MMA Rules

Definitions.

(A) Brazilian jiu-jitsu: Also known as “Gracie Jiu-Jitsu”, it is a martial art developed in Brazil by the Gracie family during the mid-20th century. Originally based on the Japanese martial art of judo as it existed before WW II, it has since developed into an independent system with a major emphasis on ground fighting and grappling, these techniques may be used in mixed martial arts events.
(B) Cage: A fenced enclosure in which some promotional organizations hold mixed martial arts competition
(C) Choke: A submission technique which restricts blood flow in the carotid arteries, resulting in a competitor either tapping-out or losing consciousness. Some of the most frequently employed chokes are the guillotine choke, rear-naked choke, leg triangle choke, and the arm triangle choke.
(D) Fish-hooking: The action of hooking (grasping) and pulling the inside of an opponent’s cheek so as to control his head movement. This is illegal.
(E) Freestyle wrestling: An Olympic grappling sport which permits contestants to attack their opponent above and below the waist, these techniques may be used in mixed martial arts events.
(F) Gi: The traditional uniform worn when practicing aikido; jujitsu; judo; and karate, may not be worn in mixed martial arts events
(G) Grappling: Techniques of throwing, locking, holding, and wrestling, as opposed to kicking and punching, these techniques may be used in mixed martial arts events.
(H) Greco Roman wrestling: An Olympic grappling sport in which all holds are applied above the waist in an attempt to throw the opponent, these techniques may be used in mixed martial arts events.
(I) Ground and pound: A MMA term which describes the barrage of strikes delivered by the contestant who is in his opponents guard or in the mount position.
(J) Guard: A basic position in which one competitor lies on his back with their knees bent and legs open. If their opponent is between their legs, the opponent is in their guard. Depending upon the leg position of the fighter on their back, the guard is refereed to as being an open, closed, half, butterfly, spider, or rubber-band guard.
(K) Hammer-fist: A strike with the small finger side of the fist, as if holding a hammer.
(L) Judo: Meaning gentle way, it is a grappling art created by Jigoro Kano. Based on the techniques of jujitsu, these techniques may be used in mixed martial arts events.
(M) Judoka: Judo practitioners.
(N) Jiu-Jitsu: Also written as jujitsu, ju-jitsu, and jujutsu. Meaning gentle art, a traditional Japanese self-defense that includes kicking, striking, kneeing, throwing, choking and joint locks, and these techniques may be used in mixed martial arts events.
(O) Kickboxing: Adapted from Muay Thai, it is a striking sport which permits punches, kicks, and knees, these techniques may be used in mixed martial arts events.
(P) Mixed martial arts: A general term that describes the convergence of techniques from a variety of combative sports disciplines including boxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu, kickboxing and others. “MMA” techniques can be broken down into two categories, striking and grappling.
(Q) Mount: A basic position in which a competitor gains top position and controls their opponent by sitting on top of them in the full mount position, or from the side of the opponent in the side mount.

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(R) Muay Thai: Known as Thai boxing, it is the national sport of Thailand. It is a pure striking art in which blows are delivered with the hands, feet, knees and elbows these techniques may be used in mixed martial arts events.
(S) No-holds-barred: An erroneous description and characterization of the sport of mixed martial arts.
(T) Octagon: A fenced enclosure in which some promotional organizations hold MMA competition.
(U) Pankration: Meaning all strength or all power, this is an ancient style of Greek wrestling and boxing in which kicks, throws, and joint locks were used, these techniques may be used in mixed martial arts events.
(V) Passing the guard: This is a term which describes a fighter’s attempt to escape from their opponents guard in order to secure the mount position.
(W) Shoot: A wrestling technique wherein a competitor attempts to capture his opponent’s legs and takes him off his feet, these techniques may be used in mixed martial arts events..
(X) Spike, Spiking: After lifting and inverting an opponent, attempting to slam them headfirst into the canvas. This is illegal.
(Y) Sprawl: A defensive wrestling technique employed to block and counter an opponents shoot.
(Z) Strikes: A cumulative number of punches administered by a contestant to their opponent.
(AA) Submission: A grappling technique which forces a contestant to tap-out. Techniques include chokes, and the hyperextension or over-rotation of a joint.
(BB) Tap-out: The physical act of tapping the opponent, the mat, or one’s self to signal a submission. When unable to physically tap-out, a submission can be vocal.

Conducting mixed martial arts events.

(A) “MMA” is a general term used to identify a mixed martial arts event that describes the convergence of techniques from a variety of combative sports disciplines including boxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu, kickboxing and others.

(B) All contests and exhibitions of mixed martial arts must be conducted under the supervision of the South Carolina athletic commission, unless otherwise provided by 40-81-445

Weigh in procedures.

(A) The weigh-ins must be conducted by an inspector or a representative of the South Carolina athletic commission at a place and time designated by the Commission

(B) All contestants must weigh in. With the exception of super heavyweights contestants are limited to shorts, shirt and socks.

(D) Allowance in weight class is the weight difference permitted between contestants in two different weight classes.

(1) There may not be a difference of more than three pounds between weight classes from lightweight up to but not including the welterweight class.

(2) There may not be a difference of more than five pounds between weight classes from welterweight up to but not including the super heavyweight class.

(3) Example: a fighter weighing one hundred thirty four pounds in the bantamweight class may not compete against an opponent who weighs more than one hundred thirty-seven pounds in the featherweight class.

(4) Example: a fighter weighing one hundred eighty-four pounds in the middle weight class may not compete against an opponent who weighs more than one hundred eighty-nine pounds in the light heavy weight class.

(E) When a weigh-in is conducted the day prior to the event, with the exception of the super heavyweight class, all other contestants must weigh-in at a second weigh-in the next day scheduled by the commission within eight hours of the starting time of the event. The contestant may not be more than thirteen pounds heavier than their recorded weight from the day prior.

(F) No contestant may lose more than three pounds in less than a two hour period. This rule applies to a second day weigh-in also. This does not apply to light heavyweight class and above. Weight classifications, weight allowance between weight classes and glove sizes Weight class Weights Allowances Glove sizes Straw weight up to 115 lbs 3 lbs 4 oz to 8 oz min 6 oz

Flyweight 116 to 125 lbs

Bantamweight 126 to 135

Featherweight 136 to 145 lbs

Lightweight 146 to 155 lbs 53 lbs

Welterweight 156 to 170 lbs 5 lbs

Middleweight 171 to 185 lbs 75 lbs

Light Heavyweight 186 to 205 lbs 75 lbs

Heavyweight 206 to 265 lbs 75 lbs

Super Heavyweight over 265 lbs

Judging and scoring.

(A) All bouts will be scored by three judges.

(B) The “Ten-Point Must System” will be the standard system of scoring a bout. The winner of the round will be awarded ten points and the loser of the round will be awarded nine points or less, except for the rare occasion of an even round, which is scored ten to ten.

(C) Judges shall judge mixed martial art techniques, such as effective striking, effective grappling, and control of the opponent, effective aggressiveness and defense.

(1) Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of legal heavy strikes landed.

(2) Effective grappling is judged by considering the amount of successful executions of a legal takedown and reversal. Factors to consider are take downs from the standing position to a mount position, passing the guard to the mount position, and bottom position fighters using an active threatening guard.

(3) Effective control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location and position of the bout. Factors to be considered are, countering a grappler’s attempt at a takedown by remaining standing and legally striking; take down an opponent to force a ground fight; creating threatening submission attempts, passing the guard to achieve a mount, and creating striking opportunities.

(4) Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing legal strikes.

(5) Effective defense means avoiding being struck, take down or reversals while countering with offensive strikes.

Fouls - intentional, unintentional, procedures and types of fouls.

(A) Procedures:

(1) Referee shall issue a warning. After the initial warning a penalty will be issued. The penalty may be a deduction of points or disqualification depending on the severity of the foul. Any points deducted for any foul must be deducted in the round which the foul occurred.

(2) The referee as soon as practical after the foul, call time and notify which contestant is being penalized and the total points the contestant is being penalized.

(3) If a bottom contestant commits a foul and in the referee’s judgment is not in control, unless the top contestant is injured, the bout shall continue, so as not to jeopardize the top contestant’s superior positioning at the time.

(a) The referee shall verbally notify the bottom contestant of the foul.

(b) When the round is over, the referee shall notify the judges and the inspector of the foul and the total point deduction.

(4) Only the referee can assess a foul and any point deductions. Judges may not deduct points for what they interpret is a foul.

(5) Referee shall check the fouled contestant’s condition to see if they can still participate in the contest.

(6) Disqualification occurs when after any combination of three fouls or if the referee determines the foul to be flagrant.

(B) Intentional foul:

(1) If an injury results that is severe enough to terminate the bout, the contestant causing the injury loses by disqualification.

(2) If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue a mandatory two point penalty shall be assessed to the contestant committing the foul.

(3) If an injury sustained by a contestant as a result of the intentional foul causes the contestant to be unable to continue at a subsequent point, the injured contestant shall win by a technical decision, if they are ahead on the score cards. If the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the time of the stoppage, the bout shall be declared a technical draw.

(1) If a bout is stopped because of an unintentional foul, the referee shall determine whether the contestant who has been fouled can continue or not. If the contestant’s chance of winning has not been seriously jeopardized as a result of the foul and if the foul did not involve concussive impact to the head of the contestant

who has been fouled, the referee may order the bout continued after a recuperative interval of not more than five minutes. Immediately after stopping the bout or at the end of the round the referee must immediately inform the inspector or commission representative of their determination that the foul was accidental and unintentional.

(2) If the referee determines either from their observation or that of the ringside physician that the bout may not continue because of the injury from the unintentional foul the bout will be declared a no contest if the foul occurred:

(a) During the first two rounds of a non-championship bout, or;

(b) During the first three round of a championship bout;

(3) If the unintentional foul renders the contestant unable to continue the bout;

(a) After the completion of the second round in a non-championship bout;

(b) After the completion of the third round of a championship bout;

(4) If an injury from an unintentional foul later becomes aggravated by fair blows and the referee orders the bout stopped because of the injury, the outcome must be determined by scoring the completed rounds and the round which the referee stops the contest.

(5) A contestant may not be declared the winner of a bout on the basis of their claim that the opponent fouled them unintentionally by hitting them in the groin. If after a recuperative interval of not more than five minutes, a contestant is unwilling to continue because of the claim of being hit in the groin, the bout will be declared a no contest if the second round has not been completed in a three round bout or the third round has not been completed in a five round bout. <>

(D) Types of fouls in a mixed martial arts contest.

(1) Butting with the head.

(2) Eye gouging of any kind.

(3) Biting.

(4) Hair pulling.

(5) Fishhooking.

(6) Groin attacks of any kind.

(7) Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent.

(8) Small joint manipulation.

(9) Striking to the spine or back of head.

(10) Striking downward using the point of the elbow. (Arcing elbow strikes are permitted).

(11) Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation grabbing the trachea.

(12) Clawing, twisting or pinching the flesh.

(13) Grabbing the clavicle.

(14) Kicking the head of a grounded opponent..

(15) Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.

(16) Stomping on a grounded opponent.

A contestant is considered grounded when their torso or three points of their body are touching the canvass: (example: two legs and a hand are touching canvass. Applies to paragraphs (D)(14), (D)(15), and (D)(16) of the rule.

Note: A downed opponent may kick up to all legal striking points of the body.

(17) Kicking to the kidney with the heel.

(18) Throwing an opponent out of the ring area or fence area.

(19) Holding the shorts or glove of an opponent.

(20) Spitting on an opponent.

(21) Engaging in any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.

(22) Holding the ropes or cage.

(23) Using abusive language or illicit gestures in the cage or ring area.

(24) Attacking an opponent on or during the break.

(25) Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee.

(26) Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded to end the round.

(27) Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee.

(28) Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury.

(29) Interference from anyone working the corner or corner men leaving their area.

(30) Throwing in the towel during competition.

(31) Any act in the judgment of the referee that is detrimental and places an opponent at a disadvantage.

Mouthpiece rule.

All contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. The round cannot begin without the mouthpiece. If the mouthpiece is dislodged during competition, the referee will call time and have the mouthpiece replaced at the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action. The referee may deduct points if it is judged the mouthpiece is being purposely spit out.

Restarting fighters.

Following any medical time-out, or when a ring is being used and one or both opponents are under the ropes on the apron of the ring or in danger of falling from the apron of the ring, time will be called by the referee and both fighters will be positioned in the middle of the ring and assume the same position as the one prior to the time out.

Appearance and attire.

(A) Groin and breast protectors.

(1) Male fighters must wear a groin protector which will protect them against injury from a foul blow.

(2) Female fighters may not wear groin protectors but must wear a breast protector.

(B) Female fighters must submit a negative pregnancy test taken within the past fourteen days from a doctor or certified laboratory to the athletic commission a minimum of seven days prior to the event.

(C) Each contestant shall wear mixed martial arts shorts, biking shorts, or kick boxing shorts. Shorts must be approved by the inspector or commission representative.

(D) No “GI’”s or shirts permitted.

(E) No shoes are permitted.

(F) No grappling shin guards.

(G) Absolutely “no” body grease, gels, balms or lotions may be applied. Vaseline may be applied to the facial area at cage side or ringside in the presence of a inspector, referee, or a person designated by the commission. Any contestant applying anything prior to this could be penalized a point or disqualified.

(H) Taping of hands wrists and ankle is permitted.

(I) Neoprene joint supports only. No metal supports can ever be worn.

(J) Finger and toe nails must be trimmed.

(K) The inspector or commission representative shall determine whether head or facial hair presents any hazard to the safety of the contestant or their opponent or will interfere with the supervision and conduct of the event. Facial hair may not be braided.

(L) May not wear any equipment that does not pass the inspector or commissions approval.

Glove specifications.

(A) For professional mixed martial arts contests each contestant must wear gloves that weigh not less than four ounces and not more than eight ounces.

(D) Both contestants will wear same size gloves.

(E) Must be inspected and passed by the inspector, referee or commission representative prior to starting the bout.

Specifications for bandages on hands for mixed martial art contestants.

(A) In all weight classes, the bandages on each contestant’s hands shall be restricted to soft gauze type cloth not more than thirteen yards in length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than ten feet of surgeon’s tape, one inch in width for each hand.

(B) Surgeon’s adhesive tape shall 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.

(D) Bandages and tapes shall be placed on contestant’s hands in the dressing room and must be inspected by the inspector or commission representative.

(E) The manager or chief second of the opponent may elect to be present when hands are being wrapped.

(F) Under no circumstances are gloves to be placed on the hands of a contestant until checked by the inspector or commission representative

Requirements for a ring, cage or fenced area.

(A) Mixed martial arts may be held in a ring, cage or a fenced area.

(B) The ring specifications for mixed martial arts must meet the following requirements:

(1) The ring may be no smaller than twenty feet square and no larger than thirty-two feet square within the ropes;

(2) One of the corners must have a blue designation; the corner directly across must have a red designation;

(3) The ring floor must extend at least eighteen inches beyond the ropes. The ring floor must be padded with ensolite or similar closed-cell foam, with at least a one inch layer of foam padding. Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge platform, with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Material that tends to gather in lumps and ridges may not be used;

(4) The ring platform must no be more than four feet above the floor of the building and must have suitable steps for the use of the contestants;

(5) Ring posts must be made of metal, not more than three inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of fifty-eight inches above the ring floor, and must be properly padded in a manner approved by the commission. Ring posts must be eighteen inches away from the ring ropes;

(6) There must be five ring ropes, not less than one inch in diameter and wrapped in soft material. The lowest rope must be no higher than twelve inches from the ring floor;

(7) There must not be any obstruction or object, including, without limitation, a triangular border, on any part of the ring floor;

(1) The fenced or cage area must be of circular type dimensions or have as many as eight equal sides;

(2) Two sides opposite of each other must each have a designated color, one side blue the opposite red;

(3) Must be no smaller than twenty feet wide and no larger than thirty-two feet across;

(4) The floor of the fenced area must be padded with ensolite or another similar closed-cell foam, with at least a one inch layer of foam padding, with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the platform of the fenced or cage area. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges must not be used;

(5) The platform of the fenced or cage area must not be more than four feet above the floor of the building and must have suitable steps for use of the contestants;

(6) Fence posts must be made of metal, not more than six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to between five and seven feet above the floor of the fenced or cage area, and must be properly padded in a manner approved by the executive director, inspector or commission representative;

(7) The fencing used to enclose the fenced or cage area must be made of a material that will prevent a contestant from falling out or breaking through the fenced or cage area onto the floor of the building or onto spectators, including, without limitation, chain link fence coated with vinyl;

(8) Any metal portion on the interior of the fenced or cage area must be covered and padded in a manner approved by the executive director, inspector or commission representative and must not be abrasive to the contestants;

(9) The fenced or cage area may have one or two entrances. The entranced must be padded or cover and padded so that is no exposed metal on the interior of the fence or caged area;

(10) There must not be any obstruction on any part of the fence surrounding the area in which the contestants are competing;

(11) Any metal parts used to enforce the fenced or caged area wall must be positioned as to not interfere with the safety of the contestants;

Rubber gloves.

When a ring is used all seconds working in the corner will wear rubber gloves. When a cage or fenced area is used only the second who enters the cage or fenced area must wear rubber gloves.

Types of bout results.

(A) A mixed martial arts contest may end under the following results:

(1) Submission:

(a) Tap out: when a contestant physically uses their hand(s) to indicate that they no longer wish to continue.

(b) Verbal tap out: when a contestant verbally announces to the referee that they do not wish to continue.

(2) Knockout “(KO)” : failure to rise from the canvas.

(3) Technical knockout “(TKO)” :

(a) Referee stops bout because contestant can no longer defend themselves; or

(b) Ringside physician advises referee to stop bout; or

(4) Decision via scorecards:

(a) Unanimous: when all three judges score the bout for the same contestant.

(b) Split decision: when two judges score the bout for one contestant and one judge scores for the opponent.

(5) Draws:

(a) Unanimous: when all three judges score the bout a draw;

(b) Majority: when two judges score the bout a draw;

(6) Disqualification: when an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul severe enough to terminate the contestant.

(7) Forfeit: when a contestant fails to begin competition or prematurely ends the contest for reasons other than injury or indicating a tap out.

(8) Technical draw:

(a) When an injury sustained during competition as a result of intentional foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue and the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the time of the stoppage.

(b) When an injury sustained during competition a result of unintentional foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue and the sufficient number of rounds has been completed with the results of the scorecards being a draw.

(9) Technical decision: when the bout is prematurely stopped due to an injury and a contestant is leading on the scorecards.

(10) No contest: when a contestant is prematurely stopped due to accidental injury and a sufficient number of rounds have not been completed to render a decision via the scorecards.

Number of rounds required for mixed martial arts bouts and events.

(A) Professional bouts will be three rounds of five minutes each with a one minute rest period that includes a fifteen second warning signal.

(B) Championship bouts will be five rounds of five minutes each with a one minute rest period that includes a fifteen second warning signal.

(D) A minimum number of twenty four rounds and eight bouts must be scheduled. The administrator commission may grant a waiver of rounds.

(F) Kickboxing/mixed martial arts event:

(1) Bouts must be professional

(2) Minimum of four kickboxing and four mixed martial arts bouts.

(3) Weight classes are the same as mixed martial arts.

(4) All bouts must be conducted in a five rope ring.

(5) No intermixing bouts. All kickboxing followed by all mixed martial arts bouts or all mixed martial arts bouts followed by all kickboxing bouts.

Promoter's responsibilities.

(A) Bout agreements.

(1) The bout agreement between a promoter and a contestant must be executed on a form provided by the South Carolina athletic commission.

(2) A bout agreement which provides that a contestant must fight exclusively for one promoter or at the option of the promoter is prohibited.

(C) Must submit permit for event with contestants names, weight, opponent’s name and number of rounds, to the commission prior to the commission meeting. A contestant will not be permitted to fight unless approved by the commission or their designee.

(D) Contestants names, addresses, date of birth and social security number or last four digits of social security number must be submitted no later than seventy-two hours prior to the start of the event.

(E) Must have a separate divider between ring, cage or fenced area and fans.

(G) Must have event insurance coverage in the amount of ten thousand dollars in case of injury and ten thousand dollars in case of a death. No contestant may waive the insurance coverage. Further, contestants are not responsible for any deductible payments.

(H) No event may start without the presence a licensed medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine present at ringside or cage side and an ambulance with medical personnel on site.

(I) The administrator of the South Carolina athletic commission shall assign all officials for all mixed martial arts events.

(J) Must supply the gloves used at the event.

(K) Have disposable garbage bags in each dressing room and at ringside.

(L) Have cleaning solution used to clean blood and debris in the cage or ring. A solution of ten per cent bleach and ninety percent water is an acceptable solution.

(M) Must provide security with at least one commissioned police officer.

(N) All events must start on the time designated on permit.

(O) Must comply with all rules and regulations relating to promoting events.

Licensing.

(A) All contestants, managers and seconds shall be licensed pursuant to the Act.

(B) All judges, referees and time keepers shall be licensed as required by the rules and regulations.

Seconds duties when working in a corner.

(A) There may be two licensed seconds positioned in a designated area by a cage or fenced area or positioned in each corner of a ring. For championship bouts there may be three licensed seconds.

(B) No person other than the contestants and referee shall enter the ring, fenced area or cage during a bout.

(C) The referee may, in their discretion, stop a contest if an unauthorized person enters the ring, fenced area or cage during a round.

(D) Only one second may enter the cage or fenced area to tend a fighter between rounds. In case of an open cut a medical person or cut person may also enter the cage or fenced area.

(E) There may be no loud yelling or profanity from anyone working the corner.

(F) If a manager or second leaves the designated area the fighter will be disqualified.

(G) A fighter getting knocked out of a ring and onto the floor must get back into the ring within twenty seconds without assistance from anyone working their corner.

(H) Any person violating any rule working the corner will be disqualified for the remainder of the event and suspended for a minimum of sixty days. They may appeal in writing, within ten days from the date of the event to the athletic commission office.

Disciplinary action.

(A) All contestants and participants may be disciplined for any violation of the South Carolina athletic laws, rules and regulations

(B) The administrator, inspector or commission representative may hold a contestant’s purse for any violation to include initially failing any drug test administered at the event.

(C) The administrator, inspector or commission representative may order the purse withheld of a mixed martial arts contestant for failing to perform to the best of their ability. The contestant may appeal in writing to the administrator within ten working days of the event, when such action is taken. If no appeal is made the commission will have a hearing to determine the amount of the purse that will be transferred to the department at the next regularly scheduled commission meeting.

(D) A contestant’s license will be revoked for participating in any mixed martial arts event not sanctioned and approved by the South Carolina athletic commission.

(E) If a licensed professional mixed martial arts contestant competes in an amateur event the South Carolina license will be revoked.

(F) When the contestant fails to appear in a contest in which they signed a bout agreement to appear shall be suspended immediately. The contestant may produce a valid certificate from a physician and approved by the administrator in the case of any physical disability. The contestant who files a certificate from a physician stating they are unable to fulfill a bout agreement because of physical disability, shall be immediately given a medical suspension and must submit a medical clearance. The administrator may remove any suspension if the contestant is released from the bout agreement by mutual agreement.

(G) After signing a contestant/promoter contract form, a contestant may not enter into another contracted bout that is scheduled thirty days prior to the previously signed contract. If the contestant participates in a bout within this thirty day time period and because of participating in this event is not able to participate in the originally contracted event, they shall be suspended for not more than six months. The contestant may appeal by registered mail to the commission for a hearing within thirty days of the mailing date of the notice of the suspension. The suspension will start at the end of any previously administered suspension.

(H) A contestant who fails to make the required weight listed on the contestant/promoter contract form and as a result the bout is cancelled the contestant will be suspended for not more than six months and will be fined. If the bout is continued within the legal weight class limits the contestant will be fined. The contestant may appeal by registered mail to the administrator within thirty days of the mailing date of notice of suspension or fine.

(I) If after the weigh-in a contestant fails to honor the contestant/promoter bout contract by not showing for the bout or refuses to compete, shall be fined and suspended for not more than twelve months. The contestant may appeal by registered mail to the administrator within thirty days of the mailing date of the notice of suspension.

(J) A contestant or promoter will be suspended indefinitely, until payment is made in full of any judgment awarded by a court of law that is presented to the South Carolina athletic commission for any violations

(K) A contestant, manager, trainer or any representative of the contestant may not verbally harass any official representing the South Carolina athletic commission, before, during or after any event regulated by the South Carolina athletic commission. This includes but is not limited to an inspector, referee, judge, timekeeper, physician, commission member or anyone assigned by or representing the South Carolina athletic commission. Any contestant or person representing the contestant violating this rule may cause them or the contestant to be suspended for a period no longer than one year. The suspension may be appealed ten days after receiving notice from the commission.

(L) A contestant, manager, trainer or any representative of the contestant may not physically abuse any official representing the South Carolina athletic commission, before, during or after any event regulated by the South Carolina athletic commission. This includes but is not limited to an inspector, referee, judge, timekeeper, physician, commission member or anyone assigned by or representing the South Carolina athletic commission. Any contestant or person representing the contestant violating this rule may cause them or the contestant to be suspended indefinitely. The suspension may be appealed ten days after receiving notice from the commission.

Suspensions and mandatory rest period.

(A) Sixty day suspension for a knockout “KO”.

(B) Thirty day suspension for a technical knockout “TKO”.

(1) Referee stoppage from submission or choke hold prior to verbal commitment or tap out.

(2) Referee stoppage from strikes prior to verbal commitment or tap out.

(C) Throwing the mouthpiece into the audience during or after the event will result in a ninety day suspension. This would be in addition to any other suspension that contestant may have received.

(D) Physician’s suspension:

(1) Whatever length of time the physician designates after post fight check-up that will allow sufficient time for contestant to be physically able to compete.

(2) Until any medical requirements issued by a physician are successfully submitted and approved for release by administrator.

(3) Failure to report or comply with post fight examination by the attending physician or their representative will result in a minimum suspension of ninety days.

(E) Without a release from the administrator a contestant may not compete until seven days have elapsed from their last bout. The seven day period starts the day following the event in which they competed.

(F) If listed on suspension lists or any other suspension list recognized by the South Carolina athletic commission.

Medical requirements for mixed martial arts contestants.

(A) Negative HIV

(B) Negative hepatitis B surface antigen

(D) Procedures to complete when failing hepatitis B surface antigen test:

(1) Must pass a hepatitis B “PCR” quantitative test.

(2) The quantitative limit must be within permissible limits according to the laboratory where test was administered.

(3) Test and results must have been taken be within two weeks of the event.

(E) The administrator physician may order a CAT scan (CT) or MRI examination when a contestant:

(1) Has lost three bouts in a row by KO or TKO.

(2) Has lost six bouts in a row.

(3) Has an extensive losing record.

(F) The commission will not issue a license or renew any applicant’s license for a contestant who is found to be blind in one eye or whose vision in one eye is so poor that an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or physician recommends that a license not be granted. This rule is effective regardless of how good the vision of the contestant may be in the other eye.

(G) The commission will not issue or renew the license of any applicants who wishes to compete in any sport regulated by the South Carolina athletic commission who has suffered from any type of cerebral hemorrhage.

(H) All “Mixed Martial Arts” contestants thirty-five and older are required to submit a cat scan (CT) or MRI examination to the athletic commission seventy-two hours prior to being licensed.

Conduct when contestant enters the ring or cage.

(A) No contestant or promoter may display any type of entrance theme that includes music, video, or any type of physical display that contains any profanity or any derogatory ethnic remarks. Anyone violating this rule may be suspended for up to six months.

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