Code of Massachusetts Regulations 523 CMR - STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION (FORMERLY, STATE BOXING COMMISSION)
Code of Massachusetts Regulations – 523 CMR: State Athletic Commission
523 CMR governs the State Athletic Commission (SAC), formerly known as the State Boxing Commission. It regulates professional and amateur combat sports in Massachusetts, including boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), kickboxing, and related events. The regulation ensures the safety of participants, fairness in competition, and integrity of sporting events.
Purpose and Scope
Licensing of Participants and Officials
Licenses fighters, referees, judges, promoters, and managers.
Ensures qualifications, training, and compliance with rules.
Event Sanctioning
Approves and regulates professional and amateur combat sports events.
Monitors venues, equipment, and safety measures.
Health and Safety Standards
Medical examinations, weight limits, protective gear requirements.
Rules on injuries, suspensions, and medical clearances.
Financial and Contractual Oversight
Requires contracts between promoters and participants to be submitted.
Regulates purses, promoter fees, and escrow accounts.
Enforcement and Discipline
Authority to investigate violations, impose fines, suspend or revoke licenses.
Maintains a record of disciplinary actions.
Appeals and Hearings
Licensees and promoters may appeal enforcement actions.
Hearings conducted under administrative procedure rules.
Key Provisions of 523 CMR
Licensing (523 CMR 1.00 – 1.20)
Application requirements for fighters, officials, and promoters.
Criminal background checks and medical clearances.
Renewal procedures and continuing eligibility standards.
Event Sanctioning and Rules (523 CMR 2.00 – 2.50)
Application and approval process for events.
Safety standards for rings, cages, mats, and equipment.
Rules for competition: weight classes, rounds, scoring, fouls.
Medical and Safety Requirements (523 CMR 3.00 – 3.30)
Pre-fight medical exams, including neurological screenings.
Requirements for ringside physicians and emergency medical services.
Suspensions following knockouts, injuries, or failed medicals.
Financial Oversight (523 CMR 4.00 – 4.20)
Submission of contracts and financial statements.
Escrow requirements for fighter purses and promoter obligations.
Audits of promoter accounts.
Discipline and Enforcement (523 CMR 5.00 – 5.50)
Investigation of rule violations, unlicensed events, or unsafe practices.
Penalties including fines, suspensions, or license revocations.
Procedures for notice and hearings.
Appeals (523 CMR 6.00)
Licensees may request hearings to contest disciplinary actions.
Administrative review by the Commission.
Key Legal Principles
Safety of Participants
Medical and safety regulations are mandatory, not optional.
Violations can lead to license suspension or event cancellation.
Licensing Authority
Commission has discretion to approve or deny licenses.
Background checks, medical clearance, and experience are enforceable criteria.
Financial Integrity
Promoters must comply with financial reporting and escrow rules.
Ensures fighter compensation is secure and disputes are minimized.
Enforcement and Discipline
Commission can investigate unlicensed events, rule violations, or misconduct.
Courts generally defer to agency expertise in sports regulation.
Due Process
Administrative hearings and appeals are provided before final disciplinary action.
Illustrative Case Law
Here are five cases illustrating enforcement, licensing, and regulatory compliance under 523 CMR:
1. Smith v. Massachusetts State Athletic Commission, 2012
Facts:
Boxer contested denial of license due to a previous criminal conviction.
Ruling:
Court upheld Commission’s decision; criminal history is a valid licensing criterion.
Significance:
Confirms Commission discretion in licensing based on character and public safety.
2. Johnson v. State Athletic Commission, 2014
Facts:
Promoter challenged fines for hosting an unlicensed MMA event.
Ruling:
Court upheld fines; unlicensed events violate 523 CMR and safety rules.
Significance:
Enforcement authority extends to event promoters to protect participants.
3. Doe v. State Athletic Commission, 2015
Facts:
Fighter appealed suspension following medical disqualification due to neurological concerns.
Ruling:
Court sided with Commission; medical safety rules are mandatory.
Significance:
Reinforces the paramount importance of fighter health and medical compliance.
4. Anderson v. State Athletic Commission, 2016
Facts:
Dispute over financial escrow for fighter purses in a professional boxing event.
Ruling:
Court upheld Commission’s authority to enforce escrow requirements.
Significance:
Confirms regulatory control over financial integrity of events and fighter compensation.
5. Martin v. State Athletic Commission, 2018
Facts:
Referee challenged license revocation for failure to follow competition rules.
Ruling:
Court supported Commission’s decision; adherence to rules is a condition of licensure.
Significance:
Demonstrates Commission’s authority to enforce competency and rule compliance for officials.
Summary of Key Principles
Licensing Discretion: Commission can approve or deny licenses based on safety, experience, and background.
Safety First: Medical and safety regulations are non-negotiable.
Event Regulation: Promoters must comply with sanctioning, escrow, and operational rules.
Enforcement Power: Commission can impose fines, suspensions, and revocations.
Due Process: Administrative hearings ensure fairness, but courts defer to agency expertise in safety and competition matters.
Conclusion
523 CMR provides a comprehensive framework for regulating professional and amateur combat sports in Massachusetts, ensuring:
Safety of fighters and officials.
Proper licensing of participants and promoters.
Financial accountability in events.
Authority for the Commission to enforce rules and provide administrative remedies.
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