Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation— State Athletic Commission

20-23.9. Permit Applications and Fees. 1. Every promoter must have a current license to conduct, hold or give wrestling matches or exhibitions and must apply to the Commission for a permit before conducting any match or exhibition. 2. Permits for Single Events a. Application for …

20-24.10. Renumbered by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-24.10, titled License Fees (Wrestling). See, now S.C. Code Regs 20-23.10.

20-24.11. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-24.11, titled Lost License; Duplicate (Wrestling), was omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015.

20-24.12. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-24.12 was titled Refunds for License and Permit Fees , see, now S.C. Code Regs. 20-23.12.

20-24.13. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-24.13 was titled Additional Rules and Regulations , see, now S.C. Code Regs. 20-23.13.

20-24.14. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-24.14 was titled Amateur Wrestling , see, now S.C. Code Regs. 20-23.14.

20-24.15. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-24.15 was titled Amateur Wrestling in Connection with Professional Events , see, now S.C. Code Regs. 20-23.15.

20-24.16. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-24.16 was titled Nonprofit and Charitable Events , see, now S.C. Code Regs. 20-23.16. SUBCHAPTER 25 Off the Street Boxing

20-24.2. Denial of License or Permit. If an applicant for a license or permit has been convicted on a charge of moral turpitude or for unbecoming conduct at any time or place reflecting discredit to kick-boxing or wrestling, the Commission may decline to issue such license or per…

20-24.3. Athletic Contests with Animals. The Commission will not sanction events involving animals, other than human beings, nor issue permits for events in which they participate. (See South Carolina Code of Laws Section 16-27-10 et seq ., The Animal Fighting and Baiting Act) HI…

20-24.4. When No Regulations Exist. When an application for a permit is received and no regulations exist for that type of event, the Commission may: 1. Deny the permit; 2. Designate that the regulation for a related combative art be used; or 3. Designate the acceptance of rules …

20-24.5. Verbal or Physical Abuse of Commission Representatives or Officials is Forbid- den. Verbal or physical abuse of any Commissioner, the Commission Representative or any person representing the Commission shall be a violation of the act establishing this Commission and shal…

20-24.6. Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan. All promoters must comply with Section 29 CFR 1910.1030 of OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards. The State Athletic Commission may issue minimum guidelines. HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 20, Issue No. 6, Part 1, eff Ju…

20-24.7. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-24.7, titled Sale or Transfer of License , see, now S.C. Code Regs. 20-23.7.

20-24.8. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-24.8, titled Promoter Responsibility , see, now S.C. Code Regs. 20-23.8.

20-24.9. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-24.9 was titled Permit Applications and Fees , see, now S.C. Code Regs. 20-23.9.

20-25.1. Off the Street Boxing. Participants and Officials must comply with the Rules and Regulations for regular boxing events with the following exceptions and/or additional rules: 1. Each bout is limited to three (3) one-minute rounds. 2. The corner men must use clean towels f…

20-25.2. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-25.2 was titled Denial of License or Permit , see now S.C. Code Regs. 20-24.2.

20-25.3. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-25.3 was titled Athletic Contests with Animals , see now S.C. Code Regs. 20-24.3.

20-25.5. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-25.5 was titled When No Regulations Exist , see now S.C. Code Regs. 20-24.4.

20-25.6. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-25.6 was titled Verbal or Physical Abuse of Commission Representatives or Officials is Forbidden , see now S.C. Code Regs. 20-24.5.

20-25.7. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-25.7 was titled Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan , see now S.C. Code Regs. 20-24.6. SUBCHAPTER 26 [Omitted] Editor’s Note Former Subchapter 26, title…

20-26.1. Omitted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4536, eff June 26, 2015. Editor’s Note Former R. 20-26.1 was titled Off the Street Boxing (e.g. Toughman, Badman, Mad of the Maddest or Bad of the Baddest [sic]) , see, now S.C. Code Regs 20-25.1. SUBCHAPTER 27 M…

20-27.01. Definitions. (A) Brazilian jiu-jitsu: Also known as ‘‘Gracie Jiu-Jitsu’’, 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 …

20-27.02. 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.…

20-27.03. Requirements for mixed martial arts contestants. (A) Amateur contestants: (1) The minimum and maximum ages for amateur contestants in South Carolina are eighteen (18) to thirty-five (35) years old, unless otherwise set by statute. The maximum age may be waived by the Co…

20-27.04. Weigh in procedures. (A) The weigh-ins must be conducted by a Commission Representative at a place and time designated by the Commission. (B) All contestants must weigh in. Contestants are limited to shorts, shirt or sports bra and socks. (C) The scale used for the offi…

20-27.05. Judging and scoring. (A) All bouts will be scored by three (3) 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 (10) points and the loser of the round will be awarded nine (9) points or …

20-27.06. 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. …

20-27.07. Mouthpiece rule. All contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. The mouthpiece is subject to examination and approval by the attending physician. The round cannot begin without the mouth- piece. If the mouthpiece is dislodged during competition, t…

20-27.08. 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 posi…

20-27.09. Appearance, Attire and Protective Equipment. (A) Groin protectors. (1) Male fighters must wear a professionally manufactured and Commission approved groin protector, which will protect them against injury from a foul blow. No homemade or non- professionally manufactured…

20-27.10. Glove specifications for Professional and Amateur Contestants. 1. Professional. (A) For professional mixed martial arts contests each contestant must wear gloves that weigh not less than four (4) ounces and not more than six (6) ounces. (B) The gloves shall be supplied …

20-27.11. 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 fifteen (15) yards in length and two (2) inches in width, held in place …

20-27.12. Requirements for a ring or caged area. (A) Mixed martial arts shall be held in a Commission approved ring or caged area. (B) The ring or caged area specifications for mixed martial arts must meet the following requirements: (1) The cage must be of circular type dimensio…

20-27.13. Rubber gloves. When a ring is used all seconds working in the corner must wear rubber gloves. When a caged area is used only the second who enters the caged area must wear rubber gloves. HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 36, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2012. Amended…

20-27.14. 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 his/her hand(s) to indicate that he/she no longer wishes to continue. (b) Verbal tap out: when a contestant verbal…

20-27.15. Number of rounds required for mixed martial arts bouts and events. (A) Professional Bouts: (1) Professional bouts will be three (3) rounds of five (5) minutes each with a one (1) minute rest period that includes a ten (10) second warning signal. (2) Championship bouts w…

20-27.16. Promoter’s responsibilities. (A) Bout agreements. (1) The bout agreement between a promoter and a pro contestant must be executed and submitted to the South Carolina Athletic Commission no later than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the event. (2) A bout agreement which …

20-27.17. Licensing. (A) All participants shall be licensed pursuant to the South Carolina Athletic Commission laws, rules and regulations. (B) The license application must include a photograph showing a frontal view of the head and shoulders of the applicant. (C) A contestant’s …

20-27.18. Seconds’ and Managers’ duties when working in a corner. (A) Except for title fights, there may be no more than three (3) licensed seconds positioned in a designated area by the ring or cage or positioned in each corner of the ring. Four (4) corners may be allowed in the…

20-27.19. 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 a Commission Representative shall suspend a contestant for any violation to inc…

20-27.20. Suspensions and mandatory rest period. (A) Sixty (60) day suspension for a knockout ‘‘KO’’. (B) Thirty (30) 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 fr…

20-27.21. Medical requirements for mixed martial arts contestants. Professional and amateur mixed martial arts contestants must produce: (A) Negative HIV (B) Negative hepatitis B surface antigen (C) Negative hepatitis C antibody (D) Procedures to complete when failing hepatitis B…

20-27.22. Conduct when contestants enter the ring or caged area. (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 ru…

20-27.23. Fees. The Commission may charge fees as shown in South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 10-4 and on the South Carolina State Athletic Commission website at http://llr.sc.gov/POL/Athletic/. HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 36, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2012. A…

20-27.24. Change of Decision by Commission. The Commission may in its discretion declare a referee’s decision a ‘‘no contest’’, if in its judgment a noticeable error has been committed which affects the outcome of the bout. HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6,…