201 KAR 27:005

201 KAR 27:011. General requirements for boxing and kickboxing shows.

RELATES TO: KRS 229.021, 229.071, 229.081, 229.091, 229.101, 229.131, 229.171, 15 U.S.C. 6304

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 229.180(1)

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 229.171(1) authorizes the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority to provide the sole direction, management, control, and jurisdiction over all professional boxing, sparring, and wrestling matches or exhibitions to be conducted, held, or given within the Commonwealth. KRS 229.180(1) authorizes the authority to promulgate regulations necessary or expedient for the performance of its regulatory function. KRS 229.071(2) authorizes the authority to grant annual licenses to applicants for participation in professional matches if the authority judges that the financial responsibility, experience, character, and general fitness of the applicant are such that participation by the applicant is in the public interest. KRS 229.091(1) provides that every licensee shall be subject to administrative regulations promulgated by the authority. 15 U.S.C. 6304 requires a promoter to provide medical insurance for any injuries sustained in a match. This administrative regulation establishes the general requirements for boxing and kickboxing shows.

Section 1. (1) The authority shall license all persons approved to participate as contestants in a boxing or kickboxing show.

(2) A participant shall apply for a license at the show site after prefight physicals have been preformed.

(3) An application shall only be mailed to the authority if the applicant is over thirty-nine (39) years old and a comprehensive physical is required pursuant to Section 35 of this administrative regulation.

(4) A license shall expire on December 31 of the year in which it is issued.

Section 2. (1)(a) An applicant for a boxing license shall complete and submit to the authority the form "Application for License as a Boxer", (2/06).

(b) A copy of the applicant’s picture identification or birth certificate shall be submitted with the application.

(2) The license fee for each participant shall be as follows:

(a) For boxers and kickboxers - twenty (20) dollars

(b) For a boxer’s federal identification card, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 6305(a) and (b) - ten (10) dollars. This identification is valid for two (2) years from the date issued. To obtain a boxer’s federal identification card, an applicant shall complete and submit to the authority the form "Boxer’s Federal Identification Card Application".

Section 3. (1) A promoter of a boxing or kickboxing show shall request a show date by completing and submitting to the authority the form "Boxing Show Notice Form", (2/06).

(2) The form shall be submitted to the authority for approval no less than thirty (30) calendar days before the requested show date.

(3) There shall be no advertising of the event prior to the approval.

(4) Upon approval by the authority, all advertisements shall include promoter’s the license number.

Section 4. Before the commencement of the main event of any boxing or kickboxing show or exhibition, a promoter of a show or exhibition shall tender to the inspector or an employee of the authority a certified check or money order made payable to each official who will officiate the show or exhibition in the amount prescribed by the schedule of compensation for officials established in Section 3 of this administrative regulation.

Section 5. The schedule for compensation to be paid prior to the commencement of the main event to officials participating in a boxing or kickboxing show shall be as follows:

(1) Judges for boxing or kickboxing shows: seventy-five (75) dollars each.

(2) Timekeeper for boxing or kickboxing shows: seventy-five (75) dollars.

(3) Physician for boxing and kickboxing show: $250.

(4) Referees for boxing and kickboxing shows: $100 each.

Section 6. If a show or exhibition is cancelled, with less than twenty-four (24) hours' notice to the authority, officials shall be paid one-half (1/2) the compensation required by Section 5 of this administrative regulation.

Section 7. The proposed card for a show shall be filed with the authority at least five (5) business days prior to the date of the show. Notice of any change in a program or any substitutions in a show shall be immediately filed with the authority.

Section 8. All contestants’ compensation agreements shall be in writing and submitted to the authority for approval not less than five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the proposed show.

Section 9. (1) Before the commencement of a show, all changes or substitutions in the card shall be:

(a) Announced from the ring; and

(b) Posted in a conspicuous place at the ticket office.

(2) In the event of a change in the card, a purchaser of a ticket shall be entitled, upon request, to a refund of the purchase price of the tickets, provided the request is made before the commencement of the show.

Section 10. Within twenty-four (24) hours of the conclusion of a show, the promoter shall, pursuant to KRS 229.031(1), complete and submit to the authority the form, "Boxing Event Report" (2/06).

Section 11. The area between the ring and the first row of spectators on all four (4) sides shall be under the exclusive control of the authority. No alcohol or smoking shall be allowed in the area under the control of the authority.

Section 12. (1) There shall be an area of at least six (6) feet between the edge of the ring floor and the first row of spectator seats on all four (4) sides of the ring.

(2) A partition, barricade, or some type of divider shall be placed:

(a) Between the first row of the spectator seats and the six (6) foot area surrounding the ring; and

(b) Along the sides of the entry lane for boxers and kickboxers to enter the ring and the spectator area.

Section 13. The ring specifications shall be as follows:

(1) A bout shall be held in a four (4) sided roped ring with the following specifications:

(a) The floor of the ring inside the ropes shall not be less than sixteen (16) feet square;

(b) The floor of the ring shall extend beyond the ropes for a distance of not less than one (1) foot;

(d) The ring shall have steps to enter the ring on two (2) sides.

(2) The ring shall be formed of ropes with the following specifications:

(a) There shall be a minimum of three (3) ropes extended in a triple line at the following heights above the ring floor:

1. Twenty-four (24) inches;

2. Thirty-six (36) inches; and

3. Forty-eight (48) inches;

(b) A fourth rope may be used if it is approved by the inspector or employee of the authority prior to the commencement of the show:

(d) The ropes shall be wrapped in a clean, soft material and drawn taut;

(e) The ropes shall be held in place with two (2) vertical straps on each of the four (4) sides of the ring.

(3) The ropes shall be supported by ring posts that shall be:

(a) Made of metal or other strong material;

(b) Not less than three (3) inches in diameter;

(4) The ring floor shall be padded or cushioned with a clean, soft material that:

(a) Is at least one (1) inch in thickness using thick slow recovery foam matting;

(b) Extends over the edge of the platform; and

2. Is clean, sanitary, dry, and free from:

a. Grit;

b. Dirt;

c. Resin;

d. Blood; and

e. Any other foreign object or substance.

(5) A ring rope shall be attached to a ring post by turnbuckles that are padded with a soft vertical pad at least six (6) inches in width.

Section 14. A bell or horn shall be used by the timekeeper to indicate the time.

Section 15. In addition to the ring and ring equipment, the promoter shall supply the items listed in this section, which shall be available for use as needed.

(1) A public address system in good working order.

(2) Judges and timekeepers chairs elevated sufficiently to provide an unobstructed view of the ring and the ring floor.

(3) Items for each contestant’s corner, to include:

(a) A stool or chair;

(b) A clean bucket;

(d) Rubber gloves.

(4) A complete set of numbered round-cards, if needed.

(5) A clean stretcher and a clean blanket, placed under or adjacent to the ring throughout each bout.

(6) First aid oxygen apparatus or equipment.

(7) Gloves for each boxer or kickboxer.

Section 16. A scale used for any weigh-in shall be approved in advance by the inspector or employee of the authority.

Section 17. A promoter shall provide a minimum of two (2) security guards for the premises where contests or exhibitions are conducted to ensure to the satisfaction of the authority that adequate protection against disorderly conduct has been provided. Any disorderly act, assault, or breach of decorum on the part of any licensee at the premises shall be prohibited.

Section 18. (1) Emergency medical personnel and portable medical equipment shall be stationed at ringside during the event.

(2) There shall be resuscitation equipment, oxygen, a stretcher, a certified ambulance, and an emergency medical technician on site for all contests.

(3) If the ambulance is required to leave the event for any reason, no boxing or kickboxing shall be allowed to continue until an ambulance is once again present and medical personnel are at ringside.

Section 19. (1) There shall be at least one (1) physician licensed by the authority at ringside before a bout is allowed to begin.

(2) The physician shall have at ringside any medical supplies reasonably anticipated to provide first aid medical assistance for the type of injuries reasonably anticipated to occur in a boxing or kickboxing contest.

Section 20. (1) A promoter shall provide health insurance for the boxer or kickboxer for any injuries sustained in the boxing event.

(2) The minimum amount of coverage per boxer or kickboxer shall be $5,000 benefits.

(3) A certificate of insurance coverage shall be provided to the authority no less than two (2) business days before the event.

Section 21. All judges, physicians, referees, and timekeepers shall be selected, licensed, and assigned to each show by the authority. For each show, the authority shall assign:

(1) Three (3) judges;

(2) One (1) timekeeper;

(3) One (1) physician. Two (2) physicians shall be assigned to any bout designated a championship bout by a national sanctioning body recognized by the authority; and

(4) One (1) referee, unless the card has more than thirty (30) rounds, in which case a minimum of two (2) referees shall be required.

Section 22. Decisions shall be rendered as follows:

(1) If a contest lasts the scheduled limit, the winner of the contest shall be decided by:

(a) A majority vote of the judges if three (3) judges are employed to judge the contest; or

(b) A majority vote of the judges and the referee if two (2) judges are employed to judge the contest.

(2) Decisions shall be based primarily on boxing or kickboxing effectiveness, with points awarded for display of the following attributes, and points deducted for an opposite showing:

(a) Clean, forceful hitting;

(b) Aggressiveness;

(d) Ring generalship.

Section 23. Scoring shall be as follows:

(1) Each round in boxing or kickboxing shall be accounted for on the scorecard, using the ten (10) point must system. Scoring shall be expressed in ratio of merit and demerit.

(2) Score cards shall be:

(a) Signed;

(b) Handed to the referee in the ring; and

(3) The decision shall then be announced from the ring.

Section 24. Bouts and rounds shall be as follows:

(1) Boxing or kickboxing rounds shall:

(a) Be of either two (2) or three (3) minutes duration; and

(b) Have not less than a one (1) minute rest period between rounds.

(2) A boxing or kickboxing bout shall consist of no less than four (4) and no more than twelve (12) rounds. A championship bout shall be twelve (12) rounds in length.

Section 25. Boxing gloves shall meet the requirements established in this section.

(1) For boxing, contestants shall wear boxing gloves which shall be of the same weight for each contestant and:

(a) Dry, clean, and sanitary;

(b) Furnished by the promoter;

(d) A minimum of eight (8) ounces for a contestant weighing no more than 154 pounds;

(e) A minimum of ten (10) ounces for a contestant weighing over 154 pounds; and

(f) Thumbless or thumb-attached.

(2) For kickboxing, contestants shall wear boxing gloves which shall be of the same weight for each contestant and:

(a) Clean and sanitary;

(b) Furnished by the promoter;

(d) A minimum of eight (8) ounce gloves shall be worn by a contestant weighing no more than 154 pounds;

(e) A minimum of ten (10) ounce gloves shall be worn by a contestant weighing over 154 pounds.

(3) Gloves shall be new for main events and for contests and exhibitions scheduled for ten (10) or more rounds.

(4) Gloves shall be thumbless or thumb-attached gloves approved by the authority.

(5) Kickboxing contestants shall wear padded kickboxing boots approved by the authority.

(6) Gloves for all main events shall be dry and free from defects and shall be put on in the ring, subject to the discretion of the inspector or employee of the authority.

(7) Breaking, roughing, or twisting of gloves shall not be permitted.

(8) The laces on gloves shall be tied on the back of the wrist and taped.

Section 26. Bandages shall meet the requirements set forth in this section.

(1) For boxing and kickboxing, only soft cotton or linen bandages shall be used for the protection of the boxer or kickboxer's hands.

(2) Bandages shall not be more than two (2) inches in width and twelve (12) yards in length for each hand.

(3) Medical adhesive tape not more than one (1) inch in width may be used to hold bandages in place.

(4) Adhesive tape shall not be lapped more than one-eighth (1/8) of one (1) inch.

(5) Adhesive tape not to exceed one (1) layer shall be crossed over the back of the hand for its protection.

(6) Three (3) strips of adhesive tape, lapping not to exceed one-eighth (1/8) of one (1) inch, may be used for protection of the knuckles.

(7) Hand wraps shall be applied in the dressing room in the presence of an inspector, official or employee of the authority. The inspector, official or employee of the authority shall sign the hand wrap and the tape around the strings of the gloves.

Section 27. The requirements governing knockdowns shall be as follows:

(1) If a contestant is knocked to the floor by his opponent, or falls from weakness or other causes, his opponent shall:

(a) Immediately retire to the farthest neutral corner of the ring; and

(b) Remain there until the referee completes his count or signals a resumption of action.

(2) The timekeeper shall commence counting off the seconds and indicating the count with a motion of the arm when the contestant is down.

(3) The referee shall pick up the count from the timekeeper.

(4) If a contestant fails to rise to his feet before the count of ten (10), the referee shall declare him the loser by waving both arms to indicate a knockout.

(5) If a contestant who is down rises to his feet during the count, the referee may, if he deems it necessary, step between the contestants long enough to assure himself that the contestant just arisen is in condition to continue the bout.

(6) If a contestant who is down arises before the count of ten (10) is reached, and again goes down from weakness or the effects of a previous blow without being struck again, the referee shall resume the count where he left off.

(7) At the discretion of the referee, a standing eight (8) count may be used.

(8) If a contestant is knocked down three (3) times during a round, the contest shall be stopped. The contestant scoring the knockdowns shall be the winner by a technical knockout.

(9) If a round ends before a contestant who was knocked down rises, the count shall continue, and if the contestant fails to arise before the count of ten (10), the referee shall declare him knocked out.

Section 28. Failure to Resume a Bout. (1) If a contestant fails to resume the bout for any reason after a rest period, or leaves the ring during the rest period and fails to be in the ring when the bell rings to begin the next round, the referee shall count him out the same as if he were down in that round.

(2) If a contestant who has been knocked out of or has fallen out of the ring during a bout fails to return immediately to the ring and be on his feet before the expiration of ten (10) seconds, the referee may count him out as if he were down.

Section 29. A contestant shall be considered "down" when:

(1) Any part of his body other than his feet is on the ring floor;

(2) He is hanging helplessly over the ropes and in the judgment of the referee, he is unable to stand; or

(3) He is rising from the "down" position.

Section 30. (1) The following shall be considered fouls:

(a) Hitting below the belt;

(b) Hitting an opponent who is down or who is getting up after having been down;

(d) Holding an opponent with one (1) hand and hitting with the other;

(e) Butting with head or shoulder or using the knee;

(f) Hitting with the inside, or butt, of the hand, the wrist, or the elbow, and all backhand blows except for those backhand blows allowable in kickboxing;

(g) Hitting, or flicking, with the glove open or thumbing;

(h) Wrestling, or roughing, against the ropes;

(i) Purposely going down without having been hit;

(j) Deliberately striking at the part of opponent's body over the kidneys;

(k) Use of the pivot blow, or rabbit punch;

(l) Biting of the opponent;

(m) Use of abusive or profane language; or

(n) Failure to obey the referee.

(2)(a) A contestant who commits a foul may be disqualified and the decision awarded to his opponent by the referee.

(b) The referee shall immediately disqualify a contestant who commits a deliberate and willful foul which incapacitates his opponent.

(3) Any contestant committing a foul may be issued a violation by the inspector or employee of the authority.

(4)(a) If a bout is temporarily stopped by the referee due to accidental fouling, the referee, with the aid of the physician, if necessary, shall decide whether the contestant who has been fouled is in physical condition to continue the bout.

(b) If in the referee’s opinion the contestant's chances have not been seriously jeopardized as a result of the foul, he shall order the bout resumed after a reasonable time, the time to be set by the referee, but not exceeding five (5) minutes.

(5)(a) If a contestant is unable to continue as the result of an accidental foul and the bout is in one (1) of the first three (3) rounds, the bout shall be declared a technical draw.

(b) If an accidental foul occurs after the third round, or if an injury sustained from an accidental foul in the first three (3) rounds causes the contest to be subsequently stopped, the contest shall be scored on the basis of the judges' scorecards.

Section 31. The following shall be prohibited:

(1) "Battle royal"; and

(2) Use of excessive grease or any other substance that may handicap an opponent.

Section 32. (1) A boxer or kickboxer who has been repeatedly knocked out and severely beaten shall be retired and not permitted to box again if, after subjecting him to a thorough examination by a physician licensed by the authority, the authority decides the action is necessary to protect the health and welfare of the boxer.

(2) A boxer or kickboxer who has suffered six (6) consecutive defeats by knockout shall not be allowed to box again until he has been investigated by the authority and examined by a physician licensed by the authority.

(3) A boxer or kickboxer whose license is under suspension in any other jurisdiction may be allowed to participate in any boxing or kickboxing only after review and approval of the case by the inspector or employee of the authority.

(4) Any boxer or kickboxer who has been knocked out shall be prohibited from all physical contact for sixty (60) days.

(5) Any boxer or kickboxer who has suffered a technical knockout shall be prohibited from physical contact for up to thirty (30) days. In determining how many days to prohibit the contestant from physical contact, the inspector shall consider the nature and severity of the injuries that resulted in the TKO.

(6) A boxer or kickboxer shall receive a mandatory seven (7) day rest period after competing in an event. Day one (1) of the rest period shall commence on the first day following the event.

Section 33. A boxer or kickboxer shall not engage in any boxing or sparring with a member of the opposite sex.

Section 34. (1) Unless special permission otherwise is granted by the authority, a boxer or kickboxer:

(a) Under nineteen (19) years of age is permitted to box or kickbox no more than six (6) rounds;

(b) Nineteen (19) years of age is permitted to box or kickbox no more than eight (8) rounds; and

(2) A contestant who has not fought within the last twelve (12) months shall not be scheduled to box or kickbox more than ten (10) rounds.

(3) No person over the age of thirty-nine (39) shall box or kickbox without first submitting to a comprehensive physical performed by a physician licensed by the authority. The results of the physical and a medical authorization or release shall then be completed and submitted to the authority no later than fifteen (15) business days prior to the scheduled bout.

Section 35. A contestant shall submit HIV and Hepatitis B and C test results at or before prefight physical. The results of these tests shall be no more than 180 days old. A person with positive test results shall not be allowed to fight.

Section 36. A contestant shall report to and be under the general supervision of the inspector or employee of the authority in attendance at the show and shall be subject to any orders given by the inspector or employee of the authority.

Section 37. A contestant shall produce one (1) form of picture identification. A contestant shall not assume or use the name of another and shall not change his ring name nor be announced by name other than that which appears on his license except upon approval of the inspector or employee of the authority.

Section 38. A contestant shall be clean and neatly attired in proper ring attire and the trunks of opponents shall be of distinguishing colors.

Section 39. A contestant shall not use a belt that contains any metal substance during a bout. The belt shall not extend above the waistline of the contestant.

Section 40. A contestant shall wear shoes during a bout and the shoes shall not be fitted with spikes, cleats, hard soles, or hard heels.

Section 41. A contestant shall wear a properly fitted:

(1) Groin protector;

(2) Kidney protector, if available; and

(3) Mouthpiece.

Section 42. Whenever a contest is ended by reason of fouling or failure to give an honest exhibition of skill, as determined by the inspector, referee, or an employee of the authority, the compensation of the offending contestant shall be withheld by the promoter and shall be disposed of as may be ordered by the authority.

Section 43. The authority shall request at any time a contestant submit to a drug screen for controlled substances at the contestant’s expense. If the drug screen indicates the presence within the contestant of controlled substances for which the contestant does not have a valid prescription, or if the contestant refuses to submit to the test, the authority may suspend or revoke the license of the contestant, impose a fine upon the contestant, or both.

Section 44. (1) The class weights permitted in boxing and kickboxing bouts shall be as follows:

CLASS	WEIGHT
Flyweight	Up to 112 lbs.
Bantamweight	Up to 118 lbs.
Jr. Featherweight	Up to 122 lbs.
Featherweight	Up to 126 lbs.
Jr. Lightweight	Up to 130 lbs.
Lightweight	Up to 135 lbs.
Jr. Welterweight	Up to 140 lbs.
Welterweight	Up to 147 lbs.
Jr. Middleweight	Up to 154 lbs.
Middleweight	Up to 160 lbs.
Light Heavyweight	Up to 175 lbs.
Cruiserweight	Up to 195 lbs.
Heavyweight	Over 195 lbs.

(2) After the weigh-in of a contestant competing in a bout or exhibition:

(a) Change in weight in excess of three (3) pounds is not permitted for any contestant who weighed in at 145 pounds or less.

(b) Change in weight in excess of four (4) pounds is not permitted for any contestant who weighed in at over 145 pounds.

Section 45. (1) A contestant in a show held under the jurisdiction of the authority shall weigh in stripped, at a time set by the authority.

(2) The inspector or an employee of the authority and a representative of the promoter conducting the show shall be in attendance to record the official weights.

(3) A contestant shall not be allowed to fight more than one (1) class above his weight.

Section 46. On the day of the show, the official physician shall make a physical examination of each contestant.

Section 47. If a contestant is unable to participate in a show for which he has a contract, he shall immediately notify the promoter and the authority and file with the authority a physician's certificate verifying the injury or illness or other verified evidence indicating the reasons for his failure to participate. The authority may require a contestant to submit to a medical examination.

Section 48. The promoter shall submit written notice to the nearest hospital with an on-call neurosurgeon that a boxing or kickboxing bout is being held. The notice shall include the date, time, and location of the event. A copy of this notice shall be filed with the authority no less than two (2) business days before the event.

Section 49. The following requirements apply to all bouts between female contestants:

(1) The maximum number of rounds shall be ten (10);

(2) The length of each round shall be two (2) minutes;

(3) The rest period between rounds shall be one (1) minute;

(4) A contestant shall not wear facial cosmetics during the bout;

(5) A contestant with long hair shall secure her hair with soft and nonabrasive material;

(6) Weight classes shall be those established in Section 42 of this administrative regulation;

(7) A contestant shall wear a properly-fitted:

(a) Breast protector;

(b) Groin protector;

(d) Mouthpiece;

(8) The gloves shall be properly fitted and the sizes shall be as follows:

(a) Of equal weight: not to exceed twelve (12) ounces;

(b) A minimum of eight (8) ounce gloves shall be worn by a contestant weighing no more than 154 pounds;

(9) A contestant shall provide the results of a pregnancy test indicating a negative finding that was taken within one (1) week prior to the bout.

Section 50. Incorporation by Reference. (1) The following material is incorporated by reference:

(a) "Application for License as a Boxer", (5/06);

(b) "Boxer’s Federal Identification Card Application", (5/06);

(d) "Boxing Event Report", (5/06).

(2) This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority office at 100 Airport Road, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (32 Ky.R. 1835; 2249; eff. 7-7-2006.)