Alabama Administrative Code Title 165 - ALABAMA ATHLETIC COMMISSION
Title 165 of the Alabama Administrative Code is dedicated to the Alabama Athletic Commission (AAC). This Commission is the sole regulatory, sanctioning, and licensing authority for various forms of unarmed combat contests and exhibitions held within the State of Alabama. Its primary goal is to protect the physical safety and welfare of professional and amateur competitors, and to serve the public interest by closely supervising these events.
The AAC's authority stems from the Alabama Unarmed Combat Act (initially the Alabama Boxing Act, later expanded to include other combat sports).
Here's a breakdown of the key chapters and what they typically cover within Alabama Administrative Code Title 165:
I. General Administration and Licensing:
Chapter 165-X-1 - General Provisions / Licenses:
Definitions: Defines terms crucial to the regulations, such as "promoter," "boxer," "mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter," "referee," "judge," "timekeeper," "matchmaker," "trainer," "second," "unarmed combat," "toughman contest," etc.
Jurisdiction: Clearly states the Commission's sole authority over professional and amateur boxing, mixed martial arts, professional wrestling, bare-knuckle boxing, toughman contests, and any other form of unarmed combat.
Licensing Requirements: Outlines the application procedures, qualifications, and fees for all individuals and entities involved in sanctioned events. This includes:
Promoters: Requirements for licenses, security bonds, disclosure of financial responsibility for co-promoters, and event permits.
Participants (Boxers, MMA Fighters, Wrestlers, etc.): Requirements for licenses, medical examinations (including HIV, Hepatitis B & C tests), and often neurological and ophthalmological exams for those with extensive fight records.
Officials: Licensing for referees, judges, timekeepers, and cutmen.
Support Personnel: Licensing for managers, trainers, and seconds.
License Renewal: Details the process for annual license renewal (typically expiring December 31).
Prohibited Conduct: Rules against verbally or physically abusing officials, unauthorized participation in events being promoted, and attempts to influence Commission decisions improperly.
II. Rules for Specific Combat Sports:
The AAC has detailed rules tailored to each type of combat sport it regulates, often in separate chapters:
Chapter 165-X-1 - Professional Boxing Rules: Covers specific rules for professional boxing matches, including:
Medical requirements for boxers.
Ring specifications and equipment.
Foul procedures.
Rounds, length, and rest periods.
Scoring criteria for judges.
Procedures for knockouts and technical knockouts.
Requirements for ringside physicians and ambulance services.
Post-contest inactive periods (medical suspensions).
Chapter 165-X-2 - Professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Rules: Rules specific to professional MMA, which differ from boxing in terms of permitted techniques, ring/cage setup, and scoring.
Chapter 165-X-3 - Amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Rules: Regulations for amateur MMA, which typically have stricter safety measures, different bout lengths, and sometimes more limited techniques than professional MMA.
Chapter 165-X-4 - Toughman Contest Rules: Specific regulations for "toughman" style competitions, which often have unique rules regarding rounds, equipment, and medical supervision due to their nature.
Chapter 165-X-5 - Professional Wrestling Rules: While professional wrestling is often viewed as entertainment, the AAC regulates it to ensure safety and ethical conduct, similar to other combat sports, where applicable.
Chapter 165-X-6 - Professional Kickboxing Rules: Specific rules for professional kickboxing.
Chapter 165-X-7 - Amateur Kickboxing Rules: Rules for amateur kickboxing events.
Chapter 165-X-8 - Professional Bare-Knuckle Boxing Rules: Regulations for bare-knuckle boxing, which typically has stringent medical requirements and unique rules due to the nature of the combat.
III. Event Operations and Safety:
Promoter Responsibilities: Detailed obligations for promoters, including:
Providing sufficient arena security (often requiring sworn law enforcement officers).
Ensuring the ring/cage meets certification requirements.
Having extra gloves and appropriate equipment.
Ensuring general safety for contestants, officials, media, and fans.
Providing ringside physicians and necessary medical supplies/equipment.
Ensuring beverages are served in plastic, paper cups, or aluminum cans (not glass).
Providing access and safety for media personnel.
Obtaining Commission approval before marketing or selling tickets.
Ensuring medical and eye exam standards are met for all contestants.
Paying all officials' fees at the weigh-in.
Providing clean and adequate dressing facilities for fighters and officials (separate for opponents).
Ensuring continuous ambulance service with state-certified EMTs and paramedics.
Weigh-In Procedures: Specific rules for weigh-ins, including contract submission, consequences for missing weight, and separate dressing areas.
Medical Requirements: Comprehensive rules regarding pre-fight physicals, drug screenings, medical suspensions, and follow-up examinations after injuries or consecutive losses.
Official Responsibilities: Duties and conduct expected of referees, judges, and other officials.
IV. Enforcement and Disciplinary Actions:
Chapter 165-X-9 - Complaint and Disciplinary Actions:
Outlines the process for filing complaints against licensees or event participants.
Describes the Commission's investigative procedures.
Specifies grounds for disciplinary action (e.g., violations of rules, unprofessional conduct, failure to comply with medical requirements).
Details the types of penalties the Commission can impose, which include fines (up to $10,000 per violation), license suspension, or license revocation. The Commission also has the power to issue subpoenas, hold hearings, and refer criminal violations for prosecution.
V. Other Chapters:
Chapter 165-X-11 - Application for Spouses of Active-Duty Military Personnel: Provisions to facilitate licensing for military spouses.
Repealed Chapters: Several chapters are listed as "REPEALED" (e.g., Chapters 165-X-10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25). This indicates that their content has either been consolidated into other active chapters, superseded by new rules, or removed entirely. It's important to only refer to the active rules.
Appendices: May contain forms or other supporting documents referenced in the rules.
Where to Find Alabama Administrative Code Title 165:
Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School: Provides searchable access to the Alabama Administrative Code, including Title 165.
Given the dynamic nature of combat sports and the importance of participant safety, it is critical for anyone involved in promoting, participating in, or officiating these events in Alabama to regularly consult the most current version of these rules.
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