Hawaii Administrative Code

A rabbit punch is any blow struck at the back of the neck near the base of the skull, and is barred as dangerous. A blow landed on the head behind the ear, or on the side of the neck, as the opponent turns his head to avoid it, is not a rabbit punch. Any deliberate attempt to use…

Butting with the top or side of the head is not allowed. A boxer who goes in head down and leans against an opponent with his head while infighting is butting. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-144 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-19)

"Thumbing", using an open glove or jabbing at an opponent's eye with the thumb of the glove, has frequently caused serious injuries to the eye. Referees are cautioned to watch for this trick, and if it is deliberately used, penalize by disqualification. Contestants using such tac…

If a contestant is helpless on the ropes, the referee must instantly intervene, declare the helpless boxer "down" and proceed with the count as in case of a knockdown. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-146 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-19)

In cases of minor fouls, such as hitting or flicking with the open glove and clinching or wrestling an opponent after sufficient warning has been given, the referee will punish persistent disregard of the rule with the loss of points and may recommend a fine or disqualify the off…

The mandatory "eight-count" rule shall apply in all contests. When a boxer is knocked down, the referee shall require him to take a count of eight seconds, whether or not he arises before the count of eight has been reached. The count is for the benefit of the fallen contestant. …

A boxer shall be deemed to be "down" when any part of his body other than his feet is on the ring floor. A boxer is considered "down" if he is hanging helplessly over the ropes and the referee has begun to count over him. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-149 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91]…

Dressing room inspectors must also examine all gloves to be used in the bouts. If padding is found to be misplaced or lumpy, or if found to be imperfect, the gloves shall be changed before the contest starts. No breaking, roughing or twisting of gloves shall be permitted. Gloves …

(1) Hitting below the belt; (2) Hitting an opponent who is down or is getting up after being down; (3) Holding an opponent with one hand and hitting with the other; (4) Holding or deliberately maintaining a clinch; (5) Wrestling or kicking; (6) Butting with the head or shoulder o…

Any boxer guilty of foul tactics in a boxing contest may be disqualified by the referee and subsequently fined by the commission and his purse withheld from payment, and the boxer shall be automatically suspended. Disposition of the purse and the penalty to be imposed upon the bo…

The commission may appoint judges to score the bouts independently with a non-judging referee or to work in conjunction with judging referees at boxing contests. A minimum of three judges will be used with a non-judging referee. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-156 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 1…

There shall be a minimum of two judges at every boxing show, who shall be appointed by the commission. A referee, who is judging the fight, shall score in the same manner as the judges, and his score shall be included with score of the judges in determining the winner. The majori…

When judges are used they shall work in the following manner: (1) Placement of judges. The judges shall sit at opposite sides of the ring in the center of the press row and shall reach their decision without conferring in any manner with any other official or person. (2) System. …

In order to arrive at a true conclusion, every point shall be carefully observed and noticed as rounds progress. The decisions of the officials shall be based on four items to be scored in the following order of importance: (1) Clean hits and effective blows; (2) Effective aggres…

Scoring shall be under the ten-point "must" system. The winner of a round shall be awarded ten points. The loser of a round shall be awarded nine or less points. Referees and judges may use the following guide: (1) Even round .......................... 10 - 10 (2) Bare shade or s…

Knockdowns shall count one or more points, depending on the judgment of the officials. The official shall determine the value to be placed on a knockdown. If a boxer has clearly won a one-sided round by a 5-3 margin and during the round, happens to get knocked down, he might stil…

The "no foul" rule exists in the State of Hawaii. (Although such rule exists a boxer may be disqualified for continuous and deliberate fouling.) A penalty is imposed on a boxer who commits fouls and the referee shall be the sole judge when a foul occurs and the number of points t…

In case of a draw, the word "draw" shall be written across the card. In case of a knockout, the score cards should be marked "K.O." on the side of the winner and in the space reserved for the round in which he scored the knockout. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-163 [Eff 10/2/81; comp…

The working officials should be discreet at all times and shall not discuss their decisions with anyone either during or after a contest. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-164 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-9)

The compensation for referees and judges for any bout shall be set by the commission. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-165 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-9)

An applicant for the position of timekeeper shall satisfy the commission or its duly authorized agent as to his qualification. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-169 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-12)

The timekeeper must be seated at the ringside close to the gong. He shall indicate the beginning and ending of each round by striking the gong with a hammer. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-170 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-9)

He shall provide himself with a whistle and an accurate stopwatch that shall have been properly examined and certified before it is used. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-171 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-9)

Ten seconds before the beginning of each round the timekeeper shall give warning to the seconds of the contestants by blowing the whistle. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-172 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-9)

In the event of a contest terminating before the scheduled limit of rounds, the timekeeper shall inform the announcer of the exact duration of the contest. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-173 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-9)

The referee shall instruct the timekeeper to take time out when necessary. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-174 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-9)

(a) In case of a knockdown, the timekeeper shall immediately start counting off the seconds over the P.A. system. The timekeeper shall continue the count until the count of eight has been given. (b) If the round ends during the count, the timekeeper shall sound the gong, thus ind…

The referee's count is the official count. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-176 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-9)

If the boxer is ready to continue the contest before the referee has counted ten, the contest shall be continued. After the referee has counted ten, the contest shall be decided by the knock-out. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-177 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp:…

The round begins at the signal of the timekeeper's gong or bell. A competitor failing to resume boxing after the rest between rounds, or who has been down for an interval of ten seconds, shall lose the contest. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-178 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS…

Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-181 R 12/8/86

The announcer shall also act as "master of ceremonies". Announcers are strictly forbidden to make any announcement whatsoever except when authorized to do so by the commission or its authorized representative at the ringside. The announcer shall receive from the chief inspector a…

Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-183 R 12/8/86

For the purpose of these rules, the terms "club" or "promoter" are used synonymously to designate and mean any person, club, corporation, organization or association licensed to conduct boxing matches or exhibitions. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-186 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Aut…

Applications for licenses from clubs will be considered only when these applicants submit complete information regarding any and all persons connected with such applications. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-187 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-10)

If a license is granted to the applicant, then such licensee shall immediately advise the commission if during the life of that license, any change is made in the personnel of a club, or if a club shall secure any partners or backers other than those mentioned in the original app…

Club licenses are not transferable. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-189 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS § 440-9)

Each professional boxer, before entering a contest or exhibition, shall secure a boxer's license. Application for a boxer's license must be filed with the commission not less than five days before the meeting of the commission at which the application could be considered. The app…

All applications for licenses to conduct boxing matches shall be filed with the commission in writing at least five days before the regular scheduled meeting upon which such applications could be acted upon. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-190 [Eff 10/2/81; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § …

Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-191 R 12/8/86

No club may schedule or advertise a boxing contest or exhibition without having received the specific approval of the date and bouts or the permission of the commission. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-192 [Eff 10/2/81; am 12/8/86; comp 10/5/91] (Auth: HRS § 440-6) (Imp: HRS §§ 440-10…

All clubs are directed to set aside a room on their club premises to be known as the "emergency room". Such room shall contain, among other things, the following: A table or bed upon which an injured person may recline, a stretcher, rubber pillows, and simple emergency equipment …

Clubs will be held responsible for maintaining order. Any person who is intoxicated, abusive or disorderly in conduct, may be ejected. Clubs must supply adequate police protection so that order may be maintained and all laws and regulations enforced. Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-19…

Notes Haw. Code R. § 16-74-195 R 12/8/86

A promoter who accepts a date for a boxing program, in case he is unable to present a program on that date, shall notify the commission of the inability not less than five days prior to the program date. Failure to hold the number of bouts advertised or to give notice of program …

The names of all contestants accompanied by duly executed contracts, shall be filed as follows: Contracts for main events must be filed eight days before a scheduled show; contracts for preliminary bouts must be filed at least four days before a scheduled show. Failure in filing …

No change in the announced or advertised program shall be made without the approval of the commission. Notices of such change or substitution must be also conspicuously posted at the box office, and announced from the ring before the opening contest, and if any of the patrons des…