title-177•Title 177 W. Va. C.S.R.
Athletic Commission Athletic Commission
Series 01 Administrative Rules of the West Virginia State Athletic Commission
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-1 General
1.1. Scope. -- This rule establishes the procedures to be followed for all events under the jurisdiction of the State Athletic Commission except for Mixed Martial Arts events which are regulated under Series 2 of this Title. It applies to any professional boxing match or event, any amateur boxing match or event or any showing exhibiting of any simultaneous telecast of any live, current or spontaneous boxing or sparring match, or a closed circuit telecast subscription television viewed within this State or any other state and for which an admission charge is made.
1.2. Authority. -- W. Va. Code §29-5A-24.
1.3. Filing Date. – May 9, 2023.
1.4. Effective Date. – July 1, 2023.
1.5. Sunset Date. – This rule shall terminate and have no further force or effect on August 1, 2028.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-2 Definitions
The words used in this rule shall have the following meanings, unless the content indicates a different meaning:
2.1. “Amateur” -- means a boxer who competes for other than a money prize.
2.2. “Amateur Boxing Association Rules” -- means those rules promulgated by the amateur boxing association, USA Boxing, Inc.
2.3. “Amateur contests and exhibitions” -- means contests or exhibitions in which the participants are bona fide amateurs and receive no named compensation or reward for their participation in any contest or exhibition, except watches, medals, articles of jewelry, silverware, trophies or ornaments suitably inscribed to show that it is given for participation in an amateur boxing contest or exhibition. No other prize or reward shall be given or awarded or accepted by any amateur boxer unless authorized in writing by the Commission.
2.4. “Commission” -- means the West Virginia State Athletic Commission.
2.5. “Deputy” -- means an individual appointed by the Commission to represent the Commission in its absence.
2.6. “Promoter” -- means any individual, club, corporation or association incorporated if necessary under the laws of the State of West Virginia engaged in the promotion of regularly scheduled or individual boxing shows or contests.
2.7. “Professional” -- means a boxer who competes for money.
2.8. “Sanction” -- means permitting boxing events to occur and authorizing title matches.
2.9. “Semi-Professional” – means a boxer who competes for money but is not licensed as a professional boxer. A semi-professional boxer may only compete in a two-night semi-professional event, as provided in Section 46 of this Series, or in a single-night semi-professional event, as provided in Section 46a of this Series.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-2a Classification of Boxers. 2a.1. Classification of Boxers. -- The categories of amateur boxer, semi-professional boxer, and professional boxer, shall be mutually exclusive categories except as allowed in Section 2a.2. 2a.2. General Application. -- A boxer who competes in any Semi-Professional event as outlined in Section 46 and 46a of these rules shall be limited to competing as an amateur boxer in five subsequent events sanctioned by the Commission. Any boxer who wins three two-night Semi-Professional elimination tournaments as outlined in Section 46 of these rules shall be prohibited from subsequently competing in any additional Semi-Professional events. Any boxer who wins four (4) one-night semi-professional events as set forth in Section 46a of this Series shall be prohibited from subsequently competing in any additional Semi-Professional events. These prohibitions shall be effective regardless of whether the boxer attempts to subsequently compete in the same or a different weight class from the weight class in which he or she competed or won in the Semi-Professional event. 2a.3. Waiver Permitted. -- The Commission shall have the discretion to waive the limitation of a three championship limit for semi-professional boxers set forth Section 2a.2 for any Semi-Professional style national championship or world championship event sanctioned by the Commission and to be conducted in this State
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-3 Press Relations
The Commission may, in its discretion, after each meeting, issue a bulletin to the press of news items of interest to the public, and may, in its discretion, invite members of the press to attend meetings or hearings of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-4 Licenses
4.1. General. -- The Commission at its discretion may issue a license to promote, conduct or hold professional boxing or sparring matches and exhibitions to any individual, club, corporation or association eligible for a license under this chapter.
4.2. Application requirements.
4.2.a. All applications for a license shall be signed by the applicant and verified by an official of the Commission. In making application for such license, the applicant shall set forth such facts as this rule may require.
4.2.b. Each application for license of professional boxer shall be accompanied by two (2) passport size photographs of the applicant.
4.3. Requirements for granting or renewing license.
Before being granted a license or license renewal the applicant must establish to the satisfaction of the Commission that he or she:
4.3.a. Is skilled in the profession of boxing;
4.3.b. Is of good moral character;
4.3.c. Is physically fit and mentally sound;
4.3.d. Has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
4.3.e. Will conduct his business in the best interest and welfare of the public, preserving the safety and health of participants and the best interest of professional boxing;
4.3.f. Will adhere to and comply with all rules;
4.3.g. In the case of a corporate applicant, these factors shall pertain to its officers, directors, principal stockholders and employees; and
4.3.h. Every license and licensee shall be subject to the provisions of W. Va. Code §29-5A-1 et seq.
4.4. Suspensions, revocation or probation of license or licensee. -- The Commission shall have the additional authority and power to suspend, revoke or place on probation the license of any licensee licensed under this rule, who in the discretion of the Commission:
4.4.a. Is guilty of failure to obey any lawful order of the Commission or any inspector thereof;
4.4.b. Is guilty of gross immorality;
4.4.c. Is unfit or incompetent by reason of negligence;
4.4.d. Is guilty of violating any provision of this rule;
4.4.e. Has committed fraud or deceit in securing a license for himself or another, or by falsifying application;
4.4.f. Has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude in any jurisdiction within one year preceding the suspension or revocation and such conviction not previously reported to the commission by said licensee;
4.4.g. Is an habitual drunkard or addicted to the use of narcotics, as determined by a physician;
4.4.h. Is or has become mentally incompetent, as determined by a physician;
4.4.i. Is or has been guilty of unprofessional or unethical conduct or such conduct as to require a suspension or revocation of license in the best interest of the public;
4.4.j. Has failed to furnish the proper party a copy of any contract or agreement required by this rule or has breached such contract;
4.4.k. Has loaned or permitted another person to use his license or has borrowed or used the license of another;
4.4.l. Has failed to maintain in force the bond required by this rule;
4.4.m. Has by act or omission conducted himself or herself in a manner which would tend to be detrimental to the best interests of boxing or to the public interest and general welfare;
4.4.n. Has been disciplined in any manner by the Commission or similar agency or body of any jurisdiction;
4.4.o. Has failed to pay a fine or forfeiture imposed by this rule;
4.4.p. Has by any act, threat, statement or otherwise, restrained, hindered, interfered with or prevented another applicant or promoter, club, corporation, association or booking agent from presenting any professional boxing or amateur boxing within the State of West Virginia; or
4.4.q. Has engaged directly or indirectly in restraints or monopolies, or taken any action tending to create or establish restraints or monopolies, or conspired with others to restrain any person or persons from participating or competing in any professional boxing or amateur boxing for any promoter, club, corporation, association or booking agent.
4.5. License fees.
4.5.a. Promoters (1 year) -- $125.00
4.5.b. Professional Boxer (1 year) -- $25.00
4.5.c. Semi-Professional Boxer -- $10.00
4.5.d. Seconds and Trainers – $20.00
4.5.e. Managers, Professional (no charge amateur) -- $50.00
4.5.f. Referees and other Officials -- $30.00
4.5.g. Amateur Boxers -- $20.00
4.6. -- Each amateur club must register one (1) manager and two (2) seconds. There will be no fees required for an amateur manager. Each manager of an amateur contestant must meet the requirements for a license and register with the Commission. There will only be two (2) people at ringside during an amateur boxing match.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-5 Bond Required
Before any license is issued to any promoter regularly conducting boxing contests, he shall execute and file with the Commission a surety bond sufficient to cover all purses, awards and payments to be paid by the promoter. The bond shall be determined by the Commission. The minimum bond shall be ten thousand ($10,000) dollars. The bond shall be available to cover any fees associated with fighters, managers, seconds, other fight related participants, medical expenses or deductible costs for injured boxers, and fight official. The bond may not be available to cover expenses such as building rental, concession stand operations, advertisements, or other similar expenses.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-6 Individual Sanction and Permits for Professionals and Amateurs
6.1. Application for sanction. -- Before any professional boxing or amateur boxing performance shall be authorized in the State of West Virginia, the promoter shall obtain an individual sanction and permit from the Commission at least thirty (30) days before the date of any such contest or exhibition.
6.1.a. Requirements of applicants. -- Each application for sanction or permit of a professional fight shall name all contestants, the number of rounds and the date and place of the contest.
6.1.b. Contracts made must be filed. -- All contracts made by the promoter with contestants who are to appear on the event must be filed at the same time. All signed contracts must be submitted to the Commission no later than noon of the day of the event. No boxer will be allowed to enter the ring unless he or she has signed a contract for the event. Fighters who are substituted to the bout card on the day of the event pursuant to Section 6.7, infra, must sign a contract for the event prior to entering the ring.
6.1.c. Books open for inspection. -- As a condition for issuance of a sanction, each applicant must agree to accord the Commission the right to examine the books, accounts and other records for which such sanction is issued.
6.2. Permits. -- Request for event permits shall be submitted to the Commission thirty (30) days in advance. Permits will be issued by the Commission five (5) days in advance of all contests. Permits for events must be exhibited in a conspicuous place at the box office.
6.3. Minimum round. -- The minimum number of rounds on a card shall not be less than thirty (30) rounds unless special written permission is obtained from the Commission at the time of granting the sanction to have a fewer number of rounds.
6.4. Pre-permit publicity. -- Under no conditions are the promoters permitted to give publicity to a card until the card has been approved by the Commission.
6.5. Changes or substitutions. -- All changes and substitutions must be sanctioned in writing by the chairman of the Commission.
6.5.a. Notice. -- Notice of any change in the announced or advertised programs for any contest must be filed with the Commission and with the press at least four (4) hours prior to the contest, conspicuously posted at the box office and announced from the ring before the opening contest.
6.5.b. Forfeitures. -- If a boxer who is under contract to appear at a club appears at the weigh-in time and is ready to fulfill his or her contractual obligations, but his or her opponent does not appear or his or her opponent is not able to compete due to a medical condition as determined by the examining physician and a substitute opponent is not provided, the club must pay the boxer his or her contract price unless a forfeit is provided.
6.5.c. Refunds. -- Whenever a substitution is made in an advertised contest, the official announcer shall advise the audience of the substitution prior to the opening bout. If any of the patrons desire to have the price of the ticket refunded, a refund will be given if the tickets are presented at the box office prior to the fight. The box office must remain open for at least twenty (20) minutes to redeem the tickets.
6.6. Substitutions - Main bout. -- Substitutions will not be permitted in the main bout unless made forty-eight (48) hours before weigh-in time of the day of the contest and then only when the substitution has been approved by the Commission. Public notice must be made in the local press of the substitutions.
6.7. Late changes to bout card. -- The Commission shall have the authority to allow changes to the bout card on the day of the event if a scheduled contestant fails to attend the match, fails to pass the physical examination, fails to make the required weight for the fight, or for other good cause as determined in its discretion.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-7 Insurance for Boxers
7.1. General. -- All promoters, clubs, associations and corporations engaged in the presentation of boxing events, amateur or professional, will provide Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance for the protection of boxers appearing and participating in such events. The minimum amount of Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance shall be twenty thousand dollars ($20,000).
7.2. Coverage. -- Insurance coverage shall provide for reimbursement to the athlete for medical, surgical and hospital care with a minimum coverage of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) per participant for injuries sustained while participating in any sanctioned boxing event under the control of a licensed promoter, club, corporation or association.
7.3. Policy Deductible. -- The boxers shall not be subject to payment of any deductible amount required under the insurance policy. The promoter may provide insurance coverage to the boxers under a policy which has no deductible amount or a “zero” dollar deductible amount. In the alternative, if the promoter provides insurance coverage to the boxers under a policy which requires a deductible payment from the boxer for medical treatment, then the promoter will be required to pay all deductible payments incurred on behalf of the athlete directly to the medical provider. No promoter will be permitted to require a boxer to pay the deductible amount to the medical provider and seek reimbursement from the promoter.
7.4. Penalty for nonpayment of premium. -- Failure to pay premiums on insurance required by this rule, shall be cause for suspension or revocation of the license of such promoter, club, corporation or association.
7.5. Certificate of insurance. -- The promoter must submit a valid certificate of insurance coverage to the Commission no later than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the start of the event.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-8 Promoters Report
8.1. Report required. -- Every promoter, club, association or corporation holding a boxing event, professional or amateur, must complete and file the promoter's report in the format provided by the Commission. The report must be received by the Chairman of the Commission within four (4) business days after the date of the event.
8.2. Failure to submit report. -- Any licensee that fails to file a report of any contest within four (4) business days or makes an unsatisfactory report to the Commission shall be subject to penalties as set forth by this rule.
8.3. Report requirements. -- The promoter must file within four (4) business days after any event, a written report showing the number of tickets sold and the amount of the gross proceeds including sponsorships.
8.4. Penalties. -- The Commission may impose an administrative penalty or suspend the license of any promoter for the failure to submit reports. The fine may not exceed $100.00 per day for each day the report is not submitted after the fourth business day.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-9 Inspectors or Deputies
9.1. General. -- The Commission shall appoint inspectors as the Commission may deem necessary. At least one (1) inspector shall be at all contests.
9.2. Inspector's report. -- At each boxing performance where an admission fee is charged, an official or inspector of the Commission shall attend. Upon its conclusion, the Chief Deputy or the deputy in charge shall sign a detailed report showing the results of bouts and the physician's report. The inspector shall be responsible for all details of the contest and shall file all necessary reports within forty-eight (48) hours after the event with the chairman of the Commission. The inspector may choose other inspectors to assist him with his duties with the approval of the Commission.
9.3. Duties of chief inspector or chief deputy.
9.3.a. General Duties. -- The deputy in charge of a show shall have complete charge of the licenses. It is his or her duty to see that this rule is carried out. The chief inspector or deputy in charge of a show shall be held accountable for the actions of every other deputy assigned to that particular show. The deputy in charge shall file, in addition to the official report, a detailed account of any violations of this rule and the law governing boxing particularly where a purse or gate has been ordered held.
9.3.b. Prohibition to act as judge or referee. -- The deputy in charge of a show and any additional deputies or inspectors may not act as a referee or a judge in any event sanctioned by the Commission.
9.4. Cooperation with law-enforcement agencies. -- The inspectors shall work in cooperation and in conjunction with any police officers detailed for boxing contests.
9.5. Equipment. -- The inspector shall see that all necessary equipment is provided, that the contestants are ready on time, that the seconds are properly instructed in their duties, that the doctor's report and the statement of weights are delivered to the Commission and that all rules pertaining to the proper conduct of the bouts are enforced.
9.6. Participants.
9.6.a. Gloves. -- Boxers shall not be permitted to put on their gloves until their hand wraps are examined by a representative of the Commission.
9.6.b. Weights. -- Boxers will be suspended for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days if they come in over the weight contracted for unless authorized by the Commission.
9.6.c. Miscellaneous. -- Ring equipment must be approved by the Commission's inspector. Clubs must have dressing rooms set aside for the use of contestants and no person, except those specifically referenced in §24.2 of this Rule, shall be permitted in the room.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-10 Administrative Review
10.1. Administrative Review. -- Any licensee subject to a suspension, penalty, or any enforcement action issued by the Commission, shall have a right to administrative review. The licensee must request the administrative review in writing within twenty (20) days of receipt of the notice of the suspension, penalty or enforcement action from the Commission. The request must be served on the Commission via certified mail, return receipt requested. The Commission may hear the appeal itself or appoint a hearing examiner to conduct an inquiry into the events which caused the suspension, penalty or enforcement action. The hearing shall be conducted within twenty (20) days of the date on which the Commission received the request for administrative review unless good cause is shown to continue the hearing to a later date. Both the licensee and the Commission may agree to conduct the hearing at a later date.
10.2. Hearing Examiner. -- The hearing examiner must submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to the Commission within twenty (20) days of conducting the hearing unless both parties agree otherwise. The Commission shall issue its final decision within ten (10) business days of receiving the hearing examiner’s proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. The Commission may accept the hearing examiner’s proposed decision, modify hearing examiner’s proposed decision, or make its own decision based upon the record from the hearing.
10.3. Commission. -- If the Commission decides to conduct the administrative hearing itself, it shall issue its decision within twenty (20) days of conducting the administrative hearing.
10.4. Judicial Review. -- Judicial review of the Commission’s decision shall be subject to the contested cases provisions of the WV Administrative Appeals Act set forth in W. Va. Code §29-5A-4.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-11 Minimum Age Limit
11.1. Professional boxers. -- No person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be licensed as a professional fighter.
11.2. Managers. -- No person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be licensed as a manager.
11.3. Seconds and Trainers. -- No person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be licensed as a second or trainer.
11.4. Amateur boxers. -- No person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be allowed to appear as an amateur boxer in any event sanctioned by the Commission. This age limit for amateur boxers shall not apply to any event sanctioned by USA Boxing or to any event sanctioned by any other amateur boxing governing body approved by the United States Olympic Committee.
11.5. Semi-professional boxers. -- No person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be allowed to appear as a semi-professional boxer in any event sanctioned by the Commission.
11.6. All professional boxers, managers, seconds, amateur boxers, and semi-professional boxers, shall be required to provide acceptable proof of age to the Commission upon request.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-12 Testing for Fighters who are Forty Years of Age and Older
12.1. Persons that are forty (40) years of age and older who apply for a license as a boxing contestant, in addition to the other requirements for a license under this Series, must also receive a Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) of the brain.
12.2. If the results of this test is abnormal or suggests an increase risk following head trauma, the person’s application for a license shall be denied.
12.3. A person over the age of forty (40) who has previously been licensed by the Commission and seeks to renew his or her license shall receive the following testing on an annual basis:
12.3.a. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain without contrast;
12.3.b. Electrocardiogram (EKG);
12.3.c. Blood work which includes a complete blood count and complete metabolic panel including hepatic tests, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and glucose.
12.4. If any of the annual tests are abnormal or suggest deterioration that would increase the risk of head trauma, the person’s license shall be suspended or revoked.
12.5. The applicant or – by contract – the promoter shall pay for any medical testing required in this section: Provided, That the applicant is responsible for being tested timely pursuant to the applicable rules of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-13 Assumed Names
In applying for a license, a contestant shall give his or her legal name, any ring name, address, social security number and date of birth, and any other names appearing on any license held by him or her under other boxing Commissions.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-14 Designation of Officials
For all professional contests, the referee or referees, judges and timekeeper shall be designated by the Commission. Only the officials so designated have the authority to perform their respective functions. The promoter must provide and pay for each examining physician. The examining physicians must be approved by the Commission. All officials appointed by the Commission must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-15 Failure to Appear
15.1. Automatic suspension. -- Any contestant who fails to appear at a show for which he or she signed a contract or a contract has been signed by his or her duly licensed manager to appear, without a reasonable excuse or furnishing a doctor's certificate in case of physical disability, shall be automatically suspended for a period of sixty (60) days. The Commission may suspend the contestant for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months for good cause.
15.2. The automatic suspension shall not apply to an amateur contestant who fails to appear. However, the Commission shall have discretion to suspend or sanction an amateur contestant if he or she fails to appear and fight at two (2) approved contests within a six (6) month period.
15.3. Reporting requirements. -- Whenever a licensed contestant, because of injuries or illness, is unable to take part in a contest for which he or she is under contract, he or she (or his or her manager) must immediately report that fact to the Commission and submit to an examination by a physician designated by the Commission.
15.4. Investigation and final penalty. -- Any licensed contestant who is unable to take part in a contest shall submit to the Commission, in person or in writing his or her reasons for nonappearance. If such reasons are not satisfactory to the Commission, he or she shall forfeit the appearance, his or her license shall be canceled and notification of the Commission's action shall be forwarded to other boxing Commissions. His or her manager shall be held accountable in the same manner as the contestant, with the same penalty, unless the manager satisfies the Commission that he or she had no part in the contestant's nonappearance.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-16 Weigh-in
16.1. General. -- Contestants shall be weighed on the Commission's scales in the presence of each other and an official of the Commission at such time and place prior to the bout as may be designated by the Commission. At the weigh-in of all contestants, duly accredited newspaper representatives shall, upon request, be admitted. Boxers performing at outdoor shows are required to weigh-in on the day they contract for their services. In the event of a twenty-four (24) hour postponement due to weather conditions, weights and physical examinations for the original date of the contract are valid. In the event of a postponement requiring the show to be held later than twenty-four (24) hours after original date, new weights and physical examinations will be required.
16.2. Time of completion. -- Weigh-in ceremonies must be completed no later than two (2) hours prior to the start of the contest. Boxers appearing late will not be weighed-in, will not be allowed the opportunity to box, and will be suspended for up to sixty (60) days. The Commission shall have the discretion to conduct the weigh-in ceremonies on the day prior to the event or on the day of the event. If a weigh-in is conducted more than three (3) hours prior to the start of the contest, the promoter shall pay the official designated by the Commission to conduct the weigh-in a minimum of $75.00 for each day of the early weigh-in.
16.3. Who must be present. -- Promoters or matchmakers must personally attend weigh-in ceremonies and are not permitted to delegate their duties to an assistant. Inspectors will not weigh-in boxers until the arrival of the promoters or matchmakers staging the contest. All equipment of contestants shall be approved by the inspector at weigh-in time.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-17 Weights and Classes
17.1. Weight Classes. The Commission shall utilize the weight classes set forth in Appendix 1 for professional and semi-professional bouts and the weight classes in Appendix 2 for all amateur bouts. The Commission shall have the discretion to utilize different weight classes as necessary for the event.
17.2. General. -- Championship fights shall be a minimum of 8 rounds.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-18 Contracts
18.1. Contracts must be filed. -- The Commission shall be furnished with certified copies of all contracts between promoting corporations, contestants or managers. A copy of all contracts and agreements between a promoter, club, association or corporation, licensed under this rule and any person or persons not named in the license, who by virtue of the contract or agreement might gain financial benefit from the promotion and presentation of boxing events in West Virginia by a promoter, club, associations or corporation, must be placed on file with the Commission for approval.
18.2. When filed. -- An original copy of every contract between a manager and a boxer licensed in West Virginia must be filed when an application for license is made. The contracts shall be maintained in the archives of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-19 Fake Contests
Any promoting corporation, referee, second or contestant, who in the judgment of the Commission, is guilty of intentional conniving or participation in any prearranged or “Fake” contest shall be liable to suspension and other penalties provided for in this rule.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-20 No Pay Before Contest
No contestant shall be paid for his services before a contest.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-21 Wagering
Wagering on the contest is prohibited in any area under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-22 Length of Rounds
Rounds for professional boxing contests shall be of three (3) minutes' duration with a rest period of one (1) minute between rounds. The Commission in its discretion may limit the duration of rounds to two (2) minutes' duration with a rest period of one (1) minute between rounds.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-23 Reporting In
Contestants shall report to the inspector in the dressing room at least one (1) hour before they are due in the ring.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-24 Interval Between Bouts
In addition to any federal requirement, a contestant shall not be permitted to compete in a sanctioned contest if he or she has fought within six (6) days prior. The Commission shall have the discretion to extend the interval between bouts up to a maximum of fifteen (15) days if the Commission determines that the health or safety of the contestant would otherwise be in jeopardy. The requirements of this section shall not apply to Semi-Professional style events authorized under Sections 46 and 46a of these rules.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-25 Dressing Room
25.1. A Commission inspector shall be in charge of and supervise the conduct of the dressing room, see that contestants and seconds are dressed in accordance with the rules, that tape, gloves and accoutrements are as required and there is no delay between bouts. The inspector shall see to it, that one (1) set of boxers is ready to enter the ring while the preceding bout is in progress.
25.2. No one shall be allowed in the contestant's dressing room except managers, seconds, representative of the Commission, or the promoter's representatives.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-26 Managers
26.1. General. -- A manager may not attempt to select or insist upon the selection of any designated referee in a bout in which a boxer under his management is to appear, nor have the name of any referee included in the official contract covering such bouts.
26.2. Assignments of interest. -- No assignment of a boxer's or manager's interest in a contract, or of any part thereof, shall be made without the written approval and consent of the Commission.
26.3. Contracts to be filed. -- All copies of the contracts entered into between managers and boxers must be placed on file with the Commission for approval. A contract becomes null and void if any time during his term the manager is not duly licensed by the Commission.
26.4. Limitation on earnings. -- A boxer is permitted to have one (1) manager. That manager is not allowed to receive more than thirty-three and a third percent (33 1/3%) of the ring earnings of a boxer.
26.5. Limitation on supervision. -- Managers shall not have more than two (2) boxers under their management in any one (1) contest without special permission from the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-27 Boxers with No Managers
Any boxer not under contract to a manager may make his own matches and sign contracts and need not apply for a manager's license to handle his own affairs.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-28 Seconds
28.1. Dress. -- Seconds and managers acting as seconds, must be neatly attired when in the ring and wear jerseys or shirts of plain colors with sleeves.
28.2. Demeanor. -- Seconds shall not coach or in any way assist a principal during a round, or by word or action attempt to heckle or annoy his principal's opponent. They shall remain seated in place and silent.
28.3. Conduct. -- Seconds shall not enter a ring until the bell indicates the end of the round and are prohibited from spraying or forcefully throwing water on a contestant. Seconds shall leave the ring at the sound of the timer's whistle ten (10) seconds before a round is to begin, removing all obstructions, buckets, stools, etc., promptly at the sounding of the gong.
28.4. Throwing in the towel. -- Seconds are prohibited from throwing a towel in the ring as a token of defeat, however, the second may step upon the ring apron and indicate to the referee that his or her fighter should not continue, otherwise, the referee is the sole judge as to the ability of a boxer to continue.
28.5. Prohibition of certain dressings. -- No second will be permitted to use grease or any other substances on the body of a contestant. The use of Vaseline in corners is not allowed except in the use of stopping blood and on cuts. The use during a boxing match of any drugs or compounds for stopping hemorrhaging in the ring is prohibited. The use of drugs, alcohols or stimulants during a match by any contestant, second, trainer, or manager is adequate cause for revoking his license.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-29 Timekeepers
29.1. Qualifications. -- Timekeepers shall be appointed by the Commission and shall be of recognized good standing and character.
29.2. Duties. -- The timekeeper shall be seated at the ringside close to the timer or bell. The timekeeper shall use an electronic timer or bell to indicate the beginning and end of each round so the contestants shall hear the timer or bell.
29.3. Equipment. -- The timekeeper shall provide himself with a whistle and an accurate stop watch that has been properly examined and certified by an inspector of the Commission before it is used.
29.4. Warnings. -- Ten (10) seconds before the beginning of each round the timekeeper shall give warning to the seconds of the contestants by blowing the whistle.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-30 The Announcer
30.1. Responsibilities.
30.1.a. Announcing contestants. -- After contestants and their chief seconds are in the ring, the announcer shall announce the names of the contestants, their correct weights and such other matters as may be approved by the Commission. Promoters shall make provisions for the announcement of rounds.
30.1.b. Decisions. -- The announcer must get the judges’ decision on paper. Once both opponents are center ring with the referee, the announcer shall then announce the decision to the crowd. He or she may announce whether or not the decision is unanimous, majority, or a split decision.
30.2. Conduct. -- The announcer in boxing contests shall be neatly dressed. His or her conduct is subject to the supervision of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-31 Physician; Medical Requirements
31.1. Physical examination required. -- Every contestant shall, at weighing-in time or at any other time on the day of the contest that may be designated by the Commission, be subjected to a physical examination by a duly licensed physician approved by the Commission. At a minimum, each fighter must be examined by a physician before each bout and at the conclusion of each bout. The physician must be a duly licensed medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathy (DO).
31.2. Inspectors to enforce. -- Inspectors are charged with the duty of enforcing compliance with this section, in every case.
31.3. Fitness certification required. -- No contestant shall take part in a contest until pronounced fit to do so by the physician approved by the Commission. The facts of physical examinations and of the physical fitness of contestants shall be certified over the signature of the physician as a part of the inspector's report submitted after each set of bouts. In addition to other findings, the physician shall find specifically that the contestant shows no obvious symptoms of a severe brain concussion.
31.4. Attendant required. -- A physician shall attend at ringside until the conclusion of the final bout. In addition, the promoter shall have at least one (1) ambulance plus two (2) Emergency Medical Technicians -- Intermediate (EMT I’s ) or individuals with greater medical qualifications present until the conclusion of the final bout. The physician, attending EMT's, and oxygen bottles shall be at ring side at all times. In the event that the physician, attending EMT's, or oxygen bottles are not at ringside, the match shall be stopped immediately and shall not resume until the physician, attending EMT's, and oxygen bottles return to ring side.
31.5. Oxygen bottles required. -- The promoter must ensure that oxygen bottles are kept at ringside for the duration of all boxing events.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-32 Decisions
32.1. By judges. -- Three (3) judges, appointed by the Commission, shall render a decision at the termination of each boxing contest. Judges shall be of recognized good standing and character.
32.2. Special judges. -- Licensed referees, members of the Commission, or designated officials of the Commission may, in an emergency, act as judge.
32.3. Location of judges. -- The three (3) judges shall be stationed at opposite sides of the ring.
32.4. Basis of decision. -- The decision of the judges shall be based primarily on effectiveness, taking into account the following points:
32.4.a. A clean, forceful hit, landed on any vulnerable part of the body above the belt should be credited in proportion to its damaging effects.
32.4.b. Aggressiveness is next in importance and points should be awarded to the contestant who sustains the action or a round by the greatest number of skilled attacks.
32.4.c. Defensive work is relatively important and points should be given for cleverly avoiding or blocking a blow.
32.4.d. Points should be awarded where ring generalship is conspicuous. This comprises such points as the ability to quickly grasp the advantage of every opportunity offered; the capacity to cope with all kinds of situations which may arise; to foresee and neutralize an opponent's methods of attack; and to force an opponent to adopt a style of boxing at which he is not particularly skillful.
32.4.e. It is advisable to deduct points when a contestant persistently delays the action of a contest by clinching and lack of aggressiveness.
32.4.f. A contestant should be given credit for sportsmanlike actions in the ring, close adherence to the spirit as well as the letter of the rules and for refraining from taking technical advantage of a situation which is unfair to an opponent.
32.4.g. A boxer will be charged with the loss of a round in which the referee gives him a third (3rd) warning for a minor foul. Any such penalty, however, shall not be imposed by the judges on their cards until they are advised by the referee.
32.4.h. In scoring a contest the elements of offense, defense, clean hitting, ring generalship and sportsmanship shall be carefully considered. Minor fouls shall count against an opponent. Foul blows, no matter how damaging, count against the contestant responsible for their delivery.
32.5. Scoring. -- Scoring shall be by the “10 Point Must System” in professional bouts and the “20 Point System” in amateur bouts unless approved or changed by the Commission. There will be no even rounds. The requirements of this section shall not apply to events sanctioned by USA Boxing.
32.6. Mandatory eight (8) count. -- When a contestant is knocked down he shall be required to take a count of eight (8) seconds, whether or not he rises before the count of eight (8) has been reached. The count is for the benefit of the fallen contestant. The knockdown is scored against him regardless of the length of the count. Taking the “8” count is regarded as a display of ring generalship.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-33 Fouls
33.1. Hitting below the belt.
33.2. Hitting an opponent who is down or rising after being down.
33.3. Holding an opponent with one (1) hand and hitting with the other.
33.4. Holding or deliberately maintaining a clinch.
33.5. Wrestling or roughing at the ropes.
33.6. Pushing an opponent about the ring or into the ropes or striking an opponent who is helpless as a result of blows and supported by the ropes, so that he does not fall.
33.7. Butting with the head or shoulder or using the knees or elbows.
33.8. Hitting with the open glove, with the butt or inside of the hand, the elbow, the wrist and all backhand blows.
33.9. Purposely going down without being hit.
33.10. Striking deliberately at the part of the body over the kidneys.
33.11. The use of the pivot blow or the rabbit punch.
33.12. Jabbing opponent's eyes with the thumb of the gloves.
33.13. The use of abusive language in the ring.
33.14. Any unsportsmanlike trick or action causing injury to an opponent.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-34 Referee's License
34.1. Qualifications. -- Referees shall be appointed by the Commission and shall be licensed after first satisfying the Commission of their professional and physical qualifications.
34.2. Prohibitions. -- No person who is, directly or indirectly, interested in the management of a contestant, or who is an individual promoter, or stockholder in, or an employee of a corporation, or interested in an unincorporated club or association engaged in the promotion of contests, shall be granted a referee's license.
34.3. Powers of the referee. -- After a contest starts, the referee has power to declare a bout “No Contest,” and order the purse held, pending the decision of the Commission. The referee shall immediately make a report to the Commission. The referee may stop a contest if, in his opinion, one (1) of the contestants is badly outclassed or injured or the referee may temporarily stop a contest and consult the examining physician on the advisability of stopping the contest in case a contestant appears injured. The referee is empowered to enforce discipline and the rules pertaining to the conduct and behavior of contestants and seconds.
34.4. Duties of referee.
34.4.a. General. -- Subject to the supervision of Commission members or Deputy Commissioners, the chief official of the contest shall be the referee who shall have general supervision over bouts and take his place in the ring.
34.4.b. Ascertainment of seconds. -- The referee shall, before starting a contest, ascertain from each contestant the name of his chief second and shall hold the chief second responsible for the conduct of his assistant seconds during the progress of the contest.
34.4.c. Instructions. -- The referee shall call contestants together in the ring before each bout for the final instructions at which time each contestant shall be accompanied by only his chief second. The principals after receiving instructions shall be required to shake hands at the beginning of the first round.
34.5. Referee's inspection. -- The referee shall inspect the hand wraps and the gloves and make sure that no grease or other foreign substances have been applied to either the gloves or the bodies of the contestants to the detriment of the opponent.
34.6. Referee's uniform. -- Referees shall wear official uniforms as authorized by the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-35 “Down” Without Being Struck; Counted Out
35.1. General. -- A contestant who goes down without being struck and stays down shall be disqualified.
35.2. Absence of fighter. -- Should a contestant leave the ring during the one (1) minute period between rounds and fail to be in the ring when the gong rings the signal to resume boxing or should a contestant fail to rise from his chair at the beginning of a round, the referee shall start counting immediately and unless the contestant is on his feet in the ring at the end of ten (10) seconds, he shall declare him counted out.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-36 Withholding Purse
As counting a contestant out, or disqualifying one (1) of the contestants for fouling, is held to be, in effect, giving a decision, should the referee decide that one (1) or both the contestants are not honestly competing, or that the knockdown is “A Dive” or the found prearranged termination of the bout, the referee shall stop the bout and order the purses or trophies of both boxers held pending investigation by the Commission notwithstanding the referee may have completed the count of ten (10).
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-37 Counting
37.1. General. -- When a contestant is knocked down, the referee shall order the opponent to retire to the corner farthest removed from the fallen contestant, pointing to the corner, and he shall immediately begin the count over the contestant who is down. He shall audibly announce the passing of the seconds, accompanying the count with motions of his arm, the downward motion indicating the end of each second.
37.2. Opponent's actions. -- Should the opponent fail to stay in the farthest corner, the referee shall cease counting until he has returned to it, and then go on with the count from the point at which it was interrupted.
37.3. Mandatory count and disqualification. -- A contestant who is knocked down must take the mandatory "Eight (8) Count" and any contestant who is knocked down three (3) times in any round shall be disqualified by the referee.
37.4. Examination after eight (8) count. -- If the count of “Eight” (8) is reached and the contestant who was down is on his feet, the referee, if he deems it advisable, may examine the contestant long enough to assure himself that the contest should continue. If so assured, the referee shall without loss of time order the contest to continue.
37.5. Knockout. -- If the contestant taking the count is still down when the referee calls the count of “Ten,” (10) the referee shall wave both arms to indicate that he has been knocked out and shall raise the right hand of the opponent as the winner or hold that the bout be declared no contest. The referee's count is the official count.
37.6. Saved by the bell. -- If the round ends during the count, the timekeeper shall not sound the gong indicating the termination of the round; however, the referee shall continue the count. Any contestant who fails to rise before the conclusion of the count shall be declared to be defeated and the opponent shall be declared the winner of the contest. A contestant may only be saved by the bell at the conclusion of the final scheduled round of the bout.
37.7. Weak knees. -- Should a contestant who is “Down” arise before the count of “Ten” (10) is reached and go down again immediately without being struck, the referee shall resume the count where it left off.
37.8. Knockout victim. -- When a boxer has been knocked out he shall not be touched or moved except at the direction of the ringside physician.
37.9. Helpless boxer is down. -- If a contestant is helpless on the ropes, the referee shall instantly intervene, declare the helpless boxer “Down” and proceed with the count as in case of a knockdown.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-38 A Contestant is Down
A contestant is down when any part of his body but his feet is on the floor or when he is hanging helplessly over the ropes and the referee has begun to count over him.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-39 Gloves
39.1. Weight. -- Gloves in all professional weight classes must be ten (10) ounces. Gloves in all amateur weight classes must be sixteen (16) ounces.
39.2. Examination. -- Gloves shall be examined by the inspector. If padding is found to be misplaced or lumpy or if gloves are found to be imperfect, other gloves shall be substituted therefore before the contest starts.
39.3. Condition. -- No breaking, roughing or twisting of gloves shall be permitted.
39.4. Main events. -- Gloves for all main events shall be new and furnished by the promoting corporation.
39.5. Cleanliness. -- If gloves used in any bouts have been used before, they must be whole, clean and in sanitary condition.
39.6. Inspected. -- Gloves for the main event must be put on in the ring after the referee has first inspected the bandaged hands of both contestants.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-40 Hand Wraps
40.1. Hand wraps for boxers shall conform to the following restrictions.
40.2. One (1) winding of surgeon's adhesive tape not over 1 ½ inches wide placed directly on the hands to protect that part of the hand near the wrist. This may cross the back of the hand twice but not extend within 1 inch of the knuckles.
40.3. Soft surgical bandages not over 2 inches in width held in place by not more than 2 feet of surgeons adhesive tape 1 inch wide for each hand. One 10-yard roll of bandage shall make the wrapping for each hand.
40.4. The use of any wrap by a professional fighter other than gauze or surgical wrap as prescribed in this section is prohibited.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-41 Contestant's Costumes
41.1. General. -- Contestants shall box in proper costume, including protection cup, which shall be firmly adjusted before leaving the dressing room.
41.2. Trunks. -- Each contestant shall supply himself with a pair of trunks, loose fitting and made of light cloth, similar to an athlete's “Running Pants.” The contestants shall not wear the same colors in the ring. The wearing of tights is prohibited.
41.3. Belt. -- The belt of the trunks shall not extend above the waistline.
41.4. Shoes. -- Shoes shall be soft material and not be fitted with spikes, cleats, hard soles or hard heels. Socks, rolled down to the tops of the shoes, may be of any color.
41.5. Mouthpiece. -- Every boxer shall wear a mouthpiece.
41.6. Female boxers. -- In addition to the above requirements, female boxers shall also wear an abdominal guard, foul proof cup, and a body shirt. Breast protectors are optional.
41.7. Miscellaneous. -- No apparel other than as specified above may be worn in the ring except a bathrobe. The Commission shall have the discretion to alter the costume requirements as necessary.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-42 Combat Area
42.1. The ring shall be not less than 16 nor more than 24 feet square within the ropes, the ring floor to extend beyond the ropes not less than 18 inches. The ring posts shall not be nearer to the ring ropes than 18 inches. The ring shall be padded with felt, corrugated paper, matting or other soft material to a thickness of not less than 1 inch padding extending 1 foot beyond the ring ropes, with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges shall not be used.
42.2. The ring shall not be more than 4 feet above the floor of the building or ground of an outdoor arena and shall be provided with suitable steps for the use of contestants. Ring posts shall not be more than 3 inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building or ground to a height of 58 inches above ring floor. 42.3 The Commission shall determine all seating arrangements at ringside necessary to effectuate the match. A promoter may submit a proposed seating arrangement to the Commission one week before the event.
42.4. Matches may also take place in a cage that has been approved by the Commission. The cage shall meet the requirements set forth by the Commission and is subject to inspection prior to each match by a Commission representative such as a referee.
42.4.a. Cages. -The cage specifications shall meet the following requirements.
42.4.a.1. The fighting area floor shall be no smaller than 18 feet by 18 feet and no larger than 32 feet by 32 feet. The fighting area floor shall be padded in a manner as approved by the Commission, with at least one inch layer of foam padding. Padding shall extend beyond the fighting area and over the edge of the platform. The floor must be covered with canvas, vinyl or other plastic rubberized material. The Commission shall have discretion to approve the flooring materials prior to use at the event. The fighting area floor shall not be more than four feet above the floor of the building and shall have suitable steps or ramp for use by the participants.
42.4.a.2. Post shall be made of metal not more than six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of 58 inches above the fighting area floor and shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the Commission. The fighting area floor shall be enclosed by a fence made of such material as will not allow a contestant to fall out or break through it onto the floor or spectators, including, but not limited to, vinyl coated chain link fencing. All metal parts shall be covered and padded in a manner approved by the Commission and shall not be abrasive to the contestants. The fence shall provide two separate entries onto the fighting area floor.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-43 Ring Ropes
Ring ropes shall be at least four (4) in number, not less than 1 inch in diameter; the lower rope 12 inches above the ring floor, the second rope 23 inches above the floor; the third rope 34 inches above floor; and the fourth rope 45 inches above the floor. Ropes shall be wrapped in soft material.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-44 Obstructions
The entire ring platform shall be cleared of all obstructions, including buckets, stools, etc.; the instant the gong indicates the beginning of a round, none of these articles shall be placed on the ring floor until the gong has ended the round.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-45 Sanitation Buckets, etc
There shall be provided by the promoting corporation a sufficient number of sanitation buckets for the use of all contestants. Promoters shall also provide fans, powdered resin for canvas, stools for seconds and such other articles as are required in the conduct of a contest. A bucket used by a contestant shall not be used again until it has been washed and sterilized.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-46 Rules for Two-Night Semi-Professional Elimination Style Tournaments
46.1. The following Section shall apply to all semi-professional, elimination style contests held in the State of West Virginia except as provided in Section 46a of this Series. All other rules and regulations under this Series shall apply to semi-professional contests and licensees unless indicated under this Section. Participants are not to be considered professional boxers.
46.2. Qualification of contestants:
46.2.a. All contestants shall be at least 18 years of age or older.
46.2.b. Contestants cannot have any previous professional fighting experience and cannot have won over five sanctioned, amateur boxing, kickboxing, or MMA bouts.
46.2.c. Contestants must pass a physical examination prior to each bout. Immediately upon the conclusion of each bout, a contestant shall be examined by a physician.
46.3. Format:
46.3.a. Except as provided in Section 46a of this Series, all semi-professional bouts are two night events. The contestants shall be paired based on experience, height, weight, and conditioning.
46.3.b. All contestants shall fight once the first night.
46.3.c. The final night shall be elimination tournament where bouts will be set up by subsection 46.4 below.
46.3.d. Bouts shall be staggered to allow for adequate rest time between bouts and to all contestants.
46.3.e. Each fight will be scheduled for three (3) rounds of sixty (60) seconds each.
46.3.f. There shall be one (1) minute rest period between rounds.
46.3.g. If a contestant wins a bout but is unable or unwilling to fight in the next round due to medical or voluntary disqualification, the contestant’s opponent for the next round shall be given a bye. Under no circumstances may a contestant who has lost a match on either day of the tournament serve as a substitute for a medically or voluntarily disqualified contestant.
46.4. Sequence of events:
46.4.a. All contestants are selected and paired based on experience, height, weight and condition.
46.4.b. No one shall be aware of who they fight until the matches are posted prior to the fight.
46.4.c. The first night fighters shall fight one time.
46.4.d. The second night fight in bouts, again based on experience, height, weight and condition, and will then eliminate down to the winners.
46.4.e. During the elimination stage of the tournament, the chief deputy may grant a contestant a bye if it is necessary to properly set matches within a round in which there are an uneven number of available and medically qualified contestants. Except in the event that the bye is necessary under subsection 46.3.g. of this Section, the contestant who is given a bye will be selected randomly by a blind draw.
46.4.f. Three (3) knockdown and standing eight count rules shall apply.
46.4.g. The promoter shall provide and pay for trainers, who have been licensed by the Commission under West Virginia Code §29-5A-20, to serve as the corner person for each contestant in a match. The promoter shall not assign a trainer to work a match if the trainer has previously trained either contestant.
46.5. Safety and equipment:
46.5.a. All contestants shall wear cups and mouth pieces at all times.
46.5.b. All contestants shall utilize proper and approved hand wraps and 16 oz. boxing gloves.
46.5.c. Proper clothing and shoes as set forth in Section 41 of this Series shall be worn by contestants.
46.6. Option for Boxing or Kickboxing:
46.6.a. At the selection of the promoter, semi-professional tournaments or any portion of the tournament maybe conducted under either the current rules of boxing as adopted by the Association of Boxing Commissions or the Kickboxing Rules as set forth in Section 47 of this Series.
46.6.b. If a promoter selects to conduct a tournament or any portion of the tournament under the Kickboxing Rules, contestants competing under the Kickboxing Rules shall comply with the equipment, attire, and technique rules set forth under Subsection 47.2.a-b. or Subsection 47.3.a-b. depending on whether the contest is conducted under the American Full Contact or International Rules.
46.6.c. Semi-professional contestants competing under either the American Full Contact or International Rules are required to wear sixteen (16) ounce gloves as specified under Subsection 47.2.a.5. and 47.3.a.1.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-46a Rules for Single-Night Semi-Professional Events. 46a.1. At his or her selection, a promoter may hold a single-night semi-professional event. A contest conducted under this Section and all involved and participating licensees and officials, shall comply with all rules and regulations under this Series and subsection 2 and 5 of Section 46 unless otherwise indicated under this Section. Under no circumstances shall contestants participating in single-night semi-professional events be considered professional boxers. 46a.2. The promoter may select to conduct a single-night semi-professional event or any portion of the contest under either the current rules of boxing as adopted by the Association of Boxing Commissions or the Kickboxing Rules as set forth in Section 47 of this Series and provided for under Section 46.6. 46a.3. A promoter selecting to hold a single-night semi-professional event shall utilize one of the following formats: 46a.3.a. A two bout, single elimination style tournament. Each bout held under this format will be scheduled for three (3) rounds of sixty (60) seconds each. There shall be one (1) minute rest period between each round. With the approval of the Commission, the promoter shall equally and uniformly establish the interval between each bout to allow adequate rest time for the contestants. The contestants shall be paired based on experience, height, weight, and conditioning. Each contestant who has not been eliminated after competing in two bouts shall be declared a winner. 46a.3.b. A three bout, single elimination style tournament. Each bout held under this format will be scheduled for a single round. A promoter holding a tournament under this style may obtain approval from the Commission to schedule the length of the bouts for any period between one (1) and two (2) minutes: Provided, That the Commission finds, in its discretion, the length of the bouts will not risk the health and safety of the contestants or undermine the fair conduct of the tournament: Provided, however, That the length of each bout within a tournament are set for uniform and equal lengths. The contestants shall be paired based on experience, height, weight, and conditioning. With the approval of the Commission, the promoter shall equally and uniformly establish the interval between each bout to allow adequate rest time for the contestants. Each contestant who has not been eliminated after competing in three bouts shall be declared a winner. 46a.3.c. A match style event. In an event held under this format, the contestants shall be paired based on experience, height, weight, and conditioning. Each contestant will fight in a single bout and upon its conclusion, one contestant in each bout shall be declared a winner. The bouts will be scheduled for three (3) rounds of sixty (60) seconds each. There will be a one (1) minute rest period between rounds. The Commission may also authorize promoters to hold a championship match-style contest. If authorized, the Commission may select the duration and number of rounds so long as the total duration of the match (excluding rest periods) does not exceed ten (10) minutes. No contestant shall be barred from participation in such a match-style contest based upon prior wins in semi-professional tournament style events. 46a.4. For any single-night semi-professional event held under subsection 46a of this Series, the promoter shall provide and pay for trainers, who have been licensed by the Commission under West Virginia Code §29-5A-20, to serve as the corner person for each contestant in a match. The promoter shall not assign a trainer to work a match if the trainer has previously trained either contestant. 46a.5. For any single-night semi-professional event held under subsection 46a of this Series, three (3) knockdown and standing eight (8) count rules shall apply. 46a.6. For any single-night semi-professional event held under subsection 46a of this Series, the chief deputy may grant a contestant a bye if it is necessary to properly set matches within a round in which there are an uneven number of available and medically qualified contestants. The contestant who is given a bye will be selected randomly by a blind draw. 46a.7. For any single-night semi-professional event held under subsection 46a of this Series, under no circumstances may a contestant who has lost a match serve as a substitute for a medically or voluntarily disqualified contestant in the same tournament
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-47 Kickboxing Rules
47.1. The following section shall apply to professional and amateur kickboxing contests regulated by the Commission. All previous rules and regulations shall apply to kickboxing contests unless indicated under this section. Kickboxing contests may be conducted, with the approval of the Commission, under either American Full Contact Rules or International Rules.
47.2. The following subsection shall apply to kickboxing contests conducted under American Full Contact Rules.
47.2.a. Equipment and Attire.
47.2.a.1. Contestants are recommended to wear long pants, but shorts maybe permitted at the discretion of the Commission.
47.2.a.2. Contestants shall wear foot pads or shin guard instep pads. Footpads or shin guard instep pads are required to cover the toes and heel. Footpads are required to be secured by athletic or medical tape.
47.2.a.3. Contestants are required to wear hand wraps, mouth guards, groin protectors which are approved by the Commission.
47.2.a.4. Contestants are prohibited from wearing shoes during a contest.
47.2.a.5. Professional contestants are required to wear ten (10) ounce gloves. Amateur contestants are required to wear sixteen (16) ounce gloves.
47.2.b. Technique.
47.2.b.1. All kicks and punches must be above an opponent’s waist except that boot to boot sweeps are permitted to the front foot. Sweeps that make contact higher than the ankle are not permitted. If an opponent’s rear is square to the ropes, a contestant is permitted to sweep either foot.
47.2.b.2. Contestants are strongly urged to perform a minimum number of kicks per round. Although there is no mandatory kick requirement, the referee may choose to give a warning or deduct a point for a contestant who fails to perform enough kicks for American Full Contact style. For a professional contest, a contestant should attempt a minimum of eight (8) strongly thrown kicks per round. For an amateur contest, a contestant should attempt a minimum of six (6) strongly thrown kicks per round.
47.2.b.3. Spinning backhands are legal.
47.2.b.4. Elbow and knee strikes are not permitted.
47.2.c. Rounds.
47.2.c.1. Professional bouts shall be a minimum of four (4) rounds of two (2) minutes’ duration.
47.2.c.2. Professional Championship bouts shall be a minimum of seven (7) rounds of two (2) minutes’ duration.
47.2.c.3. United States Title bouts shall be a minimum of ten (10) rounds of two (2) minutes’ duration.
47.2.c.4. World Title bouts must be a minimum of twelve (12) rounds of two (2) minutes’ duration.
47.2.c.5. An amateur contestant’s first three bouts shall consist of three (3) rounds of two (2) minutes’ duration.
47.2.c.6. An amateur contestant’s fourth and each subsequent amateur bout shall consist of three (3) rounds of three (3) minutes duration.
47.3. The following subsection shall apply to kickboxing contests conducted under International Kickboxing Rules.
47.3.a. Equipment.
47.3.a.1. Professional contestant are required to wear gloves weighing ten (10) ounces. Amateur contestants are required to wear gloves weighing sixteen (16) ounces.
47.3.a.2. Contestants are required to wear hand wraps, mouth guards, and groin protectors which are approved by the Commission.
47.3.a.3. Contestants are required to wear shorts. Pants are not allowed.
47.3.b. Technique.
47.3.b.1. Kicks above the waist, to the head, and to the legs are permitted. There is no minimum kick requirement under International Rules.
47.3.b.2. Boot to boot sweeps are permitted to the front foot. Sweeps that make contact higher than the ankle are not permitted. If an opponent’s rear is square to the ropes, a contestant is permitted to sweep either foot.
47.3.b.3. Leg kicks to the shin or foot are permitted to the inside and outside of the legs. Leg kicks to the knees are not permitted.
47.3.b.4. Spinning backhands are legal.
47.3.b.5. Direct sidekicks to the legs are not permitted.
47.3.b.6. Clinching is not permitted. Contestants who engage in clinching will be asked to break.
47.3.b.7. Elbow and knee strikes are not permitted.
47.3.c. Length of Rounds.
47.3.c.1. Professional bouts shall be a minimum of four (4) rounds of three (3) minutes’ duration.
47.3.c.2. Professional Championship bouts shall consist of five (5) rounds of three (3) minutes’ duration.
47.3.c.3. An amateur contestant’s first three bouts shall consist of three (3) rounds of two (2) minutes’ duration.
47.3.c.4. An amateur contestant’s fourth and each subsequent amateur bout shall consist of three (3) rounds of three (3) minutes’ duration.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-48 Amateur Boxing Rules
48.1. General. -- The rules to be followed in all amateur boxing contests held in the State of West Virginia shall be the Rules of the Amateur Boxing Association and the Rules of the Commission. Any local boxing club, association or any group that desires to make requirements, local rules or any other restrictions other than those rules mentioned above, must first submit those rules to the Commission for approval.
48.2. Other rules, requirements or restrictions. -- No organization, association, group or club shall impose any additional rules, local rules, requirements or restrictions without first having those proposed rules, requirements or restrictions approved by the Commission: Provided, That no rule within this Series removing the requirement of head gear for amateur or semi-professional contestants shall be read to affect any event sanctioned by U.S.A. Boxing or to any event sanctioned by any other amateur boxing governing body approved by the United States Olympic Committee.
48.3. Procedure for approval.
48.3.a. Prior to any local rule, requirements or restrictions being imposed or put into effect, the proponent must submit an original and three (3) copies of the proposed rule to the Commission.
48.3.b. No rule, local rule, requirement or restriction shall be valid or enforceable unless first approved by the Commission.
48.3.c. In addition to the original and three (3) copies of the proposals, a proponent must also furnish a written rationale justifying the use of the proposed rules.
48.3.d. The Commission will notify the proponent of its decision to approve or reject any proposals within forty-five (45) days of the first meeting of the Commission after the receipt of the proposal.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-49 National Anthem
At the beginning of each boxing program the National Anthem shall be played.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-50 Minimum Officials Fees
50.1. The following amounts, at a minimum, shall be paid by the promoter to the officials designated by the Commission to officiate an event.
50.1.a. Day of show Chief Deputy or Deputy in Charge -- $75.00.
50.1.b. Judges -- $50.00 per day.
50.1.c. Time Keeper -- $50.00 per day.
50.1.d. Referee -- $75.00 per day.
50.1.e. Inspectors -- $50.00 per day.
50.1.f. Scorekeeper -- $50.00 per day.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-51 Medical Testing Requirements. 51.1 Every professional boxer must submit evidence to the Commission that the boxer is free of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and proof of passing a Hepatitis B and a Hepatitis C virus test. The Commission will only accept laboratory results that are no older than twelve (12) months
51.2. Upon seeing blood, the referee will take the contestant to a neutral corner and wipe off the blood. If the bleeding stops, the fight will continue. If, in the referee’s discretion, the bleeding cannot be stopped, the fight will be stopped.
51.3. Every female boxer must submit a negative pregnancy test to the Commission. The test must be no older than 14 days prior to the date of the boxing match. Female boxers who participate in USA Boxing sanctioned events must also submit a negative pregnancy test to the Commission. 51.4 The Commission shall have the discretion to require additional medical testing of any contestant in order to protect his or her health and safety. Additional testing may include an electrocardiogram (EKG), neurological exam, CAT scan (CT), cardiovascular stress test, or any other examination, which the Commission deems necessary.
51.5. A contestant who fails a medical test provided for under this Section shall not participate in the next subsequent match and the contestant’s license shall be subject to suspension or revocation if the Commission determines that a suspension or revocation is required to protect the health and safety of the contestant, other boxing contestants, or the public.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-1-52 Drug Testing
52.1. In order to ensure the safety of all contestants and to protect the integrity of professional, semi-professional, and amateur boxing, the Commission herein prohibits the use of alcohol and any “controlled substance” as defined under Chapter 60A of the West Virginia Code by any licensed contestant while participating in an event regulated by the Commission unless the contestant has a legal prescription for the controlled substance.
52.2. During an event regulated by the Commission, a contestant shall not be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance for which he or she does not have a legal prescription.
52.2.a. While under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance for which he or she does not have a legal prescription, a contestant shall not be permitted to participate in any bout sanctioned by the Commission.
52.3. Acting with good cause, a member of the Commission, deputy commissioner, or inspector may direct any contestant to submit a sample of his or her urine for testing. Samples or tests pursuant to the requirement of this rule may be requested at any time on the day of the bout or event in which the contestant is participating.
52.3.a. Initial Test – if a contestant is selected by good cause for a test on the day of the bout or event, the person designated by the Commission shall perform an initial urinalysis.
52.3.b. If the initial test results are negative or inconclusive for a controlled substance, no action shall be taken.
52.3.c. If the initial test is positive for a controlled substance, the contestant shall not be permitted to participate in a bout unless the contestant can demonstrate at the time of the initial test that he or she has a legal prescription for the controlled substance.
52.4. A positive result in the initial test for any controlled substance, for which – at the time of the test – the contestant does not have a legal prescription shall constitute cause for the Commission to revoke, suspend, or place on probation the license of any fighter licensed under this Title. Following a decision by the Commission which revokes, suspends, or gives probation based on a violation under this section, the licensee affected by the decision has the right to a review of the decision under the procedures set out in Section 177-1-10 of this Rule.
52.5. Refusal of any contestant to supply a urine sample when requested by a person designated by the Commission shall constitute a failed test and subject the contestant to a suspension of not more than one year. A second and all subsequent failures or refusals to provide a requested urine or blood sample shall be considered grounds for license revocation.
APPENDIX 1
WEIGHT CLASSES FOR PROFESSIONAL BOXERS
Male and Female Professional Boxers utilize the same weight classes.
Boxers Weights Weight Difference Allowed Mini Flyweight up to and including 105 lbs.
Light Flyweight over 105 to 108 lbs.
Flyweight over 108 to 112 lbs.
Super Flyweight over 112 to 115 lbs.
Bantamweight over 115 to118 lbs.
Super Bantamweight over 118 to 122 lbs. not more than 4 lbs.
Featherweight over 122 to 126 lbs. not more than 4 lbs.
Super Featherweight over 126 to 130 lbs. not more than 4 lbs.
Lightweight over 130 to 135 lbs. not more than 5 lbs.
Super Lightweight over 135 to 140 lbs. not more than 5 lbs. over 140 to 147 lbs.
Super Welterweight over 147 to 154 lbs. over 154 to 160 lbs.
Super Middleweight over 160 to 168 lbs.
Light Heavyweight over 168 to 175 lbs.
Cruiserweight over 175 to 200 lbs. not more than 12 lbs. over 200 lbs. to no limit SEMI-PROFESSIONAL BOXERS Male and Female Semi-Professional Boxers utilize the same weight classes.
Boxers Weights Bantamweight up to 139 lbs. over 139 to 159 lbs. over 159 to 184 lbs.
Cruiserweight over 184 to 215 lbs. over 215 lbs.
APPENDIX 2
WEIGHT CLASSES FOR AMATEUR BOXERS
MALE BOXERS
Maximum Weight Light Flyweight 106 lbs.
Flyweight 112 lbs.
Bantam Weight 119 lbs.
Featherweight 125 lbs.
Lightweight 132 lbs.
Light Welterweight 141 lbs. 152 lbs. 165 lbs.
Light Heavyweight 178 lbs. 201 lbs.
Super Heavyweight over 201 lbs.
The requirements of this section shall not apply to events sanctioned by USA Boxing.
APPENDIX 2 -- continued WEIGHT CLASSES FOR AMATEUR BOXERS FEMALE BOXERS Maximum Weight Light Flyweight 101 lbs.
Flyweight 106 lbs.
Bantam Weight 112 lbs.
Featherweight 119 lbs.
Lightweight 125 lbs.
Light Welterweight 132 lbs. 141 lbs. 152 lbs.
Light Heavyweight 165 lbs. 178 lbs.
Super Heavyweight over 178 lbs.
The requirements of this section shall not apply to events sanctioned by USA Boxing.
Appendix 3 Weight Classes for Professional and Amateur Kickboxers Maximum Weight Flyweight 117 lbs.
Bantamweight 127 lbs.
Featherweight 137 lbs. 147 lbs. 157 lbs.
Super Middleweight 169 lbs.
Light Heavyweight 182 lbs.
Cruiserweight 195 lbs.
Super Cruiserweight 210 lbs. 235 lbs.
Super Heavyweight over 235 lbs.
Series 02 Regulation of Mixed Martial Arts
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-1 General
1.1. Scope. -- This rule establishes the procedures to be followed for all Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events under the jurisdiction of the State Athletic Commission. It applies to any Mixed Martial Arts event or any showing exhibiting of any simultaneous telecast of any live, current or spontaneous Mixed Martial Arts, or a closed circuit telecast subscription television viewed within this State or any other state and for which an admission charge is made.
1.2. Authority. -- W. Va. Code §29-5A-24 and W. Va. Code §29-5A-3a(f).
1.3. Filing Date. – May 9, 2023.
1.4. Effective Date. – July 1, 2023.
1.5. Sunset Date. – This rule shall terminate and have no further force or effect on August 1, 2028.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-2 Jurisdiction
The Athletic Commission shall have sole power, direction, management and control over all professional mixed martial arts contests, matches, events, shows, and exhibitions, or any form thereof, to be promoted, conducted, held or given within the state.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-3 Definitions
The words used in this rule shall have the following meanings, unless the content indicates a different meaning:
3.1. “Commission” -- means the West Virginia State Athletic Commission.
3.2. “Contestant” – means a fighter that competes in a Mixed Martial Arts event, match, or exhibition or any form thereof. A contestant can be either a professional or amateur contestant.
3.3. “Deputy” -- means an individual appointed and trained by the Commission to represent the Commission in its absence.
3.4. “Event” -- means a series of matches in which contestants compete.
3.5. “Match” -- means a fight between contestants.
3.6. “Mixed Martial Arts” (MMA) -- means a combative sporting contest, the rules of which allow two competitors to attempt to achieve dominance over one another by utilizing a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, striking, grappling, and the application of submission holds.
3.7. “Permit” -- means a document allowing an event to occur.
3.8. “Promoter” -- means any individual, club, corporation or association engaged in the promotion of regularly scheduled or individual MMA shows or contests. 3.9 “Professional” means:
3.9.a. A contestant who has competed in a minimum of 4 bouts in any amateur ring sport and has developed the skills to be able to compete for money. Amateur matches which cannot be verified by the Commission do not count toward the minimum number of matches required;
3.9.b. A person who has been licensed as a professional MMA contestant by West Virginia or another state to compete in a sanctioned event and has competed as a professional MMA contestant in a sanctioned event in West Virginia or another state; or
3.9.c. A person who has been licensed as a professional in any ring sport other than MMA, has fought in a minimum of two professional fights, and has developed the necessary skill to be licensed as a professional MMA contestant.
3.10. “Amateur” – means a fighter who has not been licensed as a professional fighter in the State of West Virginia or any other jurisdiction.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-4 Licenses
4.1. General. -- The Commission may issue a license to promote, conduct or hold an event to a promoter.
4.2. Application requirements.
4.2.a. Applications for a license shall be signed by the applicant. The applicant shall provide the requested information.
4.2.b. An application for license of contestant shall be accompanied by 2 passport size photographs of the applicant.
4.3. Requirements for granting or renewing license.
Before being granted a license or license renewal the applicant must establish to the satisfaction of the Commission that he or she:
4.3.a. Is skilled and/or trained in Mixed Martial Arts;
4.3.b. Is physically fit and mentally sound;
4.3.c. Has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
4.3.d. Will conduct his business in the best interest and welfare of the public, preserving the safety and health of participants and the best interest of the sport;
4.3.e. Will adhere to and comply with all rules;
4.3.f. In the case of a corporate applicant, these factors shall pertain to its officers, directors, principal stockholders and employees; and
4.3.g. Every license and licensee shall be subject to the provisions of W. Va. Code §29-5A-1 et seq.
4.4. Suspensions, revocation or probation of license or licensee.
The Commission may suspend, revoke or place on probation the license of any licensee licensed under this rule, who in the discretion of the Commission:
4.4.a. Is guilty of failure to obey any lawful order of the Commission or any inspector;
4.4.b. Is guilty of gross immorality;
4.4.c. Is unfit or incompetent by reason of negligence;
4.4.d. Is guilty of violating any provision of this rule;
4.4.e. Has committed fraud or deceit in securing a license for himself or another, or by falsifying a license application;
4.4.f. Has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude in any jurisdiction within one year preceding the suspension or revocation and such conviction not previously reported to the commission by said licensee;
4.4.g. Is an habitual drunkard or addicted to the use of narcotics, as determined by a physician;
4.4.h. Is or has become mentally incompetent, as determined by a physician;
4.4.i. Is or has been guilty of unprofessional or unethical conduct or such conduct as to require a suspension or revocation of license in the best interest of the public;
4.4.j. Has failed to furnish the proper party a copy of any contract or agreement required by this rule or has breached such contract;
4.4.k. Has loaned or permitted another person to use his license or has borrowed or used the license of another;
4.4.l. Has failed to maintain in force the bond required by this rule;
4.4.m. Has by act or omission conducted himself or herself in a manner which would tend to be detrimental to the best interests of Mixed Martial Arts or to the public interest and general welfare;
4.4.n. Has been disciplined in any manner by the Commission or similar agency or body of any jurisdiction;
4.4.o. Has failed to pay a fine or forfeiture imposed by this rule;
4.4.p. Has either by any act, threat, statement or otherwise, restrained, hindered, interfered with or prevented another applicant or promoter, club, corporation, association or booking agent from presenting any professional or amateur MMA event; or
4.4.q. Has engaged directly or indirectly in restraints or monopolies, taken any action tending to create or establish restraints or monopolies, or conspired with others to restrain any person or persons from participating or competing in any professional MMA event for any promoter, club, corporation, association or booking agent.
4.5. License fees.
4.5.a. Promoters (1 year) -- $125.00
4.5.b. Professional Contestant (1 year) -- $25.00
4.5.c. Seconds and Trainers -- $20.00
4.5.d. Managers, Professional (no charge for amateur) -- $50.00
4.5.e. Referees and other Officials -- $30.00
4.5.f. Amateur Contestant -- $20.00
4.6. There is no fee for a manager of an amateur contestant. However, each manager of an amateur contestant must meet the requirements for a license and register with the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-5 Venue
No event shall take place until the venue has been approved by the commission. The venue shall be approved by the Commission based on its suitability for an MMA style event as well as the health and safety of contestants and spectators.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-6 Bond Required
Before any license is issued to any promoter conducting any Mixed Martial Arts contest, he shall execute and file with the Commission a surety bond sufficient to cover all purses, awards and payments to be paid by the promoter. The bond shall be determined by the Commission. The minimum bond shall be $10,000.00 dollars. The bond shall be available to cover any fees associated with Contestant, managers, seconds, doctors, other match related participants, medical expenses or deductible costs for injured boxers (insurance deductibles), and match officials. The bond may not be available to cover expenses such as building rental, concession stand operations, advertisements, or other similar expenses.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-7 Individual Permit and Permits for Professionals
7.1. Application for permit.
Before any professional Mixed Martial Arts event is authorized in the State of West Virginia, the promoter shall obtain an individual permit and permit from the Commission at least 30 days before the date of any such contest or exhibition.
7.1.a. Requirements of applicants. -- Each application for a permit shall name all contestants, the number of rounds and the date and place of the contest.
7.1.b. Contracts made must be filed. -- All contracts made by the promoter with contestants who are to appear on the event must be filed at the same time. All signed contracts must be submitted to the Commission no later than 12PM of the day of the event. No contestant will be allowed to enter the cage unless he or she has signed a contract for the event. All contestants who are added to the card as a substitute on the day of the event pursuant to Section 7.5, infra, must sign a contract for the event prior to entering the cage.
7.1.c. Books open for inspection. -- As a condition for issuance of a permit, each applicant must agree to accord the Commission the right to examine the books, accounts and other records for which the permit is issued.
7.2. Permits.
Request for event permits shall be submitted to the Commission a minimum of 30 days in advance. Permits will be issued by the Commission 5 days in advance of all contests. Permits for events must be exhibited in a conspicuous place at the box office.
7.3. Minimum Number of Rounds.
There shall be a minimum of thirty (30) rounds on a card unless special written permission is obtained from the Commission at the time of granting the permit to have a fewer number of rounds.
7.4. Pre-permit publicity.
The promoters are not permitted to give publicity to a card until the card has been approved by the Commission, unless otherwise approved by the Commission.
7.5. Changes or substitutions.
All changes and substitutions must be approved by the Commission.
7.5.a. Notice. Notice of any change in the announced or advertised programs for any contest must be filed with the Commission at least 4 hours prior to the contest, conspicuously posted at the box office and announced from the cage before the opening contest.
7.5.b. Forfeitures. -- If an MMA contestant who is under contract to appear at an event appears at the weigh-in time and is ready to fulfill his or her contractual obligations, but his or her opponent does not appear or his or her opponent is not able to compete due to a medical condition as determined by the examining physician and a substitute opponent is not provided, the event promoter must pay the contestant his or her contract price unless a forfeit is provided.
7.5.c. Refunds. -- Whenever a substitution is made in an advertised contest, the official announcer shall advise the audience of the substitution prior to the opening match. If any of the patrons desire to have the price of the ticket refunded, a refund will be given if the tickets are presented at the box office prior to the fight. The box office must remain open for at least twenty (20) minutes to redeem the tickets.
7.6. Substitutions. -- Substitutions shall not be permitted in any bout unless approved by the Commission.
7.7. Late changes to card. --The Commission may allow changes to the card on the day of the event if a scheduled contestant fails to attend the match, fails to pass the physical examination, fails to make the required weight for the fight, or for other good cause as determined in its discretion. §177-2- 8. Insurance for Contestants.
8.1. General. --All promoters, clubs, associations and corporations engaged in the presentation of professional Mixed Martial Arts events will provide Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance for the protection of contestant appearing and participating in such events. The minimum amount of Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance shall be $20,000.00.
8.2. Coverage. -- Insurance coverage shall provide for reimbursement to the MMA contestant for medical, surgical and hospital care with a minimum coverage of $20,000 per participant for injuries sustained while participating in any permitted MMA event under the control of a licensed promoter, club, corporation or association.
8.3. Policy Deductible. -- The MMA contestant shall not be subject to payment of any deductible amount required under the insurance policy. The promoter may provide insurance coverage to the MMA contestants under a policy which has no deductible amount or a “zero” dollar deductible amount. In the alternative, if the promoter provides insurance coverage to the MMA contestant under a policy which requires a deductible payment from the MMA contestant for medical treatment, then the promoter will be required to pay all deductible payments incurred on behalf of the MMA contestant directly to the medical provider. No promoter will be permitted to require an MMA contestant to pay the deductible amount to the medical provider and seek reimbursement from the promoter.
8.4. Penalty for nonpayment of premium. -- Failure to pay premiums on insurance required by this rule, shall be cause for suspension or revocation of the license of such promoter, club, corporation or association.
8.5. Certificate of Insurance. -- The promoter must submit a valid Certificate of Insurance coverage to the Commission no later than 72 hours prior to the start of the event.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-9 Promoters Report
9.1. Report required. -- Every promoter, club, association or corporation holding a Mixed Martial Arts event must complete and file the promoter's report in the format provided by the Commission. The report must be received by the Chairman of the Commission within four (4) business days after the date of the event.
9.2. Failure to submit report. -- Any licensee that fails to file a report of any contest within four (4) business days or makes an unsatisfactory report to the Commission shall be subject to penalties as set forth by this rule.
9.3. Report requirements. -- The promoter must file within four (4) business days after any event a written report showing the number of tickets sold and the amount of the gross proceeds including sponsorships.
9.4. Penalties. -- The Commission may impose an administrative penalty or suspend the license of any promoter for the failure to submit a reports. The fine may not exceed $100.00 per day for each day the report is not submitted after the fourth business day.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-10 Inspectors or Deputies
10.1. General. -- The Commission shall appoint inspectors as the Commission may deem necessary. At least one (1) inspector shall be at all Mixed Martial Arts events.
10.2. Inspector's report. -- At each MMA event, an official or inspector of the Commission shall attend. Upon its conclusion, the Chief Deputy or the Deputy-In-Charge shall sign a detailed report showing the results of the fights and the physician's report. The inspector shall be responsible for all details of the contest and shall file all necessary reports within forty-eight (48) hours after the event with the Chairman of the Commission. The inspector may choose other inspectors to assist him with his duties with the approval of the Commission.
10.3. Duties of Chief Inspector or Chief Deputy.
10.3.a. General Duties- The Deputy-In-Charge of an event shall have complete charge of the licenses. It is his or her duty to see that this rule is carried out. The Chief Inspector or Deputy-In-Charge of an event shall be held accountable for the actions of every other deputy assigned to that particular contest. The Deputy-In-Charge shall file, in addition to the official report, a detailed account of any violations of this rule and the law governing MMA events- particularly where a purse or gate has been ordered held.
10.3.b. Prohibition to act as judge or referee- The deputy in charge of a show and any additional deputies or inspectors may not act as a referee or a judge in any event permitted by the Commission.
10.4. Cooperation with law-enforcement agencies. -- The inspectors shall work in cooperation and in conjunction with any police officers detailed for MMA events.
10.5. Equipment. -- The inspector shall ensure that all necessary equipment is provided, that the contestants are ready on time, that the seconds are properly instructed in their duties, that the doctor's report and the statement of weights are delivered to the Commission, and that all rules pertaining to the proper conduct of the match are enforced.
10.6. Participants.
10.6.a. Gloves. -- Contestant are not permitted to put on their gloves until the hand wraps are examined by a representative of the Commission.
10.6.b. Weights. – A contestant will be suspended for a period not to exceed 60 days if they come in over the contracted weight unless authorized by the Commission.
10.6.c. Miscellaneous. -- Cage equipment must be approved by the Commission's inspector. Clubs must have dressing rooms set aside for the use of contestants and no person, except those specifically referenced in §26.2 of this Rule, shall be permitted in the room.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-11 Administrative Review
11.1. Administrative Review.- Any licensee subject to a suspension, penalty, or any enforcement action issued by the Commission, shall have a right to administrative review. The Commission shall use the procedure provide in §29-5A-1 et seq. and set out in the boxing rules under W. Va. Code R. §177-1-10.
11.2. Judicial Review.- Judicial review of the Commission's decision shall be subject to the contested cases provisions of the WV Administrative Appeals Act set forth in W. Va. Code §29-5A-4.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-12 Minimum Age Limit
12.1. Contestants. -- No person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be licensed as an MMA contestant.
12.2. Managers. -- No person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be licensed as a manager.
12.3. Seconds and Trainers. -- No person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be licensed as a second.
12.4. All contestants, managers, and seconds, shall be required to provide acceptable proof of age to the Commission upon request.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-12a Testing for Fighters who are Forty Years of Age and Older. 12a.1. Persons that are forty (40) years of age and older who apply for a license as a MMA contestant, in addition to the other requirements for a license under this Series, must also receive a Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) of the brain. 12a.2. If the results of this test is abnormal or suggests an increase risk following head trauma, the person’s application for a license shall be denied. 12a.3. A person over the age of forty (40), who has previously been licensed by the Commission and seeks to renew his or her license, shall receive the following testing on an annual basis: 12a.3.a. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain without contrast; 12a.3.b. Electrocardiogram (EKG); 12a.3.c. Blood work which includes a complete blood count and complete metabolic panel including hepatic tests, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and glucose. 12a.4. If any of the annual tests are abnormal or suggest deterioration that would increase the risk of head trauma, the person’s license shall be suspended or revoked. 12a.5. The applicant or – by contract – the promoter shall pay for any medical testing required in this section: Provided, That the applicant is responsible for being tested timely pursuant to the applicable rules of the Commission
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-13 Assumed Names
In applying for a license, an applicant shall give his or her legal name, any ring name or fight name, address, social security number, date of birth, and any other names appearing on any license held by him or her under other boxing commission, athletic commission, and any other body regulating MMA.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-14 Designation of Officials
For all Mixed Martial Arts contests, the referee or referees, judges and timekeeper shall be designated by the Commission. Only the officials so designated have the authority to perform their respective functions. The promoter must provide and pay for each examining physician. The examining physicians must be approved by the Commission. All officials appointed by the Commission must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-15 Failure to Appear
15.1. Automatic suspension. -- Any contestant who fails to appear at a show for which he or she had signed a contract or a contract has been signed by his or her duly licensed manager to appear, without a reasonable excuse or furnishing a doctor's certificate in case of physical disability, shall be automatically suspended for a period of 60 days. The Commission may suspend the contestant for a period not to exceed 12 months for good cause.
15.1.a. The automatic suspension shall not apply to an amateur contestant who fails to appear. However, the Commission shall have discretion to suspend or sanction an amateur contestant if he or she fails to appear and fight at two (2) approved contests within a six (6) month period.
15.2. Reporting requirements. -- If a licensed contestant, because of injuries or illness, is unable to take part in a contest for which he or she is under contract, he or she (or his or her manager) must immediately report that fact to the Commission and submit to an examination by a physician designated by the Commission.
15.3. Investigation and final penalty. -- A licensed contestant who is unable to take part in a contest shall submit to the Commission, in person or in writing his or her reasons for nonappearance. If such reasons are not satisfactory to the Commission, he or she shall forfeit the appearance, his or her license shall be canceled and notification of the Commission's action shall be forwarded to other boxing Commissions, athletic commissions, and other agencies that regulate Mixed Martial Arts.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-16 Weigh-in
16.1. General. -- Contestants shall be weighed on the same scales in the presence of each other and an official of the Commission at such time and place prior to the event as may be designated by the Commission. At the weigh-in of all contestants, duly accredited newspaper representatives shall, upon request, be admitted. Contestant performing at outdoor shows are required to weigh-in on the day they contract for their services. In the event of a 24 hour postponement due to weather conditions, weights and physical examinations for the original date of the contract are valid. In the event of a postponement requiring the show to be held later than 24 hours after original date, new weights and physical examinations will be required.
16.2. Time of completion. -- Weigh-in ceremonies must be completed no later than two (2) hours prior to the start of the contest. Contestant appearing late will not be weighed-in, will not be allowed the opportunity to fight, and will be suspended up to sixty (60 days. The Commission shall have the discretion to conduct the weigh-in ceremonies on the day prior to the event or on the day of the event. If a weigh-in is conducted more than three (3) hours prior to the start of the contest, the promoter shall pay the official designated by the Commission to conduct the weigh-in a minimum of $75.00 for each day of the early weigh-in.
16.3. Who must be present. -- Promoters or matchmakers must personally attend weigh-in ceremonies and are not permitted to delegate their duties to an assistant. Inspectors will not weigh-in a contestant until the arrival of the promoters or matchmakers staging the contest. All equipment of contestants shall be approved by the inspector at weigh-in time.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-17 Weights and Classes
The Commission shall utilize the weight classes set forth in Appendix 1 for all Mixed Martial Arts events.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-18 Contracts
18.1. Contracts must be filed. -- The Commission shall be furnished with certified copies of all contracts between promoting corporations, Mixed Martial Arts contestants or managers. A copy of all contracts and agreements between a promoter, club, association or corporation, licensed under this rule and any person or persons not named in the license, who by virtue of the contract or agreement might gain financial benefit from the promotion and presentation of MMA events in West Virginia by a promoter, club, associations or corporation, must be placed on file with the Commission for approval.
18.2. When filed. -- An original copy of every contract between a manager and an MMA contestant licensed in West Virginia must be filed when an application for license is made. The contracts shall be maintained in the archives of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-19 Fake Contests
Any promoting corporation, referee, second or contestant, who in the judgment of the Commission, is determined to be intentionally conspired participant in any prearranged or “Fake” contest shall be subject to suspension and other penalties provided for in this rule.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-20 No Pay Before Contest
No contestant shall be paid for his or her services before a contest.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-21 Wagering
Wagering on a contest is prohibited for any event under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-22 Length of Rounds. 22.1 Rounds for a professional contest shall be of five (5) minutes' duration with a rest period of one (1) minute between rounds
22.2. For an amateur contestant’s first three (3) amateur MMA bouts, the rounds shall be of two (2) minutes duration with a rest period of one (1) minute between rounds. For an amateur contestant’s fourth bout and each subsequent bout, the rounds shall be of three (3) minutes duration with a rest period of one (1) minute between rounds: Provided, That the Commission may establish uniform policy modifying the duration and number of rounds for an amateur contestant’s fourth bout and each subsequent bout as long as the total duration of the match (excluding rest periods) does not exceed fifteen (15) minutes.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-23 Number of Rounds
Title events (championship events) shall consist of five (5) rounds; all other matches shall consist of three (3) rounds.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-24 Reporting In
Contestant shall report to the inspector in the dressing room at least one (1) hour before they are due in the cage.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-25 Interval Between Fights
In addition to any federal requirement, a contestant may not be permitted to compete in a sanctioned contest if he or she has fought within six (6) days prior. The Commission shall have the discretion to extend the interval between bouts up to a maximum of fifteen (15) days if the Commission determines that the health or safety of the contestant would otherwise be in jeopardy.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-26 Dressing Room
26.1. A commission inspector shall be in charge of and supervise the conduct of the dressing room, see that the contestants and seconds are dressed in accordance with the rules, that tape, gloves and accoutrements are as required and there is no delay between fights. The inspector shall see to it, that a set of contestants is ready to enter the cage while the preceding match is in progress.
26.2. No one shall be allowed in the contestant's dressing room except managers, seconds who are working the event, representative of the Commission, or the promoter's representatives.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-27 Managers
27.1. General. -- A manager shall neither attempt to select or insist upon the selection of any designated referee in a bout in which a contestant under his management is to appear, nor have the name of any referee included in the official contract covering such bouts.
27.2. Assignments of interest. -- No assignment of a contestant's or manager's interest in a contract, or of any part thereof, shall be made without the written approval and consent of the Commission.
27.3. Contracts to be filed. -- All copies of the contracts entered into between managers and contestants must be placed on file with the Commission for approval. A contract becomes null and void if any time during his term the manager is not licensed by the Commission.
27.4. Limitation on earnings. -- A contestant is permitted to have 1 manager. That manager is not allowed to receive more than 33 1/3% of the match earnings of the contestant.
27.5. Limitation on supervision. -- A manager may not have more than 2 contestants under their management in any contest without special permission from the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-28 Contestants with No Managers
A contestant who is not under contract to a manager may make his own matches and sign contracts and is not required to have a manager's license to handle his own affairs.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-29 Seconds
29.1. Dress. -- Seconds and managers acting as seconds must be attired.
29.2. Demeanor. -- Seconds may not excessively coach or in any way assist a principal during a round, or by word or action attempt to heckle or annoy his principal's opponent.
29.3. Conduct. -- Seconds may not enter a cage until an audible device indicates the end of the round and are prohibited from spraying or forcefully throwing water on a contestant. Seconds shall leave the cage at the sound of the timer's whistle ten (10) seconds before a round is to begin, removing all obstructions, buckets, stools, etc., promptly at the sounding of an audible devices.
29.4. Throwing in the towel. -- Seconds may throw a towel in the cage as a token of defeat or may step upon the cage apron and indicate to the referee that his or her contestant should not continue; otherwise, the referee is the sole judge as to the ability of a contestant to continue.
29.5. Prohibition of certain dressings. -- No second shall be permitted to use grease or any other substances on the body of a contestant. The use of petroleum jelly in corners is not allowed except in the use of stopping blood and on cuts. Petroleum jelly, or other substances approved by the commission, may be used in between rounds in the use of stopping blood and on cuts and only in the presence of a representative of the commission. The use of drugs, alcohols or stimulants during a match by any contestant, second, trainer, or manager is adequate cause for revoking license.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-30 Timekeepers
30.1. Qualifications. -- Timekeepers shall be appointed by the Commission and shall be of recognized good standing and character.
30.2. Duties. -- The timekeeper shall be seated at the cage side close to the timer or bell. The timekeeper shall use an electronic timer or bell to indicate the beginning and end of each round so the contestants shall hear the timer or bell.
30.3. Equipment. -- The timekeeper must have an audible device and an accurate stop watch that has been properly examined and certified by an inspector of the Commission before it is used.
30.4. Warnings. -- 10 seconds before the beginning of each round the timekeeper shall give warning to the seconds of the contestants using an audible device.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-31 The Announcer
31.1. Responsibilities.
31.1.a. Announcing contestants. -- After contestants and their chief seconds are in the cage, the announcer shall announce the names of the contestants, their correct weights and such other matters as may be approved by the Commission. Promoters shall make provisions for the announcement of rounds.
31.1.b. Decisions. -- The announcer must get the judges’ decision on paper. Once both opponents are center ring with the referee, the announcer shall then announce the decision to the crowd. He or she may announce whether or not the decision is unanimous, majority, or a split decision.
31.2. Conduct. -- The announcer in a contest shall be neatly dressed. His or her conduct is subject to the supervision of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-32 Physician: Medical Requirements
32.1. Physical examination required. -- Every contestant shall, at weighing-in time or at any other time on the day of the match that may be designated by the Commission, be subjected to a physical examination by a duly licensed physician approved by the Commission. At a minimum, each fighter must be examined by a physician before each bout and at the conclusion of each bout. The physician must be a duly licensed medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathy (DO).
32.2. Inspectors to enforce. -- Inspectors are charged with the duty enforcing compliance with this provision, in every case.
32.3. Fitness certification required. -- No contestant may take part in a match until pronounced fit to do so by the physician approved by the Commission. The facts of physical examinations and of the physical fitness of contestants shall be certified over the signature of the physician as a part of the inspector's report submitted after each set of matches. In addition to other findings, the physician shall find specifically that the contestant shows no obvious symptoms of a severe brain concussion.
32.4. Attendant required. -- A physician shall attend at cage side until the conclusion of the final bout. In addition, the promoter shall have at least one (1) ambulance plus two (2) Emergency Medical Technicians- Intermediate (EMT I's) or individuals with greater medical qualifications present until the conclusion of the final bout. The physician, attending EMT's, and oxygen bottles shall be at ring side at all times. In the event that the physician, attending EMT's, or oxygen bottles are not at ringside, the match shall be stopped immediately and shall not resume until the physician, attending EMT's, and oxygen bottles return to ring side. 32.5 Oxygen bottles required. -- The promoter must ensure that oxygen bottles are kept at cage side for the duration of all Mixed Martial Arts events.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-33 Decisions
33.1. By judges. -- Three (3) judges, appointed by the Commission, shall render a decision at the termination of each Mixed Martial Arts bout. Judges shall be of recognized good standing and character.
33.2. Location of judges. -- The three (3) judges shall be stationed at opposite sides of the cage.
33.3. Scoring System.- The 10-Point Must System will be the standard system of scoring a bout.
33.3.a. Under the 10-Point Must Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round and nine points or fewer must be awarded to the loser, except for an even round, which is scored (10-10).
33.3.b. Judges shall evaluate Mixed Martial Arts techniques, such as effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area, effective aggressiveness and defense. Evaluations shall be made in the order in which the techniques appear, giving the most weight in scoring to effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area and effective aggressiveness and defense. Effective striking is judged by determining the number of legal strikes landed by a contestant and the significance of such legal strikes.
33.3.c. Effective grappling is judged by considering the amount of successful executions of a legal takedown and reversals. Examples of factors to consider are take downs from standing position to mount position, passing the guard to mount position, and bottom position contestants using an active, threatening guard.
33.3.d. Fighting area control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location and position of the bout. Examples of factors to consider are countering a grappler's attempt at takedown by remaining standing and legally striking; taking down an opponent to force a ground fight; creating threatening submission attempts, passing the guard to achieve mount, and creating striking opportunities.
33.3.e. Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing a legal strike or takedown.
33.3.f. Effective defense means avoiding being struck, taken down or reversed while countering with offensive attacks.
33.5. The following scoring criteria shall be utilized by the judges when scoring a round;
33.5.a. A round is to be scored as a 10-10 Round when both contestants appear to be fighting evenly and neither contestant shows dominance in a round;
33.5.b. A round is to 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;
33.5.c. A round is to be scored as a 10-8 Round when a contestant overwhelmingly dominates by striking or grappling in a round;
33.5.d. A round is to be scored as a 10-7 Round when a contestant totally dominates by striking or grappling in a round.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-34 Fouls (with explanations as warranted)
34.1. The following are fouls and will result in penalties if committed by contestant.
34.2. Holding or grabbing the fence.
Contestants may put their hands or feet on the fence and push off of it at any time. Contestant's fingers or toes may go through the cage. However the contestant shall not hold on to the fence to control his or her body position or their opponent's body position by holding onto the cage. If a contestant is caught holding the fence or cage material, the referee shall issue a one-point deduction from the offending contestant’s scorecard if the foul caused a substantial change in position such as the avoidance of a takedown. If a point deduction for holding the fence occurs, and because of the infraction, the fouling contestant ends up in a superior position due to the foul, the contestants should be re-started standing in a neutral position by the referee.
34.3. Holding opponent's shorts or gloves.
A contestant may not control their opponent's movement by holding onto their opponent's shorts or gloves. A contestant may hold onto or grab his or her opponent’s hand as long as he or she is not controlling the hand only by using the material of the glove, but by actually gripping the hand of the opponent. It is legal to hold onto your own gloves or shorts.
34.4. Butting with the head.
Any use of the head as a striking instrument whether head to head, head to body or otherwise is illegal.
34.5. Eye gouging of any kind.
Eye gouging by means of fingers, chin, or elbow is illegal. Legal strikes or punches that contact the contestant's eye socket are not eye gouging and shall be considered legal attacks.
34.6. Biting or Spitting at an opponent.
Biting in any form is illegal. A contestant must recognize that a referee may not be able to physically observe some actions, and must make the referee aware if he or she is being bitten during an exhibition of unarmed combat.
34.7. Hair pulling.
Pulling of the hair in any fashion is an illegal action. A contestant may not grab hold of his or her opponent's hair to control the opponent in any way.
34.8. Fish Hooking.
Any attempt by a contestant to use his or her fingers in a manner that attacks the opponent’s mouth, nose or ears, stretching the skin to that area will be considered Fish hooking “fish hooking.” Fish hooking generally is the placing of fingers into the mouth of an opponent and pulling his or her hands in opposing directions while holding onto the skin of an opponent.
34.9. Groin attacks of any kind.
Any attack to the groin area including, striking, grabbing, pinching or twisting is illegal.
34.10. Intentionally placing a finger into any orifice, or into any cut or laceration of your opponent. A contestant may not place his or her fingers into an open laceration in an attempt to enlarge the cut. A contestant may not place his or her fingers into an opponent's, nose, ears, mouth, or any body cavity.
34.11. Downward pointing of elbow strikes;
A contestant may not employ ceiling to floor (12 o'clock to 6 o'clock) elbow strikes.
34.12. Small joint manipulation.
Fingers and Toes are small joints. Wrists, Ankles, Knees, Shoulders and Elbows are all large joints.
34.13. Strikes to the spine or the back of the head.
Strikes behind the crown of the head and above the ears are not permissible within the Mohawk area. Strikes below the top of the ear are not permissible within the nape of the neck area.
34.14. Heel kicks to the kidney.
34.15. Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea.
No directed throat strikes are allowed. A directed attack would include a contestant pulling his or her opponents head in a way to open the neck area for a striking attack. A contestant may not gouge his or her fingers or thumb into their opponent's neck or trachea in an attempt to submit his or her opponent.
34.16. Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle.
Any attack that targets the contestant's skin by clawing at the skin or attempting to pull or twist the skin to apply pain is illegal. Any manipulation of the clavicle is a foul.
34.17. Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
A grounded opponent is any contestant who has more than just the soles of his or her feet on the ground (i.e. could have one shin or one finger down to be considered a downed contestant). If the referee determines that a contestant would be a grounded contestant but for the cage fence holding the contestant from the ground, the referee may instruct the contestants that he or she is treating the contestant who is being held up solely by the cage or ropes as a grounded contestant.
34.18. Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
A grounded opponent is any contestant who has more than just the soles of his or her feet on the ground. If the referee determines that a contestant would be a grounded contestant but is not solely because the cage fence has held contestant from the ground, the referee can instruct the combatants that he is treating the contestant held up solely by the cage or ropes as a grounded contestant.
34.19. Stomping of a grounded contestant.
Stomping is considered any type of striking action with the feet where the contestant lifts his or her leg up bending it at the knee and initiating a striking action with the bottom of the foot or heel. Axe kicks shall not be classified as stomps. Standing foot stops shall not be classified as a foul; therefore, this foul does not include stomping the feet of a standing contestant.
34.20. The use of abusive language in the fighting area.
34.21. Any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.
34.22. Attacking an opponent on or during the break.
A contestant shall not engage his or her opponent in any fashion during a time-out or break of action in competition.
34.23. Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee.
34.24. Timidity.
Timidity is defined as any contestant who purposely avoids contact with his or her opponent or runs away from the action of the fight. Timidity can also be called by the referee for any attempt by a contestant to receive time by falsely claiming a foul, injury, or purposefully dropping or spitting out his or her mouthpiece or other action designed to stall the fight.
34.25. Interference from a Mixed Martial Artists seconds.
Interference is defined as any action or activity aimed at disrupting the match or causing an unfair advantage to be given to one combatant. Seconds are not allowed to distract the referee or influence the actions of the referee in any fashion.
34.26. Throwing an opponent out of the caged area.
A contestant shall not throw their opponent out of the cage.
34.27. Flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions.
A contestant must follow the instructions of the referee at all times. Any deviation or failure to comply may result in the contestant's disqualification.
34.28. Spiking the opponent to the floor on the head or neck (pile-driving).
A pile driver is considered to be any throw where a contestant controls his or her opponent's body by lifting the opponent so that his or her feet are straight up in the air with his or her head straight down toward the mat and then forcibly drives the opponent’s head into the canvas or flooring material. It should be noted that when a contestant is placed into a submission hold by the opponent, if that contestant is capable of elevating the opponent, the contestant may bring the opponent down in any fashion he or she desires because the contestant is not in control of his or her opponent’s body. The contestant attempting the submission can either adjust his or her position, or let go of the hold before being slammed to the floor.
34.29. Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the period of unarmed combat.
34.30. Linear Knee Strikes are prohibited.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-35 Scoring the fouls
Fouls may result in a point being deducted by the official scorekeeper from the offending Mixed Martial Art s contestant's score. The scorekeeper will be responsible for calculating the true score after factoring in the point deduction; judges shall not deduct for fouls.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-36 Assessing Fouls
Only a referee may assess a foul. If the referee does not call the foul, judges shall not make that assessment on their own and cannot factor such into their scoring calculations.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-37 Foul Procedures
37.1. If a foul is committed, the referee shall: 37.l.a. Call time;
37.1.b. Direct the non-injured contestant to a neutral corner; 37.l.c. Check the fouled contestant's condition and safety; and 37.l.d. Assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corners’ seconds, the judges and the official scorekeeper.
37.2. If a bottom contestant commits a foul, unless the top contestant is injured, the match shall continue so as not to jeopardize the top contestant's superior positioning at the time. 37.2.a The referee shall verbally notify the bottom contestant of the foul.
37.2.b. When the round is over, the referee shall assess the foul and notify both corners' seconds, the judges and the official scorekeeper.
37.2.c. The referee may terminate a bout based on the severity of a foul. For such a flagrant foul, a contestant shall lose by disqualification.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-38 Time Considerations for Fouls
38.1. Low Blow Foul.
38.1.a. A contestant who has been struck with a low blow is allowed up to 5 minutes to recover from the foul as long as in the cage side doctor's opinion the contestant may possibly continue on in the match. If the contestant states that they can continue on before the 5 minutes of time have expired, the referee shall as soon as practical restart the fight. If the contestant goes over the 5 minute time allotment, the match cannot be restarted and the contest must come to an end with the outcome determined by the round and time in which the match was stopped.
38.2. Contestant who is not fouled by low blow but another foul.
38.2.a. If a match or exhibition 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 as a result of the foul and if the foul did not involve a concussive impact to the head of the contestant who has been fouled, the referee may order the match or exhibition continued after a recuperative interval of not more than 5 minutes. Immediately after separating the contestants, the referee shall inform the Commission's representative of his or her determination that the foul was accidental.
38.2.b. If a contestant is fouled by a blow that the referee deems illegal, the referee may stop the action and call for time. The referee may take the injured contestant to the cage side doctor and have the cage side doctor examine the contestant as to his or her ability to continue on in the contest. The cage side doctor has up to 5 minutes to make a determination. If the cage side doctor determines that the contestant can continue in the contest, the referee shall, as soon as practical, restart the fight. However, unlike the low blow foul rule, the contestant does not have up to 5 minutes of time to use at their discretion.
38.2.c. For a foul other than a low blow, the fouled contestant is not guaranteed 5 minutes of recovery time. If deemed not fit to continue by the referee or cage side physician, the referee must immediately stop the match. If the contestant is deemed not fit to continue by the referee or cage side physician but some of the 5 minute foul time is still remaining, the contestant is not entitled to use the remaining time.
38.2.d. If the referee stops the match and employs the use of the cage side doctor, the cage side physician's examinations may not exceed 5 minutes. If 5 minutes is exceeded, the match cannot be re-started and the match must end.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-39 Scoring of Incomplete Rounds
The judges shall score an incomplete round. If the referee penalizes either contestant, then the appropriate points shall be deducted when the scorekeeper calculates the final score for the partial round.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-40 Tap Out
40.1. Submission by Tap Out. -- When a contestant physically uses his hand to indicate that he or she no longer wishes to continue.
40.2. Verbal Tap Out. -- When a contestant verbally announces to the referee that he or she does not wish to continue or makes audible sounds such as screams indicating pain or discomfort.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-41 Combat Area
41.1. Matches may take place in a cage or ring that has been approved by the Commission. The cage or ring shall meet the requirements set forth by the Commission and is subject to inspection prior to each match by a Commission representative such as a referee.
41.2. Cages. -The cage specifications shall meet the following requirements.
41.2.a. The fighting area floor shall be no smaller than 18 feet by 18 feet and no larger than 32 feet by 32 feet. The fighting area floor shall be padded in a manner as approved by the Commission, with at least one inch layer of foam padding. Padding shall extend beyond the fighting area and over the edge of the platform. The floor must be covered with canvas, vinyl or other plastic rubberized material. The Commission shall have discretion to approve the flooring materials prior to use at the event. The fighting area floor shall not be more than four feet above the floor of the building and shall have suitable steps or ramp for use by the participants.
41.2.b. Post shall be made of metal not more than six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of 58 inches above the fighting area floor and shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the Commission. The fighting area floor shall be enclosed by a fence made of such material as will not allow a contestant to fall out or break through it onto the floor or spectators, including, but not limited to, vinyl coated chain link fencing. All metal parts shall be covered and padded in a manner approved by the Commission and shall not be abrasive to the contestants. The fence shall provide two separate entries onto the fighting area floor.
41.3. The Commission shall determine all seating arrangements at cage side necessary to effectuate the match. A promoter may submit a proposed seating arrangement to the Commission one week before the event.
41.4. Ring – The ring specification shall meet the following requirements:
41.4.a. The ring shall be no smaller than eighteen feet square and no larger than thirty-two feet square within the ropes. One corner shall have a red designation and the corner directly opposite shall have a blue designation.
41.4.b. The floor must extend at least eighteen inches beyond the ropes. The ring floor must be padded in a manner as approved by the Commission, with at least one inch layer of foam padding. The floor must be covered with canvas, vinyl or other plastic rubberized material. The Commission shall have discretion to approve the flooring materials prior to use at the event. The fighting area floor shall not be more than four feet above the floor of the building and shall have suitable steps or ramp for use by the participants.
41.4.c. Ring posts must be made of metal, not more than three inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of fifty-eight inches above the ring floor, and must be properly padded in a manner approved by the commission. Ring posts must be at least eighteen inches away from the ring ropes.
41.4.d. There shall be five ring ropes not less than one inch in diameter and wrapped in soft material. The lowest ring rope must be twelve inches above the ring floor.
41.4.e. There shall not be any obstruction or object, including, without limitation, a triangular border, on any part of the ring floor.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-42 Referee's License
42.1. Qualifications. -- Referees shall be appointed by the Commission and shall be certified by the Association of Boxing Commissions.
42.2. Prohibitions. -- No person who is, directly or indirectly, interested in the management of a contestant, or who is an individual promoter, or stockholder in, or an employee of a corporation, or interested in an unincorporated club or association engaged in the promotion of an event, shall be permitted to referee said event.
42.3. Powers of the referee. -- After a match starts, the referee has the power to declare a match “No Contest,” and order the purse held, pending the decision of the Commission. The referee shall immediately make a report to the Commission. The referee may stop a match if, in his or her opinion, a contestant is badly outclassed, injured, or the referee may temporarily stop a match and consult the examining physician on the advisability of stopping the contest in the case where a contestant appears to be injured. The referee is empowered to enforce discipline and the rules pertaining to the conduct and behavior of contestants and seconds.
42.4. Duties of referee.
42.4.a. General. -- Subject to the supervision of Commission members or Deputy Commissioners, the chief official of the match is the referee who has general supervision over matches.
42.4.b. Ascertainment of seconds. -- The referee shall, before starting a match, ascertain from each contestant the name of his chief second and shall hold the chief second responsible for the conduct of his assistant seconds during the progress of the contest.
42.4.c. Instructions. -- The referee shall call contestants together in the cage before each match for the final instructions at which time each contestant shall be accompanied by only his chief second.
42.5. Referee's inspection. -- The referee shall inspect the hand wraps and the gloves and make sure that no grease or other foreign substances have been applied to either the gloves or the bodies of the contestants to the detriment of the opponent.
42.6. Referee's uniform. -- Referees shall wear official uniforms as authorized by the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-43 “Down” Without Being Struck; Counted Out
43.1. General. -- A contestant who goes down without being struck and stays down shall be disqualified.
43.2. Absence of contestant. -- Should a contestant leave the cage during the 1 minute period between rounds and fail to be in the cage when the audible sound signals to resume the match or should a contestant fail to rise from his chair at the beginning of a round, the referee shall start counting immediately and unless the contestant is on his or her feet in the cage at the end of 10 seconds, the referee shall declare the contestant counted out.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-44 Withholding Purse
When counting a contestant out or disqualifying a contestant for fouling, the purse shall be held pending a decision. Should the referee determine that one (1) or both the contestants are not honestly competing, that the knockdown is “a dive,” or that there is a prearranged termination of the bout, the referee shall stop the bout and order the purses of both contestants be held pending investigation by the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-45 Gloves
Contestants shall wear gloves which weigh a minimum of 4 ounces in weight. Contestants shall wear the same weight gloves. If gloves used in any match have been used before, they must be whole, clean and in sanitary condition. Gloves must be supplied by the promoter and approved by the Commission. No contestant is allowed to supply their own gloves for any match.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-46 Hand Wraps
46.1. All contestants shall be required to gauze and tape their hands prior to a match. In all weight classes, the hand wraps on each contestant's hand shall be restricted to soft gauze cloth not more than 15 yards in length and 2 inches in width, held in place by not more than 10 feet of surgeon's tape, 1 inch in width, for each hand. Surgeon's adhesive tape shall be placed directly on each hand for protection near the wrist. However, as opposed to boxing wraps, the tape may cross the back of the hand twice and extend to cover and protect the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. The hand wraps shall be evenly distributed across the hand. Hand wraps and tape shall be placed on the contestant's hands in the dressing room in the presence of the inspector and, if warranted, in the presence of the manager or chief second of his or her opponent.
46.2. Under no circumstances are gloves to be placed on the hands of a contestant until the approval of the inspector is received. Substances other than tape and gauze shall not be utilized. For example, pre-wraps may not be used.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-47 Use of Petroleum Jelly, Gels, or other similar substances
Contestants may not apply body grease, gels, balms, lotions, oils, or other substances to the hair, face or body. This includes the use of excessive amounts of water “dumped” on a contestant to make him/her slippery. However, petroleum jelly may be applied solely to the facial area at cage side in the presence of an inspector, referee, or a person designated by the commission. Any contestant applying anything other than petroleum jelly in an approved fashion at cage side may be penalized a point or subject to loss by disqualification.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-48 Contestants' Attire and Appearance
48.1. Trunks. -- A contestant shall wear Mixed Martial Arts shorts, biking shorts, or kick boxing shorts.
48.2. Shirt or Gi. -- Male contestants may not wear a shirt or gi during competition. Female contestants shall wear a body shirt or other appropriate attire during competition.
48.3. Shoes. -- Contestants may not wear shoes or padding on their feet during a competition.
48.4. No articles of clothing other than as specified above shall be allowed.
48.5. No articles of clothing shall be worn by any contestant unless approved by the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-49 Protective Equipment
49.1. Male contestants must provide and shall wear a groin protector during the match.
49.2. Female contestants may not wear groin protectors. Female contestants must provide and shall wear a breast protector.
49.3. All contestants must provide and wear a mouthpiece during the match. 49.4. No other protective gear shall be allowed.
49.4. No protective equipment shall be worn by a contestant unless approved by the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-50 Appearance
The inspector or Commission representative shall determine whether head or facial hair presents any hazard to the safety of the contestant or his or her opponent or will interfere with the supervision and conduct of the match. Facial hair may not be braided. Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed subject to the approval of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-51 Sanitation Buckets, etc
The promoter shall provide a sufficient number of sanitation buckets for the use of all contestants. Promoters shall also provide fans, stools for seconds and other articles as are required in the conduct of a match. Promoters shall provide a sufficient number of buckets so that each contestant shall have a new bucket for his or her fight.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-52 Minimum Fees for Officials
52.1. The following amounts, at a minimum, shall be paid by the promoter to the officials designated by the Commission to officiate an event.
52.1.a. Day of Show Chief Deputy or Deputy in Charge -- $75.00.
52.1.b. Judges -- $50.00 per day.
52.1.c. Time Keeper -- $50.00 per day.
52.1.d. Referee -- $75.00 per day.
52.1.e. Inspectors -- $50.00 per day.
52.1.f. Scorekeeper -- $50.00 per day.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-53 Medical Testing Requirements
53.1. Every professional and amateur contestant licensed under this Series shall submit evidence to the Commission that the contestant is free of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and proof of passing a Hepatitis B and a Hepatitis C virus test. The Commission will only accept laboratory results that are no older than twelve (12) months.
53.2. Upon seeing blood, the referee will take the contestant to a neutral corner and wipe off the blood. If the bleeding stops, the fight will continue. If, in the referee’s discretion, the bleeding cannot be stopped, the fight will be stopped.
53.3. A female contestant shall submit a negative pregnancy test to the Commission. The test must be no older than 2 days prior to the date of the match.
53.4. The Commission may require additional medical testing of a contestant in order to protect his or her health and safety. Additional testing may include an electrocardiogram (EKG), neurological exam, CAT scan (CT), cardiovascular stress test, or any other examination that the Commission deems necessary. 53.5 A contestant who fails a medical test provided for under this Section shall not participate in the next subsequent match and the contestant’s license shall be subject to suspension or revocation if the Commission determines that a suspension or revocation is required to protect the health and safety of the contestant, other MMA contestants, or the public.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-53a Drug Testing. 53a.1. In order to ensure the safety of all contestants and to protect the integrity of professional and amateur MMA, the Commission herein prohibits the use of alcohol and any “controlled substance” as defined under Chapter 60A of the West Virginia Code by a licensed contestant while participating in an event regulated by the Commission unless the contestant has a legal prescription for the controlled substance. 53a.2. During an event regulated by the Commission, a contestant shall not be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance for which he or she does not have a legal prescription. 53a.2.a. While under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance for which he or she does not have a legal prescription, a contestant shall not be permitted to participate in any bout sanctioned by the Commission. 53a.3. Acting with good cause, a member of the Commission, deputy commissioner, or inspector may direct any contestant to submit a sample of his or her urine for testing. Samples or tests pursuant to the requirement of this rule may be requested at any time on the day of the bout or event in which the contestant is participating. 53a.3.a. Initial Test – if a contestant is selected by good cause for a test on the day of the bout or event, the person designated by the Commission shall perform an initial urinalysis. 53a.3.b. If the initial test results are negative or inconclusive for a controlled substance, no action shall be taken. 53a.3.c. If the initial test is positive for a controlled substance, the contestant shall not be permitted to participate in a bout unless the contestant can demonstrate at the time of the initial test that he or she has a legal prescription for the controlled substance. 53a.4. A positive result in the initial test for any controlled substance for which – at the time of the test – the contestant does not have a legal prescription shall constitute cause for the Commission to revoke, suspend, or place on probation the license of any fighter licensed under this Title. Following a decision by the Commission which revokes, suspends, or gives probation based on a violation under this section, the licensee affected by the decision has the right to a review of the decision under the procedures set out in Section 177-2-11 of this Rule. 53a.5. Refusal of any contestant to supply a urine sample when requested by a person designated by the Commission shall constitute a failed test and subject the contestant to a suspension of not more than one year. A second and all subsequent failures or refusals to provide a requested urine or blood sample shall be considered grounds for license revocation
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-54 Safety of Contestants
Notwithstanding any provision of these rules to the contrary, the Commission may take any additional measures deemed necessary to protect the safety of all contestants.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-55 Types of Match Results
A match may end under the following results:
55.1. Submission:
55.1.a. Tap out: when a contestant physically uses his or her hand(s) to indicate that he or she no longer wishes to continue.
55.1.b. Verbal tap out: when a contestant verbally announces to the referee that he or she do not wishes to continue.
55.2. Knockout “(KO)”: failure to rise from the floor.
55.3. Technical knockout “(TKO)”:
55.3.a. Referee stops bout because contestant can no longer defend himself or herself;
55.3.b. Cage side physician advises referee to stop bout; or
55.3.c. When an injury as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate the bout.
55.4. Decision via scorecards:
55.4.a. Unanimous: when all 3 judges score the match for the same contestant.
55.4.b. Split decision: when 2 judges score the match for l contestant and 1 judge scores for the opponent.
55.4.c. Majority decision: when 2 judges score the bout for the same contestant and 1 judge scores the bout a draw.
55.5. Draws:
55.5.a. Unanimous: when all 3 judges score the bout a draw;
55.5.b. Majority: when 2 judges score the bout a draw;
55.5.c. Split when all 3 judges score it differently and the score total results in a draw.
55.6. Disqualification: when an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul severe enough to end the match.
55.7. Forfeit: when a contestant fails to begin competition or prematurely ends the match for reasons other than injury or indicating a tap out.
55.8. Technical draw:
55.8.a. When an injury is sustained during the match 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 score cards at the time of the stoppage.
55.8.b. When an injury is sustained during the match and is a result of an unintentional foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue and the sufficient number of rounds have been completed with the results of the scorecards being a draw.
55.9. Technical decision: when the match is prematurely stopped due to an injury and a contestant is leading on the scorecards.
55.10. No contest: when a match is prematurely stopped due to accidental injury and a sufficient number of rounds have not been completed to render a decision via the scorecards.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-56 Consumables
A contestant may only consume water or an electrolyte replacement drink (such as Gatorade, power aid, etc.,) at cage side.
W. Va. Code R. § 177-2-57 Amateur Specific Rules
All previous rules and regulations shall apply for Amateur Mixed Martial Art bouts unless indicated as such under this section.
57.1. Protective Equipment:
57.1.a. The use of ankle wraps is optional.
57.1.b. Six ounce gloves shall be worn for all weight categories.
57.1.c. The use of female chest protectors is optional.
57.2. Rounds: A contestant’s first three amateur fights shall each consistent of three (3) rounds that shall be two (2) minutes in duration with a 60 second rest between each round. A contestant’s fourth amateur fight and every subsequent amateur fight shall each consist of three (3) rounds that shall be three (3) minutes in duration with a 60 second rest between each round.
57.3. Fouls:
57.3.a. Use of the head for striking is not allowed.
57.3.b. Except to the body of an opponent, elbow strikes are not allowed.
57.3.c. Knees to the head are not allowed.
57.3.d. Fist strikes to the head of grounded opponent are allowed. Striking the back of the head of either a standing or grounded opponent is not allowed.
57.3.e. Neck cranks are not allowed.
57.3.f. Twisted leg submissions are not allowed.
57.3.g. Linear Kicks to the knees are not allowed.
57.3.h. Heel kicks to the kidneys are not allowed.
APPENDIX 1
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS WEIGHT CLASSES
Male and female Contestant shall use the same weight classes.
Weight Class: Weight Difference Allowed:
Flyweight up to 125 lbs. 10* Bantamweight over 125 to 135 lbs. 10Featherweight over 135 to 145 lbs. 10Lightweight over 145 to 155 lbs. 10* Welterweight over 155 to 170 lbs. 10*Middleweight over 170 to 185 lbs. Note 1Light Heavyweight over 185 to 205 lbs. Note 1Heavyweight over 205 to 265 lbs. Note 1Super Heavyweight over 265 lbs. Note 1 * If a boxer weighs 158 pounds or less, the boxer shall not be allowed to match another boxer when the weight differential is more than 10 pounds. See W. Va. Code § 29-5A-19.
Note 1: If both contestants weigh 159 pounds or more at the scheduled weigh in and their weights fall within the same weight class, then there is no restriction on the weight differential.
Matches which cross weight classes:
If the two contestants are weighed at the scheduled weigh in and their weights fall in different weight classes, the Maximum Weight Difference Allowed shall be:
One contestant weighs: 158 pounds or less: 10 pounds One contestant is Middleweight: 10 pounds One contestant is Light Heavyweight: 15 pounds One contestant is Heavyweight: 20 pounds One contestant is Super Heavyweight: 50 pounds
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