DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
CORPORATIONS, SECURITIES, AND COMMERCIAL LICENSING BUREAU  
UNARMED COMBAT  
Filed with the secretary of state on  
These rules take effect immediately upon filing with the secretary of state unless adopted  
under section 33, 44, or 45a(6) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA  
306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become  
effective 7 days after filing with the secretary of state.  
(By authority conferred on the department of licensing and regulatory affairs by the  
Michigan unarmed combat regulatory act, 2004 PA 403, MCL 338.3601 to 338.3661a,  
and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 2008-4 and 2011-4, MCL 445.2025 and  
445.2030)  
R 339.205b and R 339.226a of the Michigan Administrative Code are added, R 339.101,  
R 339.201, R 339.202, R 339.203, R 339.203a, R 339.205, R 339.205a, R 339.207, R  
339.210, R 339.213, R 339.215, R 339.217, R 339.223, R 339.226, R 339.227, R  
339.229, R 339.230, R 339.231, R 339.232, R 339.235, R 339.239, R 339.243, R  
339.245, R 339.246, R 339.246a, R 339.249, R 339.251, R 339.255, R 339.265, and R  
339.269 are amended, and R 339.203b, R 339.203c, R 339.204, and R 339.253 are  
rescinded, as follows:  
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS  
R 339.101 Definitions.  
Rule 101. (1) As used in these rules:  
(a) "Act" means the Michigan unarmed combat regulatory act, 2004 PA 403, MCL  
338.3601 to 338.3661a.  
(b) "Department representative" means an employee of the department, as defined by  
section 10(1) of the act, MCL 338.3610, or an inspector approved by the department who  
ensures compliance with the law and rules at an unarmed combat event.  
(c) "Down" means when any part of a boxer's body, except his or her feet, touches the  
ring floor, or when the boxer is hanging helplessly over the ropes as a result of a legal  
blow as ruled by the referee.  
(d) "Drug" means a controlled substance as regulated under sections 7101 to 7231 of the  
public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7101 to 333.7231, and any substance  
referenced in section 48(5)(a) of the act, MCL 338.3648.  
(e) “Fight Record” means a record of a contestant’s previous fight results, including, but  
not limited to, wins, losses, knockouts, and technical knockouts, and any other  
information required by the department.  
August 27, 2019  
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(f) "Gong" means a bell, horn, buzzer, or other audible device approved by the  
department representative that has a clear tone loud enough for the contestants and  
referee to hear.  
(g) “Grounded” means when a mixed martial artist has any part of the body, other than  
fingers and the soles of both feet, touching the fighting area floor. A mixed martial artist  
is grounded if the palm or closed fist of 1 hand, or any other body part, is touching the  
fighting area floor.  
(h) “Manager” means a person who represents the interest of a second person, by  
contract, agreement, or other arrangement, in arranging for the establishment of a  
professional or amateur contest in which that second person shall participate as a  
contestant. An attorney licensed to practice in this state, if his or her participation is  
restricted solely to legal representation of the interests of an amateur or professional  
licensee, does not fall within this definition.  
(i) "Mandatory count of 8" means a required count of 8 given by a referee to a boxer  
who has been knocked down.  
(j) "No decision" means that neither contestant wins the contest.  
(k) "Reinstatement" means the granting of a license to a person whose license has been  
revoked or suspended as a result of a disciplinary action in accordance with chapter 4 of  
the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a.  
(l) "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.  
(m) "Ring" means the enclosure in which a contest takes place.  
(n) “Sanctioned” means a contest approved by USA Boxing or a public body charged  
with overseeing unarmed combat contests.  
(o) “Second” means an individual assisting a contestant during a contest, such as  
cornerman or a contestant’s cutman, and may include a manager serving in that capacity.  
An impartial cutman is not a second.  
(p) "Stalling and faking" means that a contestant is pulling his or her punches or holding  
an opponent or deliberately maintaining a clinch.  
(q) "Standing mandatory count of 8" means a count of 8 given at the discretion of a  
referee to a boxer who has been dazed by a blow and is unable to defend himself or  
herself.  
(2) The terms defined in the act have the same meanings when used in these rules.  
PART 2. PROFESSIONAL BOXING, AMATEUR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS, AND  
PROFESSIONAL MIXED MARTIAL ARTS  
R 339.201 Weight classifications for contestants.  
Rule 201. (1) The department may refuse to permit a contest in which the contestants  
are not fairly matched. In determining if contestants are fairly matched, the department  
shall consider the following factors:  
(a) The win-loss record of the contestants.  
(b) The weight differential.  
(c) The caliber of opponents.  
(d) Each contestant’s number of contests.  
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(e) Any other factor relating to a contestant’s past conduct as a contestant, in this  
jurisdiction or another, that would reasonably give rise to concerns regarding the health  
and safety of the public or a contestant or contestants.  
(2) Pursuant to section 54a(2)(e) of the act, MCL 338.3654a, boxing contestants shall be  
divided into the following classes, and there shall not be more than a 5-pound weight  
differential for contestants weighing up to 126 pounds, a 7-pound weight differential for  
contestants weighing 126.1 to 175 pounds, and a 15-pound weight differential for  
contestants weighing 175.1 pounds to 199 pounds. The weight differential applicable to  
the lowest weight contestant applies.  
(a) Mini flyweight:  
(b) Light flyweight:  
(c) Flyweight:  
(d) Super flyweight:  
(e) Bantamweight:  
(f) Super bantamweight:  
(g) Featherweight:  
(h) Super featherweight:  
(i) Lightweight:  
Up to and including 105 pounds.  
Over 105 pounds to 108 pounds.  
Over 108 pounds to 112 pounds.  
Over 112 pounds to 115 pounds.  
Over 115 pounds to 118 pounds.  
Over 118 pounds to 122 pounds.  
Over 122 pounds to 126 pounds.  
Over 126 pounds to 130 pounds.  
Over 130 pounds to 135 pounds.  
Over 135 pounds to 140 pounds.  
Over 140 pounds to 147 pounds.  
Over 147 pounds to 154 pounds.  
Over 154 pounds to 160 pounds.  
Over 160 pounds to 168 pounds.  
Over 168 pounds to 175 pounds.  
Over 175 pounds to 200 pounds.  
Over 200 pounds.  
(j) Super lightweight:  
(k) Welterweight:  
(l) Super welterweight:  
(m) Middleweight:  
(n) Super middleweight:  
(o) Light heavyweight:  
(p) Cruiserweight:  
(q) Heavyweight:  
(3) Pursuant to section 54a(2)(e) of the act, MCL 338.3654a, mixed martial arts  
contestants shall be divided into the following classes, and there shall be not 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) Strawweight:  
(b) Flyweight:  
(c) Bantamweight:  
(d) Featherweight:  
(e) Lightweight:  
(f) Super lightweight:  
(g) Welterweight:  
(h) Super welterweight:  
(i) Middleweight:  
(j) Super middleweight:  
(k) Light heavyweight:  
(l) Cruiserweight:  
(m) Heavyweight:  
(n) Super heavyweight:  
Up to and including 115 pounds.  
Over 115 pounds to 125 pounds.  
Over 125 pounds to 135 pounds.  
Over 135 pounds to 145 pounds.  
Over 145 pounds to 155 pounds.  
Over 155 pounds to 165 pounds.  
Over 165 pounds to 170 pounds.  
Over 170 pounds to 175 pounds.  
Over 175 pounds to 185 pounds.  
Over 185 pounds to 195 pounds.  
Over 195 pounds to 205 pounds.  
Over 205 pounds to 225 pounds.  
Over 225 pounds to 265 pounds.  
Over 265 pounds.  
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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 of  
either the physician or the department representative in consultation with the physician.  
(4) If the weigh-in occurs within 24 hours of the event, a contestant who loses more than  
2% of his or her total weight to make weight and is reweighed shall not compete without  
the approval of either the physician or the department representative in consultation with  
the physician.  
(5) Male contestants may weigh-in wearing only boxers, trunks, or briefs.  
(6) Female contestants may weigh-in wearing only shorts and a sports bra.  
(7) The promoter shall provide a privacy sheet or towel to shield the contestant if  
necessary.  
(8) The department shall approve the date and time of the weigh-in.  
R 339.203 Licensing requirements; contestants.  
Rule 203. (1) A contestant shall not have an active license as a timekeeper, judge,  
referee, promoter, or matchmaker.  
(2) A contestant shall have an active license at the time of the contest.  
(3) An applicant for a professional boxer license shall have the department’s  
determination that he or she is able to compete as a professional contestant and either of  
the following:  
(a) A record of having fought a minimum of 7 amateur contests or 28 amateur rounds.  
(b) An active professional boxer license in this state or another state, country, or tribal  
nation.  
(4) An applicant for a professional mixed martial artist license shall have the  
department’s determination that he or she is able to compete as a professional contestant  
and either of the following:  
(a) A record of having fought a minimum of 5 sanctioned amateur contests.  
(b) An active professional mixed martial artist license in this state or another state,  
country, or tribal nation.  
R 339.203a Licensing requirements; referee, judge, or timekeeper.  
Rule 203a. (1) An applicant for a license as a referee, judge, or timekeeper shall be at  
least 18 years of age.  
(2) An applicant for a license as a referee shall pass a physical examination.  
(3) The department may require an applicant for a license as a timekeeper, referee, or  
judge to complete an examination as approved by the department that is available from a  
recognized authority in unarmed combat sports.  
(4) The department may require an applicant for a license as a timekeeper, referee, or  
judge to obtain experience, training, or other qualifications satisfactory to the department.  
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R 339.203b. Rescinded.  
R 339.203c Rescinded.  
R 339.204 Rescinded.  
R 339.205 Boxing ring; dimensions and construction.  
Rule 205. A promoter shall ensure that a boxing ring meets all of the following  
requirements:  
(a) The boxing ring must be square and be not less than 16 feet nor more  
than 24 feet on a side, measured within the ropes. The boxing ring floor must extend not  
less than 18 inches beyond the ropes. There must be padding over the boxing ring post if  
the ring posts are nearer than 18 inches to the ring ropes.  
(b) Two sides of the boxing ring opposite of each other must have a designated color.  
One side must be blue; the opposite side must be red.  
(c) The floor of the boxing ring must be padded with ensolite or another similar closed-  
cell foam, with at least a 1-inch layer of foam padding, with a top covering of canvas,  
duck, or similar material tightly stretched and laced securely in place under the apron.  
The corners of the ring must be padded. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges  
must not be used.  
(d) Boxing ring posts must be not less than 3, nor more than 4, inches in diameter  
extending from the floor to a height of 58 inches above the floor of the ring. The ropes  
must be connected to posts with the extension not shorter than 18 inches.  
(e) The boxing ring must be not more than 4 feet high. Steps must be provided for use  
by the contestants and officials.  
(f) The boxing ring must not have less than 4 ropes which may be tightened and  
which are not less than 1 inch in diameter. The ropes must be evenly spaced, securely tied  
halfway between the ring posts, and wrapped in a soft material.  
(g) There must not be any obstruction or object, including, without limitation, a  
triangular border on any part of the ring floor.  
R 339.205a Mixed martial arts ring; dimensions and construction.  
Rule 205a. (1) A promoter shall ensure that a mixed martial arts ring meets all of the  
following requirements:  
(a) The ring canvas must be no smaller than 18 feet wide and no larger than 32 feet  
across.  
(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 ring 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 ring. Material that  
tends to gather in lumps or ridges must not be used.  
(d) The platform of the ring must not be more than 4 feet above the floor of the building  
and must have suitable steps for use by the contestants and officials.  
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(e) Ring 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 ring, and shall be  
properly padded in a manner approved by the department.  
(f) The fencing used to enclose the ring must be made of a material that will prevent a  
contestant from falling out or breaking through the ring onto the floor of the building or  
onto spectators.  
(g) Any metal portion on the interior of the ring must be covered and padded in a  
manner approved by the department and must not be abrasive to the contestants.  
(h) The ring must have a minimum of 1 entrance. The entrance must be padded or  
covered so that there is not exposed metal on the interior of the ring.  
(i) There must not be any obstruction on any part of the ring surrounding the area in  
which the contestants are competing.  
(j) Any metal parts used to enforce the ring wall must be positioned as to not interfere  
with the safety of the contestants.  
(k) There must be an area of at least 4 feet between the ring and the first row of public  
seating that allows freedom of movement of contest officials and department personnel.  
(2) The area immediately surrounding the ring is subject to the control of the  
department. Event security staff shall control access. The seating around the apron of  
the ring 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 ring.  
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.  
R 339.207 Hand, foot, and ankle wrap specifications for all contestants.  
Rule 207. A contestant shall ensure all of the following specifications prior to an event:  
(a) Except as agreed to by the managers of the contestants or as provided in subdivision  
(b) of this subrule, a boxing contestant's hand wrap for each hand must consist of soft  
gauze that is not more than 10 yards long and not more than 2 inches wide. The gauze  
must be held in place by not more than 6 feet of cloth-based tape per hand.  
(b) Except as agreed to by the managers of the opposing contestants, light heavyweight,  
cruiserweight, and heavyweight boxing contestants' hand wraps for each hand shall  
consist of soft gauze that is not more than 12 yards long and not more than 2 inches wide.  
Gauze must be held in place by not more than 8 feet of cloth-based tape per hand.  
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(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.  
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.  
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.  
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(m) A separate dressing room must be provided for officials, unless the physical  
arrangements of the site make the provision of an additional dressing room impossible.  
(n) Adequate security personnel.  
(o) High stools for use by the judges.  
(p) Sufficient contest scorecards for ring officials and department representatives.  
(q) A cleaning solution capable of cleaning blood and debris in the cage or ring.  
(2) A promoter shall only hold boxing or mixed martial arts contests or events in  
premises that conform to the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the city, town, or  
village where the events are situated.  
(3) Restrooms must not be used as dressing rooms, rooms for physical examinations, or  
weigh-ins.  
R 339.215 Contest officials.  
Rule 215. (1) A licensed referee, judge, or timekeeper may officiate licensed mixed  
martial arts events or amateur events that are exempt from the act. A licensed boxing  
referee, judge, or timekeeper may officiate a USA Boxing sanctioned event.  
(2) A referee or judge shall not officiate or accept an approval to officiate when that  
assignment may impair the referee’s or judge's independence of judgment or action in the  
performance of the referee's or judge's duties. Violation of this subrule renders the  
violator subject to the penalties set forth in chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to  
338.3649a.  
(3) A judge shall sit midway between the ring posts of a square ring, but not on the same  
side as another judge, and shall have an unimpaired view of the ring. The judges shall be  
evenly dispersed when a ring has more than 4 sides.  
(4) A referee must not be approved to officiate more than 32 scheduled rounds in 1 day,  
except when substituting for another referee who is incapacitated.  
(5) A referee shall not wear jewelry that might cause injury to the contestants. Glasses,  
if worn, must be protective athletic glasses or goggles with plastic lenses and a secure  
elastic band around the back of the head.  
(6) A referee must wear bio-protective gloves in the performance of his or her duties.  
(7) An official must not use or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while in  
attendance at an event. The department may request an official to be tested for the  
presence of alcohol or drugs in the same manner that contestants are tested. Violation of  
this subrule or refusal to be tested subjects the official to the penalties set forth in chapter  
4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a.  
(8) Ring officials shall avoid the appearance of partiality. A ring official must not be  
licensed as a matchmaker or promoter. A ring official must not own all or any portion of  
a contract of a mixed martial artist or a boxer.  
(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.  
R 339.217 Conduct during events.  
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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.  
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.  
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(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  
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.  
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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.  
R 339.226a Types of contest results for boxing events.  
Rule 226a. The following are the types of contest results for boxing events:  
(a) Technical knockout by any of the following:  
(i) Referee stops the contest.  
(ii) When an injury as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate a  
contest.  
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(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.  
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.  
R 339.229 Judging; boxing.  
Rule 229. (1) Officials who score a contest shall use the 10-point must system.  
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(2) For the purpose of this rule, the "10-point must system” means that the winner of  
each round receives 10 points as determined by clean hitting, effective aggressiveness,  
defense, and ring generalship. The loser of the round shall receive less than 10 points. If  
the round is even, each contestant receives 10 points. Judges shall not give fractions of  
points.  
(3) Officials who score the contest shall mark their cards in ink or in indelible pencil at  
the end of each round.  
(4) Officials who score the contest shall sign their scorecards.  
(5) Except as provided in subrule (6) of this rule, at the conclusion of each contest, the  
judges shall total the points for each contestant and indicate the winner by writing the  
winner's name at the designated area on the scorecard and circle the same name where  
it appears on the top of the scorecard.  
(6) If a contest is scored on individual scorecards for each round, the referee shall, at  
the end of a round, collect the scorecard for the round from each judge and shall give the  
scorecards to the department representative for computation.  
(7) Referees and judges shall be discreet at all times and shall not discuss their  
decisions with anyone during an event.  
(8) Unless the department representative determines that a computation of the  
scorecards shows a clerical or mathematical error giving the decision to the wrong  
contestant, the decision at the end of a boxing contest must not change. If such an error  
occurs, the department representative may change the decision.  
(9) The referee shall collect the scorecards from the judges and give them to the  
department representative for tabulation. After the scorecards have been tabulated, the  
referee shall collect the tabulated scorecards and give them to the announcer, who shall  
announce the decision to the spectators.  
(10) After a contest, the department representative shall collect the scorecards and  
tabulation sheets and give them to the promoter. The promoter shall maintain the  
scorecards and tabulation sheets for 1 year pursuant to section 54a of the act, MCL  
338.3654a.  
(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.  
R 339.230 Judging; mixed martial arts.  
Rule 230. (1) Three judges shall evaluate all mixed martial arts contests.  
(2) The 10-Point Scoring System must be the standard system for scoring a 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 mixed martial arts techniques, such as effective striking,  
effective grappling, control of the ring, effective aggressiveness, and defense.  
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(4) Evaluation must be made in the order in which the techniques appear in subrule (2)  
of this rule, giving the most weight in scoring to effective striking, effective grappling,  
control of the ring, effective aggressiveness, and defense.  
(5) Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of legal heavy strikes  
landed by a contestant.  
(6) Effective grappling is judged by considering the amount of successful executions of  
a legal takedown and reversals. All of the following are examples of factors to consider:  
(a) Take downs from standing position to mount position.  
(b) Passing the guard to mount position.  
(c) Bottom position ring using an active, threatening guard.  
(7) Ring area control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location, and  
position of the contest. All of the following are examples of factors to consider:  
(a) Countering a grappler's attempt at takedown by remaining standing and legally  
striking.  
(b) Taking down an opponent to force a ground contest.  
(c) Creating threatening submission attempts.  
(d) Passing the guard to achieve mount.  
(e) Creating striking opportunities.  
(8) Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing a legal strike.  
(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 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 margin,  
landing the greater number of effective legal strikes, grappling, and other maneuvers.  
(c) A round is to be scored as a 10-8 round when a contestant overwhelmingly  
dominates by striking or grappling in a round.  
(d) A round is to be scored as a 10-7 round when a contestant totally dominates by  
striking or grappling in a round.  
(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.  
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(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.  
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.  
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(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.  
R 339.232 Fouls; mixed martial arts.  
Rule 232. (1) A referee of a mixed martial arts contest may disqualify or penalize a  
contestant by deducting points from a round for any of the following fouls:  
(a) Holding or grabbing the fence.  
(b) Holding opponent's shorts or gloves.  
(c) The presence of more than 1 second on the ring area perimeter during a round.  
(d) The presence of more than two 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.  
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(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 ring.  
(bb) Intentional disregard of the referee's instructions.  
(cc) Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his or her head or neck.  
(dd) Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the round.  
(ee) While in a standing position, movement of arm or arms with open hands towards an  
opponent with fingers outstretched towards an opponent’s face or eyes.  
(2) Disqualification occurs after any combination of 3 of the fouls listed in subrule (1)  
of this rule or after a referee determines that a foul is intentional.  
(3) Fouls result in a point being deducted from the offending contestant’s score.  
(4) Only a referee may assess a foul.  
(5) A fouled contestant has up to 5 minutes to recover.  
(6) If the referee assesses a foul, the referee shall do all of the following:  
(a) Call time.  
(b) Check the fouled contestant’s condition and safety.  
(c) Assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner’s  
second, the judges, and the department representative responsible for tabulating scores.  
(7) If a bottom contestant commits a foul, unless the top contestant is injured, the  
contest will continue so as not to jeopardize the top contestant’s superior positioning at  
the time. In addition, the referee shall do both of the following:  
(a) Verbally notify the bottom contestant of the foul.  
(b) At the end of the round, assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points,  
and notify each corner’s second, the judges, and the department representative  
responsible for tabulating scores.  
(8) The referee may terminate a contest based on the severity of the foul. If the referee  
deems the foul intentional, the contestant shall lose by disqualification.  
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.  
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(l) Abdomen.  
(m) Cardiopulmonary status.  
(n) Neurological, muscular, and skeletal systems.  
(o) Abdomen and breasts, if a female contestant.  
(p) Pelvis.  
(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.  
R 339.239 Seconds.  
Rule 239. (1) A referee shall ensure that a contestant does not have more than 3 seconds.  
The referee is responsible for the conduct in the corner during a contest. During the rest  
period, 2 seconds are allowed inside the ring or cage, 2 seconds are allowed on the apron,  
and 1 second is allowed on the floor. An impartial cutman does not count as a second.  
(2) The referee shall ensure that a second does not spray or throw water on a contestant  
during a round.  
(3) The referee shall ensure that a contestant's second does not heckle or in any manner  
annoy the opponent of the contestant or the referee or throw any object into the ring,  
except for the throwing of the towel authorized by subrule (7) of this rule.  
(4) The referee shall ensure that a second does not enter the ring until the timekeeper has  
indicated the end of around.  
(5) The referee shall ensure that a second leaves the ring at the timekeeper’s whistle and  
clears the ring platform of all obstructions at the sound of the gong indicating the  
beginning of a round. Articles must not be on the ring floor until the round has ended or  
the contest has terminated.  
(6) The referee may eject a second from a ring corner for violations of the provisions of  
subrules (2) and (3) of this rule and may have judges deduct points from a contestant's  
score for the actions of the contestant's corner.  
(7) The referee shall ensure that a second designated by the contestant at the beginning  
of a contest indicates to the referee if the second's contestant cannot continue and the  
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contest should be stopped. Only verbal notification, hand signals, or the throwing of a  
towel into the ring may be used.  
(8) The promotor shall ensure that a second does not administer alcoholic beverages or  
drugs to a contestant, pour excessive water on the body of a contestant, or place ice in the  
trunks or protective cup of a contestant during the progress of a contest.  
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.  
R 339.245 Dress and protective equipment for boxing contestants.  
Rule 245. (1) Contestants in a boxing contest shall wear all of the following:  
(a) Trunks belted at the contestant's waistline. For the purposes of this subrule, the  
waistline is defined as an imaginary horizontal line drawn through the navel to the top of  
the hips. Trunks must not have any buckles or other ornaments on them that might injure  
a contestant or referee.  
(b) A foul-proof protector for male contestants, and a pelvic area protector for female  
contestants.  
(c) Shoes that are made of soft material and that do not have spikes, cleats, or heels.  
(d) A fitted mouthpiece, which the referee shall examine.  
(e) Gloves meeting the requirements of section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.  
(2) In addition to the clothing required under subrule (1) of this rule, a female  
contestant shall wear a top that does not have buttons, buckles, or ornaments. A female  
contestant may wear a breast protector.  
(3) A boxing contestant shall not wear corrective lenses into the ring.  
(4) A contestant shall not wear jewelry or piercing accessories during a boxing  
competition.  
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.  
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.  
R 339.249 Procedure after knockouts or sustained damaging head blows.  
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Rule 249. (1) The promoter shall ensure that the contestant complies with this rule and  
R 339.251. Violations of this rule or R 339.251, or both, are grounds for disciplinary  
action under chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a, against the contestant and  
the promoter.  
(2) The ringside physician shall examine a contestant who has been knocked out in a  
contest or a contestant whose competition has been stopped by the referee because the  
contestant received hard blows to the head that made him or her defenseless or incapable  
of continuing immediately after the knockout or stoppage.  
(3) The ringside physician may refer the contestant to a hospital or medical facility for  
post-contest neurological evaluations to be performed on the contestant immediately after  
the contestant leaves the location of the event. If such referrals are made, and the results  
of the examinations are not received by the department within 24 hours of their  
completion, then the contestant is ineligible to compete until such reports are received  
and until certification is given by a physician that the contestant is fit to compete after an  
examination.  
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  
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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.  
R 339.253 Rescinded.  
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.  
R 339.265 Compensation.  
Rule 265. (1) Each official approved to officiate a contest regulated by the department  
must be paid an amount not less than the base fees shown in table 1:  
TABLE 1  
Compensation for Event Officials  
Gross Purses Referees  
Contracted  
Judges  
$75  
Timekeepers  
$50  
$0.00 to  
$7,500  
$100  
$150  
$250  
$350  
$700  
$7,501 to  
$20,000  
$20,001 to  
$50,000  
$50,001 to  
$100,000  
Over  
$100  
$150  
$250  
$450  
$75  
$100  
$150  
$200  
$100,000  
(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.  
22  
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 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.  
;