixed martial arts events.
Rule 226. The following are the types of contest results for mixed martial arts events:
(a) Submission by either of the following:
(i) Tap out: When a contestant physically uses his hand to indicate that he or she no longer wishes to continue.
(ii) Verbal tap out: When a contestant verbally announces to the referee that he or she does not wish to continue.
(b) Technical knockout by any of the following:
(i) Referee stops the contest.
(ii) When an injury as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate a contest.
(iii) If a contestant fails to answer the bell or does not want to continue the contest.
(c) Knockout by failure to rise from the canvas.
(d) Decision via scorecards including any of the following:
(i) Unanimous decision: When all 3 judges score the contest for the same contestant.
(ii) Split decision: When 2 judges score the contest for 1 contestant and 1 judge scores for the opponent.
(iii) Majority decision: When 2 judges score the contest for same contestant and only 1 judge scores a draw.
(e) Draw including any of the following:
(i) Unanimous Draw: When all 3 judges score the contest a draw.
(ii) Majority Draw: When 2 judges score the contest a draw.
(iii) Split Draw: When 1 judge scores in favor of one contestant, 1 judge scores in favor of the other contestant, and 1 judge scores the contest as a draw.
(f) Disqualification: When an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul is severe enough to terminate the contest.
(g) Forfeit: When a contestant fails to begin competition or prematurely ends the contest for reasons other than injury or by indicating a tap out.
(h) Technical draw: When an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue and the injured contestant is even or behind on the scorecards at the time of stoppage.
(i) Technical decision: When the contest is prematurely stopped due to injury and a contestant is leading on the scorecards.
(j) No contest: When a contest is prematurely stopped due to accidental injury and a sufficient number of rounds have not been completed to render a decision via the scorecards.
(k) Double knockout: If the referee determines that both contestants are in a condition that to continue might subject the contestants to serious injury, the referee shall stop the contest and the contest is considered a technical draw.
R 339.226b Types of contest results for kickboxing events.
Rule 226b. The following are the types of contest results for kickboxing events:
(a) Points decision: When both contestants finish the scheduled rounds, victory is awarded by majority decision of the judging panel.
(b) Knockout: If a contestant is incapable of resuming the contest within the referee’s 10-count due to legal strikes.
(c) Technical knockout by any of the following:
(i) If the official determines a contestant shows no will to or is incapable of resuming the contest due to a legal technique.
(ii) If the official determines the contestant can no longer intelligently defend himself or herself.
(iii) If the contestant does not leave his or her corner to take part in the contest following the sounding of the bell.
(iv) If the referee is of the opinion that 1 contestant is outmatched by the opponent and continuing the match would jeopardize the athlete’s health and safety.
(v) If the contest is terminated for medical reasons due to injury resulting from a legal technique.
(vi) Where a contestant’s corner indicates to the official that the contestant no longer wishes to continue the contest and throws in the towel. If a contestant or his or her second gives up the contest, the contestant or his or her second will indicate this to the referee or the department representative.
(d) Disqualification: The referee disqualifies the contestant for any reason including intentional, deliberate, flagrant, or repeated fouling.
(e) Draw: If, following the end of all rounds, at least 2 of the 3 judges do not pronounce 1 of the contestants a winner. If both contestants go down at the same time and neither can resume the contest within the referee’s 10-count.
(f) No decision: If a contestant cannot continue as the result of an accidental foul and the bell has not yet sounded completing the second round of a 3-round contest or completed the third round of a 5-round contest or completed the fourth round of a contest scheduled for more than 5 rounds. If the referee decides, both contestants must be disqualified.
R 339.226c Types of contest results for muay thai events.
Rule 226c. The following are the types of contest results for muay thai events:
(a) Knockout: If a contestant is incapable of resuming
the contest within the referee’s 10-count due to legal strikes.
(b) Technical knockout by any of the following:
(i) When the referee orders the contest to stop because a contestant is not fit to continue.
(ii) When a contestant cannot answer the bell for the upcoming round.
(iii) The contestant is so badly cut that it is too dangerous to continue.
(c) Submission: When a contestant notifies the referee that he or she no longer wishes to continue.
(d) Unanimous decision: When all 3 judges score in favor of 1 contestant.
(e) Split decision: When 2 judges score in favor of 1 contestant, while 1 judge scores in favor of the other contestant.
(f) Majority decision: When 2 judges score in favor of 1 contestant and 1 judge determines it is a draw.
(g) Disqualification: When a referee stops a contest due to a contestant’s intentional foul or unintentional foul.
(h) Technical draw: In case of an intentional foul which causes injury, and the contest continues but is later stopped because of the initial foul, the referee shall stop the contest and declare a technical draw if the scores are equal or if the fouled contester is behind on the cards.
(i) Technical decision by any of the following:
(i) In case of an intentional foul which causes injury, and the contest is
continued but is later stopped because of the initial foul, the referee shall declare a victory for the fouled contestant if he or she is ahead on the cards.
(ii) If a contest cannot continue due to an unintentional foul but enough rounds
have been completed, the referee shall declare a victory for the contestant ahead on the score cards.
(j) No contest: In case of an unintentional foul which causes injury so
serious that the contest cannot be continued but less than enough rounds have been completed.
(k) Draw: When scoring of the rounds results in a 3-way tie amongst the judges.
(l) Majority draw: When 2 judges score the fight a draw and 1 judge declares 1 of the contestants the victor.
R 339.230 Judging; mixed martial arts.
Rule 230. (1) Three judges shall evaluate all mixed martial arts contests.
(2) The 10-Point Must Scoring System must be the standard system for scoring a contest. Under the 10-Point Must Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round and 9 points or fewer must be awarded to the loser, except for a rare even round, which is scored (10-10).
(3) Judges shall evaluate mixed martial arts techniques,
such as effective striking, effective grappling, effective aggressiveness, control
of the ring cage, effective aggressiveness, and defense.
(4) Evaluation must be made in the order in which the techniques
appear in subrule (2) of this rule., giving the most weight in scoring to
effective striking, effective grappling, control of the ring, effective aggressiveness,
and defense. Effective striking and grappling
must be the priority for round scoring. Effective aggressiveness must only be considered
for round scoring if the judge does not see any advantage in effective striking
and grappling. A judge may only take into consideration the control of the cage for round scoring when
effective striking, grappling, and aggressiveness are even for both contestants.
In the rare event that control of the cage is even for both contestants, a
judge may take into consideration the effective defense of contestants.
(5) Effective striking is judged by determining the
total number of legal heavy strikes landed by a contestant. the legal
blows that have an immediate or cumulative impact with the potential to
contribute toward the end of the round. The immediate impact
must weigh more heavily than the cumulative impact in a judge’s scoring of a
round.
(6) Effective grappling is judged by considering the amount
of successful executions of a legal takedown and reversals. All of the following
are examples of factors to consider: successful execution of takedowns,
submission attempts, reversals, and the achievement of advantageous positions
that produce immediate or cumulative impact with the potential to contribute to
the end of the round. The immediate impact must weigh more heavily than the
cumulative impact in a judge’s scoring of a round. A successful takedown is not
merely a changing of position, but the establishment of an attack from the use
of the takedown. Top and bottom position fighters shall be assessed more on the
impactful and effective result of their actions than their position.
(a) Take downs from standing position to mount position.
(b) Passing the guard to mount position.
(c) Bottom position ring using an active,
threatening guard.
(7) Ring area control is judged by determining who is
dictating the pace, location, and position of the contest. All of the following
are examples of factors to consider: Effective aggressiveness is judged
by considering a contestant aggressively making effective attempts to finish the
contest. A judge shall not consider a contestant merely chasing after an opponent
with no effective result or impact in the scoring of a round.
(a) Countering a grappler's attempt at takedown by remaining
standing and legally striking.
(b) Taking down an opponent to force a ground contest.
(c) Creating threatening submission attempts.
(d) Passing the guard to achieve mount.
(e) Creating striking opportunities.
(8) Effective aggressiveness
means moving forward and landing a legal strike. The control
of the cage is assessed by determining who is dictating the pace, place, and position
of the contest.
(9) Effective defense means avoiding being struck, taken down, or reversed while countering with offensive attacks.
(10) The judges shall use the following objective scoring criteria when scoring a round:
(a) A round is to must be scored as a 10-10
round when both contestants appear to be competing evenly and neither contestant
shows clear dominance in a round.
(b) A round is to must be scored as a 10-9
round when a contestant wins by a close margin, landing the greater number
of effective legal strikes, grappling, and other maneuvers. effective strikes
or utilizing effective grappling during the competition.
(c) A round is to must be scored as a 10-8
round when a contestant overwhelmingly dominates by striking or grappling in
a round. 1 contestant has dominated the action of the round, had duration
of the domination, and impacted his or her opponent with either effective strikes
or effective grappling maneuvers that diminished the abilities of his or her opponent.
(d) A round is to must be scored as a 10-7
round when a contestant totally dominates by striking or grappling in a round.
and stoppage is warranted.
(11) Judges shall use a sliding scale and recognize the length of time the contestants are either standing or on the ground, as follows:
(a) If the mixed martial arts contestant spent a majority of a round on the canvas, then both of the following apply:
(i) Effective grappling is weighed first.
(ii) Effective striking is weighed second.
(b) If the mixed martial arts contestant spent a majority of a round standing, then both of the following apply:
(i) Effective striking is weighed first.
(ii) Effective grappling is weighed second.
(c) If a round ends with a relatively even amount of standing and canvas competition, striking and grappling are weighed equally.
(12) Officials who score the contest shall mark their cards in ink or in indelible pencil at the end of each round.
(13) Officials who score the contest shall sign their scorecards.
(14) Except as provided in subrule (15) of this rule, at the conclusion of each contest, the judges shall total the points for each contestant and indicate the winner by writing the winner's name at the designated area on the scorecard and circle the same name where it appears on the top of the scorecard.
(15) If a contest is scored on individual scorecards for each round, the referee shall, at the end of a round, collect the scorecard for the round from each judge and shall give the scorecards to the department representative for computation.
(16) Referees and judges shall be discreet at all times and shall not discuss their decisions with anyone during an event.
(17) Unless the department representative determines that a computation of the scorecards shows a clerical or mathematical error giving the decision to the wrong contestant, the decision at the end of a mixed martial arts contest must not change. If such an error occurs, the department representative may change the decision.
(18) The referee shall collect the scorecards from the judges and give them to the department representative for tabulation. After the cards have been tabulated, the referee shall collect the tabulated scorecards and give them to the announcer, who shall announce the decision to the spectators.
(19) After a contest, the department representative shall collect the scorecards and tabulation sheets and give them to the promoter. The promoter shall maintain the scorecards and tabulation sheets for 1 year pursuant to section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.
(20) If a referee becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete a mixed martial arts contest, then the other referee previously approved by the department for the event shall assume the duties of the referee.
(21) If a judge becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete the scoring of a mixed martial arts contest, then the referee shall call a time-out and a licensed judge previously approved by the department must score the contest from the point at which he or she assumed the duties of a judge. If the incapacity of a judge is not noticed during a round, the referee shall score that round and the substitute judge shall score all subsequent rounds.
R 339.230a Judging; kickboxing.
Rule 230a. (1) The 10-Point Must System must be the standard system of scoring a kickboxing contest. Under the 10-Point Must Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round. The contestant who has lost the round may be awarded 9, 8, or 7 points. If a judge determines a round is an even round, a score of 10 shall be awarded to each contestant. Partial or incomplete rounds shall be scored. If no significant action has occurred, the round shall be scored as an even round.
(2) Judges shall evaluate kickboxing contests in the order of the following:
(a) The total number of knockdowns landed by a contestant.
(b) The cumulative effective impact a contestant has on an opponent.
(c) The total number of clean scoring strikes landed by a contestant.
(d) The ring area control or aggressiveness a contestant has over an opponent.
(3) Officials who score the contest shall mark their cards in ink or in indelible pencil at the end of each round.
(4) Officials who score the contest shall sign their scorecards.
(5) Except as provided in subrule (6) of this rule, at the conclusion of each contest, the judges shall total the points for each contestant and indicate the winner by writing the winner's name at the designated area on the scorecard and circle the same name where it appears on the top of the scorecard.
(6) If a contest is scored on individual scorecards for each round, the referee shall, at the end of a round, collect the scorecard for the round from each judge and give the scorecards to the department representative for computation.
(7) Referees and judges shall be discreet at all times and shall not discuss their decisions with anyone during an event.
(8) Unless the department representative determines that a computation of the scorecards shows a clerical or mathematical error giving the decision to the wrong contestant, the decision at the end of a kickboxing contest must not change. If such an error occurs, the department representative may change the decision.
(9) The referee shall collect the scorecards from the judges and give them to the department representative for tabulation. After the cards have been tabulated, the referee shall collect the tabulated scorecards and give them to the announcer, who shall announce the decision to the spectators.
(10) After a contest, the department representative shall collect the scorecards and tabulation sheets and give them to the promoter. The promoter shall maintain the scorecards and tabulation sheets for 1 year pursuant to section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.
(11) If a referee becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete a kickboxing contest, then the other referee previously approved by the department for the event shall assume the duties of the referee.
(12) If a judge becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete the scoring of a kickboxing contest, then the referee shall call a time-out and a licensed judge previously approved by the department must score the contest from the point at which he or she assumed the duties of a judge. If the incapacity of a judge is not noticed during a round, the referee shall score that round and the substitute judge shall score all subsequent rounds.
R 339.230b Judging; muay thai.
Rule 230b. (1) Three judges shall evaluate all muay thai contests.
(2) The 10-Point Must Scoring System must be the standard system for scoring a muay thai contest. Under the 10-Point Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round and 9 points or fewer must be awarded to the loser, except for a rare even round, which is scored 10-10.
(3) Judges shall evaluate muay thai techniques, such as effective striking, control of the ring, effective aggressiveness, and effective defense.
(4) Evaluation must be made in the order in which the techniques appear in subrule (3) of this rule.
(5) Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of legal strikes
landed by a contestant and the significance of these legal strikes.
(6) Ring cage area control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location, and position of the contest.
(7) Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing a legal strike.
(8) Effective defense means avoiding being struck while countering with
offensive attacks.
(9) The judges shall use the following objective scoring criteria when scoring a round:
(a) A round is to be scored as a 10-10 round when both contestants appear to be competing evenly and neither contestant shows clear dominance in a round.
(b) A round is to be scored as a 10-9 round when a contestant wins by a close
but clear margin, landing the greater number of effective legal strikes and other maneuvers.
(c) A round is to be scored as a 10-8 round when a contestant wins a round by a
wide margin and damages his opponent.
(d) A round is to be scored as a 10-7 round when a contestant totally and
completely dominates in a round and damages his or her opponent.
(10) Officials who score the contest shall mark their cards in ink or in indelible pencil at the end of each round.
(11) Officials who score the contest shall sign their scorecards.
(12) Except as provided in subrule (14) of this rule, at the conclusion of each contest, the judges shall total the points for each contestant and indicate the winner by writing the winner's name at the designated area on the scorecard and circle the same name where it appears on the top of the scorecard.
(13) If a contest is scored on individual scorecards for each round, the referee shall, at the end of a round, collect the scorecard for the round from each judge and shall give the scorecards to the department representative for computation.
(14) Referees and judges shall be discreet at all times and shall not discuss their decisions with anyone during an event.
(15) Unless the department representative determines that a computation of the scorecards shows a clerical or mathematical error giving the decision to the wrong contestant, the decision at the end of a muay thai contest must not change. If this error occurs, the department representative may change the decision.
(16) The referee shall collect the scorecards from the judges and give them to the department representative for tabulation. After the cards have been tabulated, the referee shall collect the tabulated scorecards and give them to the announcer, who shall announce the decision to the spectators.
(17) After a contest, the department representative shall collect the scorecards and tabulation sheets and give them to the promoter. The promoter shall maintain the scorecards and tabulation sheets for 1 year pursuant to section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.
(18) If a referee becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete a mixed martial arts contest, then the other referee previously approved by the department for the event shall assume the duties of the referee.
(19) If a judge becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete the scoring of a mixed martial arts contest, then the referee shall call a time-out and a licensed judge previously approved by the department must score the contest from the point at which he or she assumed the duties of a judge. If the incapacity of a judge is not noticed during a round, the referee shall score that round and the substitute judge shall score all subsequent rounds.
R 339.232 Fouls; mixed martial arts.
Rule 232. (1) A referee of a mixed martial arts contest may disqualify or penalize a contestant by deducting points from a round for any of the following fouls:
(a) Holding or grabbing the fence.
(b) Holding opponent's shorts or gloves.
(c) The presence of more than
1 second on the ring cage area perimeter during a round.
(d) The presence of more than
two 2 seconds inside the ring or cage during a rest period or
more than 2 seconds on the ring or cage perimeter.
(e) Butting with the head.
(f) Eye gouging of any kind.
(g) Biting or spitting at an opponent.
(h) Hair pulling.
(i) Fish hooking.
(j) Groin attacks of any kind.
(k) Intentionally placing a finger in any opponent's orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent.
(l) Downward pointing of elbow strikes.
(m) Small joint manipulation.
(n) Strikes to the spine or back of the head.
(o) Heel kicks to the kidney.
(p) Throat strikes of any kind, including, but not limited to, grabbing the trachea.
(q) Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle.
(r) Kicking the head of a grounded contestant.
(s) Kneeing the head of a grounded contestant.
(t) Stomping of a grounded contestant.
(u) The use of abusive language in competing area.
(v) Any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to opponent.
(w) Attacking an opponent on or during the break.
(x) Attacking an opponent who is under the referee's care at the time.
(y) Timidity, for example, avoiding contact, consistent dropping of mouthpiece, or faking an injury.
(z) Interference from a second.
(aa) Throwing an opponent out
of the ring cage.
(bb) Intentional disregard of the referee's instructions.
(cc) Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his or her head or neck.
(dd) Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the round.
(ee) While in a standing position, movement of arm or arms with open hands towards an opponent with fingers outstretched towards an opponent’s face or eyes.
(2) Disqualification occurs after any combination of 3 of the fouls listed in subrule (1) of this rule or after a referee determines that a foul is intentional.
(3) Fouls result in a point being deducted from the offending contestant’s score.
(4) Only a referee may assess a foul.
(5) A fouled contestant has up to 5 minutes to recover.
(6) If the referee assesses a foul, the referee shall do all of the following:
(a) Call time.
(b) Check the fouled contestant’s condition and safety.
(c) Assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner’s second, the judges, and the department representative responsible for tabulating scores.
(7) If a bottom contestant commits a foul, unless the top contestant is injured, the contest will continue so as not to jeopardize the top contestant’s superior positioning at the time. In addition, the referee shall do both of the following:
(a) Verbally notify the bottom contestant of the foul.
(b) At the end of the round, assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner’s second, the judges, and the department representative responsible for tabulating scores.
(8) The referee may terminate a contest based on the severity of the foul. If the referee deems the foul intentional, the contestant shall lose by disqualification.
R 339.232a Fouls; kickboxing.
Rule 232a. (1) A referee of a kickboxing contest may penalize a kickboxing contestant by deducting points from a round for any of the following fouls:
(a) Head butts.
(b) Groin strikes.
(c) Thrusting or linear kicks directed at the knee joint.
(d) Striking the back of the head or the spine.
(e) Attacks to the throat.
(f) Striking a downed contestant.
(g) Failure to obey the referee’s commands.
(h) Striking on a break.
(i) Striking after a bell.
(j) Holding or using the ropes while striking or clinching.
(k) Repeatedly and intentionally avoiding engagement or contact with the opponent.
(l) Use of abusive language or gestures, or both.
(m) Causing intentional delays in the contest.
(n) Thumbing.
(o) Holding the opponent’s leg without executing a legal strike or while executing more than 1 striking technique. A contestant may grab the opponent’s kicking leg and immediately execute 1 legal strike while taking 1 step, and then he or she must immediately release the leg.
(p) Any effort to down a contestant by a method other than a legal strike or strikes including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Joint locks.
(ii) Submission attempts.
(iii) Sweeps.
(iv) Reaps.
(v) Takedowns.
(vi) Throw.
(q) Biting.
(r) Spiting at the opponent.
(s) Striking with the elbow, arm, wrist, or other part of the glove that is not the padded part of the glove.
(t) Repeatedly grabbing, grasping, or tying up an opponent in order to prevent the opponent from striking. A contestant may clinch an opponent to immediately launch a credible knee attack. If, in the referee’s discretion, the attack or counter knee attack is consistent and effective, he or she may allow it to continue for up to 5 seconds at which point he or she shall separate the contestants. If, within the 5 seconds, the knee attack or counterattack wanes or appears ineffective, the referee shall immediately separate the contestants.
(u) A contestant’s second person enters the ring during the contest or touches 1 of the contestants during the contest, other than during the rest period or when permitted by the department representative.
(3) Fouls result in a point being deducted from the offending contestant’s score.
(4) Only a referee may assess a foul.
(5) A fouled contestant has up to 5 minutes to recover.
(6) If the referee assesses a foul, the referee shall do all of the following:
(a) Call time.
(b) Check the fouled contestant’s condition and safety.
(c) Assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner’s second, the judges, and the department representative responsible for tabulating scores.
(7) The referee may terminate a contest based on the severity of the foul. If the referee considers the foul to be intentional, the contestant shall lose by disqualification.
R 339.232b Fouls; muay thai.
Rule 232b. (1) A referee of a muay thai contest may penalize a muay thai contestant by deducting points from a round for any of the following fouls:
(a) Head butting.
(b) Strikes to the groin.
(c) Direct attacks to the knee.
(d) Strikes to the back of the head.
(e) Strikes to the spine.
(f) Strikes to the throat.
(g) Striking a fighter while he or she is down.
(h) Striking a fighter while he or she is under the referee’s care.
(i) Shoving, throwing, or wrestling an opponent when pushing in a legal clinch.
(j) Striking when the referee has called a break.
(k) Striking after the bell has sounded.
(l) Holding the ropes or using the ropes as a weapon.
(m) Timidity or intentionally avoiding contact.
(n) The use of abusive language or abusive gestures.
(o) Spitting out a mouthpiece causing intentional delay in action.
(p) Eye gouging.
(q) Hair pulling.
(r) Biting or spitting.
(s) Holding the opponent’s shorts.
(t) Interference from a contestant’s seconds.
(u) Tripping or sweeping an opponent.
(v) Hip, shoulder, or leg throws.
(w) Grasping the opponent’s lower back while also forcing an opponent’s spine to hyperextend.
(x) Intentionally falling on a down opponent or pressing the elbow or knee upon the opponent.
(z) Wrestling, back or arm locks, or any similar judo or wrestling hold.
(aa) Attempting to pile-drive an opponent's head into the canvas.
(bb) Catching an opponent's kick and pushing an opponent for more than 3 steps without attempting to deliver an attacking technique.
(cc) Pretending to throw himself or herself down on ring floor after his or her kicking leg is caught by the opponent.
(2) Disqualification occurs after any combination of 3 of the fouls listed in subrule (1) of this rule or after a referee determines that a foul was intentional.
(3) Fouls result in a point being deducted from the offending contestant’s score.
(4) Only a referee may assess a foul.
(5) A fouled contestant has up to 5 minutes to recover.
(6) If the referee assesses a foul, the referee shall do all of the following:
(a) Call time.
(b) Check the fouled contestant’s condition and safety.
(c) Assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner’s second, the judges, and the department representative responsible for tabulating scores.
(7) The referee may terminate a contest based on the severity of the foul. If the referee deems the foul intentional, the contestant shall lose by disqualification.
R 339.246b Dress and protective equipment for kickboxing and muay thai
contestants.
Rule 246b. (1) A contestant in a kickboxing or muay thai contest must wear kickboxing shorts, or muay thai shorts or trunks.
(2) A contestant must wear a fitted mouthpiece, which the referee shall examine before a contest.
(3) Gloves must meet the requirements of section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.
(4) Contestants shall not wear shoes in kickboxing or muay thai contests.
(5) Male contestants shall not wear a shirt, rash guard, or other items on the upper body. Female contestants may wear a breast protection plate, rash guard, sports bra, or body shirt.
(6) Contestants shall not wear jewelry or a piercing during a contest.
(7) An amateur kickboxing and muay thai contestant must wear protective headgear and shin and instep protectors.
R 339.261 Filing of documents by promoter;publicizing eventsaccuracy of promotional materials; contract requirements;promoter responsible for paying insurance deductiblecontracted purse.
Rule 261. (1) A matchmaker shall be is responsible
for verifying the identity, ring record, eligibility, and suspensions of each
contestant. A promoter shall be is responsible for the accuracy
of the names and records of each of the participating contestants in all publicity
or promotional material.
(2) A contestant shall use his or her legal name to sign a contract; however, a contestant who is licensed under another name may sign the contract using his or her licensed name if the contestant's legal name appears in the body of the contract as the name under which the contestant is otherwise known.
(3) All contracts shall must be between a
promoter and a contestant. There shall not be a contract between the promoter
and a manager. However, a contract may be signed by a contestant's manager on
behalf of the contestant. If a contestant does not have a manager, then the contestant
shall sign the contract. The contracted purse amount paid to a professional contestant
must not be less than $100 per contracted round.
(4) The contract that is filed with the department shall
must embody all of the agreements between the parties. Secret contracts
that contradict the terms of the contracts that are filed with the department
are prohibited.
(5) The contract between a promoter and a contestant shall
must be for the use of the contestant's skills in a contest and shall
not require the contestant to sell tickets in order to be paid for his or her
services.
R 339.265 Compensation for contest officials.
Rule 265. (1) Each official approved to officiate a contest regulated by the department must be paid an amount not less than the base fees shown in table 1:
TABLE 1
Compensation for Event Officials
Gross Purses Contracted |
Referees |
Judges |
Timekeepers |
$0 |
$100.00 |
$75.00 |
$50.00 |
$7,501.00 to $20,000.00 |
$150.00 |
$100.00 |
$75.00 |
$20,001.00 to $50,000.00 |
$250.00 |
$150.00 |
$100.00 |
$50,001.00 to $100,000.00 |
$350.00 |
$250.00 |
$150.00 |
Over $100,000.00 |
$700.00 |
$450.00 |
$200.00 |
(2) The department shall adjust and publish these fees annually and index the fees to the Detroit consumer price index, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor.
(3) The promoter shall disclose the amount paid to officials to the department on a form satisfactory to the department and required to be submitted under section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.
(4) Licensees may request that information furnished to the department under this rule be treated as confidential under section 61a of the act, MCL 338.3661a.