7 ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

SOAHR (2004-060 LG)

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH DIRECTOR'S OFFICE

BOXING

Filed with the Secretary of State on May 13, 2005

These rules take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State

(By authority conferred on the department of labor and economic growth by 2004 PA 403, MCL 338.3601)

R 339.101, R 339.102, R 339.201, R 339.202, R 339.203, R 339.204, R 339.205, R 339.206, R 339.207,

R 339.209, R 339.211, R 339.213, R 339.215, R 339.217, R 339.219, R 339.221, R 339.223, R 339.225,

R 339.227, R 339.229, R 339.231, R 339.233, R 339.235, R 339.237, R 339.239, R 339.241, R 339.243,

R 339.245, R 339.247, R 339.249, R 339.251, R 339.253, R 339.255, R 339.257, R 339.259, R 339.261,

R 339.263, R 339.265, R 339.267, R 339.269, R 339.301, R 339.303, R 339.401, and R 339.403 are

added to the Michigan Administrative Code as follows: PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

R 339.101 Definitions.

Rule 101. (1) As used in these rules:

(a) "Act" means 2004 PA 403, MCL 338.3601, and known as the boxing regulatory act.

(b) "Contest" means an individual bout between 2 boxers.

(c) "Department representative" means an individual employed by or under contract with the department who is assigned to assure compliance with the law and rules at a boxing show.

(d) "Down" means when any part of a contestant's body, except the contestant's feet, touches the ring floor, or when the contestant is hanging helplessly over the ropes as a result of a legal blow as ruled by the referee.

(e) "Drug" means a controlled substance as regulated pursuant under sections 7101 to 7231 of 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7101 to 333.7231.

(f) "Gong" means a bell, horn, or buzzer that has a clear tone loud enough for the contestants and referee to hear.

(g) "Mandatory count of 8" means a required count of 8 that is given by a referee to a contestant who has been knocked down.

(h) "No contest" means that neither contestant wins the contest.

“Reinstatement” means the granting of a license to a person whose license has been revoked or suspended as a result of discipline.

(j) “Relicensure” means the granting of a license to a person whose license has lapsed for failure to renew the license within 60 days after the expiration date.

(k) "Show" means the program of boxing planned for a specific date by the promoter and includes 1 or more individual contests.

(l) "Stalling and faking" means that a contestant is pulling his or her punches or holding an opponent or deliberately maintaining a clinch.

(m) "Standing mandatory count of 8" means a count of 8 that is given at the discretion of a referee to a contestant who has been dazed by a blow and is unable to defend himself or herself.

(2) The terms defined in section 10 of the act have the same meanings when used in these rules.

R 339.102 Commission meetings.

Rule 102 Commission meetings shall be conducted in accordance with 1975 PA 267, MCL 15.261, the Open Meetings Act, and are open to the public.

PART 2. PROFESSIONAL BOXING

R 339.201 Professional boxing weights.

Rule 201. (1) There shall be not more than a 7-pound weight differential for contestants weighing 126 to 190 pounds, and not more than a 5-pound weight differential for contestants weighing up to 126 pounds. The weight differential applicable to the lowest weight boxer applies.

(2) The department shall not allow a contest in which the contestants are not fairly matched. In determining if contestants are fairly matched, the department shall consider all of the following factors with respect to the contestants:

(a) The win-loss record of the boxers.

(b) The weight differential.

(d) Each boxer's number of fights.

R 339.202 Weighing in.

Rule 202. (1) Within 24 hours, or 48 hours for the heavyweight class, before the start of a show, the department representative shall weigh in each contestant in the presence of his or her opponent, unless the opponent is properly excused from appearing.

(2) Contestants shall appear at the time designated for weighing in unless properly excused from appearing.

(3) Only those contestants who have been previously approved for the show shall be permitted to weigh in.

(4) If the weigh-in is held on the day of the show, a contestant who loses more than 2 pounds in order to make weight and be reweighed shall not compete without the approval of either the physician or the department representative in consultation with the physician.

R 339.203 Licensing requirements; boxers.

Rule 203. (1) A boxer may be licensed as a manager or a second, but shall not be licensed as a timekeeper, judge, referee, or matchmaker.

(2) Contestants shall be licensed at the time of the contest.

(3) A boxer shall not act as his or her own promoter.

R 339.204 Number of rounds.

Rule 204. (1) A professional boxing contest shall consist of not less than 4 and not more than 12 scheduled rounds. Three minutes of boxing shall constitute a round for men, and two minutes of boxing shall constitute a round for women. There shall be a rest period of 1 minute between the rounds.

(2) A promoter shall contract with a sufficient number of contestants to provide a program that consists of not less than 30, and not more than 56, rounds of professional boxing, unless otherwise approved by the department.

(3) When a professional program is held in conjunction with a USA Boxing sanctioned Pro-Am program, the minimum number of required professional rounds may be reduced to 12, provided the total number of scheduled rounds (professional and amateur) is not less than 30.

R 339.205 Ring; dimensions and construction.

Rule 205. (1) The ring shall be square and be not less than 16 feet nor more than 24 feet on a side, measured within the ropes. The ring floor shall extend not less than 18 inches beyond the ropes. There shall be padding over the ring post if the ring posts are nearer than 18 inches to the ring ropes.

(2) The ring floor shall be padded with not less than 5/8 of an inch base of ensolite or material with similar or superior shock-absorbing and deceleration characteristics which is capable of reducing initial impact and which is approved by the commission. The padding shall be placed on 1 inch of celotex building commission or the equivalent. The padding shall extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform and shall be covered with canvas, duck, or a similar material, but not plastic material, that is tightly stretched and laced securely in place under the apron. The corners of the ring shall be padded.

(3) Ring posts shall be not less than 3, nor more than 4, inches in diameter extending from the floor to a height of 58 inches above the floor of the ring. The ropes shall be connected to posts with the extension not shorter than 18 inches.

(4) The ring shall be not more than 4 feet high. Steps shall be provided for the use of contestants.

(5) The ring shall not have less than 4 ropes which may be tightened and which are not less than 1 inch in diameter. The ropes shall be evenly spaced, securely tied halfway between the ring posts, and wrapped in a soft material.

R 339.206 Gloves.

Rule 206. (1) A contestant's gloves shall be examined before a contest by the referee and the department representative. If gloves are broken or unclean or if the padding is found to be misplaced or lumpy, they shall be changed before the contest begins and shall be retained by the department representative who shall check them for tampering.

(2) A promoter shall have on hand an extra set of gloves to be used if a contestant's gloves are broken or damaged during the course of a contest.

(3) Gloves for a main event may be put on in the ring after the referee has inspected the hand wraps of both contestants.

(4) During a contest, male contestants shall wear gloves weighing not less than 8 ounces each. Female contestants shall wear gloves weighing not less than 10 ounces each. The weight of the gloves may be changed at the discretion of the department.

(5) Gloves shall be thumb-attached and of the promoter's choice.

(6) Glove laces shall be tied on the outside of the back of the wrist of the gloves and shall be secured with waterproof medical tape. The tips of the laces shall be removed.

R 339.207 Hand wrap specifications.

Rule 207. (1) Except as agreed to by the managers of the contestants or as provided in subrule (2) of this rule, a contestant's hand wrap for each hand shall consist of soft gauze that is not more than 10 yards long and not more than 2 inches wide. The gauze shall be held in place by not more than 6 feet of medical tape per hand.

(2) Except as agreed to by the managers of the opposing contestants, light heavyweight, cruiserweight, and heavyweight contestants' hand wraps for each hand shall consist of soft gauze that is not more than 12 yards long and not more than 2 inches wide. Gauze shall be held in place by not more than 8 feet of medical tape per hand.

(3) To protect a contestant's hand, hand wraps may be held in place by winding medical tape not more than 12 inches wide around the hand.

(4) Hand wraps shall be adjusted in the dressing room under the supervision of the department representative.

(5) Water or any other substance other than medical tape on the hand wraps shall not be used.

R 339.209 Mouthpieces.

Rule 209. A round shall not begin until the contestant's protective mouthpiece is in place. If, during a round, the mouthpiece falls out of the contestant's mouth, the referee shall, as soon as practicable, stop the contest and escort the contestant to his or her corner. The mouthpiece shall be rinsed out and replaced in the contestant's mouth and the contest shall continue.

R 339.211 Contestant use or administration of any substance.

Rule 211. (1) The use or administration of drugs, stimulants, or nonprescription preparations by or to a contestant during a contest is prohibited, except as provided in this rule.

(2) A substance other than water shall not be given to a contestant during the course of the contest.

(3) Petroleum jelly may be allowed around the eyes; however, the use of petroleum jelly, grease, or any other substance on the arms, legs, or body is prohibited.

(4) The use of coagulants, as approved by the commission, may be allowed between rounds to stop the bleeding of minor cuts and lacerations sustained by a contestant. The use of monsel solution, silver nitrate, new skin, flex collodion, or substances having an iron base is prohibited, and the use of such substances by a contestant is cause for immediate disqualification.

(5) The ringside physician shall monitor the use and application of any foreign substances administered to a contestant before or during a contest and shall confiscate any suspicious foreign substance for possible laboratory analysis, the results of which shall be forwarded to the department.

R 339.213 Ringside equipment.

Rule 213. (1) Each promoter shall provide all of the following items:

(a) A sufficient number of buckets for use by the contestants.

(b) Stools for use by the seconds.

(d) Containers for contestants to spit in.

(e) A stretcher, which shall be kept under the ring near the physician.

(f) A portable resuscitator with oxygen.

(g) An ambulance with attendants on site at all times when contestants are boxing. Arrangements shall be made for a replacement ambulance if the first ambulance is required to transport a contestant for medical treatment. The location of the ambulance and the arrangements for substitute ambulance service shall be communicated to the physician.

(h) Seats at ringside for assigned officials. The physician shall be seated near the steps into the ring.

(i) Scales for weigh-ins, which the department may require to be certified.

(j) A gong.

(k) A public address system.

(l) A separate dressing room for each sex, if boxers of both sexes are participating.

(m) ) A separate room for physical examinations.

(n) A separate dressing room shall be provided for officials, unless the physical arrangements of the site make the provision of an additional dressing room impossible.

(o) Adequate security personnel.

(p) High stools for use by the judges.

(q) Sufficient contest sheets for ring officials and department representatives.

(2) A promoter shall only hold boxing shows in premises that conform to the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the city, town, or village where the shows are situated.

(3) Restrooms shall not be used as dressing rooms and rooms for physical examinations and weigh-ins.

R 339.215 Boxing officials.

Rule 215. (1) Each contest shall have not less than the following officials:

(a) One referee.

(b) Three judges.

(d) One physician.

(2) A licensed referee, judge, or timekeeper shall not officiate at a show that is not licensed by the department, except for a USA Boxing sanctioned show.

(3) A referee or judge shall not officiate or accept an assignment to officiate when that assignment may impair the referee's or judge's independence of judgment or action in the performance of the referee's or judge's duties. Violation of this subrule renders the violator subject to the penalties set forth in section 48 of the act.

(4) Officials shall be paid by the licensed promoter.

(5) A judge shall be seated midway between the ring posts of the ring, but not on the same side as another judge, and shall have an unimpaired view of the ring.

(6) A referee shall not be assigned to officiate more than 32 scheduled rounds in 1 day, except when substituting for another referee who is incapacitated.

(7) A referee shall not wear jewelry that might cause injury to the contestants. Glasses, if worn, shall be protective athletic glasses or goggles with plastic lenses and a secure elastic band around the back of the head.

(8) Referees, seconds working in the corners, department representatives, and physicians shall wear bio- protective gloves in the performance of their duties.

(9) An official shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while performing his or her duties. The department may request an official to be tested for the presence of alcohol or drugs in the same manner that contestants are tested. Violation of this subrule or refusal to be tested shall subject the official to the penalties set forth in section 602 of the act.

(10) Ring officials shall avoid the appearance of partiality. A ring official shall not be licensed as a matchmaker, manager, second, or promoter. A ring official shall not own all or any portion of a contract of a boxer.

R 339.217 Conduct during shows.

Rule 217. (1) Beginning 1 minute before the first round begins, only the referee, contestants, and the chief second may be in the ring. The referee shall clear the ring of all other individuals.

(2) Once a contest has begun, only referees, contestants, seconds, department representatives, physicians, and ring card persons shall be allowed in the ring.

(3) The referee may order that the ring and ringside area be cleared, at any time before, during, or after a contest, of any individual who is not authorized to be present in the ring or ringside area. The department representative may order the clearing of the ringside area.

(4) If any individual refuses to clear the ring or ringside area when ordered to do so by the referee or the department representative, disputes a decision by an official, or encourages spectators to object to a decision either verbally or physically, then the individual shall be deemed to be engaged in disruptive conduct. The referee, on his or her own initiative or at the request of the department representative, may stop a contest at any time until the disruptive conduct ceases. If the individual involved in disruptive conduct is the manager or second of a contestant, then the referee may order points deducted from that contestant's score or disqualify the contestant. If the conduct occurred after the decision was announced, then the department representative shall file complaints against any licensed individual involved in the disruptive conduct. A licensee who engages in disruptive conduct shall be subject to the penalties set forth in section 48 of the act.

R 339.219 Referees.

Rule 219. (1) The referee is the chief official of a contest. The referee shall decide all questions arising in the ring during a contest that are not specifically addressed in these rules.

(2) The referee shall, before each contest begins, determine the name and location of the physician assigned to officiate at the contest and each contestant's chief second.

(3) At the beginning of each contest, the referee shall summon the contestants and their chief seconds together for final instructions. After receiving the instructions, the contestants shall shake hands and retire to their respective corners. The contestants shall not shake hands again until the beginning of the last round.

(4) Where difficulties arise concerning language, the referee shall make sure that the contestant understands the final instructions through an interpreter and shall use suitable gestures and signs during the contest.

(5) With the exception of the contestants, the referee, and the physician in the performance of his or her duties, a person shall not enter the ring, including the apron of the ring, during the progress of a round.

(6) If a contestant's manager or second steps into the ring or onto the apron of the ring during a round, then the fight shall be halted and the referee may eject the manager or second from the ringside working area. If the manager or second steps into the ring or onto the apron a second time during the contest, then the fight may be stopped and the decision awarded to the contestant's opponent due to disqualification.

(7) A referee shall inspect a contestant's gloves and the contestant's body to determine if a foreign substance has been applied.

(8) A referee shall not touch a contestant during a contest except when 1 or both contestants fail to obey the break command.

R 339.221 Stalling or faking.

Rule 221. (1) A referee shall warn a contestant if the referee believes the contestant is stalling or faking. If, after proper warning, the referee determines the contestant is continuing to stall or pull his or her punches, then the referee shall stop the contest at the end of the round.

(2) A referee may consult the judges as to whether the contestant is stalling or faking and shall abide by a majority decision of the judges.

(3) If it is determined that either or both contestants are stalling or faking, or if the contestant refuses to fight, then the contest shall be terminated and announced as no contest.

(4) A contestant who falls down without being struck shall be immediately examined by a physician, if, in the physician's professional judgment, there is a concern for the contestant's safety. After conferring with the physician, the referee may disqualify the contestant.

R 339.223 Injuries and cuts.

Rule 223. (1) If an injury or cut is produced by a fair blow and because of the severity of the blow the contest cannot continue, then the injured contestant shall be declared the loser by technical knockout.

(2) If a contestant intentionally fouls his or her opponent and an injury or cut is produced, and if, due to the severity of the injury or cut, the contestant cannot continue, then the contestant who commits the foul shall be declared the loser by disqualification.

(3) If a contestant receives an intentional butt or foul and the contest can continue, then the referee shall penalize the contestant who commits the foul by deducting points based upon the severity of the offense. The referee shall notify the judges that the injury or cut has been produced by an intentional unfair blow. If in the subsequent rounds the same injury or cut becomes so severe that the contest has to be suspended, then the decision shall be awarded as follows:

(a) A technical draw if the injured contestant is behind on points or even on a majority of the scorecards.

(b) A technical decision to the injured contestant if the injured contestant is ahead on points on a majority of the scorecards.

(4) If a contestant injures himself or herself trying to foul his or her opponent, then the referee shall not take any action in the contestant's favor, and the injury shall be considered the result of a fair blow from the contestant's opponent.

(5) If a contestant is accidentally butted in a contest and can continue, then the referee shall stop the action to inform the judges and acknowledge the butt. If in subsequent rounds, as a result of legal blows, the accidental butt injury worsens, then the referee shall stop the contest and declare a technical decision. The winner shall be the contestant who is ahead on points on a majority of the scorecards. If a contestant is accidentally butted in a contest and an injury or cut is produced and, due to the severity of the injury or cut, the contestant cannot continue, then the referee shall rule as follows:

(a) If the contest is stopped before 2 of the scheduled rounds have been completed, call the contest a technical draw.

(b) If the contest is stopped after 2 of the scheduled rounds have been completed, declare that the winner is the contestant who has a lead in points on a majority of the scorecards before the round of injury.

(6) If, in the opinion of the referee, a contestant has suffered a dangerous cut or injury, then the referee may stop the contest temporarily to summon the physician. If the physician recommends that the contestant can continue, the referee may order the contest to be continued. If the physician recommends that the contestant should not continue, then the referee shall order the contest to be terminated.

(7) A fight shall not be terminated because of a low blow. The referee may give a contestant not more than 5 minutes if the referee believes a foul has been committed. Each contestant shall be instructed to return to his or her respective corner by the referee. The contestants may sit on a stool and have their mouthpieces removed. After removing their contestant's mouthpiece, the seconds shall return to their seats. The seconds shall not coach, administer water, or in any other way attend to their contestant, except to replace the mouthpiece when the round is ready to resume.

(8) If a contestant is knocked down or given a standing mandatory 8 count or a combination of either occurs 3 times in 1 round, then the referee shall stop the contest and award a technical knockout to the opponent. The physician shall immediately enter the ring and examine the losing contestant.

(9) A physician shall immediately examine and administer aid to a contestant who is knocked out or injured, if, in the physician's professional judgment, there is a concern for the contestant's safety.

(10) If a contestant is knocked out or incapacitated, the referee or second shall not handle the contestant, except for the removal of a mouthpiece, unless directed by the physician to do so.

(11) A contestant shall not refuse to be examined by a physician.

(12) A contestant who has been knocked out shall not leave the site of the show until 1 hour has elapsed from the time of the examination or until released by the physician.

(13) A physician shall file a written report with the department on each contestant who has been knocked out or injured.

R 339.225 Knockouts.

Rule 225. (1) A contestant who is knocked down shall take a minimum mandatory count of 8.

(2) If a contestant is dazed by a blow and, in the referee's opinion, is unable to defend himself or herself, then the referee shall give a standing mandatory count of 8 or stop the contest. If on the count of 8 the contestant, in the referee's opinion, is unable to continue, then the referee may count him or her out on his or her feet or stop the contest on the count of 8.

(3) If there is a knockdown, the timekeeper shall immediately start the count loud enough to be heard by the referee, who, after waving the opponent to the farthest neutral corner, shall pick up the count from the timekeeper and proceed from there. The referee shall stop the count if the opponent fails to remain in the corner. The count shall be resumed when the opponent has returned to the corner.

(4) The timekeeper shall signal the count to the referee.

(5) If the contestant taking the count is still down when the referee calls the count of 10, then the referee shall wave both arms to indicate that the contestant has been knocked out. The referee shall summon the physician and shall then raise the opponent's hand as the winner. The referee's count is the official count.

(6) If at the end of a round a contestant is down and the referee is in the process of counting, the gong indicating the end of the round shall not be sounded, except for the last round. The gong shall only be sounded when the referee gives the command to box indicating the continuation of the contest.

(7) In the final round, the timekeeper's gong shall terminate the fight.

(8) A referee shall award a technical knockout decision to the opponent if a contestant is unable or refuses to continue when the gong sounds to begin the next round. The decision shall be awarded in the round started by the gong.

(9) The referee and timekeeper shall resume their count at the point it was suspended if a contestant rises before the count of 10 is reached and falls down immediately without being struck.

(10) If both contestants go down at the same time, then counting shall continue as long as 1 of them is still down or until the referee or the ringside physician determines that 1 or both of the contestants need immediate medical attention. If both contestants remain down until the count of 10, then the contest shall stop and the decision shall be scored as a double knockout.

R 339.227 Contestant outside of ring ropes.

Rule 227. (1) A contestant who has been knocked, wrestled, or pushed, or who has fallen, through the ropes during a contest shall not be helped back into the ring and shall not be hindered in any way by anyone when trying to reenter the ring.

(2) If 1 contestant has fallen through the ropes, the other contestant shall retire to the farthest neutral corner and stay in that corner until ordered to continue the contest by the referee.

(3) The referee shall warn the contestant that the contestant has 20 seconds to return to the ring unassisted. After the warning by the referee, the referee shall begin the count, which shall be loud enough to be heard by the contestant.

(4) If the contestant enters the ring before the count of 20, the contest shall be resumed.

(5) If the contestant fails to enter the ring before the count of 20, the contestant shall be considered knocked out.

R 339.229 Scoring; "10-point must system" defined.

Rule 229. (1) Officials who score a contest shall use the 10-point must system.

(2) For the purpose of this rule, the "10-point must system" means that the winner of each round receives 10 points as determined by clean hitting, effective aggressiveness, defense, and ring

generalship. The loser of the round shall receive less than 10 points. If the round is even, each contestant receives 10 points. Fractions of points shall not be given.

(3) Officials who score the contest shall mark their cards in ink or in indelible pencil at the end of each round.

(4) Officials who score the contest shall sign their scorecards.

(5) Except as provided in subrule (6) of this rule, at the conclusion of each contest, the judges shall total the points for each contestant and indicate the winner by writing the winner's name at the designated area on the scorecard and circle the same name where it appears on the top of the scorecard.

(6) If a contest is scored on individual score sheets for each round, the referee shall, at the end of a round, collect the score sheet for the round from each judge and shall give the score sheets to the department representative for computation.

(7) Referees and judges shall be discreet at all times and shall not discuss their decisions with anyone during a show.

(8) A decision that is rendered at the termination of a boxing contest shall not be changed without a hearing, unless it is determined that a computation of the scorecards shows a clerical or mathematical error giving the decision to the wrong contestant. If such an error is found, the decision may be changed by the department representative.

(9) The referee shall collect the score sheets from the judges and give them to the department representative for checking. After the sheets have been checked, the referee shall collect them and give them to the announcer, who shall announce the decision to the spectators.

(10) After a contest, the department representative shall collect and maintain the scorecards.

(11) If a referee becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete a boxing contest, then a time-out shall be called and the other referee who is assigned to the show shall assume the duties of the referee.

(12) If a judge becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete the scoring of a boxing contest, then a time-out shall be called and an alternate licensed judge shall immediately be assigned to score the contest from the point at which he or she assumed the duties of a judge. If the incapacity of a judge is not noticed during a round, the referee shall score that round and the substitute judge shall score all subsequent rounds.

R 339.231 Fouls.

Rule 231. A referee may disqualify or penalize a contestant by deducting points from a round for any of the following fouls:

(a) Holding an opponent or deliberately maintaining a clinch.

(b) Hitting with the head, shoulder, elbow, wrist, inside or butt of the hand, or the knee.

(d) Wrestling, spinning, or roughing at the ropes.

(e) Gripping at the ropes when avoiding or throwing punches.

(f) Intentionally striking at the part of the body that is over the kidneys.

(g) Using a rabbit punch or hitting an opponent at the base of the opponent's skull.

(h) Hitting on the break or after the gong has sounded.

(i) Hitting an opponent who is down or rising after being down.

(j) Hitting below the beltline.

(k) Holding an opponent with 1 hand and hitting with the other.

(l) Purposely going down without being hit or to avoid a blow.

(m) ) Using abusive language in the ring.

(n) Unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of the contestant or a second whether before, during, or after a round.

(o) Intentionally spitting out a mouthpiece.

(p) Any backhand blow.

R 339.233 Penalties for fouling.

Rule 233. (1) A referee who penalizes a contestant under these rules shall notify the judges at the time of the infraction to deduct specified points from their scorecards.

(2) A contestant committing a deliberate foul, in addition to the deduction of points, may be subject to the penalties set forth in Chapter 4 of the act.

(3) A judge shall not deduct points pursuant to Rule 231 unless instructed to do so by the referee.

(4) A complaint shall be filed by the department against a contestant disqualified on a foul.

R 339.235 Physical examination.

Rule 235. (1) As required by section 57(1) of the act, not more than 8 hours before a show a physician, licensed physician's assistant, or certified nurse practitioner shall certify that each contestant is in proper physical condition to participate in the show by taking a detailed medical history and examining all of the following:

(a) Eyes.

(b) Teeth.

(d) Neck.

(e) Chest.

(f) Ears.

(g) Nose.

(h) Throat.

(i) Skin.

(j) Scalp.

(k) Head.

(l) Abdomen.

(m) Cardiopulmonary status.

(n) Neurological, muscular, and skeletal systems.

(o) Abdomen and breasts, if a female contestant.

(p) Pelvis.

(2) The physician, licensed physician's assistant, certified nurse practitioner or the department representative may also test for the presence of alcohol or drugs in the body.

(3) The physician, licensed physician's assistant, or certified nurse practitioner shall certify, in writing, those contestants who are in good physical condition to compete.

(4) Before a contest, a female contestant shall provide the ringside physician, licensed physician's assistant, or certified nurse practitioner with the results of a pregnancy test performed on the contestant within the previous 14 days. If the results of the pregnancy test are positive, the contestant shall not compete and the department representative shall be notified.

(5) Before a contest, a contestant shall provide the ringside physician, licensed physician's assistant, or certified nurse practitioner with the results of HIV and Hepatitis tests performed on the contestant within the previous 12 months. If the results of the tests are positive or not provided, then the contestant shall not compete and the department representative shall be notified.

(6) A contest shall not begin until a physician and an attended ambulance are present. The physician shall not leave until the decision in the final contest has been announced and all injured contestants have been attended to.

(7) The physician shall sit near the steps into the ring and the contest shall not begin until the physician is seated. The physician shall remain at that location for the entire contest.

R 339.237 Timekeepers.

Rule 237. (1) A timekeeper shall indicate the beginning and end of each round by the gong.

(2) A timekeeper shall possess a whistle and a stopwatch.

(3) Ten seconds before the beginning of each round, the timekeeper shall warn the contestants' seconds of the time by blowing a whistle.

(4) If a contest terminates before the scheduled limit of rounds, the timekeeper shall inform the announcer of the exact duration of the contest.

R 339.239 Seconds.

Rule 241 (1) A contestant shall not have more than 4 seconds, 1 of whom shall be designated as the chief second. The chief second shall be responsible for the conduct in the corner during the course of a contest. During the rest period, 1 second shall be allowed inside the ring, 2 seconds shall be allowed on the apron, and 1 second shall be allowed on the floor.

(2) A contestant's chief second shall not coach or assist the contestant during a round and shall remain seated during the round.

(3) A second shall not spray or throw water on a contestant during a round.

(4) A contestant's corner shall not heckle or in any manner annoy the opponent of the contestant or the referee or throw any object into the ring.

(5) A second shall not enter the ring until the timekeeper has indicated the end of a round.

(6) A second shall leave the ring at the timekeeper's whistle and shall clear the ring platform of all obstructions at the sound of the gong indicating the beginning of a round. Articles shall not be placed on the ring floor until the round has ended or the contest has terminated.

(7) A referee may eject a second from a ring corner for violations of the provisions of subrules (3) and

(4) of this rule and may have judges deduct points from a contestant's score for the actions of the contestant's corner.

(8) A second may indicate to the referee that the second's contestant cannot continue and that the contest should be stopped. Only verbal notification or hand signals may be used. The throwing of a towel into the ring does not indicate the defeat of the second's contestant.

(9) A second shall not administer alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or stimulants to a contestant, pour excessive water on the body of a contestant, or place ice in the trunks or protective cup of a contestant during the progress of a contest.

R 339.241 Contests involving opponents of opposite sex prohibited. Rule 241. Contests shall not involve opponents of the opposite sex.

R 339.243 Identification; passports.

Rule 243. (1) Each contestant shall provide 2 pieces of identification, 1 of which shall have a photo of the contestant, to the department representative before participation in a contest.

(2) A boxer shall present a passport issued by the department as 1 of the pieces of identification required under subrule (1) of this rule. The passport shall be issued by the department at the time the boxer receives his or her original license.

(3) The passport shall contain all of the following information:

(a) The boxer’s federal I.D. number.

(b) The boxer's license number.

(d) The boxer's social security number.

(e) A photograph of the boxer.

(f) The boxer's height and weight.

(g) A record of each fight in which the boxer has participated.

(4) Unless otherwise approved by a department representative, a boxer shall not compete if his or her passport is incomplete or if the boxer fails to present the passport to the department representative before the contest.

R 339.245 Dress for contestants.

Rule 245. (1) Contestants shall wear all of the following:

(a) Trunks that are belted at the contestant's waistline. For the purposes of this subrule, the waistline shall be defined as an imaginary horizontal line drawn through the navel to the top of the hips. Trunks shall not have any buckles or other ornaments on them that might injure a contestant or referee.

(b) A foul-proof protector for male contestants, and a pelvic area protector and breast protector for female contestants.

(d) A fitted mouthpiece, which shall be examined by the ring physician.

(e) Gloves meeting the requirements of Rule 206.

(2) In addition to the clothing required under subrule (1) of this rule, a female contestant shall wear a body shirt or blouse that does not have buttons, buckles, or ornaments.

(3) A contestant's hair shall be cut or secured so as not to interfere with the contestant's vision.

(4) A contestant shall not wear corrective lenses into the ring.

R 339.247 Failure to compete.

Rule 247. A contestant's manager shall immediately notify the department if, due to illness or injury, the contestant is unable to compete in a contest for which the contestant has contracted to appear. The department may require that the contestant be examined by a physician.

R 339.249 Procedure after knockouts or sustained damaging head blows.

Rule 249. (1) The boxer's manager and seconds shall assure that the boxer complies with the provisions of this rule and Rule 251. Violations of this rule and/or Rule 251 shall be grounds for disciplinary action under section 40 of the act against the boxer, the boxer's manager, or the boxer's seconds.

(2) A boxer who has lost by a technical knockout shall not compete again for a period of 30 calendar days or until the boxer has submitted the results of a physical examination in accordance with section 50 of the act.

(3) The ringside physician shall examine a boxer who has been knocked out in a contest or a boxer whose fight has been stopped by the referee because the boxer received hard blows to the head that made him or her defenseless or incapable of continuing immediately after the knockout or stoppage. The ringside physician may refer the contestant to a hospital or medical facility for post-fight neurological evaluations to be performed on the boxer immediately after the boxer leaves the location of the show. If such referrals are made, and the results of the examinations are not received by the department within 24 hours of their completion, then the boxer shall be ineligible to compete until such reports are received and until certification is given by a physician that the boxer is fit to compete after an examination.

R 339.251 Eligibility to compete.

Rule 251(1) All medical reports that are submitted to the department relative to a physical examination or the condition of a boxer shall be confidential and shall be open to examination only by the department, the commission, and the licensed boxer upon the boxer's request to examine the records or upon the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(2) A boxer who has been knocked out or who received excessive hard blows to the head that made him or her defenseless or incapable of continuing shall be ineligible to compete for a period of not less than 60 days.

(3) A boxer who has lost 6 consecutive fights shall be ineligible to compete again until the commission has reviewed the results of the 6 fights and the boxer has submitted to a physical examination by a physician who has certified that the boxer is fit to compete.

(4) A boxer who has had cardiac surgery shall be ineligible to compete until the boxer has submitted to a medical examination by a cardiovascular surgeon who has certified that the boxer is fit to compete.

(5) A boxer who has suffered a detached retina shall be ineligible to compete until the boxer has submitted to a medical examination by an ophthalmologist who has certified that the boxer is fit to compete.

(6) A boxer who is prohibited from boxing in other states or jurisdictions due to medical reasons may be prohibited from boxing in Michigan in accordance with these rules. In considering prohibiting a boxer from boxing in this state, the boxer's entire professional record shall be considered, regardless of the state or country in which the boxer's fights occurred.

(7) A boxer or the boxer's manager shall report any change in a boxer's medical condition that may affect the boxer's ability to fight safely. The department may, at any time, require current medical information on any boxer.

R 339.253 Waiting period.

Rule 253. Seven days shall elapse before a boxer who has competed anywhere in a contest may participate in another contest:

R 339.255 Championships and international contests; adoption of rules by reference.

Rule 255. (1) For a championship contest or an international contest that is held in this state, the commission adopts by reference in these rules Association of Boxing Commissions (A.B.C.) Regulatory Guidelines, effective July 21, 2004, as applicable to the specific championship or international contest and the fees paid to officials for such championships and contests. Copies of the adopted matter are available for inspection at the office of the Michigan Boxing Commission 2501 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, MI 48864, mailing address, P.O. Box 30018, Lansing MI 48909. Copies of the rules may be obtained from The Association of Boxing Commissions (A.B.C.), world-wide web, http:/www.abcboxing.com, by linking to "documents," at no charge.

R 339.257 Managers.

Rule 257. (1) A manager shall not contract for a contest that involves a minor unless he or she has a power of attorney or the approval of the boxer's legal guardian.

(2) A manager shall not sign a contract for the appearance of a boxer if the manager does not have the boxer under contract.

(3) A licensed manager may act as a second without a second's license; however, a manager shall not hold a license as a referee, judge, timekeeper, or matchmaker.

R 339.259 Matchmakers and promoters; liability for lack of judgment in arranging matches; contract restrictions.

Rule 259. (1) The promoter and matchmaker shall be responsible for a match in which 1 of the boxers is disproportionately outclassed. Persistent lack of judgment in arranging matches shall be sufficient grounds for disciplinary action under section 40 of the act.

(2) A promoter shall not own a contract or a portion of a contract of, or receive proceeds from a contract with, any boxer who is boxing in 1 of the promoter's productions. A matchmaker shall not own a

contract or a portion of a contract of, or receive proceeds from a contract with, any boxer for whom the matchmaker arranges matches.

(3) A matchmaker may be licensed as a promoter. A promoter may be licensed as a matchmaker. However, neither a promoter nor a matchmaker shall be licensed as a referee, timekeeper, judge, boxer, or manager.

R 339.261 Filing of documents by promoter; publicizing shows; contract requirements; promoter responsible for paying insurance deductible.

Rule 261. (1) A promoter shall file with the department a written request to hold a show not less than 30 days, or not less than 7 days for televised shows, before the date of the proposed show. The request shall indicate if the show is to be televised.

(2) Not later than 24 hours following the contests, a promoter shall file with the department true copies of the promoter's contracts with the boxers for all contests.

(3) A matchmaker shall be responsible for verifying the identity, ring record, eligibility, and suspensions of each boxer. A promoter shall be responsible for the accuracy of the names and records of each of the participating boxers in all publicity or promotional material.

(4) A boxer shall use his or her legal name to sign a contract; however, a boxer who is licensed under another name may sign the contract using his or her licensed name if the boxer's legal name appears in the body of the contract as the name under which the boxer is otherwise known.

(5) All contracts shall be between a promoter and a boxer. There shall not be a contract between the promoter and a manager. However, a contract may be signed by a boxer's manager on behalf of the boxer. If a boxer does not have a licensed manager, then the boxer shall sign the contract.

(6) The contract that is filed with the department shall embody all of the agreements between the parties. Secret contracts which contradict the terms of the contracts that are filed with the department are prohibited.

(7) The contract between a promoter and a boxer shall be for the use of the boxer's skills in a contest and shall not require the boxer to sell tickets in order to be paid for his or her services.

(8) If the insurance provided by the promoter to meet the requirements of section 807 of the act has a requirement for a deductible amount to be paid, then the promoter shall be responsible for paying the deductible amount.

R 339.263 Charitable ticket sales.

Rule 263. A promoter who collects contributions for a charitable organization licensed under the provisions of the charitable organizations and solicitations act, 1975 PA 169, MCL 400.271, shall comply with the provisions of that act and shall promptly transmit funds collected to the charitable organization. A promoter who is found to have violated the provisions of the charitable organizations and solicitations act shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Chapter 4 of the act.

R 339.265 Compensation.

Rule 265. Each official assigned to officiate a professional boxing contest shall be paid in accordance with the fees listed in table 1 as follows:

Gross Purses Contracted

Referees

Judges

Timekeepers

Physicians

Nurse Practitioner/ Physicians Assistant

$0.00 to $7,500	$100	$75	$50	$150	$100
$7,500.01 to $20,000	$150	$100	$75	$200	$100
$20,000.01 to $50,000	$250	$150	$100	$250	$100
$50,000.01 to $100,000.00	$350	$250	$150	$300	$100
Over $100,000	$700	$450	$200	$400	$100

R 339.267 Elimination tournaments.

Rule 267. An elimination tournament is a tournament in which 2 contestants box one another, the loser is eliminated from the tournament, and the tournament continues with winners from the various contests competing until only 1 contestant remains undefeated in the weight division. An elimination tournament shall be in compliance with all of the rules pertaining to professional boxing.

R 339.269 Drug testing.

Rule 269. (1) The department, the department representative, or the ringside physician may request that a boxer or assigned official take a test or submit to an examination designed to measure the presence of alcohol or drugs before or immediately following a contest. The examination shall take place at a facility acceptable to the department. The promoter shall be responsible for the cost of testing boxers. An official shall pay the cost of his or her examination.

(2) If such a test or examination results in a finding of the presence of a drug or alcohol or if the boxer or official refuses to submit to a test or refuses or is unable to provide a sample of body fluids for a test, then a complaint shall be filed under the procedures of Chapter 4 of the act. If a determination is made that the boxer or official is subject to disciplinary action, then the commission may impose the following minimum penalties under Chapter 4 of the act:

(a) For a first violation, suspension for 90 days.

(b) For a second violation, a 1-year suspension.

(3) At the completion of a suspension ordered by the commission under subrule (2)(a) and (b) of this rule based on a finding of the presence of drugs, a boxer or official may be required to submit to a test for the presence of drugs. The results of the test shall be negative for all drugs tested before a boxer is allowed to box again or an official is assigned to officiate again.

(4) A boxer who is disciplined under this rule and who was the winner of a contest shall be disqualified and the decision of the contest shall be changed to "no contest."

(5) The results of a contest shall remain unchanged if a boxer who is disciplined under this rule was the loser of the contest.

(6) Boxers who are prohibited, restrained, disqualified, or are otherwise ineligible to compete in other states or jurisdictions due to disciplinary action that involves the use of drugs shall not box in Michigan until such time as the period of prohibition, restraint, disqualification, or ineligibility is completed or removed. However, a boxer with an active suspension in any state or jurisdiction may be required to take and pass a drug test before being allowed to compete in Michigan.

PART 3. FEES

R 339.301 Administrative fees.

Rule 301. The department may charge the following fees under the act:

(1) The department shall charge a $20.00 late renewal fee if a person fails to renew a license or registration on or before the expiration date prescribed by the department.

(2) A fee collected by the department, when paid pursuant to this act, shall not be refunded, except as provided in administrative rules promulgated by the director.

(3) The department may charge a fee for the issuance of a duplicate license or registration. The duplicate shall not be issued unless the person applying for the duplicate signs a statement that the original document has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. The fee for the duplicate shall be $15.00.

(4) The department may charge a $5.00 fee for providing written verification that a person is or is not licensed or registered at the time of the request for verification.

(a) If the person requesting written verification seeks specific detailed information beyond the information described in subrule (4) of this rule, then the charge for verification shall be $15.00.

(5) The department may charge a $10.00 fee for correcting its records and issuing a new document when a person notifies the department of a change of name and address. If the change does not require the issuance of a new document, then no charge shall be made for correcting the department's records.

R 339.303 License fees.

Rule 303. Fees for a person licensed or seeking licensure as a professional boxer, judge, manager, referee, timekeeper, second, promoter, matchmaker, physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner are as follows:

(a) Application processing fees:

(i) Professional boxer license and passport 45.00

(ii) Promoter 500.00

(iii) All other licenses: 30.00

(b) License fee, per year:

(i) Professional boxer…………………………………………………… 25.00

(ii) Judge………………………………………………………………… 70.00

(iii) Referee………………………………………………………………. 150.00

(iv) Timekeeper………………………………………………………….. 70.00

(v) Manager……………………………………………………………... 125.00

(vi) Matchmaker………………………………………………………… 150.00

(vii) Promoter……………………………………………………………. 250.00

(viii) Second……………………………………………………………… 30.00

(ix) Physician……………………………………………………………. 150.00

(x) Physicians Assistant / Nurse Practitioner…………………………… 70.00

PART 4.

R 339.401 Expiration date; late renewal fee; relicensure. Rule 401. (1) Licenses shall expire annually on August 31.

(2) A person who fails to renew a license on or before August 31 shall not practice the occupation after the expiration date printed on the license. A license shall lapse on the day after the expiration.

(3) A person who fails to renew a license on or before August 31 may renew the license by payment of the required license fee and a late renewal fee within 60 days after the expiration date.

(4) A person who fails to renew a license within the time period in subrule (3) of this rule may be relicensed upon showing that the person meets the current requirements for licensure as established in the act and administrative rules and pays an application processing fee, the late renewal fee, and the per year license fee.

R 339.403 Reinstatement.

Rule 403. A person who seeks reinstatement of a license shall file an application on a form provided by the department, pay the application processing fee, and file a petition to the department and the commission stating reasons for reinstatement and including evidence that the person can and is likely to serve the public with competence and in conformance will all other requirements prescribed law, rule, or an order of the commission.

7 ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

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