Box 100-700

CHAPTER Box 100 ORGANIZATIONAL RULES

Statutory authority: RSA 285:7

PART Box 101 DEFINITIONS

Box 101.01 “Amateur” means a person who has never competed in a fighting sport in exchange for a fee or a money prize.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

Box 101.02 “Commission” means the boxing and wrestling commission.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

Box 101.03 “Competition” means an exhibition or event that is open to the general public.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

Box 101.04 “Fighting sports” means “fighting sports” as defined in RSA 285:1, III, namely “professional boxing, and amateur and professional wrestling, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, or any other form of amateur or professional sport combat in which blows are struck that reasonably may be expected to inflict injury.”

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

Box 101.05 “Mixed martial arts (MMA)” means a contact sport that allows a wide range of fighting techniques including striking, kicking, and grappling.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

Box 101.06 “Professional” means a person who has competed in a fighting sport in exchange for a fee or a money prize.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

Box 101.07 “Promoter” means “promoter” as defined in RSA 285:1, II, namely “any person, club, association or corporation sponsoring a fighting competition.”

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

PART Box 102 DESCRIPTION OF AGENCY

Box 102.01 Authority. The boxing and wrestling commission is authorized by RSA 285 to regulate professional fighting sports in New Hampshire. The commission also regulates amateur fighting sports, except those conducted by a school, college, or university.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

Box 102.02 Composition of the Commission. The commission consists of 5 commissioners, appointed by the governor and executive council to 3-year terms. A majority of the commissioners appointed shall constitute a quorum for a meeting. One commissioner shall be elected annually as chair.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

Box 102.03 Deputy Inspectors. When no commission member is available to attend a bout or exhibition, or when the size or location of an event requires additional representatives, the commission shall appoint one or more official representatives designated as deputy inspectors, who, for the duration of the event, shall have the same authority as a commissioner.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

PART Box 103 CONTACT INFORMATION AND ACCESS TO PUBLIC INFORMATION

Box 103.01 Mailing Address and Telephone Number.

(a) The commission’s mailing address is:

N.H. Boxing and Wrestling Commission

c/o Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

7 Eagle Square

Concord, NH 03301

(b) The commission’s website is https://www.oplc.nh.gov/boxing-and-wrestling-commission-meeting-information.

(d) Access for in-state TTY/TDD users is through Relay New Hampshire by dialing 1-800-735-2964.

(e) Requests for copies of public records, correspondence, filings, and other communications intended for the commission shall be mailed to the attention of the commission at the address in paragraph (a).

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

Box 103.02 Inspection and Copies of Records. Requests for access to records pursuant to RSA 91-A:4 shall be made directly to the executive director by sending a request as required by Plc 104.01 with the information specified in Plc 104.02.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6256, eff 5-25-96; ss by #10482, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

CHAPTER Box 200 PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

REVISION NOTE:

Document #14498 repealed Part Box 201 through Part Box 207 in Chapter Box 200, titled “Practice and Procedure”.

PART Box 201 PRACTICE AND PROCEDURES

Box 201.01 Rules of Practice and Procedure. The Plc 200 rules shall govern with regards to all procedures for:

(a) The receipt and investigation of misconduct complaints;

(b) The conduct of adjudicative and non-adjudicative proceedings;

(d) Public comment hearings;

(e) Declaratory rulings;

(f) Explanation of adopted rules;

(g) Voluntary surrender of licenses; and

(h) Waivers.

Source. # 10482, eff 12-5-13, ss by #14498, eff 3-1-26

CHAPTER Box 300 PERMITS AND LICENSES FOR FIGHTING SPORTS COMPETITIONS

PART Box 301 APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Box 301.01 Promoter Permits.

(a) Each person seeking to arrange an amateur or professional fighting sports competition in New Hampshire shall, at least 60 days before the event, apply for a promoter's permit by completing and submitting the “Application for Promoter’s Permit” form.

(b) The “Application for Promoter’s Permit” shall include the following information:

(1) Name and address of sponsoring organization;

(2) Name, address, and telephone number of individual responsible for arranging the competition;

(3) City or town where competition will be held;

(4) Proposed date of event;

(5) Tentative list of fighters with the application and final list of fighters and bouts shall be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the event;

(6) Description of planned public safety measures, including law enforcement, private security guards, fire department, and emergency medical technicians;

(7) Description of the promoter's qualifications and experience in the business of arranging for professional fighting sports competitions; and

(8) Signature of promoter or authorized agent.

(c) The fee for permits shall be $100 for each day of the event. A different permit shall be required for each day of competitions.

(d) The applicant shall deliver the completed application and fee to the commission via the office of professional licensure and certification (“OPLC”) using the portal available via www.oplc.nh.gov, or by mail or hand-delivery to:

New Hampshire Boxing and Wrestling Commission

c/o The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

7 Eagle Square

Concord, New Hampshire 03301

(e) The OPLC shall conditionally approve an application for a permit if a commissioner finds that the applicant has demonstrated that it has the experience, capability, and resources necessary to promote the proposed fighting sports competition without endangering public safety or the safety of the participants and finally approved when the OPLC approves the final list of fighters and bouts.

(f) A permit to promote a fighting sports competition shall be valid only for the event identified in the application.

(g) No permit shall be required for fighting sports competitions arranged by a college, university, or school.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED: 5-24-94

New. #6257, eff 5-25-96, EXPIRED: 5-25-04

New. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14038 eff 7-30-24

Box 301.02 Licenses for Professional Fighters, Managers, Referees, Judges, Cornermen, Timekeepers, and Scorekeepers.

(a) Each person seeking to participate in fighting sports competitions in New Hampshire as a professional fighter, manager, referee, judge, cornerman, timekeeper, or scorekeeper shall apply for a license by completing and submitting the “License Application” revised 4/24.

(b) The “License Application” shall include the following information:

(1) Identify type of license applied for;

(2) Name, address, telephone number and e-mail address;

(3) Description of the applicant’s qualifications and experience in the role applied for; and

(4) Proof of identity and signature of applicant.

(d) The applicant shall personally deliver the completed application and fee to the OPLC using the portal available via www.oplc.nh.gov, or by mail or hand-delivery to:

New Hampshire Boxing and Wrestling Commission

c/o The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

7 Eagle Square

Concord, New Hampshire 03301

(e) An application for a license shall be granted by the OPLC if a commissioner finds that the applicant has demonstrated that they have the background and experience necessary to safely and successfully participate in fighting sports competitions in the role applied for.

(f) An applicant shall have completed at least 3 fights to be eligible for a professional MMA fighter’s license.

(g) The OPLC shall specify on each license whether it is for a professional fighting sports contestant, such as a boxer, wrestler, or mixed martial artist, or a manager, cornerman, referee, judge, timekeeper, or scorekeeper.

(h) A license shall be valid for a period of 2 years from the date of issuance.

(i) No license shall be required for any participant in a fighting sports competition arranged by a college, university, or school.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED: 5-24-94

New. #6257, eff 5-25-96, EXPIRED: 5-25-04

New. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14038 eff 7-30-24

PART Box 302 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FIGHTING SPORTS COMPETITIONS

Box 302.01 Report and Gross Receipts Tax.

(a) Within 72 hours following each competition, the promoter shall:

(1) File a report with the OPLC identifying the number of tickets sold in every price category and the amount of gross receipts of paid admissions; and

(2) Pay by certified check a tax of 5 percent of the gross receipts of paid admissions.

(b) The OPLC shall forward each report received pursuant to this section to the commission prior to the next meeting after the report is received.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14038 eff 7-30-24

CHAPTER Box 400 CONTINUED STATUS

PART Box 401 RENEWAL

Box 401.01 Renewal of Licenses. A license for a fighter, manager, referee, judge, cornerman, timekeeper, or scorekeeper shall be renewed by re-applying for a license as prescribed in Box 301.02.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED 5-24-94

New. #6257, eff 5-25-96, EXPIRED: 5-25-04

New. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14034 eff 7-30-24

PART Box 402 SUSPENSION, REVOCATION AND OTHER SANCTIONS

Box 402.01 Disciplinary Proceedings. The commission shall undertake misconduct investigations, settlements of misconduct allegations, or disciplinary proceedings, when warranted, in response to information that reasonably suggests that a permittee or licensee has violated any provision of RSA 285 or these rules.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED: 5-24-94

New. #6257, eff 5-25-96, EXPIRED: 5-25-04

New. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14034 eff 7-30-24

Box 402.02 Suspension or Revocation.

(a) Unless the commission finds that public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action and an immediate suspension of a license or permit, pursuant to RSA 541-A:30, III, the commission shall suspend or revoke a permit or license for good cause, and only after the respondent has been provided notice and an opportunity to be heard in an adjudicative proceeding conducted in accordance with Box 200 or pursuant to a mutually agreed-upon settlement.

(b) Good cause shall exist for the suspension or revocation of a permit or license when a promoter or licensee has violated any provision of RSA 285 or these rules, or whose fighting sports license or permit has been suspended or revoked in another jurisdiction.

(c) Copies of commission orders imposing disciplinary sanctions and copies of all settlement agreements or consent decrees shall be sent to the licensing body of each state in which the licensee is licensed and to such other entities, organizations, associations, or boards as are required to be notified under applicable state or federal law.

(d) When the commission receives notice that a licensee has been subjected to disciplinary action related to professional conduct by the licensing authority of another jurisdiction, where the license was not reinstated, the commission shall issue an order directing the licensee to demonstrate why reciprocal discipline shall not be imposed in New Hampshire.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED: 5-24-94

New. #6257, eff 5-25-96, EXPIRED: 5-25-04

New. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14034 eff 7-30-24

CHAPTER Box 500 ETHICAL STANDARDS

PART Box 501 CODE OF ETHICS

Box 501.01 Commissioners and Deputy Inspectors.

(a) Members of the commission and deputy inspectors shall not have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, in professional fighting sports regulated by the commission.

(b) Members of the commission and deputy inspectors shall be subject to the financial disclosure requirements in RSA 15-A, the restrictions on the acceptance of gifts, honorariums, and expense reimbursements in RSA 15-B and the code of ethics in RSA 21-G:27.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED: 5-24-94

New. #6257, eff 5-25-96, EXPIRED: 5-25-04

New. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14035 eff 7-30-24

Box 501.02 Promoters. A promoter sponsoring a fighting sport event in New Hampshire shall not have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any person competing in the fighting sports competition arranged by the promoter.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED: 5-24-94

New. #6257, eff 5-25-96, EXPIRED: 5-25-04

New. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14035 eff 7-30-24

CHAPTER Box 600 BOXING COMPETITIONS

PART Box 601 PROFESSIONAL BOXING

Box 601.01 Professional Boxing.

(a) All professional boxing competitions shall be conducted in compliance with the Unified Rules of Boxing, https://www.abcboxing.com/unified-rules-boxing/, approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions on August 25, 2001, and amended August 2, 2002, July 3, 2008 and July 24, 2012, and the Regulatory Guidelines and Rules for World and Regional Championship Bouts, http://abcboxing.com/abcboxing_regulatory_guidelines/, approved July 27, 2005.

Source. #4420, eff 5-24-88; EXPIRED: 5-24-94

New. #6257, eff 5-25-96, EXPIRED: 5-25-04

New. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14036 eff 7-30-24

PART Box 602 AMATEUR BOXING

Box 602.01 Amateur Boxing.

(a) All amateur boxing competitions shall be conducted in compliance with the official rulebook of USA Boxing Inc., https://www.usaboxing.org/usa-boxing-rulebook.

(b) All amateur boxing officials, including, but not limited to, referees, judges, timekeepers, physicians, and clerks, shall register and become certified by the New England Association of USA Boxing, Inc. and shall be under the oversight and direction of the commission.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14036 eff 7-30-24

CHAPTER Box 700 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS COMPETITIONS

PART Box 701 NEW HAMPSHIRE PROFESSIONAL MMA UNIFIED RULES

Box 701.01 Professional Mixed Martial Arts.

(a) All professional mixed martial arts competitions shall be conducted in compliance with Box 701, which shall be known as the New Hampshire Professional MMA Unified Rules.

(b) The following techniques shall be legal when fighting from the standing position:

(1) All hand, elbow, except for “12 to 6”, and shoulder strikes to approved targets;

(2) Kicks to head, body, and legs;

(3) Knees to head, body, and legs;

(4) Foot stomps; and

(5) All throws and takedowns, except any technique that spikes an opponent onto their head.

(c) A standing fighter may kick a downed opponent in the body and legs if and only if the downed fighter is flat on his or her back or sitting in the open guard position.

(d) All kicks from a standing fighter to a grounded opponent shall have an arcing motion.

(e) The following techniques shall be legal when both fighters are fighting on the ground:

(1) All submissions except small joint manipulations such as attacking less than 3 fingers;

(2) All hand, shoulder and elbow strikes to approved targets;

(3) Knees to body and legs only on ground; and

(4) Slamming an opponent to the mat, except a fighter shall not spike an opponent onto their head.

(f) A fighter shall be considered on the ground, or grounded, if anything other than the soles of their feet are touching the mat.

(g) A grounded fighter may kick up at a standing fighter to his or her body, legs, and head if the grounded fighter is on his or her back or is in open guard.

(h) No heel-to-kidney kicks shall be permitted from the guard position. Kicks between grounded opponents shall be permitted to the body and legs only.

(i) The following techniques are prohibited and considered fouls by the referee:

(1) Butting with the head;

(2) Eye gouging of any kind;

(3) Biting or spitting at an opponent;

(4) Hair pulling;

(5) Fish hooking;

(6) Groin attacks of any kind;

(7) Intentionally placing a finger in any opponent’s bodily orifice;

(8) Small joint manipulation;

(9) Strikes to the spine or the back of the head, defined as the area behind a 1-inch centerline from the crown of the head descending down the head to the tops of the ears, including the base of the skull and the nape of the neck;

(10) Elbow strikes from the top of the head to the spine area;

(11) Heel kicks to the kidney;

(12) Throat strikes of any kind;

(13) Clawing, pinching, twisting of flesh or grabbing of clavicle;

(14) Kicking the head of a grounded fighter;

(15) Knees to the head on the ground;

(16) Use of language in the fighting area that would offend or anger a reasonable person;

(17) Any conduct that would be considered unsportsmanlike because it would be considered disrespectful to another participant, official or member of the public by a reasonable person;

(18) Attacking an opponent during a break;

(19) Attacking an opponent who is under the referee’s care at the time;

(20) Timidity, such as avoiding contact, or consistent dropping of mouthpiece, or faking an injury;

(21) Interference from the fighter’s cornermen;

(22) Throwing an opponent out of the fighting area;

(23) Flagrant disregard for the referee’s instructions;

(24) Spiking an opponent to the canvas on their head;

(25) Using bodily fluids as an offensive weapon;

(26) Grabbing the ropes or the fence; and

(27) Grabbing an opponent’s shorts or grabbing inside an opponent’s gloves.

(j) At the referee’s discretion, the referee shall issue a single warning to a fighter who commits a foul.

(k) After the initial single warning, if the prohibited conduct persists, a penalty shall be issued. The penalty shall result in a deduction of one point by the official scorekeeper from the offending fighter’s score.

(l) If a second foul is committed after a warning has been issued, a disqualification shall be issued by the referee.

(m) The referee shall be the sole arbitrator of these rules during a fight and the only one who can assess a foul. If the referee does not call the foul, the judges shall not make that assessment on their own and shall not factor such into their scoring.

(n) A referee shall disqualify a fighter and terminate a fight when, in his or her opinion, the foul committed by the fighter was intentional, flagrant or dangerous.

(o) If a referee stops a fight due to excessive bleeding or blood interfering with fighter safety, timekeeping for the round shall be stopped, and the attending doctor shall determine if the fight can continue.

(p) If a fighter cannot continue due to excessive bleeding caused by a legal blow, a technical knock out shall be declared by the referee.

(q) If a fighter cannot continue due to excessive bleeding caused by an unintentional foul blow, then:

(1) The bout shall result in a no contest if stopped before 2 rounds have been completed in a 3 round bout or if stopped before 3 rounds have been completed in a 5 round bout;

(2) If stopped after 2 rounds have been completed in a 3 round bout, or after 3 rounds have been completed in a 5 round bout, the bout shall result in a technical decision awarded to the fighter who is ahead on the scorecards at the time the bout is stopped; and

(3) If a fighter cannot continue due to bleeding caused by an intentional illegal blow or technique, the fighter throwing the illegal blow or technique shall be disqualified, and the fighter receiving the blow shall win by disqualification.

(r) If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul is severe enough to terminate a bout, the contestant causing the injury shall lose by disqualification.

(s) If an unintentional low blow to the groin is thrown and the referee sees it, the fighter receiving the blow may be allowed up to 5 minutes to regain composure, in the referee’s sole discretion. The 5-minute injury time shall be only applicable to groin fouls.

(t) If the injured fighter is unable to continue, the bout shall result in a no contest if stopped before 2 rounds have been completed in a 3 round bout or if stopped before 3 rounds have been completed in a 5 round bout.

(u) If stopped after 2 rounds have been completed in a 3 round bout, or after 3 rounds have been completed in a 5 round bout, the bout shall result in a technical decision awarded to the fighter who is ahead on the judges’ scorecards at the time the bout is stopped.

(v) There shall be no scoring of an incomplete round. However, if the referee penalizes either contestant, then the appropriate points shall be deducted when the scorekeeper calculates the final score.

(w) All fights shall be 3 rounds of 5 minutes each, except championship title fights, which shall be 5 rounds of 5 minutes each, all with a one minute rest period in between rounds.

(x) All fights shall be scored by the judges using the industry standard known as the Ten Point Must System, meaning that 10 points shall be awarded to the winner of the round and the fighter who has lost the round shall be awarded 9 points or less.

(y) The following objective scoring criteria shall be used by the judges when scoring a round:

(1) 10-9 rounds shall be awarded when a contestant wins by a close margin, landing the greater number of effective legal strikes, grappling, and other maneuvers;

(2) 10-8 rounds shall be awarded when a contestant overwhelmingly dominates their opponent by striking or grappling; and

(3) 10-7 rounds shall be awarded when a contestant totally dominates his or her opponent by striking or grappling.

(z) There shall be no overtime rounds without prior authorization by the commission.

(aa) A fighter shall be responsible for the behavior of their cornermen and may be disqualified for unsportsmanlike corner behavior.

(ab) A fighter’s taped hands shall be approved and signed by a commissioner or deputy inspector prior to the fight. Gloves shall not be placed on a fighter’s hands until such approval has been granted. The wrap on each contestant’s hand shall be restricted to soft gauze, shall not cover the knuckles, shall not be excessive and shall not be more than 2 inches in width. Either one strip of surgeon’s tape or gauze, but not both, shall be allowed between the fingers. Fighters shall have one wrap of tape around glove closure to be applied by a commissioner or deputy inspector.

(ac) The promoter shall provide identical gloves to all fighters, except that they may vary in color.

(ad) No shirts shall be worn during a fight, except by female fighters.

(ae) Each fighter shall wear MMA shorts, board shorts, or kickboxing shorts. No pockets or zippers or exterior strings shall be allowed.

(af) Traditional martial arts gis shall be prohibited during competition.

(ag) Fingernails and toenails shall be neatly trimmed.

(ah) Hair shall be trimmed or tied back in such a manner as not to interfere with the vision of either fighter or cover any part of the fighter’s face.

(ai) All contestants shall have clean bodies and hair.

(aj) Any knee or ankle supports shall be soft and have no exterior uncovered material, which could cause abrasion.

(ak) No shoes, jewelry, or body piercing accessories shall be worn during a fight.

(al) No greasing of a fighter’s body shall be permitted. A light greasing of a fighter’s face over and under the eyes shall be permitted.

(am) No taping of a fighter’s toes or fingers together shall be permitted.

(an) Groin and mouth protection shall be mandatory. The bout or round shall not begin without mouthpieces and groin protectors in place. Female fighters shall be prohibited from wearing groin protectors.

(ao) If a fighter’s mouthpiece is involuntarily dislodged during competition, the referee shall call time out and hand the mouthpiece to the fighter at the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action.

(ap) If the referee decides there is a lack of action on the ground, the fight shall be stopped by the referee and both fighters shall be stood up to continue.

(aq) If fighters are in danger of sliding under the ropes, the referee shall stop the action and decide whether to start the fighters in the same position in the center of the ring, or stand them back on their feet.

(ar) The referee, ringside physician, a commissioner or deputy inspector and the fighter’s cornermen shall be authorized to stop a fight to protect the safety of a fighter. A cornerman may stop a fight by “throwing in the towel”, or notifying the referee or a commissioner or deputy inspector in some other manner that attracts the official’s attention.

(as) A referee shall stop a fight for the following reasons:

(1) A fighter is not intelligently defending themself;

(2) A fighter is taking excessive unanswered effective strikes;

(3) A fighter taps out or passes out;

(4) A fighter is knocked down and the referee cannot tell if the fighter capable of continuing the fight;

(5) A scream from a fighter indicates a verbal submission or tap out;

(6) A fighter or fighter’s cornerman has notified the referee that the fighter does not wish to continue; or

(7) A fighter’s cornerman has notified the referee that they wish to end the contest.

Source. #6257, eff 5-25-96, EXPIRED: 5-25-04

New. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

PART Box 702 AMATEUR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

Box 702.01 Amateur Mixed Martial Arts. All amateur mixed martial arts competitions shall be conducted in compliance with Box 701 with the following modifications:

(a) Fighters may wear shin pads and instep pads made for competition in combat sports in matches where both fighters agree to wear shin pads and instep pads;

(b) Elbow strikes shall be prohibited;

(d) All fights shall be 3 rounds of 3 minutes each, with a one minute rest period in between rounds.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24; ss by #14226, eff 4-1-25

PART Box 703 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MMA COMPETITIONS

Box 703.01 Scheduling. A promoter shall notify the commission of the date and location for a proposed event and apply for a promoter’s permit. Only one MMA event shall be scheduled on a reserved date.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.02 Bouts. MMA events shall have a minimum of 7 bouts, with a maximum of 15 bouts.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.03 Local Approval. A promoter shall determine whether the host municipality allows MMA competitions to be held in its jurisdiction.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.04 Compliance with Local Fire and Police Requirements. A promoter shall schedule the fire and police presence required by the host municipality for the event and shall comply with all local fire and police policies and requirements.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.05 Security. A promoter shall provide visible security at an event. It shall be the promoter’s responsibility to keep the crowd under control.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.06 Emergency Medical Services. A promoter shall provide emergency medical technician (EMT) services and at least one ambulance present at all times during a competition. A promoter may have 2 ambulances in the event one has to make a run to the hospital. A commissioner or deputy inspector shall suspend a competition during the absence of the required EMT and ambulance services.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.07 Medical Services. A promoter shall provide a licensed medical doctor or nurse practitioner for the weigh-ins, and 2 licensed medical doctors, physician assistants, nurses, or nurse practitioners at all times during a competition. A doctor or nurse practitioner shall remain ringside, while the other medical person shall be located at the dressing or corner rooms for the duration of the event.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.08 Performance Bond and Medical Insurance. A promoter shall obtain a performance bond in the amount of $20,000 and a medical insurance policy for the competition that provides a minimum of $20,000 medical coverage for each fighter.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.09 Officials. At least one month prior to a competition, a promoter shall provide the commission with a preliminary list of officials scheduled to attend a competition, including referees, judges, timekeepers, scorekeepers, and medical professionals. The promoter shall provide the commission with a brief resume of each official’s experience.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.10 Event Plan. At least 10 days before a competition for which a permit has been granted, the promoter shall submit the following additional information:

(1) Evidence of obtaining a performance bond and medical insurance for the competition;

(2) Evidence of obtaining authorization from the city or town where the competition will be located;

(3) Description of final public safety plan, including arrangements for law enforcement, private security guards, fire department, and emergency medical technicians;

(4) Names of 2 medical doctors or physician's assistants who will attend the competition; and

(5) Final list of referees, judges, scorekeepers, and timekeepers who will officiate at the competition.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.11 Fight List. At least 2 weeks prior to the event, the promoter shall provide the commission with a list of fights, including the fighter’s names, records, and anticipated fight weight class for review and approval. Any changes to the bouts or fighters after the commission has given its initial approval of the fight card shall be reported to commission prior to the start of a competition.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.12 Event Registration. A promoter shall register a competition with www.mixedmartialarts.com, the official MMA database for the Association of Boxing Commissions, and determine whether the license of any fighter scheduled to participate has been suspended in New Hampshire or any other state. No fighter whose MMA license is suspended on the date of the proposed competition shall be allowed to participate.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.13 Weigh-ins. Weigh-ins for both professional and amateur MMA fighters shall be held the night before competition at a location agreed upon by the commission and the promoter. Weigh-ins shall be scheduled with the commission at least one month prior to the event.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.14 Proof of Age and Medical Fitness. At a weigh-in, all fighters wishing to compete as professional or amateur MMA fighters shall display to the commission valid, government-issued photo identification cards demonstrating that the competitor is at least 18 years of age, and the following personal medical information:

(a) Electrocardiogram (EKG) printout, no more than one year old as of the day of fight;

(b) Eye exam, with examination for detached retina, no more than one year old as of the day of fight;

(c) Physical exam, with doctor stating that the fighter is fit to fight, no more than one year old as of the day of fight;

(d) HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C results, no more than 6 months old as of the day of fight; and

(e) For female fighters, negative pregnancy test from the same day of weigh-ins.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.15 Failure to Demonstrate Medical Fitness. A fighter who appears at a weigh-in and fails to provide all of the required medical information to the commission at the time of weigh-ins shall be ineligible to fight at the event.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.16 Gross Receipts Tax. A promoter shall pay to the commission a tax of 5 percent of the gross receipts of paid admissions to a competition within 72 hours of its completion.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

Box 703.17 Offensive Behavior. Throughout the event a promoter or fighter shall not display or play a theme that includes music, video, or any type of physical display that contains profanity, vulgar language, or any derogatory ethnic or sexist remarks. Anyone violating this rule shall be suspended from competing in or promoting combat sports in New Hampshire for 6 months.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14066 eff 8-27-24

CHAPTER Box 800 RULES FOR OTHER FIGHTING SPORTS COMPETITIONS

PART Box 801 RULES FOR OTHER FIGHTING SPORTS

Box 801.01 Fighting Sports Other Than Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts. Competitions in fighting sports other than boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts shall be conducted in compliance with the official rules of the particular fighting sport, which shall be submitted to the commission for informational purposes with any application for a permit to promote a competition in the fighting sport.

Source. #10483, eff 12-5-13; ss by #14037 eff 7-30-24

APPENDIX A

Rule	Specific State Statute the Rule Implements
Box 101.01, Box 101.03, Box 101.05, Box 101.06	RSA 541-A:16, I(a)
Box 101.02	RSA 285:1, I
Box 101.04	RSA 285:1, III
Box 101.07	RSA 285:1, II
Box 102.01	RSA 285:2; RSA 285:19
Box 102.02	RSA 285:3; RSA 285:4
Box 102.03	RSA 285:19
Box 103	RSA 91-A:4
Box 201	RSA 541-A:16, I(b)-(d)

Box 301.01	RSA 285:10, I; RSA 285:13, I; RSA 285:7, II, IV
Box 301.02	RSA 285:11, RSA 285:7, II and IV; RSA 310:5
Box 302.01	RSA 285:14, I and II

Box 401.01	RSA 285:11
Box 402	RSA 285:12; RSA 285:7, III

Box 501.01	RSA 285:3, I; RSA 15-A; RSA 15-B; RSA 21-G
Box 501.02	RSA 285:10, III

Box 601.01	RSA 285:7, I
Box 602.01	RSA 285:9-a; RSA 285:7, I

Box 701.01	RSA 285:7, I
Box 702.01	RSA 285:7, I
Box 703.01-.02	RSA 285:7, I
Box 703.03	RSA 285:20
Box 703.04-.07	RSA 285:7, I
Box 703.08	RSA 285:7, IV and V
Box 703.09-.13	RSA 285:7, I
Box 703.14-.15	RSA 285:16; RSA 285:15; RSA 285:7, I
Box 703:16	RSA 285:14, II
Box 703.17	RSA 285:7, I

Box 801.01	RSA 285:7, I

APPENDIX B

Rule	Title	Obtain at:
Box 601.01	Unified Rules of Boxing	Online: https://www.abcboxing.com/unified-rules-boxing/
Box 601.01	Regulatory Guidelines and Rules for World and Regional Championship Bouts	Online: https://www.abcboxing.com/abc-regulatory-guidelines/
Box 602.01	USA Boxing Rulebook	Online: https://www.usaboxing.org/usa-boxing-rulebook

APPENDIX C

For professional boxing, Box 601.01 incorporates by reference the following rules adopted by the U. S. Association of Boxing Commissions:

(a) Unified Rules of Boxing, approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions on August 25, 2001, and amended August 2, 2002, July 3, 2008 and July 24, 2012, which can be obtained by members of the public at no cost at http://abcboxing.com/unified_boxing_rules.html; and

(b) Regulatory Guidelines for World and Regional Championship Bouts, approved July 27, 2005, which can be obtained by members of the public at no cost at

http://abcboxing.com/documents/abcboxing_regulatory_guidelines.htm.

For amateur boxing, Box 602.01 incorporates by reference the following rules adopted by the U. S. Association of Boxing Commissions:

(a) the official rulebook of USA Boxing Inc, which can be obtained by members of the public at no cost at http://www2.teamusa.org/USA-Boxing/About-Us/Official-Rulebook.aspx.