- 1-1. Short title of subpart – This subpart shall be known and may be cited as the BIBA Rules & Regulations.
- 1-2. Definitions Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent provisions of this subpart which are applicable to specific provisions of this subpart, the following words and phrases when used in this subpart shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
“AMATEUR.” A person who has never received nor competed for any purse or other article of value, either for participating in any boxing contest or exhibition or for the expenses of training therefore, other than a prize which does not exceed £50 (€65) in value.
“BOXING.” The act of attack and defense with the fists, practiced as a sport. The term includes all variations of the sport permitting or using other parts of the human body, including, but not limited to, the foot, knee, leg, elbow or head.
“CONTEST.” A boxing engagement in which the boxers strive earnestly in good faith to win.
“EXHIBITION.” A boxing engagement in which the boxers show or display their skill without necessarily striving to win.
“FOREIGN CO-PROMOTER.” A promoter who has no place of business within the United Kingdom and/or the Republic of Ireland.
“JUDGE.” A person who has a vote in determining the winner of any contest.
“MANAGER.” A person who, directly or indirectly, controls or administers the affairs of any boxer.
“MATCHMAKER.” A person who brings together professional boxers or arranges professional boxing contests or exhibitions.
“PAY-PER-VIEW TELECAST.” A telecast, closed-circuit or otherwise, which is not intended to be available for viewing without the payment of a fee, collected for or based upon each event viewed, for the privilege of viewing the telecast.
“PRODUCER.” Any person who charges or receives a fee for having a contest viewed through a pay-per-view telecast by utilizing any type of cable television system. The term does not include the operator of a cable television system.
“PROFESSIONAL.” A person who is licensed by a recognized national professional boxing sanctioning organization and receives a purse or financial prize for competing in a boxing contest or exhibition.
“PROMOTER.” Any person and, in the case of a corporate promoter, any officer, director, employee or stockholder thereof who produces, arranges or stages any professional contest or exhibition.
“PURSE.” The financial guarantee or any other remuneration, or part thereof, for which professional boxers are participating in a contest or exhibition. The term includes the participant’s share of any payment received for radio broadcasting, television and motion picture rights.
“SPONSOR.” Any person and, in the case of a corporate sponsor, any officer, director, employee or stockholder thereof who produces, arranges or stages any amateur contest or exhibition.
- 2-1. Medical Advisory Board
The commission shall appoint four physicians to serve on a Medical Advisory Board for a term of four years.
The Governor shall designate a member with experience in sports medicine as chairman of the board. Each member shall be paid a per diem rate to be established by the secretary, but not in excess of £100 (€130) per day.
The board shall issue an annual report to the commission, which shall include a review of the health status of each boxer who competed during the prior fiscal year to identify those who may be at risk of serious physical impairment.
The board may recommend changes or additions to the health and safety rules and regulations of the commission and, upon request of the commission, shall review proposed rules and regulations and advise the commission of recommendations with respect to the proposed rules and regulations.
- 3-1. Boxing regulations
(a) GENERAL RULE.– Professional boxing contests or exhibitions, including kick boxing, shall be held within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland only in accordance with the provisions of this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.
(b) EVENTS ON SUNDAY.– Contests or exhibitions may be held on Sunday.
- 3-2. Age of participants
(a) GENERAL RULE.– No person under 18 years of age shall be a participant in any professional contest or exhibition.
(b) EXCEPTION.— There are no exceptions to the general rule
- 3-3. Fictitious names
No person shall participate in any contest or exhibition under a fictitious or assumed name unless the fictitious or assumed name has first been registered with the commission.
- 3-4. Physician to be in attendance
At least one ringside physician shall be assigned to every contest or exhibition by the executive director.
The physician(s) shall observe at all times the physical condition of the participants and may stop any contest or exhibition at any time to examine a participant and to terminate a bout when, in the judgment of the physician, severe injury could result to a participant if the contest or exhibition were to continue.
The commission shall establish by rule or regulation a schedule of fees to be paid to physicians for their services. The physician’s fee shall be paid by the promoter of the contest or exhibition attended by the physician(s).
- 3-5. Medical training seminars
The commission shall conduct mandatory medical training seminars at least twice a year for all ring personnel, commission personnel and other designated persons employed by the secretary, as well as supply the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) Ringside Medical Manual to all registered physicians and ring personnel.
- 3-6. Register
The executive director shall establish and maintain a register for all professional boxers licensed by the British & Irish Boxing Authority in the United Kingdom and Republic Of Ireland. The register shall include a photograph of the boxer. In the register, the executive director shall record the results of each contest or exhibition the boxer is involved in, including technical knockouts, knockouts and other boxing-related injuries, as well as the dates of each contest or exhibition and the record of wins and losses.
- 3-7. Medical equipment
No professional contest or exhibition shall be started unless there is on the premises:
(1) An ambulance, together with emergency equipment.
(2) A portable resuscitator with oxygen and appropriate endotracheal tubes and a qualified operator.
- 3-8. Suspension and revocation for injuries
(a) GENERAL RULE.– For sound medical reasons and to protect the individual boxers, the commission shall establish mandatory license suspensions of those persons who sustain certain injuries.
(b) PARTICULAR SUSPENSION PERIODS.– The commission may suspend a boxer’s license for up to:
(1) Sixty days for a laceration of the face.
(2) Twenty Eight days:
(i) for a technical knockout without head injuries; or
(ii) upon recommendation of the ringside physician if, in the physician’s opinion, the boxer has sustained sufficient injuries to require the suspension.
(3) Forty Five days for head injuries.
(4) Ninety days for a knockout.
(c) UNCONSCIOUSNESS OR CONCUSSION.– A boxer who has been knocked unconscious or who has received a concussion shall have his license suspended for up to 90 days, and the suspension shall be removed only after the boxer has been pronounced fit after undergoing medical examination by a physician.
(d) REPEATED KNOCKOUTS.– A boxer who has been knocked out or severely beaten shall have his license revoked if, after undergoing a medical examination by a physician, the commission decides such action is necessary in order to protect the health and welfare of the boxer.
(e) CONSECUTIVE DEFEATS.– A boxer who has suffered six consecutive points defeats or two consecutive defeats by way of stoppage, shall be investigated by the commission and, upon recommendation of the executive director, in consultation with the Medical Advisory Board, shall be required to undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by the commission. If appropriate, the commission may then proceed to suspend or revoke the boxer’s license.
- 3-9. Medical examinations
(a) PREFIGHT EXAMINATION.– In addition to any other examination required by this subpart or the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart, each boxer shall be examined by the attending physician within two hours before he enters the ring. If, in the opinion of the physician, any boxer is physically or mentally unfit to proceed, the physician shall notify the person in charge, who shall immediately cancel the contest or exhibition.
(b) POSTFIGHT EXAMINATION.– In addition to any other examination required by this subpart or the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart, a boxer may, at the discretion of the ringside physician, be required to undergo a medical examination by a physician designated by the executive director during the five days following the contest or exhibition in which he was a participant. If the boxer sustains a knockout or technical knockout, the boxer shall undergo the medical examination within such time period as shall be prescribed by the rules and regulations promulgated by the commission. An examination under this section shall be performed at the expense of the promoter.
(c) FILING OF RESULTS OF EXAMINATIONS.– The results of the examinations required by this section shall be reduced to writing by the physician, signed by him and filed with the commission within 48 hours after they have been performed.
(d) CONTENT OF EXAMINATION.– Any medical examination prescribed under this section or section 3-8 (relating to suspension and revocation for injuries) shall conform to the rules and regulations promulgated by the commission after consultation with the Medical Advisory Board. The rules and regulations regarding the post fight examination may prescribe or permit the attending physician to prescribe additional tests in the case of a knockout, technical knockout, head injury or other injury or medical condition. The examination may include drug testing as prescribed by rules and regulations.
- 3-10. Weights and classes
The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing classes of boxers, which classes shall be based upon weights.
HEAVYWEIGHT: Unlimited
CRUISERWEIGHT: 90.72kg & below
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: 79.38kg & below
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT: 76.20 & below
MIDDLEWEIGHT: 72.58kg & below
SUPER WELTERWEIGHT: 69.85kg & below
WELTERWEIGHT: 66.68kg & below
SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT: 63.50kg & below
LIGHTWEIGHT: 61.24kg & below
SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT: 58.97kg & below
FEATHERWEIGHT: 57.15kg & below
SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT: 55.34kg & below
BANTAMWEIGHT: 53.52kg & below
SUPER FLYWEIGHT: 52.16kg & below
FLYWEIGHT: 50.80kg & below
All contests or exhibitions shall take place only between boxers who are within the same weight class as defined by the commission unless otherwise approved by the commission.
- 3-11. Limitation on difference in weights
No contest or exhibition shall take place in which the difference in weight of the participants exceeds ten pounds. This section shall not apply to contests or exhibitions between participants in the light-heavyweight, cruiserweight or heavyweight classes, as defined by the commission, nor to exhibitions held solely for training purposes.
- 3-12. Gloves
(a) GENERAL RULE.– All boxers licensed under this subpart shall be required to use thumb-less or thumb-attached gloves. The appropriate weight boxing gloves shall be worn by boxers as follows:
(1) 72.5 kg or under, boxing gloves weighing not less than eight ounces each.
(2) Over 72.5 kg, boxing gloves weighing not less than ten ounces each.
(b) VIOLATION.– A violation of this section may subject the participant, promoter or manager or any of them to suspension of not less than 30 days or revocation of their licenses, at the discretion of the commission, pursuant to section 9-4 (relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or permits).
- 3-13. Ring padding
All ring padding shall be subject to approval of the commission. All padding shall be of soft felt, foam rubber or similar material and shall be at least two inches thick.
- 3-14. Duration of bouts and rounds
(a) LENGTH OF CONTEST.– No contest or exhibition shall be more than 12 rounds in length for Male contests and no more than 10 for Female contests.
(b) DURATION OF ROUND.– No round shall be more than three minutes in duration for Male contests and more than two minutes for Female contests.
(c) MANDATORY REST PERIOD.– There shall be at least a one-minute rest between consecutive rounds.
(d) LIMITATION ON PARTICIPATION.– No boxer shall participate in nor be scheduled to participate in more than one contest within seven consecutive days.
(e) LIMITATION ON ROUNDS.– The commission may, with respect to any contest or exhibition or to any class of participants, limit the number of rounds in a contest or exhibition to less than the maximum number of rounds otherwise applicable.
- 3-15. Referee and judges
(a) REFEREE.– At each professional contest or exhibition, except an exhibition held solely for training purposes, there shall be in attendance, at the expense of the promoter, a duly licensed referee designated by the executive director, who shall direct and control the contest or exhibition. Personal injury and liability insurance coverage, in a minimum amount set by the commission, for all claims arising from the performance of their duties at the contest or exhibition shall be in effect for all referees. This insurance coverage shall be provided at the expense of the British & Irish Boxing Authority.
(b) JUDGES.– There shall be in attendance at every contest, at the expense of the promoter, three licensed judges, each of whom shall render his individual decision in writing on a scorecard supplied by the executive director at the end of every contest which continues for the scheduled number of rounds. Each judge shall have one vote, and a majority of the votes cast shall determine the winner.
(c) SCORING.– The commission shall by rule or regulation prescribe the methods of scoring.
- 3-16. Seconds
Before the start of any contest or exhibition, the referee shall ascertain from each participant the name of the chief second. The chief second shall be held responsible for the conduct of his assistants during the contest or exhibition.
- 3-17. Mandatory eight count
Whenever a boxer is knocked down, the boxer shall be required to take a count of eight. The referee shall not permit the contest or exhibition to be resumed until the count of eight has been reached, except in professional championship contests and exhibitions.
- 3-18. Knockouts
(a) COUNT BY REFEREE.– When a boxer is knocked out, the referee shall count to ten unless, in the judgment of the referee, the boxer is in immediate physical danger, in which case the referee may stop the count earlier. If the boxer has not risen from the ring floor before the referee stops the count, the result shall be recorded as a knockout.
(b) PHYSICIAN.– When a boxer has been knocked out, no one shall touch him, except to remove his mouth protector, until after the attending physician has entered the ring and issued such instructions as he deems necessary.
- 3-19. Duty of disclosure
Every licensee shall, immediately after learning thereof, disclose to the executive director or his designee, or to the official in charge or the attending physician or referee if one of these persons is in attendance at any contest or exhibition, all knowledge or information in his possession concerning any mental or physical disability, injury, illness or incapacity of any boxer.
- 3-20. Sham or collusive contest prohibited
(a) GENERAL RULE.– No licensee or other person shall knowingly conduct, give, participate in or be in any way connected with any sham or collusive boxing contest.
(b) REPORTS.– Any licensee who knows or has reason to suspect that a boxing contest is, was or is going to be a sham or collusive contest shall have a duty to promptly report this to the executive director or his designee. Such a report shall be in writing or, if oral, shall be reduced to writing and shall contain all of the reporter’s reasons for the conclusions set forth in his report.
(c) PENALTY.– A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(d) DEFINITION.– As used in this section, the term “sham or collusive contest” means an engagement that is promoted or advertised as a true contest, but in which one or both of the participants does not use his best efforts and skill or does not strive earnestly in good faith to win. The term includes, but is not limited to, any pseudo contest, the result of which has been prearranged, or any pseudo contest in which either participant does not, is not going to or is unable to use or is prevented from using his best efforts and skill as a result of coercion, reward or promise thereof, physical incapacity or disability, suggestion or agreement or any other improper or unlawful means.
- 4-1. Power of commission to issue, withhold, suspend or revoke licenses and permits
The British & Irish Boxing Authority (commission) is hereby granted sole control, authority and jurisdiction to issue, withhold, suspend or revoke any license or permit provided for under this subpart.
- 4-2. Promoters’ licenses
No promoter shall directly or indirectly conduct, hold or promote any professional contest or exhibition unless he has first procured a promoter’s license from the commission. The commission may issue an order prohibiting a promoter from acting in violation of this section.
If it is determined the respondent has engaged in the promotion of any professional contest or exhibition without having first obtained a promoter’s license from the commission, the court, on petition by the commission, shall enjoin him from such activities unless and until he has been duly licensed. The procedure in such cases shall be the same as in any other injunction suit. The remedies under this section are in addition to any other remedies under this part.
- 4-3. Representative managers’ licenses
(a) GENERAL RULE.– Before acting as such, every representative manager shall procure a manager’s license. He shall file with the department the name of each boxer whom he represents, together with a written consent from each boxer and his manager authorizing him to transact business for the manager or boxer or to act as or for the manager of the boxer.
(b) PRESUMPTION.– Every person other than the manager of a professional boxer who performs any of the acts usually performed by the manager or who aids, assists or substitutes for the manager or who uses a licensed manager to conceal his own actions as a manager shall be considered a representative manager.
(c) PENALTY.– A violation of this section may subject the manager to suspension of not less than 30 days or revocation of his license, at the discretion of the commission, pursuant to section 9-4 (relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or permits).
- 4-4. Foreign co-promoters to procure permits
(a) GENERAL RULE.– No foreign co-promoter shall directly or indirectly participate in the promotion of or receive any remuneration from or render any services in connection with any professional contest or exhibition held within the United Kingdom and/or the Republic of Ireland unless he has first been granted a permit therefore by the commission.
No promoter shall be associated with any foreign co-promoter in promoting any contest or exhibition unless the foreign co-promoter has first secured a permit. A foreign co-promoter by accepting a permit agrees to be subject to all the provisions of this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.
(b) PENALTY.– A violation of this section may subject the promoter or foreign co-promoter, or both, to suspension of not less than 30 days or revocation of his license or permit, at the discretion of the commission, pursuant to section 9-4 (relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or permits).
- 4-5. Other licenses required
(a) GENERAL RULE.– A professional boxer, manager, second, trainer, matchmaker, timekeeper, referee, judge, announcer, physician, booking agent or agency or representative of a booking agent or agency shall not directly or indirectly act in such capacity in connection with any professional contest or exhibition unless he has first procured from the commission a license to act in that capacity.
(b) PENALTY.– A violation of this section may subject the person required to procure the license to suspension of not less than 30 days or revocation of or refusal to issue the license, at the discretion of the commission, pursuant to section 9-4 (relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or permits).
- 4-6. Program permits
In addition to the promoter’s license, each promoter shall be required to procure a permit from the commission for each program of contests or exhibitions before presenting that program. Each application for a permit shall specify the premises where and time when the program is to be held.
- 4-7. Amateur events
(a) GENERAL RULE.– Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, no amateur contest or exhibition shall be held at a professional boxing event without a permit having been first secured by the sponsor from the commission for the event. Subject to subsection (d), amateur contests or exhibitions shall be held in accordance with this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.
(b) ELIGIBILITY.– Permits for amateur boxing contests or exhibitions shall be issued only to bona fide recognized amateur athletic associations, nonprofit organizations or other groups or individuals approved by the commission.
(c) PERMIT FEE.– The fee for the issuance of a permit for each program of amateur contests or exhibitions shall be fixed by commission regulation.
(d) RULES.– With the written approval of the commission, amateur contests or exhibitions may be held in accordance with the rules of the amateur body sanctioning the event.
- 4-8. Prohibited interests
An officer, director, stockholder or employee of a licensed promoter shall not have any other interest in any professional boxer or professional contests or exhibitions except as a matchmaker.
- 4-9. Local prohibitions
No permit shall be issued for the holding of any boxing contest or exhibition within any political subdivision of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland which has adopted any local ordinance or resolution prohibiting such contests or exhibitions within its limits.
- 4-10. Standards for issuance of licenses and permits
(a) GENERAL RULE.– In determining whether to issue or renew any license or permit, the commission shall consider the best interest and welfare of the public, the preservation of the safety and health of participants and the best interests of boxing generally.
(b) PREREQUISITES.– Before being granted any permit or license, the applicant must establish that he is:
(1) Of good moral character.
(2) Of good reputation.
(3) Physically fit and mentally sound.
(4) Skilled in his profession.
(5) Of requisite age and experience.
(6) Not addicted to the intemperate use of alcohol or to the use of narcotic drugs.
In the case of a corporate applicant, these factors shall be considered with reference to its officers, directors, employees and principal stockholders.
- 4-11. Duration of license
Each license issued under this subpart shall expire twelve months, less one day, next following the date on which it was issued.
- 4-12. Applications for licenses and permits
Every application for a license or a permit shall:
(1) Be in writing on a form supplied by the commission.
(2) Be verified by the applicant.
(3) Set forth such information and have attached thereto such photographs and other exhibits as are required by this subpart, the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart and the form of application.
- 4-13. Oral examinations
The commission may require any applicant for a license or permit or, in the case of a corporate applicant, any officer, director, employee or stockholder thereof to appear before the commission for an oral examination, under oath, as to qualifications of the applicant before taking action on that application.
- 4-14. License fees
The annual license fees which shall accompany each application for a license or the renewal of a license shall be fixed by commission regulation.
- 4-15. Permit fees
(a) GENERAL RULE.– The required fees, based upon the seating capacity of the premises where the program is to be presented, shall accompany each application for a permit to present a program of contests or exhibitions. The amount of the fee shall be fixed by commission regulation.
(b) FOREIGN CO-PROMOTER PERMIT.– The fee for the issuance of a foreign co-promoter’s permit for each program of contests or exhibitions shall be fixed by commission regulation.
- 4-16. Gross receipts taxes
(a) GATE RECEIPTS.– In addition to the payment of any other fees and moneys due under this subpart, a promoter or sponsor shall pay a tax of 1% of the gross receipts of every contest or exhibition held in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
(b) BROADCAST RIGHTS.– The gross price paid to the promoters or sponsors for the sale, lease or other exploitation of broadcasting, television and motion picture rights of the contest or exhibition shall be subject to a gross receipts tax on a sliding scale as follows:
(1) three percent on the cost of exploitation rights obtained for the first £60,000 or less;
(2) two percent on the cost of exploitation rights obtained for the next £100,000;
(3) one percent on the cost of exploitation rights obtained for any amount over £200,000;
(c) PAY-PER-VIEW TELECASTS.– Any producer who charges or receives a fee for having a contest seen on a pay-per-view telecast that is shown in the United Kingdom and other EU member countries, utilizing a cable or satellite television system, shall pay a tax of 2% of the producer’s gross receipts attributable to the individual pay-per-view telecast fees.
The tax under this subsection shall be collected from the producer by the cable/satellite television system operator whose pay-per-view facilities are being utilized by the producer for this purpose and shall be forwarded to the commission. The producer’s gross receipts upon which this tax is imposed shall not include National and local taxes paid by the individual who views the contest.
(d) PAYMENT.– Payment of the gross receipts tax provided for in this section shall be made within 72 hours after the contest or exhibition if the tax is payable under subsection (a) or within 45 days if the tax is payable under subsection (c).
The payment shall be accompanied by a form prescribed by the commission setting forth the gross receipts received from the contest, exhibition or pay-per-view telecast and such other information as the commission may require.
The form shall require the taxpayer to state the amount of gross receipts, the number of tickets sold and such other information as the commission may require.
In the case of a live contest or exhibition, payment shall be accompanied by a verified statement by the ticket printer setting forth the number of tickets printed for use at the contest or exhibition.
(e) PENALTIES.
(1) A person who intentionally makes a false report under this section commits perjury and shall, upon conviction, be subject to punishment under the law of the United Kingdom. The penalty shall be in addition to any other penalties imposed under this subpart.
(2) A person who intentionally fails, neglects or refuses to file the form or pay the tax as prescribed in this section, or who refuses to permit the department to examine the books, papers and records pertaining to an event taxable under this section, commits a misdemeanor of the third degree and shall, in addition, be subject to suspension or loss of license or a civil penalty at the discretion of the commission.
(f) GROSS RECEIPTS.
Gross receipts shall be calculated without any deductions for commissions, brokerage fees, distribution fees, advertising or other expenses or charges in respect thereto, except that National taxes and taxes imposed by a political subdivision may be deducted.
In the case of a live contest or exhibition taxable under subsection (a), gross receipts includes the face value of all tickets sold and complimentary tickets issued. In the case of a pay-per-view telecast taxable under subsection (c), gross receipts includes the total amount of all fees that were charged in order to view the event.
- 4-17. Application and fees
An application for a permit or license shall be verified and shall be accompanied by a Non-refundable application fee in an amount established by the commission.
- 5-1. Commission control of contracts
The commission, with the approval of the department, shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the form and content of all contracts entered into between or among promoters and foreign co-promoters and professional boxers and managers and all contracts between managers and professional boxers. All contracts required under this subpart shall be in writing.
- 5-2. Notice clause
Every contract subject to the provisions of this subpart shall contain the following clause:
This agreement is subject to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the British & Irish Boxing Authority and to any future amendments of them.
- 5-3. Provisions in contracts between managers and professional boxers
(a) GENERAL PROVISIONS.– Every contract between a manager and a professional boxer shall contain provisions governing its duration, division of the boxer’s purses and the minimum sum to be guaranteed annually to the boxer by the manager.
(b) TERMINATION OF CONTRACT.– Each contract shall further provide that the contract shall be automatically terminated if the license of either party is revoked by the commission or if the manager fails to renew his license within 30 days after its expiration. If the license of either party is suspended, the contract shall not be binding upon the other party during the period of the suspension.
- 5-4. Approval of contracts
No contract between a manager and a professional boxer shall be legally valid until both parties to the contract appear before the commission and have received its approval, which shall be endorsed on the contract.
- 6-1. Tickets
(a) SCHEDULED DATE AND PRICE.– Every ticket of admission to a contest or exhibition shall clearly show on its face the scheduled date of the contest or exhibition and its purchase price, including any taxes thereon.
(b) PRICE LIMITATION.– No ticket shall be sold by any promoter or foreign co-promoter for more than the price printed thereon.
(c) ANTISCALPING PROVISION.– No other person shall sell any ticket for more than 50 percent in excess of the price printed on the ticket. No licensee shall directly or indirectly receive any part of any excess price.
(d) NUMBERING OF TICKETS.– Tickets in each price range shall be consecutively numbered, and the number of each ticket shall be clearly printed on both the stub and main portion of the ticket.
(e) SCHEDULE OF TICKETS.– A schedule of the numbers of all tickets in each price range shall be furnished to the commission.
- 6-2. Penalty for destroying tickets
Except upon receipt of prior written authorization from the commission, it shall be a
misdemeanor of the second degree for any promoter or person associated with or employed by any promoter to destroy any ticket or ticket stub, whether sold or unsold, within six months after the date of any contest or exhibition.
- 6-3. Ticket refunds
(a) FULL REFUND.– Upon postponement or cancellation of the main event or the entire program of contests or exhibitions, the promoter shall refund the full purchase price of each ticket to any person who presents the entire ticket for a refund within ten days after the scheduled date of the event.
The promoter shall announce the postponement or cancellation at the beginning of the program and at other times during the event as the commission shall prescribe and shall notify the ticket holders in each announcement that they may present their ticket stubs for a refund of the purchase price during the program.
The commission may require that written notice of the cancellation or postponement and the right to refund be posted at the site of the event in such manner as it may prescribe. After the event has concluded, a promoter who has complied with this subsection need not refund the purchase price upon presentation of a ticket stub.
(b) FORFEITURE OF SECURITY.– Failure of any promoter or foreign co-promoter to comply with the provisions of subsection (a) shall be sufficient cause to warrant a forfeiture of his bond or other security and an imposition of a penalty or suspension or revocation of his license by the department as provided under section 9-4 (relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or permits) or 9-5 (relating to civil penalties).
(c) PRO RATA REFUNDS.– From the fund produced by the forfeiture, pro rata refunds shall be made by the commission to persons who purchased tickets, in accordance with subsection (a).
- 6-4. Advertising matter to state admission price
Each show card, bill, poster, newspaper or other advertisement of any contest or exhibition shall contain a schedule of admission prices and a conspicuous statement of whether a contest or exhibition is being presented. Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall constitute grounds for the suspension or revocation of the promoter’s license.
- 7-1. Admissions not to exceed seating capacity
It shall be a misdemeanor of the third degree for any promoter to admit to any contest or exhibition more persons than there are seats in the place where the contest or exhibition is being held.
- 7-2. Age of spectators
No minor 16 years of age or under shall be permitted to attend any contest or exhibition unless accompanied by an adult.
- 8-1. Promoters and foreign co-promoters required to file bonds
(a) GENERAL RULE.– Before any license or renewal of a license is issued to a promoter and before any permit is issued to a foreign co-promoter, he shall be required to execute and file a surety bond with the commission in such reasonable amount, but not less than £3,500 (€4,500), as the commission shall determine.
(b) FORM OF BOND.– All bonds shall be upon forms supplied by the commission,
(c) APPROVAL OF SURETIES.– The sufficiency of the sureties shall be subject to approval of the British & Irish Boxing Authority.
(d) CONDITIONS.– The surety bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance by the promoter or foreign co-promoter of his obligations under this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this subpart, including, but not limited to, the fulfillment of his contractual obligations to contestants, managers and other licensees and the payment of all license and permit fees provided for in this subpart. The aggregate annual liability of the surety for all obligations and fees shall not exceed the amount of the bond.
- 8-2. Deposit in lieu of surety bond
In lieu of the surety bond required by section 8-1 (relating to promoters and foreign
Co-promoters required to file bonds), the promoter may deposit with the commission cash, a certified cheque or letter of credit, in an equivalent amount and subject to the same conditions.
The security shall not be returned to the promoter until one year after the date on which it was deposited with the department, unless a surety bond is substituted for the security. Upon the expiration of one year from the date on which the security was deposited, it shall be returned to the depositor if no claim against the deposit is outstanding.
- 8-3. Filing fee
A filing fee fixed by the commission shall accompany each bond filed or cash or security deposited in lieu of the bond under this subchapter.
- 8-4. Recovery on bond
Recovery may be had on the bond or against the deposit of cash or security in the same manner as penalties are recoverable at law.
- 9-1. Commission hearings
The commission shall conduct all hearings under the provisions of Title 2 (relating to
administrative law and procedure). The commission shall conduct a hearing within ten business days from the time any recommendation is made by the executive director that a permit or license be suspended or revoked.
- 9-2. Subpoenas
The commission may issue subpoenas in connection with the investigation requiring the attendance and testimony of or the production of books and papers by any licensee or other person whom the commission believes to have information, books or papers of importance to it in making the investigation.
- 9-3. Preliminary suspension of licenses or permits
(a) GENERAL RULE.– The commission may, upon its own motion or upon the verified written complaint of any person charging a licensee or permittee with violating any provision of this subpart or the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart, order the preliminary suspension of any license or permit until adjudication by the commission if such action is necessary to prevent immediate or irreparable harm to the public welfare or to protect the health and safety of a boxer.
(b) MEETINGS.– Upon the oral or written agreement of two members of the commission, the commission may conduct meetings under subsection (a) by voice or video electronic means if the subject matter of the meeting is so compelling or timely that considering the matter at the commission’s next regular meeting would render any decision moot, adversely affect the rights of the aggrieved parties under this subpart or threaten the safety or physical health of participants. A stenographic record of such meetings shall be made and maintained by the commission and be made available to the parties upon request. The subject matter of any such meeting shall then become the first item on the commission’s agenda for its next regularly scheduled meeting.
(c) HEARING DATE.– The commission shall hold a hearing within ten business days after the date on which the license or permit was suspended preliminarily, at which time reasonable efforts shall be made for the affected parties and the commission to be physically present.
- 9-4. Suspension or revocation of licenses or permits
(a) GENERAL RULE.– The commission may suspend or revoke a license or permit in any case where the commission finds that the licensee or permittee:
(1) Is guilty of gross immorality.
(2) Is unfit or incompetent by reason of negligence or habits.
(3) Is guilty of violating any provision of this subpart or of the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.
(4) Has committed fraud or deceit in securing his or another’s license or permit.
(5) Has been convicted of or pleaded guilty or entered a plea of nolo contendere to, or has been found guilty by a judge or jury of, a crime in any jurisdiction within ten years preceding the suspension or revocation.
(6) Is an habitual drunkard or is addicted to the use of morphine, cocaine or other drugs having a similar effect.
(7) Is or has become mentally incompetent.
(8) Has been guilty of unprofessional or unethical conduct or such conduct as to require a suspension or revocation in the public interest.
(9) Has made a misstatement of a material fact or fraudulently concealed a material fact or has induced, aided or abetted any other person in misstating or concealing any material fact in any application or other proceeding under this subpart.
(10) Has failed to account for or pay over moneys belonging to others which have come into his possession in connection with a contest or exhibition.
(11) Has failed to furnish to the proper party a copy of any contract or statement required by this subpart or the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart or has breached such a contract.
(12) Has paid or agreed to pay any money or article of value to any person not having a license or a permit for soliciting or for business secured or for rendering of any service or the doing of any of the acts forbidden by this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.
(13) Has loaned his license or permit to another person or has borrowed or used the license or permit of another.
(14) Is guilty of any form of pretense which might induce the public or citizens to become a prey to professional exploitation.
(15) Has employed a person who has not been issued a license or permit when so required by law.
(16) Has failed to maintain in force the bond required by this subpart or has failed to forward a deposit in lieu of the bond.
(17) Has by act or omission conducted himself in a manner detrimental to the best interests of boxing generally or to the public interest and general welfare.
(18) Is associating or consorting with criminals, bookmakers, gamblers or persons of similar ill repute, or with persons of no known or visible means of livelihood, or is himself engaged or engaging in similar pursuits or conduct.
(19) Has been disciplined in any manner by the commission or similar agency or body of any jurisdiction.
(20) Has failed to pay a fine or any part thereof imposed pursuant to this subpart.
(21) Is or may be at risk of serious physical impairment if allowed to participate in boxing engagements. The commission may investigate the mental or physical fitness of a licensee to participate in contests or exhibitions at any time. This paragraph only applies to licensees or permittees who are boxers.
(b) HEARINGS.– Any licensee or permittee whose license or permit is suspended or revoked pursuant to this section shall have a right to a hearing before the commission within ten business days after the date on which the license or permit is suspended or revoked.
- 9-5. Civil penalties
The commission may impose a civil penalty of not more than £5,000 (€6,500) for any violation of any provision of this subpart, other than section 14-1 (relating to prohibited competitions), or the rules and regulations promulgated under those provisions, in addition to any other punishment provided under this subpart for the violation. Any licensee or permittee upon whom a civil penalty is imposed under this section shall have a right to a hearing before the commission within ten days after notice of the commission’s intent to impose the penalty is received.
- 10-1. Financial interest in boxer prohibited
No commission member or employee or physician, referee or judge licensed under this subpart shall have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any boxer. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree.
- 10-2. Financial interest in opponent prohibited
No manager, trainer or second of any boxer shall have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in the opponent in any contest in which his own boxer participates.
No boxer shall have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in his opponent in any contest. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree.
- 10-3. Financial interest of matchmaker
No matchmaker shall have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any boxer who is engaging in a contest arranged by that matchmaker. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree.
- 11-1. Disposition of commission receipts
All fees, taxes, civil penalties, forfeitures and other moneys collected under the provisions of this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart shall be collected by the commission.
- 11-2. British & Irish Boxing Authority Augmentation Account
All funds collected by the commission shall be paid into the British & Irish Boxing Authority Augmentation Account, which shall be a special restricted receipts account within the General Fund.
This account shall be used only for the support and operation of the commission unless a surplus arises after two consecutive years, at which time the secretary shall transfer any amount in excess of the commission’s budget into the General Fund.
- 12-1. Minimum purses for boxers
No purse less than £100 (€130) shall be paid by the promoter to any professional boxer for any contest or exhibition other than a training exhibition.
- 12-2. Distribution of purses to boxers
(a) PROMOTER DISTRIBUTION.– Unless otherwise directed by the commission or an authorized agent of the commission, all boxing purses shall be distributed by the promoter immediately after the conclusion of the contest or exhibition and, in any event, not later than 24 hours after the conclusion.
A written statement showing the distribution of the purse, including each item of receipt and each expenditure or deduction, shall be furnished to the boxer and his manager, together with his share of the purse.
A copy of the statement, certified by the promoter to be true and correct, shall be filed in the office of the executive director and shall have attached to it receipted vouchers for every expenditure or deduction.
(b) MANAGER DISTRIBUTION.– Unless otherwise directed by the commission or an authorized agent of the commission, every manager shall furnish a statement of distribution to the boxer he manages, together with the boxer’s share of the purse, immediately after he receives the purse and statement from the promoter and, in any event, not later than 24 hours after receipt.
A copy thereof, certified by the manager to be true and correct, shall be filed in the office of the executive director and shall have attached to it receipted vouchers for every expenditure or deduction made by the manager.
- 12-3. Withholding of purses
(a) GENERAL RULE.– The commission may order the promoter to withhold any purse, or any part thereof, or any receipts or other funds belonging to or payable to any contestant or for which any contestant is competing, or any manager’s share thereof, if it appears that the contestant is not competing honestly or is intentionally not competing to the best of his ability and skill or if it appears that the contestant, his manager or any of his seconds has violated any provision of this subpart or the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.
(b) ESCROW.– The commission may order that the gross receipts shall be withheld and placed in escrow if it appears that this subpart has been violated.
- 12-4. Hearing regarding withheld purse
(a) DELIVERY TO COMMISSION.– Any purse or portion thereof withheld under section 12-3 (relating to withholding of purses) shall be delivered by the promoter to the commission within 48 hours after the end of the contest.
(b) REQUEST FOR HEARING.– Within ten days after the end of the contest, the licensee from whom the sum was withheld may apply in writing to the commission for a hearing. Upon receipt of the application, the commission shall fix a date for a hearing.
- 12-5. Disposition of withheld purse
(a) GENERAL RULE.– Within a reasonable time after the hearing or after the expiration of ten days following the contest, if no application for a hearing is filed, the commission shall determine the disposition to be made of the withheld purse.
(b) WITHHOLDING.– If the commission finds the charges upon which the withholding order was based to be true and to be sufficient lawful reason upon which to base such an order, it may declare the funds, or any part thereof, withheld or forfeited.
(c) DISTRIBUTION.– If the commission finds the charge or charges to be untrue or not to be sufficient lawful reason upon which to base a withholding order, it shall distribute the withheld funds to the persons entitled thereto.
- 12-6. Advances against purses
(a) GENERAL RULE.– No promoter or foreign co-promoter shall pay, lend or give any money to a contestant before any contest as an advance against his purse or for a similar purpose. A promoter may, with the prior written permission of the commission, pay or advance to a contestant necessary expenses for transportation and maintenance in preparation for a contest.
(b) FORFEITURE OF PURSE.– If a contestant’s purse is forfeited, the commission may include such payments or advances as part of the forfeiture, and, if he does not forward that amount to the department, it may be recovered in the same manner as a debt due the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland.
- 13-1. Insurance coverage of boxers
The commission, who provide insurance for licensed boxers and ring officials, may promulgate rules and regulations requiring licensed boxers to be covered by insurance for:
(1) Medical, surgical and hospital care resulting from injuries sustained while preparing for or engaged in boxing contests or exhibitions with the insured being the beneficiary of the policies.
(2) Life, providing for payments to the estates or beneficiaries of deceased boxers where death was caused by injuries received while preparing for or engaged in contests or exhibitions.
The premiums for this insurance shall be paid by the insured’s manager.
- 14-1. Prohibited competitions
(a) OFFENSE DEFINED.– A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if he promotes, sponsors or participates in any manner in the staging of or the conduct of any tough guy contest.
(b) APPLICATION OF SECTION.– This section shall not apply to:
(1) News media, including, but not limited to, television, radio, newspapers and periodicals for their reporting activities relating to any tough guy contest.
(2) Amateur or professional contests or exhibitions for which a permit has been issued under Chapter 4 (relating to licenses and permits).
(3) Professional wrestling exhibitions.
(4) Contests staged in connection with athletic training programs.
(5) Amateur or professional martial arts contests.
(6) Collegiate or scholastic boxing, wrestling or martial arts contests.
(7) Professional or amateur wrestling contests not prohibited by the commission under Subpart C (relating to wrestling).
(c) DEFINITION.– As used in this section, the term “tough guy contest” means any
competition which involves any physical contact bout between two or more individuals who attempt to knock out the opponent by employing boxing, wrestling, martial arts tactics, kicking, choking or other techniques or any combination thereof.
Date: 4th March 2016