department of state

Division of Professional Regulation

8800 Boxing, Sparring Matches and Exhibitions

Statutory Authority: 28 Delaware Code, Chapter 1 (28 Del.C. Ch. 1)

28 DE Admin. Code 8800

PROPOSED

PUBLIC NOTICE

8800 Boxing , Sparring Matches and Exhibitions

Consistent with a recent statutory amendment, by passage of HB 501, which updated the authority of the Division of Professional Regulation, the Department of State, in accordance with 28 Del.C. Ch. 1, proposes to strike the existing regulations related to boxing, sparring matches and exhibitions in their entirety and establish new combative sports rules and regulations governing boxing and mixed martial arts.

A public meeting was held on August 13, 2008 to gather information for proposed rules. James L. Collins, Director of the Division of Professional Regulation, conducted the meeting. In addition to information gleaned in the preliminary meeting, the Director has also conducted a study of mixed martial arts (MMA) regulation across the nation. As a result of careful consideration of public comment and national research, the recommendation of the Director is to adopt conservative rules relating to amateur MMA. This approach will align Delaware's rules with most other jurisdictions that permit MMA and recognize that Delaware does not have an athletic or boxing commission; therefore regulation of events will be conducted by approved sanctioning organizations. Jurisdictions with more liberal rules strictly oversee events through a commission. It is the intent of the Director to have safe MMA events in Delaware that protect the participants and attendees.

A public hearing is scheduled for December 8, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. in the second floor conference room A of the Cannon Building, 861 Silver Lake Boulevard, Dover. The Director will receive and consider input in writing from any person concerning the proposed regulations. Written comments should be submitted to the Office of Director, Division of Professional Regulation, Cannon Building, 861 Silver Lake Blvd. Suite 203, Dover, DE 19904. The final date to submit written or oral comments shall be at the public hearing. Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of the proposed regulations or to make comments at the public hearing should contact the Office of the Director at the above address or by calling (302) 744-4502.

The Director will consider promulgating the proposed regulations immediately following the public hearing.

8800 Boxing, Sparring Matches and Exhibitions and Combative Sports Entertainment Rules and Regulations

1.0 Rules

1.1 The permit and license issued by the Division at all times shall be publicly displayed at the box office of the premises stipulated in the license issued. by the Division. Said license or permit shall be posted only upon the licensed premises.

1.2 No license will be granted to any boxer over 42 years of age. All managers must have a written contract with all contestants under their control and a copy of the original contract must be filed with the Division. No verbal agreements will be permitted. In the case of a minor, the contract must be executed by his proper legal guardian.

1.3 Wherever the word ???contestant??? is used in these Rules a licensed boxer, and Regulations it shall mean as it may be applied to the contest under consideration.

1.4 No boxer in the windup, or manager, shall sign a contract in this State until he has taken out a license, posted a forfeit and in cash, post office money order, or certified check with the promoter, unless the Division shall decide otherwise.

1.5 Any contestant making a contract with an organization and failing to deposit the required forfeit money at the time of making the contract will be liable to suspension for such time as the Division may determine.

1.6 if for any reason a bout is stopped or declared no contest for an infraction of the rules of the Division or for violation of other provisions, the Division shall hold all forfeit money and purses of such bout pending a hearing of the facts, said money and purses to be disposed of as the Division may decide.

1.7 Any licensed club which shall, without sufficient reason, violate or break any contract entered into with any contestant or contestants may have its license cancelled or suspended.

1.8 Contestants must not willfully violate or break contracts properly consummated between contestants and licensed clubs and by so doing are liable to temporary or permanent suspension.

1.9 Any contestant or manager for a contestant who has entered licensed club to participate in a bout, who into a contract with any shall find that for any reason or cause he will not be able to fully carry out his contract, and does not notify the licensed club and Division and the reason or cause therefor, within a reasonable time before such bout, may be penalized by the Division by fine or suspension or both for such period as the Division may determine.

1.10 A contestant is permitted to have more than one manager. One manager is to be designated as spokesperson for the owners. No assignment of any part or parts of a contestant's or manager's interest in a contract filed and approved by the Division will be permitted without the approval and consent of the Division, and no consent to assign will be granted unless a copy of the proposed agreement is submitted to the Division for its approval.

1.11 All existing agreements and contracts entered into between (first) contestant and manager or manager, (second) manager and manager or managers must be filed with the Division for its approval.

1.12 Licensed clubs must notify the Division of any proposed contest, together with the names of all contestants, at least twenty-five days before any such contest or exhibition.

1.13 No licensed club, matchmaker or any official connected with a licensed club in this State shall enter into a contract or have any negotiations for a match with any boxer suspended or on the ineligible list of this Division.

1.14 No manager shall be allowed to contract for the services of a boxer under his management for a match to take place on a date after the expiration of said contract between the manager and his boxer, unless such a match is made by mutual consent.

1.15 Every contestant must be furnished a contract with terms for his bout stipulated thereon. Contract must be signed by manager, contestant and promoter, and a copy of the same filed with the Division at least five days prior to the bout. The white copy of the contract is to be retained by the promoter, the yellow copy to be retained by the manager or contestant, and the blue copy to be filed with the Division.

1.16 A contestant who is signed for a match at one particular club must honor such contract before appearing at another club. A promoter of a club must honor the contract of a disappointed contestant at the next possible opportunity within a reasonable time. A promoter who is disappointed by a boxer, must immediately notify the Division, who may punish the boxer in such event, unless the said boxer is released from his original contract. A promoter may be required by the Division to reimburse a disappointed boxer for money expended in training and preparation for the scheduled bout; and a boxer may be required by the Division to reimburse a promoter for the loss sustained directly as a result of disappointing the promoter.

1.17 A manager must procure a second's license before seconding any other than his own boxer.

1.18 Telegrams or letters showing acceptance of terms pending the signing of contract will be considered as an agreement between a contestant, his manager, and the promoter.

1.19 No contracts are to be recognized, unless signed by both athletes, to box for the same promoter.

1.20 Any boxer claiming illness as a reason for cancelling or inability to appear in a bout shall be required to report to the Division's physician, when it is convenient, or file a physician's certificate with the Division before the time of such bout.

1.21 All licensed clubs shall strictly enforce on their premises the laws prohibiting the possession and use of intoxicating liquors.

1.22 There shall be prominently displayed in at least four places in every hall or auditorium of any licensed club acting under the provisions of this Act the following notice:

???No Betting Allowed???

All those holding licenses and permits issued by the Division will strictly enforce compliance with such notice.

2.0 Dressing Rooms

2.1 Only contestants, seconds, managers, promoters, physicians and the Division or its representatives will be permitted in dressing rooms, all of whom must present proper credentials in writing from the Division.

3.0 Contestants, Managers, Promoters

3.1 All contestants must be ready to enter the ring immediately upon the finish of the preceding bout. The referee may disqualify a boxer breaking this rule. Should an emergency arise requiring a contestant to leave the ring during the minute's intermission between rounds permission must be secured from the referee, and failure to return within the time specified by the referee will result in disqualification.

3.2 No contestant in any bout shall be paid for services until the same are rendered.

3.3 It shall be within the province of the Division to suspend, impose a fine, or both, on any matchmaker, contestant, his manager, or seconds, acting in any capacity in connection with any bout in the State of Delaware who is guilty of unfair dealings, ungentlemanly conduct, or of violating any of the rules and regulations of the Division. Such suspension or fine to be for a period of or for any amount within the discretion of the Division as justified by the facts and evidence in each case.

3.4 All preliminary contestants must be in the building or wherever the contest is to be held not later than the time scheduled for the first bout. Any contestant causing a delay in not being ready immediately to proceed with hit bout when called will be subject to suspension. Contestants in the main bout or "wind-up" must be in the premises wherein the bout is to be held ready to respond for their bout at least one hour before the time the bout is to take place.

3.5 In case of a substitution, the substitute shall be subject to the same rules for examination by the Division's physician as the original contestant.

3.6 No licensed boxer, physician, judge, timekeeper, manager, referee, matchmaker, trainer, second, or announcer shall be allowed to appear in any boxing or wrestling contest or exhibition other than for a licensed club or promoter, without permission from the Division.

3.7 At the official weighing-in of all contestants, duly accredited newspaper representatives shall upon request be admitted.

3.8 No boxer in a main bout shall engage in another boxing contest or exhibition in Delaware within 5 days before the date of the main bout.

4.0 Ring Costume

4.1 Boxers must compete in proper ring costume, including inflated cup of type approved by the Division, all of which shall be firmly adjusted previous to entering the ring. They must wear regulation trunks which must reach at least half way between the knee and thigh. Tights will not be permitted. The belt of the trunks shall not extend above the waistline. Shoes shall be of soft material and shall not be fitted with spikes, cleats, hard soles or hard heels. No other apparel than that above specified shall be worn in the ring, except a bathrobe.

4.2 Gloves shall be adjusted in the dressing room under the supervision of a representative of the Division, the laces to be knotted on the back of the wrist.

4.3 The use of grease or other substances which might handicap. an opponent is prohibited. Contestant must present a tidy appearance and must be cleanly shaved.

4.4 Neither by word nor act shall a contestant at the close of about indicate to the spectators his belief that he has won or lost. When the decision has been announced, both contestants and their seconds shall at once leave the ring and retire to their dressing rooms.

4.5 Managers and seconds are forbidden to toss a towel into the ring in token of defeat of their principal or in any other way to acknowledge that he is beaten. The referee shall be the sole judge as to the physical condition of a boxer under severe punishment as to whether a bout should be stopped for that cause.

4.6 No boxer, manager, second, or ring tender shall enter a ring with a sweater, jersey, or robe carrying any advertisement other than the name of the boxer.

4.7 The Division requires that whenever any person licensed by the Division, is approached with a request or suggestion that a sham or collusive contest be entered into, or that the contest shall not be conducted honestly and fairly, such licensed person must immediately report the matter to the Division.

5.0 Managers

5.1 Managers of boxers or anyone having a financial interest in any boxer will be prohibited from acting as matchmaker for any licensed club.

5.2 Managers, matchmakers, and others whose licenses have been revoked or suspended are debarred from all licensed clubs in this state.

6.0 Promoters

6.1 A promoter or licensed club is a corporation, organization, person or persons to whom has been issued a license to hold, conduct, or give boxing, sparring matches or exhibitions.

6.2 No promoter will be permitted or licensed to operate at any one time more than one open arena, when the season permits, nor more than one closed arena or building either by being interested directly by leasing the property or by holding the ease and subleasing the property to another, unless first having the approval of the Division.

6.3 Promoters shall take all necessary precautions looking toward safety, order, and proper behavior.

6.4 No person shall be allowed to stand at any licensed club, and seats must be provided for all who are admitted.

6.5 Any person caught betting at licensed clubs will be barred from all such clubs in the state.

6.6 Where a licensed club or person under the jurisdiction of the Division is any way penalized or disciplined under the law or rules, such club or person may appeal to the Commission and will be heard in person, or may submit the case in writing.

6.7 Notice of any change in announced or advertised programs for any exhibition must be filed with the Division and with the press at least twenty-four hours previous to the exhibition if there is available time to do so. Notices announcing such change or substitution must also be conspicuously posted at the box office. Where a boxer is under contract to appear at a club, appears at weighing-in time and is ready to fulfill his contract and his opponent does not appear, or an approved substitute is not provided, the club must pay the boxer his contract price unless a forfeit is provided. All clubs are directed, whenever a substitution is made in the boxing contest as advertised, to have the official announcer advise the audience of such substitution prior to the opening bout, and if any patrons desire to have the price of their ticket refunded the same will be done if tickets are presented at box office at once, and the box office shall remain open twenty minutes to redeem such tickets.

6.8 Substitutions will not be permitted in the main bout unless such substitution has been approved by the Division. The Division reserves the right to revoke the permit for any show because of unsatisfactory substitution.

6.9 All clubs are directed to designate a room on their club premises to be known as the "Emergency Room," the same to be kept comfortably warm, containing among other things the following articles: One set of blankets, one stretcher, a rubber pillow, an electric pad, bottle of smelling salts, bandages, surgeon's tape, bottle of collodion, bottle of adrenalin, splints, artery forceps, pair of scissors, Johnson's Special Aid Kit.

6.10 Unless special permission is granted otherwise, all clubs are to commence boxing programs no later than 8:30 p.m. The main or final bout must be in the ring no later than 10:30 p.m. All boxing programs shall terminate no later than 11:00 p.m. Afternoon exhibitions must start not later than 2:30 o'clock.

6.11 A licensed club's report after an exhibition must indicate the manner in which payments to contestants have been made; that is, clubs will be required to state whether boxers have been compensated either by cash, check, or note, as the case by be.

7.0 Fees for Officials

7.1 The compensation of referees and other officials for officiating shows or exhibitions shall be paid by the at boxing person, club, corporation, or association conducting such exhibition. Compensation shall be on the following basis for officials assigned by the Division.

7.1.1 Referees, minimum for any exhibition $15.00

7.1.2 Judges, Minimum 5.00

7.1.3 Timekeeper, minimum 5.00

7.1.4 Physician, minimum 100.00

7.1.5 Chief Inspector, minimum 50.00

7.1.6 Assistant Inspectors, minimum 50.00

7.2 Compensation of the above named officials shall be paid by the licensed clubs at the termination of each exhibition.

7.3 The compensation and traveling expenses of referees for officiating at boxing shows or exhibitions shall be paid by the person, club, corporation, or association conducting such exhibition.

8.0 Boxing Officials, Decisions

8.1 Ring officials, unless otherwise especially arranged for, shall consist of a referee, two judges, a timekeeper, and a physician, all officials to be appointed and assigned by the Division, and an announcer who must have a permit from the Division to officiate. The Division may, if it deems expedient, not require judges for certain bouts or shows.

8.2 The referee and judges must mark their slips so that they can be understood and sign name. The form of marking is a cross for a win and a dash for a draw. These marks are to be made after each round.

8.3 All referees, judges, and timekeepers are forbidden to converse with anybody while they are working.

8.4 All boxers, managers shall agree to accept the licensed ring officials appointed by the Division.

8.5 No decision shall be made after any contest except by a majority vote of the judges and referee, and no contestant shall be announced as a winner unless a majority of those officials decide him to be the winner.

8.5.1 Provided, however in contests in which no judges are assigned, the decision of the referee shall prevail.

8.6 If the judges disagree, and the decision of the referee does not coincide with the verdict of either judge, the contest shall be a draw, and the announcer shall so announce it.

8.7 Referees are required to consult judges relative to low or foul blows delivered in a boxing contest. It is suggested that this advice be sought at the end of each round, except in cases where the alleged foul or low blow is of such a nature as to require an immediate decision; in that event the judges and physician are to be consulted immediately.

8.8 Referees are further required to accept the opinion of the physician and judges as given and to be guided accordingly in rendering of a final decision on a foul.

8.9 It is required that in case of doubt on the part of the officials as to injury of a contestant, the Division's physician be called to make necessary examinations to aid them to arrive at a decision.

8.10 If in the judgment of the physician a boxer claiming to have been fouled might become physically fit to resume the contest after a reasonable rest in the ring, the referee shall grant such rest period or periods and thereafter order the contest resumed or ended as they shall determine after being advised by the physician.

8.11 A boxer claiming to have been fouled who refuses to obey an order of the referee based on the majority opinion of the judges and himself, before or after being advised by the physician, to resume a contest shall be declared the loser by a "technical knockout."

8.12 If in the judgment of the physician a boxer has become physically unfit to continue the contest because of a foul blow received, the referee shall declare the boxer so disabled to be the winner of the contest on a foul.

8.13 When a referee is of the opinion that both boxers are stalling or not honestly competing he shall warn them in a way that will not cause confusion, but that may be seen by the judges and spectators. If, in his opinion, after proper warning has been given, the contestants continue to stall or pull punches, the referee shall wait until the round is finished and consult the judges. The referee shall abide by the majority decision of the judges and himself, call the announcer and have the decision announced by him, if it is decided that the bout shall continue and should no satisfactory improvement be shown, then the referee may stop the contest during or at the end of a round if in his judgment it should be declared "No Contest."

8.14 When a referee is of the opinion that one of the boxers is stalling or not honestly competing, the referee shall during a round warn him in a way that will not cause confusion, but that may be seen by the judges and spectators. At the end of the round it shall be decided on the majority opinion of the referee and judges whether the bout shall be stopped or continued. If it is so decided, another warning shall be given and the bout continued, and shall no satisfactory improvement be shown by the warned boxer the referee may stop the contest during or at the end of the round if in his judgment the decision should be given to the boxer honestly competing.

8.15 When a boxer is "down" the referee shall at once commence calling off the seconds and indicating the count with a motion of the arm. If the contestant fails to rise before the count of ten, the referee shall declare him the loser. Should a contestant who is "down" arise before the count of ten is reached and again go down intentionally, without being struck, the referee shall resume the count where it left off.

8.16 Whenever a boxer is apparently outclassed, the bout must be stopped, no matter whether it be the first or a later round; and whenever a boxer receives an injury other than by a foul that threatens his physical impairment the referee on the advice of the physician shall stop the contest. In either instance the decision shall be a "technical knockout."

9.0 Referees

9.1 The chief official of contests shall be the referee, who shall have general supervision over bouts and shall take his position in the ring. The Division will at all times assign referees for all contests. All referees will be held to strict observance of the following rules while working in bouts. Failure to comply therewith will necessitate immediate removal from the ring by the Division.

9.2 Referees must wear oxford gray trousers and shirts and must provide themselves with an extra suit for change in an emergency. A collar a and black bow tie must be worn, but shirts with soft collars are permissible.

9.3 The referee shall, before starting a contest, ascertain from each contestant the name of his chief second and shall hold chief second responsible for the conduct of his assistant second during the progress of the contest.

9.4 The referee shall, before each bout, call contestants together for final instructions, at which time each contestant shall be accompanied by his chief second only. The principals, after, receiving instructions, shall shake hands and retire to their corners. They shall not shake hands again until the beginning of the last round.

9.5 No persons other than contestants and the referee may enter the ring during the progress of a round, excepting the physician when requested by the referee.

9.6 The referee shall inspect the bandages and the gloves and make sure that no foreign substances have been applied to either the gloves or the bodies of boxers to the detriment of an opponent.

9.7 The referee shall not touch the contesting boxers except on the failure of one or both contestants to obey the "break" command. The referee shall not touch the body or person of the boxer in counting.

9.8 The referee shall decide all questions arising during a contest which are not specifically covered by these rules. In case of a knockout the referee shall immediately, after the count of ten, raise the arm of the contestant who has scored the knockout and declare him the winner.

9.9 The referee in whose hands the safety and protection of the contestants is placed must be on the alert and never allow a contestant to be struck when in a helpless condition or in the act of falling as the result of a blow received.

9.10 The referee is empowered to hold up the purse or remuneration, or any part thereof, of any boxer who shall have been decided not to have honestly competed, and of the losing boxer or both contestants in a match which shall have ended because of a foul, and of any contestant for any other violation of the law or the rules and regulations during a match; and the Division will enforce penalties for such offenses as shall be determined, which may include forfeit of remuneration, or any part thereof, suspension or revocation of licenses.

9.11 A boxer who knocks down his opponent must go to a neutral corner farthest away and remain until the fallen adversary has "regained his feet" and the referee shall stop counting if the boxer shows no inclination to move to a neutral corner.

9.12 A referee will not be allowed to act as a referee and announcer at the same time.

9.13 A referee will not be licensed as a manager.

9.14 A referee may be used as a judge.

9.15 The referee must file a written report with the Division within 24 hours of a bout where the ending of the bout is not satisfactory to the referee or the Division.

9.16 To safeguard mistakes being made in announcing decisions the announcer may upon receiving the score cards from the referee and judges, submit them to the Division or its authorized representative at the ringside for their examination before announcement of decision is made.

10.0 Knock-Downs

10.1 A contestant shall be deemed ???down??? when:

10.1.1 Any part of his body other than his feet is on the ring floor.

10.1.2 He is hanging helplessly over the ropes.

10.1.3 Rising from the ???down??? position.

10.1.4 A boxer hanging over the ropes is not officially ???down??? until so pronounced by the referee, who can count the boxer out either on ropes or on the floor.

10.1.5 A contestant may go down through accident or weakness, but must rise instantly. If he is sent down by a blow, he may remain down until the count of ???nine??? without being disqualified.

10.1.6 Referees and judges in boxing and sparring matches or exhibitions shall in rendering their decisions, consider and declare a contestant to be ???knocked out??? when a man is unable, after being knocked down to arise unaided inside of ten seconds; and a boxer who is in distress, but still on his feet, and the referee intercedes to save him.

10.1.7 A boxer who is knocked or pushed or falls from the ring is assisted back into the ring by his own second, seconds or manager shall be disqualified immediately and declared to be technically knocked out.

11.0 Fouls

11.1 The following are defined as fouls:

11.1 Hitting below the belt.

11.2 Hitting an opponent who is down or who is getting up after being down.

11.3 Holding an opponent or deliberately maintaining a clinch.

11.4 Holding an opponent with one hand and hitting with the other.

11.5 Butting with the head or shoulder or using the knee.

11.6 Hitting with inside or butt of the hand, the wrist or the elbow.

11.7 Hitting or "flicking" with the open glove.

11.8 Wrestling or roughing at the ropes.

11.9 Purposely going down without being hit.

11.10 Striking deliberately at the part of the body over the kidneys.

11.11 The use of the pivot blow or rabbit punch.

11.12 The use of abusive or profane language.

11.13 The failure to obey the referee, or any physical actions which may injure a contestant, except by fair sportsmanlike boxing.

12.0 Judges

12.1 The judges shall be stationed at opposite sides of the ring of a boxing exhibition.

12.2 It shall be the duty of the judges to watch every phase of the bout and to make a decision if the contest lasts the limit of the rounds scheduled.

12.3 They shall be ready at all times to assist in deciding whether fouls have been committed, and may bring any other points to the attention of the referee at the end of a round.

12.4 The decisions of the judges shall be based primarily on effectiveness, taking into account the following points:

12.4.1 A clean, forceful hit, landed on any vulnerable part of the body above the belt should be credited in proportion to its damaging effect.

12.4.2 Aggressiveness is next in importance and points should be awarded to the contestant who sustains the action of a round by the greatest number of skillful attacks.

12.4.3 Offensive work is relatively important and points should be given for cleverly avoiding or blocking a blow.

12.4.4 Points should be awarded where ring generalship is conspicuous. This comprises such points as the ability to quickly grasp and take advantage of every opportunity offered; the capacity to cope with all kinds of situations which may arise; to foresee and neutralize an opponent's method of attack; to force an opponent to adopt a style of boxing at which he is not particularly skillful.

12.4.5 It is advisable to deduct points when a contestant persistently delays the action of a contest by clinching and lack of aggressiveness.

12.4.6 Points should be deducted for a foul even though it is unintentional and not of serious enough nature to warrant disqualification.

12.4.7 A contestant should be given credit for sportsmanship actions in "he ring, close adherence to the spirit as well as the letter of the rules and for refraining from taking technical advantage of situations unfair to an opponent.

12.5 All judges at the completion of each bout are to hand to the announcer their score card and their judge's slip properly filled out showing the winner and loser of each round. If in their opinion the round was even, their judgment is to be noted accordingly. Under no circumstances must there be any blanks.

12.6 In order to arrive at a true conclusion every point should be carefully observed and noticed as the round progresses, the winner of the round to be determined by the contestant receiving the largest number of points scored in that round. At the end of the contest the contestant who has to his credit the greatest number of rounds fought is the winner of the bout.

12.7 Judges will not be licensed as managers or seconds.

12.8 All licensed clubs must provide a properly raised platform for the judges. Platform must be at least 8 inches higher than the press seats.

13.0 Timekeeper

13.1 The timekeeper must be seated outside the ring close to the gong.

13.2 He shall indicate the beginning and ending of each round by striking the gong with a hammer which he must keep in his possession.

13.3 He shall provide himself with a whistle and a stop watch, which shall have been properly examined and certified to accuracy before the bout.

13.4 Ten seconds before the beginning of each round the timer shall give warning to the seconds of contestants by the blowing of a whistle.

13.5 In the event of a contest terminating before the scheduled limit of rounds, the timekeeper shall inform the announcer of the exact duration of contest.

14.0 Announcer

14.1 No individual will be permitted to act as an announcer at any licensed club until he has obtained a permit to so act from the Division. All licensed clubs are forbidden to employ any announcer until he shall have at first obtained the necessary permit from the Division. The announcer shall also act as the Master of Ceremonies, and will be held responsible by the Division for the proper filing with the Division of all judge's and referee's slips. It shall be the duty of the announcer to collect the decision slips from both judges and referee simultaneously, before making any announcement, and in announcing the result the votes of the judges and referee shall be of equal value.

14.2 The announcer shall announce the names of the contestants, their correct weights, the decisions of the referee and judges, and other matters as directed by club officials. Clubs shall provide proper facilities for announcing rounds.

15.0 Physicians

15.1 The promoter of the exhibition shall furnish to the Division at least five days in advance of the show the names and weights of the contestants in each bout, except in case of emergency. In each case only those whose names have been furnished as contestants and certified to be in fit physical condition immediately before entering the ring by the physician assigned by the Division, shall be permitted to engage in a contest. The physician must be in attendance at the ringside during the entire exhibition, prepared to deal with any physical injury emergency which may arise) in which he shall have entire supervision. He shall not fail to have a complete equipment of

necessary instruments and medical remedies.

15.2 The physician has no official right in the ring during a bout until called in by the referee or the Division.

16.0 Attendants (Seconds)

16.1 Contestants shall not be permitted to have more than two attendants or seconds, and these seconds must refrain from coaching the principals during the progress of the rounds. Seconds shall use a fan and not a towel in fanning the boxers. All seconds shall remaining their boxer's corner during the bout and not place themselves in a neutral corner during the progress of the contest. All attendants must wear either coats or sweaters. The referee shall be responsible for the enforcement of this rule. Throwing water by seconds on their men during the progress of a round may disqualify the principal.

17.0 Inspectors

17.1 In furtherance of enforcing the Law and Rules and Regulations, the Division will assign Inspectors, to all boxing, sparring and wrestling exhibitions deemed within the jurisdiction of the Division, such Inspectors to be paid by licensed clubs to which they are assigned the fees fixed by the Division.

17.2 The deputy or inspector assigned by the Division in charge of a show shall have complete charge of the licenses and box-office statement and it is his duty to see that the Rules and Regulations of the Division are carried out. He shall have charge of all entrances and passgates and see that no one is admitted without a ticket, unless by order of some member of the Division. All inspectors must familiarize themselves with the report system of this Division. Inspectors must report at all clubs to which they are assigned not later than seven o'clock. There will be a deputy or inspector assigned in charge of every show. The official in charge of a show shall be held accountable for the actions of every deputy or inspector assigned to that particular show. The deputy or inspector in charge shall file, in addition to the official report, a detailed account of any violations of the Rules and Regulations and the law governing boxing or particularly where a purse has been ordered held. It is further understood that an inspector at no time has a right to replace the referee or judges assigned by the Division and it is also understood that the inspectors have no right to interfere with the duties of a referee.

18.0 Weights and Classes

18.1 Flyweight 112 lbs.

18.2 Bantamweight 118 lbs.

18.3 Featherweight 126 lbs.

18.4 Junior Lightweight 130 lbs.

18.5 Lightweight 135 lbs.

18.6 Junior Welterweight 140 lbs.

18.7 Welterweight 147 lbs.

18.8 Middleweight 160 lbs.

18.9 Light Heavyweight 175 lbs.

18.10 Heavyweight All Over 175 lbs.

19.0 Examining and Weighing

19.1 All boxers shall be weighed and examined by the club physician at 3 p.m. on the day of the bouts, except by special permission of the Division, and respective weights shall be announced from the ring. Weights and reports of medical examinations of all boxers shall be turned over to the Division, by the physician, not later than 24 hours after the match or exhibition. No contest shall be allowed in which the difference in weight of the respective boxers shall be more than 10 pounds, except in the light heavyweight and heavyweight classes as determined by the Division, and all boxers must fight at the weights stipulated in their contracts. Failure to comply with this will be penalized.

20.0 Ring Equipment

20.1 The ring platform should stand at a height not more than 42 inches above the seating floor of the arena, well braced, built of strong material and shall be not less than eighteen feet square inside the ropes. The ring platform shall extend at least 3 feet beyond or outside the ropes and shall be covered completely to the extreme edges outside the ropes with a mat or padding made of felt or other flexible or cushion-like material not less than one inch in thickness under canvas or other, similar suitable material top cover. The ropes of the ring shall be three in number, each not less than one inch thick and wrapped completely with cotton or other soft cloth material and the first or lower rope shall be stretched at a height of 18 inches above the ring platform; the second or middle rope shall be at a height of 36 inches above the ring platform, the third or top rope shall be 48 inches above the ring platform. They shall be stretched or drawn taut to afford protection to the ring occupants and shall be supported at the four ring corners by heavy straps attached to the ring post. All ring posts shall be not less than 2 feet distant from the ropes of the ring, 8 feet in height from the floor and should be wrapped or padded also.

21.0 Gong

21.1 A gong not less than ten inches in diameter shall be fastened securely to one of the ring supports at center of the ring on a level with the ring platform, the timekeeper to use a metal hammer in indicating the beginning and end of rounds, so that the contestants and referee can hear the sound of the bell.

22.0 Gloves

22.1 The gloves used shall be of the regulation make, not less than 5 ounces in weight, if such contestant is a lightweight, or in a class of less weight, and 6 ounces if such contestant is in a class heavier than the lightweight class.

22.2 The gloves must be inspected by a representative of the Division before each bout.

22.3 Wringing or breaking of gloves is not permitted. Gloves must be put on boxers in the ring, when demanded by the Division.

23.0 Pneumatic Abdominal Guard

23.1 All contestants must wear a ???Pneumatice Abdominal Guard??? or similar device of a type approved by the Division. The club physician shall be responsible for the enforcement of this rule, and the ???Guard??? must be inspected by an official representative of the Division before each bout.

24.0 Water Buckets, Etc.

24.1 Clubs are directed to furnish a clean bucket and clean bottle for each contestant.

24.2 Clubs shall also provide fans, powdered resin for canvas, stools for seconds, and such other articles as are required in the conduct of contests.

25.0 Bandages

25.1 Only soft bandages of gauze or similar material shall be allowed on the hands of boxers in the ring and only one yard of medical adhesive tape of one inch in width (no other kind) shall be used on either hand, to be wrapped under the supervision of an official representative of the Division in the dressing room or in the ring.

26.0 Benefit Shows

26.1 Wherever any part of the proceeds of a match are to be devoted to charitable purposes, the application must specifically state this fact and the percentage which is to be applied in this way. Any misrepresentation as to the disposition of the proceeds of a show or as to the availability of tickets of any price in an attempt to force patrons to pay a higher price, will be construed as an act detrimental to boxing and will result in immediate suspension of license.

27.0 Championship Bouts

27.1 In event of a championship boxing contest the Division will make such revisions in the rules and regulations and adopt such new rules and regulations as it may deem necessary for the proper handling of such a contest, and will so inform all persons directly concerned in ample time prior to such contest.

28.0 Rules Governing Amateurs

28.1 All amateur bouts must have the sanction of the Mid-Atlantic Boxing Federation or other approved organization, unless otherwise especially provided, before a permit will be granted by the Division.

28.2 No individual not registered by the Mid-Atlantic Boxing Federation shall receive a sanction to hold amateur bouts.

28.3 All clubs wishing to hold bouts under the Mid-Atlantic Boxing Federation or other approved organization must receive a sanction at least seven days prior to the date of the tournament and all entries must be filed at least three days prior to the date of the tournament.

28.4 No amateur bout shall exceed three rounds of three minutes duration each, or five rounds of two minutes each, as the Division may sanction.

28.5 Any organization or club desiring to hold amateur bouts not under the jurisdiction of the Mid-Atlantic Amateur Boxing Federation or other approved organization must arrange with the Division at least ten days in advance of such show as to bond, if required, permit, selection, assignment and compensation of officials and such other details as the Division may deem expedient, and similar arrangements must be made to each show thereafter.

28.6 No one will be allowed to referee except a person holding a license or a permit under the Division & a current Mid-Atlantic ABF registration card.

28.7 A physician assigned by the Division must examine a contestant before they enter the ring and a physician must also be at the ringside during the progress of the contest.

28.8 No contestant will be allowed to participate, who is under ten years of age.

28.9 All contestants must wear a Protection Cup, Mouthpiece, & Headgear.

28.10 No manager or contestant licensed under the Division shall participate, in any capacity during an amateur show, under the penalty of having his professional license revoked.

28.11 An inspector of the Division will be in attendance at all amateur shows and will be in complete charge of same, and collect all taxes and other fees due the State and the Division from such exhibition.

28.12 Nothing in these rules shall be applicable to any bouts or events conducted as an extracurricular activity by any educational institution in the State.

Part A Professional Boxing Rules and Regulations

1.0 Professional Boxing

1.1 All boxers, managers, seconds, officials and promoters shall follow the rules and regulations for the jurisdiction of the approved designated agent.

1.2 All boxers, managers, seconds, officials and promoters shall make application for licensure and permits to the approved designated agent.

1.3 Based on the requirements set forth in Title 28 ??105 (a) (7), the following criteria for determining physical and mental fitness shall include but is not limited to: blood pressure, pulse, respiration, heart rhythm, heart murmurs, ears, nose, throat, extremities, medications taken, negative pregnancy test results, and mental assessment, which must meet acceptable standards as determined by the examining physician prior to the event.

Part B Amateur Boxing Rules and Regulations

1.0 Amateur Boxing

1.1 All amateur bouts must have the sanction of an amateur boxing association recognized by the Director before a permit will be granted by the Division.

1.1 The application for permit must be submitted to the Division at least fifteen full working days prior to the scheduled event.

1.3 All amateur boxing events will be conducted in accordance with USA Boxing Rules or other approved sanctioning body's rules.

1.4 All boxers, coaches, assistant coaches, officials, physicians, administrators and clerks/inspectors shall be registered members of the approved sanctioning organization.

1.5 A physician licensed to practice in Delaware must examine a contestant before they enter the ring and the physician must also be at the ringside during the progress of the contest.

1.6 All protective gear shall comply with USA Boxing Rules or other approved sanctioning body's rules.

1.7 A representative from the Division may be in attendance at amateur events to observe the sanctioning body's compliance to the USA Boxing Rules or other approved sanctioning body's rules.

1.8 The representative from the Division shall have the authority to halt any part of the event at any time in the interest of public safety.

1.9 Nothing in these rules shall be applicable to any bouts or events conducted as an extracurricular activity by any educational institution or public safety training program in the State.

1.10 Based on the requirements set forth in Title 18 ??105 (b) (5), the following criteria for determining physical and mental fitness shall include but is not limited to: blood pressure, pulse, respiration, heart rhythm, heart murmurs, ears, nose, throat, extremities, medications taken, negative pregnancy test results, and mental assessment, which must meet acceptable standards as determined by the examining physician prior to the event.

Part C Professional Mixed Martial Arts

1.0 Weight Classes

1.1 Men's Division

1.1.1 Flyweight under 125.9 pounds;

1.1.2 Bantamweight 126 lbs. - 134.9 pounds;

1.1.3 Featherweight 135 lbs. - 144.9 pounds;

1.1.4 Lightweight 145 lbs. - 154.9 pounds;

1.1.5 Welterweight 155 lbs. - 169.9 pounds;

1.1.6 Middleweight 170 lbs. - 184.9 pounds;

1.1.7 Light Heavyweight 185 lbs. - 204.9 pounds;

1.1.8 Heavyweight 205 lbs. - 264.9 pounds; and

1.1.9 Super Heavyweight over 265 pounds.

1.2 Women's Division

1.2.1 Flyweight (104.9 lbs. and below)

1.2.2 Bantamweight (105-113.9 lbs.)

1.2.3 Featherweight (114-122.9 lbs.)

1.2.4 Lightweight (123-131.9 lbs.)

1.2.5 Welterweight (132-140.9 lbs.)

1.2.6 Middleweight (141-149.9 lbs.)

1.2.7 Light Heavyweight (150-158.9 lbs.)

1.2.8 Cruiserweight (159-167.9 lbs.)

1.2.9 Heavyweight (168 lbs. and above)

1.3 Should a fighter not make weight or be a no-show, that bout shall be canceled. In some instances, fighters that are cleared for the same event may be approved to fight another fighter on the card pending approval of the sanctioning body. Fighters may fight up one Weight Division; however, weight differences between opposing fighters cannot exceed seven pounds, except for the following:

1.3.1 Weight differences between men fighters 185 pounds and over shall be no more than 15 pounds.

1.3.2 Weight differences between women fighters weighing 168 pounds and over shall not be more than 15 pounds.

2.0 Fighting Area

2.1 The cage shall be no smaller than 18 feet by 18 feet and no larger than 32 feet by 32 feet. The fighting surface shall be covered with a minimum one inch layer of foam padding. Vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering shall be permitted.

2.2 The fighting surface 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. Posts 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 surface and shall be properly padded.

2.3 The fighting surface area shall be enclosed by a fence made of such material as will not allow a fighter 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 and shall not be abrasive to the contestants.

2.4 The fence shall provide two separate entries onto the fighting surface.

3.0 Equipment and Clothing

3.1 Ring stool for each contestant. An appropriate number of stools or chairs shall be available for each contestant's seconds. They shall be located near each contestant's corner.

3.2 For each bout, the promoter is to provide a clean water bucket and clean plastic water bottle in each corner.

3.3 Contestants shall wear mma shorts, biking shorts, boxing shorts, Muay Thai shorts or kick-boxing shorts.

3.4 Gi's or shirts are prohibited during competition.

3.5 Females shall wear rash guards.

3.6 Shoes are not permitted.

3.7 No jewelry or clothing that is made of hard plastic or metallic surface is permitted.

4.0 Bandage Wraps

4.1 Bandages shall be restricted to soft gauze cloth not more than 13 yards in length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than 10 feet of surgeon's tape, one inch in width.

4.2 Surgeon's adhesive tape shall be placed directly on each hand for protection near the wrist. The tape may cross the back of the hand twice and extend to cover and protect the knuckles.

4.3 The bandages and tape shall be placed on the contestant's hands in the dressing room in the presence of the inspector and in the presence of the manager or chief second of his or her opponent. It shall be signed off by the inspector with his/her initials and the date.

4.4 Under no circumstances are gloves to be placed on the hands of the contestant without the approval of the inspector.

5.0 Mouth Pieces

5.1 All contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. The mouthpiece shall be subject to examination and approval by the attending physician.

5.2 The round cannot begin without the mouthpiece in place.

5.3 If the mouthpiece is involuntarily dislodged during competition, the referee shall call time, clean the mouthpiece and reinsert the mouthpiece at the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action.

6.0 Protective Equipment

6.1 Male mixed martial artists shall wear a groin protector of their own selection.

6.2 Female mixed martial artists shall wear a chest protector during competition.

7.0 Gloves

7.1 The gloves shall be new for all bouts.

7.2 All contestants shall wear open finger minimum 4 ounce gloves and shall be supplied by the promoter. No contestant shall supply their own gloves.

8.0 Appearance/hygiene

8.1 Hair shall be trimmed or tied back in such a manner as not to interfere with the vision of either contestant or cover any part of a contestant's face.

8.2 Jewelry or piercing accessories are prohibited during competition.

8.3 There shall be no oil or grease on any part of the body. A light coating of petroleum jelly may be applied to the contestants face in the presence of an inspector.

8.4 Fingernails and toenails must be cut and trimmed.

8.5 The use of BenGay, IcyHot, and other such sports cr??mes is prohibited.

9.0 Round Length

9.1 For non-championship bouts, the rounds will consist of three 5-minute rounds with one minute of rest in between rounds.

9.2 For championship bouts, the rounds may consist of five 5-minute rounds with one minute of rest in between rounds.

10.0 Stopping a Contest

The referee and ringside physician are the sole arbiters of a bout and are the only individuals authorized other than a representative from the Director's office to enter the fighting area at any time during competition and stop a contest. The contestant's chief second may signify to referee in an approved manner by the sanctioning body to stop the bout.

11.0 Judging and Scoring

11.1 All bouts will be evaluated and scored by three judges.

11.2 The 10-Point Must System will be the standard system of scoring. Under the 10 Point Must Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round and nine points or less must be awarded to the loser, except for a rare even round, which is scored 10-10.

11.3 Judges shall evaluate MMA techniques, such as effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area, effective aggressiveness and defense.

11.4 Evaluations shall be made in the order in which the techniques appear in 11.3 above, giving the most weight in scoring to effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area and effective aggressiveness and defense.

11.5 Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of legal heavy strikes landed by a contestant.

11.6 Effective grappling is judged by considering the amount of successful executions of legal takedowns 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 fighter using an active, threatening guard.

11.7 Control of fighting 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.

11.8 Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing a legal strike.

11.9 Effective defense means avoiding being struck, taken down or reversed while countering with offensive attacks.

11.10 The following objective scoring criteria shall be utilized by the judges when scoring a round;

11.11 A round is to be scored as a 10-10 Round when both contestants appear to be fighting evenly and neither contestant shows clear dominance in a round;

11.11.1 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;

11.11.2 A round is to be scored as a 10-8 Round when a contestant overwhelmingly dominates by striking or grappling in a round.

11.11.3 A round is to be scored as a 10-7 Round when a contestant totally dominates by striking or grappling in a round.

11.12 Judges shall use a sliding scale and recognize the length of time the fighters are either standing or on the ground, as follows:

11.12.1 If the mixed martial artists spent a majority of a round on the canvas, then:

11.12.1.1 Effective grappling is weighed first; and

11.12.1.2 Effective striking is then weighed.

11.12.2 If the mixed martial artist spent a majority of a round standing, then:

11.12.2.1 Effective striking is weighed first; and

11.12.2.2 Effective grappling is then weighed.

11.12.3 If a round ends with a relatively even amount of standing and canvas fighting, striking and grappling are weighed equally.

12.0 Warnings

12.1 The referee shall issue a single warning for the following infractions. After the initial warning, if the prohibited conduct persists, a penalty will be issued. The penalty may result in a deduction of points or disqualification.

12.1.1 Holding or grabbing the fence;

12.1.2 Holding opponent's shorts or gloves; or

12.1.3 The presence of more than one second on the fighting area perimeter.

13.0 Fouls and Violations:

13.1 If a fighter flagrantly breaks any rule, the official ring referee shall immediately disqualify him; however, if the foul is not severe or intentional, the referee shall issue a warning or point deductions(s) from the offending fighter. The following are fouls and will result in penalties if committed:

13.1.1 Downward pointing elbow strikes;

13.1.2 Butting with the head;

13.1.3 Eye gouging of any kind;

13.1.4 Knuckle gouging;

13.1.5 Biting or spitting at an opponent;

13.1.6 Hair pulling;

13.1.7 Fish hooking;

13.1.8 Groin attacks of any kind;

13.1.9 Intentionally placing a finger in any opponent's orifice;

13.1.10 Small joint manipulation;

13.1.11 Small digit manipulation;

13.1.12 Strikes to the spine or back of the head or back of neck;

13.1.13 Heel kicks to the kidney;

13.1.14 Attacking an opponent on or during the break;

13.1.15 Kicks to the head of a grounded fighter;

13.1.16 Kneeing the head of a grounded fighter;

13.1.17 Stomping of a grounded fighter;

13.1.18 Throat strikes of any kind;

13.1.19 Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle;

13.1.20 The use of abusive language in fighting area;

13.1.21 Any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to opponent;

13.1.22 Attacking an opponent who is under the referee's care at the time;

13.1.23 Timidity (avoiding contact, or consistent dropping of mouthpiece, or faking an injury);

13.1.24 Interference from a mixed martial artists seconds;

13.1.25 Throwing an opponent out of the fighting area;

13.1.26 Flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions;

13.1.27 Spiking/slamming an opponent to the fighting surface on his or her head or neck;

13.2 Disqualification occurs after any combination of three of the fouls listed in 13.1 above or after a referee determines that a foul was intentional and flagrant.

13.3 Fouls will result in a point being deducted by the official scorekeeper from the offending mixed martial artist's score.

13.4 Only a referee can 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.

13.5 A fouled fighter has up to five minutes to recuperate.

13.6 If a foul is committed, the referee shall:

13.6.1 Send the opponent to a neutral corner;

13.6.2 Call time;

13.6.3 Check the fouled mixed martial artist's condition and safety; and

13.6.4 Assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner's seconds, judges and the official scorekeeper.

13.7 If a bottom contestant commits a foul, unless the top contestant is injured, the fight shall continue, so as not to jeopardize the top contestant's superior positioning at the time.

13.7.1 The referee shall verbally notify the bottom contestant of the foul.

13.7.2 When the round is over, the referee shall assess the foul and notify both corners' seconds, the judges and the official scorekeeper.

13.7.3 The referee may terminate a bout based on the severity of a foul. For such a flagrant foul, a contestant shall lose by disqualification.

13.8 Any point or points to be deducted for any foul must be deducted in the round in which the foul occurred.

13.9 Fighters cannot win by intentionally or accidentally fouling another fighter.

14.0 Legal Strikes

14.1 While Standing

14.1.2 Closed hand strikes to the body and head.

14.1.3 Kicking techniques to body.

14.1.4 Knees to the body and legs.

14.1.5 Takedowns, Throws and Sweeps.

14.1.6 Chokes, Armbars and Shouldering.

14.1.7 Standing Submissions.

14.2 While on the Ground

14.2.1 Closed hand strikes to body and legs.

14.2.2 Submissions (chokes, armbars, straight leg locks only).

15.0 Injuries

15.1 If an injury sustained during competition as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate a bout, the injured contestant loses by technical knockout.

15.2 If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul is severe enough to terminate a bout, the contestant causing the injury loses by disqualification.

15.3 If an injury is sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee shall notify the scorekeeper to automatically deduct two points from the contestant who committed the foul.

15.4 If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue at a subsequent point in the contest, the injured contestant shall win by technical decision, if he or she is ahead on the score cards. If the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the time of stoppage, the outcome of the bout shall be declared a technical draw.

15.5 If a contestant injures himself or herself while attempting to foul his or her opponent, the referee shall not take any action in his or her favor, and the injury shall be treated in the same manner as an injury produced by a fair blow.

15.6 If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an accidental foul is severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout shall result in a no contest if stopped before two rounds have been completed in a three round bout or if stopped before three rounds have been completed in a five round bout.

15.7 If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an accidental foul is severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout shall result in a technical decision awarded to the contestant who is ahead on the score cards at the time the bout is stopped only when the bout is stopped after two rounds of a three round bout, or three rounds of a five round bout have been completed.

15.8 There will be no scoring of an incomplete round. However, if the referee penalizes either contestant, then the appropriate points shall be deducted when the scorekeeper calculates the final score.

16.0 Types Of Bout Results:

16.1 Submission by:

16.1.1 Tap Out: When a contestant physically uses his hand to indicate that he or she no longer wishes to continue; or

16.1.2 Verbal tap out: When a contestant verbally announces to the referee that he or she does not wish to continue;

16.2 Technical knockout by:

16.2.1 Referee or a representative of Division of Professional Regulation stops bout;

16.2.2 Ringside physician stops bout;

16.2.3 When an injury as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate a bout;

16.2.4 If second concedes on behalf of the fighter.

16.3 Knockout by failure to rise from the fighting surface;

16.4 Decision via score cards:

16.4.1 Unanimous: When all three judges score the bout for the same contestant;

16.4.2 Split Decision: When two judges score the bout for one contestant and one judge scores for the opponent; or

16.4.3 Majority Decision: When two judges score the bout for the same contestant and one judge scores a draw;

16.5 Draws:

16.5.1 Unanimous - When all three judges score the bout a draw

16.5.2 Majority - When two judges score the bout a draw; or

16.5.3 Split - When all three judges score differently and the score total results in a draw;

16.6 Disqualification: When an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul is severe enough to terminate the contest;

16.7 Forfeit: When a contestant fails to begin competition or prematurely ends the contest for reasons other than injury or by indicating a tap out;

16.8 Technical Draw: When an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue and the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the time of stoppage;

16.9 Technical Decision: When the bout is prematurely stopped due to injury and a contestant is leading on the score cards; and

16.10 No Contest: When a contest is prematurely stopped due to accidental injury and a sufficient number of rounds have not been completed to render a decision via the score cards.

17.0 Matchmaking:

The matchmaking of the contestants is subject to the approval of the approved sanctioning body.

18.0 Physical Exams and Other Testing:

18.1 Contestants must complete and submit the following in writing to the sanctioning body:

18.1.1 A physical completed within six months of the event. HIV exam with negative results is required in order to compete in an event and test must be dated within six months of event.

18.1.2 Complete Hepatitis B Surface AG testing & Hepatitis C AB (must be tested within six months of event.)

18.1.3 Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Bleed & Coagulation (PT/PTT Pro Time)

18.1.4 Original EKG report, read by a physician (dated within six months of the event.)

18.1.5 Original CT/MRI Brain Scan report (without contrast), read by a physician (dated within three years of event.)

18.1.6 Original EYE examination by an ophthalmologist-ophthalmological dilation (dated within six months of the event.)

18.1.7 Serum Pregnancy test for female contestants (dated within 30 days of event and repeated within 30 days of each event.)

18.1.8 Annual Physical/clinical Gynecological and Breast Exam for female contestants.

18.1.9 If contestant's injuries result in broken bones or concussion, the contestant shall be suspended for the length of the recovery time according to physician's orders.

18.1.10 Based on the requirements set forth in Title 28 ??105 (a) (7), the following criteria for determining physical and mental fitness shall include but is not limited to: blood pressure, pulse, respiration, heart rhythm, heart murmurs, ears, nose, throat, extremities, medications taken, negative pregnancy test results, and mental assessment, which must meet acceptable standards as determined by the examining physician prior to the event.

19.0 Requirements of the Sanctioning Body:

19.1 Require promoter to provide proof of sufficient liability insurance for the officials.

19.2 Require promoter to provide proof of sufficient medical insurance including Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance for contestants per application requirements.

19.3 Require promoter to provide an ambulance and 2 EMT's to be present and on site at all times and have a Delaware licensed physician onsite and at ringside.

19.4 Verify the matchmaking done by the promoter by confirming the fight records.

19.5 Sanctioning body shall not have any direct or indirect interest of any kind in the fighters, the promoter or the event.

19.6 Oversee the weigh-ins, the hand wrapping and glove placement after inspecting the gloves.

19.7 Must inspect and approve the fighting area prior to the start of the contests.

19.8 Follow all Delaware laws and rules governing Professional Mixed Martial Arts Events.

19.9 Report results of each bout and suspensions to the Association of Boxing Commissions data base within seven days of the event.

19.10 Agree not to hold the event if the promoter has not obtained adequate security to maintain control over the event and provide safety to the public during and after the event.

19.11 Oversee drug testing to be performed on the day of the event on all contestants for illegal drugs, banned substances and performance enhancers.

20.0 Responsibilities of the Promoter:

20.1 Follow all Delaware rules and laws governing Professional Mixed Martial Arts Events.

20.2 Obtain approval from a sanctioning body approved by the Director before applying to the State of Delaware for the permit to hold a Mixed Martial Arts Event.

20.3 Submit an application to the State of Delaware at least thirty days in advance of the event for a permit to hold an MMA event along with the required fee.

20.4 Receive permit before holding the MMA event.

20.5 Coordinate matchmaking to be approved by the approved sanctioning body.

20.6 Cooperate fully with the approved Sanctioning Body:

20.6.1 Fees

20.6.2 Match Making approval of the sanctioning body.

20.6.3 Engage services and provide evidence to the sanctioning body that an ambulance and at least 2 EMT's will be on-site during competition.

20.6.4 Engage services and provide evidence to the sanctioning body that a Delaware licensed physician will be on site during and directly after the competition.

20.6.5 Engage contract and provide to the sanctioning body proof that medical insurance and an accidental death insurance policy has been purchased per application requirement

20.6.6 Engage contract and provide to the sanctioning body proof that liability insurance has been purchased per the amount required by the venue.

20.7 Agree not officiate at their own events. Cannot have interest of any kind in the sanctioning organization.

20.8 Cannot be involved or interfere in the oversight of the referee, judging, weighing-in, drug testing, post and pre-fight physicals, and glove inspections.

20.9 Provide the required gloves, gauze and adhesive tape for fighter wraps, disposable gloves for corner persons, water for all fighters and officials, stools for each contestant, and clean water bucket.

20.10 Provide the fight card that indicates the weight of the fighters and the weight division that the fighters will be in.

20.11 Ensure that there will be NO exhibition bouts.

20.12 Provide hand sanitizer to the fighters to be kept at the equipment table.

20.13 Sanitize all equipment before and after each fight.

20.14 Provide adequate security personnel to maintain order and provide safety during and after the event.

20.15 Obtain a Delaware business license.

20.16 Execute and file a surety bond with the State of Delaware for not less than $10,000.

20.17 Pay for drug testing to be performed on day of event on all contestants for illegal drugs, banned substances and performance enhancers. The sanctioning body shall oversee the testing.

21.0 Requirements of Fighter:

21.1 Attend pre-fight meeting. Failure to attend will result in disqualification of the fighter.

21.2 Be 18 years or older to participate.

21.3 Pass drug testing completed the day of the event and the pre-fight physical.

21.4 Agree not to use any illegal drug, narcotic, stimulant, depressant, analgesic of any description, or alcohol substance either before or during a match.

21.5 Obtain National MMA ID number prior to the event.

21.6 Follow all Delaware laws, Rules and Regulations and requirements of the sanctioning body.

21.7 Obtain a pre-fight and post-fight physical by the physician assigned to the event.

21.8 If fighter should not make weight or be a no-show, that bout shall be canceled. Under no circumstances shall a fighter be permitted to cut more than two pounds to make weight.

21.9 Fighter shall not fight a minimum of tens days from last fight.

22.0 Requirements of Seconds/cornermen:

22.1 Each fighter may have two seconds, but only one second at a time is permitted in the cage and only when given permission by the referee.

22.2 Permitted to use such general anti-coagulants such as Thrombin, Adrenaline Hydrochloride and Aventine or any other first aid medicine approved by the sanctioning body to cuts.

22.3 Must dry the corner area before the next round continues.

22.4 Follow all Delaware laws, Rules and Regulations and requirements of the sanctioning body.

Part D Amateur Mixed Martial Arts

1.0 Weight Classes:

1.1 Men's Division

1.1.1 Flyweight (111.9 lbs. and below)

1.1.2 Bantamweight (112-117.9 lbs.)

1.1.3 Super Bantamweight (118-121.9 lbs.)

1.1.4 Featherweight (122-125.9 lbs.)

1.1.5 Super Featherweight (126-129.9 lbs.)

1.1.6 Lightweight (130-134.9 lbs.)

1.1.7 Super Lightweight (135-139.9 lbs.)

1.1.8 Welterweight (140-146.9 lbs.)

1.1.9 Super Welterweight (147-153.9 lbs.)

1.1.10 Middleweight (154-159.9 lbs.)

1.1.11 Super Middleweight (160-166.9 lbs.)

1.1.12 Light Heavyweight (167-174.9 lbs.)

1.1.13 Super Lt. Heavyweight (175-182.9 lbs.)

1.1.14 Cruiserweight (183-189.9 lbs.)

1.1.15 Super Cruiserweight (190-194.9 lbs.)

1.1.16 Heavyweight (195-209.9 lbs.)

1.1.17 Super Heavyweight (210 lbs. & above)

1.2 Women's Division

1.2.1 Flyweight (104.9 lbs. and below)

1.2.2 Bantamweight (105-113.9 lbs.)

1.2.3 Featherweight (114-122.9 lbs.)

1.2.4 Lightweight (123-131.9 lbs.)

1.2.5 Welterweight (132-140.9 lbs.)

1.2.6 Middleweight (141-149.9 lbs.)

1.2.7 Light Heavyweight (150-158.9 lbs.)

1.2.8 Cruiserweight (159-167.9 lbs.)

1.2.9 Heavyweight (168 lbs. and above)

1.3.1 Weight differences between men fighters 210 pounds and over shall be no more than 15 pounds.

1.3.2 Weight differences between women fighters weighing 168 pounds and over shall not be more than 15 pounds.

2.0 Fighting Area:

2.4 The fence shall provide two separate entries onto the fighting surface.

3.0 Equipment and Clothing:

3.1 Ring stool for each contestant. An appropriate number of stools or chairs shall be available for each contestant's seconds. They shall be located near each contestant's corner.

3.2 For each bout, the promoter is to provide a clean water bucket and clean plastic water bottle in each corner.

3.3 Contestants shall wear mma shorts, biking shorts, boxing shorts, Muay Thai shorts or kick-boxing shorts.

3.4 Gi's or shirts are prohibited during competition.

3.5 Females shall wear rash guards.

3.6 Shoes are not permitted.

3.7 No jewelry or clothing that is made of hard plastic or metallic surface is permitted.

4.0 Bandage Wraps:

4.1 Bandages shall be restricted to soft gauze cloth not more than 13 yards in length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than 10 feet of surgeon's tape, one inch in width.

4.2 Surgeon's adhesive tape shall be placed directly on each hand for protection near the wrist. The tape may cross the back of the hand twice and extend to cover and protect the knuckles.

4.4 Under no circumstances are gloves to be placed on the hands of the contestant without the approval of the inspector.

5.0 Mouth Pieces:

5.1 All contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. The mouthpiece shall be subject to examination and approval by the attending physician.

5.2 The round cannot begin without the mouthpiece in place.

6.0 Protective Equipment:

6.1 Male mixed martial artists shall wear a groin protector of their own selection.

6.2 Shin/instep protectors are required.

6.3 Female mixed martial artists shall wear a chest protector during competition.

7.0 Gloves:

7.1 The gloves shall be new for all bouts.

7.2 All contestants shall wear open finger minimum 7 ounce gloves and shall be supplied by the promoter. No contestant shall supply their own gloves.

8.0 Appearance/hygiene:

8.1 Hair shall be trimmed or tied back in such a manner as not to interfere with the vision of either contestant or cover any part of a contestant's face.

8.2 Jewelry or piercing accessories are prohibited during competition.

8.3 There shall be no oil or grease on any part of the body. A light coating of petroleum jelly may be applied to the contestants face in the presence of an inspector.

8.4 Fingernails and toenails must be cut and trimmed.

8.5 The use of BenGay, IcyHot, and other such sports cr??mes is prohibited.

9.0 Round Length:

9.1 For non-championship bouts, the rounds will consist of three 3-minute rounds with one minute of rest in between rounds.

9.2 For championship bouts, the rounds may consist of five 3-minute rounds with one minute of rest in between rounds.

10.0 Stopping A Contest:

11.0 Judging And Scoring:

11.1 All bouts will be evaluated and scored by three judges.

11.2 The 10-Point Must System will be the standard system of scoring. Under the 10-Point Must Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round and nine points or less must be awarded to the loser, except for a rare even round, which is scored 10-10.

11.3 Judges shall evaluate MMA techniques, such as effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area, effective aggressiveness and defense.

11.5 Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of legal heavy strikes landed by a contestant.

11.8 Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing a legal strike.

11.9 Effective defense means avoiding being struck, taken down or reversed while countering with offensive attacks.

11.10 The following objective scoring criteria shall be utilized by the judges when scoring a round;

11.10.1 A round is to be scored as a 10-10 Round when both contestants appear to be fighting evenly and neither contestant shows clear dominance in a round;

11.10.2 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;

11.10.3 A round is to be scored as a 10-8 Round when a contestant overwhelmingly dominates by striking or grappling in a round.

11.10.4 A round is to be scored as a 10-7 Round when a contestant totally dominates by striking or grappling in a round.

11.11 Judges shall use a sliding scale and recognize the length of time the fighters are either standing or on the ground, as follows:

11.11.1 If the mixed martial artists spent a majority of a round on the canvas, then:

11.11.1.1 Effective grappling is weighed first; and

11.11.1.2 Effective striking is then weighed.

11.11.2 If the mixed martial artist spent a majority of a round standing, then:

11.11.2.1 Effective striking is weighed first; and

11.11.2.2 Effective grappling is then weighed.

11.11.3 If a round ends with a relatively even amount of standing and canvas fighting, striking and grappling are weighed equally.

12.0 Warnings:

12.1.1 Holding or grabbing the fence;

12.1.2 Holding opponent's shorts or gloves; or

12.1.3 The presence of more than one second on the fighting area perimeter.

13.0 Fouls And Violations:

13.1.1 No elbows of any kind;

13.1.2 Butting with the head;

13.1.3 Eye gouging of any kind;

13.1.4 Knuckle gouging;

13.1.5 Biting or spitting at an opponent;

13.1.6 Hair pulling;

13.1.7 Fish hooking;

13.1.8 Heel hooks;

13.1.9 Finger locks;

13.1.10 Toe locks;

13.1.11 Spine locks;

13.1.12 Hammer locks to grounded opponent;

13.1.13 Smothering of grounded opponent (hand over mouth);

13.1.14 Groin attacks of any kind;

13.1.15 Intentionally placing a finger in any opponent's orifice;

13.1.16 Small joint manipulation;

13.1.17 Small digit manipulation;

13.1.18 Strikes to the spine or back of the head or back of neck;

13.1.19 Any striking to head of grounded opponent;

13.1.20 Heel kicks to the kidney;

13.1.21 Throat strikes of any kind;

13.1.22 One or two-handed chokes applied directly to the throat/windpipe;

13.1.23 Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle;

13.1.24 Kicking the head of a grounded fighter;

13.1.25 Kicks to the head of a standing fighter;

13.1.26 Knees to head of standing opponent;

13.1.27 Kneeing the head of a grounded fighter;

13.1.28 Stomping of a grounded fighter;

13.1.29 The use of abusive language in fighting area;

13.1.30 Any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to opponent;

13.1.31 Attacking an opponent on or during the break;

13.1.32 Attacking an opponent who is under the referee's care at the time;

13.1.33 Timidity (avoiding contact, or consistent dropping of mouthpiece, or faking an injury);

13.1.34 Interference from a mixed martial artists seconds;

13.1.35 Throwing an opponent out of the fighting area;

13.1.36 Flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions;

13.1.37 Spiking/slamming an opponent to the fighting surface on his or her head or neck;

13.1.38 Neck cranks;