Department of State Division of Publications

For Department of State Use Only

312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., 8th Floor, Snodgrass/TN Tower Nashville, TN 37243 Phone: 615-741-2650 Email: publications.information@tn.gov

Proposed Rule(s) Filing Form

Sequence Number:

Rule ID(s):

File Date:

Effective Date:

q'l,J-\q - "f 1~0 vJl}f?i\1

Proposed rules are submitted pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-207, and 4-5-229 in lieu of a rulemaking hearing. It is the intent of the Agency to promulgate these rules without a rulemaking hearing unless a petition requesting such hearing is filed within ninety (90) days of the filing of the proposed rule with the Secretary of State. To be effective, the petition must be filed with the Agency and be signed by ten (10) persons who will be affected by the amendments, or submitted by a municipality which will be affected by the amendments, or an association of ten (10) or more members, or any standing committee of the General Assembly. The agency shall forward such petition to the Secretary of State.

Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-5-229, any new fee or fee increase promulgated by state agency rule shall take effect on July 1, following the expiration of the ninety (90) day period as provided in § 4-5-207. This section shall not apply to rules that implement new fees or fee increases that are promulgated as emergency rules pursuant to § 4-5-208(a) and to subsequent rules that make permanent such emergency rules, as amended during the rulemaking process. In addition, this section shall not apply to state agencies that did not, during the preceding two (2) fiscal years, collect fees in an amount sufficient to pay the cost of operating the board, commission or entity in accordance with § 4-29-121 (b).

Agency/Board/Commission: Division:

Contact Person: Address:

Zip: Phone: Email:

Tennessee Athletic Commission , Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance

Pamela Spic:er 500 Jc1mes Robertson Parkway 37243 (§15} 7 41 -3072 Parrielcl '. §picer@tn.gov

Revision Type (check all that apply): x Amendment

New Repeal

Rule(s) (ALL chapters and rules contained in filing must be listed here. If needed, copy and paste additional tables to accommodate multiple chapters. Please make sure that ALL new rule and repealed rule numbers are listed in the chart below. Please enter only ONE Rule Number/Rule Title per row)

Chapter Numl>~r 0145-02 Rule Number 0145-02-.06 0145-02-.19

C_hapter T~tle PrQfessional 13oxing Rule Title _F> '.otectivef;q LI i prr,~nt Female (3-g)_(ing __

Chapter Title Kickbo_)(ir,g and Mixed Martial Arts Rule Title

SS-7038 (October 2018) 1 RDA 1693

Chapter 0145-02 Professional Boxing

Amendments

Table of Contents Chapter 0145-02 is amended by redesignating 0145-02-.19 "Female Boxing" as "Contestants of Opposite Sexes" so that, as amended, the Table of Contents shall read :

0145-02-.01 Applicability 0145-02-.02 Ring 0145-02-.03 Bell 0145-02-.04 Bandages 0145-02-.05 Gloves 0145-02-.06 Protective Equipment 0145-02-.07 Shoes 0145-02-.08 Weight Classifications 0145-02-.09 Seconds 0145-02-.10 Referees 0145-02-.11 Timekeepers 0145-02-. 12 Scoring

Table of Contents

0145-02-.13 Knockdown and Knockout 0145-02-.14 Technical Knockout 0145-02-.15 No Contest 0145-02-.16 Stimulants 0145-02-. 17 Time Limitations 0145-02-.18 Resolution of Disputes 0145-02-. 19 Contestants of Opposite Sexes 0145-02-.20 Foul Related Injuries 0145-02-.21 Boxer Identification Card 0145-02-. 22 Federal Standards

Rule 0145-02-.06 Protective Equipment is amended by renumbering paragraph (2) as paragraph (3), and adding a new paragraph (2) so that the rule shall read:

(1) Each boxer shall be equipped with, and use throughout the bout:

(a) Equipment which will preclude any claim of incapacity due to low blows; and

(b) A custom-made, individually fabricated mouth guard; provided, however, that a referee shall not call time for the purpose of replacing any mouthpiece which is knocked out or dropped during a bout.

(2) Female boxers may wear a breast protector.

(3) Each referee and all seconds (including a manager acting as a second) shall be equipped with surgical gloves which shall be worn throughout the bout.

Authority: Chapter 1149 of the Public Acts of 2008, § 2 and T.C.A. § 68-115-201.

Rule 0145-02-.19 Female Boxing shall be redesignated as "Contestants of Opposite Sexes" and is amended by deleting paragraph (2) in its entirety so that, as amended, the rule shall read:

Bouts between contestants of opposite sexes are prohibited.

Authority: T.C.A. § 68-115-201 .

0145-03 Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts Amendments

Rule 0145-03-. 02 Ring is amended by deleting the language "Vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering shall not be permitted" and adding new language to subparagraph 2(a) so that as amended, the rule shall read:

SS-7038 (October 2018) 2 RDA 1693

All kickboxing and mix martial arts contests or events shall be conducted in rings as follows:

(1) For kickboxing contests or events, the ring or fighting area shall meet the following requirements:

(a) The ring shall be not less than seventeen feet (17') square within the ropes. The ring floor shall extend beyond the ropes not less than eighteen inches (18"). Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform. Such floor shall be padded with a one (1) inch layer of Ensolite (or the equivalent) placed over a one (1) inch base of building board or other suitable material. The padding shall be covered with canvas, duck, or similar material tightly stretched and laced securely in place under the apron.

(b) The ring platform shall not be more than four feet (4') above the floor of the building, and shall be equipped with suitable steps for use by combatants. Ring posts shall be metal, not more than four inches (4") in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a height of fifty-eight inches (58") above the ring floor, and shall be properly padded.

(c) Ring ropes shall be at least four (4) in number, not less than one inch (1") in diameter; the lower rope eighteen inches (18") above the ring floor, the second rope thirty inches (30") above the ring floor, the third rope forty-two inches (42") above the ring floor, and the fourth rope fifty-four inches (54") above the ring floor. The lower rope shall have applied around it a padding of a thickness of not less than one-half inch (½") and of a type and construction to be approved by the Commission.

(2) For all other types of mixed martial arts bouts, the ring or fighting area shall meet the requirements set forth in this section as follows:

(a) The ring or fighting area shall be no smaller than twenty feet (20') by twenty feet (20') and no larger than thirty-two feet (32') by thirty-two (32'). A ring enclosed by ropes shall be square. The ring floor or floor of the fighting area enclosed by ropes shall extend at least twenty inches (20") beyond the ropes . The ring floor or floor of the fighting area shall be padded with a one-inch (1 ") layer of Ensolite (or the equivalent) placed over a one-inch (1") base of building board or other suitable material. Padding shall extend beyond the ring or fighting area and over the edge of the platform. The ring or fighting area shall have a canvas covering or similar material, tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Materials made up of one hundred percent (100%) vinyl or one hundred percent (100%) plastic rubberized covering shall not be permitted. Blended materials may be accepted if approved by the Commission, the Executive Director, or the Executive Director's designee prior to use at a contest. Blended materials include those of which the surface contains a combination of vinyl or similar synthetic materials. The Executive Director or the Executive Director's designee shall make a determination of approval based upon whether or not the material creates an unreasonable risk of harm to any combatant that is not present with the use of standard canvas or duct type material. Such danger shall include, but is not limited to: slipping , falling, or tears that could create lacerations to the body. The Executive Director may publish a list of material blends that have previously been determined as acceptable by the Commission. There shall not be any obstruction or object, including but not limited to a triangular border, on any part of the ring floor.

(b) The ring platform shall not be more than four feet (4') above the floor of the building. A ring enclosed by ropes shall have three (3) sets of suitable steps or ramps, one for use by each of the combatants and one for use by the officials. A ring enclosed by a fence shall have two (2) sets of suitable steps or ramps for use by the combatants and the officials. Ringside tables shall be no higher than ring platform level. Ring posts for a ring enclosed by ropes shall be metal, not less than three inches (3") nor more than six inches (6") in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a maximum height of six inches (6") above the highest horizontal rope above the ring floor. Ring posts for a ring enclosed by ropes shall be separated from the ring ropes by at least eighteen inches (18"). The posts for a ring enclosed by a fence shall extend from the floor to the top of the fighting area and shall be no less than sixty-six inches (66") and no more than seventy­eight inches (78") above the floor of the fighting area. All posts shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the Commission.

SS-7038 (October 2018) 3 RDA 1693

(c) The ring shall be enclosed by either of the following:

(1) A fence made of such material as will not allow a combatant to fall out or break through it on to the floor or spectators, including but not limited to vinyl-coated chain link. However, the enclosure shall not obstruct or limit the supervision and regulation of the bout by the officials or Commission representatives. All metal parts shall be covered and padded in a manner approved by the Commission and shall not be abrasive to the combatants; or

(2) Four (4) or Five (5) horizontal ropes not less than 1 inch (1") in diameter and wrapped in soft material. In the event a four (4) rope ring is used, the spacing of the ropes shall be that specified in Rule 0145-02-.02(4). In the event a five (5) rope ring is used, the lowest rope shall be not less than five inches (5") nor more than eight (8") inches above the floor. The second rope shall be not less than eight inches (8") nor more than twelve inches (12") above the lowest rope. The top three (3) ropes shall be spaced equal distance apart and not less than twelve inches (12") nor more than fourteen inches (14") from each other. The lowest rope shall have a padding of a thickness of not less than one-half inch (½") applied around it. The horizontal ropes shall be tied together by vertical ropes not less than one-fourth inch (¼") in diameter. If a ring is less than twenty-four feet (24') by twenty-four feet (24'), there shall be two (2) vertical ropes, spaced equal distance apart, on each side of the ring. If a ring is twenty-four feet (24') by twenty-four (24') or greater, there shall be three (3) vertical ropes, spaced equal distance apart, on each side of the ring. The lowest portion of each vertical rope, between the lowest horizontal rope and second rope, shall have a padding of a thickness of not less than one-fourth inch (¼") applied around them.

Authority: Chapter 1149 of the Public Acts of 2008, § 2 and T.C.A. § 68-115-201.

SS-7038 (October 2018) 4 RDA 1693

* If a roll-call vote was necessary, the vote by the Agency on these rules was as follows:

Board Member Aye No Abstain Absent Signature (if required)

Donald Wynn X

Steve Hannah X

Dr. Christy Halbert X

Patrick Wrenn X

I certify that this is an accurate and complete copy of proposed rules, lawfully promulgated and adopted by the (board/commission/other authority) on December 17, 2018, and is in compliance with the provisions of T.C.A. § 4-5-222. The Secretary of State is hereby instructed that, in the absence of a petition for proposed rules being filed under the conditions set out herein and in the locations described, he is to treat the proposed rules as being placed on file in his office as rules at the expiration of ninety (90) days of the filing of the proposed rule with the Secretary of State.

. Dat~ _j}.,f;/ ~ S1gnatur~

Name of Officer: _P_a_m_e_la_S~p_ic_e_r _______________ _

Title of Officer: Assistant General Counsel

Subscribed and sworn to before me on: 7/2.3/ 20 Ill Notary Public Signature:

My commission expires on: _tq__,_/_1~/_2_0_2~j _________ _

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Agency/Board/Commission: Tennessee Athletic Commission

Rule Chapter Number(s): _01_4_5_-0_2 __________________________ _

All proposed rules provided for herein have been examined by the Attorney General and Reporter of the State of Tennessee and are approved as to legality pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 5.

Department of State Use Only

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SS-7038 (October 2018)

Filed with the Department of State on:

Effective on:

6

Herbert H. SI ery Ill Attorney General and Reporter

s/z.r/4017 / Date

Tre Hargett Secretary of State

RDA 1693

Regulatory Flexibility Addendum

Pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 4-5-401 through 4-5-404, prior to initiating the rule making process, all agencies shall conduct a review of whether a proposed rule or rule affects small business.

(1) The type or types of small business and an identification and estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the proposed rule that would bear the cost of. or directly benefit from, the proposed rule.

The Tennessee Athletic Commission has two hundred twenty-six (226) licensed combatants, one hundred and three (103) ring officials, four hundred and thirty-five (435) seconds and eleven (11) promoters/managers. Any of these licensees that either works with or is themselves a female boxer will benefit by being given the opportunity to choose whether they wish to purchase and utilize breast protectors. Additionally, all will benefit from the cohesive application of rules between the State of Tennessee and the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC). These rules will also create a benefit to those engaging in this field by allowing a more flexible regulation on the usage of mats and by providing further guidance.

(2) The projected reporting, recordkeeping and other administrative costs required for compliance with the proposed rule, including the type of professional skills necessary for preparation of the report or record.

There are no projected reporting, recordkeeping, or other administrative costs required for the compliance with the proposed amendments.

(3) A statement of the probable effect on impacted small businesses and consumers.

Individual boxers and associated promoters will likely save money based on the lack of necessity of purchasing breast protectors, and instead, making it a choice based on the individual boxer's preferences. These rule amendments would also impact a large number of small business promoters by providing them with greater flexibility and options in purchasing and utilizing new type mats and ring setups while maintaining safety. Consumers may be affected by more contests available for viewing in the state due to more flexible regulation regarding mats due to their cost of purchase.

(4) A description of any less burdensome, less intrusive or less costly alternative methods of achieving the purpose and objectives of the proposed rule that may exist. and to what extent the alternative means might be less burdensome to small business.

There are no known less burdensome alternatives to this amendment as this amendment relieves a burden rather than creates one. These rules also create greater flexibility on current regulations and do not require any recordkeeping, as such there is no additional cost created and therefore no less burdensome method could be created to achieve the purpose of these rules to benefit small businesses.

(5) A comparison of the proposed rule with any federal or state counterparts.

These amendments better align the Tennessee rules with the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) Unified Rules of Boxing since the ABC Regulatory Guidelines and Rules indicate that breast protectors should be optional to female boxers. The ABC Regulatory Guidelines and Rules indicate female boxing gloves shall be the same as those used by males, and heavier if agreed upon. Therefore, a separate Tennessee rule for female boxers regarding gloves is not required and is inconsistent with the ABC guidelines.

There are no known state or federal counterparts regarding ring requirements as it pertains to MMA or kickboxing which are the only contests addressed in these rules.

(6) Analysis of the effect of the possible exemption of small businesses from all or any part of the requirements contained in the proposed rule.

Exemption from these rules would not be expected to be beneficial for small businesses because adoption of these rules should have a net positive benefit for all Tennessee Athletic Commission licensees in the state.

SS-7038 (October 2018) 7 RDA 1693

Impact on Local Governments

Pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 4-5-220 and 4-5-228 "any rule proposed to be promulgated shall state in a simple declarative sentence, without additional comments on the merits of the policy of the rules or regulation, whether the rule or regulation may have a projected impact on local governments." (See Public Chapter Number 1070 (http://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/106/pub/pc1070.pdf) of the 2010 Session of the General Assembly)

There is no projected impact to Local Governments.

SS-7038 (October 2018) 8 RDA 1693

Additional Information Required by Joint Government Operations Committee

All agencies, upon filing a rule, must also submit the following pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-5-226(i)(1 ).

(A) A brief summary of the rule and a description of all relevant changes in previous regulations effectuated by such rule;

The amendments relocate the requirements related to breast protectors to the protective equipment section of the rules, and change the breast protectors from required to optional. This change is in line with the ABC Regulatory Guidelines and Rules for All. Additionally, female boxer glove weight requirements have been eliminated to allow female boxers to box with the same weight gloves as male boxers, which is also in line with ABC Regulatory Guidelines and Rules for All. The rule prohibits the use of vinyl mats for safety reasons, but the amendment clarifies further what blended materials may be used and what factors the Commission may look to in determining a safe fighting surface. The intent is to give promoters and organizers more information to make safe decisions. This also gives inspectors leeway to make safety determinations at the fight to avoid unnecessarily disruptinq an event if the mat, while containinq vinyl, appears safe.

(B) A citation to and brief description of any federal law or regulation or any state law or regulation mandating promulgation of such rule or establishing guidelines relevant thereto;

The ABC Regulatory Guidelines and Rules for All set out the national standards for boxing . The amendments proposed bring Tennessee rules into alignment with the ABC. There is no federal law or regulation or state law or regulation mandating promulgation of such rule or establishing guidelines.

(C) Identification of persons, organizations, corporations or governmental entities most directly affected by this rule, and whether those persons, organizations, corporations or governmental entities urge adoption or rejection of this rule;

These rule amendments will most directly affect female boxers and promoters/managers working with female boxers. It is anticipated female boxers and promoters would support the adoption of these amendments. Amateur organizations will most likely support the adoption of this rule. The Tennessee Athletic Commission urges the adoption of these rule amendments. These rule amendments related to vinyl mats will most directly affect amateur organizations and non-profit organizations such as the USA Olympic Team, USA Boxing, etc. Amateur organizations will most likely support the adoption of this rule. The Tennessee Athletic Commission urqes the adoption of these rule amendments

(D) Identification of any opinions of the attorney general and reporter or any judicial ruling that directly relates to the rule or the necessity to promulgate the rule;

There is no known opinion of the attorney general and reporter or any judicial ruling that directly relates to the rule or the necessit to romul ate the rule.

(E) An estimate of the probable increase or decrease in state and local government revenues and expenditures, if any, resulting from the promulgation of this rule, and assumptions and reasoning upon which the estimate is based. An agency shall not state that the fiscal impact is minimal if the fiscal impact is more than two percent (2%) of the agency's annual budget or five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), whichever is less;

The Tennessee Athletic Commission cannot determine any probable increase or decrease in state and local government revenues and expenditures resulting from the promulgation of these rule amendments .. It is expected that these rule amendments will increase the number of events conducted in Tennessee for amateur events; however, the amount of increase in revenue or expenditures to state and local Qovernment is unknown.

(F) Identification of the appropriate agency representative or representatives, possessing substantial knowledge and understanding of the rule;

I Pamela Spicer- Assistant General Counsel

SS-7038 (October 2018) 9 RDA 1693

TN Dept. of Commerce and Insurance

Anthony Glandorf - Chief Counsel TN Dept. of Commerce and Insurance

(G) Identification of the appropriate agency representative or representatives who will explain the rule at a scheduled meeting of the committees;

Pamela Spicer - Assistant General Counsel TN Dept. of Commerce and Insurance

Anthony Glandorf - Chief Counsel TN Dept. of Commerce and Insurance

(H) Office address, telephone number, and email address of the agency representative or representatives who will explain the rule at a scheduled meeting of the committees; and

Pam Spicer - Assistant General Counsel 500 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 615-7 41-3072 Pamela.Spicer@tn.gov

Anthony Glandorf - Chief Counsel 500 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 615-741 -3072 Anthony.Glandorf@tn.gov

(I) Any additional information relevant to the rule proposed for continuation that the committee requests.

None.

SS-7038 (October 2018) 10 RDA 1693

Department of State Division of Publications 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., 8th Floor, SnodgrassrrN Tower Nashville, TN 37243 Phone: 615-741-2650 Email: publications.information@tn.gov

For Department of State Use Only

Sequence Number:

Rule ID(s):

File Date:

Effective Date:

Proposed Rule(s) Filing Form -Redline Proposed rules are submitted pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-207, and 4-5-229 in lieu of a rulemaking hearing. It is the intent of the Agency to promulgate these rules without a rulemaking hearing unless a petition requesting such hearing is filed within ninety (90) days of the filing of the proposed rule with the Secretary of State. To be effective, the petition must be filed with the Agency and be signed by ten (10) persons who will be affected by the amendments, or submitted by a municipality which will be affected by the amendments, or an association of ten (10) or more members, or any standing committee of the General Assembly. The agency shall forward such petition to the Secretary of State.

Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-5-229, any new fee or fee increase promulgated by state agency rule shall take effect on July 1, following the expiration of the ninety (90) day period as provided in § 4-5-207. This section shall not apply to rules that implement new fees or fee increases that are promulgated as emergency rules pursuant to § 4-5-208(a) and to subsequent rules that make permanent such emergency rules, as amended during the rulemaking process. In addition, this section shall not apply to state agencies that did not, during the preceding two (2) fiscal years, collect fees in an amount sufficient to pay the cost of operating the board, commission or entity in accordance with § 4-29-121 (b) .

Agency/Board/Commission: Division:

Contact Person: Address:

Zip: Phone: Email:

Tennessee Athletic Commission Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Pamela Spicer 500 James Robertson Parkway 37243 (615) 741-3072 Pamela.Spicer@tn.gov

Revision Type (check all that apply): x Amendment

New Repeal

~ Rule(s) (ALL chapters and rules contained in filing must be listed here. If needed , copy and paste additional tables to accommodate multiple chapters. Please make sure that ALL new rule and repealed rule numbers are listed in the chart below. Please enter only ONE Rule Number/Rule Title per row)

Chapter Number I Chapter Title 0145-02 Professional Boxinq Rule Number Rule Title

,--------+ ---0145-02-.06 Protective Equipment

i 0145-02-.19 Female Boxing~ --

!-C_ ha~p~·t_e_r _N_u_m_b_e_r __ C_h~a~ter Title I 0145-03 Kickboxinq and Mixed Martial Arts I Rule Number Rule Title ! 0145-03-.02 Ring ~--------------------

SS-7038 (October 2018)

-----1

l

I

I I

-~ !

RDA 1693

Chapter 0145-02 Professional Boxing

Amendments

Table of Contents Chapter 0145-02 is amended by redesignating 0145-02-.19 "Female Boxing" as "Contestants of Opposite Sexes" so that, as amended, the Table of Contents shall read :

Table of Contents

0145-02-.01 Applicability 0145-02-.02 Ring 0145-02-.03 Bell 0145-02-.04 Bandages 0145-02-.05 Gloves

0145-02-.13 Knockdown and Knockout 0145-02-.14 Technical Knockout

0145-02-.15 No Contest 0145-02-.16 Stimulants 0145-02-. 17 Time Limitations 0145-02-.18 Resolution of Disputes 0145-02-.06 Protective Equipment

0145-02-.07 Shoes 0145-02-.08 Weight Classifications 0145-02-.09 Seconds

0145-02-. 19 Female Boxing Contestants of Opposite

Sexes

0145-02-.10 Referees 0145-02-.11 Timekeepers

0145-02-.12 Scoring

0145-02-.20 Foul Related Injuries 0145-02-.21 Boxer Identification Card 0145-02-.22 Federal Standards

Rule 0145-02-.06 Protective Equipment is amended by renumbering paragraph (2) as paragraph (3), and adding a new paragraph (2) so that the rule shall read:

(1) Each boxer shall be equipped with, and use throughout the bout:

(a) Equipment which will preclude any claim of incapacity due to low blows; and

(b) A custom-made, individually fabricated mouth guard; provided, however, that a referee shall not call time for the purpose of replacing any mouthpiece which is knocked out or dropped during a bout

(2) Female boxers may wear a breast protector.

@ {2} Each referee and all seconds (including a manager acting as a second) shall be equipped with surgical gloves which shall be worn throughout the bout

Authority: Chapter 1149 of the Public Acts of 2008, § 2 and T.C.A § 68-115-201.

Rule 0145-02-.19 Female Boxing shall be redesignated as "Contestants of Opposite Sexes" and is amended by deleting paragraph (2) in its entirety so that, as amended, the rule shall read:

Bouts between contestants of opposite sexes are prohibited . f-B

(2) Female boxers shall be subject to provisions of this chapter; except, however that female contestants shall wear:

(a)

(b)

Gloves weighing not less than ten (10) ounces; and

A pelvic area protector and breast protector.

Authority: Chapter 1149 of the Public Acts of 2008, § 2 and T.C.A § 68-115-201.

SS-7038 (October 2018) 2 RDA 1693

0145-03 Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts Amendments

Rule 0145-03-.02 Ring is amended by deleting the language "Vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering shall not be permitted" and adding new language to subparagraph 2(a) so that as amended, the rule shall read:

All kickboxing and mix martial arts contests or events shall be conducted in rings as follows:

(1) For kickboxing contests or events, the ring or fighting area shall meet the following requirements:

(a) The ring shall be not less than seventeen feet (17') square within the ropes. The ring floor shall extend beyond the ropes not less than eighteen inches (18"). Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform. Such floor shall be padded with a one (1) inch layer of Ensolite (or the equivalent) placed over a one (1) inch base of building board or other suitable material. The padding shall be covered with canvas, duck, or similar material tightly stretched and laced securely in place under the apron .

(b) The ring platform shall not be more than four feet (4') above the floor of the building, and shall be equipped with suitable steps for use by combatants. Ring posts shall be metal, not more than four inches (4") in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a height of fifty-eight inches (58") above the ring floor, and shall be properly padded.

(c) Ring ropes shall be at least four (4) in number, not less than one inch (1") in diameter; the lower rope eighteen inches (18") above the ring floor, the second rope thirty inches (30") above the ring floor, the third rope forty-two inches (42") above the ring floor, and the fourth rope fifty-four inches (54") above the ring floor. The lower rope shall have applied around it a padding of a thickness of not less than one-half inch (½") and of a type and construction to be approved by the Commission.

(2) For all other types of mixed martial arts bouts, the ring or fighting area shall meet the requirements set forth in this section as follows:

(a) The ring or fighting area shall be no smaller than twenty feet (20') by twenty feet (20') and no larger than thirty-two feet (32') by thirty-two (32'). A ring enclosed by ropes shall be square. The ring floor or floor of the fighting area enclosed by ropes shall extend at least twenty inches (20") beyond the ropes. The ring floor or floor of the fighting area shall be padded with a one-inch (1 ") layer of Ensolite (or the equivalent) placed over a one-inch (1 ") base of building board or other suitable material. Padding shall extend beyond the ring or fighting area and over the edge of the platform. The ring or fighting area shall have a canvas covering or similar material, tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering shall not be permitted. Materials made up of one hundred percent (100%) vinyl or one hundred percent (100%) plastic rubberized covering shall not be permitted . Blended materials may be accepted if approved by the Commission, the Executive Director. or the Executive Director's designee prior to use at a contest. Blended materials include those of which the surface contains a combination of vinyl or similar synthetic materials. The Executive Director or the Executive Director's designee shall make a determination of approval based upon whether or not the material creates an unreasonable risk of harm to any combatant that is not present with the use of standard canvas or duct type material. Such danger shall include, but is not limited to : s lipping. falling. or tears that could create lacerations to the body. The Executive Director may publish a list of material blends­that have previously been determined as acceptable by the Commission . There shall not be any obstruction or object, including but not limited to a triangular border, on any part of the ring floor.

(b) The ring platform shall not be more than four feet (4') above the floor of the building. A ring enclosed by ropes shall have three (3) sets of suitable steps or ramps, one for use by each of the combatants and one for use by the officials. A ring enclosed by a fence shall have two (2) sets of suitable steps or ramps for use by the combatants and the officials. Ringside tables shall be no higher than ring platform level. Ring posts for a ring enclosed by ropes shall be metal, not less than three inches (3") nor more than six inches (6") in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a maximum height of six inches (6") above the highest horizontal rope above the ring floor. Ring posts for a ring enclosed by ropes shall be separated from the ring ropes by at least eighteen inches (18"). The posts for a ring enclosed by a fence shall extend from the floor to the

SS-7038 {October 2018) 3 RDA 1693

top of the fighting area and shall be no less than sixty-six inches (66") and no more than seventy­eight inches (78") above the floor of the fighting area. All posts shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the Commission.

(c) The ring shall be enclosed by either of the following:

(1) A fence made of such material as will not allow a combatant to fall out or break through it on to the floor or spectators, including but not limited to vinyl-coated chain link. However, the enclosure shall not obstruct or limit the supervision and regulation of the bout by the officials or Commission representatives. All metal parts shall be covered and padded in a manner approved by the Commission and shall not be abrasive to the combatants; or

(2) Four (4) or Five (5) horizontal ropes not less than 1 inch (1") in diameter and wrapped in soft material. In the event a four (4) rope ring is used, the spacing of the ropes shall be that specified in Rule 0145-02-.02(4) . In the event a five (5) rope ring is used, the lowest rope shall be not less than five inches (5") nor more than eight (8") inches above the floor. The second rope shall be not less than eight inches (8") nor more than twelve inches (12") above the lowest rope. The top three (3) ropes shall be spaced equal distance apart and not less than twelve inches (12") nor more than fourteen inches (14") from each other. The lowest rope shall have a padding of a thickness of not less than one-half inch (½") applied around it. The horizontal ropes shall be tied together by vertical ropes not less than one-fourth inch (¼") in diameter. If a ring is less than twenty-four feet (24') by twenty-four feet (24'), there shall be two (2) vertical ropes, spaced equal distance apart, on each side of the ring . If a ring is twenty-four feet (24') by twenty-four (24') or greater, there shall be three (3) vertical ropes, spaced equal distance apart, on each side of the ring. The lowest portion of each vertical rope, between the lowest horizontal rope and second rope, shall have a padding of a thickness of not less than one-fourth inch (¼") applied around them.

Authority: Chapter 1149 of the Public Acts of 2008, § 2 and TC.A. § 68-115-201.

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* If a roll-call vote was necessary, the vote by the Agency on these rules was as follows:

Board Member Aye No Abstain Absent Signature (if reQuired)

Donald Wynn X

Steve Hannah X

Dr. Christy Halbert X

Patrick Wrenn X

I certify that this is an accurate and complete copy of proposed rules, lawfully promulgated and adopted by the (board/commission/other authority) on December 17, 2018, and is in compliance with the provisions of T.C.A. § 4-5-222. The Secretary of State is hereby instructed that, in the absence of a petition for proposed rules being filed under the conditions set out herein and in the locations described, he is to treat the proposed rules as being placed on file in his office as rules at the expiration of ninety (90) days of the filing of the proposed rule with the Secretary of State.

Date: ---------------------

Signature: ---------------------

Name of Officer: _P_am_e_la_S~p'--i_ce_r _______________ _

Title of Officer: Assistant General Counsel

Subscribed and sworn to before me on : ------------------

Notary Public Signature:

My commission expires on: ------------------

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Agency/Board/Commission: Tennessee Athletic Commission

Rule Chapter Number(s): 0145-02 -------------------------------

All proposed rules provided for herein have been examined by the Attorney General and Reporter of the State of Tennessee and are approved as to legality pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, Tennessee Code Annotated , Title 4, Chapter 5.

Department of State Use Only

Filed with the Department of State on:

Effective on:

SS-7038 (October 2018) 6

Herbert H. Slatery Ill Attorney General and Reporter

Date

---------------

Tre Hargett Secretary of State

RDA 1693

Regulatory Flexibility Addendum

Pursuant to TC.A. §§ 4-5-401 through 4-5-404, prior to initiating the rule making process, all agencies shall conduct a review of whether a proposed rule or rule affects small business.

(1) The type or types of small business and an identification and estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the proposed rule that would bear the cost of, or directly benefit from, the proposed rule.

The Tennessee Athletic Commission has two hundred twenty-six (226) licensed combatants, one hundred and three (103) ring officials, four hundred and thirty-five (435) seconds and eleven (11) promoters/managers. Any of these licensees that either works with or is themselves a female boxer will benefit by being given the opportunity to choose whether they wish to purchase and utilize breast protectors. Additionally, all will benefit from the cohesive application of rules between the State of Tennessee and the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC). These rules will also create a benefit to those engaging in this field by allowing a more flexible regulation on the usage of mats and by providing further guidance.

(2) The projected reporting, recordkeeping and other administrative costs required for compliance with the proposed rule, including the type of professional skills necessary for preparation of the report or record.

There are no projected reporting, recordkeeping, or other administrative costs required for the compliance with the proposed amendments.

(3) A statement of the probable effect on impacted small businesses and consumers.

Individual boxers and associated promoters will likely save money based on the lack of necessity of purchasing breast protectors, and instead, making it a choice based on the individual boxer's preferences. These rule amendments would also impact a large number of small business promoters by providing them with greater flexibility and options in purchasing and utilizing new type mats and ring setups while maintaining safety. Consumers may be affected by more contests available for viewing in the state due to more flexible regulation regarding mats due to their cost of purchase.

(4) A description of any less burdensome, less intrusive or less costly alternative methods of achieving the purpose and objectives of the proposed rule that may exist. and to what extent the alternative means might be less burdensome to small business.

There are no known less burdensome alternatives to this amendment as this amendment relieves a burden rather than creates one. These rules also create greater flexibility on current regulations and do not require any recordkeeping, as such there is no additional cost created and therefore no less burdensome method could be created to achieve the purpose of these rules to benefit small businesses.

(5) A comparison of the proposed rule with any federal or state counterparts.

These amendments better align the Tennessee rules with the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) Unified Rules of Boxing since the ABC Regulatory Guidelines and Rules indicate that breast protectors should be optional to female boxers. The ABC Regulatory Guidelines and Rules indicate female boxing gloves shall be the same as those used by males, and heavier if agreed upon. Therefore, a separate Tennessee rule for female boxers regarding gloves is not required and is inconsistent with the ABC guidelines.

There is no known state or federal counterparts regarding ring requirements as it pertains to MMA or kickboxing which are the only contests addressed in these rules.

(6) Analysis of the effect of the possible exemption of small businesses from all or any part of the requirements contained in the proposed rule.

Exemption from these rules would not be expected to be beneficial for small businesses because adoption of these rules should have a net positive benefit for all Tennessee Athletic Commission licensees in the state.

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Impact on Local Governments

Pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 4-5-220 and 4-5-228 "any rule proposed to be promulgated shall state in a simple declarative sentence, without additional comments on the merits of the policy of the rules or regulation, whether the rule or regulation may have a projected impact on local governments." (See Public Chapter Number 1070 (http://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/106/pub/pc1070.pdf) of the 2010 Session of the General Assembly)

There is no projected impact to Local Governments.

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Additional Information Required by Joint Government Operations Committee

All agencies, upon filing a rule, must also submit the following pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-5-226(i)(1) .

(A) A brief summary of the rule and a description of all relevant changes in previous regulations effectuated by such rule;

The amendments relocate the requirements related to breast protectors to the protective equipment section of the rules, and changes the breast protectors from required to optional. This change is in line with the ABC Regulatory Guidelines and Rules for All. Additionally, female boxer glove weight requirements have been eliminated to allow female boxers to box with the same weight gloves as male boxers, which is also in line with ABC Regulatory Guidelines and Rules for All. The rule prohibits the use of vinyl mats for safety reasons, but the amendment clarifies further what blended materials may be used and what factors the Commission may look to in determining a safe fighting surface. The intent is to give promoters and organizers more information to make safe decisions. This also gives inspectors leeway to make safety determinations at the fight to avoid unnecessarily disrupting an event if the mat, while containing vinyl, appears safe.

(B) A citation to and brief description of any federal law or regulation or any state law or regulation mandating promulgation of such rule or establishing guidelines relevant thereto;

The ABC Regulatory Guidelines and Rules for All set out the national standards for boxing. The amendments proposed bring Tennessee rules into alignment with the ABC. There is no federal law or regulation or state law or regulation mandating promulgation of such rule or establishing guidelines.

(C) Identification of persons, organizations, corporations or governmental entities most directly affected by this rule, and whether those persons, organizations, corporations or governmental entities urge adoption or rejection of this rule;

These rule amendments will most directly affect female boxers and promoters/managers working with female boxers. It is anticipated female boxers and promoters would support the adoption of these amendments. Amateur organizations will most likely support the adoption of this rule. The Tennessee Athletic Commission urges the adoption of these rule amendments. These rule amendments related to vinyl mats will most directly affect amateur organizations and non-profit organizations such as the USA Olympic Team, USA Boxing, etc. Amateur organizations will most likely support the adoption of this rule. The Tennessee Athletic Commission urQes the adoption of these rule amendments

(D) Identification of any opinions of the attorney general and reporter or any judicial ruling that directly relates to the rule or the necessity to promulgate the rule;

There is no known opinion of the attorney general and reporter or any judicial ruling that directly relates to the rule or the necessit to romul ate the rule.

(E) An estimate of the probable increase or decrease in state and local government revenues and expenditures, if any, resulting from the promulgation of this rule, and assumptions and reasoning upon which the estimate is based. An agency shall not state that the fiscal impact is minimal if the fiscal impact is more than two percent (2%) of the agency's annual budget or five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), whichever is less;

The Tennessee Athletic Commission cannot determine any probable increase or decrease in state and local government revenues and expenditures resulting from the promulgation of these rule amendments.. It is expected that these rule amendments will increase the number of events conducted in Tennessee for amateur events; however, the amount of increase in revenue or expenditures to state and local Qovernment is unknown.

(F) Identification of the appropriate agency representative or representatives, possessing substantial knowledge and understanding of the rule;

Pamela Spicer - Assistant General Counsel TN Dept. of Commerce and Insurance

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Anthony Glandorf - Chief Counsel TN De t. of Commerce and Insurance

(G) Identification of the appropriate agency representative or representatives who will explain the rule at a scheduled meeting of the committees;

Pamela Spicer - Assistant General Counsel TN Dept. of Commerce and Insurance

Anthony Glandorf - Chief Counsel TN Dept. of Commerce and Insurance

(H) Office address, telephone number, and email address of the agency representative or representatives who will explain the rule at a scheduled meeting of the committees; and

Pam Spicer - Assistant General Counsel 500 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 615-741-3072 Pamela. S picer@tn.gov

Anthony Glandorf - Chief Counsel 500 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 615-741-3072 Anthony.Glandorf@tn.gov

(I) Any additional information relevant to the rule proposed for continuation that the committee requests.

None.

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