One Definitions and General Rules Two Three Requirements for Bout Approval Four Requirements ...

129 Pages·2017·9.05 MB·English

Notice of Intent to Adopt Rules
A copy of the proposed rules may be obtained at http://rules.wyo.gov
Revised November 2016 

1. General Information
a. Agency/Board Name*

b. Agency/Board Address c. City d. Zip Code

e. Name of Agency Liaison f. Agency Liaison Telephone Number

g. Agency Liaison Email Address
h. Date of Public Notice i. Comment Period End Date
j. Public Comment URL or Email Address:
k. Program
* By checking this box, the agency is indicating it is exempt from certain sections of the Administrative Procedure Act including public comment period requirements. Please contact
the agency for details regarding these rules.
2. Legislative Enactment For purposes of this Section 2, “new” only applies to regular rules promulgated in response to a Wyoming legislative enactment not
previously addressed in whole or in part by prior rulemaking and does not include rules adopted in response to a federal mandate.
a. Are these rules new as per the above description and the definition of “new” in Chapter 1 of the Rules on Rules?

No. Yes. Please provide the Enrolled Act Numbers and Years Enacted:
3. Rule Type and Information
a. Provide the Chapter Number, Title, and Proposed Action for Each Chapter.
Please use the Additional Rule Information form for more than 10 chapters, and attach it to this certification.
Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

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4. Public Comments and Hearing Information
a. A public hearing on the proposed rules has been scheduled. No. Yes. Please complete the boxes below.
Date: Time: City: Location:

b. What is the manner in which interested persons may present their views on the rulemaking action?
By submitting written comments to the Agency at the physical and/or email address listed in Section 1 above.

At the following URL: __________________________________________________________________

A public hearing will be held if requested by 25 persons, a government subdivision, or by an association having not less than 25 members.
Requests for a public hearing may be submitted:
To the Agency at the physical and/or email address listed in Section 1 above.

At the following URL: __________________________________________________________________

c. Any person may urge the Agency not to adopt the rules and request the Agency to state its reasons for overruling the consideration urged against adoption.
Requests for an agency response must be made prior to, or within thirty (30) days after adoption, of the rule, addressed to the Agency and Agency Liaison listed in
Section 1 above.
5. Federal Law Requirements 
a. These rules are created/amended/repealed to comply with federal law or regulatory requirements. No. Yes. Please complete the boxes below.
Applicable Federal Law or Regulation Citation:
Indicate one (1):
The proposed rules meet, but do not exceed, minimum federal requirements.

The proposed rules exceed minimum federal requirements.
Any person wishing to object to the accuracy of any information provided by the Agency under this item should submit their objections prior to
final adoption to:
To the Agency at the physical and/or email address listed in Section 1 above.

At the following URL: __________________________________________________________________
6. State Statutory Requirements 
a. Indicate one (1):
The proposed rule change MEETS minimum substantive statutory requirements.

The proposed rule change EXCEEDS minimum substantive statutory requirements. Please attach a statement explaining the reason that the rules
exceed the requirements.
b. Indicate one (1):
The Agency has complied with the requirements of W.S. 9-5-304. A copy of the assessment used to evaluate the proposed rules may be obtained:

By contacting the Agency at the physical and/or email address listed in Section 1 above.
At the following URL: __________________________________________________________________

Not Applicable.

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7. Additional APA Provisions  
a. Complete all that apply in regards to uniform rules:

These rules are not impacted by the uniform rules identified in the Administrative Procedure Act, W.S. 16-3-103(j).

The following chapters do not differ from the uniform rules identified in the Administrative Procedure Act, W.S. 16-3-103(j):

______________________________________________________________________________________________
(Provide chapter numbers)

These chapters differ from the uniform rules identified in the Administrative Procedure Act, W.S. 16-3-103(j) (see Statement of Principal Reasons).

______________________________________________________________________________________________
(Provide chapter numbers)

b. Checklist

The Statement of Principal Reasons is attached to this Notice and, in compliance with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. v.
Environmental Quality Council, 590 P.2d 1324 (Wyo. 1979), includes a brief statement of the substance or terms of the rule and the basis and purpose of the
rule.

If applicable: In consultation with the Attorney General’s Office, the Agency’s Attorney General representative concurs that strike and underscore is not
required as the proposed amendments are pervasive (Chapter 3, Types of Rules Filings, Section 1, Proposed Rules, of the Rules on Rules).

8. Authorization
a. I certify that the foregoing information is correct.

Printed Name of Authorized Individual

Title of Authorized Individual

Date of Authorization

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Additional Rule Information
Revised November 2016 

1. General Information
a. Agency/Board Name*

b. Agency/Board Address c. City d. Zip Code

e. Name of Agency Liaison f. Agency Liaison Telephone Number

g. Agency Liaison Email Address
h. Program
2. Rule Type and Information, Cont.
a. Provide the Chapter Number, Title, and Proposed Action for Each Chapter.
Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

Chapter Number: Chapter Name: New Amended Repealed

If Needed
STATEMENT OF REASONS
Mixed Martial Arts Board
Regular Rules Promulgation
March 9, 2018

Overview
Statutory authority regulating mixed martial arts is established in Wyoming Statutes § 33-48-101
et seq. The Mixed Martial Arts Board initially promulgated its rules, Chapters 1 through 13, in
March of 2013. On or about November 25, 2013, Governor Mead required all state agencies to
reduce their Rules both in number and in length. The Mixed Martial Arts Board has reviewed all
its rules in light of this mandate, and to make housekeeping and formatting changes to comply
with the Secretary of State’s formatting requirements. Additionally, the Mixed Martial Arts Board
has reviewed their Rules to ensure incorporation by reference of the necessary Office of
Administrative Hearing Contested Case Procedures and the Office of Administration and
Information’s Uniform Procedures, Fees, Costs, and Charges for Inspection, Copying, and
Producing Public Records are incorporated into the Mix Martial Arts Rules. Lastly, the Board seeks
to add new rules regulating Professional Bare Knuckle Fighting as a mixed martial art as defined
in Wyo. Stat. § 33-48-101(h)(ii) and as such authority is mandated and delegated to the Board
under Wyo. Stat. § 33-48-105. The general changes and additional new rules are as follows:

Chapter 1
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements. Additionally, Chapters 3 (Responsibility), 4
(Improper Conduct, Foul, or Abusive Language Ejection), and 5 (Modification of Bout Results)
were removed from this section and placed in the chapters which appropriately corresponded
with each section. The registration per event for seconds was also reduced from $20 to $10.

Chapter 2
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements as well as general housekeeping to clean up
language in the rule. Two additional requirements for contestants were also added: (1) requiring
contestants to submit bloodwork after the date of an unsanctioned bout before they can be
approved to fight in a sanctioned bout, and (2) requiring female contestants to submit to a field
pregnancy test on the day of their bout.
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Chapter 3
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements as well as general housekeeping to clean up
language in the rule. The requirement for mandatory testing for championship contestants was
also deleted.

Chapter 4
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements as well as general housekeeping to clean up
language in the rule.

Chapter 5
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements as well as general housekeeping to clean up
language in the rule.

Chapter 6
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements as well as general housekeeping to clean up
language in the rule. Additionally, warnings for a second on the apron was removed, grabbing
the clavicle was removed as a foul, but a foul for outstretched fingers toward an opponent’s face
or eyes was added. The weight allowance chart was also deleted as this is set by statute to follow
the association of boxing commissions weight allowances (Wyo. Stat. § 33-48-117). TKOs by
medical stoppage were added and defined. Storing results in a national database was also added.

Chapter 7
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements as well as general housekeeping to clean up
language in the rule. Additionally, the annual fee for promoters was increased from $100 to $250
and the event permit fee was increased from $300 to $500. The requirement for Board approval
for permit applications filed in excess of 150 days in advance of the event was deleted. The
requirement to reimburse substitutes even if they don’t compete was deleted. The rules relating
to reporting convictions, judgments, and administrative proceedings was amended to delete
requiring reporting of civil judgments and felony convictions and only require reporting of
disciplinary actions related to by other promoter licensing jurisdictions.

Chapter 8
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements. The reference to reimbursing substitutes was also
deleted.

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Chapter 9
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements.

Chapter 10
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements.

Chapter 11
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements as well as general housekeeping to clean up
language in the rule. Additionally, proof of outside insurance from officials was added. Referee,
judge, and inspector qualifications were amended to require completion of Board approved
training completed every twenty four months. A provision was also added for selecting a referee
in case of an emergency. The rules relating to reporting convictions, judgments, and
administrative proceedings was amended to delete requiring reporting of civil judgments and
felony convictions and only require reporting of disciplinary actions related to by other officials
licensing jurisdictions. Inspector compensation was also amended from $200 plus travel and
lodging reimbursement to a flat $500 per event.

Chapter 12
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements as well as general housekeeping to clean up
language in the rule. Additionally, the section on modification of bout results (deleted from
Chapter 1) was moved and placed here. Most significantly, the Office of Administrative Hearing
Contested Case rules were incorporated by reference and all rules duplicative of what is already
contained therein were deleted.

Chapter 13
Housekeeping changes were made to properly format this chapter in accordance with the
Secretary of States formatting requirements. Additionally, the amount of promoter’s insurance
coverage was increased from $2,500 to $5,000 per contestant.

Chapter 14
Chapter 14 was added to address public records requests and to incorporate by reference the
Office of Administration and Information’s Uniform Procedures, Fees, Costs, and Charges for
Inspection, Copying, and Producing Public Records.

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Chapter 15
Chapter 15 was added creating regulation over professional bare knuckle fighting. Bare Knuckle
Fighting combines and incorporates the following recognized martial arts: boxing, Muay Thai,
Greco-Roman wrestling, karate, judo, and folkstyle and freestyle wrestling. Bare Knuckle Fighting
includes skill sets such as clinching, holding, hitting, striking with a closed fist, punching, and
controlling the head, neck, arms, and upper body of opponents. Thus it is within the Mixed
Martial Arts Board’s jurisdiction to regulate professional bare knuckle fighting under Wyo. Stat.
§ 33-48-105. The rules include regulations for ring and cage requirements, bout requirements,
weight allowances and classifications, contestant illness, contestant attire, physician
engagement with contestants during a bout, when contestants are deemed down, tactics
deemed fouls, penalties for fouls, leaving the ring, and rendering bout decisions.

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Chapter 1
Definitions and General Rules

Section 1. Definitions.

(a) Act. The Mixed Martial Arts Regulation Act beginning at Wyoming Statute § 33-
48-101.

(b) Amateur. A contestant who has never competed as a professional in any combat
sport.

(c) Board. The Wyoming State Board of Mixed Martial Arts as defined by W.S. § 33-
48-101.

(d) Bout. Match, exhibition, or contest between two contestants.

(e) Contestant. Any individual who participates in a bout.

(f) Event. A compilation of bouts that occur at one location during a single day.

(g) Fraud. Any licensee who cheats, obtains money or some other benefit by
deliberate and willful deception, or intentionally misrepresents facts.

(h) Inspector. An official per W.S. § 33-48-110 assigned to carry out all duties as
assigned by the Board.

(i) Kick. A strike using the foot or feet.

(j) Kickboxing. Engaging in techniques using the hands and feet.

(k) Licensee. A person who has been granted a license or certificate pursuant to the
Act or these rules. Licensee includes promoters, contestants, and officials (referees, judges, and
inspectors).

(l) Mixed Martial Arts. Unarmed combat involving the use, subject to any limitations
set forth by the Act or Board rule, of a combination of techniques from different disciplines of
the martial arts, including, without limitation, grappling, submission holds, kicking and striking.

(m) Non-Sanctioned organization. An organization that is not governed by a state or
tribal athletic commission.

(n) Official. Any person who performs an official function during the supervision of a
bout. This includes referees, judges, timekeepers, and inspectors.

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(o) Professional. A contestant who has received any form of payment for competing
in a combat sports event.

(p) Promoter. Any person, association, corporation, or organization licensed by the
Board to promote events.

(q) Purse. Is a bout earning, a financial guarantee, or any other remuneration for
which contestants are participating in a bout and includes the contestant's share of any payment
received for radio broadcasting, television, or motion picture rights.

(r) Renewal. The process of applying to renew a license or certificate as a promoter,
contestant, or official. Each license or certificate is valid for one calendar year from the date of
issuance.

(s) Sanctioning Organization. An organization that sanctions professional bouts of
kickboxing or mixed martial arts by a state or tribal athletic commission.

(t) Second. A person registered with the Board to assist a contestant during a bout.
To be registered, a second must pay to the Board fee per event of $10.00.

(u) Tap Out. Forfeiting a bout by submitting to the opponent. Contestant signals this
forfeiture by signaling with any part of their body by tapping it on their opponent or the ground.

Section 2. Violations of Rules. Violations of any provision of these rules (Chapters 1
through 13) may result in disciplinary action authorized by the Act and these rules including, but
not limited to, conditional licensure, licensure denial, suspension, or revocation and/or
immediate ejection from the bout and event and a ban from future bouts and events.

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