On March 22, 2016, the New York State Assembly lifted a 19 year ban on mixed martial arts in the State of New York, and authorizing Combative Sports. While bill A02604C must still be signed by the Governor, this is an enormous step in the right direction, and legalization is imminent. While this bill will open up the doors for professional fights and events in NY, it comes with many rules and regulations, some of which have yet to be determined. Here are some of the things that you need to know, whether you are a fighter, promoter, training facility, potential event host, or anyone else who may want to benefit from this new opportunity.
First, the basics. The New York State Athletic Commission has been placed in charge of the oversite and regulation of MMA. They have 120 days from the date the bill goes into effect to make rules and regulations, which will comply with the rules already laid out in the bill. Essentially, the commission’s job is to “fill in the gaps” in the bill, and oversee that all individuals and entities that want to participate in MMA. Among the things that are in the discretion of the Commission are:
• establishment of the unified rules of MMA, including weight classes, equipment, rings, combat surfaces, and the number of permissible rounds;
• licensing procedures and licensing fees;
• procedures for participation, promotion and advancement of events;
• regulation of gyms, clubs, and training camps; and
• the enforcement of these rules and regulations.
Additionally, the Commission will be involved in protecting the health and safety of the participants, which is an important part of this bill. They will work along with the Medical Advisory Board (already established for boxing and other combat sports) to regulate safety protocol. They will develop medical education programs, review credentials and performance of commission physicians, and make recommendations based on studies of equipment and procedures that promote safety.
The bill goes on to discuss the different parties that will be involved in the Combative Sports industry, and lays out some basic preliminary regulations regarding each, starting with the licensing requirements. All corporations, persons, LLCs, referees, judges, participants, managers, promoters and trainers will be required to get licensed by the Commission. The specific process for licensing will follow as part of the Commission’s rules, as will the fee schedule. All licensees will be required to execute and file a bond in an amount to be determined.
Participants must be 18 years or older (spectators can be 16, or under 16 if accompanied by an adult). They will be required to undergo extensive physical, neurological and neuropsychological examinations prior to being issued a license to compete. They will be required to keep an ongoing medical record, and their ability to fight will be at the discretion of the Commission appointed medical professionals. Should they get knocked out or technically knocked out, their license may be suspended by the Commission until cleared by the physicians.
For promoters, the bill legislates that they will be required to obtain a license, and that the fee will be based on the size of the location that they are promoting. Additionally, promoters will be required to obtain insurance for participants who appear in the matches that they promote.
Judges for matches will be required to undergo eye examinations to ensure that they do not have any trouble seeing. Additionally, they will be required to disclose their personal financial information, both before and after matches, so as to ensure that they were not unduly influenced by either participant or coach.
Hosting entities are not permitted to have a financial interest in the participants competing in their venue. They must ensure that events are conducted in good faith, and that the combatants must be fairly matched up against one another. Ticketing will be controlled by Article 25 of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law. Additionally, advertisers for fights will be under certain rules and regulations as to how the fights must be advertised.
Training facilities will also be required to obtain a license, as well as make a showing of proof that their facility is adequate and proper, as per Commission standards. While these standards are not yet established, the regulations will include specific requirements such as:
• First aid materials;
• Clean and sanitary bathrooms, shower rooms, locker rooms;
• Adequate ventilation and lighting;
• Compliance with state and local fire ordinances;
• A non-smoking policy; and
• Inspection and approval of fighting surfaces by Commission representatives.
All in all, this bill is a huge step in the right direction for the MMA community, and we are inching closer to seeing our favorite fighters go to battle in New York. There are still many kinks that need to be worked out, however, and we won’t have a clear picture until the Commission comes out with their regulations at some point over the next four months. At least, after 19 years, we have something to get excited about.