The legislative rule filed in the State Register on July 28,
2011, authorized under the authority of section three-a, article
five-a, chapter twenty-nine of this code, modified by the Athletic
Commission to meet the objections of the Legislative Rule-Making
Review Committee and refiled in the State Register on January 6,
2012, relating to the Athletic Commission (mixed martial arts, 177
CSR 2
), is authorized, with the following amendments:
On pages three and four, §177-2.5., by striking out all of
§177-2.5. and inserting in lieu thereof a new §177-2.5., to read as
follows:
"§177-2.5. Venues must have a minimum seating capacity of
2,500 and video replay capabilities in good working order. However,
the Commission may waive the minimum seating capacity requirement.
Venues with a seating capacity of 3,500 or more must have a minimum
of four video monitors displaying a continuous live feed of the
match for the spectators; venues with a maximum seating capacity of
3,499 or less must have at least two monitors displaying a
continuous live feed of the match for the spectators. All such
video monitors must be a minimum of six feet by six feet. No event
shall take place until the venue has been approved by the
commission.";
On page twelve, subsection 29.5., by striking out all of
subsection 29.5. and inserting in lieu thereof a new subsection
29.5., to read as follows:
"29.5. Prohibition of certain dressings. - No second shall be
permitted to use grease or any other substances on the body of a contestant. The use of petroleum jelly in corners is not allowed
except in the use of stopping blood and on cuts. Petroleum jelly,
or other substances approved by the commission, may be used in
between rounds in the use of stopping blood and on cuts and only in
the presence of a representative of the commission. The use of
drugs, alcohols or stimulants during a match by any contestant is
adequate cause for revoking license.";
On page twenty, subsection 41.1., by striking out all of
subsection 41.1. and inserting in lieu thereof a new subsection
41.1., to read as follows:
"41.1. Matches may take place in a cage or ring that has been
approved by the commission. The cage or ring shall meet the
requirements set forth by the commission and is subject to
inspection prior to each match by a commission representative such
as a referee.";
On page twenty-one, subsection 41.3., by striking out all of
subsection 41.3. and inserting in lieu thereof a new subsection
41.3., to read as follows:
"41.3. The commission shall determine all seating arrangements
at cage side necessary to effectuate the match. A promoter may
submit a proposed seating arrangement to the commission one week
before the event.";
And,
On page twenty-one, after subsection 41.3., by inserting a new
subsection, designated subsection 41.4., to read as follows:
41.4. Ring - The ring specifications shall meet the following
requirements:
41.4.a. The ring shall be no smaller than twenty feet square
and larger than thirty-two feet square within the ropes. One
corner shall have a red designation and the corner directly
opposite shall have a blue designation.
41.4.b. The floor must extend at least eighteen inches beyond
the ropes. The ring floor must be padded in a manner as approved
by the commission, with at least one inch layer of foam padding.
No vinyl or other plastic rubberized cover shall be permitted. The
fighting area canvas shall not be more than four feet above the
floor of the building and shall have suitable steps or ramp for use
by the participants.
41.4.c. Ring posts must be made of metal, not more than three
inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a
minimum height of fifty-eight inches above the ring floor, and must
be properly padded in a manner approved by the commission. Ring
posts must be at least eighteen inches away from the ring ropes.
41.4.d. There must be five ring ropes, not less than one inch
in diameter and wrapped in soft material. The lowest ring rope
must be twelve inches above the ring floor.
41.4.e. There must not be any obstruction or object,
including, without limitation, a triangular border, on any part of
the ring floor".
Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2012 1st Special Session
Print