PART 1
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

Definitions

1(1)   The following definitions apply in this regulation.

"Act" means The Combative Sports Act.

"competitive record" means a complete history of a person's contest results that shows the date and result of each contest.

"contest" means a combative sport contest and includes a combative sport exhibition.

"criminal record check" means a record about a person obtained from a law enforcement agency stating

(a) whether the person has any conviction or outstanding charge awaiting court disposition under any federal, provincial or territorial enactment; and

(b) the details of any conviction or charge.

"event" means a program of contests.

"matchmaker" means the person who selects the contestants who will compete against each other in a contest.

"medical advisor" means a physician appointed under section 58.

"mixed martial arts" means unarmed combat between two persons involving the use of a combination of one or more techniques from other martial arts such as grappling, kicking, striking and holding, and includes the distinct disciplines of jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and Muay Thai.

"officials" means the persons appointed by the commission under section 50 for a contest.

"professional contest" means a contest in which each contestant is paid or in which each contestant competes for a share of a specified purse.

"professional event" means an event with one or more professional contests.

"prohibited substance" means a drug or other substance or a method specified in the current edition of The List of Prohibited Substances and Methods maintained by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

"promoter" means a person who organizes, produces or sponsors an event.

"ring physician" means a person appointed as the ring physician for a contest under section 60.

"second" means a person, other than a trainer, who assists a contestant between rounds.

"trainer" means the person in a contestant's corner during a contest who is responsible for coaching and directing the contestant.

Interpretation: mixed martial arts contest

1(2)   In this regulation, a reference to a mixed martial arts contest does not include a jiu-jitsu, kickboxing or Muay Thai contest.

Application

2   Subject to section 3, this regulation applies to

(a) professional contests in the following combative sport disciplines:

(i) boxing,

(ii) mixed martial arts,

(iii) jiu-jitsu,

(iv) kickboxing,

(v) Muay Thai; and

(b) amateur contests in the following combative sport disciplines:

(i) mixed martial arts,

(ii) jiu-jitsu,

(iii) kickboxing,

(iv) Muay Thai.

Provisions that do not apply to jiu-jitsu contests and events

3(1)   The following provisions of this regulation do not apply to jiu-jitsu contests and events:

(a) clause 7(2)⁠(c);

(b) section 8;

(c) subsection 11(2);

(d) clauses 12(2)⁠(c) and (d);

(e) sections 14 to 18 and 20 to 26;

(f) Parts 4 and 5;

(g) Part 6, except section 44;

(h) Parts 7 to 10.

Rules for jiu-jitsu contests and events

3(2)   The specific rules that govern jiu-jitsu contests and events are set out in Part 11.

PART 2
LICENCES AND EVENT PERMITS

GENERAL LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

Licences required

4(1)   Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a person must hold a valid licence in order to perform any of the roles set out in subsection 14(1) of the Act in relation to a combative sport contest set out in section 2.

Managers do not require licence

4(2)   A person does not require a licence to act as the manager of a contestant. However, if the manager of a contestant is ringside during a contest, they must hold a trainer licence or a second licence.

No licence needed for certain positions in jiu-jitsu contests

4(3)   A person does not require a licence to act as a trainer, second, referee, judge or timekeeper in a jiu-jitsu contest.

Term of licence

4(4)   A licence is valid until December 31 of the year in which it is issued unless it is sooner suspended or cancelled.

Minors may hold amateur jiu-jitsu contestant licence

5   For the purpose of subsection 14(1.2) of the Act, the commission may issue a contestant licence to a person who is less than 18 years of age that authorizes them to be a contestant in an amateur jiu-jitsu contest.

APPLICATIONS

General licence application requirements

6(1)   An applicant seeking a licence must

(a) submit their application on the applicable application form approved by the commission and include the information and documents specified on the form;

(b) apply in their legal name and include any other names that they have used in the past in any contest in another jurisdiction;

(c) include any applicable fee set out in subsection (2), which is non-refundable;

(d) provide the commission with any additional information or documentation required under sections 7 to 10;

(e) if the applicant has been disciplined by a combative sport regulatory authority in another jurisdiction, provide details of the circumstances that led to the discipline and the sanction imposed;

(f) provide the commission with any authorization needed to verify the information provided in the application and conduct any background checks that the commission considers necessary to determine whether a licence should be issued to the applicant; and

(g) provide any additional information requested by the commission after their application is submitted.

Licence fees

6(2)   The fees payable for a licence are as follows:

Application for contestant licence

7(1)   An application for a contestant licence may be made only if the applicant has an offer to be a contestant in a proposed contest that is to take place not more than 90 days before the date of their application.

Contents of application

7(2)   The applicant must provide the following to the commission:

(a) a copy of their competitive record;

(b) a colour photograph of the applicant taken not more than six months before the date of the application and copies of two pieces of government-issued identification satisfactory to the commission that confirms the applicant's identity;

(c) the following medical information:

(i) a copy of a report prepared by a physician following a physical examination of the applicant that took place not more than 90 days before the proposed contest that addresses the matters set out in the model physical examination report approved by the commission and posted on the commission's website,

(ii) a copy of a report prepared by an optometrist or ophthalmologist following a complete ophthalmologic examination of the applicant that took place not more than 90 days before the proposed contest that addresses the matters set out in the model eye examination report approved by the commission and posted on the commission's website,

(iii) a copy of test results for HIV, Hepatitis B (antigen test) and Hepatitis C from tests that took place not more than 90 days before the proposed contest.

Additional requirements if no competitive record

7(3)   An applicant who does not have a competitive record may be required to provide the commission with video evidence of their training or submit to an assessment by the commission to determine if they have the necessary technical skills to be a contestant.

Application for promoter licence

8(1)   Unless exempted by the commission, an applicant for a promoter licence must provide the following to the commission:

(a) information acceptable to the commission showing that the applicant has a satisfactory credit rating;

(b) a criminal record check dated not more than six months before the date of the application;

(c) details of the applicant's experience as a promoter, including the location and date of all other events promoted by the applicant;

(d) any other information or documentation that the commission may require to determine whether the applicant is financially responsible and will conduct an event in accordance with the requirements of the Act and this regulation.

Contents of application

8(2)   If an applicant is a corporation, the application must include

(a) a copy of the corporation's most recent annual return filed under The Corporations Act or the last annual return filed in another jurisdiction if the corporation is not incorporated in Manitoba; and

(b) a criminal record check for every officer and director of the applicant dated not more than six months before the date of the application.

Application for referee licence

9   An applicant for a referee licence must provide the following to the commission:

(a) confirmation of the level of refereeing certification from a recognized authority held by the applicant;

(b) a copy of a statement from a physician confirming that the applicant is medically fit to carry out the duties of a referee based on an examination that took place not more than 90 days before the date of the application.

Application for judge licence

10   An applicant for a judge licence must provide the following to the commission:

(a) confirmation of the level of judging certification from a recognized authority held by the applicant;

(b) a copy of a statement from an optometrist or ophthalmologist confirming that the applicant has the required visual acuity to act as a judge based on an examination that took place not more than one year before the date of the application.

DECISIONS ON LICENCE APPLICATIONS

When licence may be issued

11(1)   Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a licence may be issued to an applicant if the commission is satisfied that the applicant has the experience, training and qualifications required to properly carry out the activities authorized by the applicable licence.

Medical advisor must approve applicant for contestant licence

11(2)   A contestant licence must not be issued unless a medical advisor is satisfied that the applicant is medically fit to be a contestant after reviewing the medical information provided under clause 7(2)⁠(c).

Requirements to issue promoter licence

11(3)   A promoter licence must not be issued unless the commission is satisfied that

(a) the applicant has the financial resources to properly hold an event and meet all of the financial obligations under this regulation; and

(b) given the past conduct of the applicant, including the officers and directors of a corporate applicant, the applicant will conduct an event with integrity, honesty and in accordance with the requirements of the Act and this regulation.

EVENT PERMITS

Event permit

12(1)   A licensed promoter who seeks to hold an event must apply to the commission for an event permit at least 60 days before the proposed date of the event.

Contents of application for event permit

12(2)   The application for an event permit must be made on an application form approved by the commission and must include the following:

(a) the proposed date of the event;

(b) the proposed venue in which the event is to be held and the seating capacity of the venue;

(c) a complete list of the type of proposed contests in the event;

(d) the proposed duration of each contest;

(e) any other information requested by the commission.

Application fee and security

12(3)   The application must be accompanied by

(a) a non-refundable application fee of $100; and

(b) security in the form of a certified cheque, electronic transfer or an irrevocable letter of credit payable to the commission in an amount that is not less than $5,000 and not greater than $25,000, as determined by the commission.

Decision

12(4)   The commission may issue an event permit to the applicant if it is satisfied that

(a) the proposed number and type of contests are appropriate;

(b) the applicant is capable of properly promoting and organizing the proposed event; and

(c) the proposed venue is appropriate for the proposed event.

Waiver of security

12(5)   The commission may waive the requirement to provide the security under clause (3)⁠(b) or reduce the amount of security to be provided if it determines that the nature of the proposed event does not require such security to be provided.

Return of security

12(6)   If the commission refuses to issue an event permit, it must return the security required under clause (3)⁠(b).

Terms and conditions on event permit

13   It is a condition of each event permit that the promoter must comply with Part 3 and sections 44 to 49. The commission may cancel an event permit if the promoter contravenes any of those provisions.

PART 3
PROMOTERS

PRE-CONTEST REQUIREMENTS

Contest information

14   A promoter must provide the following information to the commission at least 14 days before an event:

(a) a complete list of the proposed contests;

(b) the total scheduled duration of each contest;

(c) contact information for each contestant;

(d) if a contestant is not a resident of Canada, proof that the contestant has health insurance that covers the contestant's participation in combative sports events;

(e) in the case of a professional event, the amount of each purse for each contest;

(f) any other information requested by the commission.

Approval of proposed contests

15(1)   The commission must approve each proposed contest in an event.

When no approval

15(2)   If the commission does not approve a proposed contest, the promoter must

(a) propose different contestants for the contest, who must also be approved by the commission; or

(b) cancel the proposed contest.

Contestant unable to participate

16(1)   If a contestant in a professional event is unable to participate in their contest for any reason, the promoter must immediately notify the commission and advise if a substitute contestant will be proposed or whether the contest is cancelled.

Approval of substitute

16(2)   The substitute contestant must be approved by the commission.

Deadline

16(3)   No change in contestants is permitted less than three days before the scheduled date of an event.

Notice of change

17   If a contest in a professional event is cancelled or there is a change in contestants, the promoter must

(a) post notice of the change in a prominent location at the event venue on the day of the event; and

(b) if requested by the commission, have notice of the change announced from the ring before the opening contest.

Contracts re professional contests

18(1)   The promoter of a professional event must give the commission a copy of the contract between the promoter and each contestant before the weigh-in for the event.

Requirements for professional contracts

18(2)   The contract for a professional contestant must include the following:

(a) the legal name of the contestant and their opponent;

(b) the amount payable to the contestant;

(c) the scheduled number of rounds in their contest;

(d) the date, time and location of their contest;

(e) the weight specifications agreed to by the contestant;

(f) the contestant's agreement to refrain from engaging in any combative sport contest within 14 days before their contest;

(g) for a contestant who is not a resident of Canada, the requirement that the contestant provide proof satisfactory to the commission that the contestant has health insurance that covers the contestant's participation in combative sports events.

INSURANCE, FEES AND OTHER FINANCIAL MATTERS

Insurance

19   A promoter must provide a certificate of insurance signed by an authorized representative of an insurer to the commission not later than 30 days before the event that establishes that the promoter holds a comprehensive general liability insurance policy for the event that

(a) provides coverage for death, bodily injury, property damage and contractual liability;

(b) provides a minimum coverage of $5,000,000 for each occurrence covered by the insurance; and

(c) names the Government of Manitoba, the commission and each official at the event as additional insureds.

Deposit by promoter

20   A promoter must give the commission a certified cheque or electronic transfer in an amount sufficient to cover the following at least seven days before the event:

(a) in the case of a professional event, an amount equal to the total amount payable to all of the contestants;

(b) the total remuneration and expenses payable to officials at the event, as specified by the commission.

Forfeiture of security

21(1)   If a promoter fails to provide the fee payable under section 22 or otherwise fails to comply with the Act or this regulation, the security under clause 12(3)⁠(b), or any part of it as determined by the commission, is forfeited to the commission.

Commission decision

21(2)   For the purpose of this section, the determination as to whether the promoter has failed to comply with the Act or this regulation is to be made by the commission.

Return of security

21(3)   The commission must return the security provided under clause 12(3)⁠(b) to the promoter after an event has been held if the commission is satisfied that the promoter has complied with the Act and this regulation.

Fee on gate receipts

22(1)   A promoter must pay the commission a fee calculated as follows:

(a) in the case of a professional event, 5% of the gross gate receipts less deductions for amusement tax, goods and services tax and retail sales tax;

(b) in the case of an amateur event, 5% of the gross gate receipts less deductions for amusement tax, goods and services tax and retail sales tax, unless the commission has imposed an alternate fee under subsection 22(3) of the Act.

Deadline

22(2)   The promoter must provide the commission with the fee determined under subsection (1) by certified cheque or electronic transfer not later than 15 days after the event.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RE PROMOTERS

Conflict of interest

23   Unless authorized by the commission, a promoter and, in the case of a corporate promoter, its officers and directors, must not have

(a) any family relationship, whether by blood, adoption, marriage or common-law relationship, with a contestant in an event; or

(b) a financial interest or business relationship with a contestant in a professional event.

Duties re contestants

24   A promoter must ensure that every contestant

(a) is present in the location where the event is to take place at least one day before the scheduled date of the event; and

(b) provides the commission with the medical information required under section 30 at least three days before the event.

Tickets for commission staff

25   A promoter must reserve at least six front-row seats at an event for commission staff. The promoter must deliver tickets or passes for the seats to the commission not later than five days before the event.

Security and ambulance personnel

26   Unless authorized by the commission, a promoter must arrange for

(a) at least two uniformed police officers to be present at the event and sufficient security guards licensed under The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act to maintain order at the event; and

(b) the presence of an ambulance and sufficient ambulance personnel licensed under The Emergency Medical Response and Stretcher Transportation Act at all times during an event.

Advertising

27(1)   A promoter must not advertise an event or make any public announcement respecting the event until the promoter has obtained an event permit from the commission.

Advertising must include sanctioning

27(2)   The promoter must ensure that all advertising for the event indicates that the event is sanctioned by the commission.

Records re events

28   A promoter must

(a) retain all records relating to an event for one year after the event; and

(b) provide the commission with a copy of the records when requested by the commission.

PART 4
CONTESTANTS

Contestant restrictions

29(1)   Unless authorized by the commission, a person must not participate as a contestant in more than 10 contests in a 12-month period.

Restriction if person knocked out

29(2)   A person who was knocked unconscious within 60 days before an event must not be a contestant in the event.

Medical information

30   A contestant must provide the commission with the following information at least three days before their contest:

(a) a copy of a report prepared by a physician following a physical examination of the contestant that took place not more than 90 days before their contest that addresses the matters set out in the model physical examination report approved by the commission and posted on the commission's website;

(b) a copy of a report prepared by an optometrist or ophthalmologist following a complete ophthalmologic examination of the contestant that took place not more than 90 days before their contest that addresses the matters specified in the model eye examination report approved by the commission and posted on the commission's website;

(c) a copy of test results for HIV, Hepatitis B (antigen test) and Hepatitis C from tests that took place not more than 90 days before their contest;

(d) in the case of a female contestant, a copy of a negative pregnancy test conducted by a physician that took place not more than seven days before their contest.

Pre-contest medical examinations

31(1)   A contestant must

(a) submit to a pre-contest medical examination conducted by a medical advisor; and

(b) undergo any medical test required by a medical advisor that may be indicated by the past or present medical condition of the contestant.

Contestant must not compete if not medically fit

31(2)   A contestant must not compete in a contest if the medical advisor determines that the contestant is not medically fit to compete.

Weigh-in

32   Unless exempted by the commission, a contestant must attend a weigh-in at a date, time and location specified by the commission.

Reporting to dressing room

33   A contestant must

(a) report to their dressing room at least two hours before their contest is scheduled to begin; and

(b) remain in their dressing room until a dressing room supervisor or other commission representative orders the contestant to go to the ring.

Prohibited substances

34   A contestant must not use a prohibited substance unless the contestant has a therapeutic use exemption certificate under section 35.

Therapeutic use exemption

35(1)   A contestant with a documented medical condition requiring the use of a prohibited substance must, at their expense, obtain a therapeutic use exemption certificate in order to use the prohibited substance before or during a contest.

Obtaining therapeutic use exemption

35(2)   The contestant must provide the commission with a therapeutic use exemption certificate issued by an organization that processes therapeutic use exemption requests in accordance with the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions developed by the World Anti-Doping Agency at the time they apply for a licence or as soon after that time as they obtain their exemption certificate.

Uniform and equipment

36(1)   A contestant must

(a) wear trunks that do not extend above the waistline or reach below the knee;

(b) in the case of a female contestant, wear a sports bra or a rash guard that is tight-fitting and either sleeveless or short-sleeved;

(c) in the case of a male contestant, wear a foul-proof guard of a type that provides sufficient protection to withstand a low blow that might incapacitate the contestant; and

(d) use a properly fitted mouthpiece.

Prohibited equipment

36(2)   A contestant must not wear shoes with spikes, cleats, hard soles, hard heels or hard laced tips.

Prohibited items

37   A contestant must not wear or use any of the following items during a contest:

(a) contact lenses;

(b) eyeglasses;

(c) dentures;

(d) individual removable false teeth;

(e) a watch, ring, earring, bracelet, charm or necklace;

(f) a headband or hair net;

(g) a hearing aid;

(h) any plastic or metallic attachment to their trunks;

(i) gauze, a band-aid or a dressing to the face, scalp, neck, arm, back or chest area;

(j) a plaster or fibreglass cast;

(k) a metal brace;

(l) butterfly or skin suture bandages on the face, scalp, neck, arm, back or chest area;

(m) suture material of any kind on the face, ear, scalp, neck or chest;

(n) subcuticular sutures on the face, ear, neck or chest;

(o) collodion or a similar substance.

Requirements for hand wrapping

38(1)   Bandages must not be applied to a contestant's hands unless the bandages have been approved by commission staff and are applied in accordance with this section.

Soft gauze bandages

38(2)   There are no restrictions on the use of soft gauze bandages on a contestant's hands.

Tape length

38(3)   Not more than 10 feet (3.05 m) of adhesive surgical tape that is not more than one inch (2.5 cm) in width may be applied to a contestant's hand.

Tape near knuckles

38(4)   The binding of adhesive surgical tape must not be applied within one inch (2.5 cm) from the knuckles of a contestant's hand, except for a single strand of tape placed between the digits.

Tape on back of hand

38(5)   Before bandaging the hands, adhesive surgical tape may be placed across the back of each hand, provided no more than six inches (15.2 cm) of tape that is one inch (2.5 cm) in width is used for each hand, and no tape is placed across the knuckles.

Use of substances on bandages prohibited

38(6)   A contestant's hands or bandages must not be coated with any substance.

Examining and approving bandaging

39(1)   A dressing room supervisor or another representative of the commission must be present when a contestant's hands are bandaged.

Opponent representative may be present

39(2)   A representative of a contestant's opponent is entitled to be present during the bandaging process, including the placement of gloves on the hands of a contestant.

Gloves for boxing contest

40(1)   The contestants in a professional boxing contest must use thumbless or restricted thumb gloves without seams of the following weights:

(a) 8-ounce (226.8 g) gloves for the strawweight class up to the welterweight class;

(b) 10-ounce (283.5 g) gloves for all other weight classes.

Gloves for mixed martial arts contests

40(2)   The contestants in a professional or amateur mixed martial arts contest must use fingerless gloves that weigh between four and eight ounces (113.4 and 226.8 g).

Gloves for professional kickboxing and Muay Thai contests

40(3)   The contestants in a professional kickboxing or Muay Thai contest must use thumbless or restricted thumb gloves without seams of the following weights:

(a) 8-ounce (226.8 g) gloves for the strawweight class up to the featherweight class;

(b) 10-ounce (283.5 g) gloves for all other weight classes.

Gloves for amateur kickboxing and Muay Thai contests

40(4)   The contestants in an amateur kickboxing or Muay Thai contest must use thumbless or restricted thumb gloves without seams of the following weights:

(a) 10-ounce (283.5 g) gloves for the strawweight class up to the featherweight class;

(b) 12-ounce (340.2 g) gloves for all other weight classes.

Padding

40(5)   The padding of the gloves must not be displaced or broken.

Laces

40(6)   Any laces on the gloves must be knotted on the back of the gloves and a one-inch (2.5 cm) wide strip of adhesive tape must be placed over the laces.

Inspection and approval of gloves

40(7)   The promoter must bring the gloves for each contest to the weigh-in. Commission staff must inspect the gloves and require the promoter to provide new gloves if the initial set of gloves is not acceptable.

PART 5
MATCHMAKERS, SECONDS AND TRAINERS

Matchmakers

41(1)   The matchmaker for an event must ensure that

(a) the contestants in each contest are suitable competitors based on experience, competitive record and weight; and

(b) a contestant is not subject to a medical suspension or a licence suspension in Manitoba or another jurisdiction.

Declaration

41(2)   The matchmaker for a professional event must give the promoter a signed declaration confirming that the selected contestants for each contest are suitable competitors at least 14 days before the event. If a substitute contestant is proposed for a professional contest, the matchmaker must give the promoter a signed declaration respecting the new contestants at the time the substitute is proposed.

Seconds and trainers

42(1)   The referee must ensure that the only persons who are present in a contestant's corner during a contest are the contestant's trainer and not more than two seconds.

Entering ring

42(2)   The only person who may enter the ring between rounds is a contestant's trainer or one of the contestant's seconds. This person

(a) must not enter the ring until the timekeeper signals the end of a round; and

(b) must leave the ring when the bell sounds for the beginning of a round and remove any obstructions from the ring.

Conduct requirements

42(3)   A contestant's trainer and any second must remain seated during rounds and must not interfere with the contest in any way.

Restrictions

42(4)   A contestant's trainer and any second must not apply

(a) Monsel's solution (ferric subsulfate) or any of its derivatives on their contestant before the contest or between rounds; or

(b) water to a contestant's body, other than to spray water into a contestant's mouth.

Permitted items

42(5)   A trainer or second may use only the following items on their contestant during a contest:

(a) thrombin, Avitene and thrombin-soaked pads;

(b) epinephrine 1:1000 solution, but only for topical hemostasis of cuts and nosebleeds;

(c) petroleum jelly, but only around the eyes, on the bridge of the nose and behind the ears;

(d) gauze pads;

(e) adhesive surgical tape;

(f) water;

(g) towels;

(h) cotton swabs;

(i) ice;

(j) bandage scissors.

Grease

42(6)   A trainer or second must not apply grease or any other substance on their contestant's body other than petroleum jelly around the eyes, the bridge of the nose and behind the ears.

Non-compliance

43   The referee or an inspector may order that a trainer or second be removed from the event venue if the trainer or second fails to comply with section 42.

PART 6
VENUES AND EQUIPMENT

VENUES

Venue

44(1)   An event may be held only in the venue specified in the event permit.

Posting event permit

44(2)   The promoter must post the event permit in a prominent location at the venue on the day of the event.

Dressing rooms

45(1)   A promoter must provide suitable dressing rooms for all contestants. Opposing contestants must have separate dressing rooms.

Required items in dressing rooms

45(2)   The promoter must ensure that each dressing room has a sufficient supply of bottled water, towels and ice.

Restricted entry to dressing rooms

45(3)   Unless the commission directs otherwise, the only persons who may be in a dressing room before a contest are the contestant, their trainer and any second, the promoter, the ring physician, the dressing room supervisors and commission staff.

RINGS AND FENCED AREAS

Boxing rings

46(1)   The promoter of a boxing contest must provide a ring that meets the requirements of this section.

Size

46(2)   The ring must be a square that is not less than 256 square feet (23.8 m²) and not more than 576 square feet (53.5 m²) within the ropes.

Floor

46(3)   The floor of the ring must extend at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) beyond the ropes.

Padding

46(4)   The floor of the ring must be padded with a one-inch (2.5 cm) layer of elastomeric foam or a similar material that is placed over a one-inch (2.5 cm) base of building board or other suitable material.

Padding cover

46(5)   The padding must be covered with canvas, duck or a similar material tightly stretched and laced securely in place under the ring apron.

Ropes

46(6)   The ring must have four ropes that are not less than one inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The ropes must be strung tightly at heights between 18 inches to 54 inches (45.7 cm to 137.2 cm).

Corner posts

46(7)   The ring must have four metal corner posts that are padded and covered with a protective material at their upper end.

Ring ties

46(8)   The ring ropes must be secured on all sides by two ties equidistant from the corner posts so that the ropes cannot be separated farther apart than they are at the corner posts.

Rings or fenced areas for mixed martial arts contests

47   The promoter of a mixed martial arts, kickboxing or Muay Thai contest must provide

(a) a ring that meets the requirements of section 46, with the exception that the ring must have five ropes; or

(b) a fenced area that meets the requirements of section 48.

Requirements for fenced areas

48   The fenced area for a mixed martial arts, kickboxing or Muay Thai contest must meet the following requirements:

(a) the fenced area must be circular or have at least six equal sides and must not be smaller than 324 square feet (30.1 m²) and not larger than 1024 square feet (95.1 m²);

(b) the floor of the fenced area must be padded with a one-inch (2.5 cm) layer of elastomeric foam or a similar material and the padding must be covered with canvas or a similar material tightly stretched and laced securely to the platform of the fenced area;

(c) material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges must not be used for the floor;

(d) the platform of the fenced area must be not more than four feet (1.2 m) above the floor of the building and must have suitable steps for the use of the contestants;

(e) fence posts must be made of metal measuring not more than six inches (15.2 cm) in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to between five and seven feet (1.5 and 2.1 m) above the floor of the fenced area, and must be properly padded in a manner approved by the commission;

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

(g) any metal portion of the fenced area must be covered and padded in a manner approved by the commission and must not be abrasive to the contestants;

(h) the fenced area must have

(i) two entrances, or

(ii) one entrance that opens outward or lifts upward.

EQUIPMENT

Equipment

49   A promoter must provide

(a) the following at each contestant's corner:

(i) a stool,

(ii) a set of steps placed diagonally at the corner of the ring,

(iii) a clean bucket and cuspidor,

(iv) a shallow tray of ground resin;

(b) tables and chairs for the judges, the ring physician, the timekeeper and the scorekeeper;

(c) a gong or similar device approved by the commission;

(d) a set of steps to a neutral corner for use by the ring physician; and

(e) bottled water and towels.

PART 7
OFFICIALS

GENERAL

Officials

50(1)   The commission must appoint the following officials for each contest:

(a) a referee;

(b) three judges;

(c) a timekeeper;

(d) a scorekeeper;

(e) a ring physician;

(f) not less than two dressing room supervisors for each dressing room.

Replacement official

50(2)   If an official becomes incapacitated during a contest, a replacement may be appointed if a qualified person is available.

Requirements

50(3)   Except as permitted by subsection 54(5), a contest must not begin or continue unless there is a referee, three judges, a timekeeper and a ring physician at ringside.

No disclosure of judges or referees

51   Unless authorized by the commission, a person must not disclose the identity of a judge or referee for a contest before the start of the contest.

REFEREE

Role of referee

52(1)   The referee is the chief official at a contest and is responsible for the general supervision of the contest. The referee has authority to make decisions on any matter that is not specifically addressed by this regulation.

Uniform

52(2)   The referee must wear a uniform specified by the commission.

Referee incapacitated

52(3)   If the referee is incapacitated during a contest, the contest is suspended until the referee is able to resume officiating or a replacement referee is appointed.

TIMEKEEPER

Role of timekeeper

53(1)   The timekeeper for a contest must

(a) ensure that each round of a contest is the required duration;

(b) time the length of any knockdown; and

(c) stop the timing of a round for the examination of a contestant by the ring physician or any other interruption of the contest.

Seating and equipment

53(2)   The timekeeper must be

(a) seated adjacent to the ring apron on the side of the ring not occupied by any of the judges; and

(b) equipped with a gong or similar device, a whistle and a stopwatch.

Timing end of contest

53(3)   If a contest is ended before the scheduled number of rounds ends, the timekeeper must inform the ring announcer of the exact duration of the contest.

Gong signals beginning and end of round

53(4)   The timekeeper must indicate the beginning and end of each round by striking a gong.

Notice of start of round

53(5)   The timekeeper must notify the contestants about the start of a round by blowing a whistle or activating electronic equipment 10 seconds before the start of each round.

Counting knockdown

53(6)   When a knockdown occurs, the timekeeper must immediately stand and announce each of the 10 seconds as they elapse.

Stopping clock

53(7)   If the contest is stopped to enable the ring physician to examine a contestant, the timekeeper must stop the clock when the physician enters the ring and not restart it until directed by the referee.

JUDGES

Role of judges

54(1)   Each judge at a contest must

(a) watch every phase of the contest;

(b) score the contest in accordance with the requirements of this regulation; and

(c) make a decision if the contest lasts the number of scheduled rounds.

Seating

54(2)   Each judge must be seated beside the ring. Each judge must be seated on a different side of the ring and another person must not be seated within one metre from a judge.

Fouls

54(3)   If requested by the referee, a judge must assist in determining whether a foul was committed by a contestant.

Notice to referee

54(4)   A judge may bring any relevant matter to the attention of the referee at the end of a round.

Judge incapacitated

54(5)   If a judge is incapacitated during a contest, the referee must act as a judge.

Scoring contest

55(1)   At the conclusion of a contest, each judge must give their completed scorecard to the referee, who must then give the scorecards to the scorekeeper.

Majority decision

55(2)   If no knockout or technical knockout occurs in a contest, the winner is to be determined based on a majority of the decisions of the judges.

Judge's decision

55(3)   The scorekeeper must tally the points awarded by a judge to each contestant. The contestant who is awarded the most points by a judge is determined to be the winner by the judge. If each contestant is awarded an equal number of points by a judge, the judge determined the contest to be a draw.

Draw

55(4)   A contest must be declared a draw if

(a) two or three judges score the contest as a draw; or

(b) one judge scores the contest as a draw and the other two judges determine different contestants to be the winner.

Recording and announcing decision

56(1)   The scorekeeper must record each judge's determination on the judge's scorecard and then sign the scorecard.

Scorecards to ring announcer

56(2)   After signing the scorecards, the scorekeeper must give the signed scorecards to the ring announcer.

Announcing decision

56(3)   The ring announcer must announce each judge's decision from the ring, including the total points awarded to each contestant by each judge.

DRESSING ROOM SUPERVISORS

Dressing room supervisors

57(1)   The commission must appoint four or more persons to serve as dressing room supervisors for an event.

Minimum number of dressing room supervisors

57(2)   Two or more dressing room supervisors must be assigned to each dressing room.

Role

57(3)   A dressing room supervisor must monitor a contestant before their contest and ensure that only authorized persons enter the dressing room before the contest.

MEDICAL ADVISORS AND RING PHYSICIANS

Medical advisors

58(1)   The commission must appoint one or more physicians to act as medical advisor to the commission.

Role

58(2)   The medical advisor is responsible for

(a) determining if an applicant for a contestant licence is medically fit to participate in a contest; and

(b) conducting pre-contest medical examinations.

Notice if contestant not medically fit

59(1)   A medical advisor must notify the commission if the advisor determines that a contestant is not medically fit to compete following a pre-contest medical examination.

Contest must not take place if contestant not medically fit

59(2)   A contest must not proceed if the medical advisor determines that a contestant is not medically fit to compete.

Ring physician

60(1)   The commission must appoint a physician as the ring physician for a contest.

Role

60(2)   The ring physician is responsible for determining whether a contestant is able to continue to compete in a contest.

Seating

60(3)   The ring physician must be seated at ringside during a contest. The ring physician must either be seated alone or be accompanied by another physician.

Entering ring

60(4)   The ring physician may enter the ring during a contest to examine a contestant if

(a) the referee calls time and requests the ring physician to examine a contestant; or

(b) the ring physician directs the timekeeper to call time.

Notice to referee if contestant not fit to continue

60(5)   The ring physician must direct the referee to stop the contest if the ring physician determines that a contestant is not able to continue after examining the contestant in the ring.

When contestant fit to continue

60(6)   If the ring physician determines that the contestant is able to continue in the contest after examining the contestant in the ring, the ring physician must advise the referee. The referee must then give the order to resume the contest.

Injuries during a contest

61(1)   If a contestant suffers a serious injury during a contest, the ring physician must immediately provide emergency treatment to the contestant. The ring physician may direct the contestant to attend a hospital or undergo any other treatment the ring physician considers necessary.

Directing treatment

61(2)   If a contestant is knocked unconscious or suffers a technical knockout, the ring physician must direct the contestant to undergo a clinical examination at a hospital or by a specified physician.

Compliance with directions

61(3)   A contestant must comply with a direction made by the ring physician under this section.

PART 8
WEIGHT CLASSES AND WEIGH-INS

Weight classes for professional boxing

62(1)   The following weight classes are established for professional boxing contests:

Weight classes for mixed martial arts, kickboxing and Muay Thai

62(2)   The following weight classes are established for mixed martial arts, kickboxing and Muay Thai contests:

Restriction re super heavyweight contests in mixed martial arts, kickboxing and Muay Thai

62(3)   There must not be more than a 10-pound (4.5 kg) weight difference between the contestants in a super heavyweight contest in mixed martial arts, kickboxing and Muay Thai.

Weigh-ins

63(1)   The weigh-in for a contest must take place at a time and location specified by the commission. The weigh-in must take place 24 to 30 hours before the scheduled start of the contest unless otherwise authorized by the commission.

Scales

63(2)   The commission must provide the scale to be used at a weigh-in.

Scales available before weigh-in

63(3)   The commission must make the scale available to each contestant not less than two hours before the official weigh-in, during which time the contestants may weigh themselves on the scale.

Weigh-in procedure

63(4)   Each contestant must be weighed by a commission staff person in the presence of their opponent and a representative of the commission.

Additional time to make weight

63(5)   A contestant who does not meet the stipulated weight for their weight class must be given one additional hour after the weigh-in to attain the stipulated weight.

PART 9
CONDUCT OF CONTESTS

Conduct of professional boxing contests

64   Subject to the Act and this regulation, a professional boxing contest must be conducted, officiated and judged in accordance with the Unified Rules of Boxing approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, as amended from time to time.

Conduct of professional mixed martial arts contests

65   Subject to the Act and this regulation, a professional mixed martial arts contest must be conducted, officiated and judged in accordance with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, as amended from time to time.

Conduct of amateur mixed martial arts contests

66(1)   Subject to the Act and this regulation, an amateur mixed martial arts contest must be conducted, officiated and judged in accordance with the Unified Rules of Amateur Mixed Martial Arts approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, as amended from time to time.

No head strikes on grounded opponent

66(2)   All head strikes to a grounded opponent are prohibited in an amateur mixed martial arts contest.

Conduct of professional kickboxing contests

67   Subject to the Act and this regulation, a professional kickboxing contest must be conducted, officiated and judged in accordance with the Unified Rules of Professional Kickboxing approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, as amended from time to time.

Conduct of amateur kickboxing contests

68   Subject to the Act and this regulation, an amateur kickboxing contest must be conducted, officiated and judged in accordance with the Unified Rules of Amateur Kickboxing approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, as amended from time to time.

Conduct of professional Muay Thai contests

69   Subject to the Act and this regulation, a professional Muay Thai contest must be conducted, officiated and judged in accordance with the Unified Rules for Muay Thai approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, as amended from time to time.

Conduct of amateur Muay Thai contests

70   Subject to the Act and this regulation, an amateur Muay Thai contest must be conducted, officiated and judged in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for International Competition adopted by the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations, as amended from time to time.

PART 10
LICENCE SUSPENSIONS

Licence suspension for knockout

71(1)   If a contestant is knocked out or suffers a technical knockout due to blows to the head, the contestant's licence is suspended for 60 days after the date of the knockout or for any longer period specified by a medical advisor.

Licence suspension for two knockouts

71(2)   If a contestant suffers two consecutive knockouts or technical knockouts due to blows to the head or suffers two knockouts or technical knockouts due to blows to the head within a six-month period, the contestant's licence is suspended for 180 days after the date of the second knockout or for any longer period specified by a medical advisor.

Licence suspension for three knockouts

71(3)   If a contestant suffers three consecutive knockouts or technical knockouts due to blows to the head or suffers three knockouts or technical knockouts due to blows to the head within a one-year period, the contestant's licence is suspended for one year after the date of the third knockout or for any longer period specified by a medical advisor.

Licence suspension for technical knockout due to cuts or body blows

71(4)   If a contestant suffers a technical knockout due to a cut or blows to the body, the contestant's licence may be suspended for a period specified by a medical advisor.

Ineligibility to hold new licence

72   If a contestant's licence expires before a suspension period imposed under section 71 ends, the contestant is not eligible to hold a new licence until their suspension period ends.

Medical report if contestant knocked out

73(1)   A person who was knocked out in their last contest must not compete in a contest until they provide the commission with a medical report from a neurologist, a certified sport medicine physician or another physician with qualifications satisfactory to the commission that certifies that the person is medically fit to be a contestant.

Suspension still applies

73(2)   For certainty, a person who is the subject of a medical report under subsection (1) is not eligible to be a contestant until any licence suspension period under section 71 ends.

PART 11
CONDUCT OF JIU-JITSU CONTESTS AND EVENTS

Overview

74(1)   This Part sets out the rules that govern the conduct of jiu-jitsu contests and events.

Other provisions that apply

74(2)   For certainty, the provisions of this regulation that are not specifically exempted by subsection 3(1) apply to jiu-jitsu contests and events.

Required licences

75   A person must hold a valid licence to be a contestant in a jiu-jitsu contest or act as the promoter of a jiu-jitsu event.

Event plan

76(1)   A promoter applying for an event permit for an event consisting only of jiu-jitsu contests must provide the commission with an event plan respecting the proposed event.

Contents of event plan

76(2)   The event plan must set out the manner in which the proposed jiu-jitsu event will be conducted and must address the following matters:

(a) the format of the proposed event;

(b) any proposed variances to the rules governing contests at the event that may be permitted under subsection 80(2);

(c) any prizes or purses payable to contestants;

(d) the anticipated number of spectators;

(e) the design and organization of the venue for the event, including the number and location of match areas, dressing rooms and security or crowd control measures;

(f) weigh-ins for contestants;

(g) the provision of referees and other officials for the event;

(h) medical personnel at the event;

(i) any other matter specified by the commission.

Approval of event plan

77   An event permit for a jiu-jitsu event must not be issued unless the commission has approved the promoter's event plan. The commission may require the promoter to make specified changes to an event plan before approving the event plan.

Event conducted in accordance with event plan

78   An approved event plan for a jiu-jitsu event must be attached to the event permit. It is a condition of every event permit that the event must be conducted in accordance with the approved event plan unless the commission has authorized a departure from the approved event plan.

Contestant information

79   The promoter of a jiu-jitsu event must provide the commission with the names and contact information for all contestants not later than three days before the event.

Conduct of jiu-jitsu contests

80(1)   Subject to the Act and this regulation, a jiu-jitsu contest must be conducted, officiated and judged in accordance with the Rules Book and the General Competition Guidelines adopted by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, as amended from time to time.

Varying rules

80(2)   The commission may approve an event plan that varies the requirements of subsection (1) with respect to the manner in which jiu-jitsu contests at the event are conducted, including requirements that relate to scoring or uniforms, if the commission is satisfied that the variation does not affect the level of safety for contestants.

PART 12
REPEAL AND COMING INTO FORCE

Repeal

81   The Combative Sports Regulation, Manitoba Regulation 8/2017, is repealed.

Coming into force

82   This regulation comes into force on the same day that The Combative Sports Amendment Act, S.M. 2023, c. 31, comes into force.