DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

CORPORATIONS, SECURITIES, AND COMMERCIAL LICENSING BUREAU

UNARMED COMBAT

Filed with the secretary of state on March 21, 2023

These rules take effect immediately upon filing with the secretary of state unless adopted

under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA

306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become

effective 7 days after filing with the secretary of state.

(By authority conferred on the department of licensing and regulatory affairs by the

Michigan unarmed combat regulatory act, 2004 PA 403, MCL 338.3601 to 338.3661a,

and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 2008-4, 2011-4, and 2019-2, MCL 445.2025,

445.2030, and 333.27001)

R 339.101, R 339.201, R 339.203, R 339.205a, R 339.225, R 339.226, R 339.230, R

339.232, R 339.261, and R 339.265 of the Michigan Administrative Code are amended,

and R 339.104, R 339.204a, R 339.223b, R 339.223c, R 339.225a, R 339.226b, R

339.226c, R 339.230a, R 339.230b, R 339.232a, R 339.232b, and R 339.246b are added,

as follows:

PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

R 339.101 Definitions.

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

(a) "Act" means the Michigan unarmed combat regulatory act, 2004 PA 403, MCL

338.3601 to 338.3661a.

(b) "Department representative" means an employee of the department, as defined by

section 10(1) of the act, MCL 338.3610, or an inspector approved by the department who

ensures compliance with the law and rules at an unarmed combat event.

(c) "Down" means when any part of a boxer's body, except his or her feet, touches the

ring floor, or when the boxer is hanging helplessly over the ropes as a result of a legal

blow as ruled by the referee.

(d) "Drug" means a controlled substance as regulated under sections 7101 to 7231 of the

public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7101 to 333.7231, and any substance

referenced in section 48(5)(a) of the act, MCL 338.3648.

(e) “Fight Record” means a record of a contestant’s previous fight results, including, but

not limited to, wins, losses, knockouts, and technical knockouts, and any other

information required by the department.

(f) "Gong" means a bell, horn, buzzer, or other audible device approved by the

department representative that has a clear tone loud enough for the contestants and

referee to hear.

July 25, 2022

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(g) “Grounded” means when a mixed martial artist has any part of the body, other than

fingers and the soles of both feet, touching the fighting area floor. A mixed martial artist

is grounded if the palm or closed fist of 1 hand, or any other body part, is touching the

fighting area floor.

(h) “Kickboxing” means a form of boxing in which blows are delivered with the hand

and any part of the leg below the hip, including the foot.

(i) “Manager” means a person who represents the interest of a second person, by

contract, agreement, or other arrangements, in arranging for the establishment of a

professional or amateur contest in which that second person shall participate as a

contestant. An attorney licensed to practice in this state, if his or her participation is

restricted solely to legal representation of the interests of an amateur or professional

licensee, does not fall within this definition.

(j) "Mandatory count of 8" means a required count of 8 given by a referee to a boxer who

has been knocked down.

(k) “Muay thai” means a form of boxing in which blows are delivered with the hand,

elbow, any part of the leg below the hip, including the foot, and clinching.

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

(m) "Reinstatement" means the granting of a license to a person whose license has been

revoked or suspended as a result of a disciplinary action pursuant to chapter 4 of the act,

MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a.

(n) "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.

(o) "Ring" or “cage” means the enclosure in which a contest takes place.

(p) “Sanctioned” means a contest approved by USA Boxing or a public body charged

with overseeing unarmed combat contests.

(q) “Second” means an individual assisting a contestant during a contest, such as

cornerman or a contestant’s cutman, and may include a manager serving in that capacity.

An impartial cutman is not a second.

(r) "Stalling and faking" means that a contestant is pulling his or her punches or holding

an opponent or deliberately maintaining a clinch.

(s) "Standing mandatory count of 8" means a count of 8 given at the discretion of a

referee to a boxer who has been dazed by a blow and is unable to defend himself or

herself.

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

R 339.104 Kickboxing and muay thai events and contests; applicability of act and

Rules.

Rule 104. (1) All kickboxing and muay thai events must adhere to the requirements for

boxing events in section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.

(2) Unless specifically identified by these rules, all kickboxing and muay thai contests

must adhere to the rules for boxing contests under part 2 of these rules.

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PART 2. PROFESSIONAL BOXING, AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL MIXED

MARTIAL ARTS, AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL KICKBOXING, AND

AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL MUAY THAI

R 339.201 Weight classifications for contestants.

Rule 201. (1) The department may refuse to permit a contest in which the contestants

are not fairly matched. In determining if contestants are fairly matched, the department

shall consider the following factors:

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

(b) The weight differential.

(c) The caliber of opponents.

(d) Each contestant’s number of contests.

(e) Any other factor relating to a contestant’s past conduct as a contestant, in this

jurisdiction or another, that would reasonably give rise to concerns regarding the health

and safety of the public or a contestant or contestants.

(2) Pursuant to section 54a(2)(e) of the act, MCL 338.3654a, boxing contestants shall be

divided into the following classes, and there shall not be more than a 5-pound weight

differential for contestants weighing up to 126 pounds, a 7-pound weight differential for

contestants weighing 126.1 to 175 pounds, and a 15-pound weight differential for

contestants weighing 175.1 pounds to 199 pounds. The weight differential applicable to

the lowest weight contestant applies.

(a) Mini flyweight:

(b) Light flyweight:

(c) Flyweight:

(d) Super flyweight:

(e) Bantamweight:

(f) Super bantamweight:

(g) Featherweight:

(h) Super featherweight:

(i) Lightweight:

Up to and including 105 pounds.

Over 105 pounds to 108 pounds.

Over 108 pounds to 112 pounds.

Over 112 pounds to 115 pounds.

Over 115 pounds to 118 pounds.

Over 118 pounds to 122 pounds.

Over 122 pounds to 126 pounds.

Over 126 pounds to 130 pounds.

Over 130 pounds to 135 pounds.

Over 135 pounds to 140 pounds.

Over 140 pounds to 147 pounds.

Over 147 pounds to 154 pounds.

Over 154 pounds to 160 pounds.

Over 160 pounds to 168 pounds.

Over 168 pounds to 175 pounds.

Over 175 pounds to 200 pounds.

Over 200 pounds.

(j) Super lightweight:

(k) Welterweight:

(l) Super welterweight:

(m) Middleweight:

(n) Super middleweight:

(o) Light heavyweight:

(p) Cruiserweight:

(q) Heavyweight:

(3) Pursuant to section 54a(2)(e) of the act, MCL 338.3654a, mixed martial arts

contestants shall be divided into the following classes, and there shall not be more than a

3-pound weight differential for contestants weighing up to 155 pounds and a 5-pound

weight differential for contestants weighing 155.1 pounds up to 205 pounds. The weight

differential applicable to the lowest weight contestant applies.

(a) Atomweight:

(b) Strawweight:

(c) Flyweight:

Up to and including 105 pounds.

Over 105 pounds to 115 pounds.

Over 115 pounds to 125 pounds.

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(d) Bantamweight:

(e) Featherweight:

(f) Lightweight:

(g) Super lightweight:

(h) Welterweight:

(i) Super welterweight:

(j) Middleweight:

(k) Super middleweight:

(l) Light heavyweight:

(m) Cruiserweight:

(n) Heavyweight:

Over 125 pounds to 135 pounds.

Over 135 pounds to 145 pounds.

Over 145 pounds to 155 pounds.

Over 155 pounds to 165 pounds.

Over 165 pounds to 170 pounds.

Over 170 pounds to 175 pounds.

Over 175 pounds to 185 pounds.

Over 185 pounds to 195 pounds.

Over 195 pounds to 205 pounds.

Over 205 pounds to 225 pounds.

Over 225 pounds to 265 pounds.

Over 265 pounds.

(o) Super heavyweight:

R 339.203 Licensing requirements; contestants.

Rule 203. (1) A contestant shall not have an active license as a timekeeper, judge,

referee, promoter, or matchmaker.

(2) A contestant shall have an active license at the time of the contest.

(3) An applicant for a professional boxer license shall have the department’s

determination that he or she is able to compete as a professional contestant and either of

the following:

(a) A record of having fought a minimum of 7 amateur contests or 28 amateur rounds.

(b) An active professional boxer license in this state or another state, territory, country,

or tribal nation.

(c) The commission’s approval based on proven competence.

(4) An applicant for a professional mixed martial artist license shall have the

department’s determination that he or she is able to compete as a professional contestant

and either of the following:

(a) A record of having fought a minimum of 5 sanctioned amateur contests.

(b) An active professional mixed martial artist license in this state or another state,

territory, country, or tribal nation.

(c) The commission’s approval based on proven competence.

(5) An applicant for a professional kickboxing or muay thai contestant license shall have

the department’s determination that he or she is able to compete as a professional

contestant and either of the following:

(a) A record of having fought a minimum of 5 amateur contests. A kickboxing or muay

thai applicant shall provide the department with contest results of 5 amateur contests.

(b) An active professional kickboxing or muay thai license in this state or another state,

territory, country, or tribal nation.

(c) The commission’s approval based on proven competence.

(6) All professional kickboxing or muay thai contestant licensees must obtain a boxer’s

federal identification card.

R 339.204a Duty of impartiality of approved event officials.

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Rule 204a. (1) Judges, timekeepers, and referees must remain impartial before, during,

and immediately after an unarmed combat event.

(2) The approved event officials listed in subrule 1 of this rule shall not in any manner

publicly criticize or praise the performance of any other official 30 days before, during,

or immediately after an unarmed combat event.

(3) The approved event officials shall not in any manner publicly criticize or praise the

performance of any contestant 30 days before, during, or immediately after an unarmed

combat event.

(4) The approved event officials shall not in any manner publicly criticize the

appointment of any other event official 30 days before, during, or immediately after an

unarmed combat event.

(5) The approved event officials shall refrain from communicating with a promoter or a

promoter’s employee before a contest or event unless the communications relate to travel

accommodations, hotel accommodations, or compensation for their services as an event

official.

(6) The approved event officials shall refrain from communicating with or establishing a

financial relationship with a manager, second, trainer, or contestant 30 days before an

unarmed combat event.

(7) The approved event officials are prohibited from placing wagers of any type on any

event or contest involving unarmed combat.

R 339.205a Mixed martial arts cage; dimensions and construction.

Rule 205a. (1) A promoter shall ensure that a mixed martial arts cage meets all of the

following requirements:

(a) The cage canvas must be no smaller than 18 by 18 feet and no larger than 32 by 32

feet.

(b) Two sides opposite of each other must have a designated color. One side must be

blue; the opposite side must be red.

(c) The floor of the cage area must be padded with ensolite or another similar closed-

cell foam, with at least a 1-inch layer of foam padding, with a top covering of canvas,

duck, or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the platform of the cage. Material

that tends to gather in lumps or ridges must not be used.

(d) The platform of the cage must not be more than 4 feet above the floor of the building

and must have suitable steps for use by the contestants and officials.

(e) Cage posts must be made of metal, not more than 6 inches in diameter, extending

from the floor of the building to 5 to 7 feet above the floor of the cage, and must be

properly padded in a manner approved by the department.

(f) The fencing used to enclose the cage must be made of a material that will prevent a

contestant from falling out or breaking through the cage onto the floor of the building or

onto spectators.

(g) Any metal portion on the interior of the cage must be covered and padded in a

manner approved by the department and must not be abrasive to the contestants.

(h) The cage must have a minimum of 1 entrance. The entrance must be padded or

covered so that there is not exposed metal on the interior of the ring cage.

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(i) There must not be any obstruction on any part of the cage surrounding the area in

which the contestants are competing.

(j) Any metal parts used to enforce the cage wall must be positioned as to not interfere

with the safety of the contestants.

(k) There must be an area of at least 4 feet between the cage and the first row of public

seating that allows freedom of movement of contest officials and department personnel.

(2) The area immediately surrounding the cage is subject to the control of the

department. Event security staff shall control access. The seating around the apron of

the cage must not be sold. An area for credentialed media personnel may be allowed

with the approval of the department.

(3) There must be adequate space provided in each contestant's corner for seconds to sit

during a round.

(4) The department may request a promoter of a mixed martial arts event or contest to

place at least 2 video screens that meet the approval of the department, which will allow

patrons to view action inside the cage.

R 339.223b Injuries and cuts; kickboxing.

Rule 223b. (1) If an intentional foul causes an injury that is severe enough to terminate

the contest immediately, the contestant causing the foul shall lose by disqualification.

(2) If the referee determines that a contest may continue despite an injury caused by an

intentional foul, the referee shall immediately inform the department representative and

the judges. The judges shall deduct the points as determined by the referee.

(3) If an injury caused by an intentional foul results in the contest being stopped later in

the contest or a later round, the referee shall do either of the following:

(a) If the injured contestant is ahead in the scorecard, the referee shall declare the

contestant winner by a technical decision.

(b) If the injured contestant is behind on or even on the scorecards, the referee shall

declare the contest a technical draw.

(4) If a contestant injures himself or herself while attempting to intentionally foul his or

her opponent, but can continue contesting, the referee shall take no action and treat the

injury as if it was the result of a legal maneuver. If the referee determines the contestant

who injured himself or herself while attempting an intentional foul is unable to continue

to compete, the referee shall declare the contestant as having lost by a technical knockout

or knockout.

(5) If an accidental foul causes an injury that is severe enough to terminate the contest

immediately and a contest has not completed the rounds necessary to score a technical

decision, the contest shall result in a no decision.

(6) If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough to terminate the contest and the

contest is considered official, the contest shall be awarded to the contestant ahead on the

scorecards as a technical decision. For purposes of this subrule, “official” means when

the contest completes 3 rounds of a 5 round contest or completed 4 rounds of any contest

more than 5 rounds.

(7) If the injury from a contestant’s accidental foul is not severe enough to immediately

stop the contest but later becomes aggravated and causes the contest to be stopped, the

contest shall be awarded to the contestant ahead on the scorecards as a technical decision.

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(8) If the referee feels that a contestant has conducted himself or herself in an

unsportsmanlike manner, the referee may stop the contest and disqualify the 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, then 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 event until 1

hour has elapsed from the time of the examination or until released by the physician.

(13) The attending physician shall file a written report with the department on each

contestant who has been knocked out or injured.

R 339.223c Injuries and cuts; muay thai.

Rule 223c. (1) If the referee determines that a contest may not continue because of an

injury caused by an intentional foul, the contestant who committed the intentional foul

loses by disqualification.

(2) If the referee determines that a contest may continue despite an injury caused by an

intentional foul, the referee shall immediately inform the department representative and

the judges and shall deduct 2 points from the score of the contestant who committed the

intentional foul.

(3) If an injury caused by an intentional foul results in the contest being stopped in a

later round, either of the following must occur:

(a) If the injured contestant is ahead on the scorecards, the contestant wins by technical

decision.

(b) If the injured contestant is behind or even on the scorecards, the contest must be

declared a technical draw.

(4) 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 must be treated the

same as an injury produced by a fair blow.

(5) If a contest is stopped because of an accidental foul, the referee shall determine

whether the contestant who has been fouled can continue or not. If the contestant’s

chance of winning has not been seriously jeopardized because of a foul and if the foul did

not involve a concussive impact to the head of the contestant who was fouled, the referee

may order the contest continued after a reasonable interval. Before the contest begins

again, the referee shall inform the judges and department representative of his or her

determination that the foul was accidental.

(6) If the referee determines that the contest may not continue because of an injury

suffered as the result of an accidental foul, the contest must be declared a no decision if

the foul occurs during the first 3 rounds of a contest that is scheduled for 6 rounds or less

or the first 4 rounds if scheduled for more than 6 rounds.

(7) If an injury inflicted by an accidental foul later becomes aggravated by fair blows

and the referee orders the contest stopped because of the injury, the outcome must be

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determined by scoring the completed rounds and the round during which the referee stops

the contest.

(8) 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.

(9) If a contestant is knocked out or incapacitated, then the referee or second shall not

handle the contestant, except for the removal of a mouthpiece, unless directed by the

physician to do so.

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

(11) A contestant who has been knocked out shall not leave the site of the event until 1

hour has elapsed from the time of the examination or until released by the physician.

(12) The attending physician shall file a written report with the department on each

contestant who has been knocked out or injured.

R 339.225 Knockouts; boxing.

Rule 225. (1) A contestant in a boxing contest who is knocked down shall take a

minimum mandatory count of 8.

(2) If a contestant in a boxing contest 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 in a boxing contest, then 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 in a boxing contest 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 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 in a boxing contest is down and the referee is in

the process of counting, then the gong indicating the end of the round must not be

sounded, except for the last round. The gong must only sound when the referee gives the

command to box indicating the continuation of the contest.

(7) In the final round, the timekeeper's gong terminates the fight contest.

(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

is 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 in a boxing contest rises before the count of 10 is reached and falls down

immediately without being struck.

(10) If both contestants in a boxing contest go down at the same time, then counting

continues as long as 1 of them is still down or until the referee or the ringside physician

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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 must stop and the decision

is scored as a double knockout.

R 339. 225a Knockouts; kickboxing and muay thai.

Rule 225a. (1) In the event of a knockdown, the referee shall send the standing

contestant to a neutral corner and administer a mandatory 10 count to the downed

contestant.

(2) For purposes of this rule, a knockdown is either of the following:

(a) When a contestant touches the mat with anything other than the soles of his or her

feet as the result of a legal and damaging strike.

(b) When a contestant is in a defenseless position grabbing the opponent or hanging on

or over the ropes.

(3) If a contestant goes down from what the referee indicates is a slip but fails to rise

after the referee’s repeated commands, the referee shall initiate a count of 10 and follow

the procedures of a knockdown. If the contestant does not rise after a count of 10, the

contest ends as a technical knockout.

(4) The referee shall have sole discretion in determining a knockdown versus a slip.

(5) If a contestant injures himself or herself and then fails to intelligently defend himself

or herself by turning his or her back on the opponent, the referee may do either of the

following:

(a) Treat the injury the same as one produced by a fair blow from the opponent and

follow the procedures for a knockdown,

(b) Terminate the contest and declare the opponent winner by technical knockout.

(6) The 3-knockdown rule is in effect only when a contestant has been knocked down 3

times in the same round by strikes or kicks to the head. If a contestant is knocked down 3

times, the contest ends, and contestant is determined to have lost the contest by technical

knockout.

(7) A standing 8 count in professional kickboxing or muay thai contests is not allowed.

(8) In an amateur kickboxing and muay thai contest, a referee may issue a standing 8

count to determine if a contestant can continue the contest.

(9) A contestant who has been knocked down shall not be saved by the bell in any

round, including the final round.

R 339.226 Types of contest results for mixed martial arts events.

Rule 226. The following are the types of contest results for mixed martial arts events:

(a) Submission by either of the following:

(i) Tap out: When a contestant physically uses his hand to indicate that he or she no

longer wishes to continue.

(ii) Verbal tap out: When a contestant verbally announces to the referee that he or she

does not wish to continue.

(b) Technical knockout by any of the following:

(i) Referee stops the contest.

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(ii) When an injury as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate a

contest.

(iii) If a contestant fails to answer the bell or does not want to continue the contest.

(c) Knockout by failure to rise from the canvas.

(d) Decision via scorecards including any of the following:

(i) Unanimous decision: When all 3 judges score the contest for the same contestant.

(ii) Split decision: When 2 judges score the contest for 1 contestant and 1 judge scores

for the opponent.

(iii) Majority decision: When 2 judges score the contest for same contestant and only 1

judge scores a draw.

(e) Draw including any of the following:

(i) Unanimous Draw: When all 3 judges score the contest a draw.

(ii) Majority Draw: When 2 judges score the contest a draw.

(iii) Split Draw: When 1 judge scores in favor of one contestant, 1 judge scores in favor

of the other contestant, and 1 judge scores the contest as a draw.

(f) Disqualification: When an injury sustained during competition as a result of an

intentional foul is severe enough to terminate the contest.

(g) Forfeit: When a contestant fails to begin competition or prematurely ends the contest

for reasons other than injury or by indicating a tap out.

(h) 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 scorecards at the time of stoppage.

(i) Technical decision: When the contest is prematurely stopped due to injury and a

contestant is leading on the scorecards.

(j) 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

scorecards.

(k) Double knockout: If the referee determines that both contestants are in a condition

that to continue might subject the contestants to serious injury, the referee shall stop the

contest and the contest is considered a technical draw.

R 339.226b Types of contest results for kickboxing events.

Rule 226b. The following are the types of contest results for kickboxing events:

(a) Points decision: When both contestants finish the scheduled rounds, victory is

awarded by majority decision of the judging panel according to the following:

(i) Unanimous decision: When all 3 judges score the contest for the same contestant.

(ii) Split decision: When 2 judges score the contest for 1 contestant and 1 judge scores

for the opponent.

(iii) Majority decision: When 2 judges score the contest for same contestant and only 1

judge scores a draw.

(b) Knockout: If a contestant is incapable of resuming the contest within the referee’s

10-count due to legal strikes.

(c) Technical knockout by any of the following:

(i) If the official determines a contestant shows no will to or is incapable of resuming

the contest due to a legal technique.

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(ii) If the official determines the contestant can no longer intelligently defend himself or

herself.

(iii) If the contestant does not leave his or her corner to take part in the contest

following the sounding of the bell.

(iv) If the referee is of the opinion that 1 contestant is outmatched by the opponent and

continuing the match would jeopardize the athlete’s health and safety.

(v) If the contest is terminated for medical reasons due to injury resulting from a legal

technique.

(vi) Where a contestant’s corner indicates to the official that the contestant no longer

wishes to continue the contest and throws in the towel. If a contestant or his or her second

gives up the contest, the contestant or his or her second will indicate this to the referee or

the department representative.

(d) Disqualification: The referee disqualifies the contestant for any reason including

intentional, deliberate, flagrant, or repeated fouling.

(e) Draw: If, following the end of all rounds, at least 2 of the 3 judges do not pronounce

1 of the contestants a winner. If both contestants go down at the same time and neither

can resume the contest within the referee’s 10-count.

(f) No decision: If a contestant cannot continue as the result of an accidental foul and the

bell has not yet sounded completing the second round of a 3-round contest or completed

the third round of a 5-round contest or completed the fourth round of a contest scheduled

for more than 5 rounds. If the referee decides, both contestants must be disqualified.

R 339.226c Types of contest results for muay thai events.

Rule 226c. The following are the types of contest results for muay thai events:

(a) Knockout: If a contestant is incapable of resuming the contest within the referee’s

10-count due to legal strikes.

(b) Technical knockout by any of the following:

(i) When the referee orders the contest to stop because a contestant is not fit to

continue.

(ii) When a contestant cannot answer the bell for the upcoming round.

(iii) The contestant is so badly cut that it is too dangerous to continue.

(c) Submission: When a contestant notifies the referee that he or she no longer wishes to

continue.

(d) Unanimous decision: When all 3 judges score in favor of 1 contestant.

(e) Split decision: When 2 judges score in favor of 1 contestant, while 1 judge scores in

favor of the other contestant.

(f) Majority decision: When 2 judges score in favor of 1 contestant and 1 judge

determines it is a draw.

(g) Disqualification: When a referee stops a contest due to a contestant’s intentional foul

or accidental foul.

(h) Technical draw: In case of an intentional foul which causes injury, and the contest

continues but is later stopped because of the initial foul, the referee shall stop the contest

and declare a technical draw if the scores are equal or if the fouled contester is behind on

the cards.

(i) Technical decision by any of the following:

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(i) In case of an intentional foul which causes injury, and the contest is

continued but is later stopped because of the initial foul, the referee shall declare a victory

for the fouled contestant if he or she is ahead on the cards.

(ii) If a contest cannot continue due to an accidental foul but enough rounds

have been completed, the referee shall declare a victory for the contestant ahead on the

score cards.

(j) No contest: In case of an accidental foul which causes injury so

serious that the contest cannot be continued but less than enough rounds have been

completed.

(k) Draw: When scoring of the rounds results in a 3-way tie amongst the judges.

(l) Majority draw: When 2 judges score the fight a draw and 1 judge declares 1 of the

contestants the victor.

R 339.230 Judging; mixed martial arts.

Rule 230. (1) Three judges shall evaluate all mixed martial arts contests.

(2) The 10-Point Must Scoring System must be the standard system for scoring a

contest. Under the 10-Point Must Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the

winner of the round and 9 points or fewer must be awarded to the loser, except for a rare

even round, which is scored (10-10).

(3) Judges shall evaluate mixed martial arts techniques, such as effective striking,

effective grappling, effective aggressiveness, control of the cage, and defense.

(4) Evaluation must be made in the order in which the techniques appear in subrule (2)

of this rule. Effective striking and grappling must be the priority for round scoring.

Effective aggressiveness must only be considered for round scoring if the judge does not

see any advantage in effective striking and grappling. A judge may only take into

consideration the control of the cage for round scoring when effective striking, grappling,

and aggressiveness are even for both contestants. In the rare event that control of the cage

is even for both contestants, a judge may take into consideration the effective defense of

contestants.

(5) Effective striking is judged by determining the legal blows that have an immediate

or cumulative impact with the potential to contribute toward the end of the round. The

immediate impact must weigh more heavily than the cumulative impact in a judge’s

scoring of a round.

(6) Effective grappling is judged by considering the successful execution of takedowns,

submission attempts, reversals, and the achievement of advantageous positions that

produce immediate or cumulative impact with the potential to contribute to the end of the

round. The immediate impact must weigh more heavily than the cumulative impact in a

judge’s scoring of a round. A successful takedown is not merely a changing of position,

but the establishment of an attack from the use of the takedown. Top and bottom position

fighters shall be assessed more on the impactful and effective result of their actions than

their position.

(7) Effective aggressiveness is judged by considering a contestant aggressively making

effective attempts to finish the contest. A judge shall not consider a contestant merely

chasing after an opponent with no effective result or impact in the scoring of a round.

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(8) The control of the cage is assessed by determining who is dictating the pace, place,

and position of the contest.

(9) Effective defense means avoiding being struck, taken down, or reversed while

countering with offensive attacks.

(10) The judges shall use the following objective scoring criteria when scoring a round:

(a) A round must be scored as a 10-10 round when both contestants appear to be

competing evenly and neither contestant shows clear dominance in a round.

(b) A round must be scored as a 10-9 round when a contestant wins by a close margin,

landing effective strikes or utilizing effective grappling during the competition.

(c) A round must be scored as a 10-8 round when 1 contestant has dominated the

action of the round, had duration of the domination, and impacted his or her opponent

with either effective strikes or effective grappling maneuvers that diminished the abilities

of his or her opponent.

(d) A round must be scored as a 10-7 round when a contestant totally dominates by

striking or grappling in a round. and stoppage is warranted.

(11) Judges shall use a sliding scale and recognize the length of time the contestants are

either standing or on the ground, as follows:

(a) If the mixed martial arts contestant spent a majority of a round on the canvas, then

both of the following apply:

(i) Effective grappling is weighed first.

(ii) Effective striking is weighed second.

(b) If the mixed martial arts contestant spent a majority of a round standing, then both

of the following apply:

(i) Effective striking is weighed first.

(ii) Effective grappling is weighed second.

(c) If a round ends with a relatively even amount of standing and canvas competition,

striking and grappling are weighed equally.

(12) Officials who score the contest shall mark their cards in ink or in indelible pencil at

the end of each round.

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

(14) Except as provided in subrule (15) 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.

(15) If a contest is scored on individual scorecards for each round, the referee shall, at

the end of a round, collect the scorecard for the round from each judge and shall give the

scorecards to the department representative for computation.

(16) Referees and judges shall be discreet at all times and shall not discuss their

decisions with anyone during an event.

(17) Unless the department representative determines that a computation of the

scorecards shows a clerical or mathematical error giving the decision to the wrong

contestant, the decision at the end of a mixed martial arts contest must not change. If

such an error occurs, the department representative may change the decision.

(18) The referee shall collect the scorecards from the judges and give them to the

department representative for tabulation. After the cards have been tabulated, the referee

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shall collect the tabulated scorecards and give them to the announcer, who shall announce

the decision to the spectators.

(19) After a contest, the department representative shall collect the scorecards and

tabulation sheets and give them to the promoter. The promoter shall maintain the

scorecards and tabulation sheets for 1 year pursuant to section 54a of the act, MCL

338.3654a.

(20) If a referee becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete a mixed martial arts

contest, then the other referee previously approved by the department for the event shall

assume the duties of the referee.

(21) If a judge becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete the scoring of a mixed

martial arts contest, then the referee shall call a time-out and a licensed judge previously

approved by the department must 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 339.230a Judging; kickboxing.

Rule 230a. (1) The 10-Point Must System must be the standard system of scoring a

kickboxing contest. Under the 10-Point Must Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded

to the winner of the round. The contestant who has lost the round may be awarded 9, 8, or

7 points. If a judge determines a round is an even round, a score of 10 shall be awarded to

each contestant. Partial or incomplete rounds shall be scored. If no significant action has

occurred, the round shall be scored as an even round.

(2) Judges shall evaluate kickboxing contests in the order of the following:

(a) The total number of knockdowns landed by a contestant.

(b) The cumulative effective impact a contestant has on an opponent.

(c) The total number of clean scoring strikes landed by a contestant.

(d) The ring area control or aggressiveness a contestant has over an opponent.

(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 scorecards for each round, the referee shall, at

the end of a round, collect the scorecard for the round from each judge and give the

scorecards 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 an event.

(8) Unless the department representative determines that a computation of the

scorecards shows a clerical or mathematical error giving the decision to the wrong

contestant, the decision at the end of a kickboxing contest must not change. If such an

error occurs, the department representative may change the decision.

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(9) The referee shall collect the scorecards from the judges and give them to the

department representative for tabulation. After the cards have been tabulated, the referee

shall collect the tabulated scorecards and give them to the announcer, who shall announce

the decision to the spectators.

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

tabulation sheets and give them to the promoter. The promoter shall maintain the

scorecards and tabulation sheets for 1 year pursuant to section 54a of the act, MCL

338.3654a.

(11) If a referee becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete a kickboxing contest,

then the other referee previously approved by the department for the event shall assume

the duties of the referee.

(12) If a judge becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete the scoring of a

kickboxing contest, then the referee shall call a time-out and a licensed judge previously

approved by the department must 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 339.230b Judging; muay thai.

Rule 230b. (1) Three judges shall evaluate all muay thai contests.

(2) The 10-Point Must Scoring System must be the standard system for scoring a muay

thai contest. Under the 10-Point Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the

winner of the round and 9 points or fewer must be awarded to the loser, except for a rare

even round, which is scored 10-10.

(3) Judges shall evaluate the following muay thai techniques:

(a) Effective striking.

(b)Control of the ring.

(c) Effective aggressiveness.

(d) Effective defense.

(4) Evaluation must be made in the order in which the techniques appear in subrule (3)

of this rule.

(5) Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of legal strikes

landed by a contestant and the significance of these legal strikes.

(6) Ring cage area control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location,

and position of the contest.

(7) Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing a legal strike.

(8) Effective defense means avoiding being struck while countering with

offensive attacks.

(9) The judges shall use the following objective scoring criteria when scoring a round:

(a) A round is to be scored as a 10-10 round when both contestants appear to be

competing evenly and neither contestant shows clear dominance in a round.

(b) A round is to be scored as a 10-9 round when a contestant wins by a close

but clear margin, landing the greater number of effective legal strikes and other

maneuvers.

(c) A round is to be scored as a 10-8 round when a contestant wins a round by a

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wide margin and damages his opponent.

(d) A round is to be scored as a 10-7 round when a contestant totally and

completely dominates in a round and damages his or her opponent.

(10) Officials who score the contest shall mark their cards in ink or in indelible pencil

at the end of each round.

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

(12) Except as provided in subrule (13) 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.

(13) If a contest is scored on individual scorecards for each round, the referee shall, at

the end of a round, collect the scorecard for the round from each judge and shall give the

scorecards to the department representative for computation.

(14) Referees and judges shall be discreet at all times and shall not discuss their

decisions with anyone during an event.

(15) Unless the department representative determines that a computation of the

scorecards shows a clerical or mathematical error giving the decision to the wrong

contestant, the decision at the end of a muay thai contest must not change. If this error

occurs, the department representative may change the decision.

(16) The referee shall collect the scorecards from the judges and give them to the

department representative for tabulation. After the cards have been tabulated, the referee

shall collect the tabulated scorecards and give them to the announcer, who shall announce

the decision to the spectators.

(17) After a contest, the department representative shall collect the scorecards and

tabulation sheets and give them to the promoter. The promoter shall maintain the

scorecards and tabulation sheets for 1 year pursuant to section 54a of the act, MCL

338.3654a.

(18) If a referee becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete a mixed martial arts

contest, then the other referee previously approved by the department for the event shall

assume the duties of the referee.

(19) If a judge becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete the scoring of a muay

thai contests, then the referee shall call a time-out and a licensed judge previously

approved by the department must 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 339.232 Fouls; mixed martial arts.

Rule 232. (1) A referee of a mixed martial arts contest may disqualify or penalize a

contestant by deducting points from a round for any of the following fouls:

(a) Holding or grabbing the fence.

(b) Holding opponent's shorts or gloves.

(c) The presence of more than 1 second on the cage area perimeter during a round.

(d) The presence of more than 2 seconds inside the ring or cage during a rest period or

more than 2 seconds on the ring or cage perimeter.

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(e) Butting with the head.

(f) Eye gouging of any kind.

(g) Biting or spitting at an opponent.

(h) Hair pulling.

(i) Fish hooking.

(j) Groin attacks of any kind.

(k) Intentionally placing a finger in any opponent's orifice or into any cut or laceration

on an opponent.

(l) Downward pointing of elbow strikes.

(m) Small joint manipulation.

(n) Strikes to the spine or back of the head.

(o) Heel kicks to the kidney.

(p) Throat strikes of any kind, including, but not limited to, grabbing the trachea.

(q) Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle.

(r) Kicking the head of a grounded contestant.

(s) Kneeing the head of a grounded contestant.

(t) Stomping of a grounded contestant.

(u) The use of abusive language in competing area.

(v) Any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to opponent.

(w) Attacking an opponent on or during the break.

(x) Attacking an opponent who is under the referee's care at the time.

(y) Timidity, for example, avoiding contact, consistent dropping of mouthpiece, or

faking an injury.

(z) Interference from a second.

(aa) Throwing an opponent out of the cage.

(bb) Intentional disregard of the referee's instructions.

(cc) Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his or her head or neck.

(dd) Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the round.

(ee) While in a standing position, movement of arm or arms with open hands towards

an opponent with fingers outstretched towards an opponent’s face or eyes.

(2) Disqualification occurs after any combination of 3 of the fouls listed in subrule (1)

of this rule or after a referee determines that a foul is intentional.

(3) Fouls result in a point being deducted from the offending contestant’s score.

(4) Only a referee may assess a foul.

(5) A fouled contestant has up to 5 minutes to recover.

(6) If the referee assesses a foul, the referee shall do all of the following:

(a) Call time.

(b) Check the fouled contestant’s condition and safety.

(c) Assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner’s

second, the judges, and the department representative responsible for tabulating scores.

(7) If a bottom contestant commits a foul, unless the top contestant is injured, the

contest will continue so as not to jeopardize the top contestant’s superior positioning at

the time. In addition, the referee shall do both of the following:

(a) Verbally notify the bottom contestant of the foul.

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(b) At the end of the round, assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points,

and notify each corner’s second, the judges, and the department representative

responsible for tabulating scores.

(8) The referee may terminate a contest based on the severity of the foul. If the referee

deems the foul intentional, the contestant shall lose by disqualification.

R 339.232a Fouls; kickboxing.

Rule 232a. (1) A referee of a kickboxing contest may penalize a kickboxing contestant

by deducting points from a round for any of the following fouls:

(a) Head butts.

(b) Groin strikes.

(c) Thrusting or linear kicks directed at the knee joint.

(d) Striking the back of the head or the spine.

(e) Attacks to the throat.

(f) Striking a downed contestant.

(g) Failure to obey the referee’s commands.

(h) Striking on a break.

(i) Striking after a bell.

(j) Holding or using the ropes while striking or clinching.

(k) Repeatedly and intentionally avoiding engagement or contact with the opponent.

(l) Use of abusive language or gestures, or both.

(m) Causing intentional delays in the contest.

(n) Thumbing.

(o) Holding the opponent’s leg without executing a legal strike or while executing more

than 1 striking technique. A contestant may grab the opponent’s kicking leg and

immediately execute 1 legal strike while taking 1 step, and then he or she must

immediately release the leg.

(p) Any effort to down a contestant by a method other than a legal strike or strikes

including, but not limited to, the following:

(i) Joint locks.

(ii) Submission attempts.

(iii) Sweeps.

(iv) Reaps.

(v) Takedowns.

(vi) Throw.

(q) Biting.

(r) Spiting at the opponent.

(s) Striking with the elbow, arm, wrist, or other part of the glove that is not the padded

part of the glove.

(t) Repeatedly grabbing, grasping, or tying up an opponent in order to prevent the

opponent from striking. A contestant may clinch an opponent to immediately launch a

credible knee attack. If, in the referee’s discretion, the attack or counter knee attack is

consistent and effective, he or she may allow it to continue for up to 5 seconds at which

point he or she shall separate the contestants. If, within the 5 seconds, the knee attack or

19

counterattack wanes or appears ineffective, the referee shall immediately separate the

contestants.

(u) A contestant’s second person enters the ring during the contest or touches 1 of the

contestants during the contest, other than during the rest period or when permitted by the

department representative.

(2) Disqualification occurs after any combination of 3 of the fouls listed in subrule (1)

of this rule or after a referee determines that a foul was intentional.

(3) Fouls result in a point being deducted from the offending contestant’s score.

(4) Only a referee may assess a foul.

(5) A fouled contestant has up to 5 minutes to recover.

(6) If the referee assesses a foul, the referee shall do all of the following:

(a) Call time.

(b) Check the fouled contestant’s condition and safety.

(c) Assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner’s

second, the judges, and the department representative responsible for tabulating scores.

(7) The referee may terminate a contest based on the severity of the foul. If the referee

considers the foul to be intentional, the contestant shall lose by disqualification.

R 339.232b Fouls; muay thai.

Rule 232b. (1) A referee of a muay thai contest may penalize a muay thai contestant by

deducting points from a round for any of the following fouls:

(a) Head butting.

(b) Strikes to the groin.

(c) Direct attacks to the back of the knee.

(d) Strikes to the back of the head.

(e) Strikes to the spine.

(f) Strikes to the throat.

(g) Striking a fighter while he or she is down.

(h) Striking a fighter while he or she is under the referee’s care.

(i) Shoving, throwing, or wrestling an opponent when pushing in a legal clinch.

(j) Striking when the referee has called a break.

(k) Striking after the bell has sounded.

(l) Holding the ropes or using the ropes as a weapon.

(m) Timidity or intentionally avoiding contact.

(n) The use of abusive language or abusive gestures.

(o) Spitting out a mouthpiece causing intentional delay in action.

(p) Eye gouging.

(q) Hair pulling.

(r) Biting or spitting.

(s) Holding the opponent’s shorts.

(t) Interference from a contestant’s seconds.

(u) Illegal tripping or sweeping the back of an instep supporting leg of an opponent.

(v) Hip, shoulder, or leg throws.

(w) Grasping the opponent’s lower back while also forcing an opponent’s spine to

hyperextend.

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(x) Intentionally falling on a down opponent or pressing the elbow or knee upon the

opponent.

(y) Wrestling, back or arm locks, or any similar judo or wrestling hold.

(z) Attempting to pile-drive an opponent's head into the canvas.

(aa) Catching an opponent's kick and pushing an opponent for more than 3 steps

without attempting to deliver an attacking technique.

(bb) Pretending to throw himself or herself down on ring floor after his or her kicking

leg is caught by the opponent.

(2) Disqualification occurs after any combination of 3 of the fouls listed in subrule (1)

of this rule or after a referee determines that a foul was intentional.

(3) Fouls result in a point being deducted from the offending contestant’s score.

(4) Only a referee may assess a foul.

(5) A fouled contestant has up to 5 minutes to recover.

(6) If the referee assesses a foul, the referee shall do all of the following:

(a) Call time.

(b) Check the fouled contestant’s condition and safety.

(c) Assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner’s

second, the judges, and the department representative responsible for tabulating scores.

(7) The referee may terminate a contest based on the severity of the foul. If the referee

deems the foul intentional, the contestant shall lose by disqualification.

R 339.246b Dress and protective equipment for kickboxing and muay thai

contestants.

Rule 246b. (1) A contestant in a kickboxing or muay thai contest must wear kickboxing

shorts, or muay thai shorts or trunks.

(2) A contestant must wear a fitted mouthpiece, which the referee shall examine before a

contest.

(3) Gloves must meet the requirements of section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.

(4) Contestants shall not wear shoes in kickboxing or muay thai contests.

(5) Male contestants shall not wear a shirt, rash guard, or other items on the upper body.

Female contestants may wear a breast protection plate, rash guard, sports bra, or body

shirt.

(6) Contestants shall not wear jewelry or a piercing during a contest.

(7) Amateur kickboxing and muay thai contestants shall wear protective headgear and

shin and instep protectors if either contestant requests before a contest to wear protective

headgear and shin and instep protectors.

R 339.261 Filing of documents by promoter; accuracy of promotional materials;

contract requirements; contracted purse.

Rule 261. (1) A matchmaker is responsible for verifying the identity, ring record,

eligibility, and suspensions of each contestant. A promoter is responsible for the accuracy

of the names and records of each of the participating contestants in all publicity or

promotional material.

(2) A contestant shall use his or her legal name to sign a contract; however, a contestant

who is licensed under another name may sign the contract using his or her licensed name

21

if the contestant's legal name appears in the body of the contract as the name under which

the contestant is otherwise known.

(3) All contracts must be between a promoter and a contestant. There shall not be a

contract between the promoter and a manager. However, a contract may be signed by a

contestant's manager on behalf of the contestant. If a contestant does not have a manager,

then the contestant shall sign the contract. The contracted purse amount paid to a

professional contestant must not be less than $100 per contracted round.

(4) The contract that is filed with the department must embody all of the agreements

between the parties. Secret contracts that contradict the terms of the contracts that are

filed with the department are prohibited.

(5) The contract between a promoter and a contestant must be for the use of the

contestant's skills in a contest and shall not require the contestant to sell tickets in order to

be paid for his or her services.

R 339.265 Compensation for contest officials.

Rule 265. (1) Each official approved to officiate a contest regulated by the department

must be paid an amount not less than the base fees shown in table 1:

TABLE 1

Compensation for Event Officials

Gross Purses Referees

Contracted

Judges

$75.00

Timekeepers

$50.00

$0.00 to

$100.00

$7,500.00

$7,501.00 to $150.00

$20,000.00

$100.00 $75.00

$150.00 $100.00

$20,001.00

to

$250.00

$350.00

$700.00

$50,000.00

$50,001.00

to

$250.00 $150.00

$450.00 $200.00

$100,000.00

Over

$100,000.00

(2) The department shall adjust and publish these fees annually and index the fees to the

Detroit consumer price index, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, United

States Department of Labor.

(3) The promoter shall disclose the amount paid to officials to the department on a form

satisfactory to the department and required to be submitted under section 54a of the act,

MCL 338.3654a.

(4) Licensees may request that information furnished to the department under this rule

be treated as confidential under section 61a of the act, MCL 338.3661a.