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) “Bare-knuckle fighting” means a form of unarmed combat based on punching without  
the use of boxing gloves.  
(c) "Department representative" means an employee of the department, as defined by  
section 10 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.  
(d) "Down" means when any part of a boxer's body, except the boxer’s 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.  
(e) "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.  
(f) “Fight record” means a record of a contestant’s previous fight results, including, but  
not limited to, wins, losses, knockouts, and technical knockouts, and other information  
required by the department.  
(g) "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.  
(h) “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 another body part, is touching the fighting  
area floor.  
(i) “Kickboxing” means a form of boxing where blows are delivered with the hand and  
any part of the leg below the hip, including the foot.  
(j) “Manager” means a person that represents the interest of a second person, by contract,  
agreement, or other arrangements, in arranging for the establishment of a  
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professional or amateur contest where that second person shall participate as a contestant.  
An attorney licensed to practice in this state, if the attorney’s participation is restricted  
solely to legal representation of the interests of an amateur or professional licensee, does  
not fall within this definition.  
(k) "Mandatory count of 8" means a required count of 8 given by a referee to a boxer who  
was knocked down.  
(l) “Muay thai” means a form of boxing where blows are delivered with the hand, elbow,  
any part of the leg below the hip, including the foot, and clinching.  
(m) "No decision" means that neither contestant wins the contest.  
(n) "Reinstatement" means the granting of a license to a person whose license was revoked  
or suspended as a result of a disciplinary action pursuant to chapter 4 of the act, MCL  
338.3640 to 338.3649a.  
(o) "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.  
(p) "Ring" or “cage” means the enclosure where a contest takes place.  
(q) “Sanctioned” means a contest approved by USA Boxing or a public body charged  
with overseeing unarmed combat contests.  
(r) “Second” means an individual assisting a contestant during a contest, including a  
cornerman or a contestant’s cutman, and may include a manager serving in that capacity.  
An impartial cutman is not a second.  
(s) "Stalling and faking" means that a contestant is pulling their punches or holding an  
opponent or deliberately maintaining a clinch.  
(t) "Standing mandatory count of 8" means a count of 8 given at the discretion of a  
referee to a boxer who was dazed by a blow and is unable to defend themselves.  
(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 AACS; 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
Editor's Note: An obvious error in R 339.101 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, 2026 MR 6. The memorandum requesting the correction was  
published in Michigan Register, 2026 MR 6.  
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) A kickboxing and muay thai event must adhere to the requirements for  
boxing events in section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.  
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(2) A professional kickboxing contest must comply with all of the following:  
(a) Consist of not more than 10 rounds.  
(b) Limit each round to not more than 3 minutes per round.  
(c) Provide at least a 1-minute rest period between each round.  
(3) An amateur kickboxing contest must comply with all of the following:  
(a) Consist of not more than 9 rounds.  
(b) Limit each round to not more than 2 minutes per round.  
(c) Provide at least a 1-minute rest period between each round.  
(4) A professional muay thai contest must comply with all of the following:  
(a) Consist of not more than 5 rounds.  
(b) Limit each round to not more than 3 minutes per round.  
(c) Provide at least a 1-minute rest period between each round.  
(5) An amateur muay thai contest must comply with all of the following:  
(a) Consist of not more than 5 rounds.  
(b) Limit each round to not more than 2 minutes per round.  
(c) Provide at least a 1-minute rest period between each round.  
(6) 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 AACS; 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
R 339.104a Number of events held on a single day.  
Rule 104a. The department may restrict the number of unarmed combat events being held  
on a single day to 1 event.  
History: 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
PART 2. PROFESSIONAL BOXING, AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL MIXED  
MARTIAL ARTS, AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL KICKBOXING,  
AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL MUAY THAI, AND PROFESSIONAL BARE-  
KNUCKLE FIGHTING  
R 339.201 Weight classifications for contestants.  
Rule 201. (1) The department shall approve each contest and may refuse to allow a  
contest when 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) Other factors 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.  
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(2) Pursuant to section 54a(2)(e) of the act, MCL 338.3654a, boxing contestants are  
divided into the following classes, and there must 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: Up to and including 105 pounds.  
(b) Light flyweight: Over 105 pounds to 108 pounds.  
(c) Flyweight: Over 108 pounds to 112 pounds.  
(d) Super flyweight: Over 112 pounds to 115 pounds.  
(e) Bantamweight: Over 115 pounds to 118 pounds.  
(f) Super bantamweight: Over 118 pounds to 122 pounds.  
(g) Featherweight: Over 122 pounds to 126 pounds.  
(h) Super featherweight: Over 126 pounds to 130 pounds.  
(i) Lightweight: Over 130 pounds to 135 pounds.  
(j) Super lightweight: Over 135 pounds to 140 pounds.  
(k) Welterweight: Over 140 pounds to 147 pounds.  
(l) Super welterweight: Over 147 pounds to 154 pounds.  
(m) Middleweight: Over 154 pounds to 160 pounds.  
(n) Super middleweight: Over 160 pounds to 168 pounds.  
(o) Light heavyweight: Over 168 pounds to 175 pounds.  
(p) Cruiserweight: Over 175 pounds to 200 pounds.  
(q) Heavyweight: Over 200 pounds.  
(3) Pursuant to section 54a(2)(e) of the act, MCL 338.3654a, mixed martial arts  
contestants are divided into the following classes, and there must 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: Up to and including 105 pounds.  
(b) Strawweight: Over 105 pounds to 115 pounds.  
(c) Flyweight: Over 115 pounds to 125 pounds.  
(d) Bantamweight: Over 125 pounds to 135 pounds.  
(e) Featherweight: Over 135 pounds to 145 pounds.  
(f) Lightweight: Over 145 pounds to 155 pounds.  
(g) Super lightweight: Over 155 pounds to 165 pounds.  
(h) Welterweight: Over 165 pounds to 170 pounds.  
(i) Super welterweight: Over 170 pounds to 175 pounds.  
(j) Middleweight: Over 175 pounds to 185 pounds.  
(k) Super middleweight: Over 185 pounds to 195 pounds.  
(l) Light heavyweight: Over 195 pounds to 205 pounds.  
(m) Cruiserweight: Over 205 pounds to 225 pounds.  
(n) Heavyweight: Over 225 pounds to 265 pounds.  
(o) Super heavyweight: Over 265 pounds.  
History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
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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 ofeither  
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 Contestant paperwork; substitute contestants.  
Rule 202a. (1) A license application and all required medical examinations must be  
completed and received by the department no later than 2 business days before a scheduled  
event. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the department for good cause  
shown. Exceptions may not be granted later than the substitution deadlines specified in  
subrule (2) of this rule.  
(2) All substitutions must be approved or denied by the department and 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, 2 p.m. on the regular business  
day before the event.  
History: 2009 AACS; 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
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 or bare-knuckle fighting license shall have the  
department’s determination that the applicant is able to compete as a professional  
contestant and any of the following:  
(a) A record of having fought a minimum of 7 sanctioned amateur boxing contests or 28  
sanctioned amateur boxing rounds. When applying for a license, the applicant shall provide  
this record to the department.  
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(b) An active professional contestant 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, kickboxing, or muay thai license  
shall have the department’s determination that the applicant is able to compete as a  
professional contestant and any of the following:  
(a) Has a record of having fought a minimum of 7 sanctioned amateur contests. When  
applying for a license, the applicant shall provide this record to the department.  
(b) Has an active professional contestant license in this state or another state, territory,  
country, or tribal nation.  
(c) Has the commission’s approval based on proven competence.  
(5) All professional kickboxing or muay thai contestant licensees shall obtain a national  
identification card.  
(6) A license must not be issued to an applicant for a license if the applicant has any  
outstanding fines or costs or current suspensions imposed under the act.  
History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
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 not  
less than 18 years of age.  
(2) An applicant for a license as a referee shall pass a physical examination.  
(3) Before licensure, an applicant for a license as a timekeeper, referee, or judge shall  
provide a completed certification as approved by the department that is available from a  
recognized authority in unarmed combat sports. A current licensee shall submit a  
completed certification within 90 days after the effective date of this rule.  
(4) The process established in subrule (3) of this rule shall adhere to all of the following:  
(a) To receive department approval for an event type designated on a participant license,  
an applicant shall complete a certification specific to that event type.  
(b) The department shall publish a list of acceptable certifications on its website.  
Certifications that are not listed may be submitted to the department for review and  
approval.  
(c) A license must not be issued to an applicant if the applicant has any outstanding fines  
or costs or current suspensions imposed under the act.  
History: 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
R 339.203b Rescinded.  
History: 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 339.203c Rescinded.  
History: 2009 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
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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.  
History: 2023 AACS.  
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.  
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(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.  
(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.  
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(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 AACS.  
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  
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  
Page 9  
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.  
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.  
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(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.  
(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.  
Page 11  
(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 339.214 Bare-knuckle fighting events and contests unified rules; adoption by  
reference; exceptions.  
Rule 214. (1) The department adopts by reference the “Association of Boxing  
Commission and Combative Sports Bare-Knuckle Fighting Unified Rules”, revised July  
12, 2024, except for sections titled “Duration of Rounds”, “Approved Attire/Appearance”,  
“Prohibited Substances”, and “Commission Considerations”.  
(2) Copies of the bare-knuckle fighting unified rules are available at no cost from the  
association’s website at https://www.abcboxing.com.  
(3) Copies of the bare-knuckle fighting unified rules are available for inspection and  
distribution  
at  
no  
cost  
through  
the  
department’s  
website  
at  
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/ucc. Copies of these rules also may be obtained  
from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporation, Securities &  
Commercial Licensing, P.O. Box 30018, Lansing, Michigan 48909 at a cost of 25 cents  
per page as of the time of adoption of these rules.  
History: 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
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.  
Page 12  
(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.  
(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.  
Page 13  
(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 339.222 Bare-knuckle round length; professional debut.  
Rule 222. (1) A bare-knuckle fighting bout must not extend past a total of 6 rounds and  
a total of 18 minutes of competition with a 1-minute rest period between each nonfinal  
round. The 1-minute rest period does not count toward the 18-minute competition limit.  
Promoters are authorized to mix bout cards and schedule bouts for either 2-minute or 3-  
minute rounds.  
(2) The commission shall consider all of the following information when approving a  
bout:  
(a) Combatant records.  
(b) Prior combative sports experience.  
(c) Skill level.  
(d) Physical condition.  
(3) Rounds are approved for either 2 or 3 minutes.  
(4) A contestant making a professional debut is restricted to four, 2-minute rounds.  
(5) A contestant making a professional debut means a contestant who has not previously  
participated in a professional unarmed combat event but has experience participating in  
amateur unarmed combat events. A professional contestant with previous professional  
experience in boxing, mixed martial arts, or other unarmed combat events is not considered  
Page 14  
to be making a professional debut and may participate in any number of rounds without  
restriction, as approved by the commission.  
History: 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
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.  
(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  
Page 15  
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.  
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.  
Page 16  
(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.  
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  
Page 17  
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 AACS.  
R 339.223c Injuries and cuts; muay thai.  
Rule 223c. (1) If the referee determines that a contest may not continue because of an  
injury caused by an intentional foul, the contestant who committed the intentional foul  
loses by disqualification.  
(2) If the referee determines that a contest may continue despite an injury caused by an  
intentional foul, the referee shall immediately inform the department representative and the  
judges and shall deduct 2 points from the score of the contestant who committed the  
intentional foul.  
(3) If an injury caused by an intentional foul results in the contest being stopped in a later  
round, either of the following must occur:  
(a) If the injured contestant is ahead on the scorecards, the contestant wins by technical  
decision.  
(b) If the injured contestant is behind or even on the scorecards, the contest must be  
declared a technical draw.  
(4) If a contestant injures himself or herself while attempting to foul his or her opponent,  
the referee shall not take any action in his or her favor and the injury must be treated the  
same as an injury produced by a fair blow.  
(5) If a contest is stopped because of an accidental foul, the referee shall determine  
whether the contestant who has been fouled can continue or not. If the contestant’s chance  
of winning has not been seriously jeopardized because of a foul and if the foul did not  
involve a concussive impact to the head of the contestant who was fouled, the referee may  
order the contest continued after a reasonable interval. Before the contest begins again, the  
referee shall inform the judges and department representative of his or her determination  
that the foul was accidental.  
Page 18  
(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 AACS.  
R 339.225 Knockouts; boxing.  
Rule 225. (1) A contestant in a boxing contest who is knocked down shall take a minimum  
mandatory count of 8.  
(2) If a contestant in a boxing contest is dazed by a blow and, in the referee's opinion, is  
unable to defend himself or herself, then the referee shall give a standing mandatory count  
of 8 or stop the contest. If on the count of 8 the contestant, in the referee's opinion, is  
unable to continue, then the referee may count him or her out on his or her feet or stop the  
contest on the count of 8.  
(3) If there is a knockdown in a boxing contest, then the timekeeper shall immediately  
start the count loud enough to be heard by the referee, who, after waving the opponent to  
the farthest neutral corner, shall pick up the count from the timekeeper and proceed from  
there. The referee shall stop the count if the opponent fails to remain in the corner. The  
count shall be resumed when the opponent has returned to the corner.  
(4) The timekeeper shall signal the count to the referee.  
(5) If the contestant taking the count in a boxing contest is still down when the referee  
calls the count of 10, then the referee shall wave both arms to indicate that the contestant  
has been knocked out. The referee shall summon the physician and then raise the  
opponent's hand as the winner. The referee's count is the official count.  
(6) If at the end of a round a contestant in a boxing contest is down and the referee is in  
the process of counting, then the gong indicating the end of the round must not be sounded,  
except for the last round. The gong must only sound when the referee gives the command  
to box indicating the continuation of the contest.  
(7) In the final round, the timekeeper's gong terminates the fight contest.  
Page 19  
(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 AACS.  
R 339. 225a Knockouts; kickboxing and muay thai.  
Rule 225a. (1) In the event of a knockdown, the referee shall send the standing contestant  
to a neutral corner and administer a mandatory 10 count to the downed contestant.  
(2) For purposes of this rule, a knockdown is either of the following:  
(a) When a contestant touches the mat with anything other than the soles of his or her  
feet as the result of a legal and damaging strike.  
(b) When a contestant is in a defenseless position grabbing the opponent or hanging on  
or over the ropes.  
(3) If a contestant goes down from what the referee indicates is a slip but fails to rise after  
the referee’s repeated commands, the referee shall initiate a count of 10 and follow the  
procedures of a knockdown. If the contestant does not rise after a count of 10, the contest  
ends as a technical knockout.  
(4) The referee shall have sole discretion in determining a knockdown versus a slip.  
(5) If a contestant injures himself or herself and then fails to intelligently defend himself  
or herself by turning his or her back on the opponent, the referee may do either of the  
following:  
(a) Treat the injury the same as one produced by a fair blow from the opponent and follow  
the procedures for a knockdown,  
(b) Terminate the contest and declare the opponent winner by technical knockout.  
(6) The 3-knockdown rule is in effect only when a contestant has been knocked down 3  
times in the same round by strikes or kicks to the head. If a contestant is knocked down 3  
times, the contest ends, and contestant is determined to have lost the contest by technical  
knockout.  
(7) A standing 8 count in professional kickboxing or muay thai contests is not allowed.  
(8) In an amateur kickboxing and muay thai contest, a referee may issue a standing 8  
count to determine if a contestant can continue the contest.  
(9) A contestant who has been knocked down shall not be saved by the bell in any round,  
including the final round.  
History: 2023 AACS.  
Page 20  
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.  
(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 AACS.  
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  
Page 21  
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  
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.  
Page 22  
(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.  
History: 2023 AACS.  
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:  
Page 23  
(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 AACS.  
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.  
(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  
Page 24  
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.  
(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.  
Page 25  
(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.  
(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.  
Page 26  
(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  
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 AACS.  
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.  
Page 27  
(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.  
(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 AACS.  
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.  
Page 28  
(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.  
(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  
Page 29  
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 AACS.  
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.  
(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.  
Page 30  
(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.  
(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.  
Page 31  
(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 AACS.  
R 339.232a Fouls; kickboxing.  
Rule 232a. (1) A referee of a kickboxing contest may penalize a kickboxing contestant by  
deducting points from a round for any of the following fouls:  
(a) Head butts.  
(b) Groin strikes.  
(c) Thrusting or linear kicks directed at the knee joint.  
(d) Striking the back of the head or the spine.  
(e) Attacks to the throat.  
(f) Striking a downed contestant.  
(g) Failure to obey the referee’s commands.  
(h) Striking on a break.  
(i) Striking after a bell.  
(j) Holding or using the ropes while striking or clinching.  
(k) Repeatedly and intentionally avoiding engagement or contact with the opponent.  
(l) Use of abusive language or gestures, or both.  
(m) Causing intentional delays in the contest.  
(n) Thumbing.  
(o) Holding the opponent’s leg without executing a legal strike or while executing more  
than 1 striking technique. A contestant may grab the opponent’s kicking leg and  
immediately execute 1 legal strike while taking 1 step, and then he or she must immediately  
release the leg.  
(p) Any effort to down a contestant by a method other than a legal strike or strikes  
including, but not limited to, the following:  
(i) Joint locks.  
(ii) Submission attempts.  
(iii) Sweeps.  
(iv) Reaps.  
(v) Takedowns.  
(vi) Throw.  
(q) Biting.  
(r) Spiting at the opponent.  
(s) Striking with the elbow, arm, wrist, or other part of the glove that is not the padded  
part of the glove.  
Page 32  
(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.  
(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 AACS.  
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.  
Page 33  
(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.  
(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 AACS.  
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  
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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.  
(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.  
Page 35  
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.  
(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  
Page 36  
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 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.  
Page 37  
(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.  
(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 shall wear kickboxing  
shorts, or muay thai shorts or trunks.  
(2) A contestant shall 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 and be  
of equal weight and style for each contest. For amateur muay thai contests, 6-ounce gloves  
may be used by super flyweight weight classes and below, pursuant to R 339.201(2).  
(4) A contestant shall not wear shoes in kickboxing or muay thai contests.  
Page 38  
(5) A male contestant shall not wear a shirt, rash guard, or other items on the upper body.  
A female contestant may wear a breast protection plate, rash guard, sports bra, or body  
shirt.  
(6) A contestant shall not wear jewelry or a piercing during a contest.  
(7) An amateur kickboxing and muay thai contestant 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 AACS; 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
R 339.246c Dress and protective equipment for bare-knuckle fighting contestants.  
Rule 246c. (1) A bare-knuckle fighting contestant shall wear protective gear as  
determined necessary. A contestant shall adhere to the following attire requirements:  
(a) Male contestants shall not wear any form of clothing on their upper body.  
(b) All contestants shall wear the appropriate shorts, boxing or wrestling shoes, and  
mouthpiece.  
(c) Male contestants shall wear the appropriate groin protection.  
(d) Female contestants shall wear the appropriate sports bra and are allowed to wear a  
short-sleeved shirt that is above the elbow or sleeveless form-fitting rash guard. Breast  
protectors are optional. Loose-fitting tops are prohibited.  
(e) Female contestants shall follow the exact requirements for bottom covering as male  
contestants, minus the requirement for groin protection.  
(f) When a referee determines it is necessary, contestants with long hair shall secure their  
hair in a manner that does not interfere with either contestant’s ability to compete fairly or  
hinder the other's vision. No hard material may be used to secure hair. No object that may  
cause injury to either contestant may be worn to secure a contestant’s hair.  
(g) Inspectors shall ensure that the fingernails are clipped at a length so as not to cause  
injury to the opponent.  
(h) The wearing of jewelry is strictly prohibited during all bouts.  
(i) No contestant shall wear any products on their body or hair, including, but not limited  
to, spray hair dye, body dye or body paint, hair gel, and skin products other than the  
allowable amount of skin lubricant allowed under R 339.211. A contestant entering the  
ring or cage to participate who is wearing temporary hair or body dye or paint shall be  
rejected from competing.  
(j) Hand wraps must include the wrist and are restricted to 12 yards of soft gauze bandage  
per hand that is not more than 2 inches in width and is held in place by not more than 10  
yards of surgical tape that is no more than 1 inch or 25.4 millimeters in width. The surgical  
tape must not be applied within 1 inch of the knuckles.  
(k) No tape or gauze can extend past a contestant’s knuckle when a clenched fist is made.  
(l) No tape or gauze is allowed between or on a contestant’s fingers with the exception  
of the thumb. The thumb of a contestant may include a single wrap of tape when the wrist  
is being wrapped.  
(m) Wrapping of the wrist must not extend more than 3 inches past the wrist juncture.  
(2) A contestant shall wear a mouthpiece during competition. A contestant shall have 2  
mouthpieces at ring side or cage side, if possible. If a mouthpiece is dislodged and lost  
during the bout, the contestant with the lost mouthpiece shall lose by disqualification,  
Page 39  
regardless of the round or time. If a mouthpiece is dislodged because of a legal blow, the  
referee shall not interfere with the flow of the bout and shall call a time-out when there is  
a lull in the action. It is the discretion of the referee to take the contestant to the corner and  
allow the second to rinse and replace the contestant’s mouthpiece. The round cannot begin  
without both contestants wearing their mouthpiece. If the mouthpiece is dislodged during  
competition, the referee shall call time out when there is a lull in the bout and have the  
mouthpiece replaced at the first opportune moment without interfering with the immediate  
action. The referee may deduct points if the referee feels the mouthpiece is being spit out  
intentionally.  
(3) There must be no taping, covering, or protective gear of any kind on the upper body,  
other than a contestant’s hands as specified in subrule (1) of this rule. This includes, but is  
not limited to, joint sleeves, padding, any form of a brace, or body gauze or tape. Use of  
sleeves is limited to the following:  
(a) A contestant may use soft Neoprene-type sleeves to cover only the knees or elbows.  
(b) Approved sleeves must not have any of the following:  
(i) Padding.  
(ii) Velcro.  
(iii) Plastic.  
(iv) Metal.  
(v) Ties.  
(vi) Other materials considered unsafe or that may create an unfair advantage.  
History: 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
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  
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,  
Page 40  
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.  
(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.  
Page 41  
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 are responsible for a match where 1 of the  
contestants is disproportionately outclassed. Lack of judgment in arranging matches is  
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 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; 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
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 that the identity, ring record,  
eligibility, and suspensions of each contestant are accurate and up-to-date, and shall submit  
any information required by the department in seeking contest approval under R 339.201.  
The information must be verified before submission to the department.  
(2) A promoter is responsible for the accuracy of the names and records of each of the  
participating contestants in all publicity or promotional material.  
Page 42  
(3) A contestant shall use their legal name to sign a contract; however, a contestant who  
is licensed under another name may sign the contract using their licensed name if the  
contestant's legal name appears in the body of the contract as the name that the contestant  
is otherwise known.  
(4) 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,  
the contestant shall sign the contract. The contracted purse amount paid to a professional  
contestant must not be less than $100.00 per contracted round.  
(5) 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.  
(6) The contract between a promoter and a contestant must be for the use of the  
contestant's skills in a contest and not require the contestant to sell tickets to be paid for  
their services.  
(7) Violations of this rule are grounds for disciplinary action against a promoter or  
matchmaker under chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a.  
History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
R 339.261a Bout restrictions.  
Rule 261a. (1) Combatant federal identification cards for contestants participating in  
bare-knuckle events are issued via BoxRec or as directed by the association of boxing  
commissions.  
(2) Once a contestant is considered a professional contestant in 1 combat sport, the  
contestant shall compete only as a professional contestant in all other combat sports.  
History: 2026 MR 6, Eff. July 10, 2026.  
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.  
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 AACS.  
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 collection  
of specimens must take place at the venue or a facility acceptable to the department. The  
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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 his  
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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 a late renewal fee within 60 days  
after the expiration date.  
(4) A person who fails to renew a license within the time period in subrule  
(3) of this rule may be relicensed upon showing that the person meets the current  
requirements for licensure as established in the act and administrative rules and pays  
an application processing fee, the late renewal fee, and the per year license fee.  
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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