DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

CORPORATIONS, SECURITIES, AND COMMERCIAL LICENSING BUREAU

UNARMED COMBAT

(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)

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.

(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.

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(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.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.102 Rescinded.

History: 2005 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.103 Rescinded.

History: 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

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.

History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

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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:

Up to and including 105 pounds.

Over 105 pounds to 115 pounds.

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(c) Flyweight:

Over 115 pounds to 125 pounds.

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.

(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:

(o) Super heavyweight:

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.202 Weighing in.

Rule 202. (1) Not earlier than the day before the start of an event, or within 48 hours

before the start of an event for the boxing heavyweight class or the mixed martial arts

super heavyweight class, the department representative shall weigh in each contestant.

(2) Contestants who weigh in must have prior approval by the department to participate

in an event or contest.

(3) If the weigh-in occurs on the day of the event, a contestant who loses more than

2 pounds to make weight and is reweighed shall not compete without the approval of

either the physician or the department representative in consultation with the physician.

(4) If the weigh-in occurs within 24 hours of the event, a contestant who loses more than

2% of his or her total weight to make weight and is reweighed shall not compete without

the approval of either the physician or the department representative in consultation with

the physician.

(5) Male contestants may weigh-in wearing only boxers, trunks, or briefs.

(6) Female contestants may weigh-in wearing only shorts and a sports bra.

(7) The promoter shall provide a privacy sheet or towel to shield the contestant if

necessary.

(8) The department shall approve the date and time of the weigh-in.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.202a Substitute contestants.

Rule 202a All substitutions shall be approved by the department and shall occur not

later than either of the following:

(a) 2 p.m. on the day of the event.

(b) If an event is held on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, then 2 p.m. on the regular

business day before the event.

History: 2009 AACS.

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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 national

identification card.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

Editor's Note: An obvious error in R 339.203 was corrected at the request of the promulgating agency,

pursuant to Section 56 of 1969 PA 306, as amended by 2000 PA 262, MCL 24.256. The rule containing

the error was published in Michigan Register, 2023 MR 6. The memorandum requesting the correction

was published in Michigan Register, 2023 MR 6.

R 339.203a Licensing requirements; referee, judge, or timekeeper.

Rule 203a. (1) An applicant for a license as a referee, judge, or timekeeper shall be at

least 18 years of age.

(2) An applicant for a license as a referee shall pass a physical examination.

(3) The department may require an applicant for a license as a timekeeper, referee, or

judge to complete an examination as approved by the department that is available from a

recognized authority in unarmed combat sports.

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(4) The department may require an applicant for a license as a timekeeper, referee, or

judge to obtain experience, training, or other qualifications satisfactory to the department.

History: 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.203b Rescinded.

History: 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.203c Rescinded.

History: 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.203d Rescinded.

History: 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.204 Rescinded.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.204a Duty of impartiality of approved event officials.

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.

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History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.205 Boxing ring; dimensions and construction.

Rule 205. A promoter shall ensure that a boxing ring meets all of the following

requirements:

(a) The boxing ring must be square and be not less than 16 feet nor more

than 24 feet on a side, measured within the ropes. The boxing ring floor must extend not

less than 18 inches beyond the ropes. There must be padding over the boxing ring post if

the ring posts are nearer than 18 inches to the ring ropes.

(b) Two sides of the boxing ring 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 boxing ring 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 securely in place under the apron.

The corners of the ring must be padded. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges

must not be used.

(d) Boxing ring posts must be not less than 3, nor more than 4, inches in diameter

extending from the floor to a height of 58 inches above the floor of the ring. The ropes

must be connected to posts with the extension not shorter than 18 inches.

(e) The boxing ring must be not more than 4 feet high. Steps must be provided for use

by the contestants and officials.

(f) The boxing ring must not have less than 4 ropes which may be tightened and

which are not less than 1 inch in diameter. The ropes must be evenly spaced, securely tied

halfway between the ring posts, and wrapped in a soft material.

(g) There must not be any obstruction or object, including, without limitation, a

triangular border on any part of the ring floor.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.

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.

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(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 cage.

(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.

History: 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.205b Seats provided to commission member and 1 guest at contest or event.

Rule 205b. (1) For purposes of section 47(3) of the act, MCL 338.3647, a promoter shall

provide each commission member at a contest or event a seat in the first or second row

from the ring or cage.

(2) A promoter shall provide 1 seat, that is not necessarily in the first or second row

from the ring or cage, to 1 guest of a commission member who is in attendance at the

contest or event.

(3) A commission member shall not provide his or her designated seat or designated

guest seat to any other person.

History: 2019 AACS.

R 339.206 Rescinded.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

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R 339.206a Rescinded.

History: 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.207 Hand, foot, and ankle wrap specifications for all contestants.

Rule 207. A contestant shall ensure all of the following specifications prior to an event:

(a) Except as agreed to by the managers of the contestants or as provided in subdivision

(b) of this subrule, a boxing contestant's hand wrap for each hand must consist of soft

gauze that is not more than 10 yards long and not more than 2 inches wide. The gauze

must be held in place by not more than 6 feet of cloth-based tape per hand.

(b) Except as agreed to by the managers of the opposing contestants, light heavyweight,

cruiserweight, and heavyweight boxing contestants' hand wraps for each hand shall

consist of soft gauze that is not more than 12 yards long and not more than 2 inches wide.

Gauze must be held in place by not more than 8 feet of cloth-based tape per hand.

(c) To protect a boxing contestant's hand, hand wraps may be held in place by winding

cloth-based tape not more than 12-inches wide around the hand.

(d) For mixed martial arts contestants in all weight classes, the bandages on each

contestant's hand must consist of soft gauze that is not more than 13 yards long and 2

inches wide, held in place by not more than 10 feet of cloth-based tape, 1 inch wide, for

each hand. Both of the following apply:

(i) The cloth-based tape must 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 when the hand is clenched to make a fist.

(ii) The bandages must be evenly distributed across the hand.

(e) Hand wraps must be adjusted in the dressing room under the supervision of the

department representative.

(f) A contestant's ankle wraps, if the contestant elects to use ankle wraps, shall consist

of soft gauze that is not more than 13 yards long and not more than 2 inches wide. The

gauze must be held in place by not more than 10 feet of cloth-based tape per ankle.

(g) Water or any other substance other than cloth-based tape on the hand wraps must

not be used.

(h) Water or any other substance other than cloth-based tape on the foot or ankle wraps

must not be used.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.209 Mouthpieces.

Rule 209.

A

round shall not begin until

the

contestant's protective

mouthpiece is in place. If, during a round, the mouthpiece falls out of the contestant's

mouth, the referee shall, as soon as practicable, stop the contest and escort the

contestant to his or her corner. The mouthpiece shall be rinsed out and replaced in the

contestant's

mouth and the contest shall continue.

History: 2005 AACS.

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R 339.210 Joint supports.

Rule 210. During a contest, contestants may wear neoprene joint supports that do not

contain any hard plastic, stabilizer material, or metal support. All joint supports, if taped,

must be taped using a cloth-based tape.

History: 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.211 Contestant use or administration of any substance.

Rule 211. (1) The use or administration of drugs, stimulants, or nonprescription

preparations by or to a contestant during a contest is prohibited, except as provided in

this rule.

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

the contest. Water shall only be provided in clear containers.

(3) Petroleum jelly may be allowed around the eyes; however, the use of petroleum

jelly, grease, or any other substance on the arms, legs, or body is prohibited.

(4) The use of coagulants, as approved by the ringside physician, may be allowed

between rounds to stop the bleeding of minor cuts and lacerations sustained by a

contestant. The use of monsel solution, silver nitrate, new skin, flex collodion, or

substances having an iron base is prohibited, and the use of such substances by a

contestant is cause for immediate disqualification.

(5) The ringside physician shall monitor the use and application of any foreign

substances administered to a contestant before or during a contest and shall confiscate

any suspicious foreign substance for possible laboratory analysis, the results of which

shall be forwarded to the department.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS.

R 339.213 Ringside equipment.

Rule 213. (1) A promoter shall provide all of the following items at each event:

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

(b) Stools for use by the seconds.

(c) Bio-protective gloves required under R 339.215(6) for use by referees.

(d) Containers for contestants to spit in.

(e) A portable resuscitator with oxygen.

(f) An ambulance with emergency medical technicians on site until the decision in the

final contest has been announced and all injured contestants have been treated. A

promoter shall make arrangements for a replacement ambulance if the first ambulance is

required to transport a contestant for medical treatment.

The promoter shall

communicate to the physician the location of the ambulance and the arrangements for

substitute ambulance service.

(g) Seats at ringside for assigned or approved ring officials. The physician shall sit near

the steps into the ring.

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(h) Scales for weigh-ins that are capable of registering an accurate weight for

participants. The department may require scales to be certified.

(i) A gong or other audible device.

(j) A public address system.

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

(l) A separate room for physical examinations.

(m) A separate dressing room must be provided for officials, unless the physical

arrangements of the site make the provision of an additional dressing room impossible.

(n) Adequate security personnel.

(o) High stools for use by the judges.

(p) Sufficient contest scorecards for ring officials and department representatives.

(q) A cleaning solution capable of cleaning blood and debris in the cage or ring.

(2) A promoter shall only hold boxing or mixed martial arts contests or events in

premises that conform to the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the city, town, or

village where the events are situated.

(3) Restrooms must not be used as dressing rooms, rooms for physical examinations, or

weigh-ins.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.215 Contest officials.

Rule 215. (1) A licensed referee, judge, or timekeeper may officiate licensed mixed

martial arts events or amateur events that are exempt from the act. A licensed boxing

referee, judge, or timekeeper may officiate a USA Boxing sanctioned event.

(2) A referee or judge shall not officiate or accept an approval to officiate when that

assignment may impair the referee’s or judge's independence of judgment or action in the

performance of the referee's or judge's duties. Violation of this subrule renders the

violator subject to the penalties set forth in chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to

338.3649a.

(3) A judge shall sit midway between the ring posts of a square ring, but not on the same

side as another judge, and shall have an unimpaired view of the ring. The judges shall be

evenly dispersed when a ring has more than 4 sides.

(4) A referee must not be approved to officiate more than 32 scheduled rounds in 1 day,

except when substituting for another referee who is incapacitated.

(5) A referee shall not wear jewelry that might cause injury to the contestants. Glasses,

if worn, must be protective athletic glasses or goggles with plastic lenses and a secure

elastic band around the back of the head.

(6) A referee must wear bio-protective gloves in the performance of his or her duties.

(7) An official must not use or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while in

attendance at an event. The department may request an official to be tested for the

presence of alcohol or drugs in the same manner that contestants are tested. Violation of

this subrule or refusal to be tested subjects the official to the penalties set forth in chapter

4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a.

(8) Ring officials shall avoid the appearance of partiality. A ring official must not be

licensed as a matchmaker or promoter. A ring official must not own all or any portion of

a contract of a mixed martial artist or a boxer.

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(9) The department has sole authority to approve contest officials to an event.

(10) At least 2 licensed referees must be present for every amateur and professional

contest.

(11) A promoter shall designate at least 1 alternate to the arranged officials for a contest.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.217 Conduct during events.

Rule 217. (1) Beginning 1 minute before the first round begins, only the referee,

contestants, and the chief second may be in the ring. The referee shall clear the ring of

all other individuals.

(2) The win-loss record of each contestant must be announced during the introduction of

each contestant.

(3) Once a contest has begun, only referees, contestants, seconds, department

representatives, physicians, and ring card persons are allowed in the ring.

(4) The referee may order that the ring and ringside area be cleared, at any time before,

during, or after a contest, of any individual who is not authorized to be present in the ring

or ringside area. The department representative may order the clearing of the ringside

area.

(5) If any individual refuses to clear the ring or ringside area when ordered to do so by

the referee or the department representative, disputes a decision by an official, or

encourages spectators to object to a decision either verbally or physically, then the

individual is engaged in disruptive conduct. The referee, on his or her own initiative or at

the request of the department representative, may stop a contest at any time until the

disruptive conduct ceases. If the individual involved in disruptive conduct is the manager

or second of a contestant, then the referee may order points deducted from that

contestant's score or disqualify the contestant. If the conduct occurred after the decision

was announced, then the department representative shall file complaints against any

licensed individual involved in the disruptive conduct. A licensee who engages in

disruptive conduct is subject to the penalties set forth in chapter 4 of the act, MCL

338.3640 to 338.3649a.

(6) The referee is the sole arbiter of a contest and is the only individual authorized to

enter the ring at any time during competition and authorized to stop a contest. The

referee may confer with the ringside physician in determining whether to continue or stop

a contest.

(7) If difficulties arise concerning language before or during a contest, the promoter

shall ensure that an interpreter is available, if requested by a contestant.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.219 Referees.

Rule 219. (1) The referee is the chief official and sole arbiter of a contest. The referee

shall decide all questions arising in the ring during a contest that are not specifically

addressed in these rules.

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(2) The referee shall, before each contest begins, determine the name and location of

the physician approved to officiate at the contest and each contestant's chief second.

(3) At the beginning of each contest, the referee shall summon the contestants and their

chief seconds together for final instructions. After receiving the instructions, the

contestants shall retire to their respective corners.

(4) Where difficulties arise concerning language, the referee shall ensure that the

contestant understands the final instructions through an interpreter and shall use suitable

gestures and signs during the contest.

(5) With the exception of the contestants, the referee, and the physician in the

performance of his or her duties, a person shall not enter the ring, including the apron of

the ring, during the progress of a round.

(6) If a contestant's manager or second steps into the ring or onto the apron of the ring

during a round, the referee shall halt the contest and the referee may eject the manager or

second from the ringside working area. If the manager or second steps into the ring or

onto the apron a second time during the contest, then the referee may stop the contest and

the decision awarded to the contestant's opponent due to disqualification.

(7) A referee shall inspect a contestant's gloves and the contestant's body to determine if

a foreign substance has been applied.

(8) A referee shall not touch a contestant during a contest except when 1 or both

contestants fail to obey the break command.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.221 Rescinded.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS.

R 339.223 Injuries and cuts; boxing.

Rule 223. (1) If an injury or cut is produced by a fair blow and because of the severity

of the blow the contest cannot continue, then the injured contestant must be declared the

loser by technical knockout.

(2) If a contestant intentionally fouls his or her opponent and an injury or cut is

produced, and if, due to the severity of the injury or cut, the contestant cannot continue,

then the contestant who commits the foul must be declared the loser by disqualification.

(3) If a contestant receives an intentional headbutt or foul and the contest can continue,

then the referee shall penalize the contestant who commits the foul by deducting points

based upon the severity of the offense. The referee shall notify the judges that an

intentional unfair blow produced the injury or cut. If in the subsequent rounds the same

injury or cut becomes so severe that the contest has to be suspended, then the judges shall

award the decision as follows:

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

of the scorecards.

(b) A technical decision to the injured contestant if the injured contestant is ahead on

points on a majority of the scorecards.

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(4) If a contestant injures himself or herself trying to foul his or her opponent, then the

referee shall not take any action in the contestant's favor, and the injury must be

considered the result of a fair blow from the contestant's opponent.

(5) If a contestant is accidentally headbutted in a contest and can continue, then the

referee shall stop the action to inform the judges and acknowledge the headbutt. If in

subsequent rounds, as a result of legal blows, the accidental headbutt injury worsens, then

the referee shall stop the contest and declare a technical decision. The winner shall be the

contestant who is ahead on points on a majority of the scorecards. If a contestant is

accidentally headbutted in a contest and an injury or cut is produced and, due to the

severity of the injury or cut, the contestant cannot continue, then the referee shall rule as

follows:

(a) If the contest is stopped before half of the scheduled rounds, not to exceed 4 rounds,

have been completed, call the contest a technical draw.

(b) If the contest is stopped after half of the scheduled rounds have been completed,

declare that the winner is the contestant who has a lead in points on a majority of the

scorecards before the round of injury.

(6) If, in the opinion of the referee, a contestant has suffered a dangerous cut or injury,

then the referee may stop the contest temporarily to summon the physician. If the

physician recommends that the contestant can continue, the referee may order the contest

to be continued. If the physician recommends that the contestant should not continue,

then the referee shall order the contest to end.

(7) A referee may give a contestant who receives an accidental low blow not more than

5 minutes to recover. The referee shall direct contestants to neutral corners. The seconds

shall not coach, administer water, or in any other way attend to their contestant. If the

contestant cannot continue after 5 minutes, the referee shall declare that he or she is the

loser by technical knockout.

(8) If a contestant in a boxing contest is knocked down or given a standing mandatory 8

count, or a combination of either occurs 3 times in 1 round, then the referee shall stop the

contest and award a technical knockout to the opponent. The physician shall immediately

enter the ring and examine the losing contestant.

(9) A physician shall immediately examine and administer aid to a contestant who is

knocked out or injured, if, in the physician's professional judgment, there is a concern for

the contestant's safety.

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

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

physician to do so.

(11) A contestant shall not refuse an examination by a physician.

(12) A contestant who was 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 was knocked out or injured.

(14) There shall be no scoring of an incomplete round. If the referee penalizes either

contestant during the incomplete round, then the appropriate points shall be deducted

when the scorekeeper calculates the final score.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

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R 339.223a Injuries and cuts; mixed martial arts.

Rule 223a (1) If an injury sustained during competition as a result of a legal maneuver

is severe enough to terminate a contest, then the injured contestant loses by technical

knockout.

(2) If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul is

severe enough to terminate a contest, then the contestant causing the injury loses by

disqualification.

(3) If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul and

the contest is allowed to continue, then the referee shall notify the scorekeeper to

automatically deduct 2 points from the contestant who committed the foul.

(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, then 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 scorecards at the

time of stoppage, then the outcome of the contest shall be declared a technical draw.

(5) If a contestant injures himself or herself while attempting to foul his or her

opponent, then 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.

(6) If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an accidental foul is severe

enough for the referee to stop the contest immediately, then the contest shall result in a no

contest if stopped before 2 rounds have been completed in a 3-round contest or if stopped

before 3 rounds have been completed in a 5-round contest.

(7) If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an accidental foul is severe

enough for the referee to stop the contest immediately, then the contest shall result in a

technical decision awarded to the contestant who is ahead on the score cards at the time

the contest is stopped only when the contest is stopped after 2 rounds of a 3-round

contest, or 3 rounds of a 5-round contest have been completed.

(8) There shall 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.

(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.

History: 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.223b Injuries and cuts; kickboxing.

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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.

(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.

History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.223c Injuries and cuts; muay thai.

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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

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.

History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.225 Knockouts; boxing.

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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

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.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

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.

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(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.

History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

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.

(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.

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(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.

History: 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.226a Types of contest results for boxing events.

Rule 226a. The following are the types of contest results for boxing events:

(a) Technical knockout by any of the following:

(i) Referee stops the contest.

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

contest.

(iii) If a contestant is knocked down or given a standing mandatory 8 count, or a

combination of either occurs 3 times in 1 round.

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

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

(c) 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 1 judge

scores a draw.

(d) 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 1 contestant, 1 judge scores in favor of

the other contestant, and one judge scores the contest a draw.

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

intentional foul is severe enough to terminate the contest.

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

contest for reasons other than injury.

(g) Technical draw: When an injury sustained during competition as a result of an

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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.

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

contestant is leading on the scorecards.

(i) 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.

History: 2019 AACS.

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.

(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.

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History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

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:

(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.

History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.227 Contestant outside of ring ropes.

Rule 227. (1) A contestant who has been knocked through the ropes during a contest

must not be helped back into the ring and must not be hindered in any way by anyone

when trying to reenter the ring.

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(2) If 1 contestant has fallen through the ropes, the other contestant shall retire to the

farthest neutral corner and stay in that corner until ordered to continue the contest by the

referee.

(3) The referee shall warn the contestant that the contestant has 20 seconds to return to

the ring unassisted. After the warning by the referee, the referee shall begin the count,

which must be loud enough to be heard by the contestant.

(4) If the contestant enters the ring before the count of 20, the contest must resume.

(5) If the contestant fails to enter the ring before the count of 20, the contestant must be

considered knocked out.

(6) If a contestant wrestles or pushes another contestant through the ropes, the referee

may allow the wrestled or pushed contestant up to 5 minutes to recover.

History: 2005 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.229 Judging; boxing.

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

(2) For the purpose of this rule, the "10-point must system” means that the winner of

each round receives 10 points as determined by clean hitting, effective aggressiveness,

defense, and ring generalship. The loser of the round shall receive less than 10 points. If

the round is even, each contestant receives 10 points. Judges shall not give fractions of

points.

(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 shall 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 boxing contest must not change. If such an error

occurs, the department representative may change the decision.

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

department representative for tabulation. After the scorecards 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.

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

the other referee previously approved by the department for the event must assume the

duties of the referee.

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

contest, then the referee shall call a time-out, and an alternate judge previously approved

by the department must score the contest from the point at which he or she assumed the

duties. 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.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

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.

(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.

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(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

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

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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.

History: 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

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.

(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.

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(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.

History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

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

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.

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(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.

History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.231 Fouls; boxing.

Rule 231. (1) A referee of a boxing contest may disqualify or penalize a boxing

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

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

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

(c) Hitting or gouging with an open glove.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(j) Hitting below the beltline.

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

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

(m) Using abusive language in the ring.

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

during, or after a round.

(o) Intentionally spitting out a mouthpiece.

(p) Any backhand blow.

(q) Stalling and faking.

(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.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

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.

(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.

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(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.

(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.

History: 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

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.

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(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

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.

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(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.

History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

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.

(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.

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(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.

History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.233 Penalties for fouling.

Rule 233. (1) A referee who penalizes a contestant under these rules shall notify the

judges at the time of the infraction to deduct specified points from their scorecards.

(2) A contestant committing a deliberate foul, in addition to the deduction of

points, may be subject to the penalties set forth in chapter 4 of the act.

(3) A judge shall not deduct points pursuant to R 339.231 and R 339.232 unless

instructed to do so by the referee.

(4) A complaint may be filed by the department against a contestant disqualified on

a foul.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS.

R 339.234 Rescinded.

History: 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.234a Rescinded.

History: 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.235 Pre-contest physical examination.

Rule 235. (1) Not more than 8 hours before an event a physician shall certify that each

contestant is in proper physical condition to participate in the event by taking a detailed

medical history and examining all of the following:

(a) Eyes.

(b) Teeth.

(c) Jaw.

(d) Neck.

(e) Chest.

(f) Ears.

(g) Nose.

(h) Throat.

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(i) Skin.

(j) Scalp.

(k) Head.

(l) Abdomen.

(m) Cardiopulmonary status.

(n) Neurological, muscular, and skeletal systems.

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

(p) Pelvis.

(2) The physician or the department representative may test for the presence of alcohol

or drugs in the body.

(3) The physician shall certify, in writing, those contestants who are in good physical

condition to compete.

(4) Before a contest, a female contestant shall provide the department and the promoter

with the results of a pregnancy test performed by a person who is licensed to perform the

test under article 15 of the public health code, MCL 333.16101 to 333.18838, or a facility

licensed under article 17 of the public health code, MCL 333.20101 to 333. 22260, on the

contestant within the previous 7 days. If the results of the pregnancy test are positive, the

contestant shall not compete.

(5) Before a contest, a contestant shall provide the department and the promoter with

the results of HIV and hepatitis B and C tests performed on the contestant within the

previous 180 days. If the results of the tests are positive and not the result of vaccination,

not provided, or cannot be verified, then the contestant shall not compete.

(6) A contest shall not begin until a physician and an attended ambulance are present.

The physician shall not leave until the decision in the final contest has been announced

and all injured contestants have been attended to.

(7) The physician shall sit near the steps into the ring and the contest must not begin

until the physician is seated. The physician shall remain at that location for the entire

contest.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.235a Post-contest physical examination.

Rule 235a. (1) Each contestant shall be given a physical examination by a physician

approved by the department immediately following the contest.

(2) The physical examination shall include all of the following:

(a) Eyes.

(b) Teeth.

(c) Jaw.

(d) Neck.

(e) Chest.

(f) Ears.

(g) Nose.

(h) Throat.

(i) Skin.

(j) Scalp.

(k) Head.

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(l) Abdomen.

(m) Cardiopulmonary status.

(n) Neurological, muscular, and skeletal systems.

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

(p) Pelvis.

(3) Any contestant refusing to submit to a post-contest physical examination shall be

immediately suspended for an indefinite period.

History: 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.237 Timekeepers.

Rule 237. (1) For a boxing contest, a timekeeper shall indicate the beginning and

end of each round by gong or other audible device.

(2) For a mixed martial arts contest, a timekeeper shall begin the start of the clock for

each round, as initiated by the referee, and shall indicate the end of each round by gong

or other audible device.

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

(4) Ten seconds before the beginning of each round, the timekeeper shall warn the

contestants' seconds of the time by audible device.

(5) If a contest terminates before the scheduled limit of rounds, the timekeeper shall

inform the announcer of the exact duration of the contest.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS.

R 339.239 Seconds.

Rule 239. (1) A referee shall ensure that a contestant does not have more than 3 seconds.

The referee is responsible for the conduct in the corner during a contest. During the rest

period, 2 seconds are allowed inside the ring or cage, 2 seconds are allowed on the apron,

and 1 second is allowed on the floor. An impartial cutman does not count as a second.

(2) The referee shall ensure that a second does not spray or throw water on a contestant

during a round.

(3) The referee shall ensure that a contestant's second does not heckle or in any manner

annoy the opponent of the contestant or the referee or throw any object into the ring,

except for the throwing of the towel authorized by subrule (7) of this rule.

(4) The referee shall ensure that a second does not enter the ring until the timekeeper has

indicated the end of around.

(5) The referee shall ensure that a second leaves the ring at the timekeeper’s whistle and

clears the ring platform of all obstructions at the sound of the gong indicating the

beginning of a round. Articles must not be on the ring floor until the round has ended or

the contest has terminated.

(6) The referee may eject a second from a ring corner for violations of the provisions of

subrules (2) and (3) of this rule and may have judges deduct points from a contestant's

score for the actions of the contestant's corner.

(7) The referee shall ensure that a second designated by the contestant at the beginning

of a contest indicates to the referee if the second's contestant cannot continue and the

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contest should be stopped. Only verbal notification, hand signals, or the throwing of a

towel into the ring may be used.

(8) The promotor shall ensure that a second does not administer alcoholic beverages or

drugs to a contestant, pour excessive water on the body of a contestant, or place ice in the

trunks or protective cup of a contestant during the progress of a contest.

History: 2005 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.241 Rescinded.

History: 2005 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.243 Identification.

Rule 243. Each contestant shall provide 1 piece of identification that has a photo of the

contestant to the department representative at weigh-in.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.245 Dress and protective equipment for boxing contestants.

Rule 245. (1) Contestants in a boxing contest shall wear all of the following:

(a) Trunks belted at the contestant's waistline. For the purposes of this subrule, the

waistline is defined as an imaginary horizontal line drawn through the navel to the top of

the hips. Trunks must not have any buckles or other ornaments on them that might injure

a contestant or referee.

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

contestants.

(c) Shoes that are made of soft material and that do not have spikes, cleats, or heels.

(d) A fitted mouthpiece, which the referee shall examine.

(e) Gloves meeting the requirements of section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.

(2) In addition to the clothing required under subrule (1) of this rule, a female

contestant shall wear a top that does not have buttons, buckles, or ornaments. A female

contestant may wear a breast protector.

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

(4) A contestant shall not wear jewelry or piercing accessories during a boxing

competition.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

Rule 339.246 Dress and protective equipment for mixed martial arts contestants.

Rule 246. (1) Each mixed martial arts contestant shall wear mixed martial arts shorts,

biking shorts, or kickboxing shorts.

(2) Each mixed martial arts contestant shall wear a fitted mouthpiece, which the referee

shall examine.

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(3) Gis or shirts are prohibited during a mixed martial arts competition, except for

women who shall wear a chest protector and body shirt.

(4) Shoes are prohibited during a mixed martial arts competition.

(5) Male mixed martial arts contestants shall wear a groin protector.

(6) Female mixed martial arts contestants may wear a groin protector.

(7) A contestant shall not wear jewelry or piercing accessories during a mixed martial

arts competition.

History: 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.

Rule 339.246a Appearance.

Rule 246a. A contestant shall trim or tie back his or her hair so that it does not interfere

with the vision of either contestant or cover any part of a contestant's face. A contestant

shall neatly trim his or her toenails and fingernails before the contest.

History: 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.

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.

History: 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.247 Failure to compete.

Rule 247. A contestant or a promoter shall immediately notify the department if, due to

illness or injury, the contestant is unable to compete in a contest for which the contestant

has contracted to appear. The department may require that the contestant be examined by

a physician.

History: 2005 AACS; 2016 AACS

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R 339.249 Procedure after knockouts or sustained damaging head blows.

Rule 249. (1) The promoter shall ensure that the contestant complies with this rule and

R 339.251. Violations of this rule or R 339.251, or both, are grounds for disciplinary

action under chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a, against the contestant and

the promoter.

(2) The ringside physician shall examine a contestant who has been knocked out in a

contest or a contestant whose competition has been stopped by the referee because the

contestant received hard blows to the head that made him or her defenseless or incapable

of continuing immediately after the knockout or stoppage.

(3) The ringside physician may refer the contestant to a hospital or medical facility for

post-contest neurological evaluations to be performed on the contestant immediately after

the contestant leaves the location of the event. If such referrals are made, and the results

of the examinations are not received by the department within 24 hours of their

completion, then the contestant is ineligible to compete until such reports are received

and until certification is given by a physician that the contestant is fit to compete after an

examination.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.251 Eligibility to compete.

Rule 251(1) All medical reports that are submitted to the department or the

promoter relative to a physical examination or the condition of a contestant are

confidential and are open to examination only by the promoter, the department, the

commission, and the governing bodies of other states or jurisdictions, consistent with the

health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, Public Law 104-191, and the

privacy and security rules set forth in 45 CFR 160.101 to 160.552 (2013), 45 CFR

164.102 to 164.106 (2013), and 45 CFR 164.500 to 164.534 (2013), governing the

permitted use and disclosure of individually identifiable health information, and to the

licensed contestant upon the contestant's request to examine the records or upon the

order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(2) A contestant who has been knocked out is ineligible to compete for a period of not

less than 60 days or until a physician certifies that the contestant fully recovered,

whichever is later.

(3) A contestant who has lost by a technical knockout is ineligible to compete for a

period of not less than 30 days.

(4) A contestant who has lost 6 consecutive contests is ineligible to compete again until

the department, after reviewing the results of the 6 contests, approves the contestant for

further participation and the contestant has submitted to a physical examination by a

physician who has certified that the contestant is fit to compete.

(5) A contestant who has had cardiac surgery is ineligible to compete until he or she has

submitted to a medical examination by a cardiovascular surgeon who has certified his or

her fitness to compete.

(6) A contestant who has suffered a detached retina is ineligible to compete until he or

she has submitted to a medical examination by an ophthalmologist who has certified his

or her fitness to compete.

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(7) A contestant or applicant for licensure who is prohibited from competing in other

states or jurisdictions due to medical reasons may be prohibited from competing in this

state pursuant to these rules. In considering prohibiting a licensee or applicant for

licensure from competing in this state, the licensee's or applicant's entire professional

record must be considered, regardless of the state or country in which his or her contests

occurred.

(8) A contestant or promoter shall report any change in a medical condition that may

affect the contestant's ability to compete safely. The department may, at any time, require

current medical information on any contestant.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.253 Rescinded.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.255 Unarmed combat championships and international contests; department

approval of applicable rules of engagement.

Rule 255. For a an event that includes a championship contest or an international

contest that is held in this state, the department may approve the use of the rules of

engagement for that event of any nationally recognized sanctioning body applicable to

the specific championship or international contest and the fees paid to officials for these

championships and contests, even when some of the contests occurring at that event are

non-championship or non-international contests.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.257 Managers.

Rule 257. A manager may act as a second; however, a manager shall not hold a license

as a referee, judge, timekeeper, or matchmaker.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.259 Matchmakers and promoters; liability for lack of judgment in

arranging matches; contract restrictions.

Rule 259. (1) The promoter and matchmaker shall be responsible for a match in

which 1 of the contestants is disproportionately outclassed. Persistent lack of

judgment in arranging matches shall be sufficient grounds for disciplinary action under

chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a.

(2) A promoter shall not own a contract or a portion of a contract of, or receive

proceeds from a contract with, any contestant who is competing in 1 of the promoter's

productions. A matchmaker shall not own a contract or a portion of a contract of, or

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receive proceeds from a contract with, any contestant for whom the matchmaker arranges

matches.

(3) A matchmaker may be licensed as a promoter. A promoter may be licensed as a

matchmaker. However, neither a promoter nor a matchmaker shall be licensed as a

referee, timekeeper, judge, boxer, or mixed martial artist.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

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

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.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.263 Charitable ticket sales.

Rule 263. A promoter who collects contributions for a charitable organization

licensed under the provisions of the charitable organizations and solicitations act,

1975 PA 169, MCL 400.271, shall comply with the provisions of that act and shall

promptly transmit funds collected to the charitable organization. A promoter who is

found to have violated the provisions of the charitable organizations and solicitations

act shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Chapter 4 of the act.

History: 2005 AACS.

R 339.265 Compensation for contest officials.

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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:

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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.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 MR 6, Eff. March 21, 2023.

R 339.267 Elimination tournaments.

Rule 267. An elimination tournament is a tournament in which 2 contestants compete

against one another, the loser is eliminated from the tournament, and the tournament

continues with winners from the various contests competing until only 1 contestant

remains undefeated in the weight division. An elimination tournament shall be in

compliance with all of the rules pertaining to unarmed combat, except as provided in

chapter 5 of the act, MCL 338.3650 to 338.3658, and R 339.253.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.269 Drug testing.

Rule 269. (1) The department, the department representative, or the ringside physician

may request that a contestant take a test or submit to an examination designed to measure

the presence of alcohol or drugs before or immediately following a contest. The

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collection of specimens must take place at the venue or a facility acceptable to the

department. The promoter is responsible for the cost of testing contestants, which testing

must be completed at a laboratory facility acceptable to the department. The department

representative responsible for collection of specimens shall be the only person informed

of the requested test prior to the contestant.

(2) The department, the department representative, or the ringside physician may

request that an approved official take a test or submit to an examination designed to

measure the presence of alcohol or drugs before or immediately following a contest. The

collection of specimens shall take place at the venue or a facility acceptable to the

department. An approved official is responsible for the cost of his or her examination

which must be completed at a laboratory facility acceptable to the department.

(3) If such a test or examination results in a finding of the presence of a drug or alcohol,

or if the contestant or official refuses to submit to a test, or refuses or is unable to provide

a sample of body fluids for a test, then a complaint must be filed under the procedures of

chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a. If a determination is made that the

contestant or official is subject to disciplinary action, then the commission shall impose,

at a minimum, the following penalties under chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to

338.3649a:

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

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

(c) For a third violation, revocation of licensure.

(4) At the completion of a suspension ordered by the commission under subrule (3) (a)

and (b) of this rule based on a finding of the presence of drugs, a contestant or official

may be required to submit to a test for the presence of drugs. The results of the test must

be negative for all drugs tested before a contestant is allowed to compete again or an

official is approved to officiate again.

(5) A contestant who is disciplined under this rule and who was the winner of a contest,

or the contest was a draw, shall be disqualified and the decision of the contest shall be

changed to "no decision."

(6) The results of a contest shall remain unchanged if a contestant who is disciplined

under this rule was the loser of the contest.

(7) Contestants who are prohibited, restrained, disqualified, or are otherwise ineligible

to compete in other jurisdictions due to disciplinary action that involves the use of drugs

shall not compete in this state until such time as the period of prohibition, restraint,

disqualification, or ineligibility is completed or removed. However, a contestant with a

previous suspension in any jurisdiction may be required to take and pass a drug test

before being allowed to compete in this state.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.

R 339.271 Suspension notices.

Rule 271. (1) A contestant who is suspended shall be placed on the suspension list

of the sanctioned record-keeping organization and notice shall also be placed on the

department's website.

(2) The department, upon placing the contestant on the suspension list under subrule

(1) of this rule, shall immediately mail a written suspension notice to the contestant at

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his or her last known address, specifying the nature of the suspension, the reason, and

the length of the suspension, where known.

History: 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

PART 3. FEES

R 339.301 Administrative fees.

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

(1) A fee collected by the department, when paid pursuant to this act, shall not be

refunded, except as provided in administrative rules promulgated by the director.

(2) The department may charge a fee for the issuance of a duplicate license or

registration. The duplicate shall not be issued unless the person applying for the

duplicate signs a statement that the original document has been lost, stolen, or destroyed.

The fee for the duplicate shall be $15.00.

(3) The department may charge a $5.00 fee for providing written verification that a

person is or is not licensed or registered at the time of the request for verification. If the

person requesting written verification seeks specific detailed information beyond the

information described in subrule (4) of this rule, then the charge for verification shall be

$15.00.

(4) The department may charge a $10.00 fee for correcting its records and issuing a new

document when a person notifies the department of a change of name and address. If the

change does not require the issuance of a new document, then no charge shall be made

for correcting the department's records.

History: 2005 AACS; 2016 AACS

R 339.303 License fees.

Rule 303. Fees for a person licensed or seeking licensure as a promoter are as follows:

(a) Application processing fees:

(i) Boxing or mixed martial arts Promoter

$500.00

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS

PART 4.

R 339.401 Expiration date; late renewal fee; relicensure.

Rule 401. (1) Licenses shall expire annually on August 31.

(2) A person who fails to renew a license on or before August 31 shall not practice the

occupation after the expiration date printed on the license.

A license shall lapse on the day after the expiration.

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(3) A person who fails to renew a license on or before August 31 may renew the

license by payment of the required license fee and

days after the expiration date.

a

late renewal fee within 60

(4) A person who fails to renew a license within the time period in subrule

(3) of this rule may be relicensed upon showing that the person meets the current

requirements for licensure as established in the act and administrative rules and pays

an application processing fee, the late renewal fee, and the per year license fee.

History: 2005 AACS.

R 339.403 Reinstatement.

Rule 403. A person who seeks reinstatement of a license shall file an application on

a form provided by the department, pay the appropriate application processing fee,

and shall file a petition with the department and the commission stating reasons for

reinstatement and including evidence that the person can and is likely to serve the

public with competence and in conformance will all other requirements prescribed by

law, rule, or an order of the commission. Upon consultation with the commission, the

department shall grant or deny the application for reinstatement.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS.

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