§6307c Sanctioning organizations

Summary

The Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) must create clear written guidelines for rating professional boxers within 2 years after May 26, 2000, and approve them by a majority vote of its State boxing commissioners. Congress says sanctioning bodies and State boxing commissions should follow those ABC guidelines. A sanctioning organization cannot be paid for a boxing match unless it follows transparency steps. It must tell boxers that if a boxer asks within 7 days the group will send a written explanation of its rating rules, the boxer’s rating, and the reasons for that rating, and will send that explanation to the ABC. If the group changes the rating of a boxer who was previously in the top 10, it must post the change and explanation on its website within 7 days, keep it up for at least 30 days, and give a copy to an association that includes a majority of State boxing commissions. Each year by January 31 the group must give the Federal Trade Commission and the ABC a full description of its rating rules, fee schedule, bylaws, appeals process, and the names and business addresses of officials who vote on ratings. These documents must be in writing and, if over 2 pages, also electronic, and the group must promptly tell the FTC about any important changes. The FTC will make the information public and can charge a fee to cover costs. Instead of filing with the FTC, the group may keep a public, free, easy-to-search website with all the required information and update it when things change.