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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 00-891c

[30 Pa.B. 2611]

[Continued from previous Web Page]

§ 21.13.  Timekeepers.

   (a)  Timekeepers shall be licensed [and assigned] by the Commission and shall be appointed by the Executive Director to serve at professional boxing contests and exhibitions.

   (b)  The timekeeper shall keep time by means of an accurate stopclock or stopwatch, and it shall be his responsibility to assure that the instrument is in good working order when it is to be used. He shall sound the gong to begin and to end each round [by striking it vigorously and to end each round by striking it vigorously with a metal hammer], and he shall count for knockdowns by striking the floor of the ring or a suitable [wooden] strikingboard with a [substantially constructed] hammer or wooden mallet. He shall give warning to seconds of boxers to leave the ring between rounds by sounding a whistle signal 10 seconds before the end of the rest period, and he [may] shall give warning of the end of a round by [raising] striking his hammer [above his head] on a strikingboard 10 seconds before striking the gong; he [shall] may give no other signal or other information on the progress of a round.

*      *      *      *      *

§ 21.14.  Insurance.

*      *      *      *      *

   (b)  The promoter of each professional boxing event under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall deduct from the purse paid to the manager of the boxer the cost of the insurance for the boxer[,] and shall pay to the [chief deputy commissioner in charge] Commission the full amount due in accordance with the current premium schedule. Failure to make immediate payment of insurance premiums as provided shall render the defaulting promoter eligible for suspension and license revocation.

   (c)  It shall be the responsibility of a boxer who suffers injury covered by insurance to report the injury promptly to the examining physician assigned to the event. The responsibility shall extend to the chief second of the injured boxer, as well as to other persons officially attached to the boxer. Failure to report to the examining physician or, if for any reason he is not readily available, to the [chief deputy commissioner in charge,] Commission shall [render the delinquent person eligible] constitute grounds for suspension and license revocation.

   (d)  Upon receipt of notice of injury to a boxer, the examining physician [or the chief deputy commissioner in charge, or both,] shall make due examination and investigation and shall promptly report pertinent findings to the Commission upon the official form provided for that purpose [which shall be forwarded to the insurance carrier].

§ 21.15.  State championships.

*      *      *      *      *

   (e)  If a boxer, having contracted to engage in a championship contest, fails [at the time of weigh-in to make the contracted championship weight, fails] or refuses the Commission's drug test or violates a section of the Athletic Code [(4 P. S. §§ 31.101--31.3110)] in the course of the championship event, as determined by the Commission, the opponent in the contest will be declared the winner by default.

   (f)  [No] A contest may not be advertised as a State championship without the written approval of the Commission, and no boxer may be advertised as State champion unless so designated by the Commission.

*      *      *      *      *

   (h)  Subject to § 21.4(b) (relating to conduct of bouts), if the champion makes weight and the challenger does not, the fight may go on, subject to Commission approval. The champion will retain his belt, regardless of the outcome of the bout. If the champion is overweight and the challenger makes weight, the bout may go on, subject to Commission approval; however, the champion shall vacate the title regardless of the outcome, and the challenger will win the title only if he wins the bout. If both boxers are overweight the bout may go on as a nontitle bout, subject to Commission approval, unless approval is given by both boxers and the Commission to box for the title.

§ 21.16.  Safety Code.

   (a)  The Commission, [commissioners and deputy commissioners,] referees, [and] all other ring officials [, Commission physicians] and participating athletes, managers and seconds shall be [increasingly] aware of [and alert to the paramount importance of enforcement of adherence to] the safety provisions [set forth] in the Athletic Code [(4 P. S. §§ 31.101--31.3108)], its amendments and this part, and in addition they shall be constantly alert to every reasonable consideration of humanity and common sense which indicate and govern the actions of prudent men to minimize the risks inherent in [vigorous contact sport] boxing. The primary, inescapable responsibility of the Commission will be the protection of the athletes under its jurisdiction, and under no circumstances will this concern be subordinated to an interest of gain, sentiment or convenience. Parties involved in implementing this basic program shall be dedicated not only to the letter of the Athletic Code, its amendments and this part but at least equally to the exercise of initiative, resource, decision and unstinted effort in those unprecedented, unpredictable and unprovided emergencies which challenge the best in men at the brink of safety or tragedy, life or death.

   (b)  The following fouls[, or] and other [dangerous and] unsportsmanlike practices are prohibited in boxing bouts in [the] this Commonwealth:

*      *      *      *      *

   (23)  Biting.

*      *      *      *      *

   (d)  [The Commission will not permit a boxer to] A boxer may not engage in a bout without wearing an abdominal guard or cup. A female boxer shall also wear a chest protector approved by the Commission. A boxer may not wear shoes with hard soles, hard or sharp edged heels, [or] spikes, cleats or abrasive surfaces.

   (e)  If the gloves of a boxer [touches] touch the floor of the ring during a bout, the referee shall cleanse them of resin, grit and dirt by wiping them on his shirt or, if necessary, with a towel before allowing the action to continue.

   (f)  [Commissioners and deputy commissioners shall have] The Commission has authority to enter and inspect training quarters of boxers under the jurisdiction of the Commission to observe the conduct, facilities and cleanliness of the quarters and to appraise the activities and the physical condition of boxers during training.

*      *      *      *      *

   (h)  [A standing eight-count rule shall be in effect in boxing bouts within this Commonwealth. If the referee rules that a boxer has received a severe and sustained beating without defending himself, action may not be resumed until the timekeeper has counted to eight. During this standing eight-count, the referee or ringside physician may terminate the bout if the boxer appears to be in physical danger. Only one standing eight-count shall be given to a boxer during each round.

   (i)]  The mandatory eight-count rule shall be in effect in boxing bouts within this Commonwealth. If the referee rules that a boxer has been knocked down, action may not be resumed until the [timekeeper] referee has counted to eight even though the fallen boxer meanwhile has regained his feet. During this eight-count, the referee or ringside physician may terminate the bout if a boxer appears to be in physical danger.

   [(j)] (i)  The three knockdown rule [shall] will not be in effect in boxing bouts within this Commonwealth. [; if the referee rules three times within the same round that a boxer has been knocked down, the ruling of a third knockdown shall likewise terminate the bout and the victim boxer shall be declared the loser by a knockout with consequent automatic suspension of 6 weeks. When the referee rules that a boxer has been knocked down, the timekeeper shall continue to count until either the boxer rises or the count of ten is reached. It is the purpose of this provision to assure that a boxer who has been actually knocked out receives the protection of the full statutory suspension of 6 weeks.]

   [(k)] (j)  If a boxer is knocked out, his consequent suspension [of 6 weeks] shall prohibit him not only from boxing in actual competition, but also from sparring as a part of his training exercises. If a boxer is knocked unconscious during a bout, his seconds may not minister to him, except to remove his mouth protector, until the attending physician has examined him and given appropriate instructions for his further care. If a boxer receives a concussion, he may not be permitted to box, even after the expiration of his medical suspension, until he has been thoroughly examined and approved by a physician [especially] which may be designated by the Commission.

   [(l)] (k)  If a boxer has been a victim of repeated knockouts or the recipient of sustained severe punishment, or both, the Commission [will] may revoke, suspend or refuse to renew his license after [careful consideration of his case and declare him to be retired for his own welfare and safety if the facts warrant the action] undergoing a medical examination by a physician. [The Commission will announce through available communications media suspensions of professional boxers of the duration of 30 days or more, as well as suspensions of indefinite duration, and it will give similar report and public notice of the termination of indefinite suspensions.] The Commission will notify a boxer in writing of its action. A boxer may request a hearing before the Commission in order to review the Commission's action. The Commission will give full force and recognition within this Commonwealth to medical suspensions and retirements imposed upon boxers in other jurisdictions subject to the right of appeal of affected boxers to the [Medical Advisory Board of the Commission] Commission which shall seek and, if possible, obtain a complete record of the matter from the [extraterritorial] authority which imposed the original suspension or retirement before rendering decision in any given case.

   [(m)] (l)  If a boxer is legally knocked or falls from the ring during a bout, he shall be allowed a maximum of [10] 20 seconds to return within the ropes unassisted. [The use of fitted mouthpieces or mouth protectors by boxers in bouts is strongly recommended.]

   [(n)] (m)  If a boxer rises within the count of ten after being knocked down and then falls without being struck again, the [timekeeper may not begin the count again, but may] referee shall resume [it] the count at the point where it was stopped when the boxer rose. [It is strongly recommended that a supply of oxygen with appropriate equipment for its emergency use be available at ringside at boxing bouts.]

   [(o)] (n)  [The Commission will have exclusive and ultimate authority to decide questions of the age of boxers with respect to eligibility to engage in bouts in this Commonwealth. The Commission will have exclusive and ultimate authority to approve or prohibit each proposed matching of boxers within this Commonwealth.] A protective regulation in this section or elsewhere in the Athletic Code [(4 P. S. §§ 31.101--31.3110)] or this part will not be waived or relaxed in [a] any degree by a [commissioner, deputy commissioner, ring official or physician or by the Commission as a body] Commission official for a boxing bout in this Commonwealth. [It is specifically contemplated that] championship contests [shall] will not fall within this prohibition [precisely the same as other bouts].

CHAPTER 23.  AMATEUR BOXING

§ 23.1.  Relations with Amateur Athletic [Union] Associations.

   (a)  The Commission may collaborate through its respective local associations with the Amateur Athletic [Union] Association in the conduct of amateur [boxing] events in this Commonwealth, at its discretion, but at no time may the authority of the Commission or the responsibility of the Commission to enforce the [Pennsylvania] Athletic Code [(4 P. S. §§ 30.101--30.905)] be relinquished, delegated or impaired, by or through the processes of collaboration.

   (b)  When the Commission collaborates with the Amateur Athletic [Union] Association in the conduct of an amateur boxing event, the rules and regulations of the Amateur Athletic [Union] Association relating to weight classes, ring and ring equipment, conduct of bouts and scoring system shall be in effect. However, if a controversy arises in connection with a subject which is not covered by the express provisions of this chapter, the Commission [shall] will reserve the right to finally pass upon the matter and to make whatever decision it deems to be fair and equitable under the circumstances, and the decision [shall] will be final.

§ 23.2.  [Sponsors] Amateur events.

   (a)  [Each] No amateur [boxing] event under the jurisdiction of the Commission [shall have a bona fide nonprofit organization or sponsor. In no case may an amateur boxing event be conducted for the personal pecuniary advantage of an individual or group of individuals or of any commercial corporation] may be held without a permit for the event having been first secured by the sponsor from the Commission. Permits for amateur boxing events shall be issued only to those sponsors approved by the Commission.

   (b)  [The Commission will not grant a permit for the holding of an amateur boxing event until satisfied with the character of the proposed sponsor, and for this purpose it will ordinarily require written evidence of sanction by the Amateur Athletic Union from the applicant organization.]

   [(c)]  *   *   *

§ 23.4.  Boxers.

   (a)  The Commission will require each amateur boxer scheduled to appear in a bout under its jurisdiction to be examined by a physician [appointed by the Commission and certified physically sound before being permitted to engage in the bout].

   (b)  [If a boxer is counted out in a bout, he shall be considered to have been knocked out and shall incur mandatory suspension of 6 weeks. If a boxer experiences a technical knockout, he shall incur automatic suspension of 30 days, subject to reduction in appropriate cases to suspension of not less than 25 days at the discretion of the Commission after medical examination and approval. The victim boxer shall furnish satisfactory medical proof of physical health in every case of knockout and technical knockout before he will be permitted to box again under the jurisdiction of the Commission.

   (c)]  The Commission may suspend an amateur boxer who [is defeated in five consecutive contests, either within or beyond the jurisdiction of the Commission, pending inquiry by the Commission to determine the physical and mental ability of the boxer to continue safely in competitive boxing] the Commission determines cannot safely defend himself or whose actions are deemed detrimental to the sport of boxing.

   [(d)  The Commission will not permit a person under 16 years of age to engage in an amateur boxing bout under its jurisdiction, nor will it permit a boxer 16 or 17 years of age to oppose a boxer 18 years of age or older in an amateur bout.

   (e)  If either or both of the participants in an amateur boxing contest persists in foul tactics, in the judgment of the referee, the referee shall stop the bout after reasonable warning, disqualify the offending boxer, award the decision to the innocent boxer, if any, and make a written report to the Commission.]

   (c) [(f)]  Participants in amateur boxing [bouts] events under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall conform to the regulations set forth by the Amateur Athletic [Union] Association.

   [(g)  A contestant engaged in a boxing match sanctioned by the Commission is prohibited from engaging in more than one contest in a single day.]

   (d)  When deemed appropriate by the Commission, the provisions for professional boxers in §§ 21.4(c) and (h), 21.6(g), 21.8(m)--(o) and 21.16(d) apply to amateur boxers.

§ 23.5.  Seconds.

   (a)  The Commission will permit amateur boxing seconds to function only after they have been approved by the Amateur Athletic [Union] Association. However, the Commission may designate a second if no second approved by the Amateur Athletic [Union] Association is available.

   (b)  The Commission may remove a second who displays improper conduct in the course of a boxing [bout at which he is functioning, particularly with respect to the Pennsylvania Athletic Code (4 P. S. §§ 30.101--30.905) and this part] event.

   (c)  [The number of seconds in attendance upon an amateur boxer in his corner shall be limited to a maximum of two, except with special permission from the Commission.

   (d)  Seconds in attendance in the corner of an amateur boxer shall be neatly and cleanly attired in a manner subject to the approval of the Commission. A second may not wear into the ring an article of clothing which displays any advertising matter except the name of a boxer whom he is attending in the event then in progress.

   (e)]  First aid and other ring equipment of a second shall in all cases and at all times, before, during and after use, be subject to inspection by the attending physician [whose] and Commission personnel. Any decision as to the propriety of its use shall be final.

   [(f)  Seconds may not enter the ring during a round and shall leave the ring promptly with stools, buckets and other obstructive equipment upon the sounding of the 10 second warning signal of the timekeeper for the start of the next round.

   (g)  Seconds shall remain seated at ringside and may not rise or lean upon the ring platform during rounds, nor may they coach or assist or heckle the participants or the officials during rounds.

   (h)  Seconds may not attempt to render aid to a fallen or otherwise possibly seriously injured boxer in the ring until the attending physician has examined the boxer and indicated that his seconds may minister to him. However, a second may remove protective mouthpiece of the boxer without awaiting direction.

   (i)  The designated chief second shall be the only spokesman of a boxer to the referee and other officials while the boxer is in the ring.]

§ 23.6.  Referees.

   (a)  Amateur boxing referees shall be [licensed by the Commission which will appoint a licensed referee to officiate in each amateur boxing contest under the jurisdiction of the Commission] appointed by the Amateur Athletic Association with the approval of the Commission. Referees may be removed from their duties at any time by the Commission if the Commission determines that they are not competent.

   (b)  [An applicant] A referee appointed under this section shall [possess the following qualifications:

   (1)  Be a citizen of this Commonwealth, 18] Be 21 years of age or older, of good moral character and reputation, of sound physical health, [who has served an apprenticeship of at least 3 months in an amateur boxing gym which has been recognized by the American Athletic Union] and approved by the Amateur Association overseeing the event.

   [(2)  Make application to the Commission setting forth his experience and qualifications and attaching thereto a recommendation for licensure from a licensed amateur boxing referee, or from a Commissioner or deputy commissioner of the Commission.

   (3)  Pass a practical examination of his skills as a boxing referee and of his knowledge of the regulations pertaining to his activities as an amateur boxing referee which shall be conducted by a member of the Commission or a person designated to conduct the examination.]

   (c)  [A license fee may not be required of an applicant for an amateur boxing referee license, it being the sense and intent of this section that the licensing of an applicant as an amateur referee shall qualify and entitle him for appointment to officiate only in amateur bouts unless he shall have been licensed as a referee of professional bouts under the procedure set forth in § 21.11(b) (relating to referees) for the qualifying of professional boxing referees. The license to act as an amateur boxing referee shall be proof of apprenticeship for application to become a professional boxing referee.

   (d)]  The powers and duties of an amateur boxing referee shall be the same as those for professional boxing referees [set forth] in § 21.11(a) (relating to referees), except [as follows:] that

   [(1)  The] the referee shall enforce the rules of amateur boxing as [set forth] in the [Pennsylvania] Athletic Code [(4 P. S. §§ 30.101--30.905)] and this part as well as those rules adopted and promulgated by the Amateur Athletic [Union and approved by the Commission] Association.

   [(2)  If he disqualifies one or both participants in a bout for failure to perform according to due standards of effort, ability or conduct, the referee may recommend suspension or other appropriate penal action, except monetary fining.

   (3)  He shall score according to the scoring system currently in effect for amateur boxing under the jurisdiction of the Commission.

   (e)] (d)  The Commission will determine the amount of the compensation of amateur boxing referees in accordance with reason and equity in the circumstances of the respective events to which they are appointed, and the compensation shall be paid in full in each case by the sponsor of the event [through the chief deputy commissioner in charge].

§ 23.7.  Judges.

   (a)  [Two] An amateur boxing [judges may] judge shall be appointed by the Amateur Athletic [Union] Association with the approval of the Commission [to officiate in each amateur boxing contest under the jurisdiction of the Commission]. A judge may be removed by the Commission at any time if deemed incompetent.

   (b)  An amateur boxing judge shall be 21 years of age or older, of good moral character and reputation [and conversant with the Pennsylvania Athletic Code (4 P. S. §§ 30.101--30.905) and this part as they pertain to amateur boxing and the duties of amateur boxing judges].

   (c)  It shall be the duty of an amateur boxing judge to observe carefully and expertly the performances of the boxers in each contest to which he is appointed[;] and to appraise the performances fairly and accurately [in the light of the Pennsylvania Athletic Code, this part and the generally recognized rules of amateur boxing; to inscribe the results of the appraisal after each round on the official score card according to the scoring system approved by the Commission for amateur boxing; and, at the conclusion of the contest, to complete and sign the score card and deliver the completed, signed score card to the announcer or to the other official that the Commission designates].

§ 23.8.  Timekeepers.

   (a)  Timekeepers for amateur boxing events may be appointed by the Amateur Athletic [Union] Association, with the approval of the Commission.

   (b)  The duties and responsibilities of timekeepers for amateur boxing [bouts] events shall be the same as of timekeepers for professional boxing bouts [set forth] in § 21.13 (relating to timekeepers).

§ 23.9.  Insurance.

   (a)  [Boxers engaged in amateur contests and exhibitions under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall be covered by the same contract of insurance for their financial protection as prescribed for the coverage of professional boxers in § 21.14 (relating to insurance).

   (b)]  The sponsor of each amateur boxing event [under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall bear the cost of the insurance of boxers engaging in bouts named in the program of the event and shall pay to the chief deputy commissioner in charge the full amount due in accordance with the current premium schedule. Failure to make immediate payment of insurance premiums as provided shall render the defaulting sponsor ineligible to conduct an event under the jurisdiction of the Commission until all sums due are paid] shall ensure that all participants are covered by insurance. Costs associated with the insurance shall be the responsibility of the sponsor.

   [(c)] (b)  *   *   *

§ 23.10.  Safety code.

   (a)  [The safety code for professional boxing as set forth in § 21.16 (relating to safety code) applies to and be strictly enforced in amateur boxing bouts under the jurisdiction of the Commission.

   (b)  Section 203 of the Pennsylvania Athletic Code (4 P. S. § 30.203) in which amateur boxers 16 and 17 years of age are prohibited from competing with opponents 18 years of age or more shall be strictly enforced without exception under any circumstances.]

   A person between 12 and 17 years of age may participate in amateur contests or exhibitions after obtaining written permission from a parent or legal guardian, and the consent of the Executive Director.

   (b)  A person 12 to 16 years of age may not participate in a contest against an opponent who is more than 1 year older.

   (c)  [The Commission will require each amateur boxer to produce satisfactory written proof of his age by birth certificate, infant baptismal certificate, school enrollment certificate or United States Selective Service registration card before he is permitted to compete. Statements and affidavits by parents, guardians or other individuals, gymnasium and club records, and automobile driver license data are deemed insufficient and unacceptable for the purpose of establishing age.] The limitations in subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to sanctioned boxing events for the Junior Olympics under the direction of a National governing organization certified by the Commission.

   (1)  For the purposes of the Junior Olympic events, participants, with the written permission of a parent or legal guardian, may box only in the following age divisions:

   (i)  Ten and eleven years of age.

   (ii)  Twelve and thirteen years of age.

   (iii)  Fourteen and fifteen years of age.

   (2)  A participant may not take part in any event outside of the approved division for that age group.

CHAPTER 25.  PROFESSIONAL KICKBOXING

§ 25.3.  Conduct of bouts.

*      *      *      *      *

   (b)  A bout may not exceed 12 [2] 3-minute rounds, with a minute rest period between rounds.

*      *      *      *      *

   (d)  [When the referee decides that the contestants are not honestly competing, as indicated by, but not limited to, a staged knockout, or a prearranged foul terminating the bout, the referee shall stop the bout and declare it ended not later than before the end of the last round, and order purses of both contestants held pending investigation and disposition of the funds by the Commission. The referee may not finish the knockout count, disqualify a contestant for fouling or render a decision. The announcer or referee shall inform the audience that no decision will be made.

   (e)]  If a contestant refuses to continue a bout while physically able to do so, the referee shall disqualify the contestant, award the bout to the opposing contestant, and [within 24 hours thereafter file a written] report [of] the incident [with] to the Commission. The purse of the disqualified contestant [will] may be impounded by the Commission pending a hearing on the disposition thereof.

   [(f)] (e)  As soon as a contestant has been knocked down, the official timekeeper shall begin calling the count from 1 to 10. The referee shall direct the opponent to a neutral corner. [When the referee has finished directing the opponent to a neutral corner, the referee shall return to the fallen contestant and count over the contestant picking up the count from the timekeeper.] Regardless of whether the boxer rises before the count of ten is reached, a boxer who has been knocked down is required to take a mandatory count of eight before the bout may continue. The referee may not permit the contest or exhibition to be resumed until the count of eight has been reached[, except in professional championship contests and exhibitions. A contestant who has been knocked down three times in one round shall be deemed to have been defeated by a knockout and the opponent declared the winner].

   [(g)] (f)  *   *   *

   [(h)  The referee may administer a standing eight-count to a contestant who is in trouble, but who is still standing. The referee shall direct the opponent to a neutral corner, then begin counting from 1 to 8 examining the contestant in trouble during the count. If, after completing the standing eight-count, the referee determines that the contestant is able to continue, the referee shall order the contest to resume. If there is a question of a contestant's ability to continue, the referee may ask the ringside physician to examine the contestant. If the referee or physician determines that the contestant is not able to continue, the referee shall stop the contest and declare the opponent the winner by a technical knockout.]

   [(i)] (g)  *   *   *

   [(j)] (h)  *   *   *

   [(k)] (i)  *   *   *

§ 25.4.  Judging and scoring system.

   (a)  Each event, except those held solely for training purposes, shall be scored by three judges. The three judges of an event shall each select a winner of each round at the end of each round, marking their ballots accordingly. Ballots will be supplied by the promoter. These ballots will be collected by the [assistant scorekeeper] referee and tabulated at the end of each round [by the scorekeeper]. Fractions of a point may not be given. Once the ballots have been marked by the respective judges, changes to the ballots will not be allowed.

   (b)  Judges shall score rounds by recording a score of ten points for the winner of each round and [a score of not less than five points for the loser of each round] nine points or less to the loser of the round. Judges may score a round as even and thus shall mark their score cards with ten points for each boxer.

*      *      *      *      *

   (d)  Points shall be totaled on each judge's scorecard to determine that judge's selection of a winner. Each judge's selection will count as one vote towards determining the overall winner of the contest. [If a judge's scorecard, when totaled, reflects an equal number of points for both contestants, the judge will have no vote toward the selection of an overall winner.] If two judges have an equal number of points for both contestants, the contest will be declared a draw. If one judge has an equal number of points for both contestants and the scores of the other judges each favor a different contestant, the contest shall be declared a draw. If the scores of two judges favor one contestant and the third judge's score favors the other contestant, the contestant receiving the two votes shall be declared the winner, by split decision. If the scores of all three judges favor one contestant, that contestant will be declared the winner by unanimous decision.

§ 25.5.  Minimum kick requirement.

   (a)  Each contestant shall execute a minimum of eight [kicking techniques] kicks during the course of each round, unless otherwise agreed to by both boxers and the Commission. The kicks shall be clear attempts to make contact with the opponent above the waist to qualify. If [either] a contestant does not execute his minimum kicks per round (MKRS), [one point will automatically be deducted at the end of the round. The] the contestant then shall make up the kicks in the next round, and if he does not, he will have a one point deduction.

   (b)  An example of minimum kick technique scoring is as follows: First round contestant only executes six kicks. In the second round this contestant shall make up his two kicks from round one plus his eight minimum kicks for round two for a total of ten kicks. If a contestant fails to make the minimum number of kicks in one round, and then fails to make up the kicks in the following round, that contestant will then be penalized [two points] one point. [No more than two points will be taken from a contestant per round.] A contestant who fails to meet their MKRS in three consecutive rounds shall be disqualified and the victory awarded to his opponent.

   (c)  [If both contestants during the course of a round fail to satisfy their MKRS, the round shall be declared a draw with a score of 5-5. If both contestants miss their MKRS for three consecutive rounds, the fight is declared a draw.] The public address announcer will inform the audience of minimum kicking requirement (MKR) violations. The Commission shall apply these MKRS rules or the MKRS rules of a Nationally recognized kickboxing council or association for a particular contest, subject to the written approval of the Commission.

*      *      *      *      *

   (e)  [If a contestant executes less than the minimum number of required kicks in one round, the MKR official will immediately notify the referee of the number of kicks thrown. The referee will in turn notify the scorekeeper, who will record the appropriate penalty. In a failure to fulfill the MKRs, the penalty assessed and the possible consequences will be announced over the public address system before the beginning of the next round.

   (f)]  At the end of each round the [scorekeeper] referee will take the judges' [and MKR officials'] ballot slips [from the assistant scorekeeper, who will have collected them from the three judges. The scorekeeper will tabulate] deliver them to the Commission for tabulation of the results onto [his] a master scorecard.

§ 25.6.  Fouls.

   (a)  [Fouls are classified into three categories: 1-point, 3-point and 5-point fouls.] The referee shall determine [the category of foul] all fouls based on the severity of the foul, the intent of the contestant committing the foul and the result of the foul. At the time of the infraction, the referee shall indicate to the [scorekeeper] judges the number of points that are to be subtracted from each [judge's ballot at the end of the round, or the] boxer. The referee may simply issue a warning to the contestant, and no points will be subtracted.

   (b)  [The following actions are considered to be fouls:

   (1)  Intentional head butting.] Accidental [head butting] or intentional fouls will be governed under the [regulation] regulations regarding accidental [head butting] or intentional fouls in professional boxing contests [as set forth at] in § 21.5(d) and (e) (relating to scoring system). The following actions are considered to be fouls:

   [(2)] (1)  *   *   *

   [(3)] (2)  *   *   *

   [(4)] (3)  *   *   *

   [(5)] (4)  *   *   *

   [(6)] (5)  *   *   *

   [(7)] (6)  *   *   *

   [(8)] (7)  *   *   *

   [(9)] (8)  *   *   *

   [(10)] (9)  *   *   *

   [(11)] (10)  *   *   *

   [(12)] (11)  *   *   *

   [(13)] (12)  *   *   *

   [(14)] (13)  *   *   *

   [(15)] (14)  *   *   *

   [(16)] (15)  *   *   *

   [(17)] (16)  *   *   *

   [(18)] (17)  *   *   *

   [(19)] (18)  *   *   *

   [(20)] (19)  *   *   *

   [(21)] (20)  *   *   *

   [(22)] (21)  *   *   *

   [(23)] (22) Clinching [--], holding or otherwise tying up an opponent's arms to prohibit him from punching for two seconds or more, or repeatedly tying up the opponent's arm.

   (23)  Biting.

   (c)  [The scorekeeper shall tally foul and penalty points, having been instructed by the referee at the end of each round as to the amount of the foul or penalty, deducting these from each judge's score under the ten-point scoring system and entering the results on the master scorecard.] If the contest ends in a knockout or a technical knockout, the [scorekeeper shall] Commission will enter the exact time of the knockout or technical knockout on the master scorecard.

   (d)  The [scorekeeper shall] Commission will make the final tallies and [deliver the totals to the Commission representative, who will] verify the accuracy of the scores. [The scorekeeper shall then report the results of the contest to the announcer, making sure the MKR score sheets designating the total kicks executed by each contestant have been tallied.]

§ 25.8.  Equipment.

   (a)  Contestants shall wear foot protectors, an individually fitted mouthpiece, a foul proof groin protector, a plastic cup with athletic supporter or preferably, an abdominal guard. Other equipment, such as hockey shin guards, elbow or forearm pads are not permitted. No loose or untied clothing is permitted. Kickboxers may not wear rings or other jewelry.

*      *      *      *      *

   (c)  In contests or exhibitions [where] when the contestants weigh [160] 150 pounds or under, boxing gloves weighing at least 8 ounces each shall be used. In contests or exhibitions [where] when the contestants weigh over [160] 150 pounds, boxing gloves weighing at least 10 ounces each shall be used. Gloves [will] shall be supplied by the promoter and be in good condition without tears or wrinkles.

*      *      *      *      *

§ 25.9.  Ringside officials.

   (a)  At kickboxing events except those held solely for training purposes, there shall be a referee, three judges, a timekeeper, a scorekeeper [and assistant scorekeeper], two minimum kicking requirement (MKR) officials and a physician in attendance. Officials shall be approved and licensed by the Commission. The promoter shall supply the Executive Director with a complete list of ringside officials at least 5 days before the scheduled event.

   (b)  Professional MKR officials, scorekeepers [and assistant scorekeepers] shall be licensed by the Commission as judges. The amount of compensation for these officials [will] shall be determined and paid by the promoter of the event.

   (c)  Referees and judges shall be approved and licensed by the Commission and be at least 21 years of age, of good moral repute, of sound physical health and of a level of intelligence and knowledge of kickboxing satisfactory to the Commission.

   (d)  Kickboxing referees shall be paid a minimum of $100 for each event by the promoter. Judges shall be paid a minimum of $75 for each event by the promoter.

*      *      *      *      *

CHAPTER 27.  AMATEUR KICKBOXING

§ 27.2.  Licensing and age requirements.

   (a)  Amateur contestants and amateur officials need not be licensed. [Amateur contestants shall be at least 12 years of age.]

   (b)  A person between 12 and 17 years of age may participate in amateur contests or exhibitions after obtaining written permission from a parent or legal guardian, and the consent of the Executive Director.

   (c)  A person 12 to 16 years of age may only participate in these contests with a person not more than 1 year older.

   (d)  The limitations in subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to sanctioned boxing events for the Junior Olympics under the direction of a National governing organization certified by the Commission.

   (1)  For the purposes of the Junior Olympic events, participants, with the written permission of a parent or legal guardian, may box only in the following age divisions:

   (i)  Ten and eleven years of age.

   (ii)  Twelve and thirteen years of age.

   (iii)  Fourteen and fifteen years of age.

   (2)  A participant may not take part in any event outside of the approved division for that age group.

§ 27.3.  Conduct of bouts.

   (a)  Amateur contestants shall wear headgear and appropriate shin protectors.

*      *      *      *      *

   (c)  Amateur contests shall consist of a maximum of three 2-minute rounds unless approved in advance by the Commission.

Subpart C.  WRESTLING

CHAPTER 31.  PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

   (Editor's Note:  The Commission is proposing to delete the current versions of §§ 31.1--31.14 as they appear in the Pennsylvania Code at pages 31-1--31-17 (serial pages (251565)--(251581)).)

§§ 31.1--31.14.  (Reserved).

§ 31.21.  Conduct of bouts.

   (a)  Before a professional wrestling contest or exhibition can take place the following requirements shall be met:

   (1)  A physician shall be present at all times and seated at ring-side to observe the physical condition of all participants. The physician's fee shall be paid by the promoter of the event.

   (2)  An ambulance or paramedical unit shall be present at the event unless the ambulance or paramedical unit is located within 5 miles of the arena and these units have been notified, by the promoter, that an event is taking place.

   (3)  Adequate security shall be employed to control the public. The size of the security force is at the discretion of the promoter and the owner or operator of the arena.

   (b)  The following represent prohibited acts:

   (1)  The owner or operator of an arena where a professional wrestling event takes place may not destroy a ticket or ticket stub until 3 months after the date of the event.

   (2)  Wrestlers may not deliberately cut or otherwise mutilate themselves.

§ 31.22.  Promoters.

   (a)  Promoters of professional wrestling events shall be licensed by the Commission prior to promoting any type of wrestling contest or exhibition. Licenses expire on December 31 of the year of issue. The Commission will not issue or renew a promoter's license to a person who has been convicted, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to an offense set forth in section 2101 of the Athletic Code (relating to promoter's license), during the 10 years preceding the application date.

   (b)  Promoters shall file with the Commission a bond of at least $10,000 prior to promoting or advertising any type of wrestling contest or exhibition. Bonds shall be on forms supplied by the Commission and shall be accompanied by a filing fee of $25.

   (c)  At least 10 days before the date of a wrestling contest or exhibition, the promoter shall notify the Commission, in writing, of the date, time and location of the event.

   (d)  Upon conviction of a promoter for a violation of Chapter 21 of the Athletic Code (relating to regulation of professional wrestling contests and exhibitions), the Commission will suspend the promoter's license in accordance with the Athletic Code.

   (e)  A promoter may not employ as a participant in a wrestling contest or exhibition a individual under 18 years of age.

§ 31.23.  Enforcement.

   The Executive Director may send an inspector to any professional wrestling event or exhibition to be admitted by the promoter without fee to ensure compliance with this subpart and Subpart C of the Athletic Code (relating to Wrestling Act). The promoter shall pay a fee of $100 to the Commission within 10 days after the event for each wrestling event to which an inspector is sent.

§ 31.24.  Gross receipts taxes.

   (a)  Every promoter shall pay a tax of 5% on the face value of all tickets sold to any wrestling contest or exhibition.

   (b)  This tax shall be paid within 10 days after the event and shall be accompanied by a gross receipts tax form, prescribed by the Commission, setting forth all taxable receipts received from the event and any other information the Commission may require. Payment not received by the Commission within the 10-day period shall be subject to a late fee of $100.

   (Editor's Note:  The Commission is proposing to delete the text of Chapter 33 as it currently appears in the Pennsylvania Code at pages 33-1--33-6 (serial pages (251583)--(251586), (259805) and (259806)).)

CHAPTER 33.  [AMATEUR WRESTLING] (Reserved)

§§ 33.1--33.12.  (Reserved).

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 00-891. Filed for public inspection May 26, 2000, 9:00 a.m.]



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